Review and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 38. (8/3/1916)

Review and Herald

Aug 3, 1916

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 3, 1916

Abide God's Time

By O. A. JOHNSON

O. A. JOHNSON

WHEN the dark clouds of misunderstanding shall have vanished, when the thick fog of misapprehension shall have disappeared, when the severe storms of unfounded gossip, unjust criticism, and cruel slander shall have passed over, when the light of truth shall have revealed the hidden but good motives and pure desires that prompted every word and deed, and shall have brought to light the facts as they are, then we shall understand one another better and know as we are known. Time will finally clear up all misunderstanding, and acquit the innocent of all blame. Till then it behooves us to be calm and peaceful, gentle and kind; for all will sometime be made clear, if not NOW, then in the HEREAFTER.

China Faces Government Crisis and Transport Needs

— Dispatches from Peking on June 24 stated that the Chinese cabinet had resigned, and that President Li Yuan-hung had refused to accept the resignations, although a complete cabinet change was inevitable within a fortnight, since the whole government was being reorganized. The Chinese treasury is reported to be empty and to need an immediate loan, two propositions being before the Chinese chancellery, one from a group of American bankers, and one from Japanese. China is reported to be considering the restoration of the old canal system, of which there were at one time 60,000 miles within the empire. Centuries before the Christian era the great rivers of China were diverted from their natural courses, the waters of one turned into another's bed, and the waterways carried along in the direction of desired traffic. The ancient Grand Canal extends from Hang-chau to Tientsin, traversing the provinces of Che-kiang, Kiang-su, Shantung and Chi-li, the total length of the canal being about 850 miles. China is in desperate need of transportation, and it has been estimated by engineers that the canal system can be restored at a less cost than that which would be involved in the building of the necessary railways.

News and Miscellany

Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press

— The Fourth of July just past was the least disastrous to the children of the country for many years past. According to reports made public on July 5, only eight lives were lost and only 357 persons were injured as a result of this year's celebration.

Bibles Presented to West Point Graduates

— An impressive service was held recently at the United States Military Academy at West Point when a Bible was presented to each of the graduating class by the American Tract Society. The entire cadet corps, numbering nearly 600 men, was present in full uniform.

Self-Leveling Berths Lessen Seasickness

— One of the large ocean-going steamers has recently installed self-leveling berths in its staterooms, which are said to greatly lessen seasickness among the passengers. The berths are provided with a short swing, allowing them to keep a level position even when the ship is plunging through rough seas.

Osborne Reinstated as Sing Sing Warden

— Thomas Mott Osborne, who was recently removed as warden of Sing Sing Prison as the result of what is now declared to have been a political attack, has been reinstated as head of the prison. Governor Whitman, in restoring Mr. Osborne to the office, said, “I consider the reappointment of Mr. Osborne as warden of Sing Sing Prison as eminently fitting, proper, and just.”

San Antonio to Celebrate Bicentennial

— Texas, which has a history 100 years older than that of Virginia or Massachusetts, will celebrate the two-hundredth birthday of the founding of San Antonio, its largest city, with a Pan-American exposition in 1918. The exposition will be devoted primarily to developing closer commercial and social relations between the United States and the other republics of the Western Hemisphere.

World's Largest Warehouse in New Orleans

— A new warehouse in New Orleans is said to be the largest storage building in the world. The entire plant occupies 150 acres of ground, twenty-three of which are under cover. Besides having facilities for handling all packed commodities, such as sugar and coffee, it has a capacity for storing 2,000,000 bales of cotton. The total cost was about $3,500,000, which was met by the State of Louisiana.

Photographing Poland's Entire Population

— A German photographer of Breslau was given an order some time ago to photograph the entire population of Poland, as the photographs were necessary for the passports issued to inhabitants of the occupied districts. Several hundred assistant photographers have been traveling from town to town, taking pictures of all inhabitants, and more than 300 men and women have been kept busy in the main studio developing and printing the photographs. Orthodox Jews and Polish peasants have a great aversion to posing for their photographs, and the camera men encounter considerable opposition. Soldiers and policemen go along with them to induce their subjects to hold still and “look pleasant.”

Duke of Devonshire to Govern Canada

— The Duke of Devonshire is to succeed the Duke of Connaught as governor-general of Canada, according to a recent announcement from London. The Duke of Devonshire has been long a prominent figure in English public affairs, and a year ago was appointed civil lord to the admiralty. He is forty-eight years old, and owns 186,000 acres of land, as well as some of the best collections of pictures and rare books in England.

American Loans for Chinese Improvements

The International Investment Corporation, an American Institution, has concluded an agreement with the Chinese government to lend China $6,000,000 for the improvement of the Grand Canal, and funds for the reconstruction of short railways in various parts of China aggregating 1,500 miles. Both works are to be constructed by American contractors. American financiers also are negotiating with China for a reorganization loan of $20,000,000, China to have the right, if necessary, to obtain an additional $30,000,000.

New Designs for U.S. Coins

— Under provisions of the law, the Secretary of the Treasury is permitted to change the design of any coin every twenty years if he sees fit. As our dimes, quarters, and half dollars have been of the same design since 1891, Secretary McAdoo believes that a change is due, and accordingly new and different coins of these denominations have been placed in circulation. Officials consider the new designs more artistic than the old. The old half dollar has almost fallen into disuse, and it is hoped that the new design will restore this denomination to popular favor.

Advertising and Mail Frauds

— About $300,000,000 is spent yearly in the United States in newspaper advertising. This fact was brought out at the annual convention of the Associated Advertising Clubs of the World, which was recently held in Philadelphia. Advertising was placed upon a very high plane, the ideals of absolute truthfulness being held up as the only ones worthy of the support of the organization. The Associated Advertising Clubs will co-operate with the Federal Trade Commission during the coming year in the fight to stamp out mail frauds. It is computed that the people have been defrauded out of about $219,000,000 in this way.

Per Capita Money Circulation

— The amount of money per capita in circulation throughout the country is $38.36, according to recent estimates made by the Treasury Department. This is about three dollars more than the per capita circulation two years ago.

Substitutes for Leather Shoes

— Shoe manufacturers are in search of a successful substitute for leather, which is becoming more scarce and higher in price with each season. And on top of the shortage of hides, the height of the boot tops of women's shoes has climbed faster than the price, in a vain effort to keep shortening skirts to shoe-top length. Every day is said to bring nearer the higher-priced shoe, and nearly every day sees a new substitute for leather. Rubber has been accepted as a substitute, and one tire manufacturer is even now advertising widely a special brand of rubber soles for shoes. Certain fabrics have also given good service in shoe tops. Imitation leather, such as has been used for upholstery for a number of years, is now being used in shoes, and has endured severe tests. A composition material is being used for shoe soles which is declared to wear better than leather and to cost less, to be more flexible than leather, and in addition, to be waterproof and noiseless. The heels of women's shoes in recent seasons have required considerable leather. A substitute for real leather has been offered in fiber board, which can be shaved and burnished and is waterproof.

The “Translation” of Brother A, or Doctor B, or Reverend C

By F. M. W.

Frequently in our exchanges we see a notice of the death of some leading member of the church under such a heading as the one above, and we suppose it expresses the faith of the editor and of his co-religionists. This faith we have no desire to deride. Many devout Christians of different religious affiliations have come to death in the belief that their spirits would immediately wing their way to the courts of glory. But notwithstanding the fact that this belief has been held by so many of the good and great of past ages, we must admit that it has no foundation in the Scriptures of truth.

Nowhere does the Bible represent that man passes immediately at death from the terrestrial to the celestial sphere. On the contrary, it is plainly taught that the righteous do not receive their reward until the resurrection at the last day. At that time mortality will put on immortality, and death will be swallowed up in life. Then the redeemed of the Lord of all ages, who have rested quietly in their graves waiting for the fulfilment of the promise made unto the fathers, will receive their reward. 1 Cor. 15: 51-55; 1 Thess. 4: 16-18.

If death ushered man into his eternal reward, it could well be counted a friend; but the Scriptures of truth declare that it is an enemy. “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” 1 Cor. 15: 26. “Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20: 14.

Heaven draws near to the deathbed of the saints of God. Who has not stood by the bed of some dying saint and seen on his face the light of the glory of heaven? Some have claimed that they saw heavenly visions. We doubt it not. Such a vision was given to Stephen, the first martyr of Jesus, just before he closed his eyes in death. Acts 7: 55, 56. It will seem to these devoted friends of the Master that the scene of glory is continuous. They close their eyes in death. They are wrapped in unconsciousness for long centuries. They know no lapse of time or weight of years. The Master comes and calls them from their dusty beds. They now behold the King in his beauty. They look upon the face they have learned to love through all their earthly pilgrimage. It will be to them as if the glory scenes attending the coming of the Master are but the continuation of the sweet manifestation of his presence when their eyes closed in sleep.

How this thought robs death of its terrors! The weary saint closes his eyes in death, the next moment, so far as his consciousness is concerned, he opens them in glory. But them in glory. His companions are left to live and labor on, to endure privation, to meet trial, to battle with temptation. It is like the anxious vigil of the loving mother over her sick child. The mother keeps weary watch through the long hours of the night. To her the time seems long; but the child, falling perchance into restful slumber, awakens in the morning with no consciousness of the long, weary hours of darkness.

Hope bridges the gloom of death’s dark valley. The Master has gone the way before, the disciple follows in his footsteps. Christ holds the keys of the grave. Into his hands his children may securely commit their life. He will never forget them. Desiring their presence, he will bring them forth to dwell with him eternally.

F. M. W.

Are the Four Angels About to Loose Their Hold?

By G. B. T.

THE Patmos seer, beholding the times in which we live, when mighty nations would be angry, saw “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.” And he says, “I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Rev. 7: 2, 3.

That the nations of the earth have long been held in check by some mighty power seems evident. For years they have been making preparations for a tremendous contest. Statesmen have known the conflict to be inevitable, and seemingly have kept the titanic struggle from beginning only by means of the most skilful diplomacy. The blood of thinking men has frozen with horror in contemplation of the scenes of carnage which would be witnessed when once the flower of manhood from the populous nations met on the field of blood, equipped with all the deadly implements of destruction which the minds of men have been able to invent.

Now the conflict is on, and apparently there will be no cessation of that which is turning pleasant hillsides and fertile valleys dotted with churches, schoolhouses, and factories, into an inferno of sorrow, until the angry combatants fall exhausted. The fabric from which the boasted civilization of the times has been woven is fast being torn to shreds. Let the crimson circle enlarge and take in a few more nations, and there will be no spot on which the dove of peace can find a resting place.

The servant of God, now sleeping, more than a half century ago beheld in vision a time when the angels holding the winds of war seemed to be about to let them go, and permit the whirlwind of war to begin its universal destruction. Here are the words:—

“I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised his hands, and with a voice of deep pity cried, ‘My blood, Father, my blood, my blood, my blood!’ Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, ‘Hold! hold! hold! hold!’ until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads.” I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that he gave his angels charge over things on the earth; that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were

not sealed, and he raised his hands to the Father, and pleaded with him that he had spilled his blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels, and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.”—Early Writings, p. 38.

Notice that “the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds,” and that when they were “about to let them go,” “while their hands were loosening,” Jesus looked upon those not yet sealed, and sent an angel with a commission to bid those angels hold the winds of strife until the sealing work is done. Of all things on earth, God’s message bearing the seal of the living God to the nations of the world, is the most important in the estimation of heaven. And while it seems as if the angels had been loosening their hold, and that a whirlwind of universal war and bloodshed would convulse the world, yet the eye of Jehovah is upon his people, and he will control events and hold the nations in check until his work is done.

Speaking further concerning this time when the nations are angry and trouble of various kinds is increasing in the world, the following blessed assurance is given by the Lord’s servant: “At the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.”—Id., p. 33. Concerning the meaning of the troublous times here mentioned, the following explanation is given:—

“‘The commencement of the time of trouble’ here mentioned, does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.”—Id., Supplement, p. 85.

Surely here is a picture of this time of strife and bloodshed. We are surely in that “short period” just before the plagues of God’s wrath are to be poured out upon the inhabitants of the world.

Then, brother, sister, we are to go forth at this time, when “the work of salvation is closing,” in this “commencement of the time of trouble,” when the nations are angry, but “held in check,” and proclaim everywhere “the Sabbath more fully.”

What does it mean to proclaim “the Sabbath more fully”? It can hardly mean that new and more powerful arguments will be advanced; but under the administration of the Spirit, the words of God on this great question will be set forth with new power. There are still many places, even in this country, where the Sabbath has not been fully preached. But in this time, when the nations are angry and the plagues are soon to be poured out, under the vitalizing power of the Holy Spirit the Sabbath will be preached more fully in our large cities, in places not yet entered, in the great nations of the world, in short, everywhere, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and the whole earth will be lighted with the glory of God.

Men may try to hinder God’s work. Those who hate light may seek to stop the progress of the message. False teachers may do all in their power to keep the light from their flocks. Many may arise from God’s remnant people, to sow discord and dissension, and try to divide and pull down that which has been built up by some one else’s toil and sacrifice. But the effort is futile. God started this work, and he will finish it. Even the mighty nations, with their powerful armament and billions of money, are held in check by angels at the command of God, that his work may not be hindered. If the tremendous power of nations will not be permitted to prevent the giving of the message, religious federations, and wolves in sheep’s clothing, will not.

It remains for us to humble our hearts, and bind about us more closely the girdle of truth, that we may remain faithful and triumph at last with the work of God.

G. B. T.

The Church in the Wilderness

By W. A. S.

THE organization of “the church in the wilderness”—the people of Israel under the exodus movement—provided for the distribution of responsibility, the sharing of burdens, and the unity of the whole. Individuals were associated together in the small group, the small groups were joined in larger, these in still larger associations, and the larger organizations were united in the general.

Before the people of Israel came to Sinai, Jethro, priest of Midian, visited their camp and saw the burdens pressing upon Moses. He said to Moses:—

“Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee. . . . Provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens; and let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” Ex. 18:19-22.

The spirit that was in Moses, of wisdom and judgment and good sense, led him to accept plans that provided for organization of the work. As stated in “Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 301:—

“The Lord had greatly honored Moses, and had wrought wonders by his hand; but the fact that he had been chosen to instruct others did not lead him to conclude that he himself needed no instruction. The chosen leader of Israel listened gladly to the suggestions of the godly priest of Midian, and adopted his plan as a wise arrangement.”

At Sinai, under the Lord’s direct instruction through his prophet, the organization was further perfected. As the work developed, showing the need of additional features of organization, the Lord gave instruction that additional helpers should be chosen to discharge the duties of oversight that necessarily come wherever multitudes are associated in a common work. After departing from Sinai, Moses found the burdens too heavy, and begged for release. Then the Lord said:—

“Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.” Num. 11:16, 17.

Wherever the Lord has called men to a sacred work, he has given them the spirit to organize their forces for the greatest efficiency and harmony of effort. Of these features in Israel the following paragraph gives the briefest summary:—

“The government of Israel was characterized by the most thorough organization, wonderful alike for its completeness and its simplicity. The order so strikingly displayed in the perfection and arrangement of all God’s created works was manifest in the Hebrew economy. God was the center of authority and government, the sovereign of Israel. Moses stood as their visible leader, by God’s appointment, to administer the laws in his name. From the elders of the tribes a council of seventy was afterward chosen to assist Moses in the general affairs of the nation. Next came the priests, who consulted the Lord in the sanctuary. Chiefs, or princes, ruled over the tribes. Under these were ‘captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens;’ and, lastly, officers who might be employed for special duties.”—“Patriarchs and Prophets,” p. 374.

In all this is a divinely set object lesson of the importance of the orderly arrangement of the affairs of the cause of God in these last days:—

“The travels of the children of Israel are faithfully described: the deliverance which the Lord wrought for them, their perfect organization and special order, their sin in murmuring against Moses and thus against God, their transgressions, their rebellions, their punishments, their carcasses strewn in the wilderness because of their unwillingness to submit to God’s wise arrangements,—this faithful picture is hung up before us as a warning lest we follow their example of disobedience, and fall like them. . . .

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Has God changed from a God of order?—No; he is the same in the present dispensation as in the former. Paul says, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” He is as particular now as then. And he designs that we should learn lessons of order and organization from the perfect order instituted in the days of Moses for the benefit of the children of Israel.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, pp. 652, 653.

Often in Israel men rose in rebellion against the manner in which the Lord led his people forward. The disaffection led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram illustrates the basis on which elements of opposition, seeking supremacy to carry out their own ideas, have often made complaints against order. Those chosen to the responsibility of leading, whether in local or general organizations, hold no position as a matter of lordship over others, but rather as servants of all, under the Lord. It is the Lord’s arrangement for maintaining the orderly conduct of his work.

Though Moses and Aaron had assumed nothing of themselves, the cry was raised by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram that they were usurping authority. The charge was, “Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?” Num. 16:3. They preached an individualism and independence that ignored the divine principles of fellowship and mutual relationships in the church of God. Every discordant element in the camp was organized under the leadership of these men to strike at the divinely approved organization which stood in the way of their efforts to secure control of the movement and divert it from God’s purpose. If these men could not have their own way, they were determined to wreck the movement. The Lord vindicated his truth and his servants, and saved his people, though many perished in apostasy. W. A. S.

God Answers Prayer

By F. M. W.

The Great Father above notes the individual needs of his children here on earth. He sees earth’s multitudes not only as a mass, but as individuals. He takes account of the longings of every heart. He hears the cry of every burdened soul, and in so far as he sees that it will be for the good of his children, their prayers are answered and the desires of their hearts are fulfilled. When he withholds coveted blessings, he does it in love. Our prayers are oftentimes unconsciously prompted by selfish considerations. We view questions from the standpoint of time rather than of eternity. Present pleasure or convenience, temporal good, etc., are factors which unconsciously affect our prayer motives.

The all-wise Father, who sees the end from the beginning, considers our eternal as well as our temporal good, and in mercy and love often refuses to grant our requests. Sometimes the answer is only delayed. The Lord might work a great miracle and send direct answer to our requests, but he ordinarily works through means, oftentimes through human agencies. Hence many times when it seems to us that God has taken no cognizance of our petitions, he has already set in operation influences whereby the answer to our requests may be brought about.

Particularly is this true in the petitions we send up to the throne of grace for the conversion of our loved ones. How many have prayed for the conversion of an unbelieving wife or husband or child; and how long and weary have seemed the days of waiting for the realization of that hope! And many times it seems that Heaven is indifferent and our prayers are useless. But oftentimes we learn in after-years that through the long, weary, waiting days divine influences were patiently at work endeavoring to win the lost soul to God. These influences, perchance, wrought changes in the life of the unconverted. They brought to him new and strange experiences, and gave success or defeat to his efforts, brought cloud or sunshine into his life, and all for the purpose of bringing him to the place where he would yield his will to God and devote his life to the Master’s service.

We were forcibly impressed with this by a letter which came from one of our sisters recently, whose experience in accepting the truth had led her over a thorny path and filled her life with sorrow and persecution, only to bring her in the end out into the field of sunshine and rejoicing. For the benefit of others similarly situated who are hoping against hope for the accomplishment of their heart’s desires in the salvation of their loved ones, we give the following extracts from this cheering communication:—

“A gentleman came to my door one day during the winter of 1908, distributing literature of a religious nature. Since he offered it free of charge, I accepted the papers, and he called regularly, leaving the Family Bible Teacher in twenty-eight numbers. Later he offered to give me Bible readings; and as we studied together, I came to realize that I was not meeting God’s requirements, and was convinced on every point of truth he presented.

“As I began to walk in the new light which had come to me, my husband did everything in his power to turn me from the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. He was a drinking man, and was under the influence of liquor a great deal of the time; so he was a ready tool in the enemy’s hands. When I attended meetings at the Seventh-day Adventist church, he threatened to turn me out of the house; but I took our two little children, and went to services every Sabbath, regardless of threats and taunts. I tried to meet every trial with a true Christian spirit, and the Lord sustained me even in the face of severe persecution.

“The time for my baptism drew near, and I was troubled as to just what I should do about telling my husband of my intention to join the church. After taking the matter to the Lord in prayer, I decided to say nothing about it to him until after the baptism was over. However, before he reached home that memorable Sabbath evening, he heard the news, and came in very angry. Several days later he came home drunk one evening. An Adventist friend was visiting me, and he began to curse both of us. After she went home, he talked on and on, and finally decided to leave me. I packed his clothes and went with him part way down the road to say good-by. As we were about to separate, I told him I hoped we should meet again. My calmness seemed to anger him, and taking a razor from his suit case he started for the house where the children were asleep, remarking that we would take a short cut to a reunion. Calling to a neighbor for help, I succeeded in getting the babies out of the house before he could touch them, and then we called the police. When the officers arrived, he had fallen into a drunken stupor, and they did not take him. I took my things to the home of a neighbor, and decided that I would not return home until my husband agreed to stop drinking, and leave me undisturbed to follow my religious convictions.

“After several days he decided to grant my requests if only I would come back. He kept his word so far as my religion was concerned, but still continued to drink some. He was a great reader, and finally became interested in the book ‘The Coming King.’ This led to his conversion, and from the depths of sin and intemperance the Lord raised him up until he has become a new being in Christ Jesus. Ours is a happy Christian home, and we are united in the service of God; but I tremble as I think of what might have been the result if my heavenly Father had not helped me to stand firmly for the truth in the face of great trial.”

We trust that the perusal of this letter may bring hope and courage to many of our sisters who are similarly situated. The psalmist says, “I had fainted, except I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” He had not yet seen that goodness,—the fulfilment of the desires of his heart,—but he believed that he would see it, and this hope kept his soul from fainting. May that faith sustain our souls in the days of trial and darkness through which the providence of God may lead us. May we hope on and trust on and await patiently the accomplishment of the work

of grace which God is endeavoring to effect in the lives of our loved ones.

Let us on our part be sure that we are exemplifying his love in our relationship to them. In our homes let us be true to the highest interests of our own souls and the souls of our families. Let us exemplify in our own relationship to them the spirit of the Master, and do under every circumstance, even in the face of rebuff and in hours of persecution and what may appear great provocation, as Christ would do if he were placed under the same conditions. No one of us has yet been called to suffer as the Master suffered. He was crowned with a crown of thorns, blindfolded, spit upon, and buffeted. He was hanged upon a tree, and reproached even in his dying hours. And yet in the midst of his suffering he could still pray with a heart of love for his tormentors. Let his love and his spirit fill our hearts and win the hearts of those whose salvation, by God’s grace, we are endeavoring to effect. F. M. W.

The Philippine Islands

By J. E. FULTON

J. E. FULTON

A Wonderful Opportunity

THERE is perhaps no place in the world where missionary opportunity looms larger or results are greater, or where the prospects are brighter, than in the Philippines. First of all, there are nine million very attractive and intelligent people in these islands. Secondly, these islanders, who for centuries have been kept by Catholicism from the light and advancement they naturally deserved, are now wonderfully awakened educationally, politically, and religiously.

About the time of America's occupation of these islands, Archbishop Aglipay, a Filipino, headed a great schism from the Roman Catholic Church, about three million joining him in forming a new church known as the Independent Catholic Church. While the forms of worship were much the same as in the old, there was one great step taken by the new church; namely, the giving of the Bible to the Filipinos in their own language. This was no doubt in the direct providence of God. Tens of thousands are reading its glorious truths and turning toward the light.

At the present time the opportunities to present the message are unnumbered. Doors are open everywhere, and the calls to our leaders and native evangelists are so numerous that they cannot possibly be filled. To those who bear the burdens in these islands such conditions grow distressing when it is realized that these doors of opportunity entered would mean a large influx of members. This seems certain, for wherever our workers pitch their tents or otherwise conduct meetings, churches are being raised up. Never did it seem so true that the harvest is great and the laborers are few. And the situation thus presented becomes the more distressing when we consider that these grand opportunities which are ours today may pass away from us tomorrow.

A Case of Great Urgency

On arriving in Manila from Australia, the writer was invited to speak at the Manila tent mission conducted by Evangelists Emelio Manalaysay and Guillermo Dionisio. Being near headquarters, these native brethren have the benefit of the good counsel of Pastor Finster. The tent was crowded, and hundreds were standing, all giving the best of attention. About thirty yards away an opposition tent had been pitched, but the attendance there was small.

Pastor Finster tells me there are four companies in Manila, and between two hundred and fifty and three hundred members. Then there are as many more scattered in different parts of the Philippines. To visit these companies, to instruct and conduct quarterly meetings, is more than Pastor Finster can do.

He has no ordained minister near him. He has no treasurer, and must look after the business interests of the mission. He is editor of the magazine, and must take an oversight of the translation of tracts and books. He must also look after, instruct, and advise his corps of native evangelists. Soon a school will be established, and it will need his counsel for some time. All this is too much, and ought not to be expected of any man. A young, able, ordained minister who is tactful and kind is urgently needed in the great, promising, and populous Tagalog district, of which Manila is the center.

Wonderful Interest at San Pablo

About fifty miles from Manila is the large and prosperous town of San Pablo, of about twenty thousand people. Here another tent has been pitched, and Pastor Finster tells of a wonderful revival there. About one hundred and thirty have already signified their desire to be baptized, and have been instructed accordingly. Evangelist Bibiano Panis, our native evangelist, is in charge. He frequently has audiences of a thousand people, and though the testing points of faith have been presented, the tent cannot contain the throngs that come. What glorious results! May God keep his servants humble and loyal.

Good Reports General

Wherever we have workers, or wherever our canvassers touch, good results are following. Success is attending the work in the northern or Ilocano district, over which Pastor Hay has charge, and where Evangelist Leon Rhoda has lately gone to labor. From Panay, where Pastor Adams is laboring, we have encouraging word, and also from the island of Cebu, where Dr. Fattebert has his station.

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