p. 16 | Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 10. (3/7/1907)

Earlier text: One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund

Keeping in Touch

By Esther M. Spicer

ESTHER M. SPICER

KEEPING in touch with the Master, Midst the turmoil and the strife; Richest of treasures he giveth, Filling us full of his life.

Just touching the hem of his garment, With faith in the living word, Brings peace and life everlasting; So keep ye in touch with the Lord.

A Sound Mind in a Sound Body, or How to Acquire Health

By Daniel H. Kress

D. H. KRESS, M. D.

In erecting a durable building we are most careful in the selection of suitable material for its construction. Very little thought or intelligence, however, is put into body building. Men, women, and children eat and drink they know not what, and they know not how—perhaps for mere amusement or for pastime. It is a duty to go about the work of body building just as intelligently as carpenters or masons go about the work of house building, for the quality of the material used in either case determines the quality of the structure erected. Man is composed of that which is furnished the organs of digestion, just as truly as a building is composed of the material furnished the carpenters and other workmen. No special transformation takes place in the material after it is eaten; the food, whether good, bad, or indifferent, furnished for body building is merely dissolved by the digestive juices, or converted into a liquid so that it may be absorbed. Then it is built up into bone, muscle, nerve, and brain. The digestive organs correspond to the carpenters and masons; they merely do the hewing and squaring of the body material. The old German proverb is therefore true, and applies to both body and mind: “As a man eateth, so is he.” Mentally, we are what the mind feeds upon; physically, we are what we eat. Gross foods make a gross being, with a gross mind and gross thoughts. That a meat diet produces a grossness of body, mind, and morals will readily be seen by any one who is at all observing.

If a gross diet tends to produce grossness of body, mind, and morals, it becomes doubly important to exercise care in the selection of material out of which to build the body. Especially should care be exercised by the one who recognizes that his body is the temple of God, or that he is erecting a temple for God to dwell in. Solomon, in erecting that beautiful temple at Jerusalem, said, “Behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God.” This purpose led him to employ the best available material. The stately cedars were brought at great expense from Lebanon, and costly stones from afar. The floors and ceilings, and, in fact, the whole house were overlaid with gold. When it was finished, he said, “I have built an house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling forever.” Then the ark, containing the law of God, the principles of God’s government, was brought into the temple, and “the glory of the Lord filled the house.”

Solomon’s aim in the construction of that temple should be the aim of every body builder—“to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God.” Day by day we should use only the best food material available. This is what that command means, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Each evening the body builder should be able to say, I have been building an house of habitation for thee to-day.

Every one who purposes to build a habitation for God, will also with Daniel purpose in his heart not to defile it with the meat and wine of Babylon. The ordinary material used by the world in body building will not answer. Should Solomon have erected the temple with inferior timbers, or anything lying about, or should he have had no aim in building, merely building to pass away time, he certainly could not have asked or expected the glory of the Lord ever to fill that temple.

There are many who eat and drink anything and everything that is set before them,—pork, sausage, cheese, pepper, mustard, pickles; they have no aim in building; they eat merely to please the palate; and then they are surprised at their leanness of soul, and wonder why the glory of the Lord does not fill the temple. How can we invite the Lord to dwell in a habitation that has been erected in such a reckless and haphazard manner? Is there a remedy for this leanness of soul?—Yes. The Lord says, “Eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.”

Even though the greatest care is exercised in the selection of body-building material, more than this is necessary, in order to have perfect soundness. Reformation should be preceded by a transformation of the mind. The law of God, the principles of the divine government, must be placed in that sacred casket, the mind; for out of it are the issues of life. The impulses sent forth from the mind must be healthy and wholesome in order for the body to be in health.

Upon the mind are to be written the principles of the kingdom of heaven. When this is done, the glory of the Lord will fill the temple, and his glory will be seen upon his people. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord.”

Body building is important; but it is of little value if the mind is not built up with the living bread, or stored with the living principles found in the Word of God. When the law is brought into the temple, man will be governed by principle in all that he does, and will no longer be controlled by feelings or inclinations. When he is governed by principle, then the house will be filled with God’s presence.

There is just as much thoughtlessness in the selection of mental food as there is in the selection of food for the body. Men and women read that which tickles the mind, just as they eat that which imparts a pleasurable sensation to the palate. The class of literature that supplies the mental food for the great majority of old and young of to-day is toxic, and destructive to mind, health, and morals. The prevalence of hysteria and other nervous diseases—especially among women—is largely due to reading this class of literature,—literature which is positively pernicious, presenting utterly false and misleading views of human life, and disseminating erroneous notions with respect to the principles which should govern life.

An English journalist who has made such publications his special study, calls attention, among others, to the following insidious and erroneous principles which cultivate impulses in the human heart that should be repulsed: “the surpassing advantages of beauty, which will never fail to attract admiration, and consequently suitors; the great delights of dress and of all outside show and splendor; the supreme joys of love-making. The motto of the novelette seems to be, ‘Make love, honorably if you can, but make love; for love and lovers give the great relish to life—the only relish.’ And forthwith the young girl or young woman worker, whether in a factory or in a suburban shop, begins to act on these principles. ‘Why should I plod along,’ she argues to herself, ‘day after day, and at a small wage, when riches are the one thing needful? Let me get riches at any price. If I can marry or attach myself to a wealthy man, then I can get all I want—fashionable clothes, theater tickets, everything that my heart desires.’” So the first step on the downward path is taken. Many a poor creature has thus been ruined for this life and the life to come.

This is moral and mental poisoning of the worst kind, and its tendency is to weaken the restraints of morality, to set up ideals which can not be too strongly discountenanced, and to encourage the idea that the aim and end of human existence is the pursuit of pleasure at any sacrifice of honor and self-respect, and not the zealous and faithful performance of those duties which are incumbent upon every one.

This class of literature creates a feeling of discontent, and causes a disrelish for the plain, homely duties of every-day life which, if cheerfully done, can alone bring happiness and health. Our advice to old and young is, Be careful in the selection of body-building material, and above all, exercise care in building up a healthy, wholesome, sound mind.

Wahroonga, Australia.

One Young Lady's Method

“THE most effectual temperance lecture I ever heard in my life was preached to me on New-year’s day,” said a young man, recently, in our hearing.

“Why, Horace, where were you? And who delivered it?” we asked.

“I was visiting in Philadelphia, and with my cousin, John Levins, set out to pay a number of New-year’s calls. It is not the custom now, as formerly, to set out wine before guests, but it is still done sometimes. Our second call was at the princely home of Franklin Graves, of whom you have heard. His lovely daughter greeted us, smiling and beautiful, a very queen among women. There was also an elegant assortment of choice wines which the father pressed upon the guests. ‘Did you come to see papa or me?’ was always the question asked of each guest, and, so far as I know, there was but one answer, ‘We came to see you.’ ‘My guests touch no wine,’ she said, ‘I have other refreshments provided for them.’ The wine glasses stood untouched, the fair young girl flitted to and fro among her guests, ministering herself to their needs. The father gracefully acquiesced, and finally had the wine glasses removed.

“‘Did you ever witness anything so effectual as that?’ said Cousin John, as we started up the street together. “Never,” I answered. “No temperance lecture ever touched me like that quiet speech, ‘My guests touch no wine.’ God helping me, it is the last time the glass shall ever touch my lips.

“I have since learned that more than one young man began reformation on New-year’s day, the result of that very call.

“‘My guests touch no wine.’ They were simple words, quietly spoken, but what did they not imply?”

This Christian girl performed a service as faithfully as if the kingdom of God depended upon her fidelity. Perhaps it does! — Selected.

Uncalculating Goodness

WE may depend upon it that a man who wants to do something grand will never do anything good. A man who is anxious to do a resounding deed will never be a successful Christian.

Unaffected goodness is content with the wayside and the home and its opportunity among neighbors; unaffected goodness shines on children and the lowly, on nobodies, on the shameful, and on failures. Goodness does not select and calculate. I have heard a lark, singing out of heaven, rain its melody upon a field of thistles. It is always the full heart that makes goodness, and goodness is just the overflow—the overflow that drenches all that happens to be near. The care of the heart is the best way to goodness, and the proof of the heart is always in what the world calls trivialities.

I think if we were to compute the happiness of each day, we should find that the best days are made up of nothings—nothings that, after all, are everything. Small attentions, gentle courtesies, kind looks from mild, approving eyes, kind words from lips on which the law of kindness sat, a little sunshine, a kiss when you did not expect so great a treasure, the face of an old friend found along the street, or the sight of another’s joy as the cup ran over—and all the day is bright.

The happiest days are not usually the days when big things happen, but the days rich in the little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. This is a fact that those who are anxious to do good should bear much in mind. Goodness is not a monopoly of cleverness, nor the produce of massive events and vast forces, but just the play of a heart at rest, the sweet savor of a meek and quiet spirit. Ask science of the secret of the rose and its aroma. What is any fragrance but still air laden with a myriad atoms, not one of which you can discern or weigh? — Wesleyan Magazine.

How Christ Makes Something of Us

An English preacher used the following illustration: “Once there was a brier growing in the ditch, and there came along a gardener with his spade. As he dug round it and lifted it out, the brier said to itself: ‘What is he doing that for? Doesn’t he know that I am only an old, worthless brier?’ But the gardener took it and planted it amid his flowers, while the brier said, ‘What a mistake he has made, planting an old brier like myself among such rose trees as these!’ But the gardener came once more with his keen-edged knife, made a slit in the brier, and, as we say in England, ‘budded’ it with a rose, and by and by, when summer came, lovely roses were blooming on that old brier. Then the gardener said, ‘Your beauty is not due to that which came out, but to that which I put into you.’”

This is just what Christ is doing all the time with poor human lives. They seem to be of no use, with no hope that they will ever be of use. Then Christ takes them in hand, pours his love upon them, lifts them up out of the dust, puts something of his own life into them, and by and by they begin to be like him, little branches of his own beautiful life.—Western Christian Advocate.

Children's Work

By Mrs. D. A. Fitch

MRS. D. A. FITCH

Not long ago I spent a few weeks in a home where family worship is never omitted. Every child takes part in the worship. The Sabbath-school lesson is the basis of Bible study. The father takes the lead, and the answers are read or given in the words of Scripture. One of the children being too young to read, an older one reads his verse, and he repeats it after her. Comments are made, and practical points are emphasized. Those of tender years are often called on to lead in prayer, and all join in repeating the “Our Father.”

At the table it is quite customary for one of the children to return thanks. All who are more than eight years old are church-members, and are good children. There is very little disposition to tease one another, and disobedience is rare indeed.

The church to which this family belongs is a rapidly growing one, and there can be no doubt that its growth is largely attributable to the conduct of its young people and children.

We are told that a well-regulated family has very much to do with helping its neighbors to be converted. All can help by good examples. In 1 Tim. 4:12 the apostle asks the young to be an example of the believers. Therefore by good conduct and right life even children may be helpful in teaching others of Jesus.

National City, Cal.

Transformed by Love

By Rev. G. B. F. Hallock, D. D.

A CHRISTIAN grows lovely by just loving—by going on in love of Christ. It has been fabled from old times that the graceful swan was changed from a most ugly bird into its present beauty merely because of its constancy to its mate. But, oh, how Christian fact is sure to outrun classic fable! The soul grows wondrously lovely just by loving, by pouring out its faithful affection, and all the more so when the object of its affection is the Lord Jesus Christ, the “one altogether lovely.” We “behold his face,” Jesus’ face, “as in a glass,” and “are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” But the result is permanent. The soul gets more and more set in the way of holiness, in the beauty which holiness brings. “Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”—Rev. G. B. F. Hallock, D. D.

Crown Jewels of the King

If true to the Highest, you are among the crown jewels of the King, not to be hidden in some cloistered cavern, but to be kept in full view of all the world.

C. D. ACMOODY

By C. D. Acmoody

From Hamburg to Turkey

C. D. ACMOODY

ON December 7 I arrived at this little city of Ismidt, in Asia Minor. I enjoyed a very pleasant trip. The ocean voyage was free from high seas, and I suffered no annoyance from seasickness.

On my way across Europe I visited several places of interest. The hearty welcome extended to me at Hamburg by the workers was bracing to my spirits. In company with Elder Conradi, I attended the seventh anniversary exercises of the Friedensau school. The students rendered a praiseworthy program on this occasion. I was much impressed with the beauty of the location of our institution at this place. There I met Dr. A. J. Hoenes, superintendent of the Friedensau Sanitarium, and enjoyed an interesting visit with him. One day was spent at Wittenberg. The brick and mortar memories there of that Lutheran Reformation interested me very much.

Sabbath I spoke to a company of our people in Breslau, Germany. Brother Schilling, formerly of Pennsylvania, interpreted. The next Sabbath I spent at Bucharest, Rumania, where I enjoyed an excellent time with our people.

As there was no one of our faith who could interpret from English into Rumanian, Elder Hinter, who is our laborer there, had secured the services of a lady not of our faith to interpret for me. But I found that she had not sufficient knowledge of English, so gave up the idea of speaking. This was Friday night. Sabbath morning an Episcopal lady, who lives over our place of meeting, and who speaks English very well, sent word for me to call upon her. She took such an interest in the situation that she offered her services to secure an interpreter. She said she was acquainted with a lady who was stopping at the Grand Palace Hotel, who had lived in New York, and would be able to interpret for a service.

On Sabbath afternoon this lady was at hand, and God blessed the word, though spoken through one not of our faith. There were about one hundred present. At the close of the service several prayers were offered by these dear people for God's blessing to attend my mission to Turkey, and they also thanked God for sending this interpreter. At this the lady burst into tears, much affected by the service. And as I extended her my hearty thanks for her services, she said she deserved no thanks, but, rather, was more thankful than she could tell, for the meeting. The relating of this is simple, but it was a rich experience for me. God is blessing the work in Bucharest.

On the afternoon of December 3 I landed at Constantinople, having come by the Black Sea from Kustendji, a Rumanian port. Dr. George was not there. He had been forced to leave, on account of poor health, and had gone to Gland, Switzerland. We feel very sorry for this. It leaves the work in a weak condition in Constantinople. I also felt the need of his counsel upon arriving in this field. But God has led, and I find a good little company of believers in this place.

It has cheered my heart to see how these dear people appreciate my coming to them. For the past two weeks I have been holding meetings and conducting studies with them. This church numbers about sixty, and all seem anxious to do everything in their power to see the message pushed in this country.

To-morrow morning, with an interpreter, I start on a trip to all the churches. I expect to be away about six weeks. Pray for the work here. I am much encouraged for its future; for the little handful of Sabbath-keepers here are themselves full of zeal.

Ismidt, Asia Minor.

The General Meeting in India

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON

The general meeting for the India Mission field was held in Calcutta, Dec. 28, 1906, to Jan. 12, 1907. All the laborers in the field were present, also all the workers recently sent there from the United States. Elder Shaw and party, and the writer, who left London November 23, on the steamship “India,” reached Calcutta December 19, having remained in Bombay over Sabbath. Brother J. S. James and his family, Dr. Menkel and his wife, and Dr. Ollie Oberholtzer arrived a week later. All were greatly encouraged by the arrival of so large a company of consecrated workers, and the hearty, Christian reception given us was refreshing.

The workers had not been together for two years, and had looked forward to the meeting with much joy, and expectation of the Lord’s blessing. All were glad to welcome Brother and Sister Shaw, who had returned with renewed health, to take up the work in India, also Brother and Sister Burgess, who have returned.

The opening meeting was held at the beginning of the Sabbath. The Lord was especially near in this praise service. The Holy Spirit seemed to overshadow the place. The meeting can not be described in words; it was a heavenly sitting together in the Lord. And this same blessed Spirit was manifest in every meeting till the close.

The greater number of the Sabbath-keepers in India attended. Nine Burmese, who have recently embraced the truth, came with Brethren Votaw and Hansen from Burma. The mother of two of these was baptized by Judson, and is still living. Several were present from among the Santals who have embraced the message under the labors of Brother Barlow. Some of these God is using as workers to carry the message. A number of Bengalis were there from Karmatar and places where Brother Mookerjee has been laboring. One of these was an aged man, who for fifty years was a leper, and prayed to his Hindu gods without relief. Thirty years ago he secured from a missionary a copy of the Gospel of Matthew, and read that the Christian’s God healed this disease. In answer to prayer, he was healed. Recently he has embraced the Sabbath, and is happy in keeping it. I see no reason why a church can not soon be organized among the Bengali-speaking people. The testimony of the different tongues deeply touched our hearts, and we rejoiced to see that the message was gathering out believers from the various languages of India.

The key-note of this meeting was the extension of the message among the various tongues and dialects of this empire. God laid this burden upon our hearts at the very beginning of the meeting, and every step taken in this matter was witnessed to in a special manner by the presence of the Holy Spirit. A good beginning has been made among the English-speaking people. The Oriental Watchman is circulated, and a good sanitarium has been established. While strengthening the branches of the work already established, all were deeply impressed that the enlargement of our work must be among the vernaculars which are spoken by millions and millions of souls. The following recommendations were enthusiastically adopted as the policy of labor in the future:—

“Whereas, We believe that the third angel’s message is to be carried to every nation, tongue, and people in this generation, and,—

“Whereas, There are in the mission field of India three hundred million souls of various languages, to whom we are debtors to carry the message, yet among whom we have scarcely made a beginning; therefore,—

“Resolved, That we recognize the responsibility given us by the Lord of the harvest to carry this message to all these millions; and as a mission, we urge that a strong, aggressive evangelistic policy of missionary labor in behalf of the Indian races be begun, to continue until the work is done. To this end we suggest the following plans:—

“1. That the advisory board plan to open work at once in as many languages as possible, and that as many of our laborers as is consistent with the work in hand, who are of proper age, and qualified by education and otherwise to acquire a knowledge of the language, be selected to labor in the vernaculars.

“2. That to assist in carrying forward this aggressive policy and plan of labor in the various tongues, we ask the Mission Board to send to our field, from time to time, strong, consecrated young men and women of good education, with a view of locating among the Indian population, to acquire a thorough knowledge of the languages, and to act as pioneers in these tongues.

“3. That we ask the advisory board to investigate the advisability of adding Sanskrit to the curriculum of our colleges, so that those coming to India to labor can obtain a knowledge of this language, and if found that it would assist in learning the various languages, to open correspondence with our colleges regarding the matter.

“4. That those who take up the study of the languages do so after counseling with the advisory board, and that only those be advised to study the languages who expect to remain permanently in the field.”

“5. It being much easier to acquire a knowledge of the language if its study is begun as soon as one arrives in India, we advise that laborers coming to the field be located as soon as possible where they are to labor, and that they begin at once a study of the language, with a view of acquiring proficiency in it sufficient to do evangelistic missionary work.

“6. That the advisory board perfect as soon as possible some plan by which those studying the languages will be subjected to an examination at least once in six months, as to their progress and proficiency in the tongue.

“7. That as fast as proper translations can be secured, literature be prepared in the different languages, on the fundamental truths of the third angel’s message, and that this literature be as widely circulated as possible.

“8. That all literature be prepared and circulated under the instruction of the advisory board.” “9. That the advisory board prepare to promptly and accurately get out such literature as may be needed, either by increasing our own equipment at Karmatar or by arranging with outside firms.

“10. That a committee of five persons be appointed to act with the advisory board to give special study to the matter of literature in the various languages, and assist in its preparation.”

In harmony with these recommendations, plans were laid for special work among the Indian people, and a number of laborers were allowed to study the language and open work in the vernacular.

Plans were laid regarding the Oriental Watchman and the English Good Health, by which it is hoped their circulation will be increased by the addition of two or three thousand subscriptions. These papers are doing a good work among those who speak English.

Arrangements were made also for strengthening the work in the sanitarium. Notwithstanding the difficulties peculiar to the field, the Lord has blessed this institution, and it is now practically self-supporting, and exerting a strong influence for the truth. Dr. Ingersoll and his wife have done faithful service in building up this institution; and as they separate from the field for a few months’ vacation, the prayers of all will follow them. Dr. Menkel and his wife were placed in charge of the institution, and have the confidence and cordial support of all.

Resolutions of thankfulness were passed for the generous contribution of funds from friends in the United States, for the establishment of a mission station in the cool climate of the hills, where those who are worn with labor and the excessive heat of the plains may go for a period, to recuperate, while still continuing to work. This is a step in the right direction, and will materially assist in the development of the work in this field. For many reasons, the work can not be successfully carried on if workers are continually leaving the field. To do effective work in India, especially in the future, we must learn the language of the people; and this means that we devote our lives to this work, as it is useless to learn a language, and then leave the field. It is the plan for all workers in the future to go to the cold climate of the hills, instead of returning home. The advisory board was authorized to locate this mission as soon as possible, in the most healthful place obtainable, with Indian environments favorable for missionary work.

One marked evidence of the special blessing of God during our meeting was seen in the fact that three or four of the workers decided to remain in the field who had thought that, because of failing health, it would be necessary to return home. As the good Spirit of God hovered over us from day to day, it imparted strength of body, as well as of soul. The Lord blessed these faithful laborers, and imparted to them physical strength to the extent that they decided it would not be necessary to return home. This was a source of great encouragement.

A daily Bible study was conducted throughout the meeting, on the office, work, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially the spirit of prophecy, and the place it has in the third angel’s message. Much interest was manifested in these studies, and many expressed themselves as greatly blessed by them. Preaching services were held each evening, and were quite well attended. The doctrinal points of the message received special attention at these services.

The last Sabbath of the meeting was a good day. At the beginning of the

Sabbath, after a sermon on the closing scenes in the ministry of our Lord, the ordinances were celebrated. The Lord seemed especially near upon this occasion. At the close of the Sabbath a thank-offering was taken, to be used in equipping the Karmatar printing-office to more quickly get out literature in the vernacular. One of the donations on this occasion consisted of the necessary type to print in Hindi. Various other donations, amounting to several hundred dollars, were received, sufficient to furnish all the equipment needed for immediate use.

In the providence of God, a number of consecrated laborers are now in India, who, we believe, are here to stay and push the work vigorously. The Lord has blessed in the past, but we felt that in the plans laid for future work, and the signal blessing of God which attended our meeting, the time has come for a mighty work to be done among India’s millions, and the last message to be quickly carried to the various tongues waiting for the light of truth. Concerning the plans laid and the location of laborers, I will write in another article.

Calcutta, India.

Hindu Worship in South Africa

By J. F. OLMSTEAD

J. F. OLMSTEAD

The Hindus, blinded by the superstition that has hung over them for centuries like a funeral pall, still bow down to their gods for help and protection; not knowing the true God, the Creator of all things, they worship the work of their hands. Although their minds are clouded with mysticism, and filled with heathen rites and customs, we were treated very kindly by the priest, who revealed to us their mystic shrine.

To give those who have never seen one an idea of a Hindu temple we shall briefly describe the only one in South Africa, located in Port Elizabeth. The building is quite small, and is divided into one large room and two small ones. Into the first, or large room, the Indians are allowed to assemble. The walls are covered with hideous-looking pictures, almost life size, colored red. Some represent rational phases of life, others the supernatural, and their meaning is a mystery to the uninitiated. From the first room we were taken by the priest into the second. The people are never allowed in this room, as it is used only by the priest, and also as a depository for their gods.

To our left as we entered were three small brass gods, standing in a row, ranging in height from twelve to sixteen inches. They were dressed to represent people, and looked very inoffensive, with outstretched hands, suggestive of asking, rather than of giving, help to those in need. In the corner toward the back was the elephant-headed god, made of some material resembling stone. The door between the second and third rooms had an iron grating around it, holding three rows of small cups, each cup containing about a tablespoonful of oil. On certain occasions these are filled and lighted; then the priest passes back and forth through the fire. The third room has in its center a cement block about three feet square, in front two steps of the same material. On the top step is something that looks very much like a short, thick spear. This is supposed to be pure gold, and is about two feet high, with only the point visible, the remainder being covered with red cloth. From behind this golden shaft running water flows out into an outside pool, where suppliants bathe in the "sacred water." A so-called "sacred" fire is always kept burning in a receptacle hanging from the ceiling which looks much like a censer. There are two of these, one on either side of the golden shaft, or principal god, but only one of these fires is kept burning at a time.

Before taking us into the temple, the priest made himself ready by putting a spot of white paste in the center of his forehead. He wears long hair, which is kept twisted, and is held in place by means of hair-pins, except at the front and top of the head, where it is kept shaved. His clothing consisted of what we would call in America a short-sleeved gauze undershirt, with the lower part of the body covered with a cloth so wound as to resemble a short skirt.

On the top of the temple are images of the peacock and "sacred calves." Live peafowl are also kept in the garden adjoining the temple. The Hindu idea of cleanliness in and around the temple is very meager; for much dirt and filth are seen, not only on the outside, but also in the rooms where the gods are kept.

What a blessing it is to know the true God, one we can always trust, knowing that he is able to keep what we have committed unto him against that day. When we see the advances of skepticism, infidelity, and heathenism, it makes us feel our great need of a living, personal acquaintance with a personal Saviour.

Kenilworth.

The Power of God's Book

In an article on the “Swedish Baptists in China,” which recently appeared in The Baptist Times, the Rev. E. W. Burt, of the Baptist Mission, Shan-tung, gives a striking example of the power of God's Word to lead souls to himself, irrespective of any human teaching.

“I must tell you about some men who came from a distant village in the hills, and it is a pleasure to do so because their conversion was due directly to the sales of Bibles by a colporteur of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Last spring they begged the missionary to visit them, and, busy as he was, he managed to go, though from past experience far from sanguine, and fully expecting that some lawsuit or other trouble was at the bottom of their eagerness. Judge his surprise, when he arrived, to find they had built a chapel and got everything ready. Three years before, they had got possession of Bibles, and, without any human aid, had come to believe in Christ. They had for years been seeking the truth, joining secret sect after secret sect, but finding no satisfaction. One was a schoolmaster (who has since lost his school for becoming a Christian), another kept a shop, and a third was a village elder. In the afternoon these were baptized, and we afterward sat down to the Lord's supper.”

The Spreading Fire in Korea

THE religious awakening in north Korea continues, and many marked conversions are recorded. In Pyeng Yang, a sorceress, who had practised her art of deception for many years, has believed and given up her former occupation. A man eighty years old, who, by reason of his lineage and age, was the recognized head of the Confucians in that part of the country, had a son who has long been a Christian and a church leader. The old gentleman had steadfastly refused to accept the gospel, but now his conversion and acknowledgment that he had been wrong all these years is a joy to the Christians and a dismay to the Confusianists. The hundreds of conversions are not due to the sudden impulse of excited emotions, but are deliberate decisions after careful consideration.— Selected.

Heathenism in India, China, Japan, Korea, and Africa

HEATHENISM in India is vile; in China, defiant; in Japan, desperate; in Korea, indifferent; in Africa, triumphant.

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