p. 8 | Review and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 31. (8/3/1905)

Our Work in the South, and Some of Its Needs

By George A. Irwin

FOR reasons not fully known to the writer, and which if they were, need not be mentioned in this article, our work in the Southern States has moved slowly in comparison with its advancement in some other fields. To say that it is a difficult field, without entering into any specifications or explanations as to why, will suit our purpose, and will satisfy those who have had sufficient experience in the field to be capable of rendering correct judgment. Yet notwithstanding the difficulties, there are many encouraging features to cheer the hearts of the laborers and those who contribute of their means to support the work.

The very fact that it is a difficult field, however, should enlist all our sympathies, and appeal to us in strong terms for support. Had the General Conference sent young and inexperienced men into this field to stand at the head and carry forward the work, it might be said with some show of truth that it was their lack of experience in grappling with difficult problems that made it necessary for this field to appeal so often for help. But such is not the case. On the contrary, some of the best men in the denomination have labored in this field, and now we have standing at the front such men as Elders Geo. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, R. M. Kilgore, and N. W. Allee, all pioneers in this message, and men who have had years of experience and been eminently successful in other fields in bringing people into the truth, and building up the work in its various branches. The laborers associated with them are also good men,—men who will compare very favorably both in ability and in earnestness with the laborers in other portions of the United States. From a personal knowledge of the field and an acquaintance with most of its laborers, I feel it is but common justice to these brethren to bear this testimony.

To the end that we become informed upon the needs of this field so as to act intelligently, I bespeak a careful reading and re-reading of Elder Butler’s articles published in the recent issues of the Watchman, and also in the REVIEW AND HERALD. These articles are not the product of an excitable, visionary mind, but a clear, calm, and intelligent representation of the situation and need, by one who from a long residence in the field is competent to judge, and whose judgment should have weight with us.

The General Conference, at its recent session, took the needs of this field into account, and while it was not in a position to advance the necessary means, it authorized those having charge of the work in this field to make appeals for help to our brethren in general, with assurance of its sympathy and moral support. As one of the officers of the General Conference, I feel it not only a duty, but a pleasure to join in this appeal. I spent over two years in the South in the capacity of director of the district, and during that time visited and labored in all the States and principal cities in the district. I was the instrumentality used by the Lord in selecting and purchasing the farm on which the Oakwood Industrial School is located. I put in some means and considerable hard manual labor to get the place in shape for occupation. It

was also my privilege to assist with means and labor in finishing the school building at Graysville and in putting up the new dormitory. In connection with Brother Reavis I did a similar work at the time of the erection of the church in Atlanta. I also did what I could toward all the minor enterprises that were being carried forward at the time, without regard to color or location.

I do not speak of these things as a boast of what I have done, but as an evidence of the interest that I still have in this field; for “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Up to the time that I left the field in 1897, to take the presidency of the General Conference, very little had been done in the way of organized medical work. Brother Hansen was operating a small bath establishment in Nashville, which I think was all that was being done. There were only two organized conferences in the district,—Florida and Tennessee River,—and these were weak in numbers and in finance. There were churches in each of the other States, but without sufficient membership for conference organization. Since that time, however, in most of the States conference organizations have been formed, but with the promise of assistance from the union conference in case their income was insufficient to carry on their work. So while the Southern Union Conference has all the form and machinery of a large union conference, and perhaps even more local conferences than some others, it is nevertheless a weak conference, both in point of members and in financial strength, to bring into existence and properly equip institutions such as are needed at this time to give standing and character to our work.

The enterprises standing most in need of help at the present time are the Nashville church, the Oakwood Industrial School, and the Nashville sanitarium. All three of these needs can not be supplied at one and the same time; hence I suggest that we take the most pressing, and concentrate our efforts upon that until it is out of the way, and then take the next, and so on. Means to pay for the church in Nashville seems to be the most pressing demand at present. The importance of the city and the need of such a place has been so forcibly presented by Sister White and Elder Butler, that I need not occupy space in a repetition. The brethren have acted in all good faith, in harmony with the recommendation of the General Conference, in purchasing this property, and in all good faith that we, their brethren, would respond promptly to their appeal, and they have agreed to pay the Baptist people whom they bought the church, the full amount of the purchase (five thousand dollars) by the first of October.

Now, the ability to enable our brethren to meet this obligation promptly, and thus give our people and work standing and character in the city, rests with us. What shall we do? Put into practise the golden rule and do unto them as we would have them do unto us, were we in their circumstances? This course will bring a blessing to us. If a portion of the great stream of benevolence that has been flowing toward Washington, whose source is in the hearts and affections of our loyal brethren everywhere, could be turned toward the South for a time, and Nashville in particular for the present, I am sure the Lord would be pleased. If ministers and church elders throughout the United States will make it a point to bring the matter early and earnestly before their respective churches and companies, the amount could be easily and quickly raised. Who will be the first to set the stream running?

GEO. A. IRWIN.

The Looming Coal Miners’ Strike

SERIOUS signs of disturbance continue to appear upon the industrial horizon instead of the hoped-for clearing of the clouds. Another great coal strike, greater perhaps than any before it, appears to be looming up. A report from Pittsburg says:—

A general strike of coal miners in Pennsylvania, both in the anthracite and the bituminous fields, is being arranged for, it is said here, and will probably be declared within a month or so. This action was decided upon during the week by officials of the United Mine Workers of America, according to the report, and is being taken to forestall the action of the operators in the anthracite region in forcing a general lockout. A strike of this character would practically cut off the coal supply of the country.

Heretofore it has been impossible for the anthracite and bituminous miners to act in unison, which has been responsible for their constant failures. Vice-President Lewis stated to-day that if the men stick together, as he expects them to do, it will mean the greatest conflict between organized capital and labor that the world has ever known.

As yet there is nothing in the industrial situation to indicate when the point will be reached, or that it will ever be reached, where a permanent basis of agreement between employer and employed can be established, and the country be no longer under the menace of being visited by “the greatest conflict between organized capital and labor that the world has ever known.” Truly is it written of those who are dominated by the spirit of the world—the spirit of selfishness (Rom. 3: 16, 17):—

“Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known.”

But the coming of the Prince of Peace is at hand, and under his kingdom “the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

Note and Comment

THE following, which is reported in a press dispatch from New York City, is quite in harmony with the religious spirit of the times:—

John R. Wright, a Baptist minister of Columbus, Kan., has signed a contract with Gordon & Bennett, of 1254 Broadway, theatrical managers, to play the part of John the Baptist in the new Biblical play, “The Holy City.” Wright says that he has determined to abandon the pulpit for the stage because he thinks that he can do more good by acting than by preaching the gospel.

The best place to act the gospel is on the stage of every-day life.

Church Disestablishment in France

In a comment on the probable result of church disestablishment in France, the British Weekly (London) says:—

What will be the result of disestablishment and disendowment? The answer is that whatever is true and real in the religion of the country will survive and flourish. In so far as religion is dead, the mimicry of life will be at an end, and well that it should be at an end.

Whatever is true and real in religion will survive and flourish without the support of the state. Whatever is true and real in religion has a far stronger support than the arm of the secular power. Not human law, but the divine law; not human agencies, but divine agencies—God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, ministering angels—sustain and propagate the true religion. If Sunday observance be a part of the true religion, it will survive and flourish without the aid of legislation. All that is true and real in religion is sustained by love, the strongest force in the universe. And whatever is not true and real in religion does not deserve to be sustained, and the sooner it goes down into oblivion, the better.

Catholic Regard for the President

In a statement giving the reasons why Catholics like the President, Mgr. Falconio, papal delegate to the United States, is quoted as saying: “He is a good man, and is an example for young men of this country to follow. He is a Christian, and his own pure, good life will be reflected in the lives of others.” It is quite customary for papal prelates to express great regard for Protestants in high official positions; but it remains true, none the less, that according to Catholic teaching there is no Christianity outside the Catholic Church.

My Comfort

God holds the key of all unknown, And I am glad. If other hands should hold the key, Or if he trusted it to me, I might be sad.

What if to-morrow's cares were here, Without the rest? 'Tis better to unlock the day, And as the hours swing open, say, “Thy will be best.”

The very dimness of my sight Makes me secure; For, groping in my misty way, I feel his hand, I hear him say, “My help is sure.”

I can not read his future plan, But this I know: I have the smiling of his face, And all the refuge of his grace, While here below.

Enough! This covers all my want, And so I rest. For what I can not, he can see, And in his care I sure shall be Forever blest.

— Selected.

A Call to Present Duty

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

Christ intended that a greater work should be done in behalf of men than we have yet seen. He did not intend that such large numbers should choose to stand under the banner of Satan, and be enrolled as rebels against the government of God. The world's Redeemer did not design that his purchased inheritance should live and die in their sins. Why, then, are so few reached and saved?—It is because so many of those who profess to be Christians are neglecting their heaven-appointed mission. Thousands who know not God might to-day be rejoicing in his love if those who claim to serve him would work as Christ worked.

Read the instruction contained in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. There you will learn what kind of education was given to the families of Israel. While God's chosen people were to stand forth distinct and holy, separate from the nations that knew him not, they were to treat the stranger kindly. He was not to be looked down upon because he was not of Israel. The Israelites were to love the stranger, because Christ died as verily to save him as he did to save Israel. At their feasts of thanksgiving, when they recounted the mercies of God, the stranger was to be made welcome. At the time of harvest they were to leave in the field a portion for the stranger and the poor. So the strangers were to share also in God's spiritual blessings. The Lord God of Israel commanded that they should be received if they chose the society of those who knew and acknowledged him. In this way they would learn the law of Jehovah, and glorify him by their obedience.

So to-day God desires his children, both in spiritual and in temporal things, to impart blessings to the world. For every disciple of Christ in every age were spoken these precious words of the Saviour, “From within him shall flow rivers of living water.”

Many of the youth, in the midst of churches, religious institutions, and professedly Christian homes, are choosing the path to destruction. Through intemperate habits, they bring upon themselves disease, and through greed to obtain money for sinful indulgences, they fall into dishonest practises. Health and character are ruined. Aliens from God, and outcasts from society, these poor souls feel that they are without hope either for this life or for the life to come. The hearts of the parents are broken. Men speak of these erring ones as hopeless; but God looks upon them with pitying tenderness. He understands all the circumstances that have led them to fall under temptation. This is a class that demands labor.

Not the youth only, but those of all ages who are in poverty and distress, sunken in sin, and weighed down with a sense of guilt, demand our assistance. It is the work of God's servants to seek for these souls, to pray for them and with them, and lead them step by step to the Saviour. What misery exists in the very heart of our so-called Christian countries! Think of the condition of the poor in our large cities. In these cities there are multitudes of human beings who do not receive as much care and consideration as are given to the brutes. There are thousands of wretched children, ragged and half-starved, with vice and depravity written on their faces. Families are herded together in miserable tenements, many of them in cellars reeking with dampness and filth. Children are born in these terrible places. Thus in years of infancy and youth, their eyes behold nothing attractive, nothing of the beauty of the natural things that God has created to delight the senses. These children are left to grow up molded and fashioned in character by the wretchedness and wickedness around them. They hear the name of God only in profanity. Impure words, the fumes of liquor and tobacco, moral degradation of every kind, meet the eye and pervert the senses. And from these abodes of wretchedness piteous cries for food and clothing are sent out by many who know nothing about prayer.

While working for the poor, we should give attention also to the rich, whose souls are equally precious in the sight of God. The wealthy man needs to be labored for in the love and fear of God. Too often he trusts in his riches, and feels not his danger. The worldly possessions which the Lord has entrusted to men are often a source of great temptation. Thousands are thus led into sinful indulgences that confirm them in habits of intemperance and vice. Among the wretched victims of want and sin are found many who were once in possession of wealth. Men of different vocations and different stations in life have been overcome by the pollutions of the world, by the use of strong drink, by indulgence of the lusts of the flesh, and have fallen under temptation.

While these fallen ones excite our pity and demand our help, should not some attention also be given to those who have not yet descended to these depths, but who are setting their feet in the same path? There are thousands occupying positions of honor and usefulness who are indulging habits that mean ruin to soul and body. Should not the most earnest efforts be made to enlighten them?

Ministers of the gospel, statesmen, authors, men of wealth and talent, men of vast business capacity and power for usefulness, are in deadly peril because they do not see the necessity of strict temperance in all things. They need to have their attention called to the principles of temperance, not in a narrow or arbitrary way, but in the light of God's great purpose for humanity. Could the principles of true temperance thus be brought before them, there are very many of the higher classes who would recognize their value and give them a hearty acceptance.

There is another danger to which the wealthy classes are especially exposed, and here also is a field for the work of the medical missionary. Multitudes who are prosperous in the world, and who never stoop to the common forms of vice, are yet brought to destruction through the love of riches. Absorbed in their worldly treasures, they are insensible to the claims of God and the needs of their fellow men. Instead of regarding their wealth as a talent to be used for the glory of God and the uplifting of humanity, they look upon it as a means of indulging and glorifying themselves. They add house to house and land to land, and fill their homes with luxuries, while want stalks the streets, and all about them are human beings in misery and crime, disease and death. Those who thus give their lives to self-serving are developing in themselves, not the attributes of God, but the attributes of Satan.

These men are in need of the gospel. They need to have their eyes turned from the vanity of material things to behold the preciousness of the enduring riches. They need to learn the joy of giving, the blessedness of being co-workers with God.

Persons of this class are often the most difficult of access, but Christ will open ways whereby they may be reached. Let the wisest, the most trustful, the most hopeful laborers seek for these souls. With the wisdom and tact born of divine love, with the refinement and courtesy that result alone from the

presence of Christ in the soul, let them work for those who, dazzled by the glitter of earthly riches, see not the glory of the heavenly treasure. Let the workers study the Bible with them, pressing truth home to their hearts.

Such an appeal, made in the spirit of Christ, will not be thought impertinent. It will impress the minds of many in the higher classes.

By efforts put forth in wisdom and love, many a rich man may be awakened to a sense of his responsibility and his accountability to God. When it is made plain that the Lord expects them as his representatives to relieve suffering humanity, many will respond, and will give of their means and their sympathy for the benefit of the poor. When their minds are thus drawn away from their own selfish interests, many will be led to surrender themselves to God. With their talents of influence and means they will gladly unite in the work of beneficence with the humble missionary who was God's agent in their conversion. By a right use of their earthly treasure they will lay up “a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.” They will secure for themselves the treasure that wisdom offers, even “durable riches and righteousness.”

Many have lost the sense of eternal realities, lost the similitude of God, and they hardly know whether they have souls to be saved or not. They have neither faith in God nor confidence in man. As they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or compensation come into their wretched homes, ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and tenderly pointing all to him of whose love and pity the human worker is but the messenger,—as they see this, their hearts are touched. Gratitude springs up. Faith is kindled. They see that God cares for them, and they are prepared to listen as his Word is opened.

As God's children devote themselves to this work, many will lay hold of the hand stretched out to save them. They are constrained to turn from their evil ways. Some of the rescued ones may, through faith in Christ, rise to high places of service, and be entrusted with responsibilities in the work of saving souls. They know by experience the necessities of those for whom they labor; and they know how to help them; they know what means can best be used to recover the perishing. They are filled with gratitude to God for the blessings they have received; their hearts are quickened by love, and their energies are strengthened to lift up others who can never rise without help. Taking the Bible as their comforter, they find a new career opening before them. Every one of these souls that is added to the force of workers, provided with facilities for service and with instruction as to how to save souls for Christ, becomes a colaborer with those who brought him the light of truth. Thus God is honored, and his work advanced.

H. R. JOHNSON

By H. R. JOHNSON

The 144,000

H. R. JOHNSON

(Concluded)

30. Who raises the righteous dead at the first general resurrection?—“The voice of the Son of God called forth the sleeping saints, clothed with a glorious immortality.”—Early Writings, page 28.

31. What change comes upon the 144,000, which includes those who are raised in the special resurrection, at this same time?—“The living saints were changed in a moment, and were caught up with them into the cloudy chariot.”—Ibid. “The 144,000 shouted, Alleluia! as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.”—Ibid., page 12. “The living righteous are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. At the voice of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal, and with the risen saints are caught up to meet their Lord in the air.”—Great Controversy, page 645.

32. Is this company of 144,000 different from the rest of the redeemed? Rev. 14:1-5. “And the remnant are not only pardoned and accepted, but honored. A ‘fair miter’ is set upon their heads. They are to be as kings and priests unto God. While Satan was urging his accusations, and seeking to destroy this company, holy angels, unseen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the living God. These are they that stand upon Mount Zion with the Lamb, having the Father’s name written in their forehead. They sing the new song before the throne, that song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. ‘These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.’”—Testimonies, Vol. V, pages 475, 476.

33. Where were they finally seen?—In the temple (Rev. 7:15); on Mount Zion (Chapter 14:1); on the sea of glass. Chapter 15:2. “Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple. . . . And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised his lovely voice and said, Only the 144,000 enter this place.”—Early Writings, page 14. “On the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square.”—Ibid., page 12.

34. Being different from the rest of the blood-washed, what question did one of the elders, whom John saw in vision, ask? and what was the final answer? Rev. 7:13-17.

(As at least some of the plagues will be local, so the experience of each in this company can not be the same, but these, as “the faithful, tried company”—see Early Writings, page 134—will have the experience spoken of in Rev. 7:13-17,—“an experience such as no other company have ever had. . . . They have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God’s judgments.”—Great Controversy, page 649. “Some of them had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few.”—Early Writings, page 12.

35. In emphasizing the question where this wonderful company had come from, what answer is given?—They “were redeemed from the earth.”

(In fact, all who will be saved will be redeemed from this earth, out “of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” Rev. 7:9; Matt. 24:14; Luke 21:35. All will readily see that there is something very significant in the answer: These “were redeemed from the earth.”)

36. Now allowing that they “were redeemed from the earth,” from what class of beings could they have come?—“These were redeemed from among men.” Physically and morally these have once been among the weakest, for they have come out of all the last nations and tongues and peoples living on the earth. They have also come from all kinds of organizations, and from all classes of beliefs and unbeliefs. They have cheerfully accepted the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; and through obedience thereto, by the power of the Spirit of God, have become so fully sanctified, settled and grounded in the truth, that they are “of the same mind in the Lord,” and can stand without a mediator after probation has closed. (Read with care on page 11 of Early Writings, and remember that this is speaking of things after the special resurrection, and before Jesus comes in glory.) Who has ever witnessed such a company? No wonder the question, “Whence came they?”

Ladysmith, Wis.

Why Not Be Glad?

By Marianne Farningham

THERE is a sad heart evermore For one that aye rejoices; Yet let the people lift their hearts, And sing with merry voices— Cares be forgotten, burdens down; Amidst this radiant weather No one is wholly desolate; Let us be glad together.

No good we loved is really lost, Nor vain the least endeavor; God's care encircles every one, And blesses him forever. These truths gleam out in words of white From all the hawthorn hedges, And smile in blue forget-me-nots From all the summer sedges.

Be good, be glad: your share of joy, Is it not in your keeping? You might be glad for very love, Though all the world were weeping; But now that all things wear a smile, Let faith keep pace with sorrow, And praiseful song and trustful hope Be ready for to-morrow.

—Marianne Farningham.

Where Happiness Is Found

By D. H. KRESS, M. D.

D. H. KRESS, M. D.

“GREAT peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Here we have the secret of true happiness. Peace of mind does not depend on where we are, but upon what we are. Each one possesses in himself the source of his own happiness or wretchedness. Circumstances have but little to do with the experiences of the soul.

How many deceived souls think they would be happy if only their surroundings could be a little different. Sooner or later such will discover that happiness can never be gained by a change of surroundings; the only change that can ever bring it is a change of heart.

Hagar, Sarai’s maid, evidently made this mistake. “Her mistress was despised in her eyes, . . . and when Sarai [her mistress] dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face. And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness. . . . and he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.” She was certainly not happy in her present surroundings; happiness could not be gained by fleeing. So “the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.” There Hagar could obtain what she was seeking. Hagar had an experience to gain which could not be gained by fleeing from what she supposed to be unfavorable surroundings. It was not a change of surroundings that was needed; Hagar needed a change of heart. The angel said to her what he says to every one who is trying to secure happiness in the same way, “Whither wilt thou go” to find it? “Return . . . and submit thyself;” only in this way shall we be able to secure happiness.

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” When our enemies are not at peace with us, it is frequently, if not always, due to some fault in us. Had Hagar not despised her mistress, no doubt Sarai would not have dealt hardly with her. The Lord permitted Sarai to deal hardly with Hagar, for her sake. “It must needs be that offenses come,” just as long as something remains that is unchristlike. Not until we have overcome on every point, shall our ways perfectly please the Lord, and we be free from these offenses and trials. Offenses that injure one prove a blessing to another. The water that proved a wall of protection to Israel, swallowed up the Egyptians. The same flame of fire which slew the men that cast Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego into the fiery furnace, only consumed the cords that bound the usefulness of these three Hebrew captives; there was not even the smell of fire on their garments.

Satan watches closely the lives of all; he makes a careful note of words and actions; he understands every weak point in character, and he always assails on the weakest points, hoping to destroy. God permits him to assail us, to reveal to us our weaknesses, that we may lay hold of his grace and overcome. Thus God makes the wrath of man and of Satan to praise him. Ps. 76: 10. These experiences will develop character, and bring peace within, which is followed by peace without.

Whenever Israel did right, they had rest from all their enemies; when they sinned, the Lord permitted their enemies to assail them. When they cried for help, humbled themselves, and overcame, the Lord gave them rest again. This experience was repeated over and over, just as it is with us.

Of Solomon the Lord said, what he says of every one, “If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men.” Solomon in his life’s experience found this to be true. This led him to say, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

The trouble that comes from without is designed to correct the trouble that exists within. It is always a call to prayer. To take up arms in self-defense or to flee from the surroundings means a moral defeat. Could our eyes be anointed, we would say of every place where we meet severe trials, as did Jacob, “Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.” All things work together for good, to those who trust in the Lord, but those who do not trust in the Lord see only evil in that which is designed for their good. True happiness and contentment must be found where we are, or it will never be found.

Wahroonga, N. S. W., Australia.

Holding the Ropes at Home

By E. W. THOMANN

E. W. THOMANN

It is plain to me that many of our brethren in the home lands can not always understand why the Mission Board asks continually for help to sustain the workers in the field. I sometimes think if I were not in the field myself, possibly I would forget, too, what great need there is to sustain the workers in the distant line of the battle, if I did not get frequent reports.

I will give an experience I had a short time ago, illustrating how it goes when those at home forget to help. There were some soldiers taking horses across the river. As one horse could not swim well, the soldier that rode on it threw himself into the water, thinking to get out alone and allow the horse to get out also. The horse swam out, but the poor soldier went to the bottom. The other soldiers ran about, trying to get help to save him. I was near the place, visiting a family, and hearing what had occurred, ran to the river, took off my clothing, and swam to where they told me the man was lying. I dived several times, but could not reach the bottom because the water was so deep. Then they brought a rope, and six or more men at each end of it held it across the stream where the man was drowned; but soon I was so tired that I could not swim longer. Then they brought a long rope, and six or more held it on each side of the river, while I walked on it, being in the water up to my breast. As there was not much current, I could easily balance myself, and with the bamboo pole I hunted the lost man.

But soon the men who were holding the rope became tired, and loosened it so much that I had to swim again in order to keep afloat. I told the men to pull harder, but when they pulled, I had already lost my balance, and was lifted up by my feet until I was horizontal in the water. I had to work hard to get right again on the rope. This happened several times, until I told them they must hold equally all the time, for if they pulled hard and then let loose again, I could not stand on the line. Then they held well, but by that time I was so tired that I had to give up the search.

Then a French brother, who had arrived on the scene, took my place. He soon found the man, but lost him again. By this time I was able to try again, and soon found him. I lifted him up, and others came and carried him to land. It was too late to bring him to life. He was buried the next day.

And now, brethren, there are hundreds of millions dying, drowned in sin, going to perdition. Some of us are working to save them, and if the brethren at home, on the riverside, do not hold the ropes, we have to use our strength to swim; and even though they hold the ropes, if they do not pull equally all the time, we become tired, because we have to care for ourselves. Therefore, brethren, hold the ropes, and hold steadily, so that the cord will be in a position all the time to sustain those who are trying to save the drowning ones. Hold, pull, and help, before it is too late, and millions perish without the gospel.

Chile, S. A.

How Shall We Begin to Be Christians?

MAKE that one corner, room, house, or office as like heaven as you can.

Begin?—Begin with the paper on the walls; make that beautiful; with the air, keep it fresh; with the very drains, make them sweet; with the furniture, see that it is honest.

Abolish whatsoever makes abomination, in food, in drink, in luxury, in books, in art; whatsoever maketh a lie, in conversation, in social intercourse, in correspondence, in domestic life.

This done, you have arranged for a heaven, but you have not received it. Heaven lies within—in kindness, in humbleness, in unselfishness, in faith, in love, in service. To get these in, get Christ in. Teach all in the house about Christ,—what he did, and how he dwells in them, and how he makes all one.

Teach it not as a doctrine, but as a discovery, as your own discovery; live your own discovery.—Selected.

Misunderstood

COULD we but draw back the curtains That surround each other's lives, See the naked heart and spirit, Know what spur the action gives, Often we should find it better, Purer, than we judge we should; We should love each other better If we only understood.

Could we judge all deeds by motives, See the good and bad within, Often we should love the sinner All the while we loathe the sin. Could we know the powers working To overthrow integrity, We should judge each other's errors With more patient charity.

If we knew the cares and trials, Knew the effort all in vain, And the bitter disappointment,— Understood the loss and gain,— Would the grim external roughness Seem, I wonder, just the same? Should we help where now we hinder? Should we pity where we blame?

Ah! we judge each other harshly, Knowing not life's hidden force, Knowing not the fount of action Is less turbid at its source, Seeing not amid the evil All the golden grains of good; O, we'd love each other better If we only understood!

— Selected.

Home Religion

By Floyd W. Tomkins, D. D.

Home religion is as important as personal religion, and is essential to it. And yet there is no part of practical religion so woefully disregarded. Family prayer and grace at meals are rare even among those who are earnest in church work. How seldom where I visit is the family gathered at morn or eve to hear the father read God's Word or lead in prayer. How seldom at meals are heads bowed and thanks given.

The reason why there are so many family quarrels, wandering children, divorces, and trouble with servants is that there is so little practical religion in the home. The early Christians counted God as ever with them. The apostle wrote of “the church in thy house.” The relationship between parents and children grows pure and dear when they all kneel together and ask the peace of God to rest on their home. Many of us remember the dear old days when at the family altar morning and evening prayers were offered together. I remember visiting where a husband and wife, lately married, knelt together at the same chair and held each other's hands as they sweetly solemnized their family worship,

Through the whole community the influence of a Christian home spreads. The town seems purer, the birds sing more sweetly, the flowers bloom more radiantly. Joy sings its anthems in such a home as it sings in no other place. And if this blessedness is to continue, we must shut out all unkindness, bitterness, and injustice.—Floyd W. Tomkins, D. D., in the Church Standard.

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