A TERRIBLE admission is that made by the Kentucky Distilling Distributing Company in a letter recently sent to one of the Keeley Institutes. According to the Word and Way of June 18, 1914, the letter was as follows:—
GENTLEMEN: Our customers are your prospective patients.
We can put on your desk a mailing list of 50,000 individual consumers of liquor. This list is the result of thousands of dollars of advertising.
Each individual on the list is a regular user of liquor. The list of names is now live and active. We know, because we have circularized it regularly. We will furnish this list in quantities at the prices listed, remittance to accompany order: 40,000 to 50,000, $400; 20,000, $300; 10,000, $200. We will not furnish the list in less than lots of 10,000.
Discontinuance of business January 1 is the occasion of selling our mailing list.
A similar letter was sent to the Neal Institute of Chicago, containing the same shameless confession:—
We know that you can make our list exceptionally productive to you. Each man on it has been a regular buyer of liquor by mail and a constant user of it, and there is not a single one who would not like to quit the habit. Each man is keenly alive to the injury of his practice, and he is only awaiting some way of stopping. If you can convince him of the permanent efficacy of your treatment, he is your patient; and you know how to convince him.
What a terrible business it is which has for its objective the degradation of mankind. Of course, back of this is the motive of money making, which prompts the sale of strong drink. Terrible is the woe which the Bible pronounces against the one who induces his neighbor to fall into the deadly snare of intoxicating drink.
South China
By E. H. WILBUR
E. H. WILBUR
[What proves to be Brother Wilbur’s last report follows. Very fittingly a personal letter from Brother Nagel accompanies this good, cheering report of dear Brother Wilbur, giving items concerning his death. Both will be read with unusual interest.]
It has been some time since I have written a report for the REVIEW. We greatly enjoy the reports from other fields, and know that our brethren are also interested to hear from China. Although this country has for the past two years been more or less unsettled by revolution and robbers, yet our work has moved steadily forward, increasing in numbers and strength. Thousands of copies of the Chinese Signs of the Times have found their way into the remotest parts of the field, and are sure to bear fruit to the glory of God. Our evangelists for several years were greatly handicapped for lack of Chinese literature giving instruction in Bible doctrines, but now we have a book of Bible readings, also a verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Revelation. Besides these, a book on Daniel is just coming from the press. These, with our Sabbath School Lesson Quarterlies, the Signs of the Times, “Christ Our Saviour,” and other literature, are proving a great help to our Chinese workers.
It has been a source of rejoicing to the writer to see the work in China develop from a small beginning to its present proportions. When we first arrived in this field, Brother A. LaRue, Elder J. N. Anderson and family, and Miss Ida Thompson in Hongkong were the only workers in the employ of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission in China, and there was only one Chinese member in China, so far as we know. Now all this is changed. We have in China over sixty European workers (including wives), three Chinese ordained ministers, besides a good company of loyal Chinese evangelists and colporteurs. The report of our Sabbath schools for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 1913, for the three mission fields in China, shows a membership of 1,954. Last year there were more baptisms in China than in any other year in the history of our work. Although Canton was for several months last year in the throes of a second revolution, yet our work went forward, and at the Cantonese general meeting in November, twenty-two were baptized. On March 28, 1914, at the time of our South China Committee meeting, ten were baptized at Canton.
Last autumn it was voted that I and my family move from Fatshan to Pakhoi. We arrived in the latter place Feb. 3, 1914. Pakhoi is about five hundred miles by water from Canton. Last week we went by wheelbarrow to visit one of our outstations, Limchow, which is about twenty-seven miles inland. We left Pakhoi at 6 A. M. and arrived at Limchow at 1 P. M. It was a tiresome journey, but we were favored with good weather both going and coming. During the two days that we were there, we held three meetings daily. Between the meetings Mrs. Wilbur and the Bible woman went to visit the women in their homes, while I spent the time with the evangelist there, giving him personal instruction about the canvassing work, methods of labor, etc. On Thursday, April 16, 1914, two persons were baptized at Limchow, one a young man of twenty-two years, and the other a woman of sixty-nine, neither of whom was ever a member of any other church.
THE NEW DORMITORY AT DIAMANTE, ARGENTINA, BEING BUILT FROM MONEY PROVIDED BY THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERINGS GIVEN DEC. 27, 1913
Pakhoi and its vicinity have for several years suffered greatly from plague, but we are glad that thus far this year there has been very little if any of that disease here. However, at present there are in some sections a few cases of smallpox and dysentery. Our evangelist at Limchow lost his mother by dysentery about three weeks ago.
Two new provinces in China have been entered this year. In January, Elder Law Keem and family moved into Kwang-si, and already he has two companies of believers. In March, Brethren Allum and Warren went to open work in Szechuan, the largest province in China.
We are of good courage in the work, and desire the prayers of our brethren and sisters that the everlasting gospel may quickly go to the people of this land, and that we may be kept by the power of God, and be found ready to meet the Master when he comes a little while from this.
Pakhoi, South China.13
[Brother Nagel’s letter follows, written from Wai Chow, May 9.]
LIKE thunder out of a clear sky, comes the sad news of Brother Wilbur’s death at Pakhoi, South China, May 1, 1914. Others will no doubt write of it, yet I desire to add a few words.
Personally, I feel the loss to our work here most keenly. Within the past few weeks three workers have left the South China Mission—nearly half of the remaining number, seven. Brother Bach left the work at Pakhoi, and Brother Wilbur went to take his place. Brother Hills found it necessary to return to the States, and Brother Anderson, from the Hakka field, went to take his place. This leaves me alone with the Hakka work. And now dear Brother Wilbur is called to lay down his burdens. Who can be sent to take his place is more than I know.
Our few workers are now so scattered that only one worker is in a place. Brother Wilbur died away off to the south, five hundred miles distant, he and his family all alone, with no one to help them. And as boats are not regular, though Brother George Harlow left as soon as he received the telegram, possibly two weeks will go by before he can reach that place.
This ought not to be. There should be at least two families in each division. One house stands empty in our compound, and it looks as if it would continue to be so until—I don’t know when.
South China is not like many other fields. We have many dialects, and therefore workers cannot be shifted very well from one place to another. At present Brother B. L. Anderson is at Amoy, Brother J. P. Anderson is in Swatow, Dr. Law Keem is in Kwang-si Province, Brother Ham is in Hongkong, Brother Meeker is at Canton, and we are at Wai Chow.
Brother Harlow, our superintendent, is not well. He was here at Wai Chow until the latter part of April. Returning home, he was sick and unable to be up for several days. He had just got up again when the telegram came saying Brother Wilbur was dead. He left at once at duty’s call for Pakhoi. This is a very hard trip, and unless God especially cares for him during this trying experience, he will return in a very critical condition.
Have you plenty more men to fill these broken ranks? The enemy of our souls is working fearfully hard in this field. If there are any workers who need the united prayers of God’s people, it is his missionaries to this people.
Brother Wilbur was a man greatly loved by the Chinese. When I told our workers of his death, at prayer meeting last evening, the tears flowed freely down their cheeks. He did faithful work, and I am sure he sleeps awaiting the trumpet call on the resurrection morning. The following lines fittingly apply to him:—
> “Earnest, unselfish, consecrated, true,
> With nothing but the noblest end in view; Choosing to toil in distant fields unknown,
> Contented to be poor and little known.
> Faithful to death! O man of God, well done!
> Thy fight is ended, and thy crown is won.”
The Week of Prayer at the River Plate Academy
By H. U. STEVENS
H. U. STEVENS
The annual week of prayer in the South American Union Conference, celebrated this year from March 28 to April 4, came during the fourth week of the school year. Meetings were held in the school assembly room each evening during the week. At this time the readings were given in both the Spanish and German languages. The readings were followed by prayer and social meetings, in which the spirit of consecration and determination to get ready to meet the Lord was manifest from the beginning. Time after time the influence of the Holy Spirit was felt in the profound conviction that the end is right upon us, and that the great work of God in the world now is not only to carry the message quickly into all parts, but also to complete the work which he has begun in each individual heart.
It was touching to note how frequently the young people, realizing that we are living in the time of the latter rain and that the showers have begun to fall, asked in tears for prayer on behalf of unconverted parents—and this without the suggestion from the leader. It was evident that God was turning “the heart of the children to their fathers,” which he promised to do before “the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”
The fruit of the workings of the Spirit was graciously manifested on the last Sabbath, April 4, when, in a neighboring stream, six dear believers were buried with their Saviour in baptism. Five of these were children and youth, three of whom are pupils in the school.
This marks the beginning of a work which we trust will continue and increase as the year goes by. May the Lord bless the children and youth in our South American training school that they may develop into faithful, efficient workers in the third angel's message.
Isthmus of Panama—Canal Zone
By D. E. BLAKE
D. E. BLAKE
THE work in this field has not progressed as rapidly as it might, because of the existence of several obstacles peculiar to fields of this kind where things religious do not appeal to the people as does the gain of gold.
The natives are quite indifferent, and pay little or no attention to their own religion, aside from placing lighted candles, crucifixes, etc., around their dead after the breath leaves the body. Foreigners are interested principally in their “jobs,” and any appeal which would seem to endanger these is sneered at if not ridiculed.
The Missionary Volunteer Society of the Mount Hope church has been doing commendable work. The society is divided into bands, and these hold meetings in various parts of the neighborhood, some going in boats across the sound to small villages peopled with Spanish-, French-, and a few English-speaking people. A lively interest is being aroused among the Spanish people. They are eager to hear our message. It was my privilege to attend a Spanish Bible reading conducted by two of our native brethren. It was a pleasure to note the interest manifested by those present, in finding and reading the Scriptures and in listening to the exposition. At the conclusion, a Spanish lady asked her friend what she thought of the things she heard. She said she liked our teachings and desired to know more. The brethren will follow up the interest, and we hope that by the Lord’s help the pathway of many of these unfortunate people will be lightened with the third angel’s message.
There are many French who are also bound down by the errors of the Roman Catholic Church. We expect to place a worker among them soon, hoping also to be able to help them. We are thankful to find among our native brethren those who have a splendid command of the Spanish language, and who can hold Bible readings.
Medical missionary work is meeting with gratifying success, financially and otherwise. Through its influence we are able to reach many of the influential men of the republic. Recently I had the privilege of an introduction to, and a short interview with, the governor of the province in which I live. He manifested great friendliness, and promised to render any aid he could when called upon to do so. I have also had a call from a prominent attorney. He has decided to take a course of treatments in our treatment rooms.
Our conference convenes in Bocas del Toro in May. We are planning for a profitable season, and hope to make this the best in the history of our conference.
MOUNT HOPE BAND OF MISSIONARY VOLUNTEERS, CANAL ZONE
We are glad to welcome Brother Kneeland to this field to connect with the work here, and we feel that because of his past experiences in the West Indies his services will be very valuable. Plans have already been laid for him to conduct a series of lectures in Culebra, one of the sections which will soon be abandoned.
The future of the work here looks encouraging, for which we are glad and take courage. We ask you to remember us in your prayers, that when harvest comes, we, too, may come with rejoicing, bringing with us precious sheaves from this field.
Cristobal, C. Z.
Never Trifle with Truth
NEVER trifle with truth. A lie is bad, not only because it may lead others astray, but also because it is a fault in the character of the one who utters it. Truth is the foundation and substance of character. When a man becomes a liar, his character is gone. His whole life is out of joint. No one can trust him. He cannot trust himself. He is like a bridge with a rotten foundation. He is not safe. He is an unsafe friend, an unsafe neighbor, an unsafe business man. “Buy the truth, and sell it not.”—The Christian Advocate.
Faith Shines Brightest in Darkness
FAITH shines brightest in the darkness.
Conducted by Mrs. C. C. Lewis, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C
By Mrs. C. C. Lewis
Through the columns of this department, hints will be given on all matters pertaining to the home life. Short articles and letters are solicited from home makers, telling of their everyday experiences,—their joys and sorrows, their failures and successes.
The Morning and Evening Sacrifice
By Mrs. C. C. L.
ALTHOUGH we are living under the new dispensation, most of the old forms and ceremonies having passed away, there are some services that should remain with us as long as time continues.
In Ex. 30: 1-6 we find the directions given to the servants of God for the construction of the altar of incense. The seventh and eighth verses tell us that Aaron, the high priest, was to burn sweet incense thereon every morning when he dressed the lamps, and again in the evening when he lighted the lamps. It was to be a perpetual incense before the Lord. It was the plan of God that this service should be remembered and observed by his people in all time. The altar of incense was to be anointed with some of the holy anointing oil, which was prepared by special direction from fragrant herbs.
In Ezra 9: 5 the prophet refers to the evening sacrifice as if it was a regular service. It was at the time of the evening oblation that the angel Gabriel touched Daniel and talked to him, and told him he was come to give him skill and understanding. Precious companionship! What if Daniel had been off on business, looking after the affairs of the kingdom? for you remember Daniel was a very busy man. What if he had not been in the place and in the attitude of prayer at the appointed time? Think you the heavenly messenger would have intruded his presence upon an unready mind? O, no; everything of heavenly origin is done in order and at the appointed time. “In the offering of incense the priest was brought more directly into the presence of God than in any other act of the daily ministration.” It seems this service was designed to teach a very sweet and sacred relationship between God and his people.
One of the offices of the Levites was to stand every morning and evening and offer praise and thanksgiving to God for his goodness and mercy. In “Patriarchs and Prophets” we find these words: “As the priests morning and evening entered the holy place at the time of incense, the daily sacrifice was ready to be offered upon the altar in the court without. This was a time of intense interest to the worshipers who assembled at the tabernacle. Before entering into the presence of God through the ministration of the priest, they were to engage in earnest searching of heart and confession of sin. They united in silent prayer, with their faces toward the holy place. Thus their petitions ascended with the cloud of incense, while faith laid hold upon the merits of the promised Saviour prefigured by the atoning sacrifice. The hours appointed for the morning and the evening sacrifice were regarded as sacred, and they came to be observed as the set time for worship throughout the Jewish nation. And when in later times the Jews were scattered as captives in distant lands, they still at the appointed hour turned their faces toward Jerusalem, and offered up their petitions to the God of Israel. In this custom, Christians have an example for morning and evening prayer.”
Are we as a people as particular about family worship as we were ten or fifteen years ago? Do you find in your home and in your church the same careful observance of that daily ministration as was found in the homes of the pioneers of this cause? Are we not drifting into lukewarm ways in reference to this important means of grace? This is what the spirit of prophecy says to us: “You ceased the morning and evening devotions, because it was not always convenient. Your house became a prayerless house; your business was made primary, and the Lord and his truth were made secondary.”
How can we bear to go forth prayerless to the work of the day in the enchanted country, knowing that Satan is going about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour? How can we send our inexperienced children and young people forth unprotected amid the temptations and snares of an experienced enemy? O, let us hold them up in the arms of our faith before the face of our God, and ask him to build a hedge about them! Let us dedicate them in secret to the Master, and our Father who seeth in secret will reward us openly.
“The father is in one sense the priest of the household, laying upon the altar of God the morning and evening sacrifice. . . . Morning and evening, the father, as priest of the household, should confess to God the sins committed by himself and his children through the day. Those sins which have come to his knowledge, and also those which are secret, of which God’s eye alone has taken cognizance, should be confessed. This rule of action, zealously carried out by the father when he is present, or by the mother when he is absent, will result in blessings to the family.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. II, page 701.
We have the promise that children thus dedicated to God will be protected in the hour of temptation.
MRS. C. C. L.
The Ministry of Suffering
By MRS. C. C. L.
PERHAPS many who read these lines are afflicted. They are bowed down under the burden of pain, and feel that life is hardly worth living. They long to go forth as others do, and engage in the work of the world. One such dear little mother was heard to say: “O, I am only a burden to my husband! I might as well give up the struggle.” Such forget it is not what we do so much as what we are that counts.
The one who has always been well and strong has great reason for thankfulness. He has many opportunities for usefulness. But even he has his limitations. The Outlook of June 20 has this little story:— “A man who knew and loved Phillips Brooks and Dr. Munger declared that he was helped more by the latter than by the former. ‘Bishop Brooks has a glorious nature,’ he said, ‘but he has never known sickness and the weariness and discouragement that come from it. Dr. Munger has been a semi-invalid. He knows what it is to pull against the current, to fight physical weakness half his life, and Dr. Munger’s victory over the conditions which cripple men has helped me more than Phillips Brooks’s splendid health.”
The editor adds the following appropriate words: “The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. No victories are more inspiring than those won against heavy odds. They who have won the race on crutches have won the hearts of those who saw the struggle.”
The president of a college was traveling over his territory looking for students. In one home he found a young woman who was eager to improve her mind, but she was an invalid confined to a wheel chair. It was useless for her to think of leaving her home and going15among strangers. But the president saw in her a rare character, and he sympathized with her in her desire for a broader education. He encouraged her to make the effort, and assured her of all necessary assistance. In due time she arrived at the school, and was carried from room to room by the willing hands of students. She was an inspiration to the whole school, and a perfect sunbeam in the school home.
Cheer up, suffering one. Get better acquainted with the Man of Sorrows, who was himself made perfect through suffering, and let your light shine for him even if it must be from a bed of pain. MRS. C. C. L.
Kissing the Children
Kisses in the morning
Make the day seem bright,
Filling every corner
With a gleam of light;
And what happiness he misses
Who, affection’s impulse scorning,
Departs, and gives no kisses
To the children in the morning.
Many think it folly;
Many say it’s bliss;
Very much depending
On whose lips you kiss!
But the truth I am confessing,
And I’d have you all take warning:
If you covet any blessing,
Kiss the children in the morning.
— Selected.
Parental Responsibility for Youthful Waywardness
By MRS. BELLE EMERSON
MRS. BELLE EMERSON
1. What is the great cause of young people's leaving the truth?
“As I looked upon the perilous situation of our youth, and was shown how indifferent the parents are to their welfare, my heart was sick and faint; angels were troubled, and wept with grief.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IV, page 200.
2. What is the result of this indifference?
“The youth are passing into the world, and into the hands of Satan.”—Ib.
3. What do children need?
“Children need watchful care and guidance as never before.”—Id., page 199.
4. What does this fearful state of the youth constitute?
“The fearful state of the youth of this age constitutes one of the strongest signs that we are living in the last days.”—Ib.
5. But to what may the ruin of many be traced?
“The ruin of many may be traced directly to the wrong management of the parents.”—Ib.
6. Insubordination is the fruit of what spirit?
“The spirit of murmuring against reproof has been taking root and is bearing its fruit of insubordination.”—Ib.
7. How does a child learn to rebel against reproof?
“The sin of parental neglect stands marked against many Sabbath-keeping parents. The spirit of gossip and tale-bearing is one of Satan's special agencies to sow discord and strife, to separate friends. . . . Brethren and sisters are too ready to talk of the faults and errors that they think exist in others, and especially in those who have borne unflinchingly the messages of reproof and warning given them of God.”—Id., pages 194, 195.
8. Is it ever necessary to reprove?
“It will be necessary to reprove and exhort, and some will need to be rebuked sharply, as the case may demand.”—Id., Vol. III, page 360.
9. How is reproof received by some?
“We hear the plea, ‘Oh, I am so sensitive, I cannot bear the least reflection!’ If these persons would state the case correctly, they would say, ‘I am so self-willed, so self-sufficient, so proud-spirited, that I will not be dictated to; I will not be reproved. I claim the right of individual judgment; I have a right to believe and talk as I please.’”—Ib.
10. What effect does this talk have upon the children?
“The children of these complainers listen with open ears, and receive the poison of disaffection.”—Id., Vol. IV, page 195.
11. What are parents thus doing?
“Parents are thus blindly closing the avenues through which the hearts of the children might be reached.”—Ib.
12. What do children not fail to hear?
“The children have not failed to hear the disrespectful remarks of their parents in reference to the solemn reproofs and warnings of God's servants. They have understood the scornful jests and depreciatory speeches that from time to time have met their ears, and the tendency has been to bring sacred and eternal interests, in their minds, on a level with the common affairs of the world.”—Ib.
13. What are parents thus doing?
“What a work are these parents doing in making infidels of their children even in their childhood!—Ib.
14. What, then, has parental example to do with insubordination?
“This is the way that children are taught to be irreverent, and to rebel against Heaven's reproof of sin. . . . These very fathers and mothers . . . wonder that it is so difficult to reach them by moral and religious influences. . . . This deplorable condition of things is the result of their own home influence.”—Id., pages 195, 196.
Seasonable Recipes
As this is the season of the year when fresh foods of various kinds are prepared for winter use, two or three recipes may be helpful to some one.
To Can Rhubarb for Pies.—Wash rhubarb, and cut into inch pieces without peeling. Pour boiling water over it, and drain at once. Cool, pack in cans, and fill with boiled, strained, cold water—if ice cold, all the better. Seal cans, invert in cool place, and cover from the light. Set upright after a few hours. To use, drain, let stand in fresh cold water half an hour, and drain again.
Cranberries may be canned in the same way.
String Beans in Brine.—Put layer of salt one inch deep in bottom of stone jar or cask; then a layer of nice, tender string beans three inches deep; continue layers until cask is full. Cover beans with a plate or board a little smaller around than the cask or jar, and put a heavy stone on it so that the beans will be well covered with the brine. The beans may be put in at different times, but must be covered with the cover from the first. To cook, soak overnight, changing the water several times in the evening. Cook the same as fresh beans. They are as nice and fresh as when picked.—Eva Bucknum Perkins, in “Laurel Cook Book.”
For Grainy Frosting.—If, when making boiled frosting, one has cooked the sugar and water too long, so that it grains, a teaspoonful of butter added will make it creamy and smooth, when beaten.—H. M. G., in the Mothers’ Magazine.
A Time Saver.—When you are in a hurry to iron dry clothes, sprinkle them with very hot water, or use cold water and wrap them in a bath towel, and place in a moderately hot oven. In either case they will be ready to iron within half an hour.—I. G. C., in the Mothers’ Magazine.
Give the Baby Its Nap
“EVERY baby needs twenty hours of sleep a day in its first month, and not less than sixteen up to the twelfth month of its first year.” So says a government bulletin on the care of the baby. The bulletin continues: “It should sleep alone, not in a cradle, but in a crib. If no crib is available, a clothes basket or a box of sufficient size is a good substitute. An expensive mattress is not necessary. A simple mattress made of excelsior and covered with a heavy blanket will answer very well. A sufficient quantity of clean bed clothing should be provided. The room should be darkened and well ventilated; the windows should always be open at the top at least six inches, except in the coldest weather. If the baby cries when it should be asleep, it is probably sick, overfed, or hungry. All children should take a nap of from one to two hours in the middle of the day until they are six years old.”
The Mothers’ Normal
The Mothers’ Normal is a department of the Fireside Correspondence School. Its object is to furnish opportunity for mothers to study the important subjects of child training and home making. Two courses of study are ready,—Early Education and First Grade. Early Education is designed for mothers who have children under five years of age. The First Grade is for those who have children above five years of age, and cannot send them to a church school. Other grades will be prepared as fast as there is a demand for them. For full particulars, address the Fireside Correspondence School, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.
Home Study
THIRTY subjects ready, embracing Bible, history, English, mathematics, normal and commercial studies. Others to be prepared. Many are doing successful work. You can do the same. For particulars, address, stating what you are interested in, the Fireside Correspondence School, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.
Anxiety, the Poison of Life
“ANXIETY is the poison of life, the parent of many sins and more miseries.”
Using the Newspapers in India
By W. L. BURGAN
THAT the Lord has wonderfully led his people in making advances in the large cities of India through the newspapers there, is evident from the encouraging information that has recently been received from various places in that country. Every one should read the following from Elder A. G. Watson, in which he tells how the newspapers of Calcutta have been opened to our work, and how natives are becoming aroused through the reading of these reports. In describing how the workers in that large city were able to take an advance step among the educated community at the beginning of the year, he says:—
“We began by using the health reform branch as the ‘entering wedge.’ Dr. Menkel, who came over from Bombay, was well rewarded for his trouble. He spoke on each occasion to a full hall. We alternated health lectures with talks presenting some phase of the prophecies relative to our message. The leading native-owned English dailies, together with the Daily News, gave us free announcements of all meetings, whether in connection with a health topic or otherwise; but we sent the editors synopses of the health talks only, which they published free of charge. We feared to send them matter concerning the prophecies, lest they would be prejudiced, and refuse to accept any articles from us.
“After a few health lectures had been published, we received a communication from a non-Christian native government official in the country to the effect that inasmuch as we were vegetarians he felt that he could intrust his boy to us, to be trained for service to humanity, in our mission school. There the lad would be a thousand miles away from home, and entirely out of the sphere of any Hindu influence. In other words, he did not object to his boy’s imbibing Christian principles at our hands. This experience made us bold to approach the press with our talks presenting the prophecies, though we were some little time prayerfully considering the matter. God opened the way.”
And to show how the Lord opened the way, Brother Watson inclosed several clippings of articles he had published. He further said: “The Bengalee, in which articles appeared, is edited and owned by the Hon. Surendranath Banerjee, the real leader among the many millions of Bengal.
“An elderly Bengali gentleman who, being bedridden, is unable to attend the meetings, after reading the articles on the ‘Golden Age’ (Satya Juga) that the Daily News published, directed his nephew to write us. The nephew wrote:—
“‘I have been asked by my uncle to write you to say that he had an opportunity to read your speech which appeared in the Daily News of March 28, 1914. He says that it is a right one, and just timely. It is most attractive to the public. Every one who reads it is sure to appreciate it highly. He also said that he would have a talk with you on the matter. He has strictly ordered my brother and me to attend your meetings.’
“This same gentleman, on one occasion when I visited him, called both his nephews, and said to them in my presence: ‘I shall not live much longer; if ever you accept Christianity, do so at the hands of Mr. Watson.’
“Our preaching hall, which is located in the heart of the native quarters of the city, costs us only $6.40 a month, for one meeting a week; and this charge includes the use of chairs, blackboard, rostrum, table, lectern, clock, and electricity for ten lights and six fans, each time. Surely God has gone before and has set his hand to the work. We shall endeavor to follow him in humility.”
In a later letter Elder Watson inclosed several other clippings he had published, and in commenting on the power of the press to reach the people, said:—
“Only today I was told by a leading native lawyer that he had been reading the article on the fulfillment of prophecy; so it is evident that many intelligent, thinking men in Bengal are hearing the truth (some portion of it), whose business or something else prevents their being present at the meetings. It certainly is evident to us in Bengal that the newspapers have been chosen by the Lord for the purpose of proclaiming the third angel’s message. The editors are not Christians, yet they are willingly publishing the truths of the Bible. Does it not seem wonderful to you?”
The papers in Bombay are also being used for the heralding of the message. The brethren in that city, though, are meeting with a different experience from those in Calcutta, in that they are paying to have their articles published, because of the conservatism of the papers there.
In telling of the newspaper work in Bombay, Prof. H. R. Salisbury, who is the superintendent of our work in India, says:—
“Our brethren have been holding English meetings in Bombay, and have put in each week a report of their meetings, and it has created great interest. Some think that the articles in the paper have done more than the sermons from the pulpit. This is a new thing for India. However, I might mention in this connection that we have to pay a very heavy rate for all these articles, as the papers will under no condition take them free. The papers in Bombay are very conservative. We are going to keep on, however, because of the value of newspaper publicity to our work.”
