Review and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 52. (12/10/1914)

Review and Herald

Dec 10, 1914

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 10, 1914

The Work in Kingston, Jamaica

Although the present church building was built soon after the great earthquake of 1907, it was not entirely free from debt until last May, when a decided effort wiped out the old debt. During the union conference meeting in May, the dedicatory service was conducted amid the rejoicing of a people who have sacrificed to see this accomplished. Elder A. J. Haysmer, the first Seventh-day Adventist minister to proclaim the message here, was with us, after some years of absence, to tell of the beginning of the work in the West Indies. Elder E. Van Deusen, who was one of the pioneers of the message in the West Indies, and who has returned to Jamaica to help finish the work, was present to rejoice with us in the success of the third angel’s message in Kingston. There are about five hundred Sabbath keepers in this city.

(See article “The Work in Kingston, Jamaica,” page 10)

PART OF THE KINGSTON (JAMAICA) SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Books for Holiday Gifts

Do you plan to make holiday gifts? If so, secure presents that will be of lasting value. Usually a good book is the best kind of present to make. Those who appreciate good literature will often read with more interest; a book presented at the holiday season, and prize it more highly than one secured at any other season. The result of such gifts may be seen in the kingdom of heaven. Please look over the following classified list, in which you will find something suitable to persons of every age:—

“BEST STORIES FROM THE BEST BOOK.” These stories have been prepared with special reference to teaching the truth. Illustrated; 200 large pages; cloth, 75 cents; board, 60 cents.

“BIBLE CHILD LIFE.” Presented in simple narrative, and in a manner that charms and molds the lives of children. Illustrated; 144 pages; 75 cents.

“CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR.” The life and work of Christ are so presented in this book as to instill new thoughts in the mind of the reader concerning the work of Christ and the plan of salvation. 182 pages; cloth, 75 cents.

“EASY STEPS IN THE BIBLE STORY.” Beginning with the story of creation, a connected line of stories of special events and the lives of prominent characters down to the close of the life of Christ, is told in the most charming way. Beautifully illustrated; 600 pages; cloth, $3.00.

“ELO THE EAGLE.” Stories about animals, presented in a most entertaining and instructive manner. 200 pages; cloth, $1.00.

“FRIENDS AND FOES IN FIELD AND FOREST.” Gives a description of many insects and small animals, with a story as to their habits. Illustrated; 248 pages; price, $1.00.

“MY GARDEN NEIGHBORS.” Stories of birds, animals, and other creatures, showing some of the wonderfully interesting things happening daily, which will help to cultivate the habit of observation. 256 pages; $1.00.

“THE GOSPEL PRIMER.” Easy lessons in reading, combined with the simple truths of the gospel. 96 pages; cloth, 50 cents.

“GOSPEL PRIMER NO. 2.” Contains a simple Bible story for every letter of the alphabet. 96 pages; price, 50 cents.

“THE GOSPEL STORY.” The beautiful story of the gospel presented in simple language. Cloth, 50 cents.

“THE HOUSE WE LIVE IN.” Sets forth in an interesting and instructive manner all the wonders, uses, functions, etc., of the human body. Will help every child in building up and properly caring for himself. 218 pages; cloth, $1.00.

“JACK THE CONQUEROR.” Presents some of the difficulties boys and girls encounter, and points out the best way to meet them, so as to make the difficulties aids to higher attainments. 160 pages; cloth, 50 cents.

“THE KING’S DAUGHTER.” Contains practical lessons for girls, which will be helpful in the formation of right habits. 224 pages; cloth, 75 cents.

“LEFT WITH A TRUST.” This book reveals the brighter side of youth, where there is a worthy purpose and a will to be kind and affectionate. 160 pages; cloth, 50 cents.

“LITTLE FOLKS’ BIBLE NATURE.” A child’s book of easy lessons on nature from the Bible. 144 pages; cloth, 50 cents.

“MAKING HOME HAPPY.” Tells how an unhappy home was made happy. Emphasizes the relations that should exist and the influence that should be guarded and cultivated in every home. 206 pages; cloth, 75 cents.

“GOOD FORM AND SOCIAL ETHICS.” Gives the proper form of conduct, telling what to do and what not to do on all occasions. Over 300 pages. Cloth, 75 cents.

“STEPS TO CHRIST.” An excellent guide for inquirers and young converts; it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those of more experience in the Christian pathway. 144 pages; cloth, 75 cents; beautiful gift edition, $1.00.

“EARLY WRITINGS,” by Mrs. E. G. White. The pith of the whole message is contained in this little work. A most interesting and helpful book for this particular time. Cloth, 75 cents.

“FOXE’S BOOK OF MARTYRS.” This book gives a brief history of the persecution of Christians during the Christian era down to the year 1830. 518 pages; cloth, 75 cents.

“FROM JUDAISM TO CHRISTIANITY.” A historical sketch of the life of one who was reared for a Jewish rabbi, but who accepted Christianity and is now an ardent advocate of the religion of Jesus Christ. 384 pages; cloth, $1.00.

“HIS GLORIOUS APPEARING.” A study of Christ’s great prophecy as found in Matthew 24, in which the signs of the times are clearly pointed out. Cloth, 50 cents.

“GREAT SECOND ADVENT MOVEMENT.” A brief history of the early experiences of this movement. Very interesting and instructive to every young person who reads it. 480 pages; cloth, $1.25.

“OUR PARADISE HOME.” Presents in an interesting manner the important subjects of the saints’ inheritance of the future kingdom and the restitution of all things. Cloth, 50 cents.

“OUT OF DOORS.” The writer points out the supreme value of fresh air from the standpoint of health preservation. 104 pages; cloth, 60 cents.

“THE PRINTING PRESS AND THE GOSPEL.” Stories of God’s providences, and the experiences and successes of servants of God who have published the gospel by the distribution of literature. 224 pages; flexible leather binding, 60 cents.

“SPEAKER’S MANUAL OF PRONUNCIATION.” Contains the correct pronunciation of over two thousand words commonly mispronounced. 127 pages; cloth, 25 cents.

“THOUGHTS FROM THE MOUNT OF BLESSING.” An exposition of Christ’s sermons on the mount. 218 pages; cloth, 75 cents.

“THE WALDENSES.” The history of that wonderful people of the Piedmont valley who suffered most terrible persecution for righteousness’ sake. 392 pages; cloth, 75 cents.

“AMONG THE NORTHERN ICEBERGS.” Interesting sketches of arctic explorations of England and America in the nineteenth century. 160 pages; cloth, 50 cents.

“LIFE ON THE CONGO.” A short though comprehensive story of the empire of the Congo, in many respects the choicest portion of the Dark Continent. 160 pages; cloth, 50 cents.

“LETTERS FROM THE HOLY LAND.” Illustrates the customs and practices of the people of Palestine. 160 pages; cloth, 50 cents.

Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D. C.

ORDER OF YOUR CONFERENCE TRACT SOCIETY

Women as Missionaries

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

In the various branches of the work of God’s cause, there is a wide field in which our sisters may do good service for the Master. Many lines of missionary work are neglected. In the different churches, much work which is often left undone or done imperfectly, could be well accomplished by the help that our sisters, if properly instructed, can give. Through various lines of home missionary effort they can reach a class that is not reached by our ministers. Among the noble women who have had the moral courage to decide in favor of the truth for this time are many who have tact, perception, and good ability, and who may make successful workers. The labors of such Christian women are needed.

Our sisters can serve by writing missionary letters, not only to friends at a distance, but to strangers. Through such correspondence, important truths may be brought to the attention of the people. The writers should not seek for self-exaltation, but to present the truth in its simplicity.

Many of our sisters who bear the burden of home responsibilities have been willing to excuse themselves from undertaking any missionary work that requires thought and close application of mind; yet often this is the very discipline they need to enable them to perfect Christian experience. They may become workers for God by distributing to their neighbors tracts and papers that correctly represent our faith, and by sending these silent messengers through the mails to those who are willing to read and investigate. As they thus do what they can for others, they will gain many precious experiences.

My sisters, do not become weary in the distribution of our literature. This is a work you may all engage in successfully, if you are but connected with God. Before approaching your friends and neighbors, or writing letters of inquiry, lift the heart to God in prayer. All who with humble heart take part in this work, will be educating themselves as acceptable workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

In the various lines of home missionary work, the modest, intelligent woman may use her powers to the very highest account. Who can have so deep a love for the souls of men and women for whom Christ has died as those who are partakers of his grace? Who can represent the truth and the example of Christ better than Christian women who themselves are practicing the truth? Who are better adapted to be teachers in the Sabbath school? The true mother is fitted to be an efficient teacher of children. With a heart imbued with the love of Christ, teaching the children of her class, praying with them and for them, she may see souls converted.

By their self-denial and sacrifice, and by their willingness to work to the best of their ability for others, our sisters can show that they believe the truth, and are sanctified through it. They need to labor for others in order to develop the powers they possess. The minds of our sisters may thus be expanded and cultivated. If, however, they are devoted to selfish interests, the soul will be left dwarfed. Emptiness and unrest will be the result.

Many occupy their time in needless stitching and trimming and ruffling of their own and their children’s clothing, and thus lose golden moments which they might spend in service. The money that is expended for needless trimmings and useless ornaments, should be used in the purchase of papers and tracts to send to those who are in the darkness of error. The souls saved by this personal effort will be of more value to them than fashionable dress. The white robes and the jeweled crowns given them by Christ, as their reward for unselfish effort, will a thousand times repay them for the self-denial and self-sacrifice they have shown in his cause.

Our sisters may manage to keep their fingers constantly employed in manufacturing dainty little articles to beautify their homes, or to present to their friends. Great quantities of this kind of material may be laid upon the foundation stone; but will Jesus look upon all this dainty work as a sacrifice to himself? Will he pronounce the commendation upon the workers, “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou . . . hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted”?

All work of this kind is wood, hay, and stubble, which the fires of the last day will consume. But where are your offerings to God? Where is the patient labor, the earnest zeal, that brings you into connection with Christ, to bear his yoke, and lift his burdens? Where are the gold, the silver, the precious stones which you have laid upon the foundation stone, which the fires of the last day cannot consume, because they are imperishable?

Let our sisters inquire, How shall I meet in the judgment these souls with whom I have or should have become acquainted? Have I studied their cases? Have I acquainted myself with my Bible so that I could open the Scriptures to them? Have I sought the Lord by earnest prayer in faith, that he would give me wisdom to present the truth to these dear souls? Am I giving them, not only by precept, but by an example of piety and fidelity to God, an assurance that the service of Christ is full of peace and joy?

We should never forget that, as Christians, our time, our strength, and our ability have been purchased with an infinite price. We are not our own, to use our moments in gratifying our fancy and our pride. As children of the light, we are to diffuse light to others. It should be our study how we may best glorify God, how we may work most effectually to save and bless the souls for whom Christ died. In working thus to benefit others we shall be gathering strength and courage to our own souls, and shall win the approval of God.

If all would realize the necessity of doing to the utmost of their ability in the work of God, having a deep love for souls, we should see hundreds engaged as active workers who have been hitherto dull and uninterested, accomplishing nothing. Many have felt that there was little of importance in the tract and missionary work, nothing worthy of their especial interest. Yet it is a fact that the circulation of our literature is doing even a greater work than the living preacher can do. Many have failed to become thoroughly acquainted with the work because they have felt that it did not concern them. Though some can do more than others, yet all can, by individual

effort, do something. All should become intelligent as to how they can work most successfully and methodically in spreading the light of truth by scattering our publications.

We meet with young and old who profess to be children of God, yet who are not growing spiritually. With many, the rubbish of the world has clogged the channels of the soul. Selfishness has controlled the mind and warped the character. Were the life hid with Christ in God, his service would be no drudgery. If the whole heart were consecrated to God, all would find something to do, and would covet a part in the work. They would sow beside all waters, praying and believing that the fruit would appear.

Women of firm principle and decided character are needed as active workers in the cause of present truth,—women who believe that we are indeed living in the last days, and that we have the last solemn message of warning to be given to the world. They should feel that they are called to engage in diffusing the rays of light which Heaven has shed upon them. Nothing should discourage them from engaging in this work.

Let every sister who claims to be a child of God, feel a responsibility to help all within her reach. The noblest of all attainments may be gained through practical self-denial and benevolence for others’ good. Sisters, God calls you to work in the harvest field, and to help gather in the sheaves.

Cardinal Farley, the Pope, and the War

By W. W. PRESCOTT

W. W. PRESCOTT

VERY significant are some of the comments made by Roman Catholics upon the greatest war of the ages, now in progress in Europe. Among the utterances worthy of note is one by Cardinal Farley in a sermon preached by him in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City, on Sunday evening, October 4, it being his first public address after his return from Europe. We quote a paragraph from the report of his sermon which appeared in the New York Times of October 5:—

“Had the people of Europe heeded the pleas of the late pontiff, had they heeded the teachings and warnings of the church, they would not now be engaged in a bloody war. But they did not heed. Almost every nation in Europe was persecuting the church, trampling on its rights, driving it into the corners of the land. And now they are paying the penalty. They are suffering for their sins against God.”

This is an exhibition of a principle of interpretation which was quite largely in vogue in the Middle Ages. Any individual or any nation that was not subservient to the Pope was regarded as liable to divine vengeance, and every experience which could possibly be cited as an evidence of such a visitation was trumpeted abroad. It was usually the case, however, that a disregard of the Pope’s will was held to be a more heinous sin than the transgression of God’s law, and the alleged visitation of divine wrath more often fell upon the unfortunate heretic than upon the common sinner.

There is one weak point in Cardinal Farley’s logic which it may be proper to point out. He declares that the nations of Europe are now “paying the penalty” for their refusal to heed the warnings of the church, and for trampling on its rights; but he neglected to explain how it happens that Belgium, which has been lauded as a model Catholic country and which did nothing to precipitate the war, is suffering more severely than any other nation. What answer could Cardinal Farley make if a Protestant should claim that Belgium was plainly “paying the penalty” of her acceptance of a false religion and of her refusal to heed the call to come out of Babylon?

Of interest in this connection is an utterance by Cardinal Manning, of England, in 1874. Mention of this is made by Dr. Alexander Robertson, in an article entitled “Rome and Germany,” in the Liberator (Ottawa) for September. Referring to a possible military invasion of England, Dr. Robertson declared:—

“I believe that the Pope and the church formed the resolution to bring it about, soon after the fall of the temporal power, in 1870, when a league was founded of all Catholics throughout Christendom for the restoration of that power. And the fact was fully and clearly announced by the church four years later. Cardinal Manning then said: ‘There is only one solution of the difficulty, a solution, I fear, impending, and that is the terrible scourge of Continental war, a war which will exceed the horrors of any of the wars of the first empire. And it is my firm conviction that, in spite of all obstacles, the vicar of Jesus Christ will be put again in his own rightful place. But that day will not be until his adversaries will have crushed each other with mutual destruction.’ [See the Tablet (London), Jan. 24, 1874.]”

According to this philosophy the hope of the restoration of the Pope’s temporal power rests upon the expectation that the nations opposed to this papal policy would be ground to pieces in “a war which will exceed the horrors of any of the wars of the first empire,” and that from this fearful ruin the professed vicar of Christ, the Prince of Peace, would reap great benefit, and would “be put again in his own rightful place.”

That the Roman hierarchy confidently expect that whoever may lose in the present terrific struggle, the Papacy will gain, becomes more clear as the conflict goes on. We submit some evidence of this. In an editorial with the title “The Pope as Arbiter in the Present War” the Indiana Catholic (October 2) declared:—

“There is no other power now on earth that nations can turn to in the awful war which is devastating Europe.”

The Rome correspondent of the Western Watchman, in a letter dated October 8 and printed October 29, speaks with positiveness concerning the result of the war to the Papacy. We quote:—

“That the prestige of the Papacy will be enormously enhanced by the European war is beyond doubt; nations will see there is but one man on earth who can be trusted in all trials, crises, and wars to be perfectly impartial. His training in diplomacy and his knowledge attained in foreign courts give at home a feeling of strength and security. This is welcome, particularly to those who recognize the need a pontiff has for keenness and determination when dealing with Italian and French anticlerical statesmen.”

In an article on “Peace,” by Rev. John P. Durham, printed in the Marion (Ind.) Leader-Tribune of October 4, the same view is presented in these words:—

“Looking out over the world, we can see but one great figure who may come forward and be ‘the peacemaker,’ the Pope. What other individual could arbitrate between Germany and Austria on the one side, and Great Britain, France, Russia, Belgium, and Japan on the other? — Though The Hague Conference, ruled by the materialistic spirit of the age, excluded him, the world must receive him as the arbitrator of peace.”

History records many cases where the Papacy has been able to take advantage of the misfortunes of men and of nations for its own aggrandizement, and it is perfectly clear that it has not forgotten how to advance its interests in this way. From the beginning of this present war, we have been sure that Rome, following her old-time policy, would seek in some way to regain that power over the nations of Europe which, to her great grief, has waned so seriously in recent years. We suggest to our readers that they should not become so absorbed in the political and spectacular features of this war that they forget to watch the Papacy. The Sick Man of the East may be on his deathbed, but there is a man in the West who is very much alive, and is hoping to secure a new lease of power over the nations. Watch him.—The Protestant Magazine, December, 1914.

A World for Work

By Roswell D. Hitchcock.

It is not a world for men to take their ease in: but a world for work. It is not a world for the selfish greed of gain, nor the selfish pantings of ambition, nor the selfish struggles of power; but a world for generous self-abandonment, for sacrifice and heroic toil. Only he shall be loved of God and honored of men who is found to have accomplished something for human happiness and human good.—Roswell D. Hitchcock.

Work and Wait

By S. E. Kiser

We cannot all be rich or great Or hope to charm with song; But any man can work and wait If he is well and strong.

We cannot all possess renown, Nor all put care aside; But any weakling can sit down And be dissatisfied.

— S. E. Kiser.

“They Call Us”

By W. A. S.

Timely Paragraphs From the Fields for This Week of Prayer Season

Was there ever a time when the call to rise and shine and give the message to the world was more pressingly urgent? From all quarters of the earth the correspondence addressed to the Mission Board tells of an awakening among the people and an inquiry after the truth. Here are a few paragraphs.

From Dr. Riley Russell, of Korea:—

The present fulfillment of prophecy in Europe is not hindering, but hastening, the work in the Orient. I never in my life have seen the message take hold of people, both Christians and heathen, as it does today. Yesterday, Sabbath, I baptized seven adults in a brook near the Yellow Sea. Our native churches are astir. Farmers are going canvassing. It is easy to get an audience. One foreign missionary stopped me in the railroad station the other day and asked me what the conditions mean. After a short talk, in which I endeavored to show him the fulfillment of the prophetic word in these events, he seemed to be convinced that our view is the correct one. I could only think of Luke 21: 13. These things are certainly turning to us “for a testimony.”

From the Bahama Islands. Elder James H. Smith writes:—

Since the war broke out, the people of this island have been stirred and are inquiring as to what these things mean. They come to Seventh-day Adventists to find out.

Elder O. E. Reinke writes from Petrograd, the Russian capital, saying:—

Thanks be to God, the work is onward, and we are all of good courage in the Lord. The present condition has deprived us of ten laborers in the East Russian Union, and I think the same number in the West. At this place I am the only laborer left. But our church elders in all four churches are very active. We are encouraged to learn of the interest the American brethren take in making provision to help us financially when necessary, and to know that their united prayers are offered to God in our behalf in Europe. Though the outlook may seem dark, the eye of faith looks beyond and grasps the promise of Christ in Luke 21: 28. The workers are all well and of good courage, and hard at work.

From Riga, in western Russia, Elder J. T. Boettcher, vice president of the European Division, writes:—

We never have seen such an interest for the message in Riga since we have been here. Our meeting hall is crowded on Sundays and during the week. We baptized twenty-five during the last quarter, and about the same number are awaiting baptism. I do not believe that our work will stop because there is war or any other kind of trouble in the world. This is the very time that we have been expecting to come upon the world; and since it is upon us, I shall believe what I have been preaching. We are “looking up,” as Luke tells us to do as we see the signs fulfilling. However, there is a big work yet to be done, and the Lord must help his servants to do it quickly. It cheers my heart to know that our dear people in America are mindful of us. I am passing your messages on to the other workers in Russia, and am sure their hearts will be gladdened in this hour of trial.

Down in the East Indies, Elder Detamore tells us that the workers have never seen a time when so many who had heard of the message were making earnest inquiry concerning the future. He says:—

There is a general feeling of unrest all over our field. You may imagine that these masses who cannot read much, and who are made up of so many different classes having no standard of right, are hard to control when things are in a turmoil. I am wondering what effect this war will have upon the finances of our work in America. If our people become aroused, perhaps it will bring more money to the mission treasury. Certain it is that one dollar invested now will be worth more than five a little later.

Then, pleading for three new workers for definite posts that have to be filled, he adds:—

You will think I am a regular beggar, I fear; but if you had been with me on this last trip, among the millions and millions who know not of the saving grace of God, but who are in the darkness of this terrible Mohammedan religion, perhaps the hardest to meet of anything in the world, I feel confident that you would not blame me for putting in this pitiful plea in behalf of these poor souls for only three men and their wives. God is now moving upon hearts as I have not seen him do before since I have been in the field, and all our men are as busy as they can be.

From Bolivia, in the heart of South America, Brother O. G. Schulz writes:—

The shades of the European war are stretching even to this inland country. There is no more importation or exportation. Large offices have shut their doors; mines have closed. Thousands of men are without work. Though it looks pretty dark in the whole world, we all believe that the dark clouds have the sunshine behind them. The interest is growing everywhere.

Of the faithfulness of our brethren and sisters in the very midst of the troubles we may catch a hint from this note, which Elder Guy Dail sends from Holland. He had come in communication with the elder of our largest company in Brussels, Belgium. In this great city and its suburbs we apparently have three companies. He writes:—

All the brethren in the three churches of the capital are getting on well. Brother Klingbeil was able to secure flour for our baker brother there, so none have come to want for bread. The tithes of the church, over which Brother W. presides, and the offerings last quarter, were better than the quarter before. Some very intelligent persons are newly interested in the truth.

In remote places, away beyond the reach of the alarm of war, the Spirit of the Lord is reported by our workers to be manifestly awakening hearts. Elder W. H. Anderson, of the Barotseland Mission, beyond the Zambesi, tells of a recent trip among the villages, recruiting students for the school. He says:—

I wanted only sixty boys, but they kept coming. I turned them back, and still they came from more remote parts, and still I turned many back, telling them we did not have food for them. But they still insisted on coming, and after I had turned back a hundred there were eighty-seven to come on to the school with me. Then when I arrived at the mission, I found that some had heard of the school, and fearing I was not coming for them, had walked the two hundred miles, to be sure to get to the school in time. In all the years that I have been in the mission field, I have never seen the natives so eager for the school as they were in the kraals that I have just visited. I am sure that with a little effort we could have found a thousand boys for the school. But we now have more than we can teach and do them justice. These natives all come from a section where there are no missionaries of any society at work. You will notice that we have sent in a call for means to open a new work at Lusakaas next year; but we have not the slightest hope that with this terrible war on, you will be able to respond at this time.

From among the Indians of Lake Titicaca, Peru, Brother F. A. Stahl writes:—

Elder Maxwell has visited us and baptized fifty-one more. Now there is a

church of over two hundred, and not one has gone back. We believe in the keeping power of Jesus. At the opening of our school the enemy bribed and threatened, but to no avail. Now many of the very people who were in opposition are coming to visit us, and they all say “Esplendido!” Prominent persons in some quarters want us to come and teach their Indians as we have those in this district. They have so much trouble with stealing, and say they are helpless. “O that we had such Indians as you people are surrounded with!” they say. “Do come and teach our Indians the same way.”

We must close these words with a message from Elder J. C. Raft, of the Scandinavian Union, sent from Copenhagen, Denmark:—

A terrible pressure is resting upon everybody. Great uncertainty exists, and great uneasiness seems to have taken hold of most of the people. All our ministers are now engaged in public work. There certainly has never been such an interest to hear the message as just now. The work in Finland is going forward. Owing to the war, permission must be obtained for public meetings, but everywhere officials are very kind, and permission has been granted with remarks like these: “You go ahead and hold all the religious meetings you want to;” “Yes, you may hold meetings, for you proclaim the true doctrine.” Give our greetings to the brethren and sisters in America. The fact that our American brethren stand firmly united with us greatly helps to inspire our people here. Hearty thanks for this interest and willingness to sacrifice for our help.

Thus from all the four quarters of the earth come the words of cheer and of appeal. We know that this throwing open of the doors, and this call for more workers to answer the cry of need, will inspire earnest prayer and liberal gifts for missions during the coming week of prayer.

W. A. S.

A Significant Appointment

By F. M. W.

For many years, we believe since the days of Henry VIII, the British government has had no official envoy at the Vatican court. There has been for the most part an unbroken line of representatives from the Catholic powers of Europe, and one by one the Protestant states have come to recognize the “political necessity” of having their interests represented at the Holy See. Great Britain has resisted this pressure for many years, but now comes the report that she has joined with the other nations of Europe in the appointment of a duly accredited representative to the papal court. According to the Washington Times, Sir Henry Howard, at one time an attaché of the British legation in Washington, D. C., has been assigned to this post. Regarding this appointment the Brooklyn Eagle says:—

The reported determination of the British government to send a properly accredited envoy to the Holy See will, we imagine, give no offense to the house of Savoy, though Britain's former neglect to be represented at the Vatican was regarded as a courtesy to Italy. The Quirinal will realize that in the present war, relations with the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church are virtually based on his spiritual primacy over a large part of Christendom, not on his remaining temporal powers, or his function as a temporal ruler. Germany has an envoy. Austria has an envoy. Great Britain seeks to have her views represented and understood.

The Pope is still a temporal sovereign in the eyes of the Italian monarchy, sovereign of the Vatican, the Lateran, and the Castel Gandolfo, with their gardens. Italy offers tribute to him, 3,225,000 francs a year, which no pope has accepted. Italian administration and policing power stop with the borders of the pontiff's small domain. Within that domain he is an absolute monarch.

No reasons are assigned for the appointment of this envoy. Doubtless motives of expediency and political interests prompted the appointment at this time. It is possible that the government saw that in the settlement of the terms of final peace between the belligerents in the great European conflict the Pope of Rome would play no unimportant part. Benedict XV has already indicated his determination to bring the contending nations to some basis of settlement if possible. This motive is suggested by the editor of the Eagle, who adds to the quotation above:—

It is entirely possible that when the time comes for a move toward ending the war, the Pope may be induced to make it. That is, perhaps, the main reason why English policy seeks representation at the Vatican at the present time.

By Catholic writers England and the United States have been recognized as the great pillars of the Protestant cause, and Romanists have felt that if they succeeded in their efforts to make Catholicism dominant throughout the world, these main supports of the opposition must be taken away. This accounts for their active propaganda in both these countries during the last few years. The Missionary (Roman Catholic), published in Washington, D. C., in its issue for May, 1914, quotes with approval this extract from a letter from one of its correspondents:—

It seems to me that the main support of Protestantism comes from the United States and England. . . . If we put an end to this effort in England and the United States by making these nations predominantly Catholic, we will have removed the chief obstacle to the conversion of the whole world to the true faith. . . . A vigorous effort in the United States at this time will reduce the opposition to an insignificant condition. . . . In the course of another century, the [Protestant] sects will be a study for the historian and antiquarian, along with Arianism.

That the Roman pontiff will not be slow to turn to his own account this concession on the part of this great Protestant nation of Europe we may be assured. The propaganda which has been carried on for years to bring England back to the fold of the mother church will increase its activity. Rome stands ready to turn every occasion of political necessity to her own advantage.

That the nations of earth will seek in the midst of their political difficulties counsel and relief from the papal power the Scriptures of Truth clearly indicate. One has only to read the thirteenth and seventeenth chapters of the Revelation to realize that the Papacy will be a dominating influence in the political affairs of the nations in the last days.

The shaping of conditions in the world which make for the restoration of papal domination are significant signs of fulfilling prophecy. Let us heed their portent, and prepare for the things which are soon coming upon the earth.

F. M. W.

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