p. 17 | Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 52. (12/28/1911)

Sensational Church Advertising

SPEAKING of some of the sensational methods employed by preachers in order to obtain a hearing, a recent number of the Western Christian Advocate, according to the Literary Digest of Nov. 25, 1911, speaks as follows:—

We believe the public is more and more feeling weariness and disgust for such vaudeville “entertainments.” They can get all they want of such amusements in the cheap theaters and nickelodeons. For the church to go into competition with the moving-picture shows on secular lines (we do not speak of religious and church topics) is a degradation that ought to stir the conscience of true Christians to the depths.

The same paper, quoting from a New York journal, gives the following picture of the conditions which would exist in some of the New York churches in the future if such methods of advertising were employed:—

The Rev. Pelatiah W. Jinks, who was called to the highest pulpit in New York in 1912, succeeded within less than three years in building up an unrivaled system of dancing-academies and roller-skating rinks for young people. Under him the attendance at the Sunday-afternoon sparring exhibitions in the vestry-rooms of the church increased from an average of 54 to an average of 650. In spite of the nominal fee charged for the use of the congregation’s bowling-alleys, the income from that source alone was sufficient to defray the cost of missionary work in all Africa. We are told that this was only the beginning of the Reverend Jinks’ “glorious services.” Ten years later he could point with pride to the fact that the football team of his church won the championship of the Ecclesiastical League of New York.

Jinks afterward undertook to build up the chapel of St. Basil on the East Side, whose congregation had been steadily dwindling. A moving-picture plant was installed in the church forthwith, and immediately the former empty pews were filled to overflowing. The new departure worked so well that Jinks resolved to introduce other innovations. To encourage church attendance at Sunday-morning services he established a tipless barber-shop. Two years later, in spite of the murmured protest of the conservative element in his congregation, he erected one of the finest Turkish baths in New York City.

In concluding, the Advocate justly observes:—

What can we say of all this miserable business — this prostitution of the church and its services — except that it is infinitely humiliating, an offense to right-minded, spiritual Christians, and an insult to God?

Giving One Tenth to God

“WHEN the Christian church really tithes, the world and the church will be astounded at the result.” This is the attitude which the Sunday School Times of Dec. 9, 1911, takes toward this plain Bible doctrine. Answering an Illinois reader as to whether the command in the Old Testament to tithe had been rendered void or changed by the New Testament dispensation, the editor says:—

The New Testament confirms, does not cancel, the Old Testament principle of tithing, or giving one tenth of our income to the Lord. The principle of the sacredness of one tenth of the income seems to be as deeply rooted in both Old Testament and New as the principle of the sacredness of one seventh of our time. Jesus seemed to assume it as axiomatic when he said of tithing that it ought not to be left undone. Matt. 23:23. There are, of course, Old Testament rules as to tithes in relation to the ceremonial of the old dispensation which are not now in force in the dispensation of Christ; but the principle of tithing as required of man in his relation to God seems to be permanent.

It is reasonable to believe that tithing as a practise in the Christian church is increasing. There are many who know its blessedness by much testing; and there are some who are definitely seeking to bring it before the churches and people as a sacred privilege. The Sunday School Times hopes, during the coming year, to let the facts be known widely as to tithing and its results in the church and in individual life. There is a wealth of evidence as to the prosperity and blessing that accompany tithing.

The Times believes that— the blessing that comes to a tithing church comes also to the tithing individual disciple. This is so marked and assured—to lives of real discipleship—that it is a great pity that any, and especially those whose incomes are smallest, should be robbed of the blessing through distrust of God.

The truthfulness of this statement we believe has been verified in the experience of many of the readers of the REVIEW AND HERALD. Many times have our brethren and sisters testified that faithfulness in rendering to God his own brought blessings both to the individual life and to the life of the church. He who is rich toward God in giving to his cause and to the poor and needy the portion which is theirs thus links himself with the eternal riches of heaven. Truly, as the Times concludes, ‘partnership with God is always a safe move.’

Reading the Newspapers

It is to be deplored that so many people spend much precious time in poring over the columns of the daily newspapers. The daily paper has become a necessity in these days in which we live. It is a necessary medium of thought, of news, and of information. By it the world is brought into closer touch. But there is very much in the average newspaper which could be passed by without loss to the reader. Of this the Northwestern Christian Advocate of Nov. 15, 1911, says:—

Moreover, it is quite possible to waste a great deal of time even over a good newspaper. Not all that appears is of equal value. In general, the miscellany, which is given simply to “pad” the paper for advertising purposes, may be safely “read by title.” A glance at the head-lines of despatches, at the local news, at the editorial topics, gives the judicious reader in a very few moments the points of importance. Out of that he selects the parts to be read in detail, and his review is complete. A man should begrudge every moment over fifteen minutes spent upon the average daily paper.

The temper in which a man reads his newspaper is even more important than the time he gives to it. Nowhere is a habit of caution more imperative than here. The amount of misinformation one can acquire from the newspaper is appalling.

This is good counsel, and can be profitably heeded by all. If the time spent in poring over the papers, magazines, and story-books, which is worse than wasted in that it dulls the moral perception and creates a distaste for solid reading, were spent in storing the mind with useful information, how much might be gained by the youth of the present time. In the day of final accounts it will be found that the light, trashy literature of the present age has been responsible for its full share of criminality and moral degeneracy.

Syrian Mission

By W. C. ISING

W. C. ISING

Last winter our first public effort in Beirut was made in presenting the truths of the third angel’s message to a large audience. The hall of a hotel was filled with a mixed congregation, while large numbers had to be turned away for lack of room. The lecture on the prophecies of Daniel was illustrated by stereopticon views. On noticing, however, the religious tendency of our study, the people soon showed their dislike of such topics; they had expected a cinematographic show, which at the present time is being introduced with much favor on the part of the people.

We have had much difficulty in finding quarters to continue these meetings, since suitable places for such purposes can not be obtained in this country. Private homes were refused for fear of the Catholic and other clergy, so that the only place available was our home, whence no one could turn us out. These studies were attended regularly by a number of persons, especially college students, who seemed much interested in the prophecies.

As a result of our labors, five souls were baptized in the Mediterranean. One was a pharmaceutic student who just received his diploma the day before his baptism. He stood faithful to the truth from the day he recognized and accepted it, and bore some good testimonies in behalf of it, which resulted in his being released from the studies on the Sabbath for several months until the graduation. He is a young man from the city of Mosul (ancient Nineveh), to which place he has returned, planning to enter upon the services of the mission that sent him to college. These studies, I am sure, have caused a stir among his fellow students, who have been freely discussing the subjects.

Another of the candidates for baptism was an earnest Christian, who had formerly come from the ranks of Islam, from the heart of Mesopotamia, bearing the name of Father Abraham of old, who issued thence to follow the true God. This brother is now engaged in the work of translating and preparing literature in the Arabic language.

We are sure that the message has reached a large number of persons who are deeply stirred by its solemn call, and who will in the course of time cast their lot with God’s people, notwithstanding the perplexing situation of taking an open stand for the truth, in view of severe persecution on the part of their relatives and religious leaders. But the words of Christ are true even here: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8: 32, 36.

Beirut.

The South India Mission Field

By J. S. JAMES

J. S. JAMES

How time flies! It hardly seems possible that more than half a year has slipped by since we wrote anything for the readers of the REVIEW. Only a few more of these swiftly passing years and the great clock of time will have finished its appointed task, and the toiling remnant now girdling the earth with the last message of truth, will be invited to lay aside their burdens and enter upon the eternal rest in Christ's kingdom.

The past few months have been busy ones in our section of the field. It was in February when we had our last baptism, and shortly after this we began to plan for the erection of a much-needed school building. An acre of land adjoining our mission property on the east was purchased, and a building begun in March and completed in June [paid for from the $300,000 Fund], a view of which appears with this article. The structure consists of two large rooms built at right angles with each other, so that one may stand in the corner of the angle and speak to an audience seated in either wing. The building is built of sun-dried brick, covered with a tile roof, and surrounded by a veranda five feet wide to protect it from the rain and sun. This place serves both as school and church at the present time. There are eighty students enrolled, making up five standards. For lack of room it is necessary for about twenty-five pupils to have most of their class work out-of-doors in the shade of the building.

We are endeavoring to make the school meet the purpose for which it was established. The Bible has an important place in the program each day, and as fast as possible graded doctrinal studies are being prepared and introduced. The teachers, who are all members of our mission, are given special instruction on various methods of teaching, fundamentals of the message, and the place of Christian education in our work. During the past summer our teachers have sometimes worked beyond their strength, but they are heart and soul in the work, and enjoy it.

We have had much determined opposition since we put up our new building. A conspiracy seems to have been formed to break up our school and drive us from the community, the conspirators going so far as to picket the streets of the village and to turn back the pupils when on their way to school. In spite of this, our school continues to grow and prosper. Recently a tract was issued pretending to give Scriptural authority for Sunday observance and to refute one of our Tamil tracts bearing on the Sabbath question.

We devoted three evenings to a public reply to the same, and intend to get out a printed answer in the near future. There is much discussion concerning both sides. The public Tamil press has given some attention to it, and we hope to see good results in the end. At any rate, the more intelligent classes are thinking seriously.

In June Elder G. G. Lowry located in Trichinopoli, a large city one hundred seventy-five miles north of us. This place is famous in the history of southern India as a large Hindu and Roman Catholic center and place of pilgrimage. It also has large railway and commercial interests. Two young men (Tamils) went to Singapore from there for trading purposes some years ago, where they became acquainted with the truth through the faithful labors of Elder G. F. Jones and Brother W. W. Fletcher. Burning with true missionary zeal, they returned to their native home to teach the truth to their people still in the bondage of Romanism. Brother and Sister Lowry, these two young men, and a few interested ones, form the present working force for this new station. All have been working hard the past few months, with the result that a primary day-school of forty-five students has been started, a Sabbath-school organized, and a number of persons have become interested in the study of the truth. Simultaneous with the opening of our work in Trichinopoli, came the first steps in starting a small out-station in connection with the work in Tinnevelli.

One of our most trusted and consecrated workers, who had served us in various capacities for more than three years, was placed in charge of this new location to get acquainted with local conditions and prepare the ground for further work. Thus the work grows and enlarges day by day. Sometimes it seems slow to us as we view the millions around us who must be reached, but we are reminded occasionally that we are advancing faster than we have funds to supply the needs.

The past summer has been a very hot and dry one. There has been no rain in our locality for almost a year, and famine conditions prevail. Many parts of India have suffered this year through the lateness of the monsoons and the scanty rainfall. At present I am spending some time in Bangalur, preparing literature for translation in the Tamil language, and endeavoring to build up my health, which has not been good the past year. Elder and Mrs. Lowry are looking after the interests in Tinnevelli during my absence. They both have made exceptional progress in the language study, and are now qualified to render excellent service in that direction. I have wondered of late what might be the consequences to me if no one was here prepared to help carry the burdens at this time.

All our workers are in good health and of good courage. We send up our petitions constantly to the Lord that our dear people in the home land who have come to our aid so nobly in the past may get still broader and deeper conceptions of the great work to be done beyond the seas, whither we have gone to prepare a people to meet the Lord when he comes.

Keep on the Sunny Side

By WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN

Keep on the sunny side of life,— The wind blows fierce and cold; Though chilling with its wintry blast, Let not the heart grow old.

Keep on the sunny side of life,— Too swift the days pass by; Soon sorrow molders in the dust, But joy endures on high.

Keep on the sunny side of life,— Each heart hath mourned in grief; A smile will garner flowers through tears And bring to care relief.

Strew blessings all along the way, Smile on in joy or pain; The Father nothing good withholds: The cross for him is gain.

Portland, Oregon.

Cold on the Chest, or Bronchitis

By G. H. HEALD, M. D.

G. H. HEALD, M. D.

This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the air-tubes in the lungs. It often follows cold in the head, or may begin as a cold on the chest or in the throat. It is usually attributed to some exposure, the phrase “catching cold” undoubtedly perpetuating the error. It is probable that no amount of exposure of itself will cause an attack of bronchitis; but when other conditions are present,—a non-resistant or susceptible organism, the presence of infectious germs in the air-passages, etc.,—the exposure may be the “last straw” that does the work, and consequently it gets the blame. Perhaps nearly every one knows that sometimes a severe exposure is not followed by cold, when at another time some trifling indiscretion brings on a severe attack.

As is the case with cold in the head, so here, there is a vast difference in individual susceptibility. Some persons never suffer from “cold,” no matter what they do, and others are hardly ever free from colds. In the latter case there is often a chronic condition present. In fact, the damage from the first cold is never fully repaired, and there is a weakness left which is ever afterward manifested by increased susceptibility to cold on the slightest exposure.

Among the causes of cold may be mentioned, as above, individual susceptibility, changes in weather, faulty housing, ventilation, dressing, poor general health; and after all these, which may be classed as favoring causes, we must mention the germ, which through these causes is enabled to set up the inflammation.

In the prevention of colds, the most important procedure is care of the general health. Excesses or indiscretions in the matter of diet, an impoverished diet, insufficient sleep and exercise, sex indulgence, errors in clothing, insanitary surroundings, and the like,—all weaken the organism, and make it less able to withstand germ enemies. To prevent colds we should avoid everything which tends to depress the physical powers, should by exercise, cool bathing, and careful dietary attempt to build up the general health, and above all, should avoid exposure to those who have a cough; for while it is true that nearly every one has in his own air-passages germs which under favorable circumstances may cause a cold, the germs fresh from a patient with a cold are more virulent, and may give a foothold where a less-virulent germ would not.

Remember always the two factors in a cold: the body itself, and the germ.

“As Thou Hast Sent Me:” Ideal Gospel City Work

By G. B. Starr

G. B. STARR

In his announcement of the work he was sent to accomplish in the earth, Jesus presented a very broad, beneficent, and blessed ministry embracing much more than preaching. It included binding up broken hearts, proclaiming liberty to captives, opening prison doors, comforting mourners, carrying the oil of joy to counteract mourning, awakening the spirit of praise, visiting the sick and healing them, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. See Isa. 61: 1-3 and Luke 4: 14-19, 22.

For this work Jesus was anointed, and to this work and every phase of it he addressed himself, and enlisted the co-operation of his disciples.

“As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I sent them into the world.”

When the gospel is carried to the people as he carried it, ought we not to see a similar ministry? The closing work of the gospel is to be a revelation of the beneficent character of God.

In order for the accomplishment of this all classes of workers now in training will be needed,—ministering evangelists and physicians, Bible workers, nurses, colporteurs,—and the people working side by side and united in conducting medical evangelistic missions for rich and poor, separately setting a table for each, and in loving ministry offering to them nature’s health-giving, life-sustaining, heat- and energy-producing foods so freely given to us, and so conducive to spirituality and economy. To

give lectures, demonstrations, and banquets in their homes or accustomed places of assembly, and to unite in loving ministry, opens the door of their hearts and minds for all other blessings offered through Christ; light and truth, pardon and peace, righteousness and eternal life. Why not ask the rich to assist in preparing these banquets for the poor, and invite them to a table spread with wholesome dishes, such as should appear daily on their own tables, and teach them how to prepare them in a simple and wholesome manner? In talks to mothers and burden-bearing sisters, explain the reason for adopting the Eden diet,—to encourage Eden happiness in the home. And why should not nurses, Bible workers, ministers, and people visit these homes, and come in close personal touch with these people, and thus in ministering to their sick, in comforting their hearts, in lifting up the bowed down, lead them step by step to Him who can minister to every need?

This is no fanciful picture. This is exactly the program of our work in Boston. We are studying this pattern of Christ’s ministry and what is called for in the closing work; we are shaping every plan to meet the pattern as nearly as we can comprehend it; and we want to testify to the joy and peace we experience in the work. Doors are opening everywhere and on all sides according to the promise. Friendships of the most interesting type are being formed, and prejudice is melting away before this ministry, as snow before the sun.

Melrose, Mass.

The First Missionary in Japan

By Elizabeth B. Stansfield

Forty years ago Japan was so distrustful of foreigners admitted to her seaport towns that the first missionaries found it almost impossible to get any one to teach them the Japanese language. One man employed a private teacher, and after some time discovered that what he was learning was a dialect of one of the smaller islands, and not the language of the main body of the people at all. In vain he looked about for another teacher. One evening, without thought of personal safety, he drove away robbers who were attacking a man outside his door. The man proved to be a Japanese noble, and in his gratitude to the missionary offered him as a reward anything that he should name. “Teach me your language,” cried the missionary. “Anything but that,” replied the nobleman, feeling that he had promised what perhaps he had no right to perform. The missionary persisted, and after consideration the nobleman came next day to give the first lesson—the entering wedge of Christianity into Japan, for that missionary was the translator of the New Testament into Japanese. If the powerful of earth should come to us asking what they could do for us, would our answer be as wise and unselfish?— Elizabeth B. Stansfield, in the Sunday School Times.

Value of a Smile

THE thing that goes the farthest toward making life worth while, That costs the least and does the most, is just a pleasant smile. The smile that bubbles from the heart that loves its fellow men, Will drive away the clouds of gloom and coax the sun again. It's full of worth and goodness, too, with manly kindness bent; It's worth a million dollars, and it doesn't cost a cent.

There is no room for sadness when we see a cheery smile; It always has the same good look; it's never out of style; It nerves us on to try again, when failure makes us blue; The dimples of encouragement are good for me and you. It pays the highest interest, for it is merely lent; It's worth a million dollars, and it doesn't cost a cent.

A smile comes very easy; you can wrinkle up with cheer A hundred times before you can squeeze out a salty tear. It ripples out, moreover, to the heart- strings that will tug, And always leaves an echo that is very like a hug. So, smile away! folks understand what by a smile is meant; It's worth a million dollars, and it doesn't cost a cent.

— Young People’s Weekly.

An Englishman on American Divorce

“WHAT astonishes us in England is the precipitate manner in which young American couples get together, and the ease with which they separate.” Such were the words that fell from the lips of an Englishman. The astonishment is not confined to England; it is shared by millions of Americans. Incidentally this Englishman gave the chief reason why divorces are so common in America—hasty engagements or marriages. Short acquaintances and long regrets generally go together. Young people meet, discover a few things they have in common, and then go to the marriage altar as they would to a picnic. They enter into the sacred compact “lightly and unadvisedly,” and when they have been together long enough to really know each other, the illusion upon which their affection was founded becomes apparent, and they sigh for a liberty which should forever be denied them. “In England we adjust our differences, and insist on reconciliation when estrangement takes place. When the marriage vow is taken, the door to separation is shut. The only door open to us is reconciliation and adjustment. In America, any little grievance, or incompatibility of temperament, is regarded as sufficient ground for breaking the marriage vow, and the divorce mill is kept going constantly.” Such, in substance, was the Englishman’s comment on one of our crying American sins.

Who will deny that it is just? Apart from hasty engagements or marriages, there are two other reasons why divorces are so common. One is the low estimate that is placed upon the marriage estate and its responsibilities, and the other is the ease with which divorced people find favor in the eyes of so-called respectable society.—Selected.

When Irritated

No good is ever likely to come from our speaking to any one at a time when we feel irritated against that one. That is the one time when our impulses, our thoughts, our feelings, are utterly untrustworthy, and, if expressed, are sure to do more harm than good. It matters not that we have, or think we have, abundant cause for irritation, or that the other person may be “all wrong.” This is only additional reason why we should be “all right” before we attempt to deal with the case; and the very fact that we feel irritated is evidence that we are by no means all right. The only safe thing to do when the strong feeling of irritation sweeps over us is to say little or nothing, go away by ourselves, and confess to the Saviour our very feeling as evidence of our sin and lack of love, ask him to purge us of it, and to replace it with his own invincible, irresistible love, and then think with concentration of the things that are lovely and admirable in the one against whom we were irritated. After this, and not before, it may be safe for us to talk with that one again.—Sunday School Times.

The Secret

MEN wondered why, in summer heat, The little brook, with music sweet, Could glide along the dusty way, When all else parched and silent lay.

Few stopped to think how, every morn, The sparkling stream anew was born In some moss-circled mountain pool, Forever sweet and clear and cool.

A life that, ever calm and glad, One melody and message had— “How keeps it so,” men ask, “when I Must change with every changing sky?”

Ah! if men knew the secret power That gladdens every day and hour, Would they not change to song life's care, By drinking at the fount of prayer? —Selected.

Dreamless Sleep

“PERFECTLY normal sleep is dreamless. When dreams occur, it is an indication of disturbance of the nervous system during sleep. Sleep is generally less sound with elderly persons than with children. The dreamless sleep of childhood is the normal state of the young, and should be regarded as normal for adults as well.”

Affections Fixed on Things Above

By Amos R. Wells

No one can live well in this world unless he fixes his affections on things above this world and beyond. If the plowman would plow straight, he must not look at his feet in the furrow, but at the other side of the field. If the surveyor would avoid all confusion, he must refer all lines to the north star.— Amos R. Wells.

The Duty That Is Nearest

“Do the duty that lies nearest thee, which thou knowest to be a duty. Thy second duty will already have become clearer.” So wrote Thomas Carlyle to those who were perplexed about what they ought to do.

His advice is fundamental and the very heart of wisdom. It is also a key to unlock the doors of uncertainty in every direction. Young men often never discover what their life-work is to be until they begin at humble tasks near at hand. One of our most successful business men began work at a dollar and a quarter a day as a common laborer, after having graduated from a technical school. He found himself and his career while at this work.

The shortest way to the peace of God and to spiritual power is often by self-forgetful service in the name of God, with insignificant work near at hand. The work may seem to have no relation to the soul’s larger interests, and none whatever to the tasks of a lifetime; and yet in the doing of it with faith and love the disciple finds himself in the presence of God, walking on his life’s great highway.

“Do the duty that lies nearest thee.” Do it with a loving heart. Do it in confidence that God will assign the highest and most useful tasks that are possible to those whom he can trust.—Selected.

Visit to Porto Rico

By H. C. J. WALLEKER

On November 3 I left St. Thomas on the French steamer "Quebec," in company with Elders U. Bender and Wm. Steele. Brother Bender proceeded to Haiti, and I remained in Porto Rico with Brother Steele. Arriving at San Juan Sabbath morning, we remained there until Sunday morning, when we boarded the train for Mayaguez, where we arrived the same afternoon. It is a beautiful ride along the coast, while at times the road winds up through the hills and cañons. Brother Steele has been in Porto Rico about two years, and the Lord is blessing the work there. A large number of our books and periodicals have been sold in the island. Two young men from the States — Brethren Cochran and Raff — came down to canvass a little over a year ago. The Lord has wonderfully blessed them in selling our literature, and in learning the language. It was a pleasure to meet these brethren, who are very enthusiastic over their work of carrying the truth to those who are sitting in darkness.

While at Mayaguez, Elder Steele baptized ten believers and there are others keeping the Sabbath who later will go forward in this rite. In the country out from Mayaguez, they are holding meetings at different places with good interest. One afternoon Elder Steele and I went six miles up into the mountains to hold a meeting. We visited several families on our way, who treated us very kindly, and seemed to be interested in the truth. When within a mile of the meeting-place, some of the young people joined us; and as we were going along the road, they sang their beautiful Spanish hymns.

We also visited our Adventist doctors who are on the island. Dr. Otis and his wife are located in a small country place, and are doing a good work. Next we went to the large central sugar-factory, where Dr. Morse and his wife are located. Dr. Morse has charge of the hospital for the company, and besides has a free dispensary in another town, which gives him a great opportunity to come in contact with many persons, and to sow the seed of truth.

We then went to Ponce, and spent a few days looking for a suitable place for a mission. Elder Steele expects to move there early in January. November 18 I left Ponce for St. Thomas, and arrived here the next day. My earnest prayer is that God may continue to bless the work and workers in Porto Rico.

H. C. J. WALLEKER.

St. Thomas, Danish West Indies.

The Week of Prayer at Takoma Park, D. C.

By I. A. Ford

The week of prayer, just closed, was a season long to be remembered by the Takoma Park church. For three weeks previous, meetings were held three times a week, during which time some of the fundamental truths of the message were studied anew. When the week of prayer itself arrived, there was a general desire manifested on the part of all our people to receive what the Lord had for them during this time. The church was well filled every night, and on Sabbath three meetings were held, one for the children, one for the youth, and one for the adults.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH BUILDING RECENTLY DEDICATED AT GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

The Lord came graciously near during this time. Several, who had not given their hearts to the Lord, took their stand for God and his truth; and others, who had become careless and backslidden, renewed their consecration. After every meeting some individuals remained for special prayer.

During this week special meetings were held each afternoon at two o'clock for the church-school students. Soon these meetings came to be really consecration services, until every child in the school had given his heart to the Lord, and taken part in the meetings. It was a real inspiration to see these young people so earnest in their worship of God. There are about seventy students in the school in grades 1 to 8.

The meetings were no hindrance in the school work. The principal of the school states that the grade of work was not lowered, and in some instances it was improved, many of the students receiving as high as ninety-eight per cent in all their studies. The meetings were so much enjoyed that the children themselves have requested them to be continued.

During the past few days much activity has been seen on the part of the pupils in raising money for India. This has been done by the sale of calendars and other articles, which the pupils had made. Over fifty dollars has thereby been received. I. A. FORD.

In War Time

By Robert S. Greaves.

The condition of things in Albania (Turkey) was barely getting settled after the rebellion in the north when the country was thrown into a much worse confusion by the sudden action of Italy in seizing some of Turkey’s possessions. News travels very slowly in these interior parts, and we had no idea of there being any serious trouble between the two nations until the Italian flag was hauled down from the consulate. Now, once again the sound of the war-trumpet is being heard throughout the land.

The country is in a very excited condition, and the peace dreamers, I think, would feel a little out of their element in Turkey at the present time. Military changes seem to be taking place every day, and long after darkness has set in at night, and again before daylight in the morning, bugles are sounding and troops are marching, sometimes accompanied by long lines of cannon.

Janina is two days’ ride from the coast, and as we have no railway here, everything has to be drawn in by animals. The government has requisitioned the horses and carts belonging to the freighters and other individuals, and is using them for war purposes. The merchants are not able to get their goods from

the coast, and business is in a bad condition. Foodstuffs have advanced in price, and many who are able are laying in supplies. Farmers are afraid to come to town for fear their horses or mules will be seized. They have been receiving some money for their services, but yet there is dissatisfaction. Long processions of Turks are marching into town, being called to join the colors. Some of the financial men and large merchants are wearing rather troubled faces; perhaps their fears are somewhat unfounded, but no one seems to know just what is coming next. We are glad that amid the general unrest we have a peace that the world can not give.

We are often sorry at the thought of being able to accomplish so little, and our happiest days are always those which we believe have counted the most for the Master. In God’s great plan it may be that the land which was among the first to hear the gospel, may be the last in the closing message; but even though last, we know it has a place, and believe our work for him in winning men to Christ will not be in vain.

ROBERT S. GREAVES.

In North Chosen (Korea)

By Riley Russell, M. D.

The new name for Korea is Cho-sen, which means the “Land of Morning Calm.”

I HAVE just been up to the north boundary of Korea once more, to visit our native worker there. Elder Butterfield came out with me to see about starting a primary school at this place.

To-day there is a wind from Manchuria sweeping over Korea, which makes us think that winter may come any day. We are only a few miles from the China Sea, and we get a good stiff breeze from the region of Port Arthur, which is cutting, and makes the poor Koreans shiver, even if they do have about three fourths of an inch of cotton padded into the lining of their clothes.

Last week while I was at Chinnampo, holding a study on the Seal of God, an intelligent-looking man arose, and said: “I have been a believer in Christ fifteen years, but I want to be among the 144,000 and have God’s seal.” He has five sons, who are all employed as preachers or teachers by one denomination. When we see such men as this take hold of the truth, we are encouraged, and led to thank God for the power there is in the message. We ask to be remembered at the throne of grace.

RILEY RUSSELL, M. D.

Soonan.

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