Success in life is not a “happen so.” It does not come by chance, but by the working out of divine principles through the operation of natural laws. These principles apply in any kind of work; so when we launch out into the realities of life, and do not adhere to them, and make a failure, it is not fair to lay it to the special work, or even to the capabilities of the individual.
There are certain principles which, if carried out, will make for success in any legitimate work; but when they are violated, we do away with the legitimate means, and the opposite results are obtained.
Take, for instance, the merchant. The law of success in his work requires, first, that he has fully made up his mind to do that work. “Let there be first a willing mind,” applies to the spiritual as well as to the temporal things of life. This law also requires that he become familiar with his business; that he locate his store in the most popular part of the city; that he study how to make the best bargains in purchasing his goods; that he mark his selling prices so that a reasonable profit is obtained. It requires that he keep accurate accounts, so as to tell where the profits are made, and where the leaks are; that he be at his business early and late; that he use courtesy and tact in dealing with his customers, and endeavor to win their respect and confidence. It requires that he carry a stock of goods that recommend themselves, and that are worth their price; also that the merchant take care of his bank account, and not foolishly spend his means, etc.
These principles, if carried out, are sure to win success in the commercial world. The same principles, if carried out, will also bring success in canvassing, or in any other work. Away with the thought that success in life comes by chance.
The law that makes for success in the canvassing field requires, first of all, that we make up our minds to do that work,—that there be first a willing mind. Then we must throw the whole soul into it. It requires that we get acquainted with our business, and master it; for it is of little profit to “run without a message.” It requires that we learn to love our work, and not to go at it just as a “bridge over.” It requires that we be at it early and late. Time is the canvasser’s capital stock; and if he lets that go to waste, he will go into bankruptcy, and his business will come to naught. It requires that he show Christian courtesy to all; that he dwell in the sunshine of life, and keep out of the shadows; that he push his work forward with faith and courage and in a systematic way; and above all, that there be a daily seeking after God for wisdom, strength, and power. This builds up the character of the man as well as the prosperity of his work.
Our Customers
In behalf of our customers, there are also certain laws governing and controlling their lives that will have to be met, if we are successful in our work. This is where the power of adaptability and the gift of discernment are brought into use. Paul no doubt referred to this when he said that he was “made all things to all men,” that he might by all means save some.
There are some who will be especially interested in the prophecies; while others prefer something of a historical nature. Some, again, are very emotional, so the canvass should be given in a special way for them. Still others are illiterate, some are abusive, and care must be exercised in approaching these. Special wisdom is required to reach all classes. It is therefore essential that the canvasser become a close observer of human nature, and learn how to discern quickly the best course to pursue.
There are four necessary steps to be taken in the sale of every book; namely, gaining a hearing, creating a desire, securing the order, and delivering the book. Just as surely as success comes to the merchant when he carries out the principles stated above in his work, just so surely, and even more so, will success come to the faithful canvasser who will carry out these same principles in his work.
The Holy Spirit
“But,” says one, “does not that make void the work of the Holy Spirit?”—Not at all. The Holy Spirit works through, and co-operates with, these laws and principles. It is true that the operation of the Holy Spirit is not confined to this law, and sometimes performs miracles outside of this channel; but these are exceptional cases, and are out of the ordinary.
In our health reform work we do not believe it is doing violence to the Holy Spirit to conform to the laws of health in the use of pure food, pure air, and pure water, in order that we may health; nor do we believe it is wrong to use simple treatments to assist nature in her work; yet after all this is done, it sometimes takes a miraculous working of the Holy Spirit to restore certain ones to health. However, God does not usually work through miraculous powers until we have done all we can through the operation of natural laws.
This same principle applies with reference to the canvassing work. It is not dealing fairly with this sacred work to make a half-hearted or careless effort, not being willing to work in harmony with the law that makes for success, or carry out these divine principles in our work. Rather, let us be glad that God works through natural laws and that success in life is not a “happen so.”
Graysville, Tenn.
More Bible Study
By Wm. Covert
WM. COVERT
In 2 Tim. 2:15 is found advice to a young minister, which could be followed with profit by all. The first thing enjoined in the verse is study.
There are great possibilities in store for those who properly study the Word of the Lord. Who ever knew a person strong in the Lord, who did not devote much time to Bible study? Timothy was advised to study, that he might show himself approved unto God. The text implies that God examines men's work, and listens to their Bible teaching. In reality, his representative is present to hear every sermon delivered, and to promote thought in every lesson given. See Matt. 28:19, 20.
How careful, then, should every worker be to get the truth arranged in such a way as to meet the case in hand, and merit the approval of God! It requires tact and much earnest, prayerful thought to handle Bible subjects in such a way that they are accurately divided and agreeably arranged. This kind of work is not done without both a general and a specific knowledge of the Bible.
The successful competitor in any contest must be a master who understands the full scope as well as the special details of his business. The Bible, God's word to man, is made up of sixty-six books in one volume. It contains 1,187 chapters, which were written by about forty different individuals, and the writing of these books extended over a period of about eighteen hundred years. It is easy to see, therefore, that to grasp enough of the conditions and environments considered in the Bible to form safe conclusions, requires both time and application.
The Lord desires that his people shall do earnest thinking in their Bible study.
Chicago, Ill.
The Countenance as a Title-Page
By Wm. Matthews
THE countenance may be rightly defined as the title-page, which heralds the contents of the human volume; but, like other title-pages, it sometimes puzzles, often misleads, often says nothing to the purpose.—Wm. Matthews.
Tea and Coffee
By Daniel H. Kress
Their Influence on the Home
D. H. KRESS, M. D.
DR. HARVEY W. WILEY, chief of the bureau of chemistry of the United States Department of Agriculture, sounds a note of warning in the Tea and Coffee Trade Journal, against the danger threatening the people of the United States from the present consumption of tea and coffee. He says that the Prohibitionists may tackle these drinks next, and advises the Trade Journal, in its own interests, to caution the people against the too free use of these beverages. He says:—
“There are a great many persons who are keenly susceptible to the influence of some of the soluble substances contained in tea and coffee. Most active of these substances by far is the alkaloid caffein. It has a peculiar effect in general, and in many cases has special effects.
“Many parents forbid the use of tea and coffee to their children, and I think this is a wise precaution. I do not think there is any danger of interfering with the health or nutrition of the child by abstinence from drinks of this kind; on the other hand, it appears to me there is danger of permitting the child to form a habit, because coffee- and tea-drinking are to a certain extent habits, and I think caffein is recognized as one of the habit-forming drugs. In regard to children, at least, therefore, the word ‘prohibition’ is perhaps a better one to use than ‘temperance.’
“Coffee and tea have become such universal beverages in the last three hundred years as to present a problem which must be faced in some way. The problem is not so acute as in the case of alcoholic beverages, which are not natural products. I use the word ‘natural’ in the sense that alcoholic beverages are not presented for consumption without having been specially prepared by the agency of man. This is also true of coffee and tea, as an extract is made; but in the extract the products are not changed, but only placed in a form suitable for drinking; whereas in the preparation of an alcoholic beverage the natural constituents of the products are entirely altered, the sugar being converted more or less completely into two other products wholly dissimilar in character; namely, carbon dioxide and alcohol. The soluble products of a cup of coffee or tea are those which are contained in the original substances, and it is not likely that they are changed in any marked manner by the process of leaching.
“There is, however, one distinct line to be drawn between such a drug as caffein and such a beverage as alcohol. In the use of caffein the person does not, as a rule, inflict any injury upon other people. He does not beat his wife, nor neglect his children, nor become a drunken sot reeling in the street. At most he becomes nervous, gets a disordered digestion, and a tendency to headache and depression in the absence of his accustomed drug.”
A little over three hundred years ago, tea and coffee were practically unknown in civilized lands; to-day, these beverages are found in nearly every home, and are freely used by adults and children. Aside from this, caffein, the poisonous alkaloid found in tea and coffee, is dispensed in many so-called headache cures and other patent medicines. It is also sold at the soda-fountains in many of the soft drinks.
Dr. Wiley calls attention to the difference that exists between alcohol and caffein. In the production of alcohol, he says, the original products—the sugars—are changed into carbon dioxide and alcohol; while in the cup of tea or coffee we find the original product unchanged. This is true; but this fact can not be urged in favor of the moderate use of caffein; for the same thing might be said with equal truth of cocaine, morphin, strychnin, and other poisons which are deadly in their effect. The fact is that there are many poisons found in the vegetable kingdom which are more to be dreaded than alcohol itself.
“In the use of caffein,” says Dr. Wiley, “the person . . . does not beat his wife, nor neglect his children, nor become a drunken sot reeling in the street.” This is equally true of the one under the influence of opium; and yet the representative men of China have been forced to prohibit the use of opium by the people.
Dr. Wiley says that, at most, caffein causes nervousness and a disordered digestion, and that abstinence from the accustomed cup results in headache and depression. The one who is nervous is naturally irritable and impatient; and impatience, we must admit, is responsible for most of the domestic unhappiness that exists. So while caffein does not cause its user to reel in the streets, indirectly its use is responsible for many an unhappy home, and probably in part for the enormous increase in divorce.
Nervousness and insomnia are the forerunners of insanity; and insanity is rapidly increasing in civilized countries. Dr. Forbes Winslow, an eminent English expert in criminal lunacy, says that the English people are “gradually approaching near proximity to a nation of madmen.”
“By comparing,” he says, “the lunacy statistics of 1869 with those of 1909, my reflections are sad indeed. A terrible but real curse is in store, and an insane world looks forward to me with certainty in the not-far-distant future.”
There are probably more nervous wrecks made by tea and coffee than by alcohol. So serious has this problem become in Ireland, that in a recent report from an inspector of schools, tea was considered a greater menace to the well-being of the people than alcohol. The presence of physical and moral degeneracy among many of the dwellers in Ireland is attributed to the free use of tea. The time is not far distant when the search-light of science must be turned upon these two beverages, as in the past ten years it has been turned upon alcohol. When it is, caffein will be placed side by side with morphin, cocain, and the other members of the family of narcotic drugs, where it rightfully belongs.
We are certain that homes are made happier and better when their inmates abstain from these beverages altogether.
Takoma Park, D. C.
A Housekeeper's Symphony
By Fanny Waugh Davis
To do the best I can from morn till night,
And pray for added strength with coming light;
To make the family income reach alway,
With some left over for a rainy day;
To do distasteful things with happy face,
To try to keep the odds and ends in place;
To smile instead of frown at fate,
Which placed me in a family always late
To meals; to do the sewing, mending, and
The thousand small things always near at hand,
And do them always with a cheerful heart,
Because in life they seem to be my part;
To know the place for everything, and keep
It there; to think, to plan, to cook, to sweep,
To brew, to bake, to answer questions,
To be the mainspring of the family clock,
Or that effect, and see that no tick-tock
Is out of time or tune, or soon or late—
This is the only symphony which I
Can ever hope to operate.
— Fanny Waugh Davis.
Making Dustless Dust-Cloths
DUSTLESS dust-cloths sell in stores for twenty-five cents, but they may be easily made at home by soaking squares of old flannel in paraffin or floor-oil overnight, and wringing them out tightly. If they are washed in lukewarm water, they will last indefinitely without resoaking. They gather up every particle of dust, and leave a nice polish on the furniture.
Duty of Parents Toward Their Children and Their Children’s Teacher
By Edith Manny
EDITH MANNY
Much has been said on the subject of the teacher’s duty toward her pupils and their parents; but I wish to write of the duty of the parents toward the teacher and to their own children.
I have seen parents who seemed to think that when their children were given their school supplies, and started to school every morning, their duty, in regard to the children’s school life, was ended. But not so, dear parents. Your duties and responsibilities are not so light and easily shaken off. In fact, when the child is started to school, your duties have just begun, so far as his school life is concerned.
Surely no one can have a deeper interest in a child than his own parents ought to have; yet I have seen children who have so little interest taken in them at home, that their very faces show they are hungry for an encouraging word. Ought this to be so with our boys and girls? How can fathers and mothers rightly expect a teacher to arouse and maintain within their children an eager desire and intense interest to learn, when they do not encourage them at home?
If parents show no interest in the child and his development, how can they expect that the child will have such an interest? A child with such a home environment, unless he has very strong will power and keen insight, is one of the listless, don’t-care class that are ever a source of difficulty to the already burdened teacher.
Another serious error committed by unwise parents is to criticize the teacher in the presence of the children. To do this is to destroy and tear down all the respect and confidence the children should have for their teacher. “Well,” says one, “the teacher ought not to have faults, and make mistakes.” Perhaps this is true; perhaps she ought to be perfect. So ought we all; but are we? Can we rightly expect perfection in others, when we ourselves are not living up to that standard?
If you find that the teacher is making some serious mistake in the management of your child, how much better it would be to go personally to her, and have a warm, heart-to-heart talk with her on the subject, than to storm about it in the presence of the children, and perhaps of your unconverted companion! Which is the better way? Which is the Christian way? Which will produce the better results?
The duties of parents do not by any means excuse the teacher from her burden of responsibility. But the soul of that child of yours is so precious, and the agencies that are working to destroy it are so many and so strong, that it will take united, earnest effort to save it for the kingdom.
What is more pleasing and successful than full co-operation between the parent and teacher, both of whom should feel their sacred duties and responsibilities?
In order that the child may have the highest possible advantages, let every parent take a deeper and heartier interest in the child, co-operating fully with the teacher, who is, if an efficient teacher and a conscientious Christian (and no other kind should ever be placed over our youth), trying to the best of her ability to use her God-given powers to the best advantage for your child. Help her all you can. Help her with an encouraging word about the advancement of your child now and then; no one but a teacher knows how much such a kindness is appreciated. Help her by upholding her before your children. Help her by your co-operation and by your prayers.
And you, dear teachers, take courage, and work more earnestly than ever. Remember that God will reward you for your anxious watching and faithfulness. Appreciate what he is doing for you, and what he has promised to do. Read Dan. 12:3. And remember that the servant of the Lord has said: “It is the nicest work ever given to mortal man to train the delicate, growing mind for eternity.”
St. Joseph, Mo.
Household Stores
If you have potatoes or other vegetables stored in barrels or bins, they should be picked over once every week, and the defective ones thrown away. If there is any indication of sweating, spread out on the floor for a day or two to dry, then pack again.
Fine, sound apples can be kept through the entire winter by wrapping each one separately in soft, unprinted paper, twisting the corners tightly together, then packing carefully in wooden boxes, and covering with fine, dry sand.
Dried fruits and vegetables, such as beans and peas, should be kept in tin boxes, with air-tight covers, in a cool, dry pantry.
Tumblers of jam, jelly, and marmalade should be kept in the dark, as the light acts chemically upon their contents. If your fruit-pantry or storeroom is light, put each glass jar into a paper sack, twist the top, and tie with a cord.—Indiana Farmer.
It Is No Myth
By Worthie Harris Holden
WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
It is no myth, but ’tis a mystery,
How Christ, the Son of God, could die
for me;
How love so infinite and so divine
Could stoop to lift a sordid life like
mine.
God gave so much for something less
than naught,—
Can e’er I praise redemption as I ought?
It is no myth, but ’tis a mystery,
That I might dwell with Christ eternally,—
Companion with the Maker of our earth,
Whose word omniscient gave all beings
birth.
God plans so great for mortals such as
we,
That heaven alone can tune our ecstasy!
It is no myth, but ’tis a mystery,
That God omnipotent should ’bide with
me.
Each day and hour he is my strength
and stay,—
My guide and my protector on life’s way.
What should life’s loyal, loving service
be
To prove my gratitude’s sincerity?
I am too small to comprehend his grace;
But this I know,—that when I see his
face,
Compassionate, yet glorified, serene,
’Twill be the One whom I have loved
supreme;
In whom I found life’s meaning; who
inspires
And satisfies my ardent soul-desires.
Portland, Ore.
Study the Bible
By Uriah Smith
YOUNG people of reason and common sense, give your serious attention to these points. Read your Bibles again. Read carefully — read prayerfully. See whether these things are true or not. Dare to think for yourselves. Do not trust to commentaries. Do not build your faith on bodies of divinity. Go to the fountainhead of truth. “The words of the Lord are pure words.” “The law of the Lord is perfect.” This can not be said of the writings or opinions of any man or of any number of men, however wise and holy they may be.
To err is human. God and his truth are alone infallible. Show yourselves true Protestants, and cast away the “traditions of men.” You have the Bible. The wisest and holiest of the “fathers” had no more. Your ministers have nothing else to guide them — at least they ought not to have. “The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the religion of Protestants.” Go, then, to your Bibles, and see whether the God-dishonoring doctrines to which your attention has been directed are found there or not. — Uriah Smith.
Some Things That Are Catching
You know there are some diseases that are said to be “catching,” which means that one sick person can give his disease to another.
If you had measles or whooping-cough, you would not try to give your disease to any one else, would you? But there are other things that are catching, which you may give without thinking. Crossness and bad temper are catching, too. One child may give them to a whole company of others; for they spread very fast. When you feel cross and quarrelsome, it is better to stay by yourself till you feel pleasant, or make up your mind to be pleasant anyhow, than to go among others and harm them.
But good temper, sunshine, love, and joy are catching, too, and can be spread ever so far. Be careful what you give, then. Let others catch happiness, and not the sulks or bad temper, from you.
— Selected.
FRANK S. BOND
By FRANK S. BOND
Spain
FRANK S. BOND
RECENTLY, in company with my wife and little boy, I came from Valencia to Rubielos, to spend a few days with our brethren and other interested persons. It did our hearts good to hold Bible studies and meetings with these simple-hearted people. They seem to have dedicated their lives to this message, and from them we hope to see several consecrated and efficient laborers enter the work of God. Two young men of Rubielos are attending our school at Gland, Switzerland, and we have received encouraging reports with reference to their advancement.
Last Sabbath we had the privilege of holding quarterly meeting with the little company at Rubielos, fourteen believers taking part in the ordinances.11
From Rubielos we came on to Villarroya, where we have spent five days at the home of Brother Cruz Sanguesa, who is the only Sabbath-keeper in this place. His wife, children, and other relatives and friends listened attentively to the message as we endeavored to present it to them; but thus far none of them seem to have decided to walk in the light. This brother, however, has two daughters at Rubielos who are Adventists, and we trust that by his and their influence, the other members of the family may be won to the truth.
The province of Teruel, in whose territory the above-named towns are situated, is a wild, mountainous region. Comparatively little of the soil is tillable, and most of the inhabitants have a hard struggle to gain a livelihood. One railway traverses the province, but we find that many inhabitants of those mountain towns have never seen a railroad or a train. There are elderly people living in Villarroya who have never seen an ordinary wagon or cart. All traffic is carried on by pack-animals over mountain trails.
Our trip from Rubielos to Villarroya required about thirteen hours, and much of the scenery through which we passed is grand and beautiful. Large pine forests on every hand, with here and there a beautiful meadow, upon whose fragrant grasses sleek cattle are grazing, with living springs and streams of pure, sparkling water gushing from the hillsides,—all tend to inspire one to greater faithfulness in the service of his Creator.
By his Holy Spirit the Lord is working upon hearts in Spain. Only the other day I received an excellent letter from a man in the town of Fortuna, province of Murcia, who has recently learned the truth. Our canvassers carried the message to his home, and later I had the privilege of studying with him, and holding one meeting in his house. In his letter he says: “Brother, I tell you that I am persuaded that this is all the work of the Lord; because I ask him in prayer that he may give me his light to be able to understand the truth; and the study of the paper [referring to the paper we circulate here] is very precious. It gives much and very new light with reference to the law, the prophecies, His second coming, the day of rest, alcohol, and everything; and consequently I have pulled up more than half of my vineyard, and sowed it to wheat, because I believe it will be more pleasing to God.”
There is power in God’s Word to transform the life of the vilest sinner. When that Word enters the heart of the man of vice, the cords which hold his evil habits are severed, and he becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. Heb. 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:17. When a man gets to the point where he can pull up more than half his vineyard, it is a pretty good indication of his sincerity. No ordinary influence will cause one who is addicted to the use of wine to leave off that beverage. God’s truth alone is able to bring about such a change.
Valencia.
The Aymara Indians of Bolivia and Peru
By F. A. STAHL
F. A. STAHL
There are about one hundred fifty thousand of these people, Peru claiming fifty thousand, and Bolivia the remainder. The Aymara Indians are naturally a strong, sturdy race, the severe climate and their rough way of living allowing only those to live who are strong. But the use of alcohol and coca is making terrible inroads among them. Diseases which were unknown a few years ago are now cutting them down in great numbers.
From our first meeting with them in La Paz, we have been interested in this people. The more we have seen their need, the greater our interest has grown. A few weeks ago, I received a letter from Elder A. N. Allen, of Peru, asking me to work with him among the Aymara Indians at Puno, Peru, a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the border-line between Bolivia and Peru. Some at this place had accepted the truth through the efforts of one of their number reading our literature, and then instructing the others.
After consulting Elder J. W. Westphal, I met Brother Allen at Puno, and together we labored among these people. When they received word that we were coming, hundreds came out to meet us, some carrying flags, giving us a most hearty welcome. After each one had embraced us, a custom the people have, which takes some time where there are several hundred to deal with, they called for a meeting. The first meeting lasted from 9 A. M. to 4 P. M., with one hour's intermission for lunch. The speaking was done through interpreters, of whom there were two. The interest these people manifested was intense. At times they could not contain themselves, and would repeat aloud the words spoken, not once but many times. Every day the interest increased. We received invitations from other villages to speak and instruct them. They compelled us to stay longer than we had planned, the people coming for miles around.
At one place we were invited to speak in their church. This church we dedicated to the worship of the true God. It belongs to the people, and has been used for years as a place in which to worship images. The people have now cleaned these out.
They brought many sick for us to treat, and we visited others at their homes. God blessed this work, and many were healed, not so much on account of what we did as in answer to earnest prayer. In one place a father called for us. We found his daughter ill with typhoid pneumonia, struggling for life. We told them to take the fire out at once, as the place was full of smoke; then we instructed the mother how to care for her daughter, showing her how to use the chest compress and give the cool sponge. We also advised her to give the patient plenty of cold, pure water to drink (this had been withheld), and also instructed her as to her diet. Then Brother Allen and I invited the father and mother, with others who were there, into this rude hut, and prayed for the life of this daughter. God heard and answered, and has restored her to her happy parents.
Not far from this place, we were led to another hut. As our eyes became used to the dim light, we were almost overcome by the sight that met our eyes. On the floor on one side of the hut lay a woman dying. At her feet lay two very sick children. On the other side lay a man groaning in agony, and at his feet lay another child very sick. The whole family was ill with typhoid. The floor of the hut was covered with filth. In one corner was a pile of decaying food. Near the sick children were placed bowls of chopped pork. We could not stay in the place longer than two or three minutes at a time. The father and three children were moved to a clean hut, and placed upon a milk diet, and given pure water to drink. When last heard from, they were improving. The mother died a few hours after our first visit.
All this sickness is the result of ignorance. The people are calling for instruction, and are willing to follow it when given. Can we withhold it from them? We treated fifty sick persons, and promised to do all we could for them in the future.
We asked them if they wanted schools for their children. Almost with one voice was heard, “Waliki,” “Waliki” (Good, Good). “Will you help to build these schools?” was asked. “Hisa,” “Hisa” (Yes, Yes), they all responded.
The people brought us eggs, potatoes, cheese, etc., and nothing would satisfy them until we had taken these things. During a meeting, those who came in late would go right up to the speaker and embrace him. But this would not interrupt the meeting. Elder Allen baptized fifteen faithful persons. The weather was cold, and a light snow was falling, but they did not mind this. They were happy in the thought that God loved them, and that they could also follow in the footsteps of the dear Saviour. It was a new thing to them to hear that God really loved them; they had never realized this before. There was no irreverence at this baptism; it was a most impressive scene. The children, as well as the adults, were in a spirit of prayer.
A few days after this, we bade them farewell. About a hundred accompanied us for several miles, many being in tears. Not long afterward, the priests influenced the authorities to arrest fifteen of these young men because they met us with flags. What the outcome of this will be, we do not know, but we have faith to believe it will only strengthen the cause of truth. Brethren and sisters, remember these Aymara Indians in your prayers, that God may send them faithful teachers.
Following is a song in the Aymara language, with its translation into English:—
“Mojgsa Jesus Auki,Hamki munamti;Wawaman almapa,Mankgan chhactanapa.
“Sweet Jesus mine,
Look on me, a sinner;
My soul is lost,
For sin is mortal.
“My God, thou knowest me.
I am frail;
I also acknowledge,
Thy great kindness.”
INDIANS MEETING OUR WORKERS WITH FLAGS
Evangelization of Japanese in the Hawaiian Islands
By Yoshio Tanimoto
YOSHIO TANIMOTO
The condition of Japanese mission work in Hawaii is steadily improving, with more churches and evangelists added. But the people are still far from the kingdom of God. There are few who seek after the true God. Doubt and misery distress them.
Many of our countrymen have lost faith in their old religion. They are wretched, distressed, scattered abroad as sheep not having a shepherd.
The command is given to us: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” In preparing the way among our countrymen, many obstacles should be removed:—
1. Superstitious ideas and misunderstanding about the Christian religion, and what it stands for. Many of our people think it is the foreigners’ religion, or a religion for white people only, and not for us, we having our own. This is a valley to be filled up.
2. The bad habits and customs prevailing in Japanese camps, and also the unhealthful surroundings. These are crooked ways to be straightened.
3. There are many national vices which rise up like mountains. One of these is the parent of all others,—intemperance. It hinders the progress of God’s kingdom, and ruins many precious souls. Some people approve Christianity, but do not become Christians. One said to me: “Many times I have trembled and wept as I listened to sermons, and have made up my mind to be a child of God; but when I got home, the first glass of wine swept all these resolutions away.”
We are fighting this great enemy, intemperance, and also other vices which hinder the progress of the Redeemer’s kingdom. We are trying to build up his kingdom by every means we can use.
The Scripture says: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent?” There is great advantage in making Japanese Christians. They make good missionaries when they get back to Japan. Remember Hawaii in your prayers.
Honomu, Hawaii.
L. D. SANTÉE
By L. D. SANTÉE
Prepared
L. D. SANTÉE
“I go to prepare a place for you.”—Jesus.
Ah, there’s a place where the weary may rest,
Safe in the shadowless isles of the blest,—
Place where the sorrowful weep nevermore,
Place where life’s waters lap soft on the shore,
Place where our home with our loved ones is shared,
Lovely, immortal, that Christ has prepared.
There, ’neath the sun of a radiant day,
Glory celestial will ne’er pass away;
Harps of rejoicing we claim as our own,
Down by life’s river or near to the throne;
Ne’er by the tempter the faithful are snared
In the bright mansions that Christ has prepared.
In that glad morning when white robes are given,
Rich with the glory and freshness of heaven,
Bright, pearly gates, with a splendor untold,
Welcome the ransomed where streets are of gold.
Mansions of beauty by loved ones are shared
In the fair city that Christ has prepared.
Moline, Ill.
Religious Liberty in Madagascar
For several years the representatives of the Anglican, Protestant, and Roman Catholic missions in Madagascar have justly complained that their work has been hindered by the French governor-general of the island, who has shut up a large proportion of the mission schools, and has refused permission for new churches to be built, or for native congregations to assemble for worship, even in private houses. All who are interested in the maintenance of religious liberty will welcome the statements made by the newly appointed governor, M. Piquie, who has publicly declared that he is anxious “to maintain the policy of toleration in religious matters.” Should the policy previously adopted—of interfering with the religious beliefs of the people—be abandoned, and the Malagasy be left free to provide for the religious instruction of their own children and for their common worship, it is probable that there will be a rapid spread of the Christian faith throughout the island.—The Mission Field.
Temperance and Religious Revival
“A GREAT movement in Ireland, unequalled in results for many years, has been sweeping over Ulster County; and in less than nine months over fifty thousand persons have been brought into the ranks of total abstainers. It is a remarkable fact that wherever a temperance movement advances, it is followed by a religious one. In a miners’ village in Wales, during the great revival, a pledge was laid on the communion table and signed by two hundred seventy men: then those who had pledged themselves to abstain from drink came up on a subsequent evening, and signed in the pulpit Bible, on the fly-leaves, a covenant with Christ to abstain from sin, and follow him as their leader.”
