THE Kansas camp meeting at Emporia closed September 3. Elders J. T. Boettcher, F. W. Paap, J. P. Anderson, of China, G. F. Haffner, Prof. C. L. Benson, and the usual Union workers were present. The number attending this meeting was about the same as at the meeting in Denver, Colo.—about one thousand. The attendance of those not of our faith was not large. The camp was on the same ground that was occupied last year. More than fifty persons were baptized at the close of the meeting. A large number of young people were present, and the services held with them were of special interest.
Elder Paap gave stirring talks on home missionary work, which were greatly appreciated. Brother Boettcher's studies and his narrations of the difficulties caused by the war in Russia and throughout Europe were of thrilling interest to all. Dr. R. L. Stokes, of the Kansas Sanitarium, at Wichita, was present, and gave a very interesting address in the main auditorium.
The sanitarium, although without a doctor for five or six months, except a local physician who came in for an hour or two each day, made a remarkable financial showing. During the year about $10,000 worth of necessary improvements have been made in the institution, one half of which were paid for from the earnings of the institution.
Elder W. D. MacLay was reëlected president of the conference. The Kansas Conference is the largest conference in the Union. During the past year it has conducted a vigorous campaign along evangelistic lines. About 388 baptisms were reported during the year.
The time of the Nebraska meeting at Hastings overlapped that of the Kansas meeting one week. This did not permit some of the workers to attend both meetings throughout the entire time. About $6,000 was pledged for foreign missions, $2,000 of this being conditional on the sale of land. We understand that a little more than this was raised at the Nebraska meeting.
The meetings in Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas all have been successful, and have shown excellent results, especially the efforts put forth for the young people. An earnest spirit was manifested among the youth in all these conferences to prepare themselves for service in the cause of God by attending some of our educational institutions. More than 230 persons were baptized at these four meetings, and these were largely from among the young people.
A portion of Kansas and Missouri has suffered extreme drought. In places there has been no rain for more than two months. The corn crop in a large portion of the State of Nebraska is a total failure. However, in the southwestern part of the State along the Blue River valley there is good corn. The same is true with reference to the central and southern parts of Missouri. The failure, or partial failure, of the corn crop in these States will have some effect on the finances in these conferences. However, the faith and courage of our people is not daunted by the drought and other unfavorable conditions.
The book sales in all these conferences have shown a large gain over the previous year. I think Kansas has led the entire Pacific Press territory in book sales. In all these States there is a large corps of young men and women giving the truth by means of the printed page. This is accomplishing a vast amount of good, as shown by the many instances which were cited at the various meetings of individuals who have accepted the truth as a result of purchasing some of our publications. The colporteur work is thoroughly organized, and is seeking the advancement of this message rather than commercial advantages. With God's blessing, a large number of young men and women have earned scholarships to enter Union College or one of our several academies, to receive a better training for the Master's service.
Our brethren are planning to conduct a vigorous campaign in the Harvest Ingathering work for missions. Already Missouri has made substantial progress in the plan of having all her churches reach the goal of $5 a member. If this can be accomplished, a threefold purpose will be attained,—means will come in to extend this work, souls will be greatly blessed in the reading matter which they receive, and those engaged in the work will be both blessed and strengthened spiritually.
The Central Union Conference, has set its mark to come out ahead on the twenty-cent-a-week plan for every conference in the Union.
R. A. UNDERWOOD.
Alabama Camp Meeting
By J. W. Davis
The Alabama camp meeting was held in Montgomery, August 10-20. The camp was in a pleasant grove, had good car service, and was favorably situated for the attendance each evening of those not of our faith. The weather was ideal throughout the meeting. The attendance of our own people was not very large, yet all seemed to feel that they had been repaid for coming. Those camped on the ground enjoyed excellent health.
The writer, not being at the first half of the meeting, can only speak of the excellent spirit during the latter part. Two persons were baptized, while others were to be baptized after returning to their home churches.
The departmental meetings of the conference were well attended, and perfect harmony prevailed in all the business sessions. Elder A. L. Miller, who has served as president of the conference for four years, was reëlected for another term of two years. The other officers were also reëlected.
The treasurer's report showed a very slight decrease in the tithe for the past year, but the first six months of 1916 show a good gain in tithe. The outlook is very encouraging, and we hope to see some excellent work done in the Alabama Conference. About $2,500 was given for missions, for local work, and for the Southern Junior College, at Ooltewah, Tenn.
The report of the home missionary work was very encouraging indeed, last year's report showing 103 working, while this year's shows 404. The offerings have increased with the members reporting. Elder J. F. Wright was reëlected secretary of this department.
The report of the educational work showed there were ten schools being operated in the State, with an increase of ninety pupils, making a total enrolment of 251 pupils.
The Young People's Missionary Volunteer meetings were conducted in the young people's tent twice each day by Elders Meade MacGuire and J. F. Wright and Prof. Lynn H. Wood. There was a good attendance of young people at this meeting, and nearly all who had not previously done so gave their hearts to the Lord. Elder Wright was reëlected secretary of the Educational and Missionary Volunteer departments.
The colporteur work received its share of attention during the meeting. Brother M. L. Wilson, field missionary secretary, has a company of faithful colporteurs, and because of this the canvassing work is in a most prosperous condition. His report for the past year showed a good gain. Meetings were held each day by Brother Wilson, assisted by the writer. Practically all those at the camp were present at these meetings. This was very encouraging to us. Brother Wilson, who has served four years as field missionary secretary, was reëlected to that position.16
Elder Meade MacGuire not only did a most excellent work with the young people, but also took part in the evening services, which were all well attended. On the last Sabbath of the meeting, the Holy Spirit came very near as Elder MacGuire delivered a most solemn message on the victorious life. All reconsecrated themselves to the Lord, and expressed a desire to return to their homes and do more for the unsaved about them than they had ever done before.
Elder Charles Thompson was present from the Northern Union Conference, and rendered excellent service. The plain truths presented could not be gainsaid by even the most skeptical. Elder Thompson preached each evening during the first half of the meeting to a very interested congregation from the city, and we hope yet to see some take their stand for the truth as a result. Other laborers present were Brother G. H. Curtis, secretary-treasurer and auditor of the Southern Union, and the writer.
Personally, I enjoyed the meeting very much. It was a real privilege to meet old friends and to gain new ones, and together enjoy the blessings and sweet spirit which prevailed during this meeting. May the Lord add his blessing to the work that has been done, is my earnest prayer. J. W. DAVIS.
The West Virginia Camp Meeting
By B. G. WILKINSON
THOSE who attended the annual session of the West Virginia Conference this year could only say at its close, “What hath God wrought!” Sabbath keepers who have been many years in the way in this State said they never saw so many new faces before at a camp meeting as at this one, and that it was by far the largest meeting ever held in the State.
The session this year, as last year, was held at Weston, August 30 to September 10. Weston is a town of about 7,000 inhabitants. The public turned out splendidly to our meetings, and many remarked that our attendance was larger and better than in 1915, while the sermons and discourses also were better, producing greater effect.
Never at any previous camp meeting in West Virginia had the people shown such consecration to God’s work, both of themselves and of their means. Two special revival services were held, in which some for the first time took their stand for the truth, while many who had been faltering renewed their consecration. Though there were only 125 of our brethren on the ground, and all of these were not present when the call was made Thursday morning in behalf of the new administration building for Washington Missionary College, there was given in cash and pledges between $1,600 and $1,700. The total amount from this conference will be raised to $2,000. The mission gifts at the two Sabbath schools amounted to more than $300, while another call made Sunday morning found the brethren responding with $1,120. In other words, gifts amounting to more than $3,100 were given at this meeting.
A special session was held to present the Harvest Ingathering campaign. This little conference, with between two and three hundred members, ordered nearly 14,000 of the Missions Signs. Great enthusiasm was manifested, and we believe they will engage in this campaign with all their hearts. On another morning when Brother Enoch presented some of our pamphlets, tracts, and books for sale, the entire stock in the book tent was sold. From every standpoint, the camp meeting was a great blessing.
We were favored part of the time with the presence of Elder A. G. Daniels, and most of the time with the presence of Elder George F. Enoch. The regular corps of Union and local conference laborers were also present. We regret to say that Elder J. W. Hirlinger, who has been acting as president of the conference the past year, was not very well, so he was unable to attend the meetings. However, God has greatly blessed him in his labors of devotion the past year in the West Virginia field. He has now been called to take the home missionary secretaryship of the Columbia Union Conference. As a result, Elder D. A. Parsons, of Pittsburgh, was called to West Virginia, to fill the presidency. He comes into his new field with good courage, and is meeting a hearty welcome from the people.
B. G. WILKINSON.
Representing Our Work in the Newspapers
By W. A. McKibben
In the work of advancing the third angel's message, we have found that the public press affords a wonderful opportunity to hasten its progress, and, if properly used, it wins favor for our work and removes prejudice. When we first began to send in articles, reports, and items for publication in the city papers, we had much to learn by experience,17and we have tried to profit by these experiences.
We found that there was considerable rivalry between the two leading dailies of the city, and that neither cared to publish the same thing as appeared in the other paper. After a few more trials, we observed that one paper was much more favorably disposed toward us than the other one, so we have patronized the former. One of its reporters has called on us each week for church news, announcements, and items, and these have kept our work prominently before the public. When we have called upon the editor with articles for publication, he has expressed his appreciation of them, saying that he is always glad to get them, for they are full of interest, and are all ready for the printer, with very few corrections. Once he remarked that while the readers did not always agree with them, the articles were read with deep interest by many. In all this we take no glory to ourselves, but give it all to God, to whom it belongs, and thank him for the blessed privilege of working in this way for him.
We have found that it pays to write out all articles carefully, observing the rules for newspaper reporting. This care on our part creates a demand for our articles. Reporters and editors will call for them. Only a few days ago a reporter for the daily paper that we have not been patronizing very freely with material for publication, called on us and inquired why we did not send them something occasionally. After a friendly interview we promised to prepare something for his paper.
In writing for the press there is nothing gained by antagonizing individuals, parties, or denominations. The truth can be presented, and right principles contended for, without arousing antagonism; and it would have far more weight, even with our enemies. A prominent Catholic business woman of our city remarked to one of our solicitors last spring that the Seventh-day Adventist pastor is one of the city pastors that keeps out of politics and attends to his own business. Now we have no personal acquaintance with the woman, and did not know that she knew us. But she has undoubtedly become acquainted with our work largely through the press. These dailies have a wide circulation, and it is not an uncommon occurrence to meet people from neighboring towns in this and adjoining States, who make mention of our articles in the papers, and express their interest in them. In some instances the articles have been copied by newspapers of other towns. We praise the Lord for this opening to publish the message in this field.
W. A. McKIBBEN.
The Oklahoma Camp Meeting
By J. L. Shaw
The Oklahoma camp meeting was held in Enid, a city of about twenty thousand, in the north central part of the State. The grounds were well selected, being on the outskirts and of easy access to the city. One hundred and ninety-six tents were pitched, and twelve hundred of our own people were in attendance. The evening meetings were well attended by people from the city.
The Spirit of God was present in the meetings. A large measure of unity was evident in the business proceedings. The importance of winning souls to the truth and of raising up new churches was emphasized. If the plans adopted are carried out by the workers and members of the churches, new life and power will come into the work in all parts of the conference.
Elder John Isaac was unanimously re-elected president of the conference, and William Voth secretary and treasurer. A few changes were made in the members of the conference committee.
The financial report of the conference showed a surplus of funds on hand. Much interest was taken in foreign mission work. Elder J. T. Boettcher, of Russia, was able to spend several days at the camp meeting. His efforts were much appreciated, especially by our German brethren. More than $7,000 in cash and pledges was donated to foreign mission work. The book sales amounted to $1,600.
In addition to the local conference laborers, J. T. Boettcher, J. W. Christian, C. M. Sorenson, A. F. Harrison, W. E. Nelson, L. A. Adams, Dr. Robert Stokes, and the writer were present, and shared in the burdens and blessings of the meetings. Revival work was carried on, and many, both young and old, consecrated their lives to God, some for the first time. Thirty-eight were baptized.
The outlook for the work in the conference is encouraging. Owing to the threatened railway strike, the meeting closed Saturday night, so that people could get to their homes the next day.
J. L. SHAW.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER
By G. W. Anglebarger
Colorado
DENVER.—The Lord is still greatly blessing in the work here. Fourteen persons have been baptized since our camp meeting. We recently closed a series of tent meetings in Littleton, ten miles south of Denver, and eight or ten took their stand for present truth.
We are now in the midst of a tent effort in Englewood, a suburb of Denver. We are having an excellent interest to hear the truth, the tent being well filled each night. We are assisted by C. W. Allen in conducting these meetings. Pray for us.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER
While Studying Hindi
BROTHER FLOYD SMITH, in north India, gives us a little glimpse of some of his and Mrs. Smith’s everyday experiences as, in their mountain retreat, they are delving into the Hindi language. He did not intend this for publication. He says:—
“I was never in a more beautiful place as far as natural scenery goes. We have a magnificent view of the Himalayan snows to the north of us, and we ourselves are at an elevation of 6,000 feet. The pines and the rhododendron trees are all about us. On the rocks the most beautiful begonias grow in abundance, and in the open places are myriads of shamrocks. There are also many other flowers.
“We are about thirty miles from any railway, and fifteen miles from a bazaar. The roads are only mountain trails, and are often in bad condition for even horseback riding. Mrs. Smith has not seen a white woman since April 25, and Mr. Wellman and Mr. Blue are the only white persons we have seen at all.
“We are well and happy. We are beginning to find out what the language is like, and are getting anxious to be able to get in touch with the villagers. This is the work which Brother Wellman desires me to do, rather than to spend my entire time in the school. Scattered about through the mountains are scores of villages having from two hundred to four hundred inhabitants. Though hard to reach, they must hear the message, and I hope to be able to give it to them. As Hindi is the spoken language of this region, we are studying it rather than Urdu.
“Already we have had considerable ‘dispensary work’ to do. There are the ailments of the boys to look after, and there are calls from the near-by villages. We have treated malaria, pneumonia, fevers, headaches, stomach trouble, boils, severe gashes about the head, and various other minor ailments during the short time we have been here. We are glad for the experience gained during our short stay at the Washington Dispensary.”
‘Two Years’ Progress in Great Britain
By William Ambrose Spicer
The recent meeting of the British Union Conference afforded opportunity to review the progress in our work in Great Britain during the last two years of war time. No one acquainted with the work in former years could fail to note the evidences of growth in the work generally, and, it seemed to me, a deepening experience and a growing love for the message. The believers in Great Britain are heart and soul with us in the one ambition to push this last message to all the world.
Having spent a little time in England a year ago on my return from South Africa, I could not fail to note the tightening down of the war situation. However, while everywhere it is apparent that a great struggle is being waged, it is surprising to the visitor how nearly life approximates to normal conditions.
Amid such times I was quite prepared on reaching England to find rather a small attendance at the Union Conference, which was held in the city of Derby; but the brethren and sisters came out in good numbers, staying from the beginning to the end of the conference. In his presidential report, Elder W. J. Fitzgerald spoke as follows of the experiences of the last two years:—
“Our work during the biennial period ending June 30 last, made very encouraging headway, notwithstanding difficulties arising because of the war. The showing is altogether more favorable than we dared to hope for when we separated from Battersea on Aug. 5, 1914. As we look back over the two years, we find very substantial reasons for thanking God and taking courage.
“Within the two years we received into fellowship 653 new members. Eighty-two members died in the faith, sustained by the blessed hope of the message. Sixty-four were transferred by letter to churches in foreign countries. On June 30, 1916, the Union membership was 2,879. We had hoped to have 3,000 members by the end of the biennial period, but we were disappointed to the extent of 121. However, it appears that a sufficient number of persons have been received into membership in July to bring us beyond the 3,000 mark.
“At the beginning of the period, we feared we should be called upon to suffer a great shrinkage in our income of tithes and offerings. In fact, so great was our fear that the Union committee definitely advised a considerable curtailment of expenditure by the various local conferences during the second half of 1914. That meant, of course, a weakening of our aggressive efforts; but to our great surprise, both the third and fourth quarters of 1914 made very large financial gains, and we are happy to report that from quarter to quarter ever since both tithes and mission offerings have been reaching higher marks. We have, therefore, been able to resume and continue aggressive work in all parts of the Union.
“The tithes for the two years ending June 30 last, amounted to $82,075, a gain of $13,435 over the two years just preceding the war. The mission offerings for the same period amounted to $23,465, or an increase of $6,840 as compared with the preceding period. Putting the tithes and mission offerings together, the two-year period shows a gain of $20,275 over the two years ending just before the war began.”
Passing on to the current year, it was gratifying to note that the increase of receipts for the first half of 1916 was still more marked.
Our brethren and sisters in Great Britain sent their greetings to the believers across the sea. They felt especially to respond with grateful thanks to the North American Division for the proposition made at the last autumn council to raise a fund of $10,000 to aid in establishing a suitable house of worship in London. The believers out in the different districts of Great Britain are rallying to help on this enterprise, and of course our people in London are reviving efforts which they have maintained for some years to work up funds for the enterprise, which seems to them within the range of possibility, now that their brethren in North America are taking hold to help.
Owing to the war situation, the care of the European Division missions in all the British portions of Africa (outside the South African Union Conference) has fallen to our British Union Conference. Loyally they are responding to this extra burden. Thus far the British Union offerings for missions have been able to carry the load, and even to plan some extensions in the work. All felt much gratified to hear the splendid reports from Elder D. C. Babcock, of the new Nigeria Mission. The conference selected a young evangelist and his wife, who are planning to go to Nigeria this autumn.
Naturally the publishing work has18been hardest hit by war conditions, both on account of the disarrangement of the canvassing ranks and by the great increase of the cost of paper and other materials. Yet Brother W. C. Sisley, of the International Tract Society, was able to report total sales during the last two years of $144,195, or $425 more than in the preceding two years. The sales of the large books, however, have fallen very low during these times; and while the printing house keeps the supply of smaller literature flowing into the field, the brethren will be pleased the present year if the publishing work comes through without showing loss. Many publishing houses have had to close, owing to the abnormal conditions.
The sanitarium work is truly prospering. Dr. A. B. Olsen, at Caterham, had an institution full to overflowing, with numbers on the waiting list. The new institution at Watford, under Dr. C. H. Hayton, was also full, and both these institutions are being made positive factors in the educational and evangelistic work.
The Union Conference training college resumes its work, under the principalship of Prof. Glen R. Wakeham, but with prospect of much-reduced attendance, owing to the war. The young men who otherwise would have attended, are scattered in various parts of France and Great Britain, engaged in various noncombatant occupations, but under conditions allowing them to witness for the truth. Again and again these youth have reported experiences showing unmistakably the Lord’s special blessing in giving favor with men. One young English brother who was laboring in Central Europe at the time of the outbreak of the war, and who was interned in a prison camp, has told of eleven persons’ beginning to keep the Sabbath as the result of his labors among his fellow prisoners. The full story cannot be told until after the war, and possibly will never be told until the records are opened above; but truly we have seen the delivering hand of God on every side amid the great troubles that come to a Christian people living amid the flames of war.
Three men were ordained to the work of the ministry at the conference,—John McAvoy, of England; Robert Whiteside, of Ireland; and David Morrison, of England; the latter, one of the young men whom Brother A. LaRue found years ago on the British battleship “Terrible,” then in Hongkong harbor. Brother E. Young, another one of the company on the “Terrible,” was present at the conference, and is an active and efficient worker in the cause.
Elder and Sister H. J. Edmed had just reached England from South Africa, to join our brethren in evangelistic work in the great cities. Elder Edmed’s ringing testimony at the conference was very much appreciated, and he and Sister Edmed have received a hearty welcome from our British brethren. They will engage at present in the work in London.
The district of London, and the northern and eastern counties about it, were organized as a conference, Elder W. H. Meredith, of the Midland Conference, being transferred to this new East Central Conference; while Elder J. D. Gillatt, president of the Scottish Conference, takes the Midland, and Elder R. Mussen, of the Irish Mission, takes the Scottish Conference. It is encouraging to see a band of young evangelists growing up in Great Britain, and the Lord is blessing their service. Elder W. J. Fitzgerald was reelected to the presidency of the Union, and Brother W. E. Read to the secretaryship.
Our brethren in Britain bespeak our prayers and our coöperation in their work.
W. A. SPICER.
The Camp Meeting in Mississippi
By N. B. King
OUR annual meeting was held at Hattiesburg, Miss., August 27 to September 3. The attendance was very good, in spite of scarcity of money in our section of the country. There were about sixty-five or seventy campers, including children. All seemed to share in the joys of the spiritual feast. We feel well assured that the Spirit of the Lord was ever present. Our early morning meetings were especially enjoyable, and lasting impressions were made upon those attending them.
The visitors were Elder J. G. Dasent, of Nashville, Tenn., and Elder R. E. Burk, of Meridian, Miss. There were present also John R. Staton, field missionary secretary, and Brother Ben C. Marshall, secretary and treasurer. We regret very much that we could not have with us Elder C. S. Wiest, our president, who was recently called to Battle Creek, Mich., to take charge of the work there. Elder Wiest has done an excellent work here, and we regret very much to have him leave us. We wish him God's abundant blessing in his new field of labor.
Sisters M. A. Murphy and Dora Wilson rendered excellent service in demonstrating the principles of hygienic cooking, making a lasting impression upon the many housewives not of our faith who were present; and quite a number of our cookbooks were sold.
I am sure that our work in Hattiesburg has been placed on vantage ground. We raised in cash for missions $21.33, and quite a number pledged to raise $5 apiece in the Harvest Ingathering campaign. Thirteen hundred copies of the Harvest Ingathering Signs were ordered. Trusting him who doeth all things well, we are sure of large returns from efforts which will be put forth.
At this meeting five persons followed their Lord in baptism. Brother D. V. Barnes was ordained to the gospel ministry. We pray that he may ever have the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Let us all watch and work, praying while we wait for his glorious appearing.
Note the references to the Old Testament, and make a list of them.
Study the geography covered by this book, especially that of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding country.
Make a list of the miracles and parables recorded by Matthew.
From Malachi to Matthew
Great events took place in the political world in the interval between the close of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. When Malachi prophesied, the Persian Empire, having its capital in the Far East, was at the height of its power. In 330 B. C. Alexander the Great subjugated the Persian Empire, and became master of the Oriental world; after his death his kingdom was divided into four parts. The Jews, by this arrangement, were the most of the time under the dominion of Egypt until 198 B. C., when Antiochus the Great, king of Syria, wrested Palestine from Egypt. A later Syrian king, Antiochus Epiphanes (176-164), attempted to destroy the religion of Jehovah: the temple was desecrated and closed; Jerusalem twice taken and sacked, and a system of cruel persecutions instituted. The very harsh measures used to compel the Jews to give up their religion reacted, and Judas Maccabeus, the reputed son of a priest named Mattathias, led a successful revolution which captured Jerusalem and rededicated the temple in 164 B. C. After him his four brothers ruled in succession. The boundaries of the land were extended over Edom, Samaria, and Galilee. In 40 B. C., the armed force which the Romans had lent Herod to enforce his claims which had been ratified by the Roman Senate, entered the city of Jerusalem, and made Herod the Great, an Idumean and a descendant of Esau, king over Palestine. Jesus was born near the close of his reign.
Matthew — Apostle and Evangelist
Matthew, the author of the first Gospel, was a Galilean Jew. His home was at Capernaum, and his business was that of a small tax collector under the Roman government. He appears to have been a man of wealth. By the calling of Matthew, the busy collector of dues and customs from travelers and cargoes crossing the Sea of Galilee, or passing through Capernaum on the great Damascus road which ran along the shore, we are shown that “Christ does not call idle men to work in his vineyard.”
“Matthew was a Jew; but when he became a publican, his brethren despised him. The Jewish people were continually irritated on account of the Roman yoke. That a despised and heathen nation should collect tribute of them was a constant reminder that their power and glory had departed. Their indignation knew no bounds when one of their own people so far forgot the honor of his exalted race as to accept the office of tax-gatherer.
“But the mind of Jesus was not molded after the prejudices of the Pharisees. He looked below the surface, and read the heart. His divine eye saw in Matthew one whom he could use for the establishment of his church. This man had listened to the teachings of Christ, and had been attracted to him. Without a doubtful murmur, or question as to his consequent pecuniary loss, Matthew rose up and followed his Master.”— Mrs. E. G. White.
The Book of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthew, like that of Mark and Luke, is called “synoptical,” because it gives the reader a more or less connected view of the Saviour’s life. This, the earliest of the Gospels, was written at Jerusalem, between A. D. 50 and A. D. 65, in the Greek language. It is thought that it may have been written at a still earlier date in Aramaic, the language of Palestine; but this is uncertain. The great object of the book was to show to the Jews that the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah meet their complete and perfect fulfilment in Christ. There are said to be as many as sixty-five references in this Gospel to the Old Testament Scriptures.
Missionary Volunteer Department
M. E. KERN Secretary
MATILDA ERICKSON Assistant Secretary
MRS. I. H. EVANS Office Secretary
EDWARD MACGUIRE
C. L. BENSON Field Secretaries
J. F. SIMON
Christ’s Ambassador
He held the lamp of truth that day
So low that none could miss the way;
And yet so high to bring in sight
That picture fair — the World's Great Light —
That, gazing up,— the lamp between,—
The hand that held it scarce was seen.
He held the pitcher, stooping low,
To lips of little ones below,
Then raised it to the weary saint,
And bade him drink, when sick and faint!
They drank; the pitcher thus between,
The hand that held it scarce was seen.
He blew the trumpet soft and clear,
That trembling sinners need not fear;
And then, with louder note and bold,
To raze the walls of Satan's hold,
The trumpet coming thus between,
The hand that held it scarce was seen.
But when the Captain says, “Well done,
Thou good and faithful servant; come!
Lay down the pitcher and the lamp,
Lay down the trumpet,—leave the camp,”—
The weary hands will then be seen
Clasped in those pierced ones — naught between.
— Selected.
The Cost of Haste
“We never have leisure enough to atone for the things we do in haste.”
The Religious Horoscope
By C. S. Longacre
WE are glad to report that the first session of the Sixty-fourth Congress adjourned without enacting any of the Sunday and press bills which were pending. However, one Sunday measure was reported out of committee into the Senate for favorable action. This bill was entered upon the regular calendar and came up for passage before the Senate on seven different occasions, but was objected to each time by some Senator; so it was passed over for future action, and will come up again in the next session of Congress. The other nine bills which we have been opposing have not yet been reported out of committee. They are the three Sunday bills, four press measures, and two Christian amendment bills.
The credit belongs to God for staying action on all these bills. He has signally granted us favor with influential men, and they have stood loyally by us; and seconded every effort to prevent the enactment of this kind of legislation. We hope we may be equally successful during20the next session; as all these measures remain alive until March 4, 1917, when we pray that they may die with the closing of the Sixty-fourth Congress.
The outlook in the field is ominous at present. A number of Sunday-law crusades are being carried on in several States with considerable earnestness manifested on both sides. The whole State of Oregon is in the throes of an anti-Sunday-law campaign, and the existing Sunday law of Oregon will be submitted to the citizens of Oregon on the referendum plan for repeal at the polls on general election day in November. Our people in Oregon are heart and soul in the campaign, and are distributing large quantities of literature on the subject of Sunday laws and religious liberty, and everybody is asked to vote “Yes” on No. 312, and thus repeal the old drastic religious Sunday law of Oregon.
A number of city municipalities are facing the same issue as has arisen in Oregon. A Sunday-law crusade in Altoona, Pa., has led the council to submit the Sunday law of 1794 to the people for repeal at the next general election. The mayor and the council are at odds over the question of Sunday-law enforcement.
The city of Birmingham, Ala., is planning to submit the question of closing the theaters and moving picture shows on Sunday to a vote of the people. In all these Sunday-law crusades the ministerial associations have been the aggressors and instigators, and the municipalities, as a last resort to avoid the enforcement of these drastic and discriminating statutes, have submitted the issue to the people.
We are planning to take advantage of these public agitations, and thus enlighten the public mind on the principles of religious liberty. We believe that these issues which are arising in all parts of the country at this time are providential opportunities which God gives us to scatter our religious liberty literature “like the leaves of autumn.” While the whole world is stirred over great issues at this time, let us remember that “the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error” will come over “the demand for a Sunday law.” May God help us to redeem the time and buy back the opportunity by placing our message-filled religious liberty literature in the hands of the people now.