THAT the Lord is using the colporteur and the printed page in Japan the same as in other parts of the world, can be seen from the following interesting experiences, as related in a letter from Brother H. Stacey, who has charge of our book work in that country. He says:
“One Sabbath morning, about four months ago, a stranger walked into our mission church on the Tokio compound. This man had been a Christian for a number of years, and had been engaged for some time in colporteur work for a Bible society. Two years ago he attended a few meetings where our people were conducting a tent effort, and became interested. He immediately began studying our literature, and at the time referred to came to headquarters to tell us of the stand he had taken, requesting that he be permitted to work in the same territory where he had been canvassing for Bibles. He left the compound next day loaded with literature, and is now one of our most faithful workers.
“A few weeks ago I visited him at a town where we have one believer, an old lady. That evening this sister invited in three young men with whom she had been studying, and the colporteur studied and talked with them for several hours. We feel sure that one of these young men will soon take his stand for the truth. He is a member of another church, and the only objection he raised was the certain loss of his position if he were to keep the Sabbath. To this objection the colporteur related an experience that made us all feel doubly sure that the Lord is waiting in these heathen lands to respond to the call of faith. I will give the experience as nearly as possible in his own words:—
“A few weeks ago I was canvassing up in the mountains. One day I worked from early morning till late at night, and sold only five papers which brought in twenty-five sen. Of this amount I was compelled to spend twelve sen for lunch. The remaining thirteen sen was far from sufficient to secure accommodation for the night, and I worked on till eight o’clock without further results. As there was no other help at hand, I decided to go to the Lord. Withdrawing from the road several feet, in the darkness I poured out my petition to God. On returning I could see some one standing in the road, and was confronted with the words, “You are a Christian; you have been praying to God to help you find accommodation for the night. I am only a farmer, but you are welcome to come right along with me.”
“The colporteur told us he knew this was an answer to his prayer, so he followed the farmer to his home. On entering the house, the first thing he noticed was a Bible on the table, and the way was soon opened to have some studies.”
Notice, that while the colporteur was praying, the Lord sent the answer to his prayer. It is prayer that gives success. It was when working the more difficult sections of the country, “the mountains,”19and when human resources had apparently failed, that God was sought, and relief came through prayer. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
Thus the Lord will use the consecrated colporteur in carrying the gospel message to the most remote sections of earth, and hasten on the glad day.
W. W. EASTMAN.
Our Colporteur Work for September
By W. W. Eastman
ANOTHER month has passed, and again the Lord has manifested his blessing upon the colporteurs in their work throughout the world, as shown by the accompanying summary. These figures represent many thousands of homes that have been visited by these consecrated workers, and through the aid given them by the Holy Spirit and heavenly angels, thousands have purchased books containing the last message of mercy to a perishing world. No doubt many will accept the light contained in these books, and the faithful colporteur who has sown the seed will meet the reward of his labor in the kingdom of God.
The report shows a gain of over $17,600 for the world-wide work. While the gain in the homeland is small this month, it is encouraging to see the progress that has been made in the Australasian, Scandinavian, Latin German, Central European, Danube, and South African Unions, in the countries of the Orient, and in Central and South America.
The work of the colporteur has proved to be a most effective agency as a pioneer in the mission field, and most urgent calls are coming to the Mission Board for leaders who can train the native forces for this work.
While wars and troublous times are increasing, the work of the Lord moves on to its final conclusion with accelerated pace. W. W. EASTMAN.
Comparative Summary of Foreign Periodicals
January, 1915, 448,128 copies, value $13,166.23; January, 1916, 375,259 copies, value $13,774.74.
February, 1915, 403,134 copies, value $11,357.55; February, 1916, 577,282 copies, value $14,480.57.
March, 1915, 467,626 copies, value $18,243.92; March, 1916, 350,291 copies, value $35,029.10.
April, 1915, 418,884 copies, value $10,001.96; April, 1916, 365,373 copies, value $11,086.68.
May, 1915, 595,740 copies, value $18,200.94; May, 1916, 196,084 copies, value $6,803.98.
June, 1915, 215,051 copies, value $7,974.76; June, 1916, 349,164 copies, value $10,731.82.
July, 1915, 561,531 copies, value $11,627.60; July, 1916, 451,581 copies, value $12,985.33.
August, 1915, 451,249 copies, value $11,301.47; August, 1916, 197,383 copies, value $6,073.76.
September, 1915, 220,832 copies, value $7,848.51; September, 1916, 333,167 copies, value $10,391.33.
Compare Luke’s Gospel with that of Matthew, noting differences.
Write a list of the miracles and parables mentioned in each Gospel.
Make a list of references to proper Sabbath observance.
The Life of Jesus
“It pleased God to have the earthly history of our divine Redeemer written by four different men, two of whom belonged to the inner circle of companionship of our Lord, Matthew and John, who were numbered among the chosen twelve; and two of them, Mark and Luke, were ardent believers, though not numbered among the twelve apostles. Thus we have two witnesses from within and two from without that distinguished band, all bearing united testimony to the same great facts concerning our Lord.” — Starr.
Luke and His Gospel
Of the personal history of Luke very little is known. He is thought to have been a native of Antioch, a Jewish proselyte, and by profession a physician. By Paul he is called “the beloved physician,” and we know that he was the friend and companion of the great apostle to the Gentiles. Luke’s own writings contain “the least possible reference to himself, yet we cannot doubt that he was eminently useful to the early church by his learning, judgment, fidelity, and even his medical skill.” The “most excellent Theophilus” to whom Luke inscribes his Gospel, is supposed to have been “a Gentile of rank and consideration, who came early under the influence of St. Luke or under21that of St. Paul at Rome, and was converted to the Christian faith.”
“Luke commences his Gospel in classical style, and then describes the narrative of Christ’s birth and the circumstances connected therewith, the particulars of the infancy and youth of our Lord, the preaching of John the Baptist, and the baptism of Christ. He next recounts the discourses, miracles, and actions of the Saviour during the whole of his ministry; and he gives a full account of the last journey to Jerusalem, included in which are all the particulars connected with the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“The style of Luke’s Gospel is elegant and finished, more complex in structure and varied in character than Matthew’s or Mark’s, possessing many peculiarities in diction, and containing comparatively few quotations from the Old Testament. The chief characteristic in this Gospel is its universality; the message delivered by Luke is not so much for Gentile or Jew as for man generally, and hence he dwells much on the tender solicitude of our Lord for the outcast and the lost. Note especially the many instances of contrasts occurring, the accurate and distinguishing use of medical terms, the beautiful hymns of praise and adoration recorded, the important parable of the prodigal son, the prophetic discourses concerning the overthrow of Jerusalem and the second advent, and the description of our Lord’s ascension into heaven.”
A Test of Faithfulness
By D. W. Reavis
In studying the history of religious organizations, it is interesting and profitable to note the different tests imposed upon the members in the early days of most of the large denominations grew in numbers and popularity.
In the early days of the Methodist Church, Wesley measured the faithfulness of preachers and of lay members by the part they took in the circulation of Methodist literature. Wesley knew that religious fervor and aspiration, even in his day, was strengthened by religious reading, and that the Wesleyan's faith was fed and nurtured by that which the printed page furnished. He knew the Methodist faith could be grounded, and attain sufficient strength to withstand the bitter attacks of those early days, only through the influence and power of the Methodist press.
If the printed page was the strong arm of Methodism in Wesley's day, what a tower of strength our literature should be in this advanced age of printing! If the circulating of Methodist literature was a test of faithfulness in the early days of that denomination, ought we to have a lower standard than they, when we have a greater message, with its perfected facilities for printing and circulating, and a public educated to reading?
If the Methodist Church has lost some of its old-time zeal in the circulation of its literature, is there not danger of our following their course as we increase in numbers and public prejudice diminishes? If it was necessary in the beginning of the Methodist Church for the ministers and lay members to be faithful circulators of their printed message, can our privilege and duty be less? Should we not follow their worthy example, by making the circulation of our literature by our ministers and lay members a test of faithfulness? D. W. REAVIS.
Massachusetts Conference Colporteurs’ Institute
By J. K. Jones
THE recent colporteurs’ institute held during the Massachusetts Conference, October 5-15, was a grand success. The meeting was held in Tremont Temple, Boston, and was attended by twenty-five colporteurs. Although there are usually a few who do not stay by the work, we hope to secure a large number as permanent canvassers. We greatly appreciate this addition to our force at the present time, for a number of our very best canvassers entered South Lancaster Academy this year, and we have felt the need of securing others to take their places.
THE institute drew together a very consecrated class of workers, and we believe that these will stay by the work. Brother V. O. Cole, field agent of the Atlantic Union Conference, was with us each day during the institute, and his timely messages of instruction were much appreciated by those in attendance. Brother Cole’s kind, sympathetic spirit in dealing with the canvassers and in assisting them at the institute, won the heart of each worker.
COLPORTEUR ’INSTITUTE IN BOSTON, MASS.
Brother E. R. Numbers, State field agent, worked untiringly giving instruction and securing rooms for the canvassers who attended the institute. Brother Numbers has been very faithful, and is building up a strong work in this field.
THE writer was glad to have the privilege of conducting a Bible study each morning during the institute. These studies dealt with various phases of the message, and from the expressions of those in attendance, each one left the institute greatly encouraged by these morning talks. We are planning to mail to each colporteur who was present a set of these studies for his use in the future.
THESE workers go forth to handle such books as “The Great Controversy,” “Daniel and the Revelation,” “Bible Readings,” and “The Coming King.” We are glad to see them handling books that deal directly with the message, and that have won so many souls to this truth.
Of those in attendance at the institute, fourteen are to be located in various parts of the Greater Boston field, and during the coming winter the plan is to hold weekly meetings with the workers. Others who were present will be distributed among the cities throughout the State of Massachusetts. Brother Numbers informs us that the prospect is good for the best winter Massachusetts has ever seen in the canvassing work. J. K. JONES.
Home Missionary Department
E. M. GRAHAM - - - General Secretary
F. W. PAAP - - - N. Am. Div. Secretary
Missionary Volunteer Department
M. E. KERN — Secretary
MATTIE ERICKSON — Assistant Secretary
MRS. E. H. EVANS — Office Secretary
MEADE MacGUIRE
C. L. BENSON
J. F. SIMON — Field Secretaries
Here and There in the Daily Press
By L. L. C.
(Concluded from page 2)
police were wrecked and set on fire. The city was reported, October 12, to be practically in the hands of the soldier mob.
The Post of Sunday, October 8, reported the town of Augusta, Kans., to be in “a state of near anarchy, with gamblers and bootleggers reaping a harvest, and the spirit of old western border days prevailing.” The town’s police force was dissolved, and the marshal resigned after a narrow escape from a mob of several hundred men.
Prohibition still continues to be a live question, and for the first time in the history of the Protestant Episcopal Church, a resolution was placed on record as favoring “such action in our legislative assemblies as will preserve the interest of temperance and the repression of the liquor traffic.” Even in the Roman Catholic Church there is a growing sentiment in favor of prohibition. The church officially has taken no position, but the opinion of the Catholic bishop of Great Falls, Mont., is that of many Catholics:—
“Although the Catholic Church has at all times and in all places advocated Christian temperance as one of the four cardinal virtues, still she has not promulgated any formal declaration or canonical pronunciamento on the subject of prohibition.
“It requires no proof to show that the traffic in intoxicating liquors is the crying evil of the day; that it is the most deadly enemy, the vampire of society; therefore its suppression cannot be wrong.
“Prohibition is a Christian principle. It is not against reason or morality, and it does not impose on personal liberty. On the contrary, it teaches prudence and self-control; it frees the public from intemperance, which is the most tyrannical slavery, and frees them from the danger of falling victims to this Juggernaut of mankind.
“Even as a negative and material virtue, temperance provides bread and clothing to the toiling masses; it brings peace and happiness to their families. On the other hand, we all know that King Alcohol, the greatest menace to success and happiness, closes the door of opportunity, paralyzes energy, brings disease, and is seldom prescribed by the best educated family physicians.
“Those who advocate prohibition are messengers of peace and patriotism, and are fighting a bloodless battle for humanity.”
Vice continues prevalent, and every few days there is some discovery of conditions prevailing in the society of the great cities of the world, such as should startle the optimist from his delusion that the world is getting better. Though France is involved in the present awful war, yet it has been necessary to form a police system to wipe out the opium dens in the fashionable quarters of Paris. The police are reported to have found palatial resorts fitted up in the most luxurious style for the use of opium parties of society men and women.
In New York City, according to a report dated October 19, a woman committed suicide the day before. The only reason which her husband, who was the foreman of a large dyeing establishment, could suggest for the suicide, was that his wife smoked as many as thirty cigarettes a day, was an inveterate coffee drinker, and had recently been ill. It would doubtless surprise many of our readers to know how many women are cigarette fiends.
In the great city of Chicago one of the most horrible of vice disclosures occurred recently. Seven men fought a revolver battle over the “sale of a22woman for $200.” One of the men was shot to death, and another probably fatally wounded.
Surely it takes no prophetic eye to see that the times in which we live resemble those which immediately preceded the flood. Even in the things which we see all about us, let us recognize the prophetic picture which shows that we are in the days when His coming draweth near.
L. L. C.
But for a Moment
“But for a moment” this weight of affliction,
“But for the moment” this darkness and gloom;
Then the bright morrow
Which banishes sorrow,
Morning of bliss, past the tomb.
“But for a moment” this bond of restraining,
“But for a moment” this trial and care:
Then the glad waking
Where heaven is breaking;
Newness of life, “over there.”
“But for a moment” this day of aloneness,
“But for a moment” this pathway of grief;
Then the clear shining
Through silvery lining;
Then the sweet hour of relief.
“But for a moment” the walk in the garden,
“But for a moment” the pain of the cross:
Then the unfolding,
The joyous beholding;
Golden the days, without dross.
— Selected.
Missionary Work of the Highest Order
By M. E. Kern
THE president of the West Virginia Conference, in his annual address, said:
“The two Missionary Volunteer Societies in Parkersburg and Charleston are missionary societies indeed. They have done missionary work of the highest order. The Parkersburg society is going to near-by churches, rendering programs and assisting in evangelistic services, that the talent in these other churches may be provoked to good works. The Charleston society has done commendable work this summer in assisting in the evangelistic work in that place. May the Lord give us more such societies speedily.”
Surely these societies have set a good example. Let us all be about our Father’s business. M. E. KERN.
Hilo, Hawaiian Islands
By Mrs. Robert McKeague
We find so much to do in this city that we have not yet found time to answer the many good letters that we have received from the homeland. We are the only workers in Hilo, and there is so much work to do that we are unable to meet the many calls that come to us.
One of the little boys in our Sabbath school refused to go to his grandmother’s on a vacation because he did not want to miss one of the lessons. We are giving Bible readings at three places in Olaa, several miles in the country. The outlook is very encouraging. A number are convinced of the Sabbath, and are trying to keep it. One is a schoolteacher, a very refined lady. The principal of the same school is convinced of the truth, but is finding it harder to yield. She has subscribed for our papers and buys our books. We always receive a hearty welcome at the home of one old lady, who tries to show her appreciation by giving us fruit when we call.
As we become known, the people are beginning to discover the object of our work, and some opposition is arising. Acting on the advice of the priest, one lady burned her $5 copy of “The Great Controversy,” which our canvasser had sold her. But this is only an evidence that the Lord is using us, for which we are thankful. It is much easier to carry on our Bible work in the country than in the city.
We are also giving treatments five miles out of the city. The people seem to appreciate our treatments, and we have some of the most influential persons in town on our list. As the way opens, we talk with them on religious topics and give them literature. The richest man on the island is a regular reader of the Signs of the Times, and believes in the soon coming of Christ.
We are very much in need of some papers in the Filipino language for our jail work.
We took a trip recently with friends up to the volcano and watched for a while the boiling lava. The lake has risen until it is only five hundred feet below the surface. It is burning, hissing, and throwing out rocks—a most wonderful sight. In some places the banks are sliding into the crater.
While we write, the city is all astir preparing for a big civic convention.
We are still praying for some one to come to help in the medical work, so we can give more of our time to the spiritual interests. Remember our work in your prayers.
MRS. ROBERT McKEAGUE.
Medical Missionary Department
W. A. RUBLE, M. D. - - General Secretary
L. A. HANSEN - - Assistant Secretary
H. W. MILLER, M. D. - N. Am. Div. Secretary
He Was Impressed
It is a particularly encouraging story, the one concerning the president of a large corporation, one of our faithful sister canvassers, and the Signs Magazine. This man of affairs saw a copy of the paper two years ago in a Philadelphia business office, and was greatly impressed by it. Ever since he has wished to subscribe for it. Happening to overhear our sister give a canvass, he loitered near until she was through, and then addressing her said, “I have just been waiting to get that magazine. What is the subscription price?”
Thousands of other thinking men and women are looking for the Signs Magazine. They are interested in the message which it gives in such varied form. Some like one thing, some another. Surely every need and taste will be served by the December number, the contents of which follows:—
Saved from Sore Judgments. T. E. Bowen.
Christian Science. G. B. Thompson.
The Coming World State. Geo. McCready Price.
Apostles and the Sabbath. W. F. Martin.
SIGNS & TIMES
MAGAZINE
Importance of Christ’s Coming. M. N. Campbell.
Review of Europe’s Tragedy for the Month. Editor.
The Ancient Sanctuary and Its Lessons. S. N. Haskell.
Martin Luther and Church and State. C. S. Longacre.
Jesus the King. Geo. W. Rine.
Spiritual Growth. A. G. Daniells.
Yosemite, the Wonderful. L. A. Reed.
Christmas. Editor.
How many can you use? And by the way, are you on the Signs Magazine subscription list? Write your tract society secretary.
Sounds of a Going
THE following paragraphs illustrate how many people feel concerning the Present Truth Series:—
“Mr. ———, a friend of mine from the Isle of Pines, West Indies, sent me a copy of Health and Temperance Extra No. 19. The statistics are so important that I inclose one dollar, and will thank you to send me two hundred. I will distribute them where they will do good.”
“One of your subscribers lent me a copy of your Extra No. 22, in which I have been much interested. Inclosed please find check for a supply of this number for my friends.”
“One of your papers has fallen into my hands. I should like a bunch of Extra No. 15, ‘Who Changed the Sabbath?’ I want to give them to all my friends and neighbors. Inclosed find remittance to pay for the papers I am ordering.”
“Please send me two hundred copies Present Truth Series No. 22. A little later our church will place a copy of this number in every home in our city.”
OBITUARIES
HENNAGE.— A. Cornelia Hennage was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, April 15, 1845, and died Sept. 27, 1916, near Rockville, Md. She began the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath in 1898, and later became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church, continuing faithful until her death. Funeral services were conducted by the writer.
H. W. HERRELL.
POND.— Amanda Evelyn Ritchie was born in Warren County, New York, Dec. 17, 1834. With her parents she crossed the plains by ox team in 1846, and Dec. 11, 1851, was married to J. E. Pond. To them were born ten children. Sister Pond heard the third angel's message preached by Elders J. N. Loughborough and M. E. Cornell in 1873, and from that time was an earnest witness for the truth of God. For thirty-six years she was a widow, and death claimed six of her children. She fell asleep at her home, in Napa, Cal., Sept. 8, 1916.
J. ADAMS STEVENS.
Appointments and Notices
Publications Wanted
The persons named below desire late, clean copies of our publications, sent postpaid, for use in missionary work. In sending publications care should be exercised to select only such as are free from soil and disfigurement. We have been credibly informed that some who oppose this movement and the truths which it represents answer these requests for literature, and are sending to our brethren and sisters in various parts of the country tracts and papers representing their opposition. Our workers should be careful not to confound this literature with our denominational publications, and thus unwittingly become agents in sending out matter not printed in the interests of the cause of truth.
Mrs. A. M. Brock, Box 54, Provence, Okla.
Mrs. Fred Klotz, 803 W. 16th St., Cheyenne, Wyo.
M. W. Moss, Gravette, Ark., Signs, Review, and Instructor.
Elijah Taylor, 100 E. 30th St., Austin, Tex.
Continuous supply. Only papers of the present year can be used.
A Letter from a King
A FEW days ago the Review and Herald received the following letter from one of the kings in Africa:—
“SIR: Please can I have a copy of your Instructor, and let me know how I can subscribe in the future for a constant supply?
“Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain,
“Yours truly,
“———.”
How this ruler came in touch with the Youth’s Instructor we have no way of knowing. He no doubt has seen a copy somewhere, and has recognized it as a valuable young people’s paper, and therefore wishes to obtain it regularly.
The Youth’s Instructor is far in the lead when we compare it with any other paper published for young people. Any person who is old enough to understand the articles which appear week by week in the Instructor, and who does not have or read them, is missing a great deal of that which is worth while in this life. A yearly subscription costs but $1.25. Any tract society will be pleased to handle this business.
Our Oldest Readers
MRS. S. T. BELDEN.............60 years
D. T. Shirman................58 ”
Smith Sharp...................56 ”
John M. Wilson................51 ”
Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Wallar.....46 ”
L. M. Witter..................44 ”
Sarah Prosper.................42 ”
H. E. Simkin...................40 ”
What They Say
“I have been a constant reader of the REVIEW for fifty-one years. I could not get along without it.”
“I do not know how I could get along without the REVIEW.”
“For fifty-eight years the REVIEW has come to my home. It is a most welcome visitor. I do hope that every believer will have it come to him. Its pages are filled with the truth for these times.”
“I have been a constant subscriber and reader of the good old REVIEW for forty-two years. Nearly all that time it has been my only preacher, as I have been one of the isolated members. I could not have lived the message without it.”
“I have regarded myself as a life subscriber to the REVIEW for a long time. Years ago we used to subscribe for five years at a time, so I inclose my check for a five years’ subscription. One year is altogether too short a term for a ‘lifer.’ All Adventists, whether in America or in foreign fields, should have the REVIEW all the time. It is the one link that unites all as one people, and keeps us in touch with headquarters.”
“It was in 1860, about the time that Lincoln was first elected, that my father subscribed for the REVIEW. I chanced to go to the post office and receive the first number that came. I well remember the look of it and some of the articles that it contained. I have missed reading but few copies of it since then, and for years I have read all that each copy contains. I cannot take all our periodicals, but I expect to take and read the REVIEW to the end. I do not know that there is anything that I have a greater burden for than to see more people reached by the REVIEW and more of our members induced to subscribe for it.”
“The first five dollars that came into my hands after I accepted the truth I sent for the REVIEW, a prophetic chart, and a hymn book. I do not think we have been without the REVIEW six months since then. Oh, there are so many things for which to praise the Lord! We cannot enumerate them. I can say from the heart, praise the Lord for the Spirit of prophecy that has piloted us thus far.”
