A CERTAIN lawyer asked Jesus, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied by asking him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The second part of this question is no mere rhetorical phrase. It is not sufficient to inquire what is written, but it is also essential to know how we read what has been written. This is well illustrated by the following incident: It is related that an infidel, desiring to remind himself and others of his belief that there is no God, framed and hung upon the walls of his sleeping-room this motto: “GOD IS NOWHERE.” At a critical time in what proved to be his last illness, his little daughter came into his room, and seeing the motto, read it, “GOD IS NOW HERE.” The same letters were there in either case. It was simply a difference in the way of reading them, and the little maid read them as every enlightened heart would read them, interpreting her own experience through them. It is said that the Lord used the daughter’s reading of this motto to the hopeful conversion of her father.
There are many passages of the Scripture which are read in such a way as to harmonize them with an established opinion or a previous experience, rather than to let them express their real meaning, with the purpose of bringing our experience into harmony with their teaching.
The simple statement of the Scripture is that “all things work together for good to them that love God,” but most of us read “some” in the place of “all.” “How readest thou?”
The assurance of the Scripture is, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” but the most of us put “wants” or “desires” in place of “need,” and then wonder that the promise is not fulfilled to us. “How readest thou?”
We are exhorted to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” but the most of us get the terms reversed, and act as though it read, “It is more blessed to receive than to give.” “How readest thou?”
The simple statements of the Scripture are, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” or, expressing the same thing in another form, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments;” but some of us have connected these two statements with “and” instead of “or,” and so we have read, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and keep the commandments, and thou shalt be saved.” “How readest thou?”
It is clearly taught in the Scriptures that the faith which saves is the faith “which worketh by love,” and that “faith without works is dead,” but some of us seem to have mixed the two texts together in our reading, and so make them teach that “the faith which . . . works is dead.” “How readest thou?” Thus some are trying to save themselves by works which they add to a nominal faith, while others are resting upon a faith which “is dead, being alone.”
And so we might continue indefinitely, but this is sufficient to call attention to the importance of the question of our Saviour. Those of us whose eyes have been enlightened can see that it will not answer to read, “The seventh part of time is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,” instead of, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God;” but is it not just as important to carry this principle further, and read all the Scripture just as it is written? “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” W. W. P.
A Blessing We Need
By L. Flora Plummer
GREAT as are the possibilities of the Sabbath-school work in the home field, our schools need the blessed inspiration of a real burden for the souls in mission fields. If our schools are not mightily moved by a revival of the missionary spirit that takes in the whole world, they will lose much. The millions of people living in lands in which the gospel has not been preached, need the prayers and the offerings of our home schools, and our home schools need the blessed experience of giving of their abundance to the mission fields. What is our Bible study worth to us if we do not learn the lesson that what we receive, we must pass on to others who have it not? Why should not some of the burden of destitute fields be laid upon our Sabbath-schools?
We do not want the members of our schools to get into a mere habit of giving a few pennies each Sabbath, with no thought for the missionary object of the gift. Our young people and children must be helped to understand their individual indebtedness to the people in darkness. Should not the officers and teachers in each school place before the pupils of all ages their individual privilege of helping to give this wide-world message? Thus a new meaning and importance is given to the Sabbath-school offerings, and a self-sacrificing spirit may be begotten in every one, even in the smallest child.
Here is a word of cheer to us for what our schools have already done, and also instruction which we should be more zealous in carrying out:—
We thank God that our Sabbath-schools have contributed enough to advance many a precious enterprise. Children and youth have given their pennies, that, like little rivulets, have supplied a stream of beneficence. Children should be educated in such a way that they may perform unselfish acts which heaven will rejoice to see. When the dew of youth is upon them, children should be trained how to do service for Christ. They should be taught self-denial.—“Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work,” page 113.
Each school should make a careful study of the question of finances, and appropriate as large a proportion of their donations to missions as they can without crippling the work of the school. Many supplies might be purchased by special donations, if only attention were given to it, and thus a larger portion could go to missions. Parents who are able to supply themselves with the Lesson Quarterly, and their children with the Instructor and the Little Friend, should certainly do so, and not allow the donations to be used for the purpose of giving to184themselves and their families those things which they are able to buy. Why should not all who can do so, place in the Sabbath-school treasury each quarter the price of the supplies used by his family, in addition to the regular Sabbath-school contributions? If this custom were generally followed, it would largely increase the amount given to missions.
The spirit of self-denial should be taught the children. This cannot be done by simply handing a child a penny from a well-filled purse, that he may have something to put into the contribution envelope. It may be done by giving the child the opportunity to earn a few cents, and then when it is his, teach him the proportion that he should return to God, and also his indebtedness to those who know not the gospel. It is by such lessons that our children may learn to choose to do the right, and also experience the blessedness of sacrifice for the truth’s sake.
Dear Sabbath-school workers, shall we not do all in our power to encourage the missionary spirit in every school? Substantial aid must be given to those who are carrying on the work in the dark places of the earth with but very few of the temporal blessings we enjoy. Let us ask our schools to share in their burdens.
MRS. L. FLORA PLUMMER.
As a Missionary Training School
By W. A. Spicer
We must never forget that the Sabbath-school is the greatest missionary training-school agency that we have. Growing out of the primary aim in all Sabbath-school work, the personal conversion of the individual pupil, there is the equally important matter of training the convert and the believer in active service.
Too often the Sabbath-school does not stand for definite incentive to service. No lesson in Bible study is ever appropriated as the blessing that it is in truth, unless along with the personal profit comes the divine impulse to pass the blessing on to others. Every Sabbath-school class ought to be a missionary band, planning how to work for others. This will give zest to Bible study. Our schools need the vitalizing force of the missionary idea, which is the inspiration of all Christian living.
If we but fill the children and youth with enthusiasm to do the definite work God has committed to us in this interesting and needy world of His, it will be a power to hold them from the grasp of merely worldly ambitions. Let the youth know that there is work for them that calls for the most earnest efforts, and for a consecrated ambition to be, in Christ Jesus, positive factors for good in the most stirring period in all the history of God's work in the earth. It has been a narrow horizon, and a failure to understand how to take hold of the work to do it, that has caused many to relapse into indifference and worldliness just at the time when they should be recruiting our forces in the world-wide field. The Sabbath-school is to supply the needed direction and training. This lays upon our teachers a heavy responsibility. They must plan work for their classes, and lead them in it.
I have noticed that a large proportion of missionaries who have spoken of their first incentives to service in the mission fields abroad have said that the missionary impulse came to them in Sunday-school or Bible-class work. The life of Eliza Agnew, who died a few years ago in Ceylon, shows how even little children may receive the definite call to missionary service. At the age of eight, she heard of the needs of India and Ceylon. She determined that when she grew up, she would do something for the women of the East. Home duties held her until she was thirty, when she went to Ceylon, and for thirty-five years, until her death, gave her life uninterruptedly to the training of Cingalese girls. Over a thousand girls were taken in from heathen homes, and of these, it is said, over five hundred left the school as Christians.
For their own, as well as for the work's sake, we must not overlook the little ones in teaching the missionary idea. But no teacher can really teach it who is not personally surrendered to God for service, wherever He may call. This is the essential qualification of the missionary Sabbath-school teacher.
With this qualification, however, among teachers and officers, our schools will be very fountains of missionary interest and activity. And the training thus received in helping their classes will fit the teachers themselves for service in the field, either at home or abroad. The Sabbath-school organization should henceforth be, more decidedly than ever before, one vast training school for missionary workers.
W. A. Spicer.
What the Plan Means
By Arthur G. Daniells
From Victory unto Victory
There is now a great movement on foot in this country in behalf of the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” This movement must not prove a failure. We have put our hands to the plow, and there must be no turning back. We have all acknowledged that it is our duty to rise up immediately and sell a definite number of books for every believer, and have said that we will do our duty. To fail will be to prove untrue to our great Leader, and to our own convictions as well. This must not be. The battle must be pressed until it is gloriously won.
After the enthusiasm of the first week’s effort abates, shall we begin to slacken our pace and allow the movement to dwindle out, and thus fail to win a complete victory? If we allow this, we shall lose much—far more than the financial loss involved in the failure to sell a certain number of books. In the instruction given us, we are told that by this plan the Lord is testing His people. The more I study this question, the more deeply I am impressed with the idea that there is far more in it than the raising of a certain sum of money for the payment of our school debts.
In what respect is the Lord testing His people by this plan? Is it simply on the point of selling a stated number of books for the raising of a certain sum of money? This will certainly be a part of the results if the plan is faithfully carried out; but I cannot believe that this embraces all there is in the test.
What the Plan Means
The carrying out of this plan means service on the part of God’s people. It means the accomplishment of practical, definite work. An equal apportionment of the task in the Lake Union Conference means that at the present time every believer in this message, in the States of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, should sell a certain number of copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” But as the conditions, opportunities, and powers of all are not equal, some must sell more than others. Some must share the burdens of their weaker brethren. But when each one has done his duty, the number will be sold, and the task accomplished.
Thus every believer is encouraged to engage in personal labor for the Lord and His fellow men. And still more: he is not only encouraged to put forth efforts, but is taught how to do the work successfully. This means a great victory to the cause of God. Through the apostle Peter the Lord says: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10.
In the “Testimonies for the Church” it is said: “Every soul should take an active part in advancing the cause of God. Whatever our calling, as Christians we have a work to do in making Christ known to the world. We are to be missionaries, having for our chief aim the winning of souls to Christ. To His Church God has committed the work of diffusing light and bearing the message of His love. . . . We are to encourage souls, to attract them, and thus win them to the Saviour. If this is not our interest, if we withhold from God the service of heart and life, we are robbing Him of influence, of time, of money and effort. In failing to benefit our fellow men, we rob God of the glory that should flow to Him through the conversion of souls.”—Vol. VI, page 427.
The Danger
These statements place before us most important considerations. They put us in possession of a great secret. They show us how to grow in grace, how to gain personal victories, how to lead men and women to Jesus, and thus to make life a grand success. But right here is where the enemy will deceive us if possible. And according to instruction given through the same source, our enemy is meeting with altogether too much success, as is plainly stated in the following warning:—
A great work is to be done in the world, and what efforts are we making for its accomplishment? The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has a line of labor been devised and placed before them in such a way that each has seen the necessity of taking part in the work?
It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not developed a large class of self-denying workers. This subject is to be considered as involving the most serious results. Our future for eternity is at stake. The churches are withering up because they have failed to use their talents in diffusing light. Careful instruction should be given which will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put their light to practical use. Those who have the oversight of the churches should select members of ability, and place them under responsibilities, at the same time giving them instruction as to how they may best serve and bless others.
God expects His Church to discipline and fit its members for the work of enlightening the world. An education should be given that would result in furnishing hundreds who would put out to the exchangers valuable talents. By the use of these talents, men would be developed who would be prepared to fill positions of trust and influence, and to maintain pure, uncorrupted principles. Thus great good would be accomplished for the Master.—Id., pages 431, 432.
The Meaning of the Test
To me it is as plain as a sunbeam that the carrying out of the plan given us for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” will do for Seventh-day Adventists just what the Lord, in the instruction just quoted, tells us should be done. And in this way the Lord is testing His people, to see whether they will take the first simple steps required to make them the missionaries of this age. If they will, the cloud will lift, and we shall take our journey from this mountain which we have compassed altogether too long.
This is truly a supreme moment for us. If we fail in a task so light, so simple, so thoroughly feasible, and so easy of accomplishment, what can the Lord ever expect of us? This task is a very light one compared with the mighty work God has given us to do; and if we cannot do that which is small, on what basis can we hope ever to accomplish that which is great? On the other hand, if we courageously and resolutely press this work to a successful finish, we shall have learned the way of victory, and shall have laid a stepping-stone to greater service.
My convictions that we are on right lines in this campaign for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” daily deepen. My courage grows stronger. I feel more determined than ever to see this thing through to a successful finish. I earnestly pray that every conference president and committee will grip this movement, and hold it steady until it is completed. Do not waver in the least. Do not listen to discouraging reports. Do not permit the conference laborers to give up the work, nor to fail in successfully working out their part. Remember the instruction already quoted, to the effect that the people have had enough sermonizing, but not enough straight, effective work. We are too superficial. We must come down and place our feet flat on the earth, and do something. This will give our people a new hold. It will revive their courage. It will help them to see that the days of miracles are not all past. It will help them to feel that we are safe in undertaking large things.
A. G. DANIELLS.
The Lifeboat
'Tis sweet to behold, when the billows are sleeping,
Some gay-colored bark moving gracefully by;
No damp on her deck, but the eventide's weeping,
No breath on her sails, but the summer wind's sigh.
Yet who would not turn with a fonder emotion,
To gaze on the lifeboat, though rugged and worn,
Which often hath wafted, o'er hills of the ocean,
The lost light of hope to the seamen forlorn?
—Moore.
Medical Missionary Work at Jackson (Mich.) Treatment Rooms
By A. J. Harris
Our work here is increasing. We have had to double our facilities the last year, and work with greater zeal. We are surprised many times at the class of people we are permitted to meet in this work. Some of the visits we receive, remind me of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, whose secret visit to our Lord was the occasion of the discourse recorded in the third chapter of John's Gospel.
We are having daily demonstrations of the last call to the supper, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in.” Are not these institutions that God is establishing all over the world, carrying out this command just now? Is not this message, including the medical missionary work, the compelling message which is due in this last time? These God-given principles of treating the sick are sought for by high and low. A traveling man said to me this morning while I was giving him treatment for the first time, “Your work is coming more and more into demand all the time.” Many are compelled to seek relief from their distress, and thus those who might not otherwise hear the message are led to accept it.
Men and women come to us who would not have listened to us had we gone to them in any other way,—those who would never read our literature,—those who could not be induced to enter a church to hear the truth; yet they will now sit and talk, even when they are being treated, asking many questions concerning our peculiar belief. Many times I have read to them a text answering their questions, while they were lying in the bath tub.
A week ago, on Friday night just as the Sabbath was drawing on, a lawyer came hurrying in, and asked if he could get a treatment. I replied, “You are too late; we give no more treatments until this time to-morrow night, except to emergency cases.” He turned, and smilingly said, “Harris, you will have to change your religion, or else I will mine.” These little things tell a long story sometimes.
Many Are Seeking Spiritual Help
Just one experience will serve to illustrate the condition of many. A few days ago a wealthy old gentleman came to our treatment rooms, and said, “Can you not give me a treatment that will relieve this head of mine? Really, it seems as if my head would burst. I am so fearful, I feel as if my very soul were lost.” I told him that I would do all I could, and proceeded to give him a double treatment—treatment for his physical and also for his spiritual maladies.
When I got him under physical progress, I asked him about his spiritual condition. I told him that God could save him just as well as He could save any one. He thought not, because he was “such an old sinner,” and had spent all his life in accumulating wealth and in selfish living. “How can God save me? You know,” he said, “we have to make a character in this life that must be tested; and it seems to me that I shall soon die.” I got my Bible, and read to him the promises in 1 John 1:9; Job 33:27, 28; Jer. 3:13. He said, “But I do not feel that that can be so for me. Does it not say somewhere that we may know?” I replied, “Yes; it does. If you should ask a favor of a friend who had always favored you, under certain requirements that were always met, would you not know that when you had fulfilled those requirements, your favor would be granted?” Receiving a reply in the affirmative, I asked, “How would you know?” “By his promise,” he said. “Then,” I said, “can you not take God at His word when you have fulfilled what He has asked of you? By the word of Him who can never fail, can you not know?” Then he asked me to write down those texts for him. He comes often, and now our whole conversation is about God and His word.
Many in the highways of life are to-day seeking something besides wealth. And our God has indeed made provision for them. By this work, He is opening the homes of these people. Our nurses enter in; and if they are seeking the glory of God, He can wonderfully use them to lead these longing souls. We have merchants, bankers, lawyers, even all classes, to deal with, and they not only come to us, but we also go to their homes.
Our Literature·Removes Prejudice
Our literature is kindly received by these people. If we can get the Good Health into a family, prejudice will be removed, and our other books and papers will be received. This journal is indeed an entering wedge. Some of our patients have bought “Christ’s Object Lessons;” but all such have first had Good Health. The nurses take “Christ’s Object Lessons” with them when they are nursing. They often sell one either to their patient or to some one in the home. One nurse who has been on night duty has gone into the city to sell books a part of the day.
Some in the church are taking an interest in selling “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and they always have a good report. We are anxious that Jackson shall sell its full quota of books.
The burning of the principal buildings of our mother institution brings sadness, but we all realize that God has a lesson in it for us, and we are praying that the Lord may be glorified in those in responsible places, that no mistake may be made in the rebuilding, and in the carrying forward of this part of His glorious message. A. J. HARRIS.
Note and Comment
THERE are fifty-four Protestant missionaries now at work in the Philippine Islands, representing the Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist, United Brethren, and Disciple Churches, the Free Church of Norway, two Bible societies, and the Y. M. C. A. These different bodies have joined hands in an “evangelical union,” which has been in existence since last April. A division of territory was agreed on at the time of organization, which all parties have observed. They report that their labors the past year have been attended with much success.
America’s Enormous Fire Waste
A NEW YORK journal affirms that the fire waste in this country during only six years past, has amounted to more than eight hundred million dollars. This enormous loss has been due, for the most part, not to great conflagrations, like the recent ones at Waterbury and Paterson, but to fires of a comparatively small magnitude. The same journal quotes an insurance expert as saying: “A good blaze, given ten minutes’ headway in the dry-goods district of the city of New York, could do more damage in a forty-mile-an-hour gale than the combined losses sustained at Paterson, Waterbury, and Norfolk amounted to.” “Broadway between Canal and Fourteenth Streets,” this expert said, “is lined by tinder-box structures, and within that area something like eight hundred million dollars of insurance values are sheltered.”
Fashionable Society and Female Intemperance
An English medical journal, The London Doctor, calls attention to the effect of the demands of fashionable society in furthering the spread of intemperance among women. “There is a growing tendency among women,” it says, “to the indulgence of alcoholic beverages. Among the wealthier and higher classes the habit has become almost universal; and this pernicious example has rapidly extended through the various social substrata, for it is human nature to imitate the actions of those who are better favored. The exhausting effect of the demands of society upon its devotees creates a desire for a stimulant, and hence the ever-present and generous punch bowl is often the most popular feature of the social event.” What is true in England in regard to the desire for stimulants created by the exhausting effects of fashionable society functions, is of course no less true in the United States.
Spiritual Decline in the Churches
A WRITER in The Chautauquan calls attention to the spiritual decline which he declares is everywhere evident in the leading churches at this time. “In most large cities,” he says, “ministers are saying that never before was it so hard to get people aroused and interested in spiritual matters. This condition obtains West and East alike.” Some churches are beset by internal dissensions, he observes, and others seem incapable of making any move in advance. No city has been aroused by the customary winter revivals. Missionary causes are poorly supported. Charity seems to have turned her back upon church bodies. Charities not connected with any church, he notes, are flourishing even more than usual, but “the minds of givers, large and small, seem bent away from church channels.” He hopes, however, that there will come a change for the better.
Churches Out of Line with God’s Message
that there will come a change for the better.
The trouble is not with God nor with Christianity, but with the churches. God has not ceased His work for the salvation of men, but the churches have gotten out of the channel through which light and life are flowing to earth from the divine throne. They are out of line with the message and work of God for this time. God has a message for the world to-day, a quickening message full of light and power; and that message is being given in every land, and people of every nation and tongue are being gathered into it. That the leading churches have not accepted and proclaimed God's special message for this time, is sufficient reason for their decline in spiritual life.
Chicago
By David Paulson
One day not long ago a man walked into the Life Boat Mission, and asked permission to eat his lunch there. While he was eating, one of the gospel workers who happened to be present, began talking to him about the love of God. He seemed interested, and when he had finished his lunch, he knelt with the worker in prayer. His heart was touched, and he confessed that he had just stolen one hundred and fifty dollars from a man whom he had knocked down in an alley. He seemed really to repent of his sins, and afterward gave his testimony on the side of Christ.
Often at the Life Boat Mission may be heard the testimonies of men and women who have been helped into a better life through the gospel work at the Harrison Street Police Station. Not long ago a man and his wife, after having been converted at the police station, refused to be let out on bail, and were sentenced to ten days in the city workhouse. Immediately upon their release, they made their way to the Life Boat Mission, anxious to proclaim the old story of the love of Christ.
The new medical missionary center, which was planted on Halstead Street a few months ago, by the Chicago Medical Mission, is doing much good in this needy district. There is not another dispensary for many blocks; and two physicians and two nurses are kept busy within the building. Four free visiting nurses also have their headquarters there, and attend outside calls, and visit the people in their homes. Evening educational work has been begun, and a Sunday-school and a cooking school have also been started; for the object of this missionary effort is not only to relieve the sick and suffering in the community, but also to educate the people up to a higher standard of physical and spiritual health.
Remember that the April issue of the Life Boat will be a special prisoners’ number, and a supply will be sent to all the penal institutions of the land, for distribution among the inmates. Every effort will be put forth to make this issue an especially helpful and instructive one to the prisoner, and we trust, by the help of God, to do much good thereby. Will not every reader of the REVIEW recognize this as an unusual missionary opportunity, and send at least a small donation to help defray the expense of publishing the large number necessary? Address 28 Thirty-third Place, Chicago.
David Paulson.
Truth and Courage
“Those love truth best who to themselves are true,
And what they dare to dream of, dare to do.”
Rich Fields of Toil for Faithful Workers
By W. H. Thurston
Since the organization of the Canadian Union Conference I have been looking over the field, and corresponding with the presidents of Conferences, and I find that there is great need of more laborers in all departments of the work.
The canvassing work is at a low ebb, and there is not a provincial agent in the field. Steps are being taken, however, to supply this need, but we still desire one more man of this calling.
Evangelistic canvassers are needed, from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, and it is hoped that our sister Conferences will share with us by encouraging some of their good book men to come over the line. Our cities are in need of Bible workers; but in looking over the field, it seems to me that the number of our Bible workers is diminishing instead of increasing. Should there not be others in training, that this good work be not left to languish?
In every province there is an urgent call for medical missionaries. Some have been provided, and I trust that others are forthcoming. The Drs. Lemon are now on their way to Newfoundland, to take up medical work; and Mr. Hanna, a graduated nurse, and his wife will probably go to New Brunswick in April.
Church-school teachers are wanted, and it is gratifying to know that two have responded, but we need at least two more by the first of September. An industrial school will probably be started in Ontario next fall, and as soon as possible another will be started in the eastern part of the Union Conference.
There is a call for more ministerial help, men who will do the work of an evangelist, and make full proof of their ministry.
Canada is a good field, and the outlook is favorable for an ingathering of souls if we can get the help needed. The field is in need of workers,—men and women who will render whole-hearted, cheerful service,—workers who believe that their time belongs to God, and that they are under solemn obligations to improve it to His glory,—workers who know no defeat, and who will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, but ever press onward with good courage, expecting success. “The call of the hour is answered by the coming of the man,” and we trust these calls will all be answered.
I believe that there are Conferences that could send us the help needed, and assist us for a time in the way of salaries, and thus share with us the blessing of getting the work well established in their sister country. Some are already responding in this manner, and no doubt others will as soon as they are made intelligent concerning the situation.
Now to the presidents of our Conferences, especially those near by: Please do not wait to be interviewed personally, but volunteer to send us some good workers, and then be pleased to note our progress. I shall be glad to hear from you.
We need canvassers as badly as we do ministers, and we will think just as much of them, and will go right into the field with them, and help them to succeed.
The Lord is blessing the faithful, earnest efforts that are being put forth in the Canadian field; and although the work is great, and the laborers are few, yet we are looking forward to the coming of more workers and an abundant harvest.
While we are calling for help from the States, we do not overlook the fact that there are a few young men and women in Canada who ought to be in training for the work, and join their forces with the few already in service, and I would say that steps are being taken to accomplish this. Many of our young people feel that they have no fitness for the work of the Lord; but if they would co-operate with divine power, and put on the armor, they would receive a qualification for sacred work.
In the Week of Prayer Readings appeared the following: “The Lord imparts a fitness for the work to every man and woman who will co-operate with divine power. All the requisite talent, courage, perseverance, faith, and tact will come as they put the armor on.” This is very practical, and is right to the point.
In conclusion, I would say that we are earnestly praying the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest. Now as you hear the call, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” let the response come back, clear and distinct, “Here am I; send me.” W. H. Thurston.
Alone, but Alive, in the Truth
THE following testimony is received from a brother who has seen the charge made that the effect of the advent message upon those who received it was to isolate them from religious privileges, and lessen their spiritual life and usefulness:—
“In the year 1880, here in Cape Hayti, Hayti, my wife and myself were converted to the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment and to the kindred truths of Adventism, from literature which providentially came in our way, in this strange land. Twenty-one years have passed since then, and we feel quite as comfortable, and as strongly established, or settled, as those that enjoy a large church fellowship; although we have had the pleasure of187seeing only two ministers of our faith, on two occasions.
“During this long period alone, although we have not ‘any place to attend church,’ yet we are not without ‘any religious service whatever.’ We have just as public religious service every Sabbath, or the Lord’s day, as Sunday-keepers have on Sunday. Our songs and prayers are heard in the neighborhood; and we have our sermon, too, for we are not lacking in ‘preaching,’ as it is said, for we have wholesome, soul-saving sermons every week from the REVIEW AND HERALD, and we always enjoy the presence of the Lord, according to His promise, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ As Paul for a long time held service ‘in a private house,’ so do we. Thank the Lord, there is no need to ‘drift into irreligious, godless lives.’ We are never afraid to go with others as far as is consistent. Neither ‘do we live in religious seclusion.’ Instead of being secluded, almost everybody in this town knows us to be Seventh-day Adventists; and as to being spiritually dead, although not a canvasser, I have sold hundreds of dollars’ worth of our religious books, and given away a great quantity of reading-matter; and thirty-six natives are reading our French Signs twice a month.
“Lonely ones, do not be uneasy because of being alone. Think of Lot in his time as alone; and of Jacob alone with the angel. Joshua was in a singular position when he said: ‘But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ Christ was alone with the wise men. Peter, James, and John alone witnessed the transfiguration. Mary had an instructive lone sitting at the feet of Jesus. The woman of Samaria had a blessed privilege when Christ met her alone at the well. Time would fail to speak of Luther and others.
“Isolated ‘two’ and ‘three,’ let your presence be seen and felt in the strength of the promise: ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’ HENRY WILLIAMS.”
British Honduras
By A. S. Rust
MONKEY RIVER.—I have been in this place about two months, and have held Bible readings and talked and prayed with all who would hear the message. Four have taken a firm stand for the truth. Some are almost persuaded to obey, and others are interested in our literature.
The people here are of several nationalities, the Spanish predominating. Most of these are Catholics, and are very zealous. The majority of the aborigines belong to the Church of England, but a few of them are Methodists. The Indians, who live in the interior of the island, differ in almost every respect from the other inhabitants. There are also a few people from England and from the United States. As a rule, the white population are irreligious; money and pleasure seem to be their all. The natives have a teachable spirit, and when the truth is presented to them, they are ready to rejoice in it.
The climate is pleasant. The temperature varies but little, seldom running below 60° or as high as 95°. We are now in the midst of the dry season, which will continue until about the last of May.
One may read of the work in distant lands, but not until he has personally met the people in their own country, and become familiar with their customs, can he fully realize their needs. Brethren, pray for the work here. A. S. RUST.
March 6, 1902.
Uruguay
By L. Brooking
DURAZNO.—In the center of the republic of Uruguay is Durazno, a town of about five thousand inhabitants. It is situated on a hill, commanding a beautiful view. Brother L. Ernst and I came here in December. We found the people, as in most other Spanish-Catholic countries, ignorant, and indifferent to religion. It is not easy to sell books, even small ones, as many are poor, and do not realize the blessing of good reading-matter. While waiting for the tent to be sent to us, we had some precious experiences. We gave Bible readings every night. An old Italian visited us, and as we read God's precious promises to him, he exclaimed, “How beautiful!” After prayer with him, he kissed my hand; and when I told him not to do that, he said, “But you have told me such beautiful things! No one ever told me about those things before.”
We have held meetings in the tent, but the attendance was small, many preferring to go to the theater, which opened the day before we began our meetings. The commissary of police sent three of his men to protect us last night, and we had good attention. Although we do not see any fruit at present, we know that God's word will not return unto Him void; and in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Pray for us. L. BROOKING.