It seems difficult for us sometimes to see how God will fulfil his word when conditions and environments are so opposite to the very things which he has declared must come to pass. But the child of faith, the person who believes that God cannot lie and cannot deny himself, knows that what God has declared he will surely bring to pass. Isa. 14:24, 27; 46:10, 11; 55:10, 11.
The Bible plainly declares that just before the end of all things the Papacy will have so regained her power and influence that all the world will wonder after the beast. Rev. 13:3. Many people seemed to find it hard to believe this and similar statements in days gone by, as it appeared that the power of the Papacy was waning. But as they have watched the papal power growing in strength and influence, many have come to recognize that there is a possibility of such a thing’s really happening. Especially has this been noticeable since the outbreak of the present war, and the accession of Benedict XV to the papal chair.
Recently an incident occurred which shows how easily the word of God can be fulfilled, and the rapid strides being made toward the accomplishment of this word. Since the war began in Europe, a little over two years ago, many millions of Jews have become involved. Nearly every nation of Europe has a large number of the children of Abraham among its inhabitants, and many of these Israelites have enlisted in the war. It has been estimated that nearly a million Jews have already been killed, besides tens of thousands captured and wounded.
It seems that the Jews are often persecuted and killed even by the people they endeavor to benefit. In Poland this has been especially the case; and within the last year and a half the children of Abraham have suffered terribly in that territory. If half the reports which reach us are true, conditions are terrible, and probably a million Jews have been maimed and starved and killed in these bloody massacres.
There exists in America a committee among the Jews, known as the American Jewish Committee, whose duty it is to look after the general interests of the Jews. This committee interests itself also in affairs Jewish outside of the United States. The American Committee decided to appeal to the Pope, asking him to intercede with the Polish clergy to ameliorate the condition of the Jews. In their petition to the Pope in behalf of the Jewish people in papal lands, the American Jewish Committee has the following to say:—
“YOUR HOLINESS: The petitioners, who are citizens of the United States of America and adherents of the Jewish faith, have learned with increasing horror of the unspeakable cruelties and hardships visited upon their coreligionists in various belligerent lands. . . . Far beyond the sufferings which this calamity has inflicted upon those of other faiths, . . . the Jews have been marked for special persecution, and have been subjected to oppressive measures not borne by their compatriots of other creeds. Passion and prejudice have been fomented against our unhappy brethren, . . . until their lot has ceased to be endurable. In some of the lands where they have long resided, their very neighbors are bent upon their annihilation. . . . We submit herewith ascertained facts which tell but in small part the hideous truth.”
“Fully persuaded that had Your Holiness been acquainted with these facts, the Holy See would at once have exercised the profound moral, ethical, and religious influence with which the Roman Catholic Church is endowed, upon those who regard Your Holiness as their shepherd, but who have unfortunately participated in this persecution, with all due veneration we now approach the Supreme Pontiff for succor in this the bitter hour of our need, knowing the exemplary humanity for which Your Holiness is justly distinguished.”
The Jews praying to the Papacy! Who could have dreamed of such a thing?
“With all due veneration we now approach the Supreme Pontiff for succor in this the bitter hour of our need.” Think of the Jews’ venerating the Papacy in the hour of their need! Is this what David would have done? Did Daniel do this? Was this what Samuel would have done in the hour of need? What did Joshua do when he was in sore distress because his brethren were killed and hurt by the people of Ai? Did he turn to the former persecutors of the people of God, the Egyptians, and venerate them and pray to them? The Jewish people praying to the Papacy to stop doing the very thing which they claim they have the right to do, the very thing which they did by law to the Jews for hundreds of years! Now the children of these very Jews who were so brutally treated and so bitterly persecuted venerate the Papacy, and pray to her to help them in the time of their trouble.
Were it not that the Bible said that the world would wonder after the beast, it would seem hard to believe such a thing possible. The Saviour told the people when he was on earth that they would kill him. They protested, and claimed that they would do no such thing. But they did; for what he said, must come to pass. So today it is written that all the world will wonder after the beast, and the word of the Lord is surely being fulfilled.
The Papacy, seeking to reëstablish herself, is prepared to embrace every opportunity which will further her own political aims. A few decades ago had the Jews made a request such as their recent petition, in all probability they would have received little consolation. But today the Jewish people have become a power in political, social, and commercial life, and their influence is greatly felt in many lands. England has one or more Jews in her cabinet and in her administrative department; Germany has several Jews who are leaders in her government life, French Jews hold important positions in the army and in the government; and the Papacy no doubt sees the great advantage it may be to her to take note of this appeal of the children of Abraham.
As a result of this petition of the American Jewish Committee to the Papacy to use her good offices in behalf of Abraham’s seed, Pope Benedict wrote a reply which is highly prized by the Jews. Last February, when the Pope sent his reply to the Jewish Committee through his secretary of state, many of the Hebrews were jubilant over the fact that not only did the Pope take note of their request, but he also wrote the reply in such a form that they considered he had done them a great service. As the editor of the American Hebrew (New York), one of the most influential Jewish journals in American Jewry, says in an editorial of April 21, 1916:—
“The document emanating from the Vatican, in the form of a letter addressed to Louis Marshall, as president of the American Jewish Committee, is virtually an encyclical, in response to the dignified, powerful review of the Jewish tragedy abroad, submitted by the American Jewish Committee.”
In the same editorial he further says:—
“It is gratifying that so powerful a voice, so influential a force, particularly in the regions where the Jewish tragedy is now being enacted, has been raised, calling for equality and for the law of love. It is bound to have a far-reaching, beneficent effect.”
The editor of the American Hebrew seems so delighted at the friendliness of the Papacy that he says in the same editorial:—
“The Pope was not content with his lofty utterances only, which might have been construed in certain quarters as merely a decorative expression of beautiful generalities. He has followed his encyclical with directions to the Catholic clergy in Poland, admonishing them to use their best endeavors to put an end to the persecution which has prevailed there.”
The Jews ought to understand the Papacy’s way of dealing in generalities. How it has come to pass that this sop which has been thrown to the Jews has been so literally devoured by the children of the persecuted, is truly beyond the ken of the ordinary mind. But what is this wonderful reply of the Vatican which has caused so much joy to the Jewish people? In this encyclical, Benedict says:—
“Moreover, in his paternal heart, pained by the spectacle of the existing horrible war, the Supreme Pontiff feels in this moment, more deeply than ever, the necessity that all men shall recollect that they are brothers and that their salvation lies in the return to the law of love, which is the law of the Gospels.”
“The Supreme Pontiff, . . . as the head of the Catholic Church, which, faithful to its divine doctrine and to its most glorious traditions, considers all men as brethren and teaches them to love one another.”
We would that the Jews felt happy because they had accepted the declaration that the law of love is the law of the Gospels; not because the Papacy said it, but because the Word of God itself declares that the law of the Gospels is the law of love. But is it true that the Papacy has taught all men to be brethren? Did she exemplify this during the Dark Ages, when the Papacy inclosed the Jewish people in those terrible quarters in Rome, and had them penned in every night as dumb brutes are quartered, and allowed to go out in the morning as animals to their feed? Did she show the Jews during the Middle Ages that all men were brethren, when every Sunday they were compelled to go to the Christian church to hear the bishop preach, and were flogged if they did not pay strict attention?
Does this jubilation among the Jews indicate that they are ready to accept the Papacy’s view of salvation as outlined by Benedict? Are the children of Abraham entirely oblivious to the days of old when their ancestors were whipped, flogged, hounded, and dogged by the professed believers of the Holy See?
It is evident that the Jewish people in appealing to the Papacy for help have lost their faith in the mighty God of Israel, and in the faith of their fathers. When the fathers were in distress, they turned to the living God. They inquired into the reason of all their troubles, and the Lord heard them in their distresses and sent deliverance to them. The Jews have lost sight of the Bible, the ground and pillar of the truth, and have turned away from the truth to the traditions of men. They will find no help from this course, even as the king of Israel found no help in asking counsel of Baalzebub the god of Ekron.
However, the Bible has said, “All the world wondered after the beast.” We see this statement being fulfilled on every hand. Thousands and tens of thousands of the Jewish people are giving up the Sabbath of the Lord; and while they have no regard religiously for Sunday, they are preparing to be among the multitudes who will be ready to follow the beast when all the world will wonder after it.
Let us help the lost sheep of Israel to see the meaning of this thing that so many are jubilant over; let us in this latest influence of the Papacy over the Jewish people recognize that the cords are tightening, and that the world is soon to see the final act in earth’s great tragedy.
Christ’s Footsteps in the Wilderness
By I. E. Kimball
I. E. KIMBALL
Those who determine to “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth,” find his footsteps leading to the wilderness of temptation. None of us can escape the ordeal. “I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord God.” Eze. 20: 35, 36.
Such an experience is positively necessary; and those who come forth victorious in the trial are invariably Calebs and Joshuas.
The Saviour was buffeted in his growing, formative period, even as was Israel in Egypt. But when he laid by his tools at Nazareth, and went forth on his great mission to cast down and out the dragon and his host, to break his power and annihilate his kingdom, the hosts of hell understood the danger that confronted them. Could his love for the Father and his allegiance to truth be broken? Might his integrity be shaken? These questions were settled in the wilderness of temptation. But following that experience Satan turned quickly to attack in a different way, and followed him as a liar and murderer, as a roaring lioness bereft of her whelps. All manner of evil was reported about him, and men were inspired to hatred, jealousy, and madness, so that the cordon of hate was drawn about the Son of God. Such was the experience of Christ, and such will be the experience of every true follower, whose integrity cannot be shaken. The hill we climb becomes steeper and more difficult to the end. The conflict waxes, but never wanes, in the battle for truth. But God protects his own.
The wilderness of trial is the fitting-up place for great conflicts. Caleb, that tried, valiant saint of old, whose heart was so true at the beginning, and who doubtless might have passed the wilderness period quickly, was strong and lion-hearted to take the whole hill country of the Anakims, with cities “great and fortified,” and men before whom the Israelites were as pygmies. At eighty-five years of age he was strong to lay low the giants who had terrorized Israel more than forty years before.
The wilderness is a test of integrity. Lying, whispering spirits are permitted to try the candidates for victory. This word “victory” is otherwise rendered “salvation.” Lying, frog-like, peeping, muttering spirits whisper lust and passion to the ear, and thousands are enticed. They speak of riches and sensuous pleasures and personal ambitions. Thus thousands are led astray. They ply their arts according to the character of the man, some on this weak point, and some on that, to lead the candidate for victory over the line of perfect integrity in doing “always those things that please him,” to please themselves in some measure. And when they so compromise themselves, sin and death still hold dominion over them. Many, many go on sinning and repenting, turning their backs and then their faces to God, pleasing themselves, and seeking to please God also, following a little of the upward way, but unwilling to take advanced steps.
There is strife for the preëminence, as with Korah and Dathan. All sorts of murmuring and mingling with idolaters, a thousand and one things, intervene to block the way to further advancement. Such ones seem content to live and die in the wilderness. Though some of these may and will be saved through a spiritual resurrection, yet now such ones have no true sense of the joys of victory and salvation. They seem to think it is the appointed portion of all men to live in a partial hope and a partial despair; to live in mists and darkness with alternating hopes and fears. The God of love will do all that he can for these. But this is not the way to follow Christ and to please God.
Brother, sister, how are you to follow Christ’s footsteps in the wilderness?—By praying as he prayed, by resisting temptations as he also resisted, by laying fast hold of the word of Jehovah and never letting it go, living by “every word” of God, not by part of his words. You must push ahead for victory. Hold faith as Christ held it, and hope as he hoped.
New York City.
Christ Lives in Me
MARTIN LUTHER said: “If any one knocks at the door of my heart and inquires if Martin Luther lives here, I should reply, ‘Martin Luther is dead, and Jesus Christ lives here.’” Paul had the same idea, for he said, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”—Selected.
Joy in Holiness
NEVER suffer yourselves to be subdued by melancholy; it is among the things that will most injure you. It is impossible to persevere in the path of holiness, if we give not ourselves to it with joy. The love of God should impart peace to the soul.—Madame de Guyon.
John Wesley on Courageous Faith
“JOHN WESLEY said, ‘Give me one hundred men, whether preachers or laymen, who hate nothing but sin and fear nothing but God, and I will shake hell itself and set up the kingdom of God.’”
The Key to Larger Worlds
“THE habit of looking on your neighbor’s life with some such interest as you do on your own, is a key that, as long as you live, will unlock larger worlds to you continually.”
G. F. JONES
By G. F. Jones
Pioneering Experiences in the Solomon Islands — No. 3
G. F. JONES
THE Solomon Islands are only 1,800 miles to the northeast of Sydney, and lie from five to twelve degrees south of the equator, but until recently very little was known about them, and even now exploration has not been pushed through to the interior of the larger islands.
The islands were first discovered by Alvaro Mendaña de Neyra, a Spanish navigator, sailing from the coasts of Peru long before the coasts of Australia were visited by the Dutch explorers. The names Mendaña gave to some of the islands remain to this day. Hoping to draw many of his countrymen here, he gave the group the name of Solomon Islands, to induce them to believe that this is where Solomon obtained the gold for the temple.
In 1595 Mendaña returned with a large party of colonists, including his own wife and relatives, and reached the Santa Cruz group, which is about two hundred miles due east of the Solomon Islands. Here they formed a settlement, but most of them were massacred, and many died of sickness; and later Mendaña himself died. That same day the survivors sailed away in search of the Solomon Islands, but although so near, they never found them.
It was not until two hundred years later that various navigators rediscovered the Solomon Islands. Some ships were wrecked, and sometimes the crews were massacred by the savage natives. Many other adventurous and enterprising persons from Australia visited the islands, but they were nearly all killed immediately on landing. In 1844 thirteen13missionaries of the Roman Catholic Church entered the group. The bishop was murdered the first day, and soon after, the others suffered the same fate. Later, missionaries of the Church of England came. Many of these were murdered, and many died of fever, but the work they started has gone on ever since, and now there are many members and almost two hundred schools.
Between the years 1860 and 1893 a number of daring white traders from Sydney and Queensland, mostly fearless seafaring men, succeeded in establishing regular commerce with small sailing vessels, but from time to time these lost their lives. Some of them, however, are still in the islands, but are now elderly men. Massacres are still carried on, and in some islands it is impossible to land without being instantly killed. The island of Malaita is as savage as ever; today the natives are fighting, and killing, and eating their victims.
In 1893 a British protectorate was declared over some parts of the Solomon Islands. This and the establishing of missions have been the means of subduing most of the people of the smaller islands, but they have been loath to give up their head-hunting and savagery.
In the Marovo Lagoon and places near by dwell some of the most daring chiefs and raiders. They have gone long distances in their war canoes, taken scores of heads, and brought back some of their victims as slaves. Others they have eaten. These are the men who are coming to us. They wish their children to belong to our mission. They come, these brave chiefs, to our Sabbath meetings, and have a great regard for the true holy day, and the Holy Book, as they call the Bible. These old raiders and cannibals are fast becoming brave Christians, and what the Buka Hope (Sacred Book) says settles everything.
Marovo Lagoon.
Some Interesting Letters
By Arthur G. Daniells
A. G. DANIELLS
In an article last week, entitled “Good News from Ceylon,” we told of two men, a lawyer and a school man, who are greatly interested in the truth. We have some letters from these men, written to our brethren in India, which will be of interest to our readers, indicating as they do the simple faith and real earnestness of these seekers after light. The first three are from the school man, Samuel G. Lee:—
“I have read ‘Daniel and the Revelation,’ and am convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. We have been holding meetings and worship on that day for nearly two months. What we can say is, ‘Come over and help us.’ We meet with much opposition. I rejoice to suffer in the cause of the kingdom. It is impossible to observe the Sabbath of the Lord and be in partnership with the churches here, which are following the higher critics. Therefore, please take steps at once to start work here. I will turn over to the mission the school which is entirely under me; but we cannot do anything until we meet and know each other properly.”
The next letter was written to the International Tract Society:—
“Your kind letter of the 25th ult. was duly received. Thanks for the literature sent. Besides these I received by post ‘The Great Controversy,’ ‘Bible Readings,’ and ‘Daniel and the Revelation.’ I particularly began to study the latter book and read most of what was said of the beast and the image and the mark of the beast, etc. I began to rise very early in the morning, at 4:30 or 5. But on the twenty-third my hand bag, with other valuables and this ‘Daniel and the Revelation,’ was stolen from my home.
“I am of Christian parents, brought up in the belief that the Bible is the inspired word of God. My parents were Congregationalists, but I came to learn that believer’s baptism is God’s appointment, and so was baptized on Nov. 19, 1893. Then I was the senior mathematical master, Wesley College, Colombo. The more I began to follow the Bible the more I found myself alone. So I had to organize a college in Colombo, ‘City College’ (1894-1907). Boys were prepared up to the London University matriculation standard. I kept teachers who were Christians and non-smokers and abstainers. I felt that real Christian work in school cannot be carried on freely when the school is placed under government grant. So I was content with the few given me. My wife was educated at the Isabella Thoburn College, at Lucknow, 1907.
“We closed the work in Colombo and came to Jaffna, where we have been the last seven years. We could not accept the teachings of the churches here. They are under higher critics. Now, after reading the books received from you, we have accepted the seventh day as the Sabbath, and are holding worship on that day. We sent a letter to Pastor James. Can you urge the superintendent at Lucknow, and Pastor James, to send some one to Jaffna, Ceylon, to help us? I will allow my school to be a place for meetings.
“Can’t you send some one at once to teach and help, as there are seven or eight families of us, or a community of about twenty-five in all?
“Yours in God’s keeping.”
“P. S.—I am ready to turn the educational work over to your mission. Pray for me.”
Mr. Lee’s third letter follows:—
“DEAR MR. JAMES: Pastor Thomas was here for three days, and we were much helped by his visit. I have finished reading ‘The Great Controversy,’ and have seen the truth and am determined to follow it. The Sabbath observance causes much persecution, but the Lord is sufficient in these trials. I desire to work in a line consonant with the new light. Some most bitter persecutors have become calmer. Mr. Thambipillai is very bright. He is a young lawyer. I have two boys and four girls. The older boy is fourteen years of age, and the youngest girl is two years old. They all speak English. Some decisive action must be taken by us. Please put us in the way. At first my wife was very bitter. Now she is calmer as I tried to explain more gently.
“Do you get financial help from the government for your schools? I can get certificates almost equal to F. A. from a London incorporated educational body called the College of Preceptors. I can hold these examinations in Ceylon, India, and Burma, Scripture being one subject, Tamil language another. In Ceylon we have hill stations within one hundred and fifty miles of the harbor. Owing to Sabbath observance required by new light, I have to reorganize many matters. I desire the earnest prayers of believers that the rest of my life may be devoted to God’s kingdom according to God’s way.
“Yours very truly.”
The following letter is from the lawyer to whom reference has been made:—
“SIR: I was in receipt of your kind letter about eight or ten days ago, but did not write to you, as I thought you would be at Coimbatore. Some two days ago I remitted to you a sum of 84 rupees and 8 annas, which is the amount of tithes from us. We sold some jewels, and therefore were able to make that collection. I am aware that Mr. Lee went up to Coimbatore, and am waiting to know some good news. I am glad that you remember us in your prayers. I feel that at this time God will lead us by his hand and show us the way in life. Surely, if God will show us, and particularly myself, as to what I should do for our salvation, and for his glory, we are prepared to obey him. We should be glad if God would give us help to prevail with him in the manner that Jacob did. Jacob had a greater advantage than any of us have; for he was face to face with him, and would not let him go unless he blessed him. ‘The Great Controversy’ is an excellent book. I do not know that there is any other book similar to that which is better that I can get. I have not written Pastor James as yet, as I do not know where he will be during this month.
“Yours obediently.”
The earnestness and zeal of these seekers after truth should appeal mightily to us who have so much light and so many privileges and blessings, and lead us to put forth every effort to send experienced workers to Ceylon to help these dear people.
A Visit to Gospel Village, Shen-si Province, China
By Frederick Lee
(Concluded)
FREDERICK LEE
WE decided we must leave for Honan at once, knowing that very soon lawless men would be overrunning the country and travel would be unsafe. But we could find no carts to take us. No one who had an animal dared let it be seen. But at last we found two carts belonging in Shan Dong, which were returning with a party of four, and we arranged to use one of these carts.
The entrance and exit of Shen-si is made by one door. That door is Tung-kuan. It is situated at the foot of a range of mountains on one side, and the Yellow River is on the other. There is but one pass, and that leads to the east gate of Tung-kuan. This place was three days’ journey away. If we could get there before the brigands, we should be safe; otherwise, no one knew what might happen. These brigands belong to a secret society, such as the Boxers. During the revolution of 1911, six foreigners were killed in Singan by members of this society. We hastened on.
We went for two and a half days very peacefully. We heard that all the cities to the west had been taken by this brigand army, and that about ten thousand of them were marching on to Singan. It looked as if we should get to Tung-kuan before they did. But on the third day we were to have our experiences. At noon, as we came into a village at the foot of Hwa Mountain, one of the five sacred mountains of China, in from the east rushed a band of brigands on horseback. They passed on, paying no attention to us. But soon another party came along, shooting their guns into the air to scare the people. We went on and passed these also; but we had not gone far when five of them rushed after us. They demanded money and arms and kerosene oil. One of them took out my watch, asked what time it was, and then put it back. They then began to search our things. One of them was determined to shoot my “boy.” He said he knew my boy was a soldier. But after we talked calmly awhile with them, they let us go on. We thanked God we were well rid of them, for they were going west. To the north of us we saw a big army, or rather a mob, of such men going west. We hastened on, for we were but ten miles from Tung-kuan. But just as we were feeling safe once more, being but three miles from Tung-kuan, down upon us rushed two brigands. They raised their guns, cursed us and called us “foreign devils,” and commanded us to get down from the cart.
When we got down, they took our watches from us, and then began tearing open our baggage and searching for arms and money. I was standing on one side of the cart, and Dr. Selmon was on the other. One of the brigands, standing ten feet away, cursing us, raised his gun to shoot me, but hesitated. When the fellow on the cart could find nothing, the men became very angry. The fellow on the cart jumped down and took a club and began beating Dr. Selmon, at the same time yelling out to the other fellow to shoot me. We then told them we had some money, which they could have if that was what they wanted. This satisfied them for a minute or so, but they again became enraged, calling me a “foreign devil,” and saying I must die. The man raised his gun, took aim, and asked me if I was willing to die. When he saw me standing calmly there looking him in the eye, he became more enraged, and asked if I did not know that my life was in his hands. He said he had just killed two men before he met us. For at least twenty minutes we stood there looking down the barrel of that gun in the hands of a wild man. All we could do was to commit ourselves to God and wait calmly.
At last two more horsemen rode up. One of them at once suggested that we be shot, but the others said no, we should be sent to their officer. So off we were led, followed by one of the fellows on horseback. As we trod along in the hot sun and dust for a mile or two, we knew for once how it seems to be taken captive by an enemy.
We met the officer coming down the road surrounded by a rabble of bandits. He was curt, and not overly polite when he saw us, but he assured us we should not be harmed. He said they were just on their way to attack Tung-kuan, and that we should go along with him. He invited us to ride in his cart. While riding with him, Dr. Selmon told the officer, or chief, what had happened to us. The officer excused it by saying that it was just a matter of brothers not recognizing each other, and that he would see that our things were returned. When we came up to the fellows who had robbed us, he demanded that they return our watches and money, which they sullenly did.
The chief brigand then told us we would better hasten on to Tung-kuan. He said his army would immediately attack the city. We then looked around for our boy and evangelist, but could find only the boy. None knew where the evangelist had gone, so we had to go on without him. Coming to the city, we found it locked, but it was opened for us, and then the door was quickly shut behind us.
As we entered the city, we met the evangelist coming out of a house. He was just in the act of sending a telegram to our homes, saying we had been taken by the brigands, and he did not know where we had gone; but when he heard the cart coming, he told the operator to wait until he should see who was passing. This was surely very timely, for a little later the telegraph wires were cut, and the operator had fled, and we could not have assured our families of our safety.
We were in the city only about an hour when the troops began retreating from it. We tried to get our cart ready to go also, but as the Honan road track is narrower than the Shen-si track, the cart axle must be changed. Just as we were having it changed, shots were heard at the west gate, and the brigands, meeting with no resistance, were coming into the city.
So once more we had to fall into the hands of these lawless men, and leave our safety with the Lord. This was Friday, and we were very tired after the experiences of the day. We went to our hotel to wait for developments. Everything was in an uproar, and some places were being looted. Hundreds of brigands were coming into the city, and shots were flying all around us. We felt sure that there would be general looting and firing of houses that night, and we did not care to be in the city, but there was no way of escape except to go down over the city wall, which is forty or fifty feet high. We planned for the worst, selected a few of our more important things, packed them together, prepared a long rope with which to make our escape over the wall, and then lay down on our cots with our clothes on, ready to flee if any trouble broke out. We did not care to trust ourselves again in the hands of these men if we could help it. But at midnight a sudden thunderstorm came up, and it rained till nearly morning. There was no disturbance that night.14
The next day (Sabbath) more brigands began coming into the city. The most lawless set in China was taking possession of everything. We did not like to make our escape on Sabbath. We tried to find the chief officer, whom we had met the day before. He was very busy extorting 30,000 ounces of silver (22,000 gold) from the merchants of the city. We did not succeed in finding him, but at last met an officer who knew where he was. He said he would tell the chief that we wanted to see him.
At this time the streets were crowded with these fierce fellows. And indeed they did look fierce, their heads bound in cloths and towels of all colors, and their bodies heavily armed with guns, pistols, and knives. Weapons of every description could be seen. The bandits were now swarming in, and at last took possession of the hotel where we were staying, and of the very rooms we occupied. Into our small courtyard they led their horses. Just at this time a messenger came in, saying the chief would see us. Dr. Selmon went to see him, while I packed up our baggage. At the same time a score of bandits were standing around, looking enviously at our things. One fellow was very malicious, and was determined to search my things. But others said, “No, you dare not. This is a foreigner, and the captain says he must be protected.”
At last Dr. Selmon returned and said the cart was waiting at the door to take us. The chief gave us no encouragement. He said he could only see us off to the east gate. One or two officers came in and said, “It is best you leave quickly. Everything is in an awful confusion.” So we started off under the escort of one tall brigand whom the chief had sent along with his card.
When we came to the gate, we were halted. There were about thirty bandits at the gate, searching every one going out, and keeping everything they happened to want. They did not recognize our escort, and cared nothing for the card we showed them. They commanded us to get down. They wanted to see what we had. We protested, saying the captain said we should not be interfered with. They were getting very mean when we recognized one of the crowd. We had met him the day before, when we were with the chief. We appealed to him. He then told the others that we were friends of the chief, and that they must let us go. So for the fifth and last time we passed through the lawless crowd unhurt.
The rest of our journey was uneventful. We, of course, did not know the condition of the roads ahead, but we had to go on by faith. When at last we passed the camp of the loyal soldiers, we felt that all danger was past.
We arrived home May 17, having been gone just one month. In all, we had traveled one thousand miles, spending twenty days of the month in travel. We had passed through many and varied experiences. We felt we had experienced most of the trials Paul mentions in 2 Cor. 11:26.
Concerning Clothes
THE “correct thing” in dress for both children and adults is an open question. “What shall I wear?” is the wail of woman the world over. Through spring and summer, fall and winter, the homekeeper of moderate means must anticipate the coming season if she would not be taken unaware, for the wardrobe must to some extent vary with the months, and truly “time flieth.” When the August calendar is torn off, and we see September looming before us, our thoughts instantly center on fall clothes. The average mother is busy devising ways and means, for it seems that autumn demands a more extensive outlay than any other season. Then small boys and girls, as well as those older grown, must be supplied with school clothes.
There is a theory that a person who would be perfectly groomed shall dress appropriately, neatly, and above all, inconspicuously. Then of course each must be guided in his planning more or less by the question of income. If you cannot afford a certain garment, do not buy it, but get the very best you can purchase. It does not pay to buy cheap material for the wardrobes of either old or young. It is well to remember that a dress which is intended to do long and constant service should be of a color that does not soil readily, and should be made plainly. Elaborate trimmings soon become shabby. Consider carefully what colors, styles, and materials are suitable and becoming to the figure, height, age, and complexion of the person who is to wear them. Often grace is more pleasing than beauty in clothes.
Many mothers prefer to make their children’s clothes instead of following the prevalent custom of buying ready-mades, and often a remnant of choice material picked up at a bargain counter will serve the purpose. A school frock of serge, linen, or gingham, for a little miss, is very attractive with white collar and cuffs. For nicer wear nothing could be more serviceable than pongee. This is easily laundered, demanding no fuss about starch and sprinkling before ironing. The midday blouse, with either a dark or a light skirt, is not expensive, and proves exceedingly serviceable. The prevailing styles are plain and attractive, and easily lend themselves to any soft material.
Don’t forget that your daughter enjoys dainty things. Do your best to make her clothes serviceable and pretty. If she has reached the age where she takes an interest in what she wears, would it do any harm to humor her fancy to a certain extent? I remember how, with the intensity of twelve years, I “wished” and even begged for just one dark-red cashmere dress. The dress my mother bought was brown, and cost more than the red of my heart’s desire, but she liked it better. I have despised brown ever since. Of course children do not have the best judgment, but I really believe that if the girl is allowed to help plan her clothes, and if they are dainty, and as far as possible to her liking, she will take greater pains to keep them carefully.
The girl of high-school age is sure to want to follow “the latest” in fashion, but if possible persuade her that a plain dress of good material is much more attractive than a cheaper dress adorned with needless accessories. Discreet trimming is suitable for an evening dress, but decidedly out of place for a school gown. The Peter Thompson sailor suit is fast gaining favor. Some schools have adopted this style as a regular school uniform. If this does not seem attractive, a durable coat suit in Norfolk style is very pretty when worn with neat blouses. This season dark serges are largely in favor. A one-piece dress worn with white collar and cuffs is very attractive for daily wear.
Important accessories to any dress are good, well-fitting gloves and shoes, and a neat, becoming hat. And let the buttons be all in place on gloves and shoes. Extremes in style are in poor taste for those who cannot afford an almost limitless supply of apparel.
Conducted by Mrs. I. H. Evans, Takoma Park, Washington D. C
By Mrs. I. H. Evans; Miss Lora E. Clement
Assisted by Miss Lora E. Clement
Through the columns of this department, hints will be given on all matters pertaining to the home life. Short articles and letters are solicited from home makers, telling of their everyday experiences,—their joys and sorrows, their failures and successes.