Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 17.

Forth From Your Past!
Earlier text: Graft Versus Religion

MARY T. WESTPHAL

By Mary T. Westphal

Chile

My husband is laboring in Valparaiso this summer, and has not been home for two months. The children and I have been spending the summer on the farm, occasionally going to the villages to spend Sabbath. To reach our farm we have to go on horseback, walk, or ride in a two-wheeled ox-cart. It takes three hours to go in the cart, and from two to two and one-half hours to make the journey on foot. Sometimes we see four persons on one horse. In the rainy season the mud and water are so deep that it is almost impossible to go about with carts here in the south. In older parts of the country, where the roads are better, farmers are supplying themselves with coaches and coach-horses; but usually the coaches have only two wheels. It was quite a treat to see a single buggy, shipped from the United States, on the road, when we were on a recent missionary trip.
Last Sabbath we went to Lancoche, to assist the little company there in their Sabbath-school work. We reached the place of worship just in time for Sabbath-school. Brother S. Mangold had come down from northern Chile, to attend the annual conference, and he met with us. The Sabbath-school was very interesting, nearly all the members having given faithful study to the lesson. We gave some advice in regard to the arrangement of the classes. While the offering was being taken, I made a few remarks on the importance of studying the lesson during the week; and our son followed with remarks on offerings. Brother Mangold, in the sermon that followed, emphasized the instruction and the points brought out in the lesson, which was on the parables of the talents and the ten virgins.
We met again in the afternoon, and the singing of hymns, accompanied by instrumental music, was greatly enjoyed by the brethren and sisters. All were refreshed and benefited by the meetings. Two Sabbath-schools were represented, one in the town and the other in the country. Some of the brethren and sisters living in the country came on horseback, and others walked. One sister carried her baby a distance of two or three hours’ walk over the hills. Her husband remained at home because he had no suitable shoes. He had ordered a pair, so he would be ready to go; but when his son brought them on Friday, they proved to be too short. He was very sad because he could not attend.
The wind blew a gale that day, filling the eyes with sand and dust; but there were no brethren remaining at home, sleeping or otherwise wasting the precious Sabbath hours. Nearly all present had come out of the Catholic Church, and they are happy in the light they have received. Several here desire baptism.
I was very weary when we arrived home, and had to spend the next day resting; but I was glad I could help to cheer these dear souls.
Dear brethren and sisters at home, be not weary in giving your sons and daughters and means to spread the gospel in foreign lands; for these gifts will result in stars for your crown. Pray for us.

MARY T. WESTPHAL

Church Dedicatory Services

By W. A. Hennig

SUNDAY afternoon, April 9, the new church building in Clifton, Va., was dedicated to the Lord, free from debt. Brother Pickard and a few brethren in Clifton went into the woods, cut down trees, had them sawed into lumber, and then erected the building with their own hands. It stands in a pretty little valley not far from the main part of the village.
At the dedication there were a number of prominent citizens who listened attentively to the reasons for the erection of the building and the great principles for which it stands. We hope this church will be a blessing to the citizens of Clifton and vicinity.
W. A. HENNIG.

Dedication of Chicago Colored Church

By Wm. Covert

THE Northern Illinois Conference has purchased a lot, and erected a church building thereon for our colored people in Chicago; and we are planning to have dedicatory services for this house in connection with a series of meetings to begin Thursday, May 4, and conclude on the evening of Sunday, May 7. The dedicatory services are to be conducted at 2:30 in the afternoon on Sunday, and we shall be glad to see the house well filled at this time.
This building is costing the conference five thousand dollars, including the lot upon which it stands. We are very anxious to dedicate this with as small a debt upon it as possible; in fact, we greatly prefer to have it free from debt, so the way is open for any friends of this good cause to send us an offering. Remit to the Illinois Tract Society, 440 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. Wm. Covert.

Work for the Young

By Edmund C. Jaeger

There are about twenty-four million boys, and girls in the United States. Should you place these twenty-four million children side by side, they would make a line stretching from Los Angeles, Cal., across the United States and the Atlantic Ocean to Liverpool, England. That represents a long line of responsibility; for Jesus wants all these children to hear of his soon coming; it also means a large opportunity; for they are bright, eager, and for the most part willing to learn. If we can get the children to listen to the truths of God, we may look for a large harvest of souls. Their hearts are like steel to hold impressions and like wax to take them. I believe that we shall get more results from a dollar spent in reaching a child than from a thousand dollars spent in reaching an old, hardened sinner, who is full of doubts and prejudices.
It is a tremendous undertaking to reach these twenty-four million children with the third angel’s message; but it’s a fine one, and I can put great enthusiasm into it. In the boys and girls I find royal friends, and I know they are responsive to effort. I’ve thrown my lot in with them, and mean to keep it there until God calls me to do something else.
Over a year ago I took upon myself the task of seeing that some of the boys and girls in this country are given an opportunity to learn something of the third angel’s message. I gave up my profession as teacher, and entered the lecture platform as a special lecturer to grade and high schools on ethics, hygiene, and scientific temperance. The work began in a modest way, and has now grown to proportions exceeding all my expectations. In the short time spent in service in this field, I have been able to reach over one hundred thousand children and thousands of adults. Openings for lectures both in the schools and before public assemblies are now coming faster than they can be filled. The teachers in the schools have been ready to co-operate in the work, and the results are already beginning to show.
In this work I am often reminded of a certain philosopher who was continually talking to his friends about the fine garden in which he fondly walked every day, and in which he did his studying. One day he was visited by one of his friends. The philosopher’s guest was much surprised at finding that this extraordinary garden was only a patch of ground about the size of the floor of his own room. “What!” said he, “is this your garden? It’s not very broad.” “No,” said the philosopher, “it’s not very broad, but it’s a wondrous height!”
And so I may say regarding this work with the children,—it’s not a very large work, perhaps, but it’s of a wondrous height. It reaches right up to heaven and the Father’s throne.
Such reports as the following make me happy: A few years ago Mr. H, a wealthy landholder, began drinking. Today he is a sober man. What brought about this change? His two children attended the Lincoln school here in Riverside; they heard the lectures given month by month, and carried the good words home. The father was touched by their appeals that he stop drinking, and finally he granted their request. This reminds us of the truth that children can often accomplish reforms that their elders could not attempt.
“And still to childhood’s sweet appeal The heart of genius turns, And more than all the sages teach From lisping voices learns.”
In all my work I have tried to bring in the personal touch; I have sought to make the boys feel that I had their interests at heart, that we are brothers. This has made them feel free to come to me for advice in many matters in which they need the counsel of an older person. I believe I can truthfully say that I am personally acquainted with more children in Southern California than any other person in the State. One of the greatest joys of my life is to have these boys greeting me wherever I go in my travels. Sometimes I imagine I feel something like the Pied Piper of Hameln as I go from town to town. And as the piper is said to have entranced the children of the German village with his music, so may the Lord help me to win the hearts of these children to the truths of the message, and lead them on to the city of God.
I have just finished touring San Bernardino County, speaking to eight thousand children and teachers. This included instruction in sixteen grades and three high schools. At San Bernardino, the county-seat, the W. C. T. U. arranged for a meeting especially for young men, at which I presented a lecture on sex hygiene. There was a wholesome interest. At Redlands and Riverside the pastors of two of the largest churches gave up their Sunday evening pulpits for stereopticon health lectures. It would have done you good to see the interest of the people in health reform. They demand more such lectures. At Colton and Redlands I lectured before large audiences of young people on similar topics, trying to show them the way of life.
Many of these youth (I meet from three hundred to five hundred a day) are honest-hearted, and they should have an opportunity to hear more of God’s Word. I have secured the names of some of the most promising, hoping that I could induce some one to send them the Youth’s Instructor. I have hundreds of names on my lists, waiting for some one to send for them. Will you not, as you read this, decide to provide copies of this excellent paper for at least one young man or woman? I earnestly hope you will do something to help reach these children.
EDMUND C. JAEGER.

Missionary Volunteer Institutes

By W. W. Ruble

THE first of a series of Missionary Volunteer institutes was held at Stuart, Iowa, March 10-12, in connection with a Sabbath-school convention given by the church and the academy students. Papers upon such subjects as “A Definite Call,” “A Definite Field,” “A Definite Work,” etc., were prepared by the students, and many excellent thoughts were presented.
Prof. H. R. Salisbury, Elder M. N. Campbell, and Prof. H. H. Howard were present, and took part in the discussion of the papers, and in other ways contributed to the interest of the meetings.
Elder Meade MacGuire and Miss Matilda Erickson were unable to be present at the Stuart meeting, but met us at Elk Point Academy, S. D. At this place a three days’ institute was held. The inspiring talks given by Professor Salisbury on missions, and the instructive lessons given by Elder MacGuire and Miss Erickson on Missionary Volunteer plans, were much appreciated by those present. Elder MacGuire remained over Sabbath at the school, and the deep interest which had been created culminated in a revival, nearly all of the students renewing their consecration to the Lord’s work.
Friday evening, March 17, an institute was opened in St. Paul, Minn., by an inspiring sermon on “The Price of Leadership,” by Professor Salisbury. The two days that followed were crowded with good things pertaining to the young people’s work and the advancement of the message. All the State Missionary Volunteer secretaries in the union were present at this and the two institutes following, and the secretaries’ councils were much appreciated.
Professor Salisbury gave the opening talk, “Young People and Missions,” at the three days’ institute held at Maplewood Academy, Maple Plain, Minn. The talks on “Personal Work,” “Faith and Service,” “Alone With God,” “Temperance and Other Reforms,” given by Elder MacGuire and Miss Erickson, were very helpful. Elder MacGuire remained over the Sabbath, and every student but one renewed his consecration to God, and took a determined step forward.
The last institute of the series was held at the Danish-Norwegian seminary at Hutchinson, Minn. The same workers were present, and the blessing of God attended the work done. The stereopticon lecture, “Christ the Great Missionary,” appealed to the students, and many were inspired to put forth more earnest efforts to bring their lives into conformity with the life of Jesus.
A spirit of consecration and earnest devotion seemed to be renewed at each place visited, and the earnest efforts put forth by the workers will produce fruit in the lives of the young people of the Northern Union Conference. The institutes were a success in every way, and we all feel to thank God anew for the Missionary Volunteer movement.
W. W. RUBLE.

To Our Church Officers and Workers

By A. J. Haysmer

I wish to write a few lines to you through the Review, and I wish you to accept it as a personal letter. I know you are interested in the closing of this work, and in hastening the time when the faithful from every nation will be gathered home. I believe you are also interested in getting this truth before the colored people in this country as well as in other countries and the islands of the sea. The colored people in the United States comprise one eighth of the entire population, and we have a great work to do to get the truth before them. In order to do this work, we need not only the prayers but also the assistance of our people.
While we need money very much, and the work can not be carried on without it, that is not what I am asking for in this article. I am writing in behalf of the Gospel Herald, the organ of the North American Negro Department. No doubt all who receive this paper read with interest the reports of the progress of the work done among the colored people. There are many papers; but as we all like to read the interesting reports of the progress of the work from every field, I trust all will wish to read about our mission field right here at home. The Gospel Herald is the only paper that contains these reports. It is only twenty-five cents a year, and it should visit every home. It is filled with reports from our ministers, Bible workers, and nearly twenty mission teachers.
Will you not, as church officers, missionary secretaries, and young people's secretaries, take up this matter with our people, and do all you can to secure a goodly number of subscriptions for this paper? It is now being printed by the students of our training-school. This enables several to work their way through school, who could not otherwise attend. Subscribe for the paper yourselves, and as far as possible get all our people to subscribe also.
A. J. HAYSMER.

East Brazil Mission

By John Lipke

SINCE the organization of the Brazil Union Conference, my field is called the East Brazil Mission, and consists of four states,—Bahia, Alagoas, Sergipe, and Pernambuco.
During the few months of this new year the Lord has blessed the efforts put forth. We marvel as we see the many openings for proclaiming the truth. I will first speak of the work in Pernambuco. I was absent more than five months, and was glad to find, upon returning, that members were faithful, and had worked to spread the truth, which had obtained a foothold in at least three new places. Brother Pedro Demetrio found a number of interested Catholics, whose leader is a young Brazilian. This young man has lived a godly life according to the light he has had. With the greatest interest the people, about thirty in number, listened to the Bible readings that our brother gave them. From the city of Gravata came a call for him to visit a company there who wish to know more about the Sabbath.
Near the city of Recife live several groups of God-fearing Christians. From this place, also, came the call for more light on the Sabbath. One of our brethren is now working with this little company.
Two of our canvassers found, in the city of Nazareth, traces of the influence of a minister who, through Bible study, began to keep the Sabbath and taught his people so. Quite an opposition had been aroused, which resulted in the discharge of the minister, who would not give up the Sabbath. In that city are many who would like to hear one of our ministers speak on the Sabbath question. We have many interests on hand, but there is a great lack of laborers. In this state we have three able men who for years preached in their former church, but they need to be thoroughly instructed in the truth before they can teach others.
In Pernambuco I baptized fifteen persons during February, and more are preparing for baptism at the time of my next visit.
From there I went by train to the state of Alagoas, where I was glad to find our brethren of good courage, and working to spread the truth. Ten persons were baptized and taken into the church while I was there.
March 1 I arrived again in Bahia, my present home. On the day of my arrival I was taken sick with fever, but, thank the Lord, I am better again, and able to do the work that he has intrusted to me. The first of April we expect to start an institute, to last six weeks, in which a number of brethren (Brazilians) will take part.
JOHN LIPKE.

Fireside Correspondence School

By W. E. Howell

Still Hard at Work
WE have not said much for a long time, because we are too busy to do much talking, and because the students keep coming without our saying much.
We wonder how many readers of the REVIEW really sense that about two hundred young people, parents, and workers in the field, in offices, and in institutions, are making definite progress in education without leaving their homes. This is made possible by the Fireside Correspondence School, located at Takoma Park, D. C., which was organized for those who need more education but can not leave their homes or their work to get it. This school is no place for those who are seeking an easy road to success, but those who are willing to work are making substantial and rapid advancement. Our work is usually given by subject rather than by grade, though naturally many subjects coincide with grades. Most of our courses contain forty lessons, and either complete the subject (as grammar, general history, stenography, etc.), or cover the ground usually passed over in one year at a three residence school (as algebra, Latin, physiology, Bible doctrines, etc.).
One young woman has completed twenty-five lessons in algebra since the middle of November, with an average standing of 96.2 per cent. Besides this she has done twenty-one lessons in the life of Christ, and twenty-six in general history, with a good average in both. She expects to attend a residence school next year.
Another young woman, a church-school teacher, is just completing composition-rhetoric, begun October 3, with an average of 96.7 per cent.
Another, a farmer’s daughter, has completed thirty-four lessons each in grammar and physiology, with high standings.
One young man (married) who works ten hours a day as machinist, completed New Testament Greek I (including the entire Gospel by John) in nine months, with an average of 98.7 per cent after very close marking. He is now taking physiology, and will start on Greek II soon.
An older man (aged fifty-three) completed not long ago our courses in English grammar, New Testament Greek, and Bible doctrines, carrying them at the same time, and has now enrolled for the life of Christ.
A young man, aged eighteen, a clerk, has but eight more lessons to complete first year Latin since the middle of October, with an average of 94 per cent so far.
Another, a boy of fifteen, a canvasser, just completed English grammar, begun November 13, with an average of 95.5 per cent. At the same time he has done fifteen lessons in algebra, with an average of 99.4 per cent.
One young woman, a teacher in one of our academies, has completed twenty-four lessons in New Testament Greek II, since the latter part of October.
A young man of twenty-two completed thirteen lessons in bookkeeping from January 31 to March 14, with a high average. He was called home from one of our academies to the farm on account of his father’s sickness.
Another student in bookkeeping, aged forty-four, an office worker, has completed twelve lessons since February 5, with an average standing of 98.
And so the story goes. We have cited a few who have made rapid progress to show what can be done by those who are willing to work for an education and know how to use their spare time. Some are progressing more slowly, a few even taking two years to finish a course; but these never give up. They feel it is much better to keep doing something than to say, “I haven’t the time,” or, “It’s too hard work,” or, “I hope to a little later.”
What are you saying about it, reader?
W. E. Howell, Principal.

Field Notes

There were three additions to the Knoxville (Tenn.) church last month.
Elder A. W. Kuehl reports four persons keeping the Sabbath at Excelsior, Minn.
Two more have been baptized at Trinidad, Colo., as the result of meetings at that place.

The Secret of the Church's Power and Prosperity

By D. H. K.

We have long believed, and have been taught, that the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah has its application in the last days. The message it contains applies, therefore, especially to the remnant church. First, a reform is called for in Sabbath observance. The church designated here is admonished no longer to do her own works on God's holy day, but to “call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable.” Verse 13. Second, she is called upon to be less selfish, and to manifest an interest in the poor and needy.
When she responds to this appeal, she will be distinguished from all other churches. Even by the nations she will be called “the restorer of paths to dwell in.” Her two leading characteristics will be Sabbath observance and Christian Help work; and because of her activities in these lines, her “seed shall be known among the Gentiles,” and her “offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord has blessed.” Isa. 61:9.
In the midst of the universal selfishness and moral darkness that cover the earth, God's church will be engaged in the most unselfish work,—that of ministering to the poor, the fatherless, the widows, and the sick. She will be carrying good cheer to all. “A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary [or orphans] in families.” Ps. 68: 5, 6. Therefore, “pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” “He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger.” Deut. 10:18, 19. God loves by giving; so we are to love the stranger by giving him food and raiment. This will be true medical missionary work. It will be the gospel in practise.
When the church does the work appointed her of God, his glory will be seen upon her. Then the promise to her is: “The Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isa. 60: 1-3); and, “the wealth of the nations shall come unto thee.” Verse 5.
There are many wealthy persons who would gladly give of their abundance to help the needy. They do not have the time to search them out, and know very little of the misery, suffering, and poverty that exist. But should the needs of these be presented to them, and could they see self-denying and unselfish effort on the part of the church to help them in a sane way, many would entrust the church with means to carry forward such a work. In this manner the breach between the rich and the poor might be made up, so that the bounties entrusted to the one could through the church flow to the other; and both the rich and the poor would be blessed,—one in giving, the other in receiving. It would be appropriate for the church to appeal to those who have been entrusted with means to help the unfortunate. The one who asked for the loaves for his friend who was in need, received as many as he asked for. The promise still is, “Ask, and it shall be given you.”
The time was when the church undertook to do a work known as Christian Help work, which included everything called for in this chapter. Many to-day can testify that when she did this work, the wealth of the Gentiles came to her. Numerous experiences and incidents might be related, showing how marvelously God wrought in supplying her with means to help the needy. The church became the channel through which the blessings which God had bestowed upon the rich might flow to the poor and needy. But a time came when the church became less active in such work, and as a result the means from the Gentiles ceased to flow unto her. Her members lost the spiritual and physical blessing which always accompanies such labor.
The church is designed to be merely a channel through which temporal and spiritual blessings may flow to the needy. Stripped of all selfish ambition, she receives to impart; she lives to bless. Though poor, she is able to make many rich. Such a church will to-day be recognized, not only in heaven, but by the Gentiles of the earth, as God's church. I wish to quote a comment upon this chapter, found in “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. II, pages 25, 34, 36:—
“Good deeds are the fruit that Christ requires us to bear; kind words, deeds of benevolence, of tender regard for the poor, the needy, the afflicted. When hearts sympathize with hearts burdened with discouragement and grief, when the hand dispenses to the needy, when the naked are clothed, the stranger made welcome to a seat in your parlor and a place in your heart, angels are coming very near, and an answering strain is responded to in heaven. Every act of justice, mercy, and benevolence makes melody in heaven. The Father from his throne beholds those who do these acts of mercy, and numbers them with his most precious treasures. ‘And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.’”
“The prophet is addressing Sabbath-keepers, not sinners, not unbelievers, but those who make great pretensions to godliness. It is not the abundance of your meetings that God accepts. It is not the numerous prayers, but the right-doing, doing the right thing, and at the right time. It is to be less self-caring, and more benevolent.”
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doing before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat of the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Isa. 1:16-20.
D. H. K.

Sanitarium · Relief Campaign

By L. A. Hansen

In Southern Illinois

By arrangement with the president of the Southern Illinois Conference, Elder E. A. Bristol, seven churches in that conference were recently visited in the interests of the “Ministry of Healing” campaign. Because of limited time no more could be visited.
On account of very bad weather, the attendance was small at Peoria. Those present seemed to feel it their duty to share in this work, and pledged accordingly. Elder B. F. Stureman, who has charge of the work at this place, will take up the campaign with the church. He also helped in presenting it to the companies at Bloomington and Champaign, at which places there were some who were willing to do their part.
Champaign is favorably situated for placing our health literature before the people. The local sanitarium work has been carried on about four years, and has made an excellent impression with the public. The two sisters conducting it are held in high esteem, and have made many friends for their work. A high standard has been upheld by the workers, and there is a well-developed interest on the part of many in our health principles.
Decatur is another place where the health work has made marked progress. For a number of years Brother and Sister R. B. Craig have conducted treatment-rooms, and unusual success has attended their work. Besides carrying on a work that has appealed strongly to the public, they have been a strength to our own church and conference work. Under their leadership the members have engaged in all lines of work, and of course the relief campaign will receive attention. A beginning was made at this meeting, and the work will be carried forward.
At Centralia there is a small company of comparatively new members, but the appreciation shown in being visited, and the love expressed for the truth, were such as to more than repay the visitor. They insisted on hearing all that could be told in the evening’s sitting, even though it did take two hours.
At Duquoin is a good-sized company, including students and teachers from the school. Dr. W. C. Dalbey is leader, and being much interested in the advancement of the health work, will give valuable assistance, both here and in other churches, in presenting the campaign. A good response was made by a number of those present.
There was a good attendance at the Sunday-night meeting at Springfield, and the members of the church showed deep interest in the subject presented. Elder Bristol and Brother Craig were also present. Some had already pledged their part; others at this time gave their names for books.
This conference is not a large one in membership, and it has some unfavorable conditions to meet; but there are good workers, willing people, and good territory; and a continuance of the spirit shown by many will bring only good results from this or any other strong missionary effort.
L. A. HANSEN.

Medical Missionary Department

Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
D. H. KRESS, M. D. . . . . Secretary
L. A. HANSEN . . . . Assistant Secretary

Tithing the Income

By Chas. Thompson

“Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.” Deut. 14: 22. It is the seed’s increase that is to be tithed. We are to tithe what is produced from the seed we sow. The increase of the seed is the income of the sower. To illustrate: A farmer sows twenty bushels of wheat in his field, and at the end of the year reaps two hundred bushels. This two hundred bushels is the increase of the seed, and should be tithed, after deducting, of course, certain necessary expenses which may have been incurred in either planting or harvesting the crop.
A man plants a bushel of potatoes, and digs ten, twenty, or more bushels. The seed has increased to this amount, and he should tithe it. The Lord’s portion comes first, and we are to live, buy clothing, pay tuition for our children’s schooling, etc., from what is left.
We must not confound the increase, or production of the seed we sow, with what we have at the end of the year. A man might have a bountiful crop, an abundant increase from the seed sown, and have no surplus at the end of the year.
The word translated increase in the text in question, is defined by Dr. Young, in his Analytical Concordance, as fruit, making the text read: “Thou shalt surely tithe all the fruit of thy seed.” The Germans render it: “Thou shalt tithe all the income of thy seed.” The Italian rendering is: “All the return of thy seed.” Therefore, this text, rightly understood, in no way contradicts Lev. 27: 28-30; 2 Chron. 31: 4-6; Num. 18: 21, and others, which call for a tithe of all seed, fruit, herd, and flock.
The Lord makes rich promises to those who are faithful in returning to him his own. “Thy barns shall be filled with plenty,” he declares, “and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Prov. 3: 9, 10. “I will rebuke the devourer for thy sake. . . . And all nations shall call thee blessed.” Mal. 3: 11, 12. May God help all to be willing to bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in the Lord’s house.
CHAS. THOMPSON.

Dismissing Members From the Church

By T. E. BOWEN

This is an important matter. It is, or should be, only after careful labor and prayerful examination that members are taken into church fellowship. Therefore, before withdrawing the hand of fellowship, labor should be put forth to rescue from sin every member before the final action is taken expelling him from the church. But there come times when this last painful duty is the only one left for a church to do. While on the one hand a matter of this kind should not be allowed to run on and on with nothing being done to clear the church of the stain of open sin, on the other hand no rash, hasty moves should be made.
“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” 1 Tim. 5:20. It is sin the church is arrayed against. When a church is organized, the members covenant together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. If it comes to a place where a member is known to violate a commandment of God, the church has a responsibility in correcting it. Members who are spiritual should in the love of Christ labor for this individual in an effort to get him to see his sin, and heartily repent of it, thus separating from himself the wicked thing. But if he justifies himself, and will not humbly repent and be converted, there remains but one thing for the church to do, and that is to remove his name from the church-book.
In Corinth, where Paul had labored long and faithfully, it was reported to him, some time after he had gone on to other cities, that a member had violated the seventh commandment—committed fornication of a heinous character. This man was so utterly depraved that he even exulted in the vile deed; and the church apparently looked on, and did not know what to do. When Paul heard of it, he wrote them thus:—
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you. . . . And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh. . . . Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump. . . . But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” 1 Cor. 5:1-13.
Here is instruction plain and simple. Notice, the individual who persists in sin virtually expels himself. He chooses the abominable things in the world, to rescue him from which Jesus died. He voluntarily chooses those things that are without the church, from which he separated himself to join the body of Christ—the church. Without judging him, only so far as to decide that the wicked practises he has chosen belong to those who are without, and not within the church, he not being willing to separate himself from these sins of the world without, the church acts, and puts the wicked person out with the company he himself has chosen. Paul says that the church has power “to judge them that are within;” that is, within the church.
In matters of open violation of one of God's plain commandments, the foregoing Bible instruction is plainly the duty of any church concerning any one of its members. Thus others shall know that the church does not in any degree wink at sin. Only by this course can the church be kept pure, unleavened by sin.
T. E. BOWEN.

Church Etiquette

The following rules on church etiquette are worth repeating. If every one who enters the house of God would put them into practise, there would be far less confusion than often exists.
1. If possible, be on time. You need ten minutes to get your breath, get warm or cool, compose your body and mind, and whisper a prayer before the first notes of the organ are heard.
2. Never pass up the aisle during prayer or Scripture reading. If you do, your presence will distract the minds of the entire audience.
3. Be devout in every attitude; find the hymn given out, and share the book with your neighbor. Sing if you can.
4. If the sermon has begun, take a seat near the door, no matter if you are at your home church.
5. Take the inside end of the pew, if you are the first to enter, and leave the vacant space at the aisle end.
6. Don't rush for the door after the benediction is pronounced, but linger a moment. We should be loath to depart from the sacred temple.
7. There should be no loud talking or jesting after the service is concluded.
—Selected.

The Lord Jesus Is With You

By Frances Ridley Havergal

ARE you a disciple of the Lord Jesus? If so, he says to you, “I am with you alway.” That overflows all the regrets of the past and all the possibilities of the future, and most certainly includes the present. Therefore, at this very moment, as surely as your eyes rest on this page, so surely is the Lord Jesus with you. “I am” is neither “I was” nor “I will be.” It is always abreast of our lives, always encompassing us with salvation. It is a splendid, perpetual “now.”—Frances Ridley Havergal.

The Magdalene

By George E. Tack

GEORGE E. TACK
BEHOLD her seated at the Master's feet, Her face upturned to his pure, godlike face, Wherein dwell tenderest yearning, truth, and grace, Love's genial rays that glad her soul does greet. She smiles; the power in his calm voice sweet, That seven times drove the demon from her soul, She inly feels,—the power that made her whole,— And, lost in love, thinks not of drink or meat.
Gone the gray centuries; the ghostly years, Enrobed with history's vestment, brightly gleam With deeds of faith and love and holy tears; Yet o'er them soft I hear, as in a dream, The Master's voice: “O burdened, troubled heart! Like Magdalene, choose thou that better part.”
Baltimore, Md.
Continue reading: NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS