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Review and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 52.

Just Wait
Earlier text: R. D. QUINN

Mission Notes

IN writing from the Solomon Islands on July 18, Sister D. Nicholson says: “We are finding our time fully occupied with the Marovo Mission and the new missions in which we must take some interest. We are of good courage in our work, and are looking forward to receiving help shortly.”
BROTHER L. V. FINSTER, writing August 2, said that their new college building, which is being erected upon their mission grounds in the suburbs of Manila, was progressing nicely, and that they hoped to have the roof on in about ten days. It is in this building that the training school for the Philippines is to be opened. Brethren Irving Steinel and O. Sevrens, who went with the large party which sailed August 1, are to teach in this school. God is blessing the efforts put forth to train our native young people in every land to join with us in giving the last message in all the world.

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.

Children All

By Anna B. Bryant

The pink little fingers are strong and brown That clung so tight to their mother’s gown; The dear little pattering, stumbling feet Race all day in the field and street; The nimble tongue like a mocking bird’s, Lisp no longer in baby words; But a little child at the heart is he, As home he runs to his mother’s knee.
The brave young shoulders are squared and strong To carry burdens and right the wrong; His back is sturdy and soldier-straight; Never it bends to fear or fate. Bright and buoyant and brave and free— Where is the child at the mother’s knee? Ah, home he comes from the heights of will! Her tallest boy is her “baby” still.
Out in the world we fare, elate, And fling our challenge to time and fate; We are young, we are strong, we are glad, we are gay, And we scoff at the cares of the toilsome way; But the tempest gathers, or fortune stuns— “Like as a mother” the promise runs! Children at heart, with our hurts and harms, We long for the Everlasting Arms! —Anna B. Bryant.

A Criticism of Critics

By Mrs. B. F. Foote

MRS. B. F. FOOTE
You are all familiar with the old saying that “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” But for a little while I wish to throw some stones against criticism, and to throw as hard and as straight and as often as possible. Perhaps I should add that most of the stones that I shall throw are those which have already struck me with more or less effect. In fact, the very first one struck me so forcibly that as soon as I get through writing this article, I am going to turn over a new leaf and try hard never to criticize anybody again. Here it goes, and I hope it will make a deep impression: “To criticize others requires less brains than almost any other effort.”
And here is another that sank in deep when it first struck me: “What a world of gossip would be prevented if it were only remembered that a person who tells you of the faults of others intends to tell others of your faults!”
Turn that around a little now, and apply it in this way: Next time you find yourself criticizing some one, just look into the eyes of the one to whom you are speaking, and realize that he is thinking after this fashion: “Well, now, I wonder what he is going to say about me when he gets around behind my back!”
Here is another “stone:”— “There is so much good in the worst of us, And so much bad in the best of us, That it ill behooves any of us To talk about the rest of us.”
Another that is worth remembering: “Unspoken criticisms are like your own sword in your own sheath; but after you have said them, they are like your sword in the hands of another.” I well remember one person who used to come to me and talk about others, and when I would indicate in any way that I agreed with her, she would go and tell the person talked about that I had said the things she had told me. It was quite a lesson to me when I found it out.
When tempted to find fault with others, it is well to remember that by so doing we reveal our own character. The Bible makes this very plain in the following words: “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” When we talk about the faults of others, we become partakers of their faults; for if we know that they are making mistakes, and do not try to correct them, we are as guilty as they.
Talmage says: “There is only one person worse than a whisperer; and that is the man or woman who listens without protest. . . . An ancient writer declares that a slanderer and a man who receives the slander ought both to be hanged,—the one by the tongue and the other by the ear.”
Some time ago I saw a description of the “cancellation” game. This is the way it is played: Whenever a person says something derogatory of another in your presence, try to say something good about the person criticized, thus canceling the impression that might otherwise be left by the unfavorable remark. To illustrate: There is a story of an old woman who was in a company where the minister was being criticized very severely. When she was asked her opinion, she replied that the poorest preacher she ever heard could preach so much better than she could live that she never felt like criticizing any of them.
There is one kind of criticism that is perfectly proper, and the more of such criticizing we do, the better. That is self-criticism. The following is to the point:— “Just stand aside, and watch yourself go by. Think of yourself as ‘he’ instead of ‘I.’ Then pick flaws; find fault; forget the man is you, And strive to make your estimate ring true. The faults of others then will dwarf and shrink, Love’s chain grow stronger by one mighty link, When you, with ‘he’ as substitute for ‘I,’ Have stood aside and watched yourself go by.”
We should excuse much in others, but nothing in self. There is a story of two Chinese families,—one rich, the other poor. The poor family was very happy, and the rich family was just the opposite, always having trouble. The rich man went to the poor man’s home one day, and asked how it was that they were always so happy. “Oh,” said the poor man, “we all try to take the blame for everything that goes wrong. For instance, if one of the children is carrying a dish to the table, and stumbles over the footstool that another has left in the middle of the floor, breaking the dish and spilling its contents, the one will apologize for having left the obstruction in the way, while the other will say, ‘Well, it was my fault; I ought to have been watching where I was going.’” Then the rich man said, “Well, well, it is just the other way in my home. Each one blames some one else for everything that goes wrong.”
Criticism is condemned in no uncertain terms in “Christ’s Object Lessons.” There the writer says: “Satan has many helpers. Many who profess to be Christians are aiding the tempter to catch away the seeds of truth from other hearts. Many who listen to the preaching of the word of God make it the subject of criticism at home. They sit in judgment on the sermon as they would on the words of a lecturer or a political speaker. The message that should be regarded as the word of the Lord to them is dwelt upon with trifling or sarcastic comment. The minister’s character, motives, and actions, and the conduct of fellow members of the church, are freely discussed. Severe judgment is pronounced, gossip or slander repeated, and this in the hearing of the unconverted.”
The Western Recorder gives a very pointed sentence on this thought, as follows: “If we would pray for the preacher as much as we criticize and cauterize him, there is little doubt that his ministry would be far more effective.”
Now, here is the last stone I intend to throw; and I hope it will break up into enough pieces to strike every one who has ever said anything about any one that he ought not to have said, and strike so hard that if the temptation ever comes again, the memory of it will help each one to resist. It is really a precious stone, a gem:— “If you your lips Would keep from slips, Five things observe with care: To whom you speak, Of whom you speak, And how, and when, and where.”

The United States Public Health Service Asks, Do You—

FAIL to 'keep yourself physically fit?
Wash your face carefully, and then use a common roller towel?
Swat the fly, and then keep a pile of garbage in the back yard?
Maintain a polluted well, and then complain about the undertaker’s bill?
Think screening is too expensive, and then blame your malaria on the climate?
Carry a fine handkerchief, and then forget to cover your mouth when you cough?
Go to the drug store to buy a toothbrush, and then handle the entire stock to see if the bristles are right?

Setting the Color of Fabrics

The color of ginghams, percales, etc., may be “set” by soaking them an hour in a brine made of cold water and salt. The addition of a tablespoonful of alum, dissolved in a little boiling water, is also recommended.

Care of the Kitchen Range

Never pack the kitchen range full of coal, but leave a space of at least two inches below the lids. This will give the maximum heat, and at the same time preserve the life of the range.

The Ohio Camp Meeting

By E. K. Slade

The fifty-fourth annual conference and camp meeting of the Ohio Conference was held in the city of Newark, August 17-27. The location was a beautiful one. Mound Park is noted for the large prehistoric mound it contains. This mound is in the shape of a horseshoe, and is exactly one mile in circumference, measuring in the line of the center of the top of the mound. No one knows definitely by whom, or for what purpose, these great mounds were constructed. They are very interesting to students of history in this time, and they indicate a remarkable outlay of labor and engineering skill.
The meeting was well attended by our own people, and the attendance of those not of our faith was exceptionally good. The reports given indicated a most encouraging gain in the various departments of the work. Two hundred and sixty-seven persons were added to the membership of the conference during 1915. This did not include the number brought in after the close of the conference year as a result of the efforts made preceding that time. It was reported that ten strong tent efforts were conducted during the summer season of 1916. Eight of these were large city efforts, involving heavy expense, but giving promise of a large number embracing the truth.
The city work in the State of Ohio is receiving earnest attention. It was made evident that the executive committee is giving such attention to the problem of working our cities as the present conditions require. Instead of conducting one large, expensive effort, facilities and laborers have been provided by which three efforts have been carried on in the leading cities of the State at the same time.
It is encouraging to know that a favorable response to the urgent needs of the times is seen in the tithe receipts. In 1910 they amounted to $32,337, in 1915 they reached $44,137, and the tithe receipts for 1916 will be $50,000. The mission offerings for 1910 were $10,602; in 1915 they reached the sum of $23,993, a gain of $13,391, or 126 per cent. In the Sabbath school work, it was seen that there has been a gradual gain in interest, in general efficiency, and in offerings to missions. The Missionary Volunteer work of the Ohio Conference is making good progress. The general educational work and the church school work also gave an encouraging showing.
In our literature work, including the subscription book work, the Ohio Conference has made an excellent record. To indicate the advancement made in this important branch of the cause in Ohio, we give the results of the business done in 1910, which amounted to $17,893, and in 1915, which reached $38,854. This gives us a gain of $20,960, or 117 per cent. The business in this department in the year of 1916 will doubtless pass far beyond the $40,000 mark. It was interesting to hear the reports rendered by the heads of departments, and to hear from those who had been out in the field engaging in the various lines of work.
The Lord's blessing was enjoyed in a special manner throughout the meeting. Excellent help was provided from the General, Division, and Union Conferences. Profs. W. W. Prescott, M. E. Kern, and C. S. Longacre, from the General Conference; Elder J. W. Hirlinger, Profs. B. G. Wilkinson and C. L. Stone, Drs. D. H. Kress and H. W. Miller, and Brother C. V. Leach, from the Union Conference; Brethren L. W. Graham, J. W. Mace, J. L. McConaughey, representing our publishing work, contributed much to the success of the meeting. All the ministers and workers of the Ohio Conference were present, each one contributing his share to the general uplift of the meeting.
As a result of the Lord's special blessing, a large number responded to a call to reconsecration to the Lord's work, and there were some new conversions. Before the close of the meetings, a few of those attending the services from the city took their stand to obey the truth. Twenty-five were baptized, and quite a number will be baptized some time later at their home churches.
There was a liberal response to the general calls that were made for funds, such as the foreign mission fund, the Washington Missionary College fund, and the Ohio city and tent fund. All that was pledged and paid in cash in response to these calls, including the amount received preceding the camp meeting, on the Washington Missionary College fund, approximated $18,000.
It was felt that in the splendid messages that were presented and in the important recommendations that were adopted, the Spirit of the Lord was present in a special manner to bless and revive his people.
The election of officers resulted in only slight changes from the preceding year. The workers and believers returned to their homes and fields with a renewed determination more earnestly to prosecute the work in the great State of Ohio.
E. K. SLADE.

The Inter-Mountain Conference and Camp Meeting

By G. W. Reaser

THE first session of the Inter-Mountain Conference was held in connection with their annual camp meeting, in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 17-27. At the time of the last autumn council of the North American Division Conference, held at Loma Linda, Cal., it was recommended that this new conference be formed by the uniting of the Western Colorado Conference with the Utah Conference. Soon after this the initial steps looking toward this union were taken at a joint meeting of the committees of the two conferences, held at Grand Junction, Colo., and attended by Elder E. E. Andross and Brother Claude Conard, representing the Pacific Union Conference. At that time Elder E. A. Curtis was elected president, and Brother J. F. Gaster secretary-treasurer of the new conference.
The membership of the conference thus formed is approximately seven hundred and sixty, and about one third of this number were in attendance at the meeting at Salt Lake. The territory of the conference is so great in extent that it was scarcely to be hoped that a larger percentage of the membership could meet at any given point.
During the conference session the same executive officers who had served since the organization of the Inter-Mountain Conference were reelected, and the only change in the conference committee was the election of Brother H. C. Holloway, of Salt Lake City, to take the place of Elder W. M. Adams, who has been transferred from Utah to the Northwestern California Conference.
At the evening meetings there was an encouraging attendance on the part of the public, who manifested deep interest in the subjects presented. Elder M. A. Hollister and a group of associate workers had just held a series of meetings on the same grounds, and the camp meeting formed a fitting conclusion to the effort. Doubtless the Mormon population in the inter-mountain section of the United States are as difficult to reach with the threefold message as almost any other class of people in the country. They attend our meetings, but they seem content to remain Mormons when the meetings are over. However, there are exceptions to this rule, for we have some excellent people who have come out of the Mormon Church.
On the part of our own people, the Salt Lake meeting, like all the ten camp meetings held thus far in the Pacific Union Conference the present season, was characterized by an ardent desire for deeper spirituality, which we take as an indication that we are living “when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord,” which just precedes the coming of the Redeemer back to our world to gather his people home.
During the first three days of the meeting, Elders I. H. Evans and E. E. Andross were in attendance and took the leading part in conducting the meetings. Nearly all our people reconsecrated themselves to the Lord, and to their numbers were added fifteen who received the ordinance of baptism.
Other visiting laborers who were in attendance a portion or all of the time were Elders N. P. Neilsen, H. S. Shaw, and A. E. Place, Brethren F. E. Painter and Ernest Lloyd, and the writer. Brethren Painter and Lloyd took an active part in furthering the work of their respective departments.
A spirit of harmony prevails among both the laborers and the rank and file of our people in the Inter-Mountain Conference.
In order to make it possible for others of our people to enjoy the benefits of a camp meeting, another gathering was held at Dolores, in southwestern Colorado, September 13-19. The town of Dolores is in almost the same altitude above sea level as the summit of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the point where the range is crossed by the Southern Pacific Railway, or about 7,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. However, the weather was delightful during this meeting but after the tents were safely packed away, a rainstorm drenched that section of the State.
While the attendance was much smaller than at the Salt Lake meeting, the company of isolated brethren and sisters greatly enjoyed the rich blessings of the Dolores meeting. This meeting followed a summer tent effort conducted by Elder J. T. Spriggs and his wife. An interesting incident of the meeting was the acceptance of the truth by two brothers aged respectively sixty-five and sixty-nine years. They expressed a desire for baptism.
Brother Orno Follett, who has been spending some months in northern New Mexico to regain his health, was with us at the Dolores meeting, and reported that under the direction of our North American Division Conference, he had been making a thorough investigation of the southerly portion of the territory of the Inter-Mountain Conference, and that as soon as a suitable location can be secured the Division Conference will look with favor upon the idea of establishing a suitable mission station for beginning work for the numerous tribes of Indians of western America. It is probable that in the near future this long-neglected work will be inaugurated, and that the first station will be established among the Navajo tribe, which numbers about thirty thousand. These are located on a large reservation in the northwest part of New Mexico. We are sure that our people generally will watch this movement with keen interest.
We believe that all left the Dolores meeting with a deeper consecration of their lives for service than they have hitherto known, and with greater determination to share in the glorious triumph of the remnant church.
G. W. REASER.

Colored Camp Meeting in Cumberland Mission

By H. N. Gemon

THE first camp meeting to be held in the Cumberland Mission proved a spiritual awakening to the believers who attended. The date of the meeting was set for September 7-17, and the camp was pitched on a large lot in the western part of Chattanooga. There were sixteen family tents, besides the dining tent and the large pavilion. About fifty campers were on the ground from Chattanooga, Knoxville, Bakewell, and Morristown, Tenn.; Huntsville, Ala.; and Nashville and Dalton, Ga.
The Spirit of the Lord was manifested in a marked manner during the meetings. Elder C. B. Stephenson preached several sermons on Faith, and the Lord used these to impress hearts. Other workers who gave much help and instruction were Elder R. W. Parmele, the president of the conference, Elders B. M. Heald and G. E. Peters, Sister Anna Knight, Prof. C. J. Boyd of Oakwood Manual Training School, and Brother L. L. Lawrence, the field missionary agent.
The closing day of the meeting was one of rejoicing. Eighteen persons were baptized in the waters of the Tennessee River. In all, twenty-five were added to the several churches as the result of the tent and camp meeting.
The Spirit of the Lord was present to help us enjoy the spiritual sermons, and the believers gave liberally to the cause of missions. Fifty-five dollars was given to the foreign fields through the Sabbath school the two Sabbaths of the camp meeting.
On leaving, many expressed the thought that surely it was good to be here, for the Lord was in this place. All the believers are determined to work energetically for the Harvest Ingathering campaign. H. N. GEMON.

Minnesota

By Stemple White

DULUTH.—In 1909, under the efficient labors of Elder C. M. Babcock, the English-speaking brethren built a very neat house of worship to which they could invite their friends. The building was dedicated to God by Elder R. A. Underwood, president of the Northern Union Conference, assisted by Elder S. E. Jackson, the Union Conference president. Marked progress was also made later under the faithful labors of Elders A. V. Olson and B. C. Haak.
In 1913 I went to Duluth to succeed Elder B. C. Haak, who was called to the South American field. We began Bible Chautauqua tent work at once in the very heart of the city. These meetings continued for thirteen weeks, during which time the seed was sown and watered by the church members and tent workers, including our only experienced Bible worker, Miss May Jenson. The Lord blessed our efforts with a doubling of membership the first year, and with an increase in tithes and offerings of over $1,100. It was God who gave the increase.
We are in the third year of service here, and not only has every Sunday evening's discourse been reported for the press on Monday, but much of our Bible Chautauqua weekly lectures were kept before the reading public. By using this greatest of all mediums to reach the masses, we are continually learning that people of various faiths, especially in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, are eagerly following these articles. Some who are members of the church here and in Superior, Wis., first learned of our work through the daily press.
Last December fire greatly damaged the rear end of our church building. The third day after the unexpected calamity, the insurance having been adjusted, the church decided at a special business meeting to build again in the early spring. It was also voted to enlarge the building in order to meet the demands of a growing membership.
All had a mind to work, and God blessed us as certainly as he did his people in Ezra's day. Business men opened up their purses, and at a cost of about $2,600 the enlarged building was finished and dedicated to God September 10. Elder Charles Thompson preached the sermon, and Elder G. W. Wells offered the prayer.
In a few minutes that day, $200 was subscribed in pledges. Two and three columns of reading matter, with cuts of the church, appeared in the Saturday Herald and Sunday News Tribune. Elder Charles Thompson delivered another powerful sermon on Sunday evening, not only to a large audience in the church but his talk was read by thousands the following day, for it was published in an abridged form in the Herald.
We are holding a series of meetings in the church, and several interested persons are coming to the Sabbath services. The Sabbath attendance is beginning to tax the capacity of the building. We hope to follow up this deep interest by visiting the homes of the people, and we expect to see a number take their stand for the truth.
STEMPLE WHITE.

How to Reach Our Neighbors and Friends

By Joseph Capman

Being awakened from a state of indifference in the matter of the circulation of our literature through reading “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, pages 61-63, and keenly realizing that it was my privilege to be a colaborer with God through personal effort in the circulation of our message-filled publications, I felt sure our publishing houses had done their part, and had printed in the Present Truth Series the best series of articles on Bible truths ever published. I liked the one-topic plan, with four large illustrated pages devoted to one subject, the whole written in plain and impressive language so each subject can be easily understood by any one.
The series appealed to me, and an impelling desire to go out and give them to the people came over me. There was a street near my home with about the number of houses on it I thought I could visit weekly. I started out with the object of winning at least one soul to Christ this year.
Choosing the morning as the time to distribute literature, as the people are more likely to be at home at that time, I went to the first house, rang the bell, met the lady frankly, and told her the object of my call—that I was giving away a series of Bible studies. Then I passed the paper to her as if I fully expected her to take it, and explained to her at the same time that I was going to visit her weekly until the whole series was given away, and that I was doing this as home missionary work, giving the papers absolutely free, but mentioning, however, that if at any time the people felt free to give me something to help the good work along, it would be appreciated, and would be used in buying more literature. I assured her she would find the papers interesting and helpful, and that I would be along next week at about the same time of day. After thanking her, I hastened on to the next house.
All on that street, except one, took my papers. This one questioned me, and revealed signs of prejudice, but I said to her, “If you do not care to continue these after carefully reading them, I will discontinue them at any time you say.”
Upon my second trip, I asked the people if they had read the papers, and if they liked them. Many showed a real interest in them. One lady said, “My husband and I took our Bible and carefully searched all the texts used in your paper, and found them to be all right; but he said we ought to find out what these papers are before we go any farther.” I explained to her how our church was organized into bands for doing real missionary work at home: how we had also formed a prayer band, a Bible workers’ band, a ladies’ sewing circle, and a literature band, and that we take up offerings among ourselves to pay for the literature, but we feel sure others will be glad to help us if we give them opportunity. Promptly she replied, “Why, yes. I should like to help you.”
Another lady said, “I have several small children, and I can’t get out to church, so I study your papers on Sundays.” At another door a man said, “This is — literature, is it not?” “No, sir,” I replied; “it is published by Seventh-day Adventists.” Then he added, “The Adventists are a fine people, and I am sure I shall enjoy their papers.”
On my third visit, I asked a lady how she was enjoying the Extras. She said she liked them very much, and that they cause one to think seriously, and that she was reading every word of each paper.
Of another I asked, “Are you reading the papers?” Her reply was, “Oh, yes! and they are very good. When I finish them, I send them to the trenches, so the soldiers are getting them too.”
We may never know in this world how much good these Extras do. It does one good to meet people, and to give them our truth-filled literature. I am beginning to get much interested in the fifty homes I visit weekly. The people are becoming friendly and are asking questions. Today I lent “Steps to Christ” to a lady who showed signs of interest. She has given me twenty-five cents on two occasions.
Another person asked me what I thought about the war, and if I thought we should have peace even after this war is over. In reply I showed her the little book, “Armageddon,” and said it would give her the desired information based upon the Bible; that I could not let her have this copy as I was delivering it to another person, but that I would bring her one the next time I called. She readily gave me her order.
At another home I was asked some questions about the beasts in the seventh chapter of Daniel. In answer to the questions, I told them about a book in my library that explained the books of Daniel and Revelation verse by verse, and that it would be a pleasure to lend it to them. They asked if my book was like this one, and showed me one of the — set. I said, “No, indeed!” They said, “Your papers seem to be so different. We understand them, and they are causing us to study our Bibles. We shall be pleased to read your book, and feel it is very kind of you to let us take it.”
Another asked me who published this literature. I promptly answered, “The Seventh-day Adventists,” and then the lady said, “Well, I am sure you people must be Bible students.”
At another home I was asked to bring my wife and spend the evening, as the family desired to have a talk on some special Bible subjects.
As I delivered a copy of the Present Truth Series to a lady last week, she said, “Wait a minute. I have something for you today.” She handed me a dollar bill. I asked her if she meant it all for me. “Why, yes, indeed,” she said. “I read your papers, and then send them to a friend.” The same day a lady gave me twenty-five cents, making in all one dollar and a quarter, enough to pay for the Present Truth Series for six visits. I have secured from the people more than enough to pay for the literature. I am sure this work could be carried on extensively, and made self-supporting.
One of my readers told me she always wanted to understand the Bible, but that everything seemed a mystery to her. I told her my wife gave Bible studies, and that she understood the Bible quite well, and asked her if she would like to have my wife come once a week and spend an hour studying the Bible with her. She replied that she would never be a Seventh-day Adventist, but she would like to know the Bible. “Very well,” I said, “I will have my wife call on you, and arrange to give you studies.” Since that time they have had many studies, and today the lady is keeping the Sabbath, and attending our church. She visited us in our home a few days ago, and said the thing that really impressed her was our faithfulness in coming to study with her.
These experiences are written with an earnest desire that they may encourage others to take up house-to-house work, and to join with the great army of workers who are giving the third angel’s message through the circulation of our literature. JOSEPH CAPMAN.

The Bible Year

Assignment for October 22 to 28

The Epistle to the Romans

“This epistle was written by Paul (A. D. 58) from Corinth, and sent by Phebe from Cenchrea to the Christian church at Rome, then the metropolis of the world. The members of this church consisted of heathen who had embraced the gospel, and Jews who, with many prejudices unremoved, believed in Jesus as the Messiah. It is most probable that Christianity was first introduced at Rome by some of the strangers who received the gospel at Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost, and who on their return to Rome proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation. Certainly there is no warrant for supposing that Peter first carried the gospel to the imperial city. The apostle, hearing of these important matters from Aquila, Priscilla, and others, was naturally desirous to visit Rome; but being prevented from doing so, he wrote this lengthy and magnificent epistle, in order to instruct the converts in the great truths of the gospel, to strengthen their faith, already well known throughout the world, and to correct certain misapprehensions which arose mainly through the diversified character and position of those who composed the church at Rome.
“The Jewish believer hesitated to regard the uncircumcised Gentile convert as on the same footing with himself, and the Gentile believer was too ready to look contemptuously on the ceremonial scruples of his Jewish brother in the faith. Hence the apostle’s design is to show that all the rites and ceremonies of the Mosaic law are abrogated by the gospel dispensation, and that the blessings of salvation are open equally to all, whether Jew or Gentile. This epistle is the most full and systematic of all the apostle’s writings, and partakes greatly of the character of a formal discussion of the important matters contained therein. . . .”
“The style of this epistle is eloquent, logical, forcible, magnificent, sublime. The apostle warms with his theme; he urges the claims of the gospel of grace, anticipates objections, successfully combats with and demolishes them; he fearlessly proclaims the sovereignty of God, the perfect security of the believer, and finally loses himself almost in a climax of peroration, the like of which, for fervid grandeur, is scarcely to be found even in the Scriptures themselves. Note especially the account given of the moral depravity of mankind in general; the exhaustive arguments concerning justification, sanctification, election, divine sovereignty, and the assured eternal safety of the believer in Christ; the earnest exhortations to a pure, separate, fruit-bearing life, and the commendation of all the graces of personal and social kindness and forbearance.”—J. Anderson.

The Epistle of James

“This epistle was written by James, the son of Alpheus, a near kinsman of the Lord Jesus, A. D. 61, from Jerusalem ‘to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.’ James was a man of eminent piety and integrity of character, hence his surname of ‘the Just.’ He appears to have resided permanently at Jerusalem, and soon after the death of Stephen he had charge of the church assembling there, and presided at the apostolical council, as recorded in Acts 15. He was put to death in the year 62.
“This beautiful epistle appeals to the whole Jewish nation, believers and unbelievers, and its design is to correct several errors into which the Hebrew Christians had fallen, especially in relation to the doctrine of justification by faith; also to cheer and encourage those who were heavily tried; and further, to warn the ungodly Jews, and excite them to repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This epistle is therefore general, or catholic, in the strictest sense of the term; it is without the customary apostolical salutation and benediction; it appeals to the godly and the ungodly, and is applicable to any and every age. A due consideration of these facts will help to the right understanding of many statements otherwise difficult to comprehend. . . .”
“The style of this epistle is earnest, forcible, outspoken, often abrupt, full of solemn questions and imperative commands; very sententious, bearing some analogy in this respect to our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. Note especially the unconditional promise of the gift of wisdom to all who ask; the prominence given to the grace of patience; to the necessity of good works, as evidence of the reality of faith; and to purity of heart and life; also, the efficiency of prayer, the allusion to the second advent, and the blessedness of seeking to save souls from death. The word ‘perfect’ occurs five times in this epistle.”—Id.

Missionary Volunteer Department

M. E. KERN a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0 Secretary MATILDA ERICKSON a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0 Assistant Secretary MRS. I. H. EVANS a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0 Office Secretary MEADE MACGUIRE C. L. BENSON a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0a0 Field Secretaries J. F. SIMON

If He Should Come Tomorrow

If I were told that Christ would come tomorrow, That the next sun Which sinks, should bear us past all fear and sorrow, Care and pain, All the fight fought, and all the journey through, What should I do?
I do not think that I should shrink or falter, But just go on Doing my work, nor change, nor seek to alter Aught that is gone; But rise, and move, and love, and smile, and pray, For one more day.
And lying down at night for a last sleeping Say in that ear Which hearkens ever, Lord, within thy keeping, How should I fear? And when tomorrow brings thee nearer still, Do thou thy will.
I might not sleep, for awe; but peaceful, tender, My soul would lie All the night long; and when the morning splendor Flashed o’er the sky, I think that I could smile, could calmly say, It is his day.
— Selected.
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