ORDER is said to be heaven’s first law. If by “order” is meant organization, and by “law” is meant rule, so that the statement might read: Organization is heaven’s first rule, every thoughtful person readily would recognize its conformity to fact. As at the creation, regularity and precision were assured in the succession of days, months, and seasons upon earth through organized forces, so in the provision to keep Jehovah daily before the nation of Israel, an elaborate organization was formed. Indeed, the very arrangement of the sanctuary demanded this, inasmuch as no enclosed limit could possibly be made large enough to accommodate, in mass, the millions of that nation.
In due order the sanctuary and all its vessels and furniture were anointed and consecrated, also the priests who were to serve for the people in the sanctuary. Even the clothing of the priests was significant of their calling and purpose. Over the long white “coat,” or robe, worn by the high priest, was the linen “ephod,” or cape, curiously wrought with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet. On each shoulder of this was a beautiful stone in a setting of gold. To these “ouches” of gold were fastened chains from which were suspended before the breast a golden plate on which was inscribed “Holiness to the Lord,” accompanied by the names of the twelve tribes, in four rows, three names in each row. The mysterious Urim and Thummim also found place there, but in just what form we do not know. Exodus 28.
The object of the ephod, with its breastplate, seems to have been twofold. The first purpose is plainly stated to be that the high priest might on this bear the names and the “judgment” (a peculiar word meaning the whole course of conduct and its results) of the people by their tribes before the Lord, in his sanctuary work. The mystic jeweled Urim and Thummim were used for prophetic purposes. In great emergencies and perplexities, these were consulted for directions. The promise to Joshua when taking lead of Israel’s journeyings was that the priest would stand ready always to “ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord.” Num. 27: 21.
The prophetic answer of the high priest was not dependent in any case on his personal morality. It was the vestment alone with which God’s authority had clothed him, that was supposed to give a correct answer to the question involved. These answers were strictly limited to the inquiry, covering scarcely more than a single positive statement, or command. One instance to this effect will suffice as an illustration. When David was hiding from Saul in Keilah, Abiathar the priest appeared there, bringing an ephod in his hand. Knowing the treachery of the people of Keilah, David feared for his safety upon Saul’s arrival at that place in search of him. To settle his duty in view of the situation, he ordered the ephod brought before him. As Abiathar came in wearing the ephod, and breastplate (which never was to be detached from the ephod, Ex. 28: 28), David sought God’s counsel before it in these words: “O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? Will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard?” The Lord’s brief answer was, “He will come down.” 1 Sam. 23: 11.
But though assured by this word that Saul would seek him at Keilah, David was not satisfied regarding his first question. So he again asked, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” The characteristic answer of the oracle was, “They will deliver thee up.” That was enough. No direct counsel concerning the course to pursue was needed; so the responsibility for that part of the program was left with David, and he acted accordingly. Every one can see clearly that it was enough for God to make known the situation, and then leave the matter to be worked out by those who had inquired of God for the needed knowledge. Well had it been for the professed people of God all along had they promptly acted on this principle.
Inasmuch as God had promised that his counsels and commands to Israel were to be delivered from the mercy-seat which was above the ark (Ex. 25: 22; Num. 7: 89), it would seem that the Urim and Thummim were to supply the needs of the people in their absence from the sanctuary, with its sacred ark and attendant glory, which, as learned in a foregoing paper, was to the people in the place of a visible Leader. The prophetic function of Urim and Thummim was a precious gift, and had it been properly cherished, would probably not have been so soon lost to those who, at times, so sorely stood in need of it. The latest high priest whom we know to have answered questions through this mysterious source, was Abiathar, the last one of the line of Ithamar.
Upon the return of the Jews from their Babylonian captivity, much perplexity was experienced in determining who were eligible to the priesthood, since no attention had been given to its true succession for the many years of the captivity. Some who presented themselves for the office were rejected because their pedigree could not be traced in the priestly register. To settle the matter with them, the governor declared that they should not be entitled to partake of the things of the altar until a priest with Urim and Thummim should appear to settle the question. Ezra 2: 63; Neh. 7: 65. But no such priest is recorded as having appeared, and so the people lost one of the best gifts ever vouchsafed to them.
The dedication of the priests to their work was not only a solemn occasion, but a most significant ceremony as well. After being arrayed in their specially prepared vestments, a touch of blood from a consecrated ram was put upon the right ear, on the right-hand thumb, and the great toe of the right foot. A right-hand member of the body anciently stood for the principal member of its kind, and so in the setting apart of the principal one, both participated. Thus by the touch of blood to the principal ear, both were consecrated, uniformly to the voice of God. The dedication of the hands by blood, through its touch to the thumb, the principal member of the hand, was to devote them to the absolute performance of the commands of God, as heard through the consecrated ears. In like manner the feet were set apart to co-operate with the other dedicated members in performing the service of Jehovah in behalf of his people.
But the subsequent history of the priesthood reveals a growing moral turpitude of character, which made their consecration a mere formal affair, and the people they represented were the sufferers, in that like the priest, so the people acted. Alas that those charged with such solemn responsibilities should make it necessary for their separation from the high trust committed to them! This phase of history will, however, be considered later.
Mountain View, Cal.
Worldly Associates
By Clarence Santee
CLARENCE SANTEE
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God.” 2 Cor. 6: 14-16.
To-day there is a strange tendency among those who profess to keep “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” to ignore this text, to their eternal loss. Fathers and mothers who have lost a companion by death, often choose a second companion from the world.8
How, then, can they teach their children, who are passing through the most dangerous period, in many ways, of life, to heed the injunction of the Spirit of God, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”? This text also applies to the choice of associates, by young men or young women, from the world. Here is the first misstep. A young lady said to me, “If I do not accept the company of a young man of the world, I will have none, as there are no young men here who are in the truth.” But must a question of this kind stand in the way of obedience to God? This may be the test of loyalty for that soul. God has said, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2: 15.
“I was then shown a young girl . . . who had departed from God, and was enshrouded in darkness. Said the angel, ‘She did run well for a season; what did hinder her?’ I was pointed back, and saw that it was a change of surroundings. She was associating with youth like herself, who were filled with hilarity and glee, pride, and love of the world. Had she regarded the words of Christ, she need not have yielded to the enemy.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. II, pages 100, 101.
“But,” one says, “if I break off this association, he [or she] will turn away from his favorable attitude to the truth.” Or, “He is so favorable to the truth that if I unite with him in marriage, I know he will accept.” Listen to the words of one who knows:—
“I have been shown the cases of some who profess to believe the truth, who have made a great mistake by marrying unbelievers. The hope was cherished by them that the unbelieving party would embrace the truth; but after his object is gained, he is further from the truth than before. . . . Many are now losing their interest and confidence in the truth, because they have taken unbelief into close connection with themselves. . . . Those who profess the truth trample on the will of God in marrying unbelievers. They lose his favor and make bitter work for repentance. . . . God strictly forbade the intermarrying of his ancient people with other nations. The plea is now offered that this prohibition was made in order to prevent the Hebrews from marrying idolaters, and forming connection with heathen families. But the heathen were in a more favorable condition than are the impenitent in this age, who, having the light of truth, yet persistently refuse to accept it.”—Id., Vol. IV, pages 504-508.
“There are many to-day, who, not having heeded the command of God, are yoked with unbelievers, and are suffering the bitter consequences. Every spiritual aspiration seems blasted. In many cases they can not meet with the people of God for spiritual encouragement, without scenes of bitterness, and reproach at home, and thus, one by one, they fall out by the way. If through conscientious convictions that can not be stifled, they remain steadfast, those dearer to them than their own lives, their children, turn away to the world, and there is no hope. One faithful sister wrote me that her only daughter had died, and while life seemed buried with her, she felt that it was better thus, as she was the only one left of her children who stood with her for the Lord, and she knew not what the future might have brought. O, the bitterness, the anguish, the heart-breaks, the loss of eternal life, that have come by accepting the company of those who were not in the truth! Samson, who was so honored of God at one time, has left only a monument of hopeless failure. Disobeying the counsels of his parents, choosing the association of worldlings, he sold the secret of God, prostituted his Nazarene vow, and would have miserably perished had he not while blind and enslaved, sought in bitterness of soul, pardon from God. Ahab, by marrying out of Israel, brought all Israel to shame, while himself and wife died, to be execrated forever. The names of many eminent in Israel may be added to the list, yet the lesson has not been learned. “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” Ps. 127: 1.
Should the believing one, then, part from the unbelieving companion?—No, do not add sin to sin, but seek God for that forgiveness which alone, when assured, will prepare you to do the work a faithful companion should do just where you are. “And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.” 1 Cor. 7: 13. But if a person marries an unbeliever, expecting that God’s mercies will bring forgiveness, and thus lightly regards the judgments of God, it is likely that he will continue lightly to regard his requirements, and will be lost. Obedience is the only safe way.
If the first step had not been taken, the others would never have come. One will say, “I only accept of the attentions of this person for company, I would never think of marrying him.” Beware; you are trifling with the most sacred feelings of a human being. You are not secure yourself; neither have you a right to trifle with the feelings of another. Murders, suicides, and a host of other evils, caused by a light trifling with feelings, should warn us forever from the forbidden ground. “Great peace have they which love thy law.” This love is shown by obedience. God lays it upon parents to have a part in the selection of associates for their children, yet how many are there who do so? Speaking of the duty of parents to children, God has said, “It is their duty to select the society for them, and not suffer them to choose for themselves. . . . Sabbath-keeping children may become impatient of restraint, and think their parents too strict; hard feelings may even arise in their hearts, and discontented, unhappy thoughts may be cherished by them against those who are working for their present and their future and eternal good. But if life shall be spared for a few years, they will bless their parents for that strict care and faithfulness in watching over them in their years of inexperience.”—Id., Vol. I, page 400.
Parents, when you undertake to carry out these instructions of the Lord, your own besetments will come to the surface, and unless entirely shielded by the grace and Spirit of the Lord, you will only sow tares where you had hoped to sow the seed of the kingdom. God has this counsel for you: “Fathers and mothers, speak kindly to your children. remember how sensitive you are, how little you can bear to be blamed; reflect, and know that your children are like you. That which you can not bear, do not lay upon them.”—Id., page 401. “Parents, the recording angel writes every impatient, fretful word you utter to your children.”—Id., page 399. These are solemn words.
We must correct, guide, and look for the companionship of our children. The tender Spirit of Christ must be manifest in all this, so there will be a continual school in which we must learn self-control, as well as our children. There is another element in our association that Satan nourishes with special care. It is the undue familiarity that is manifested by persons with the opposite sex, for the purpose of drawing them to the truth. “To encourage an unbecoming familiarity in the association of men and women, boys and girls, under the pretext of seeking conversion and sanctification, is to foster an evil whose influence is of the worst character.”—“Gospel Workers,” page 274.
Then to sum up: to the youth God has spoken, admonishing them to accept of the attentions of no person of the opposite sex who is not in the truth. To all, old and young, he has said that “those who know the truth, trample on the will of God by marrying unbelievers.” To “trample on the will of God” is to “crucify the Son of God afresh.”
Youth should not become impatient and resentful when parents assist in choosing proper associations, neither should parents criticize or correct in a hasty or unkind frame of mind. The censure or blame that would grieve the parent should not be given to the child. The love of God accepted, and dwelling in the heart, will guide both parents and children, until they form unbroken families in the kingdom of God.
Keene, Tex.
Churches in Rome Since Emancipation
It scarcely seems credible to persons who are not more than middle-aged that till 1870 no Bible in a modern language was allowed to be brought into Rome; and there are many stories of tourists having their Bibles taken from them. But since that year of emancipation there have grown up in the sacred city thirteen or fourteen church buildings, three English Episcopalian, one Presbyterian, two Methodist, four Baptist, one Waldensian, one German Lutheran, and one of the “Free Italian Church.”—Missionary Review.
A Prayer for the Home
By Angeline W. Wray
DEAR Father, bless this home.
Fill it with joy and cheer.
Give perfect love and perfect peace
To all abiding here.
When morning floods the world
With radiance ever new,
May every heart within these walls
Have strength to dare and do.
In noontide’s golden hours,
When tides of life run strong,
Turn labor into joy,
And fill all toil with song.
When darkness folds the earth,
And shadows gather deep,
Touch weary heart and brain,
And give refreshing sleep.
Through sheen of waving bloom,
Through whirl of falling snow,
In every changing season, Lord,
Let thine own presence glow.
And if some sorrow come,
As sorrow sometime may,
May thy sweet, gentle face
Be clearest seen that day.
O, fill with friendships true
This happy home so dear,
But let Christ be the dearest friend,
Abiding ever here.
— Angeline W. Wray.
Mothers
By Daniel Nettleton
DANIEL NETTLETON
“The rulers ceased in Israel, they ceased, Until that I Deborah arose, That I arose a mother in Israel.”
WE as conference laborers have been asked to report our work in the REVIEW and in conference papers, and we should comply with this request. Our people desire to hear from their ministers and workers. I am thankful we have periodicals that gather up and rehearse what God has done with us in the places to which we have been sent.
But there is one class of workers who do not report, and I presume we shall never see their names in our conference papers. The name of these workers has been chosen as the title of this article. Their failure to report is not because they are idle; I believe they are doing as real and important work as any of us who do report.
The most important thing about a steamship is not its gilded name and pleasant decks where the passengers promenade, but its mighty engines that make it go; and they are out of sight. The essential thing about a watch is not the face and hands, though they may be looked at often, but the “works;” and they are in the case out of sight: so I believe the thing that is making this third angel’s message go, is the workers in the homes of our people, the mothers and the fathers; and they are largely out of sight; and sometimes, I fear, are forgotten, and not appreciated as they should be. Therefore, please let me report for them. I am sure we will all concede, as the text says, that the rulers, the leaders in Israel, would soon cease if there were no mothers.
As I visit our schools, colleges, and sanitariums,—and they are growing in numbers and efficiency,—I see a large number of young people who are preparing for a place in the work of God. And I ask, Who is building all these institutions and furnishing them with teachers and students? Whence come all these strong young men and bright young women who are so earnest and eager in the work of preparing for the whitening fields beyond? I have the answer, but I did not get it from our conference paper; for this class of workers for whom I speak, never send in reports. I got it from the homes of our people. I have visited those homes, and know of what I speak. I have sat at their tables and heard the parents speak of the dear ones at school. I have knelt with them at the family altar, and prayed with them for their dear sons and daughters who were absent.
Yes, it is this class of workers that make it possible for us to have institutions that are sending out missionaries to the field whence come our reports. They have been and are doing a work in silence and obscurity that erelong, like the silent seed, will produce a plant that will blossom into fragrance and beauty, or like the sun, which has been hid by dark mountains and clouds, come forth to give light to those that sit in darkness, to guide their feet into paths of peace. “One hour of silent sunshine will do more to change the face of nature than the toil of a million men in a lifetime.”
And to the young people who may chance to read these lines, let me say, If you have left the old home, and are in some one of our schools or sanitariums, do not forget or permit the press of study or work to keep you from writing often to father and mother. No doubt you often get something from them that keeps you “going to school.” O! how much good it will do the folks at home to hear from you! St. Paul said, “Let them learn first to show piety at home.”
As I read my Bible, I am impressed with the prominence and importance given to motherhood. In God’s Word we read of great men, such as Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon, Peter, Paul, John, and others, who were prophets, priests, kings, and leaders in Israel. We also read in Ps. 68: 11, R. V.: “The Lord giveth the word: the women that publish the tidings are a great host.” Among this great host are the names of Jochebed, Hannah, Ruth, Esther, Elizabeth, and she who was highly favored above all women—Mary, the mother of Jesus. To her was given the responsibility of training and caring for him on whose shoulders was to rest the “government,”—whose name is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This Prince of Peace spent thirty years in the home of Joseph and Mary at Nazareth, and was subject unto them. The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue school. His mother was his first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets he learned of heavenly things. Under her care and tuition he increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
It was Hannah’s prayer that gave to Israel one of her greatest prophets. Samuel established the school of prophets, and led backslidden Israel back to God. It was the baby cry from the opened ark of bulrushes that reached the heart of Pharaoh’s daughter, and made Moses heir to the throne and all “the treasures in Egypt.” That helpless babe appealed to her mother instinct, and she took him for her own son, and he was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and works; but it was Jochebed’s prayers and careful training for twelve years, when she was his mother nurse, that made him the man of God, the deliverer of his people, the greatest author and poet of all the ages. It was Eunice, his mother, and Lois, his grandmother, that made Timothy a great evangelist and St. Paul’s favorite helper.
A great artist, when asked the secret of his success, answered, “It was my mother’s smile that made me a painter.” When a child, he would steal away to the attic and paint pictures. One day his mother quietly followed him, and unobserved, for a time, she watched him paint. Finally he discovered her watching him. He was frightened at first, and thought he might be punished for wasting time and paint. But his mother smiled, and laying her hand lovingly upon his head, said, “My son, you are doing well.” That smile and kindly word opened the door of success to him, and hung on the walls of the great art galleries of Europe and America superb paintings before which admiring thousands stand and extol the skill of the author. But who ever thinks of or extols the mother whose smile made him a painter, and to whom he is indebted for all his glory?
When Paul would tell us of the liberty of God’s people, and the blessedness of their Eden home, he said, “Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all;” and when the Lord would illustrate his tender compassion and comforting love, he says, “As one10whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.” Isa. 66: 13.
Dear fathers and mothers in Israel, do not be discouraged or complain at your obscure and humble lot. Your work shall be rewarded. See Jer. 31: 15, 16. I had rather be a humble father or mother toiler in my home field than be enrolled among the famous kings or bloody conquerors of earth.
These are some of the workers, a few of that great company who in obscurity and silence are toiling on from year to year, and whose patient, loving service is making men great. The results of their toil may not be recorded here, but on the pages of the books of heaven, recorded by angel hands, their deeds of love are written in plain and glowing lines. And as long as sun, moon, and stars shall shine, and constellations circle on to the music of the spheres, the praises of these mother toilers shall be sung by the immortal tongues of angels and men.
Port Townsend, Wash.
The Bahama Islands Mission
By W. A. Sweany
W. A. SWEANY
Although rents are very high, we secured a suitable and comfortable dwelling, in a respectable, quiet, cool, pleasant locality, near the sea, for a reasonable rental. There is land enough to enable us to keep a horse, a cow, and some goats and chickens. The value of these will be better understood when it is known that there is no means of transportation here except cabs at twelve cents a mile; milk is twenty cents a quart, and eggs fifty cents a dozen, and everything else in proportion.
VICTORIA AVENUE, NASSAU, BAHAMA ISLANDS
Shortly after coming we found two lone, widowed sisters, who had for years been keeping the Sabbath, as the result of the work done by Brother C. F. Parmele about fifteen years ago, he having spent some time here in canvassing and other house-to-house work. This made an encouraging addition to our family Sabbath-school, as one of these sisters had three daughters in their teens, who also attended. This sister has since died, leaving the daughters alone in this hard, friendless world.
We were unable for some time to find a place for public meetings, as there are few suitable places to be had, and rent is so high.
Finally we found a building in a very desirable locality, that we were able to secure by the payment of six months' rent in advance, at $7.20 a month. By the removal of two partitions and some repairs and other changes, we have transformed it into a very nice hall, eighteen by twenty-eight feet, with a room at one end, twelve by eighteen feet. We believe the Lord sent us here to establish the work, so we moved out by faith, and made seats that will serve for a church later; we also bought lamps that will light the church when we have one to light, as we trust we shall have by and by.
Our hall will seat one hundred twenty-five, and there is a wide covered veranda the full length of one side, where nearly as many more can stand, or where seats can be placed if necessary. Those on the veranda can see and hear as well as those inside, as there are three doors and two windows on that side. We held our first meeting Sunday night, December 5, with all the seats full and the veranda crowded, and some went away for lack of room.
We held a service every night for a week, and on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights since, and the attendance still keeps up, and the interest deepens. I have never faced a more attentive audience. We have a question box and scores of questions are placed therein, touching almost every phase of the message. Answering these serves to clear away error and make plain the truth. They make liberal donations, thus refunding a part of the heavy, personal outlay in securing, remodeling, and furnishing the hall. They also buy some books and other literature at the close of the meetings.
We began canvassing and other house-to-house work as soon as we arrived, and this created an interest for the public meetings.
We have sold several hundred ten-cent magazines and other papers and some books, and have distributed many tracts and papers freely.
Of course all this is bound to stir up opposition. A series of very bitter articles has just appeared in one of the daily papers, to which the editor is giving us space to reply, thus enabling us to expose error and proclaim the truth to many who might not otherwise hear it.
We have not yet been able to visit any of the other islands, of which there are about twenty-five permanently inhabited, to say nothing of nearly three thousand islets, cays, and rocks and reefs, stretching over a distance of nearly eight hundred miles north and south, and about half as far east and west. We greatly need one or two good evangelistic canvassers to assist in carrying the message to all these islands, as it is the only way they all can be reached. There is frequent communication with all of them by sailing vessels, which is not, of course, the pleasantest mode of traveling, especially in the event of either a storm or a calm, both of which are very common occurrences.
Barring the hurricanes that sweep these seas so frequently during the summer11months, the climate here is about as nearly perfect as can be found on this old sin-cursed earth. The people, as is always the case in small communities, and especially in English colonies, are very friendly and hospitable, though many of them are poor. A canvasser who has learned to “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus,” and to “eat what is set before him, asking no questions for conscience' sake,” and “to be content with such things as he receives,” will find this a very interesting and fruitful field. Agents are not so common as to be a nuisance, and the people are rather glad to see a stranger, especially one who they find wants to do them good and not evil.
Hundreds of tourists come here to spend the winter. This makes the winter the most prosperous time of the year, as they spend much money. They are beginning to come now, and the hotels are opening, and times brightening up. We hope to place some of our truth-filled literature in the hands of the tourists while they are here. We shall be glad to receive late, clean copies of any of our magazines or other papers, for free distribution. Please prepay postage fully. Letter postage to these islands is five cents instead of two.
We are well and searching diligently for some pearls that will shine in the temple of truth throughout eternity.
Nassau.
The Useful Woman
By Dr. Madison C. Peters
I WOULD like to captivate you by the force of that common but glorious word, “usefulness.” I want to inspire you with an aim to be useful. Aspire to the honor of doing good. It is not enough to be good. The world is full of good people—goody-good—so goody-good that they are good for nothing.
You dwell in a vale of tears, and the female heart is supposed to be the very dwelling-place of mercy. An unfeeling woman is a libel upon her sex, and is useless. Loathe that spurious sentimentality which weeps over the imaginary woes of a novel, but turns away with a callous heart from those real sufferings which are found on every hand. Your highest interests are in the path of benevolence. You do most for yourselves when you do most for others—you are most useful. Don’t be a mere sponge in society, which merely absorbs.
How blessed is woman on errands of mercy! How sweet are her soothing words to the disconsolate! How consoling her tears of sympathy to the mourning! How fresh her spirit of hope to the sick! The young woman who does these works of practical useful benevolence is educating her moral powers in the school of earnest and glorious life: she is laying the foundations for a noble womanhood.
It is not enough that you pity the sorrows of the poor, that you weep over their sufferings. Your hands must be taught to heed the pleadings of your pitying heart. What you feel, you must do. You must be useful.
Is it not lamentable to see how many women live only as a waste, and wait on fast-flying time? You were made for better companionship than those of whom it is said:—
“Their only labor is to kill time,
And labor it is, and weary woe;
They sit and loll, turn o’er some idle line,
Or saunter forth with tottering step
and slow.”
—Dr. Madison C. Peters.
Among the Eskimos
SEVERAL years ago Brother B. Robb, of British Columbia, was in Alaska, and did some work among the Eskimos near Cape Nome. Returning to this country, he felt a burden to see something further done for that people. He has recently received communications from a Seventh-day Adventist sister, formerly of Oakland, Cal., but now residing in Nome, her husband being engaged in business there. Brother Robb has sent us two letters from this sister, the first dated Aug. 14, 1909. She says:—
HAPPY JACK, FAMILY, AND DOGS, NOME, ALASKA
“This letter is written on account of the Sabbath truth, which I still hold dear. The hope of our soon-coming Saviour is a great comfort to me, as I am alone in the truth in this place.
“I have found a number of Eskimo men and women who have kept the Sabbath for three snows, as they say, which means three years. One Eskimo man, whom the white people call Happy Jack, is an ivory engraver. He speaks some English, and wishes to be baptized and to learn more of the truths held by Seventh-day Adventists. He wants to work among the Eskimos. He expected to go to the Seattle Fair to do engraving, but his wife is sick, so he can not leave. He says that there are other Eskimos who wish to be baptized.
“As you are the nearest Sabbath-keeper that I know of, I write to you regarding Brother Jack. Do you think he should be baptized? and do you think the Eskimos should have the attention of Seventh-day Adventists? If every nation, kindred, tongue, and people are to be represented in heaven, I think some Eskimos must get to heaven, too.
“I do the best I can, but I think a regular missionary, or at least a man, could do better than I can. These people have come to my cabin home a number of Sabbaths, and I have taught them the best I could from pictures. One has to show them pictures and talk to them as one would to children. Most of them, even Brother Jack, used to go to the Catholic Church. But Brother Jack told the priest that he must ‘go one day back,’ meaning the seventh day. Brother Jack told me, ‘Priest very mad.’ But he seems not to mind that. The Eskimos sing ‘Happy Day’ with me, or ‘Sweet Promise, I Will Come Again,’ and ‘The Home Where Changes Never Come.’”
In another letter, dated October 15, this sister repeats her request in behalf of the Eskimos, and reports that in the meantime she had been pleased to meet Dr. F. E. Braucht and wife, who spent the last summer in Alaska. She was glad indeed to meet with fellow believers. Concerning the Eskimos she says again:—
“I hope I did right in sending word to the Seventh-day Adventists about the Eskimos. Of course you know they are only ignorant natives, yet Jack seems12very earnest and wants to learn to read, and to know more about the Seventh-day Adventist faith. They are much like Indians in their way of living. They use much seal oil, and dress in furs.
“One Sabbath seventeen squaws, with their husbands and children, came to my little home. I sang with them, and talked to them the best I could, using Bible pictures. Brother Jack translated for the others. It is not convenient to have them come to my cabin, however, as my husband is sometimes away at the mine.
“Nome is quite a town. It has four churches. The Catholics have the only hospital here, the Holy Cross Hospital, a three-story building, managed by Sisters of Charity. The town is quite dull this year. Alaska is like California in having plenty of gold, but just where it is is the puzzle. Some find it, and some spend small fortunes and leave Alaska poor. Mining is expensive sometimes, and that takes the profits. Now and then, when miners come to clean up, they find themselves in debt.”
