CHRISTIAN experience has its source and inspiration in Christian being. This is a truth that, in our day, is too often forgotten.
We see with ease what one does; but only God knows what one is. Great acts are not always an index of great character. We read in the Bible of a class of self-deceived persons who will have done many wonderful things, things highly commendable, and will have done them all in the name of Jesus; yet they will not be counted Christians, for Christ will say to them, “I never knew you.”
As long as one can point to a long list of great things that one may have done or may be doing, we do not stop to inquire what one is. We generally estimate a man by what he does. We have no other way of judging; for it is not within the power of human intelligence to know the motive springs of one's actions, however good or bad they may be. This is a secret which belongs to him whose right it is to judge all things, and when the true judgment is rendered, there will doubtless be many surprises.
It is easy to deceive oneself in regard to what constitutes Christian duty. One may go through all the forms of Christian duty, and still be completely destitute of Christ's spirit. It therefore behooves every one who bears the name of Christ to heed the admonition of the apostle, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Cor. 13:5.
We are to make a personal examination. To be of value, it must of necessity be a serious, heart-searching examination to see whether, from the soul's depth, we are in the faith. This examination means more than a searching of church records in order to find if our names are written high on the church roll; or to determine whether we have been faithful in church attendance on Sabbath, and in paying tithe and offerings for the support of the work. It is fundamentally a question of being in the faith, and it is an examination in which the Holy Spirit is to be the teacher and the Word of God the rule of examination. This is a primary and all-important question of Christian experience.
The idea of Christian being was the great motive thought of the sixteenth-century Reformation. The principal service rendered to the Christian church by the Reformation was the restoration of the truth of justification by faith to its rightful place in Christian thought and experience. And justification by faith means that man cannot be saved by anything that he is able to do of himself, but only by what he is and may be in Christ. It was this vital truth wrought into the very fabric of Luther's experience that made his life a power in the world. It is this same experience that Christians of this time need in order to make effective the great missionary undertaking of the church. We are making great efforts to do the work that Christ left for us to do; but if we are to succeed, we must learn the secret of abiding in Christ and being like him. Paul says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”
This thought finds a central place in all the teachings of Jesus while on earth. The beatitudes all emphasize the relation of blessedness to being. The illustrations used by Christ to represent the Christian's influence in the world are radiant with the thought of the inherent qualities of Christian living. “Ye are the salt of the earth;” “ye are the light of the world;” “I am the vine, ye are the branches,” are some of the figures employed. We are not told to shine, but to let our light shine; we are not to labor to bring forth fruit, but to abide in him and he in us, that we may bring forth much fruit.
Our Saviour's observations about the law show clearly that it is primarily the condition of the heart that determines a man's relation to the law of God. It is not the overt act of killing alone that constitutes murder. We may violate the law against murder without killing a man. It is what is in the heart that God counts. Both Christ and the apostles teach that love is the fulfilling of the law. Love in the heart is greater than faith; greater than the eloquence of orators or angels; greater than the power to remove mountains or to understand mysteries; even like unto God himself, for “God is love.”
We often hear repeated the saying of a great writer: “What you do thunders so loudly in my ears that I cannot hear what you say.” But the Christian ideal goes farther than this. It may be truthfully stated as a Christian proverb, “What Christ is in you is so great in God's sight that he sees not what you do, nor hears what you say.”
All that we can do or say gives us no merit; for it is Christ dwelling within that makes us what we are, and that is responsible for the good we do. Christ is all and in all.
Algeria.
The Definition of a Lady
A PRIZE offered by the Gentlewoman (London) for the best definition of the word “lady” was won by the following:—
“To be a lady means rightly to be a gentlewoman who shows by her every word and action a sweet and gentle dignity, with a gracious charm of manner; a woman whose heart is pure and true, who is tender toward all suffering, who sympathizes with those in trouble, and is ever ready to give that which costs her some effort and self-denial. A lady thinks no work derogatory, and no one is deemed too low to receive courtesy and kindness. She is pure and good in every detail of life, a true friend, and a ‘ministering angel’ in sorrow and in sickness.”
Fearless and Happy Christians
“The devil hates a fearless Christian as he does a happy one, and he need not bother about the others.”
A Day Among the Karens
By Mary Gibbs
MARY GIBBS
ONE morning soon after I came to Kamamaung [in Burma], some men came in a small, leaky, dugout canoe to get me to go to an island about three miles down the Salwin River, where a thoo-gyi’s baby was dying (a thoo-gyi is the headman of a village). After hurriedly gathering together a few medical supplies, I went with the men. The river was very high, so the swift current swept us along, and I was at my destination in twenty minutes; but the baby was beyond help, and died before anything could be done to relieve it. These people were all heathen, and strangers to me.
Sometimes these ignorant people, whose religion is devil worship, blame a Christian if he is present at a death, even though he has had nothing to do with the case. So I could not help feeling a little anxious until the father expressed his feelings. Even while wrapping the child’s body, which was buried at once, the thoo-gyi said that he had waited one day too long, or his baby might have been saved.
An hour or so later, when the family had become quiet, the thoo-gyi sent out for all the sick people in the village to come to his house. Some were so shy that when they came to the veranda and saw me, they would not come in; but there was no escape then, for the thoo-gyi would go himself, take them by the arm, and bring them in. There were many cases of sore eyes among the children, and he held the little ones over his knee to have the medicine dropped into their eyes.
After all the sick had been attended, I told them a little of the gospel story, mentioning the resurrection. On the return trip the boat leaked until several times it was nearly filled with water. We were caught in a tropical rain, so I was wet, hungry, and tired; but the day’s work was not done, for a crowd of people were waiting for me.
The Scandinavian Union Conference
By L. R. CONRADI
L. R. CONRADI
NONE of our other European unions suffers so little from the present terrible struggle as the Scandinavian. All our workers and our people could thus devote their full attention to the furtherance of the cause of God. Under such favorable conditions, it was possible to have a full delegation from all the fields except Finland, two being present from that conference. There were, altogether, thirty-four delegates in attendance. The meeting was held in our hall, Akersgaden 74, Christiania, May 8-14. The East Norway Conference and the union divided the time between them.
Last year was in every respect the best year the union ever enjoyed. There were added 555 members, bringing the membership to 4,203. The tithe amounted to $47,671; gifts to missions, $17,000. Our canvassers had also their most successful year, the sales amounting to $120,000.
As the delegates met here from Iceland, Lapland, and the Faroe Islands, one was naturally reminded of a line of our good missionary hymn, “From Greenland’s icy mountains.” Brother Lörntz, from the Abyssinian Mission, also attended this meeting.
The business proceedings were characterized by a spirit of harmony, and all seemed rejoiced over the good reports of progress which came from every field. In the Faroe Islands there is not only a faithful canvasser selling our literature, but a company of six has been raised up as a beacon light. Being so near to Iceland, these islands were joined to that mission.
Elder Olaf Olsen brought good tidings from the work in Iceland. There are now seventy-seven members composing that mission. Finland was the only field where no conference could be held the last two years, but Elder Carlsson reported a membership of nearly 500.
Though this union has the smallest population of any in Europe, yet its territory is so extended that it seemed necessary to increase its organizations and to make still further divisions. Norway had hitherto had but two conferences, the East and the West Norway Conferences; but at this time the northern portion was cut off, and from Jan. 1, 1917, it will be known as the North Norway Conference. With a population of 500,000 it has a membership of 210. Elder Bergersen will move to Trondheim, the largest town, and take the presidency. The East Norway Conference has a population of about 1,200,000, and a membership of 652. Elder Tobiassen, one of its promising young ministers, was chosen to fill the vacancy caused by Elder Bergersen’s removal to the north. Southern Sweden, which has been hitherto a mission field and has about 200 members, will also be organized into a conference. The union district comprising eastern Denmark will be divided, one part to be known as the East Denmark Conference, and the other as the West Denmark Conference. Thus from Jan. 1, 1917, this union will have eight conferences and two mission fields.
Among the resolutions passed, it was decided in future to hold the union conference meeting every four years, and the local conferences every two years, but there will be a short annual general meeting in each field. Special attention was given to the young people’s work and the missionary societies. Elder Raft was unanimously reelected president of the union, and has a strong staff of workers associated with him.
Our institutional reports were also very favorable indeed. Great improvements have been made at the Skodsborg Sanitarium, but the outlay has so improved the attendance that there were about 1,200 patients last year, and excellent results were attained. The Scandinavian publishing house has now a capital of $25,000, and the property held by the three Norway conferences will at the present rate be cleared from debt within two years. Quite an addition has been built, but the sale of part of the lots and the renting of the remaining portion have brought in more than the outlay. Successful treatment-rooms have been installed in one part of the building, while the other part suffices for the publishing work. Our schools at Skodsborg and Nyhyttan were well attended, and our Swedish institutions had a fair year.
There were about 500 of our people in attendance on Sabbath and Sunday. As our own hall was too small to contain so many, a large hall in the city was hired for these two days. We had excellent meetings on the Sabbath. After the morning service, Brethren A. Wasli and L. J. Stene were ordained to the ministry. Prospects were never brighter in the Scandinavian Union than they are at present.
The Success of Islam
By F. H. LOASBY
F. H. LOASBY
Looking back to the time when Mohammedanism, spreading out from its seat in Arabia over vast stretches of territory, crossed over from Africa into Europe itself, only to be stopped by an almost superhuman—shall we say entirely superhuman?—effort, with its eyes of conquest still fixed on the great capitals of Christian Europe, many think, “That is history; that was the time of Charles Martel and the Battle of Tours!”
But what about today? The people in the homelands perhaps seldom realize what gigantic strides Islam is making. Like a great, swelling tide it is rolling over the fields where Christianity should already be established.
We should never forget that Islam is practically supreme in the very countries—yea, in the very spots—held sacred to the memory of the Son of God himself; places watered with the tears of Christian saints. Christianity itself is an Oriental religion, and naturally one would think its seat and stronghold ought to be where the Crescent is firmly fixed today. But Christianity has not been true to itself. Mohammedanism, at least outwardly, is true to itself, and its followers are in dead earnest.
Whence comes the success of Islam? A book might be written on the subject. I merely append a few of my own personal and daily observations. My Mohammedan13moonshee refuses to read books for the prescribed examination course, because they are opposed to certain teachings of the Koran. Does the European merchant cease to send manufactured idols to India for the “heathen” to worship? or whisky and cigarettes to ruin the same “heathen’s” soul and body?
While interviewing a native officer regarding some land a few days ago, his aged uncle, when the time of prayer came, solemnly spread his prayer mat in one corner of the ten-by-twelve room, as was his custom; and, undeterred by the presence of strangers, went through the usual movements and genuflections, which are not few.
One Mohammedan owner of a small bakehouse near by keeps an ebadat gah, or prayer place, on the premises, so that his workmen may attend to their devotional exercises. This is quite a common practice. “Comparisons are odious,” we say; but how many “successful” business men in Europe or America ever trouble their heads about the spiritual welfare of their employees?
A Mohammedan clerk, perhaps, goes out to Africa in the employ of the British government. He is not there long until he begins preaching, and soon there is a small body of people who are believers of that faith which most men have always found easy to accept. This is the scene everywhere we go. In the bazaar, on the train, on the steamship, in the courtyards of government offices (where prayer places have been provided), you will see the Mohammedan, at the appointed time, oblivious to all around, engaged in his devotions.
These are only a few of the small things, and some people term them “externals;” but the fact remains that it is these ideas of constant and untiring effort, whether small or great, that have placed the Mohammedan religion in the lands where it is today.
Some idea of the spread of Islam will be gathered by glancing at the accompanying map. Man’s supreme belief that he is doing the right thing, develops a force which no power on earth can overthrow. And the Mohammedan has that belief in his religion.
We in India are concerned with the problems of India; and one of India’s greatest problems, to the missionary, is that of Islam. Great Britain is the greatest Mohammedan power in the world, for there are a far greater number of Mohammedans in the British Empire than in any other country or empire in the world. Of the 96,000,000 Mohammedans in the British Empire, 63,000,000 are in India.
When it became apparent that Turkey was to enter the great war on the side of the enemies of the British government all eyes were turned toward India, for obvious reasons. The question was, “What will be the attitude of Moslem India?” Doubts in the matter were soon set at rest by the astonishing and universal response of Mohammedan India. Indian princes and rulers, often at the head of their own state troops, offered their services. Men and means poured in from every part of India. Train after train brought thousands into Bombay, the “Gateway of India.” Fine specimens of manhood, surely! such a galaxy of color and collection of “might” as that we dream of when we read of the great preparations for war by Xerxes the Persian, but now furnished us in this time of the world’s greatest war.
What will be the situation at the close of the war? One thing is certain, all India expects something. Among other demands for improved conditions, is a cry that is already assuming a loud voice, and that is, a better educational system, so that the native shall have free access to schools—“more educational advantages.”
(To be continued)
Drawn by F. H. Loasby
MAP GIVING MOHAMMEDAN POPULATION OF THE WORLD
Colombia
By B. E. CONNERLY
B. E. CONNERLY
SINCE I last reported to the REVIEW Mrs. Connerly and our two girls have joined me in the work in Colombia, and we have changed our headquarters from Barranquilla to Medellin, the second city in the republic. The way distances are measured here, we are six days up the Magdalena River to Puerto Berrio, and one day west from there by train and coach, near the Cordillera Central Mountains, between the great rivers Magdalena and Cauca. The altitude of Medellin is nearly 5,000 feet, and the climate is much cooler than that of the coast towns.
We like it here, and the opportunities for work are as abundant as they were for Paul in Macedonia.
Just now there are many obstacles that retard the book work; however, not more than we met in Barranquilla, where later we sold one hundred copies of the book “Practical Guide,” and I see no reason why we may not do as well here. It is always hard to get started in a new place, but we are finding that there is not only an interest in sanitation and hygiene, but in the Bible and the gospel as well.
Noble Thoughts and Purposes
NOBLE thoughts and purposes do much to bring joy and peace to the human heart. The soul that courageously strives for the best things is on the highway to happiness.
“Be noble, that is more than wealth;
Do right, that is more than place;
Then in the spirit there is health,
And gladness in the face.”
—Selected.
A Pearl of Wondrous Beauty
“A PEARL of wondrous beauty, clasping a week of time;
A note of heavenly music, making the week sublime;
A breath from Eden’s bowers, laden with perfume sweet;
A day of rest and worship, low at the Master’s feet.”
A Happy Home
By MRS. A. C. CASSADAY
MRS. A. C. CASSADAY
Love is an essential element in the home,—love for God and love for one another. The blessing of heaven cannot rest upon a home where love does not reign supreme. “Courtship,” it is said, “is the mere alphabet of love, and the wedding season its first lesson.” With the establishment of a home comes a time of readjustment in the lives of those concerned. It is then that the chief lesson of adaptation must be learned, that there may be no shipwreck in the years to come.
A beautiful building and costly furniture do not insure the happiness of the home. Often a humble cottage is home in the truest sense, for there hearts are happiest.
Parents hold a grave responsibility in the opportunity they have for teaching their children the principles of true home making. If their children are reared under right influences, in an atmosphere of industry, peace, and harmony, they will go forth to found homes where angels will love to linger.
Nothing more quickly mars the beauty of a home than a fretful, faultfinding spirit. The physical condition of the mother may have much to do with this; but should she not then seek God for overcoming grace? All the money in the world cannot buy a home, for “home is where the heart is.” Shall we not do our best to make the home nest a pleasant, cheerful place? Shall we not, as home makers, so faithfully fulfil our duty that we may stand before the Master as workmen who need not be ashamed?
Tom’s Mother
By Bertha Gerneaux Woods
‘Yes, of course, I really love Amy.’ Mrs. Garrett’s voice quavered sadly, however, as she made the statement. ‘And I’ve never regretted that Tom married. I wanted him to have a home of his own. But there’s no use pretending that I feel as if he were just as much mine as he was before, for I don’t. He belongs to Amy, and she rubs it in. When they come over in the evenings, I can’t half enjoy him. When he starts to take off his overcoat, Amy’s just as likely as not to say, ‘O Tom, I wouldn’t take it off; you know we’ve only come over for a few minutes.’ And, sure enough, Tom’s coat stays on. Then time and again he has started for the pantry, just as he used to do evenings when he was a boy at home; and, no matter how hard I try to keep Amy’s attention off from him, she is sure to see where he’s headed for, and, ‘O Tom,’ she says, ‘where are you going?’ ‘Out to the pantry to get some of mother’s pie,’ he’ll say. ‘O, don’t! You’ve had plenty to eat at home. I wouldn’t eat pie at this hour, anyway,’ Amy tells him. And so Tom comes lumbering back to his chair.
There were real tears, half of vexation, half of some tenderer feeling, as she finished.
‘But probably,’ said her sister, ‘Amy doesn’t mean the least thing that you could mind if you knew what was in her heart. She’s fond of you, I know; and as for the pie — she’s sensitive, I suspect, for fear you may think that Tom’s prowling around your pantry means she doesn’t feed him well herself. Young wives are sometimes awfully sensitive.’
‘Well, perhaps I don’t always quite understand Amy,’ conceded Mrs. Garrett; ‘but anyway I’ve been having some plain talks with Grace while we’ve been working together over her wedding things. I’ve told her to remember how Amy had sort of made us feel as if we’d lost Tom, and that she must be sure to start in right with Lewis’s family. ‘When you go to see them, don’t act as if you hardly had time to spare for a real visit,’ I’ve told her. ‘Let Lewis take his overcoat off every time; tell him to, if necessary; and, if he feels like eating his mother’s baked beans at eleven o’clock at night, for pity’s sake let him do it.’” — Bertha Gerneaux Woods.
Pretty Milly
By MARTHA E. WARNER
MARTHA E. WARNER
Our train came to a sudden standstill, held up by a wreck ahead, and word was passed along that we must wait until the track could be cleared. Some got off our car, and those left settled down to enjoy a book or a magazine, or visited with their seat mates. Being alone, I closed my eyes and tried to rest. Soon a quiet voice behind me said:—
“It’s no use, Aunt Mary. I’m discouraged. I don’t know what to do. Three times Milly has telephoned me to meet her at the trolley, and three times she has failed to put in her appearance. She is with her mother for a week. She never keeps an appointment. Milly hates to live in the country; she despises to do housework or sew. Her housekeeping is frightful. You’ve seen it, Aunt Mary—table and sink piled full of dirty dishes, and more on the floor; chairs loaded with a little of everything. Several times I have unexpectedly taken a friend home, thinking maybe it would shame her, but she doesn’t care. When she is dressed to go away, she is so pretty, but around home a dirty old kimono is good enough. How I—”
“My boy, my boy!” exclaimed Aunt Mary with motherly concern, “you forget little Joe. When a woman has a baby to care for, some things must necessarily be neglected.”
“That’s all right, Aunt Mary, but before little Joe came, the house looked just the same. You brought up a family of boys, and you and your home were15always neat and clean. Uncle never had to wait for a meal. I never know when one is going to be ready. There is no such thing as system at our house. Milly’s mother is all right, but why didn’t she teach her daughter how to keep house, cook, and spend money? I have a good salary, a hundred dollars a month, but I cannot save a cent. Milly thinks it’s a disgrace to be compelled to live on so little; but if you had the handling of that amount, you would have a bank account. I’ll tell you, Aunt Mary, I’m completely discouraged. It seems to me I can never enter that dirty house again. If we moved to town, rents would be higher, and the money would go even faster. Honestly, I’m tempted to end the whole thing.”
“Don’t say that, my boy. Look up, not down. Don’t despair—” but the rest of the conversation was lost as our train started. I have often thought of pretty Milly, and the cry, Why didn’t her mother teach her to keep house? What will that neglectful mother have to answer when her daughter’s failures cause her house of happiness to fall in ruins around her?
Clintonville, Conn.
Baby’s Compliment
His father and mother were both away,
And baby and I had been friends all day;
Many and gay were the games we played;
Baby ordered, and I obeyed;
We cared not at all for the rainy sky.
We built up a block house three feet high;
We threw pine knots on the nursery fire,
And watched the flames mount higher and
higher.
We hid in the most improbable nooks;
We looked at the pictures in all his books;
We ran in “tag” till his cheeks were red
And his curls were tangled about his head;
So when the twilight was closing down
Over the fields and the woodlands brown,
And nurse declared we must say good night,
He clung to me still in the bright firelight—
He trampled my gown with his rough little
feet,
He climbed on my lap and kissed me sweet,
And, as he scrambled from off my knee,
“You’d make a good mamma,” said baby to
me.
I have had compliments, now and then,
From grown-up women and grown-up men.
Some were commonplace, some were new;
Never was one of them rung so true,
Never was one seemed half so real—
Baby compared me to his ideal.
— Selected.
The Castle Window
A GREAT and angry army tried to get into the Castle of the Body, but it seemed impregnable. At last, one dark night, they found a little window left unfastened, and in slipped a Germ. The Germ speedily flung open the great door of the Castle, and in rushed, pell-mell, a raging Fever, a Headache, a throng of cruel Pains, a crowd of Agonies, Deliriums, Aches, Chills, Dangers, Complications, Abscesses, Wastings, Contagions, Surgical Operations, Hospital Beds, Ether, Cocaine, Knives, Saws, Bandages, Sleeplessness, and scores more of varied troops. They took possession of the Castle for days, weeks, months, and it was only after a long, long countersiege that they were driven out, and the Castle of the Body left free again. All because of the one little unfastened window! That window was a sore place, not a fourth as large as a penny, left heedlessly to take care of itself.—“Æsop Jones,” in the Christian Endeavor World.
Hints for Home Life
By Mrs. I. H. Evans; Miss Lora E. Clement
Conducted by Mrs. I. H. Evans, Takoma Park, Washington D. C.
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.
How to Sterilize a Toothbrush
THE controversy regarding the desirability of the toothbrush seems to have emphasized at least this one valuable point—that the toothbrush, if used at all, must be clean. In the Dental Summary (Toledo, Ohio), Dr. Hugh W. MacMillan, a Cincinnati dentist, gives some directions regarding the proper sterilization of this common utensil, which few users seem to think requires protection of any kind from the wandering germ. Dr. MacMillan thinks that it is now generally conceded that an unsterile brush may be a greater hindrance than benefit to the health of a mouth. The toothbrush, he says, is tolerated because a satisfactory substitute or a suitable sterilizing agent for it has not been discovered. He goes on:—
“Almost everybody agrees that second to thorough mastication of coarse foods, a sterile brush, properly used, is the best agent that we can employ for stimulation of the gums and cleaning the teeth. The whole problem is to find a method of sterilizing which can be accomplished quickly and easily without destroying the brush by boiling or strong antiseptics, which will furnish the brush in a dry state preparatory to using, and which will not consume an appreciable length of time in consummating.
“After considerable thought for a simple and efficient method of mouth hygiene, the following plan seems to solve most difficulties: The patient is advised to keep an approved toothbrush and a saltcellar (preferably aluminum) as his mouth hygiene equipment. After properly brushing his gums and teeth, sufficient salt is sprinkled in a glass of warm water to make a normal salt solution (approximately half a teaspoonful of salt). This is used as a mouth wash. The brush is then held under the running water, and cleansed as thoroughly as possible. Salt is then sprinkled upon the brush. The salt is dissolved on the wet brush and penetrates thoroughly to the center of the tufts of the bristles. The brush is then hung in the usual place. When it is again needed, the water will have been evaporated, leaving a deposition of salt crystals in and around every bristle. Can you imagine germs living in such environment? Use the brush as it appears, covered with salt, or, if too salty, knock off the excess salt and apply your favorite powder.
“This procedure thoroughly sterilizes and toughens the bristles, can be done without loss of time, and provides on the brush an efficient antiseptic for promoting mouth hygiene.”—Literary Digest, April 29, 1916.
Pleasing the Invalid
At some time or other every housekeeper is called upon to act the part of a nurse in caring for some member of the family, and not infrequently it happens that there is an aged person in the home who requires constant care and comfort.
The common sense of the average person pays due attention to the cleanliness, temperature, light, and fresh air of the sickroom, and provides a simple, nourishing diet for the patient; but the little things which add so much to the invalid’s happiness are overlooked many times by the busy caretaker.
By the aid of large safety pins uncomfortable wrinkles may be kept out of the sheets; and O, what a luxury are the big sheets that tuck way under at the bottom, and are long enough to turn over at the top! A small whisk broom to sweep out every little crumb is worth its weight in gold.
Two pillows placed upright side by side, with two more placed horizontally across the front of them, make the best background for the convalescent who is able to sit up in bed, and something to brace the feet against adds greatly to the comfort of such a posture.
A bag large enough for newspapers, magazines, and books, hung at the side of the bed, is very convenient for the reader; and another bag for glasses, handkerchiefs, or other personal belongings is sure to be appreciated.
A policeman’s whistle in place of the usual call bell is heard more readily by the busy one in the kitchen, and requires just as little effort to use on the part of the patient.
Variety in serving the somewhat monotonous menus often tempts the appetite, and makes the food more palatable. A glass of milk placed on a lettuce leaf looks much more refreshing than if it were served in a common white cup, and fruit has twice its flavor when served in an orange shell or basket.
Baked potatoes wrapped in colored tissue paper make a bright spot of color on the tray, and are more easily handled, as the paper protects the fingers.
Small doilies in place of the tray cloth, and dishes of different size and shape, make a pleasing change to the one who is looking forward to mealtime and always hoping for some variation of the plain bill of fare.
Thoughtful, considerate persons will find innumerable ways of helping the shut-in pass weary hours, and will at least have the satisfaction of doing unto others as they would be done by.—Selected.
Do You Know That —
Bad teeth handicap children?
Slouchy postures menace health?
Dirty hands spread much disease?
Insufficient sleep endangers health?
Filth breeds flies—flies carry fever?
Today is always the best day to clean up?
Health is a credit with the bank of nature?
Health brings happiness—sickness sorrow?
A clean garbage can is a good example to the family?
A high-bred dog has a right to have his birth registered—so has a baby?
Overeating, constipation, lack of exercise, foul air, eyestrain, may produce headache?
The State of California has reduced its typhoid death rate seventy per cent in the past ten years?
Salt and vinegar, used occasionally to wash glass vases, will keep them free from the yellow stain that so often dims their luster?
The United States Public Health Service, of Washington, D. C., issues publications on hygiene and sanitation for free distribution?
The Four Headaches
THE four Headaches were discussing their parents.
“My father,” bragged Headache No. 1, “was Ambition, and my mother was Overwork, a masterful, energetic pair.”
Headache No. 2 was prompt to reply, “My father was Indolence, and my mother was Pampering; an elegant couple they were.”
“My father,” Headache No. 3 broke in, “was Intemperance, and my mother was Gluttony, and a merry house was theirs—part of the time.”
“My parents were serious—Worry and Fret; no frivolity in their home,” said Headache No. 4.
“But you ought to have seen my Grandfather Self-will and my Grandmother Thoughtlessness,” Headache No. 1 boasted, throwing out his chest.
“Why!” exclaimed the other Headaches in one voice, “those were our grandfather and grandmother!”
Thus the Headaches discovered that they were first cousins, and ever since they have worked in close cooperation, and have lent each other freely their hammers and hatchets and punches and awls.—Selected.
The Montana Camp Meeting
By Frederick Griggs
THE Montana camp meeting was held June 8-18, near the fairgrounds on the outskirts of Bozeman. There was an abundance of grass and good water, and the weather in general was fair, so that the physical conditions of the meeting were quite all to be desired.
Bozeman is situated in one of the most fertile valleys of the West, and our school, the Mount Ellis Academy, is about five miles from the city. One day during the meeting all in the camp made a visit to the school.
The Montana Conference is not a large one, as it has only about 700 members, and so the meeting, while very representative of the churches, was small when compared with the meetings of the Upper Columbia and Western Oregon Conferences. But in spiritual uplift it was not behind those of its sister conferences of the North Pacific Union.
Elder U. Bender, who has been president for the past three years, has responded to a call to work in Africa, and Elder G. F. Watson, who for the past six years has been president of the Southwestern Union Conference, was elected to succeed him. The work of the Montana Conference has prospered under the labors of Elder Bender, and a spirit of courage, harmony, and advancement possesses the ministry and the churches, judging from their delegates. Elder Watson is entering upon his work with large hopes and with courage for an aggressive campaign of soul-winning.
Much was said during the conference about the home missionary work as an important means of giving life to the churches and increasing their membership. Each feature of our work, such as the educational, religious liberty, and Sabbath school, received its due share of consideration. About twenty were baptized the last day of the meeting, which was a large number considering the attendance at the meeting.
The conference is in a prosperous condition financially. It is considerably in advance of its goal on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund, and provisions have been made whereby the full amount for the year, together with an excess with which it is planned to remove the indebtedness resting upon the academy, shall be raised before Dec. 3, 1916. Nearly $1,000 was raised in a few minutes for academy repairs and general expense.
This meeting concludes the present series for the North Pacific Union. The Western Washington Conference will hold its meeting in August. It has been my privilege to be present at all these meetings, and I have never attended better ones. The outside interest at all these places has been especially good, particularly at the southern Idaho meeting, held at Boise, the capital of the State. At the request of many interested citizens of the place the large tent was repitched in a most favorable location directly after the camp meeting. Hundreds of people from the city were in attendance each night. The work of the North Pacific Union is in an encouraging condition, both spiritually and financially. FREDERICK GRIGGS.
