p. 14 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 1. (1/4/1905)

Earlier text: SUNDAY-LAW DISCUSSION IN PITTSBURG

A PRIEST RESCUED.

THE following communication to the Baptist Argus from a missionary in Brazil will give an idea of the difficulties and the needs of certain parts of that field:

Three months ago, on my return from the terrible persecutions in Cortez in which we were miraculously delivered from our enemies, from the hand of those who had sworn in the name of the Virgin Mary to drink our blood, having already arranged the plot to kill us: I received a letter from a priest who was professor in the Salesian College of Recife. In this letter he asked me to come to the college at midnight to explain to him some points of the Gospel. Altho it seemed a little dangerous from the fact that it might have been another plot to kill me, I went and found an anxious soul seeking the truth. We had a long conference in which I explained as best I could the Gospel.

With the promise to write to me as soon as it might be convenient and arrange another conference, he returned to his work in the college. Almost a month passed before he wrote again, but the reason for the delay was that he had no money to buy stamps.

The priests in this college are not allowed to have any money. The director of the college supplies them with whatever they may need. But one day one of the day pupils who lives in town lost in the class-room just the amount needed to buy a stamp which our friend Jose Piani found and the very same day wrote me again arranging for a second conference in which he decided to give up all for Christ's sake. He went to our home in Corpina and for these two months has been studying very earnestly the Bible. He has given most glorious proofs of a genuine conversion. Last Sunday night I baptized him in the Recife church. He is only twenty-four years old and gives great promise for the future. Pray for him that he may be indeed a true Gospel light.

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

By Editor

TWO CANDIDATES were baptized at Benton Harbor, Mich., December 3, by Brother R. C. Horton.

FOUR new Sabbath-keepers at Marion, Ill., are reported in the Herald by Brother C. L. Taggart.

IT has been decided to hold the next General Conference session in Washington, D. C., beginning May 11.

IT is now the summer season in Australia, and the New South Wales Conference, of which Brother S. M. Cobb is president, is employing four tent companies.

ON November 23, Brother W. D. Parkhurst baptized six candidates at Goodwell, Mich., the fruit of labor by Brethren A. L. Evans and James Thorpe. After the baptism a missionary society was organized.

IN connection with work at Upper Huon, Tasmania, Brother E. Hilliard reports to the Union Conference Record the baptism of five candidates, and that nine others had decided to "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

IN the Wisconsin Reporter, Brother Wm. Covert tells of a little seven-year-old boy who recently sold enough of our papers to net him $3.60 in commissions, which he donated to the colored work in the South. Here is a good example for older people.

A SERIES of Religious Liberty leaflets is being written by Eld. W. A. Colcord, Secretary of the Religious Liberty Bureau, four of which will soon be ready for distribution. These can be secured from your tract society or from the Review and Herald, 222 N. Capitol St., Washington, D. C.

FROM the Nebraska Reporter we learn that Brother E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union Conference, recently organized three new churches in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This region was formerly a part of Nebraska Conference, but has been set apart as a mission field under the direct charge of the Union Conference.

THE little island of Norfolk, in the South Pacific Ocean, has a church of thirteen members, with ten other adult Sabbath-keepers who reckon themselves as of the company. The Sabbath-school numbers thirty-seven members. In dimensions the island is six miles long by four wide, and the population is given as 481. The brethren there say they are in need of a church-school.

"WHEN I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." Eze. 33: 8, 9.

BROTHER T. H. PURDON writes that three persons began the observance of the Sabbath of the Lord in Montpelier, Vt., and vicinity during his recent labors there along religious liberty lines. He also speaks with high commendation of our four special tracts issued for the fall and winter campaign. His testimony in this respect is in harmony with the general response to this effort.

WRITING to the West Michigan Herald, Professor Wolcott, of the new industrial school at Palisades, Colo., says: "We have a large log house for our dormitory. It has a large parlor, sitting-room, dining-room, kitchen, and good-sized bedroom downstairs, and two large rooms upstairs. We have no girls in the dormitory. The boys occupy the upstairs, and the parlor is used as a study-room. We have a fine little schoolroom with primary and intermediate departments, and thirty-eight scholars. We are busy early and late, but enjoy the work, for it is the Lord's."

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SOME SENSIBLE SUGGESTIONS AS TO AMUSEMENTS.

By Editor

A NUMBER of years ago the old Christian Union of New York gave six general principles as a help to the individual, perhaps, in deciding such questions as, Shall I play poker? Is it right to play cards? to go to the theater? to play billiards? to dance? We reprint a portion of this article for the benefit of those who are troubled by the same questions:

1. When you are in Rome do NOT do as the Romans do?

There are questions which majorities must determine; there are questions which each soul must determine for itself. The still, small voice of conscience ought to be louder than the noisy clamor of the multitude. Even rabbis and priests may lead the cry of Crucify Him! Crucify Him! What everybody does may be right; but is quite as likely to be wrong. That everybody goes to bull-baiting in Spain does not make bull-baiting right; that everybody goes to the theater in New York does not make theater-going right. Neither does it make either wrong. Majorities do not determine moral questions. There is no presumption in favor and none against what everybody does. Everybody is just about as apt to go wrong as right. Do not follow the flock of sheep over the wall. Look for yourself where you leap. The whole law is not fulfilled in this one word, Thou shalt not be odd. Because everybody waltzes may be an excellent reason why you should refuse. . . .

3. Keep on the safe side of certainty.

"He that doubteth is condemned if he eateth." Whatever is doubtful is dangerous; whatever is dangerous it is safe to let alone. Take a piece of paper and write down on it all the amusements that you are doubtful about. You wish that some one would tell you whether these are right or not. The interrogation mark tells you; for you they are wrong. Cross them all off the list of possible recreations so long as the interrogation mark is there. If the interrogation mark is ever removed, still leave them crossed off for at least six months. There are enough amusements that are not doubtful. There is ice enough that is strong; do no skating on thin ice.

4. The pleasure which is more pleasurable than your work is to be taken with caution.

We do not say that it is to be discontinued, nor even that it is doubtful, but that it is to be taken with caution. So long as a man enjoys his work more than he enjoys his pleasure, his pleasure is comparatively safe. The great danger is from a mind given over to pleasure; the great safe-guard is a mind consecrated to its work. If the mother enjoys the party more than her children, to her the party is dangerous; if the student enjoys cards, more than books, to him cards are dangerous; if the clerk enjoys the theater more than the counting-room, to him the theater is dangerous. Be on your guard against pleasures which are more delightful than duties. "Nonsense! we must then be on guard against all pleasures?" Very well! Be on guard against all pleasures. It will do you no harm. If your work is a dull routine, any pleasure may become a seductive temptation.

5. *For "What is the harm?" substitute "What is the good?"

What is the harm of cards, of dancing, of billiards, of the theater? Bury that pernicious question. Never ask it again. Substitute another. What is the good? Life is too short to waste any of it in things that are merely harmless. Devote it, the whole of it, every hour and minute of it, to what will do you or some one some good. Whatever bears no fruit, cut it down; why cumbereth it your little ground? You have none to spare. Does the evening game of cards quicken your faculties for the next day's work? Does the evening dance give you a better appetite for the next morning's breakfast? Does the game of billiards send you back to your desk with new zest for your labors? Does the theater purify your imagination, or broaden your sympathies, or quicken your sensibilities? We are asking questions, not answering them. That we leave for you to do. We can readily understand that there is no universal answer to them; that different readers will give different answers. Then let different readers have different practises.

6. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

You have no right to consider the effect of doubtful amusement merely upon yourself. You must consider their effect on others; on your companions, on the community. You must apply all these principles to this larger problem—the public good and the public evil.

You will not play with fire if your neighbor will thereby be burned. You will not even warm yourself by a fire, if that fire, once lighted, will set the woods on fire. Is it safe for me? Is it useful to me? Is it safe for the community? Is it useful to the community? Put these questions to every recreation which offers itself to you and to your family.

If you never do what everybody does, because everybody does it; if you never judge your neighbor by yourself, or yourself by your neighbor; if you cross off from your list every amusement which has in your own mind a question mark after it; if you are always on your guard against pleasures that are more pleasurable than your work; and if you never do anything if there is injury in it to you or your neighbor, nor unless there is benefit in it to you or your neighbor—you will be able to solve most of the perplexing questions of social life and amusement to your own final satisfaction; tho probably not to the satisfaction of all the rest of mankind.

ONLY ONE WAY.

By British Weekly

HOWEVER the battle is ended, Tho proudly the victor comes With fluttering flags and prancing nags And echoing roll of drums, Still truth proclaims this motto In letters of living light: No question is ever settled Until it is settled right.

Tho the heel of the strong oppressor May grind the weak in the dust, And the voices of fame with one acclaim May call him great and just; Let those who applaud take warning, And keep this motto in sight: No question is ever settled Until it is settled right.

Let those who have failed take courage, Tho the enemy seemed to have won, Tho his ranks are strong, if in the wrong The battle is not yet done; For, sure as the morning follows The darkest hour of the night, No question is ever settled Until it is settled right. —British Weekly.

TALKING THE MINISTER UP.

YEARS ago there was trouble in a certain church over the young pastor. Many members insisted upon his leaving. His few ardent friends insisted with equal zeal upon his remaining. Much bad feeling had been generated. The case was critical.

Finally two prominent gentlemen called the congregation together and counseled them as follows: "It is true our pastor is not a great man. He does not preach learned or eloquent sermons, but we all know that he is a good man, and that he is doing all in his power to promote our spiritual interests. Let us all agree to bear with him, and, instead of talking him down, let us go out from this meeting resolved to talk him up."

The advice was accepted. The result you can guess. He remained in that church nearly half a century, and remarkable success attended his ministry to the close.

A good many people talk the minister down. They discount all his doings. They misunderstand his plainest sayings. They credit him with unworthy motives. They predestinate his failure. An angel from heaven could not succeed under such conditions.

That is unwise. It is unfair. And it is wicked. How much better to "talk up" the minister!

The world will accept him at your estimate, and respect him according to the measure of your own respect.

Talk up the minister in your home. Help him to win and save the children.—Selected.

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LESSON 3.—JANUARY 15.—JESUS WINS HIS FIRST DISCIPLES.

Lesson Scripture, John 1: 35-51, A. R. V.

(35) "AGAIN on the morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples; (36) and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God! (37) And the two disciples heard Him speak, and they followed Jesus. (38) And Jesus turned, and beheld them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? And they said unto Him, Rabbi (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), where abidest Thou? (39) He saith unto them, Come, and ye shall see. They came therefore and saw where He abode; and they abode with Him that day; it was about the tenth hour. (40) One of the two that heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. (41) He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ). (42) He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John; thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter).

(43) "On the morrow He was minded to go forth into Galilee, and He findeth Philip; and Jesus saith unto him, Follow Me. (44) Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. (45) Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. (46) And Nathanael said unto Him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. (47) Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! (48) Nathanael saith unto Him, Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. (49) Nathanael answered Him, Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art King of Israel. (50) Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. (51) And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

Golden Text.—"Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel." Verse 49.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) What three individuals are mentioned in the beginning of this lesson? Verse 35. Note 1. (2) As they stood together, whom did John see? What did he say to his companions? Verse 36. Note 2. (3) When the two disciples heard this, what did they do? Verse 37. Note 3. (4) As Jesus saw them following Him, what did He say to them? What did they say in reply? Verse 38. Note 4. (5) What kind invitation did Jesus then extend to them? How did the men respond to this invitation? What time of day was it? Verse 39. Note 5. (6) What was the name of one of these men? Verse 40. (7) As a disciple of Christ, whom did Andrew first seek? What did he say to his brother? Verse 41. Note 6. (8) To whom did Andrew then take Peter? What did Jesus say to him? Verse 42. Note 7. (9) Which way did Jesus journey the next day? Whom did He find by the way? What invitation did He extend to Philip? Verse 43. Note 8. (10) From what city was Philip? Verse 44. (11) Then whom did Philip find? What testimony did the new missionary give? Verse 45. Note 9. (12) What skeptical question did Nathanael ask? What was Philip's wise reply? Verse 46. Note 10. (13) What did Jesus say on seeing Nathanael? Verse 47. Note 11. (14) How did Nathanael express his surprise at being recognized? How did Jesus answer this query? Verse 48. Note 12. (15) What acknowledgment did Nathanael then make? Verse 49. (16) Then what question did Jesus ask? And what promise did He make? Verse 50. Note 13. (17) Then what further encouragement did Jesus give this disciple? Verse 51. Note 14.

NOTES.

1. "On the morrow" was the next day after John proclaimed before the great multitude that Jesus was "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world," and the Baptist was now accompanied by only two of his disciples.

2. John now makes a personal appeal to his disciples concerning Him who was to take away the sin of the world.

3. The first disciples of Jesus were the direct fruit of John's labors, the result of individual effort with immediate associates.

4. Jesus saw the men coming toward Him, and encouraged them to free intercourse by asking them what they were seeking. He was evidently desirous of making the way easy for them. No one can even start to find Christ without His notice and His making some effort to encourage the purpose.

5. This example of hospitality was the first lesson taught by Jesus after entering upon His ministry. And it is a lesson frequently enjoined by both precept and example in the Scriptures. See Gen. 18: 1-8; 19:1-3; Job 29: 11-16; 31: 32; Luke 14: 13, 14; Heb. 13: 2.

6. Andrew caught the true missionary spirit, to first seek those nearest to us. This lesson had evidently been impressed, directly or indirectly, during the interview with Jesus.

7. Simon was a man of ready response, and impulsive desire to do what was right; hence he was no doubt easily impressed by his brother's earnest appeal. The name (Cephas, or Peter) that Jesus said he should bear, was of the nature of an encouraging prophecy as to his future attainment.

8. The other three disciples had been pointed to Jesus by others, but Jesus Himself found Philip. This illustrates the great fact that He does not lie back and wait for people to come to Him; He seeks the lost, and that is also the mission of His followers.

9. Philip, having been found by the Saviour, becomes a seeker for others; and his first effort bears fruit in finding one who was a seeker after truth. The Spirit-led disciple became the channel through which Nathanael's earnest desire was realized.

10. Nazareth was an obscure town, having nothing in the way of business, or surroundings, or noted persons, or institutions, to give it prominence, or to lead to the expectation that anything good or great could arise there. So Philip would not present any evidence but that of personal acquaintance with facts on the part of Nathanael. Only by going to Christ in person, and becoming acquainted with Him for ourselves, can we experience the blessings of salvation from sin. Justification by faith is an individual matter.

11. "An Israelite indeed" is not necessarily of the natural seed, altho Nathanael and all of the apostles were Israelites according to the flesh. "We are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Phil. 3: 3.

12. The fig tree, with its low, spreading branches and broad, sheltering leaves, forms a very secluded place of retirement for meditation and prayer. And as Nathanael was thus engaged he evidently thought himself hidden from all observing eyes. But he could not be hidden from Christ.

13. Just because of that one expression, "I saw thee under the fig tree," Nathanael was convinced. It is remarkable how readily some people accept the truth; while others will quibble over every little point that a skeptical imagination can call to mind. No doubt Nathanael was convinced because he had been searching the Scriptures and praying for light concerning the coming of Christ, and therefore his mind was in a condition to perceive the answer to his earnest inquiry as soon as it was presented.

14. This promise concerning what Nathanael should afterward see implies that he should have a better understanding of Christ's connection with heaven as he became better acquainted with Him and His work.

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Sabbath-School Lessons Discontinued

By Editor

The Sabbath-school lessons have been discontinued. The Lesson Quarterly may be obtained, containing three months' lessons and notes, for five cents. Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal. The Sunday-school lessons will continue.

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The Minister's Duty.

Dr. Theodore L. Cuyler strongly declares a minister's duty in the following extracts from a charge to a pastor, as printed in the Christian Work:

A welcome to the people. You are to stand here as the ambassador of the living God. It is not the office of the pastor to furnish a literature for the press. . . . The chief purpose is to mould character for time and eternity—to make bad people good and good people better—in short, to enthrone Jesus Christ in the hearts of all those who are gathered here before you. Your charge from above, through me to-night, is in three words—"Preach My Word." We ministers run dry. That Book never does. Your ministry is inexhaustible, as long as you can draw on God's deep well. Preach the Word without diminution, deflection, or discount. But, in mercy's sake, never spend a minute here defending it. You might as well defend the law of gravitation. God's Word is self-evidencing. You have nothing to do but preach it, and God will take care of it. I can tell you that. You are responsible for duties, and God is responsible for results. . . . In this pulpit keep the great themes to the front. The great themes! Human sin! Gladstone says, "The most perilous omen to-day is the loss of the sense of sin." Let Sinai's thunders be heard here, remembering that the danger of America to-day is the loss of reverence for law. Over against it lift up the blessed, blessed cross, the streaming blood, and let Jesus be heard in these walls, "Come unto Me, . . . and I will give you rest." My last counsel is to preach for souls! Preach for souls! Remember the words of John Welch, the Scotchman, "Lord God, give me souls, or I die." Aim for immediate impression; and then, dear brother, with such a ministry through the week, and such proclamation of Christ on the Sabbath, we do not doubt you will have the joy of the baptism of the Spirit, and God will give you a beautiful harvest.

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

By Editor

Poetry.

A Song for the New Year . . . . . 1 Christ Will Come, 'Twill Not Be Long, L. D. SANTEE . . . . . 12 Only One Way . . . . . 14

Editorial.

That New Leaf—Chaff or Wheat—Why God Gave His Son—The Ten Commandments Not the Old Covenant . . . . . 4, 5

Question Corner.

Nos. 1895, 1896 . . . . . 5

General.

Washed from Our Sins . . . . . 4 The Rest That Remains, L. A. PHIPPENY . . . . . 6 Evolution and the World Problems, GEO. MCCREADY PRICE . . . . . 7 "Search the Scriptures," MRS. E. G. WHITE . . . . . 8 The One True Church, T. R. SNow . . . . . 8 A Royal Message Intercepted, H. A. ST JOHN . . . . . 9 Rome and Paganism . . . . . 9

Outlook.

The Increase of Lawlessness in the United States—Sorrow and Death in Turkey—Sunday-Law Discussion in Pittsburg—Church and State Notes, JOHN D. BRADLEY—War in the Orient . . . . . 10, 11

Missions.

China's Religion, A. C. SELMON, M. D.—A Priest . . . . . 12

The Home.

Some Sensible Suggestions as to Amusements—Talking the Minister Up . . . . . 14

International Sunday-School Lesson.

Jesus Wins His First Disciples . . . . . 15

Publishers. . . . . 2, 13

A Good Prayer for 1905.

"O send out Thy light and Thy truth; let them send me; let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles."

Articles Worth Reading

By Editor

We earnestly entreat our readers to study two of the articles in this issue. One is that under the general heading, "Evolution and Geology." Consider the principles there set forth, and what they mean to the world now. The second is the true nature of Sabbath-keeping, under the general head, "The Sabbath." We assure you that both articles are preeminently worth reading.

The Greatest of All

(1 Corinthians 13, American Standard Revised Version)

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, BUT HAVE NOT LOVE. I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of Prophecy, And know all Mysteries and all Knowledge; And if I have all Faith, so as to remove Mountains, BUT HAVE NOT LOVE, I am nothing.

And if I bestow all my Goods to feed the poor, And if I give my Body to be Burned, BUT HAVE NOT LOVE. It profiteth me nothing.

LOVE suffereth long, and is kind; LOVE envieth not; LOVE vaunteth not itself, Is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, Seeketh not its own, Is not provoked, Taketh not account of evil; Rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, But rejoiceth with the Truth; Beareth all things, Hopeth all things, Endureth all things. LOVE NEVER FAILETH:

But whether there be Prophecies, they shall be done away; Whether there be Tongues, they shall cease; Whether there be Knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, And we prophesy in part; But when that which is Perfect is come, That which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: Now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things.

For now we see in a mirror darkly; But then face to face: Now I know in part; But then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known.

But now abideth FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, These three; And the greatest of these is LOVE.

LIVING BY FAITH.

"The just shall live by faith." This is the utterance of Inspiration, in both the Old and New Testaments—by the prophet Habakkuk (chapter 2: 4) and by the apostle Paul (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11). A just or justified person is one whose sins are forgiven; "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," Rom. 3:23. Then to be just, or justified, a man must have been forgiven of sin. But how may this be done? The answer is, "By the faith of Jesus Christ." Gal. 2:16; Rom. 5:1.

Then it requires the same power to remain just that it does to be made just. And this power must come from God. Says Christ, "Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5. And this is just as true of the justified man as it is of the sinner. It requires power for any being to do right, and "there is no power but of God." Rom. 13:1; Matt. 28:18. An angel of heaven could no more live right without the continued power of God than can the vilest sinner.

This power to do right can only come by faith; it never was and never will be imparted to any being who does not implicitly believe and trust in the Word of God. When our first parents were placed in the Garden of Eden, they were just, pure, sinless. God pronounced them "very good." They were beings with whom He could familiarly associate. He could walk and talk with them. This continued as long as the man believed God. But just as soon as he chose to believe the enemy of God he lost his power to do good. It was the same with the angels of heaven who participated in the defection of Satan. They were cast out, and are powerless to do good. Thus it is demonstrated that those beings who had not sinned were dependent upon faith in the Word of God to continue loyal.

The apostle Paul says, "We walk by faith, and not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7. There is not, and never will be, any way to serve God but by faith. No one ever will know the future only as he learns it from God. Whatever we shall know more than we now know will be by the knowledge and power of God. Whatever we shall see, even in the heavenly kingdom, more than we now see will be through the power of God; and no one will ever see the time when he can see and know and do the will of God independently. Of all the spiritual gifts there are three that must abide—"faith, hope, charity," 1 Cor. 13:13. The creature, however high, who attempts to walk by sight—a sight not lighted by the light of God's Word—will be sure to run counter to His will. If we expect to abide in the kingdom of God, we must learn to "have faith in God," for we will need to exercise that faith forever if we are to live forever. It will always be true that "the just shall live by faith."

Correction: Church and State Notes

By Editor

The article in our Outlook in our last issue, "Church and State Notes," should have been credited to Mr. John Bradley, of Washington, D. C., formerly editor of the Sentinel of Christian Liberty. We regret the oversight.

England’s Great Fog

On December 22 the densest fog experienced in England for twenty years hung over the country, impeding all traffic and transportation. Statisticians estimate the financial loss due to this fog at $5,000,000.

A Good Prayer for Every Day.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength, and my Redeemer."

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

By Editor

To all our subscribers, readers, friends, in all that makes for happiness—faith in Christ Jesus, righteousness in God, faithfulness, truth, helpfulness, to all in need, forgetting self in the service of others.

"Through the love of God our Saviour All will be well; Free and changeless is His favor; All, all is well! Precious is the blood that healed us, Perfect is the grace that sealed us, Strong the Hand stretched forth to shield us; All must be well!

"Tho we pass through tribulation, All will be well! Ours is such a full salvation, All, all is well! Happy still in God abiding, Holy, through the Spirit's guiding, Every storm of life outriding; All must be well!

"We expect a bright to-morrow, All will be well! Faith can sing through days of sorrow, All, all is well! On our Father's love relying, Jesus every need supplying, Or in living, or in dying, All must be well!"

China’s Religion

By Editor

Dr. Selmon sends us an interesting article on "China's Religion," showing the deplorable result of turning to self for salvation.