Earlier text: Shanghai, ChinaThe Harvest Ingathering
By Daniel Nettleton
Some More Personal Experience
I HAVE now nearly finished my work with the Harvest Ingathering REVIEW in our town. I have a small portion yet to canvass, and then my work for this special paper and its purpose for 1913 will be finished. I have distributed over three hundred copies of the paper, and when finished shall have thirty-five dollars or forty dollars for the missions. This required some self-denial and hard work. I often came home with weary legs and an empty stomach, but with a happy heart. The joy of my Lord has been my strength. I had many good visits, seasons of prayer, and Bible studies with families. Of course, all did not receive me kindly nor help me in my work. For these I felt sorry, prayed for them, and went on to find others who would take an interest and help in our work of giving the gospel to all the world in this generation. After many years of observation and personal experience, I find that one of the most valuable and essential qualifications for a missionary is a pair of good sound legs. In order to be a successful fisher of men, the missionary must do as a fisher of fish does, go where the fish are. What the church and the world need today are men who not only can preach and teach publicly, but can and will go out and teach, as Paul did, "from house to house." The only successful way to teach the people the gospel message for today, in the cities and towns of this or other lands, is by wise, kindly personal efforts in their homes, in connection, if possible, with public preaching of the word of God. I am thankful I can still have a small part in this work. 89# A Blessing for 1914 and All Succeeding Years "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon
thee, and give thee peace."
Num. 6: 24-26. The Lord bless thee:
How shall he bless thee?
With the gladness that knoweth no decay,
With the riches that cannot pass away,
With the sunshine that makes an endless day —
Thus, may he bless thee, And keep thee:
How shall he keep thee?
With the all-covering shadow of his wings,
With the strong love that guards from evil things,
With the sure power that safe to glory brings —
Thus may he keep thee! I wish the above blessings for all my dear brethren and sisters in the church of God, especially those who may know me personally and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus.
DANIEL NETTLETON. Pennsylvania
By Frank W. Danghenbaugh
HUNTINGDON.—The recent week of prayer will long be remembered by the church at this place as a time of special blessing and refreshing from the Lord. On the previous Sabbath a preparatory service was held, at which the necessity of a personal preparation for the coming week was emphasized. No member wished to be the means of withholding the blessings within our reach, and as we prayed we claimed the promises of God. During the first two meetings of the prayer season the enemy was very much in evidence. As the second meeting was dismissed, the brethren were asked to remain for prayer and a special season of seeking the Lord, in view of our great need. We pleaded with God to direct us and help us in doing his will in order that the blessings which we felt sure he was longing to give might be ours. He was pleased to answer our prayers, and from that time forward the meetings were an encouragement and inspiration to many. Sins were confessed, wrongs made right, indifferent ones aroused, and the young people, realizing their need of divine help, reconsecrated their lives to the Lord's service. Brethren, let us remember that God has a purpose in giving us special blessings at this time. He is endeavoring to fit us to labor for the salvation of the lost. When we reflect the character of God, those with whom we come in contact will long to know more of Jesus. We give thanks to the Father above, who giveth us the victory. Jamaica
By H. Louie Mignott
The ingathering service in behalf of the Linstead church building, and in which the Riversdale and the Linstead brethren cooperated, took place Sunday, December 7. The efforts of these brethren deserve the highest commendation. The occasion was one long to be remembered, and those who were not privileged to be present certainly missed a great spiritual treat. The children, under the charge of Sister Randle, nobly acted their part. The attendance from the outside was large. Never before had the community witnessed a religious meeting in which such marked order was observed. The program was well arranged. The singing was of a high quality. Especially should mention be made of the rendering of a song entitled "Rock of Ages," by Elders Keslake and Fletcher, and Sisters Haysmer, Raley, and Fletcher. Its effect on the writer, and doubtless on the audience, was like the effectual breathings of a fervent and holy prayer. It soothed and exhilarated the mind, and at the same time added solemnity to the occasion. Three meetings constituted the day's proceedings,—the first, a preaching service at 11 A. M., when Elder Keslake delivered an inspiring discourse; the second, at 3 P. M., presided over by Brother F. H. Raley, at which time the program was rendered; and the third, at 7 P. M., another preaching service, conducted by the writer. The organizing and planning for this meeting were done by Brother Fletcher; and a word of praise is due for the way in which the whole affair was arranged. These meetings have been a spiritual uplift to those present. We hope that they will also prove a financial success, and that erelong a humble house of worship will be erected there. The brethren offered willingly of their fruits, etc., and the audiences were quite liberal in their donations. The Work in Italy
By L. Zecchetto
It has been my privilege during the past year to baptize thirteen new believers in this land of the Papacy. One has been received by letter, making fourteen members gained this last year. It was a blessed occasion last week in Pisa when we saw over ten thousand persons gathered on the bank of Arno River to witness a baptismal service. Among them were many priests. And while I was baptizing, Brother Lippolis spoke to that large gathering from a boat, concerning our work. It was a splendid afternoon, and we were glad to witness for God to such a large audience. The week before, a scene something like this took place on the bank of the same Arno River in Florence, where I baptized a French teacher of languages in an international school of languages in Florence. I have encouraging reports from our workers in Naples, Gravina, Genoa, and other places. Our courage is as good as ever. We ask the readers of the REVIEW to remember the work and the workers in Italy in their prayers. Emmanuel Mission, Basutoland
By H. C. Olmstead
BROTHER DE BEER and family arrived last April, and we do appreciate their help. They live in two rooms of the mission house, while we occupy the other two; but a house for them is now well under way. Since they arrived, we have conducted two series of "lantern" meetings in villages not far away. Some were interested, but none definitely accepted Christ. Yet we are not discouraged, for we know well that the Basutos have heard the gospel for sixty years, and are very hardened. But we are determined to sow the seed faithfully and leave results with God, relying on his promises. In a few days we expect to begin another series of meetings; in fact, we intend to conduct meetings most of the time. I am fitting up a small wagon to serve as a "home" for the one who is away holding the meetings. Brother de Beer and I will change about in our evangelistic work. Old Chief Jonathan is still as friendly as ever, and often tells his people how lazy they are, and calls attention to the way we work on the mission. We hope he will increase the mission site sooner or later. I should like to report oftener the interesting things which we meet and observe from week to week; but it is a weakness of mine to plant and prune trees, do carpentry and mason-work, and the many duties of this kind of life, and leave reporting for others. Next year we expect to see this mission well equipped for full work. Then we hope to have less temporal work to do, and more time to work for souls. This mission is now registered as a government nursery (vine); so we may sell vines anywhere in the union. We find some sale for them. Secretaryship as a Life Work
By C. L. B.
For the Christian young man or woman, no hour is more critical than that in which he determines his life calling. His life is his most precious possession: yet it is not his; it belongs to his Lord, and he is to give an account of it as of a sacred trust. Only a few short years are his for its investment. How shall he make them tell with the greatest power in order that he may realize the largest possible returns? What supreme opportunity is presented in the surroundings he is called upon to face? At the very threshold of life these great questions confront him. Well may he pause before the doors that are opening to him, to inquire which among them promises the greatest returns upon the investment he is to make of his life's powers. No work, however universally desirable, offers a life work to every young person. But it may be said without reservation that for some the secretaryship fulfills the essential requirements to a very marked degree. Let us consider the secretaryship of the Missionary Volunteer work as a life work. This is a specialized ministry to young people, for young people. We shall study,— 1. The relation of this work to the development of the Missionary Volunteer movement, and the opportunities which it affords for a career of surpassing usefulness in the service of God. 2. The growth of this office and its various characteristics. 3. The kind of men and women needed to fill it,—their qualifications and characteristics. 4. The preparation which a person ought to make in order to render the best possible service. First, let us consider the relation of this work to the development of the Missionary Volunteer movement, and the opportunities which it offers for a career of usefulness in the service of God. The secretary is to the movement what a general is to the army, a teacher to the school, a cashier to the bank, a pastor to the church. His relation to the development of the movement is vital. He is its administrative officer. The influence and advancement of the movement are limited only by the consecration and ability of the men and women in charge. The question arises, Does the Missionary Volunteer movement afford opportunities commensurate with its demands? The secretaryship offers a broad range of activity. The secretary is walled in by no narrow ground of duty. His activities are as varied as the human need. The secretary is not restricted to a single field. He holds a unique position with reference to every young person, every father and mother, every worker, every young people's society, and every church in his field. It is his privilege to serve them all at their point of greatest need. He is a specialist on young people's problems. By counsel, by inspiring leaders, by organizing, he may multiply manyfold the influences of his life. "It is a holy thing," said Disraeli, "to see a state saved by its youth;" but it is still more impressive to us to see our youth filled with a passion to give their lives to spread the third angel's message. The church is only beginning to realize the great possibilities of childhood and youth. The energy necessary to secure the cooperation of an adult advanced in years will kindle the enthusiasm of a score of young people. The plan that enlists and sets the youth to work tells for victory. "In youth the heart is like wax in its impressiveness, like bronze in its retentiveness." The majority of conversions occur between the ages of twelve and twenty. According to statistics, the year of most frequent conversions for girls is the sixteenth, while most boys are converted in their seventeenth year. As these years pass, the prospects decrease, and after twenty-two very few become Christians, as over ninety per cent of the members of the different Protestant churches in America were converted before they reached their twenty-third year. Less than five per cent of those who leave college unconverted ever become Christians; while only two per cent of the people of the United States who reach twenty-three years of age unconverted ever give their hearts to God. If we admit the preceding facts, shall we not recognize youth as the harvest time of souls? For during this period the foundations of a Christian life are laid, the student life is determined, and the trend for greater usefulness is established. "The devil would never ask anything more of a minister than to have him feel that his mission was chiefly to the grown-up members of his congregation, while some one else was to look after the children." "The key to the hard problem of evangelization lies in the puny hand of the little child." "The importance of work for children cannot be overemphasized. The schoolboys of Bourges, in the early French Revolution, bore a flag displaying in shining letters the words, 'Tremble, tyrants; we shall grow up.' O that these words, 'We shall grow up,' would ever ring in our churches. They will grow up and make tremble the enemy of our God, or grow up and make us tremble. The Romanists are wont to say, 'Give us the child until he is ten years old, and you may do what you can with him after that.' Trebonius, the instructor of Martin Luther, always uncovered his head in the presence of any of his boys. He was accustomed to say, 'Who can tell what man may yet rise up amid these youth? There may be among them those who shall be learned doctors, sages, nay, princes of the empire.' Even then there was before him the great leader of the Reformation, that 'solitary monk that shook the world.' The children must increasingly receive the attention, thought, and care of the church." Because of the vast possibilities of our dear boys and girls, the secretary should leave no stone unturned to become an authority on the best methods of reaching and cultivating this part of the field. He should study how to reach the youth of all ages from the kindergarten age to the young manhood and womanhood. The child of today is a man tomorrow. Psychologists claim that the impulses and instincts ripen in a certain order, and if the proper incentives are applied at the seasonable periods, the character can be shaped and molded for a life of usefulness: but if neglected, oftentimes the impulse dies out, and our most earnest efforts meet with no response. In this day of specialists and trained workers, religious instruction cannot hold its own unless here, too, are found specialists; and in no field are trained, studious, consecrated workers needed more than in working for our children and youth. Adaptation is the secret of all success in this work; but adaptation is possible only to the extent that we understand our young people. A mechanic will spend months studying and working that he may become perfectly acquainted with the delicate mechanism of an engine before he will attempt to operate it; but perhaps that same man will spend only fifteen minutes or half an hour preparing to instruct a child, giving no thought to the delicate organism upon which he is to work. Many of our young people are leaving our ranks today and enlisting in the world, not because of our lack of interest in them, but because we are woefully void of knowledge as to how best to adapt ourselves and methods to them, so that their interests will be aroused and their cooperation secured. The secretary has, or may have, the confidence of the majority of the young people in his conference. The secretary may penetrate, if he will, the outer crust that encases the normal boy and girl and makes them misunderstood and unappreciated; he may draw aside the curtain and look behind the screen, there to find the hungry boy and girl waiting to be understood and sympathized with. What a privilege to stand by the side of a90 young man during the critical formative years of his life, with the facilities for helping him through the storm and stress period when he is up on the mountain top today and down in the valley tomorrow. One day he desires to be a physician, the next an electrical engineer, the next a farmer. One day he is sure every one understands him, and everything is moving along all right; the next day he is positive no one understands, he hasn't a friend on earth, he doesn't understand himself, and wonders why he was born. At this strenuous period the young people's secretary may possess his confidence. To understand him is to win him. Who will attempt to measure the possibilities of such a relationship? Is it worth doing? Missionary Volunteer Department
M. E. KERN - - - General Secretary C. L. BENSON - - - Assistant Secretary MATILDA ERICKSON - - N. Am. Div. Secretary MEADE MACGUIRE - - N. Am. Div. Field Secretary Ministerial Reading Course
By Editor
THERE is a growing desire on the part of the ministry for self-improvement. The Lord is stirring the hearts of his servants to attain greater efficiency in his work. There is a great work before us. The message of present truth must go to the high and the low, to the rich and the poor, to the pagan and the Mohammedan. All the cultivated ability of all our ministry and believers in the truth is required for the finishing of the work. We are publishing three testimonials selected from several scores of letters received from workers who express a desire to take the Ministerial Reading Course. A young minister writes:— "I received your letter, also the leaflet describing the Ministerial Reading Course. I believe this reading course will be a great help to workers, especially to beginners, like myself. I sincerely hope the time will soon come when we shall have a paper published especially for the benefit of our workers. As it is now, we cannot use anything from our church papers to present to the people, lest it be something which has already been studied by the majority of the hearers." An older minister writes:— "I am inclosing my entrance blank for the Ministerial Reading Course, which I trust will be helpful in building up a stronger ministry. I have felt for a long time that something of this kind should be started, and have done some reading along that line myself. I hope to be able to encourage others to start the work, and shall be pleased to have the opportunity to speak from personal knowledge of the value of the course." "I believe it would be a good plan to require a certain amount of such work, with proper examinations, for every candidate for ordination. I think we have lost much so far in our work by not placing more emphasis on the value of proper study of methods in our work91 as ministers. I shall be pleased to do all I can to cooperate with the plans of the Educational Department in this matter." The following is written by the president of a conference:— "I hasten to inclose my order for the first book in the Reading Course. I have long since recognized the need of better qualified laborers, and wish myself to have every advantage to gain a better preparation for the work. "I humbly join in this study, hoping thereby to have my vision broadened and my ability strengthened. Also, I consider it honorable and dutiful to 'study' to show myself 'approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.' "In this enlightened and progressive age, city, village, and country labor demands better qualified workers than in former years. And to successfully meet the issues, guide the people in their search for truth, and maintain a position that will receive the respect of the ministry, church folk, and the thinking public, it becomes necessary for us to study and to accept most cheerfully any suggestions that will place us at better advantage before the public, and enable us to better represent the truth and honor God. "Thinking that the studies will cover the special points which I might mention, I will defer writing about them for the present. Yet it may be helpful to suggest one thing which has been of great value to me in my reading and study,—making notes, references, classified connections, etc., in a notebook, for the purpose of bringing under associated heads and topics those references that enable one to get a better conception of the theme. I keep my notes and references in alphabetical order, indexed for quick reference, thus enabling me to find the points wanted from time to time very quickly. I value the marking of a book that is my own for emphasis and reference. But urge a carefulness in marking which will leave the page with a neat, clean appearance. Another reason that I have for making references is that it teaches me to watch for these helpful points, and, too, it often makes a point clearer to place in its connection a reference to another on the same thought. It opens and magnifies the idea. "I trust that all our workers will esteem this a privilege, profitable to the ministry, helpful to the church, bringing confidence to the worker and the people." Another Sunday Bill Before Congress
By C. S. L.
THERE are three Sunday bills now before Congress,—the Johnston Sunday Bill, S. 752, a bill requiring in the District of Columbia "the proper observance of Sunday as a day of rest;" the Heflin Sunday Bill, H. R. 9674, "a bill prohibiting labor on buildings, and so forth, in the District of Columbia on the Sabbath day;" and Mr. Keating's Sunday bill, H. R. 7826, "a bill to provide for the closing of barber shops in the District of Columbia on Sunday." The last-named Sunday bill reads as follows:— "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That from and after the passage of this act it shall be unlawful for any person to open, or allow to be opened, or carry on business in, any barber shop or place where the business of shaving, hair cutting, shampooing, or the like shall be conducted, on Sunday in the District of Columbia; and any person or persons who shall violate the provisions of this act, upon conviction shall pay a fine of not exceeding $20, or in default thereof be imprisoned not exceeding sixty days, and for a second offense shall be imprisoned not exceeding sixty days." Petitions of protest have been forwarded to all the church elders in the United States concerning the first two bills mentioned, and they have been asked to see that the blank spaces are filled with names and sent in to their respective representatives in both houses of Congress. We wish to request all who have not yet forwarded these petitions to Congress to insert also at the end of the petition against "H. R. 9674" the following: "H. R. 7826." This will call special attention to this new bill as the protests are recorded and referred to the committee. We wish to thank our people for their hearty cooperation and ready response in this campaign. The forces are lining up on the other side as never before. Heretofore, the Catholics were not very cooperative with the Protestants in securing Sunday legislation and Sunday law enforcement; but during the last four months the Catholic societies twice have passed resolutions urging their people everywhere to cooperate with the forces which introduced Sunday bills in our legislatures and in Congress, and to aid in stricter enforcement of the existing Sunday laws now on the statute books. This is very significant. When both Protestants and Catholics begin to rally their forces in behalf of Sunday legislation, it is high time that we bestir ourselves and do all we can to stay the flood of persecution which will soon break forth. We trust that our people everywhere in the United States and Canada will remember Religious Liberty Day, February 28, when the annual offering is taken to carry forward the religious liberty work for the year 1914 in the local, union, and North American Division conferences. Each of these conferences is to receive one third of the annual offering, in order that it may carry forward this line of work in its respective field. Our aggressive work has been greatly hindered during the past year because of a lack of funds. We trust that every one who is a lover of liberty and longs to see these precious principles prevail will dedicate at least one dollar to this work for the year 1914. Plan for this beforehand, as the annual religious liberty offering is the only means we have with which to carry on this work for a whole year. Let us make it a dollar offering, and those who have been blessed in a special way during the past year should make it a five- or ten-dollar offering. The church elders will provide a good religious liberty program for the day. Religious Liberty Department
By C. S. Longacre
C. S. Longacre - - N. Am. Div. Secretary J. L. SHAW · · · · General Secretary
W. E. HOWELL · · · N. Am. Div. Asst. Secretary The Morning Watch
By M. B. Vankirk
HAVE you seen the calendar for 1914? It has been so arranged that one who follows the daily readings will complete the New Testament, and will learn 365 verses from that portion of the Word of God. The calendar also contains a number of spiritual gems selected from the "Testimonies for the Church" and from other excellent books. The other features of the calendar that have been found helpful are retained. Dear reader, will you not now secure one of these calendars and form the habit of the morning watch? My personal experience during past years, and especially during the last year, as I have endeavored to learn every day's portion of Scripture, has been very encouraging. I know God blesses the one who daily hides a portion of his Word in his heart with an ever-broadening view of his power to save. Our youth need to develop steadfastness; our young people need to develop steadfastness; in fact, there is need for development in steadfastness by every one of our people. Fathers and mothers, will you not, in the fear of God, institute the morning watch hour in your home? Use the morning worship; have all in the family take part in the Scripture reading; learn and review the verses for each day; make a little Bible school of the sacred morning worship hour for the next twelve months, and see what wonderful results God will give in turning your hearts to your children, and the hearts of your children to you. Calendars may be secured from your tract society. Price, five cents each. Reading Course Work
By Editor
DURING 1913, 135 persons became Attainment members, 700 Reading Course certificates were issued, and 93 gift books were sent to persons holding three Reading Course certificates. We are grateful for the increased interest manifested in our Reading Course work. THE Morning Watch Calendars are going rapidly. The first edition of 35,000 fairly melted away, and another small edition has been ordered. Old friends, old scenes, will lovelier be
As more of heaven in each we see;
Some softening gleam of love and prayer,
Shall dawn on every cross and care.
— John Keble. How to Become a Member of the Ministerial Reading Course
Any worker desiring to take the Ministerial Reading Course may do so by writing to the Educational Department of the General Conference, Takoma Park, D. C., giving his name and address for registry, and sending $1.65 in payment for the first book. On completion of a book, the reader will be asked to report to the Educational Department the fact that he has completed the book, and will be encouraged to report his estimate of it, and its practical value in his work. To such as comply with this condition, a small certificate in card form will be granted by the Educational Department of the General Conference. The course is open to ministers, Bible workers, and all having evangelistic work in view. All the reader is asked for the privilege of the course is to comply with the conditions and pay for the books, which will be furnished at the lowest possible price. The book "Preparing to Preach" has 455 pages, and is bound in a substantial cloth binding. The publishers retail the same at $2, but we are able to furnish it to the readers of the Ministerial Course for $1.65. All orders and drafts should be made payable to the General Conference. Address General Conference Department of Education, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. Church School Thrift
By W. E. H.
THIS seems to me a fitting title under which to present some very interesting facts that have come trooping in recently through my correspondence. Anything that spells achievement and progress in the care of our children in the elementary grades ought to inspire the heart of every parent and worker with courage. There is an upward movement in the efficiency of our church schools, which in the not distant future will surprise some who have been faint-hearted about their success. Church schools are here to stay. Their staying qualities are growing stronger year by year. In due time it will be made apparent to all that they constitute a solid buttress to stay up the very foundation of our denominational enterprises. There is no feature of our educational work in respect to which we watch our department correspondence more eagerly for evidences of thrift than the church school work, and we have been more than usually gratified of late. One very refreshing report, because unsolicited, very definite, and bearing the marks of earnest work among the schools, came in the other day from B. L. Howe, educational superintendent of the Western Oregon Conference. After two years of service in that field, he is able to report as follows (title mine):— "It is an inspiration to be connected with a work that cannot fail. Our church school work has not 'attained,' neither is it yet 'perfect,' but it is pressing on toward the 'mark.' The mark is, 'All the children in.' "At the beginning of the school year 1911-12, we had eight church schools in our conference, and one family school. These together enrolled 195 pupils. Now we have eighteen schools and a German evening school. Including the twelve pupils in the German school, we have 487 enrolled this year. Two years ago, ten teachers did the work. This year, twenty-four are employed. "It is very encouraging to note the steady improvement in the quality of the work done. Although we are compelled by circumstances to employ some new teachers each year, we are getting a better grade of work. The summer school is no mean factor in helping our teachers to become more efficient. When the teacher's Christian experience is maintained at even, high tide, the class work ranks best. "Nearly all our schools are conducting Junior Missionary Volunteer Societies. One school met the morning of December 24 to hold a prayer meeting. Those attending, brought what they called a 'pound offering.' The pupils, together with their teacher, took this offering to a needy widow. The story of their experience at the home of the poor washerwoman is quite touching. "Several of our schools have taken up the work with the educational journal. One ordered thirty for the first month, another placed an order for six for six months, and a third is taking sixteen for six months. These are all small schools, having an enrollment of from fifteen to eighteen. Five schools have each obtained the required number of subscriptions, and have sent in to secure the globe premium. "One school board has set a pace that we should rejoice to see all others follow. A few weeks ago when we were with them, they secured a full case of large wall maps and a set of large history charts. "One teacher, in sending in her report, said: 'School is just fine. We had such a good time during the week of prayer! We are of good courage.' Another writes: 'I have the best school. It would be hard to find better girls than mine. I want our school to be a success all through the year.'" One good feature of this report is the balance of work it represents. The quality of teaching is improving. The schools are organized into Junior Volunteer Societies. They are selling single copies of the educational journal in the vicinity. Needed apparatus is being supplied. The teachers are pursuing the reading course. More than this, in a series of institutes among the churches, covering five weeks, the superintendent was accompanied by the conference president, and two or three other conference workers—a strong point for the schools. A statistical report from Superintendent Wolfkill, of the California Conference, shows a growth in church school enrollment from 349 to 456 in a little over two years. Oklahoma Conference has 22 teachers at work this winter. A club of ten copies of the educational journal was sent in by Miss Garrett, the superintendent, not long ago. From South Dakota Miss Du Bois reports an enrollment of 106, and three parent-teachers. All her schools are organized into Junior Volunteer Societies, and all her teachers are taking the reading course. West Michigan, Northern Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey Conferences report all their schools working on the Junior Volunteer plan, and their teachers taking the reading course. Ohio reports an enrollment of 193 in 18 schools, 11 of which have Junior Volunteer Societies. One little band of six raised $20 for missions last quarter. Space requires me to stop here, but the story is far from being told. Pray, reader, pray earnestly, for our faithful teachers and superintendents. Reaching Hearts Through Sympathy
“Unless our hearts go out to the people, we shall never reach their hearts. We may talk to them forever, but unless we have this loving sympathy we might as well be silent.” Items of General Interest
— Charitable gifts in the United States during the last twelve months amounted to $80,135,476. This amount was given at the rate of $2.61 for every tick of the clock, according to a recent compilation. — To regulate street traffic in Chicago, experimental tests have recently been made with a semaphore signal at street crossings. This device resembles that used in railway service. It is operated by the policeman on duty at the dangerous point, and can be seen fully a block away. — The library of John Rogers, a Boston merchant, has been sold at auction, and some of the American books brought high prices. The highest price was $3,000, which was given for a first edition of William C. Bryant's "Embargo." The next highest price was $1,100, which was given for William Bradford's copy of the Quaker Item. William Bradford was the first printer in New York City. — Figures of the world's wheat production were issued by the International Institute of Agriculture at Rome, Italy, on December 20. The report covers the principal countries of the Northern Hemisphere, and is as follows: All wheat produced, 3,569,000,000 bushels, being 8.9 per cent more than last year; all rye, 1,828,000,000 bushels, 1 per cent less than last year; barley, 1,524,000,000 bushels, 7.7 per cent more than last year. The total production of sugar beets was 54,992,000 short tons, 2.5 per cent more than last year.93 — After all his tribulations in America, due to efforts to have him extradited, Zelaya, ex-president of Nicaragua, has embarked for Europe. He expects to find a permanent home on his estate in Spain. Zelaya's departure is in accordance with an agreement between his counsel and the Nicaraguan government, which caused his arrest. — "Mother" Mary Jones, widely known as a prominent labor leader, was recently deported from Trinidad, Colo., by the State militia. She has been very active in creating the present coal strike situation in Colorado, and recently marched at the head of several thousand strikers, through the streets of Denver, to the State Capitol in protest against mine conditions. — Harry K. Thaw shot and killed Stanford White in New York City, June 25, 1906. He was adjudged insane by the courts, and consigned to Matteawan asylum. Late in the summer of 1913 he succeeded in escaping, and was arrested in Canada. He has since been fighting for his freedom, and on January 11 was declared sane by the court at Concord, N. H. He will probably be released on bail. — When the nonmagnetic yacht "Carnegie" dropped anchor at Brooklyn, N. Y., recently, concluding a voyage which lasted more than three years, the gigantic task undertaken by the Carnegie Institution of Washington eight years ago to make a complete magnetic survey of the globe was two thirds accomplished. Virtually all the data gathered in nearly 150,000 miles of voyaging is in the hands of hydrographers, and much of it now is in use by shipmasters of the seven seas. — The Hamburg-American Line, one of the richest steamship companies in the world, is willing to establish a coastwise service between Boston, New York, and other Atlantic ports through the Panama Canal to South American points, if the American public is friendly to the project. It will invest a capital of $15,000,000 for this purpose, providing half or the whole as needed; man the ships with American officers; register under the American flag; and become a part of the American merchant marine. — Statistics that have just been completed at Washington reveal the fact that the national debts of the world aggregate $42,000,000,000. Ten years ago the amount was about $32,000,000,000, and forty years ago it was but a little more than $20,000,000,000 — having doubled in four decades. The largest national debt is that of the republic of France, a total of $6,284,000,000. The next largest is that of the United Kingdom, including British India, a total of $4,961,000,000. Germany lacks less than $50,000,000 of this total, the debt of the empire and of the German states totaling $4,914,000,000. Russia owes $4,553,000,000; Austria-Hungary, $3,753,000,000; Italy, $2,707,000,000; Spain, $1,815,000,000; Japan, $1,242,000,000; and down at the foot of the list of great powers is the United States, with $1,028,000,000. But if the nations of the world owe much, they also own much; for their annual revenues total $12,179,000,000, and their annual expenditures, $12,308,000,000.