p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 20. (5/19/1909)

Medical Missionary Work in Java

By John Edwin Fulton

The writer accompanied Miss Nordstrom, one of our Sydney Sanitarium nurses, in one of her rounds among the villages of Java, where she is giving treatments. We left the Java Health Retreat, our beautiful mountain rest home at Soember Wekas, just after dinner one day, and rode on little Arabian ponies to the villages.

As we passed through a village where our workers had given treatments before, we noticed the hearty greeting accorded by the native villagers. As a rule in Java a native never speaks to a passing traveler; in fact, they do not seem to understand you when you greet them, it is so unusual for the Europeans to do such a thing. We are glad that our workers are breaking through these customs, and that the people so long in sin and darkness are yet responsive to that mighty conqueror, Love. How quickly the heathen can measure our religion! You may preach to them about Jesus the Saviour of mankind, telling them that He loved all men, that He loved all races of whatsoever color, and that He was no respecter of persons, and that He loved all so much that He died for them; but if they see a barrier built up between the missionary and themselves, see the missionary treating them as tho they belonged to a lower plane than himself, all this preaching will avail little. How few missionaries to-day who take the Master’s place in loving, heart-to-heart ministrations!

Passing by corn-fields, over beautiful terraced hills cultivated to the very tops, and through luxuriant valleys, we soon came to a village where the second treatment was to be given to a sick man. We found him improved and thankful for our coming. Here, perhaps for the first time in centuries, a Christian prayer was offered. How our hearts long to see the name of God known and reverenced among these heathen!

The next village was entered to treat a poor blind man who had also been treated once before. He was cordial in his greetings, and told how much he had been benefited. We thought of leaving him to go to more needy cases, but he would not have it so. He remarked that the water was hot and that he wanted more fomentations. His spine was giving him some trouble, so a fomentation was applied just below the neck on his back. We had difficulty in making ourselves understood, but for some reason he thought that the fomentation should start at the top of his head, perhaps thinking that to be more systematic, and so he removed it to that place, the nurse yielding to his whim. He allowed the next fomentation to remain where the first was placed, but every succeeding one was pushed a little farther down until at last he wanted one just above his knees. He hugged each fomentation to him with such evident satisfaction, seeming to think that there was real virtue being received, and we have no doubt but that this was true.

At the door we counted eighty persons who were lookers-on, while on a small hill nearby were many others. We asked if they knew God. The answer was, “No, we know Him not.” We long to be able to tell in their own language the wonderful truths for this time.

As we were about to leave, others applied for help. We thought of the time of Jesus and longed for more of His grace and power. But as far as was in the power of the nurse, none were turned away without some offer of help.

Other villages were visited and difficult cases treated. Some seem almost helpless, having gone so long without attention. But they were left in the care of the great Physician to await His will. While attending a chief who had been sick for a long time, a thunder-storm came up and the rain fell in torrents. Fortunately we were under shelter. Our horses were brought into the house with us so that they and the saddles would be kept dry for us. This reminds us, it is a common thing in this country for people, horses, cows, goats, and fowls to all have the shelter of one roof. Our little pony belonging to the mission has not had his house completed at this writing, but the gardener who keeps up the grounds at the Retreat takes him home every night and gives him an equal share of shelter with himself in the house.

One sick man, feeble and emaciated with months of disease, came to the Retreat a few days ago asking for medical aid. While massaging his feet and the calves of his legs, the nurse discovered a long needle buried in the fleshy portion of each leg. These, the patient explained, a native doctor had inserted some three years before to cure his malarial fever, which was warranted to prevent any future attacks.

Our journey homeward was completed about eight o’clock at night. We were thankful to have this pleasurable experience. And as we saw what is being done for the poor

people, we felt to denominate it Gospel work of the highest order. And after seeing what is to be done for these many millions, we pray that the “Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers into His harvest.”

J. E. FULTON.

—Yonkers Statesman

Retrospection

He was better to me than all my hopes, He was better than all my fears; He made a bridge of my broken works, And a rainbow of my tears. The billows that guarded my sea-girt path Carried my Lord on the crest; When I dwell on the days of my wilderness march, I can lean on His love for the rest.

He guided by paths that I could not see, By ways that I have not known; The crooked was straight, and the rough made plain, As I followed the Lord alone. I praise Him still for the pleasant palms, And the water springs by the way; For the glowing pillar of flame by night, And the sheltering cloud by day.

Never a watch on the dreariest halt, But some promise of love endears; I read from my past what my future shall be, Far better than all my fears; Like the golden pot of the wilderness bread, Laid up with the blossoming rod, All safe in the ark of the law of the Lord, Is the covenant care of my God.

—Yonkers Statesman

Our Work and Workers

THREE were baptized by Brother N. V. Willess at Levi, Texas, April 26. One other also united with the church.

BROTHER H. F. COURTER writes from Los Gatos, Cal.: “I now have eighty-four in my ‘Family Bible Teacher’ course.”

AFTER laboring for a few weeks at Centralia, Wash., Brother Geo. Harlow had the pleasure of baptizing four candidates recently.

BROTHER F. M. and Mary Roberts write of a two-weeks’ series of meetings at Miami, Ind., where five have accepted present truth.

THE Sabbath-schools of the United States and Canada gave $70,758.26 to missions during the year 1908. The Sabbath-schools of the world gave $94,365.65.

BROTHER F. C. WEBSTER reports a little company of five added to the faith at Merrillsville, N. Y., through his labors. He divides his time with Oneida, N. Y., where the interest continues good.

THE church at Davenport, Iowa, is rejoicing over the addition of eight members to their number. Six of these are young people. All were baptized April 11.

EIGHT were baptized by Brother E. K. Slade at Greendale, Mich., Sabbath, April 25. These are the fruits of the labors of Brethren Fred Hoxie and Claude White.

ELEVEN dear souls at Leach, Tenn., are rejoicing in the truth as the result of the preaching of Brother R. M. Kilgore. A new house of worship is being built.

The Missionary Idea

By Mrs. A. E. Ellis

BY MRS. A. E. ELLIS

THIS little volume aims to be a suggestive help to every missionary worker whose heart has been touched with a sense of the world's need.

Part One is designed to stimulate a healthy interest in missionary work, both “Home” and “Foreign.” Each of the 16 subjects is arranged in the form of a “Lesson” with carefully prepared questions.

Part Two consists of contributed, selected, and arranged matter which, besides its inspiring character, will suggest to the thoughtful reader ways in which missionary information may constantly be gathered and missionary sentiment encouraged.

Part Three gives an outline of the work done in mission fields since 1874, with a brief history of each mission and outline map of the more important.

317 pages in two handsome bindings. Paper covers 50c. Cloth bound $1.00, post-paid

THE BOY PUZZLE

By Joseph F. Flint

A Picture Book for Mothers

By Rev. Joseph F. Flint

BUT this book is not written alone for mothers. Every father, in fact all who have an interest in the welfare of the boys of this nation will find a wealth of help and encouragement in this presentation of the boy question. The author goes to the bottom of things and shows very clearly where the trouble lies if your boy or your neighbor's boy goes wrong.

As the hope of this Republic lies in our boys a careful reading of “The Boy Puzzle” will do much to help solve the difficulties that confront us.

217 Pages, beautifully bound in cloth, post-paid, 75 cents.

Pacific Press Publishing Association

Mountain View, Cal. Portland, Ore. Regina, Sask., Can. Kansas City, Mo.

What a Blind Leper Did

SEVERAL years ago a Chinese woman brought a slave girl to a mission hospital in Canton. The girl was blind, and was growing lame, and her owner, fearing that she would become valueless, wanted the missionaries to cure her. The doctors said that not only was the blindness incurable, but that it would be necessary to amputate a leg. On learning this, the owner left the slave on the hands of the mission. The amputation was successfully performed, and when the girl was well again, the missionaries gave her light work to do about the place.

But the poor cripple’s troubles were not yet over. She developed leprosy, and as required by the law, was sent to a leper settlement. Blind, a cripple, a leper! Yet there is one more thing to be told of her. During her life at the hospital she had become a happy Christian. In two years that blind cripple had built up a band of Christians in the leper settlement, and other leper villages were sending to ask about the wonderful good news that could bring joy even to outcasts. In five years a church had grown out of her work, and now a hospital is being planned. That poor, crippled life is to-day a center of joy and service.—Forward.

China’s Vast Population

PUT the people of China in ranks, joining hands, and they will girdle the globe at the equator ten times with living, beating, human hearts. Make them an army and let them move at the rate of 1,000 a day, week after week and month after month, and they will not pass you in 1,000 years. Constitute them pilgrims, and let 2,000 go past every day and night, under the sunlight and under the solemn stars, and you must hear the ceaseless tramp, tramp, tramp of the weary, pressing, throbbing throng for 500 years.—World-Wide Missions.

Wanted for Missionary Work

A. DYBERG, 220 Main St., N., Vallejo, Cal., desires large quantities of our denominational papers, tracts, and books for work among sailors and others about the naval station at Vallejo, Cal. Send clean, entire copies, well wrapped and fully prepaid, by mail or freight.

Monthly “Signs” for June

By Editor

People did “want the May Signs magazine.” The entire edition has been sold. Here is a partial outline of contents of the June number:

CURRENT EVENTS. The Turkish Situation—the real secret of it from a prophetic standpoint.

Andrew Carnegie’s speech to the Peace Congress, April 21. One of the strongest testimonials to fulfilling prophecy on record.

GENERAL. “Voices of the Stones,” by Elder M. C. Wilcox.

Presenting descriptions and photographs of records being found in Babylonian and Assyrian cities, which verify the truth of the word of God.

“Sufferings of Christ in Gethsemane,” by Mrs. E. G. White.

A most impressive setting forth of that hour of trial which meant final victory for the sinner.

“A Change Foretold,” by Chas. L. Taylor.

This is a masterly presentation of the attempted change of the Sabbath. It places statements by Cardinal Gibbons and the record of Constantine’s edict by the side of prophecy, which most logically and forcibly makes clear the authority for the change.

BIBLE-READING DEPARTMENT. God’s Object in Committing Life to Man. By J. O. Corliss.

FOR THE HOME. An excellent article by Dr. Rand.

TEMPERANCE. “A Warning That Made the Town Run Dry.”

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. Report of Significant Church Federation Meeting, by Elder Allen Moon.

One lady writes that in addition to caring for her home she is able to circulate 500 copies of the magazine a month. Perhaps all could not use this many, but thousands can be circulated by busy people if it is planned for. Order at least 25 copies with which to start. You will enjoy circulating them. Ask for the Signs Worker which contains canvass. Wholesale price on Signs Monthly, 25 to 500 copies, 4 cents each. Retail price, 10 cents. Order of your tract society or SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.

Union College Calendar

THE Union College calendar for 1909-1910 is now ready to mail. Special features of the work of Union College are the new Industrial-Academia Course and the Music and Normal departments. For copies of the calendar, with any other desired information, write C. C. Lewis, College View, Neb.

Prophecy Chart for Bible Teaching

By L. J. Caldwell

Wanted.—A prophecy chart for self-supporting Bible teaching. L. J. Caldwell, Fern Hill, Wash.

S. S. Supplies

S. S. Supplies.— Our stock of 35-cent Record F is exhausted, but we have a good supply of the 50-cent Record F, and can fill orders promptly. These are suitable for schools of from 20 to 90 members. We can also furnish Class Records at 10 cents, and S. S. Quarterlies at 5 cents each. Send for our “Select List of Bibles.” It will help you select just the Bible you want. Pacific Press Publishing Assn., Mountain View, Cal.

Story of Pitcairn Island

Told by a Native Daughter

THIS fascinating story begins with the mutiny on the sloop-of-war Bounty in 1789, when Captain Bligh was dragged from his bed and cast adrift in an open boat with eighteen unfortunate companions.

From murderous mutineers to peaceable Christians, faithfully observing the commandments of God, is the wonderful history of the settlement of Pitcairn Island by the Bounty's mutinous crew.

In simple but beautiful language the writer of this tale, Miss Rosa Young, a native daughter, unfolds the story of love and hate, crime and its punishment, and the development of a happy race of islanders.

266 pages, tastily bound in cloth. Price, post-paid, $1.00.

Is It Loyal?

HAVE just had such a fine visit with my school chum.

“Yes, I saw him pass with you several times; he was a manly looking fellow,” was the reply.

“He is as good as he looks, too, and that’s the best of it,” answered my youthful friend enthusiastically.

“It is nice that you have such a friend, for, coming from a larger city, he could give you many helpful ideas in regard to your circle.”

“O,” the boy hesitated a moment, “he isn’t good in the way you mean; he wouldn’t wear a silver cross!”

“Well, never mind; if he is only a Christian we will claim him as a King’s son, anyway. Many good Christian people object to outward badges, and I respect their opinion, even tho I differ from them. Have they put on Christ? that’s the question.”

“You misunderstood me; I only said he was good; I mean in a general way; I don’t think he pretends to be a Christian,” was the half-embarrassed reply.

“Did I understand you to say that you were intimate friends, Harry?”

“Why, just like brothers. We grew up side by side, when we were little fellows. Then my folks moved West, but we visited back and forth, and corresponded regularly, and last year we were in the same school; so he is like my other self.”

“And still you say, ‘I don’t think he is a Christian’? I do not understand it.”

There was silence for a moment, and then he burst forth in boyish fashion:

“I am not ashamed of my religion. Indeed, I am not. Ralph knows that we do not think alike about such things, but somehow I can’t talk to him. I tell you, it isn’t natural for young folks to talk on that subject.”

“Why, Harry, I went into the young people’s meeting the other night, and as I listened to the leader as he sang—as only you can—‘I love to tell the story,’ I thought, ‘O, for more young men like him to tell that wonderful story!’”

As we walked on, the silence was unbroken for a few moments, save by a sigh from the one at my side, and then he said impetuously:

“Singing it and telling it are so different. One is natural and the other is not.”

“Would it not be nearer the truth to say, ‘One is nature and the other grace’?” was my query.

No, it is not natural, dear sons and daughters, for you to speak of your love for the King to your unconverted friends; but is it loyal to talk of everything but Him?—Our Young Folks.

Peace Be Unto You.

By Llewellyn A. Morrison; Stemple White

DUETT, SOPRANO AND TENOR.

“Then came Jesus and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”—John 20:19, 21, 26.

LLEWELLYN A. MORRISON.

STEMPLE WHITE.

Jesus speaks to His disciples as He spake to them of old, For His promises are ever, ever true; Tho’ we walk in sable shadow where infesting cares enfold, Yet His message still is,—“Peace be unto you.”

There be many realms unconquered in the world and in the soul, Yet the Spirit by our aid can all subdue, And the resurrection war-cry, sounding ever from the goal For the conflict, is this,—“Peace be unto you.”

There are victories awaiting each evangel of the word, For the Leader hath His legions in review, And His laurel for the peril blooms for all who serve the Lord:—“More than conquerors” by “Peace be unto you.”

CHORUS.

blessed peace of God! O the cleansing by the blood! O the pardon, grace and keeping, ever new! All His morning mercies throng In the sunlight and the song For the heart that heareth:—“Peace be unto you.”

BOOK NOTICES

“The Centennial of Religious Journalism.”

Edited by Rev. J. Pressley Bartlett, D.D., editor “Herald of Gospel Liberty.” Price, cloth, $1.15; morocco, $2.15, post-paid.

The “Herald of Gospel Liberty” was first issued Sept. 1, 1868, the first religious newspaper. The editor states, “This book is designed to commemorate the first century of the history of the ‘Herald of Gospel Liberty,’ and therein to give a bird’s-eye view of the work and progress of the Christian Church.” The matter for the book, which contains 650 pages, is prepared by a large number of writers, under five divisions: Historical, Editorial Gems, many of which are excellent, Early Leaders, Century Churches, and Conventions. The volume has been well received by the members of the church whose last century of history it entertainingly tells.

How to Talk with God

“How to Talk with God.” By “A Veteran Pastor,” Sunday School Times Company, Philadelphia. In white and gold, gilt top, 98 pages, price, 50 cents net.

This little book is on the subject of prayer, as the title indicates. There are three divisions. The first, “A Personal Explanation,” gives the author’s reason for writing the book, which is “to help others increase their power and satisfaction in prayer, both private and public.” He recommends writing prayers, rather than praying extemporaneously. The second division, “How to Talk with God,” gives some practical instruction and advice on the how of prayer. The third division is “A Veteran Pastor’s Prayers,” selections from the author’s own prayers. He does not recommend them as models to be slavishly followed, but gives them as illustrations. As such they are good, tho the thought of written prayers does not appeal to us.

“Bible Lessons in Old Testament History.”

By Mrs. Alma E. McKibbin

By Mrs. Alma E. McKibbin, for many years a successful Bible teacher and text-book writer. Book One covers Old Testament history to the death of Joshua, 133 lessons, 294 pages, well illustrated with maps and pictures. Price 90 cents. Pacific Press Publishing Assn., Mountain View, Cal.

This is the first volume of a series of four text-books on Bible history. With each lesson questions, parallel Scriptural and other readings, word studies, and memory verse are given, with explanation of history, custom, doctrine, etc. For home or school use this series will surely find a welcome place. Typographically the Book 1 is fine; the subject-matter is splendid.

Bible Nature Series Number One

“Bible Nature Series Number One.” A natural development of geography, physiology, and the other elementary sciences, with the Bible and nature as a basis of study. By Marion E. Cady. Three hundred twenty-two pages, 139 lessons, profusely illustrated with maps, diagrams, drawings, and photographs. Price $1.20. Pacific Press Publishing Assn., Mountain View, Cal.

Mr. Cady has taken the Bible account of Creation as a basis for a series of studies which embrace the following subjects: In the Beginning, Light and Heat, Air and Sound, Water, Dry Land, Plants, Sun, Moon, and Stars, Water Animals, Air Animals, The Land Animals, Man, The Sabbath, The Fall of Man, The Flood, The Final Destruction, The New Earth. An astonishing amount of entertaining and instructive matter is brought into the book, which is designed for home or school use. We can heartily recommend it to all who have children to train.

THE FAMOUS EVANGELIST'S NEW HYMN BOOK

By I. Allan Sankey

GIPSY SMITH

Edition of HALLOWED HYMNS NEW AND OLD

By I. ALLAN SANKEY

35c. a copy, postpaid. $25 per 100 Returnable Sample mailed to Pastors, etc.

THE BIGLOW & MAIN CO., CHICAGO NEW YORK

Our Little Friend

An Illustrated Paper for the Smaller Men and Women, for the Children and Little Ones

Instructive and entertaining, clean, wholesome, sensible. It is a character builder, a helper to father and mother. Our Little Friend would plant seed in the joyous life of the children in the Present, that it may bear blessed fruitage in the Harvest of the Future. Respect your child's individuality. Take the paper for him or her. Only 50 cents a year.

Address, OUR LITTLE FRIEND, Mountain View, Cal.

Early Writings.

By Mrs. E. G. White. A new edition of this popular work, rearranged and reprinted from new plates. This book is a compilation of the first published writings of the author, and contains many encouraging words for those who are looking for the soon return of our Lord. Cloth, 75c; limp leather, $1.25. Address this office.

Life and Health

A PRACTICAL health journal, published with a view of meeting hygienic needs in every home; teaching how to care for the health and how to preserve life; prescribing simple home treatments to assist nature in throwing off diseases rather than adding more poison by using drugs or unnatural stimulants as remedies: teaching how to avoid disease as far as possible, how to manage in the home when sickness does come, and how to combat the disease by simple remedies which nature provides.

Send for sample copy and special rates to agents. Price 10 cents per copy or $1.00 per year.

Address, LIFE & HEALTH, Takoma Park, D. C.

LIBERTY

THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BUREAU

An illustrated, 48-page, quarterly magazine, published as an exponent and advocate of true religious liberty; defending Christianity and the rights of conscience; upholding the Bible as the infallible word of God; recognizing the church and state as ordained of Heaven for specific and distinct purposes, but vigorously protesting against the alliance of the church with the state in the attempt to advance religion and to promote the state. Price 25 cents per year. Liberal terms to agents.

Address, LIBERTY, Takoma Park, D. C.

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