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Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 11.

THE WORK AND THE WORKERS
Earlier text: Celibacy

The Fields Are White

By R. C. PORTER

R. C. PORTER
Many European business representatives in the Orient are now on two-thirds salary, and they have volunteered to reduce their salaries to half pay for the next year in order to place the other half at the disposal of their home governments for the prosecution of the European war. While men of the world are making such sacrifices in order to kill their enemies, should we not with a true spirit of sacrifice be doing more than they in order to save men?
More loyal people cannot be found today than those to whom God has intrusted the work of giving the third angel's message in this generation. It is for that purpose that means have been intrusted to them. The liberal manner in which they have contributed to the support of the work during the crisis caused by the European war has greatly encouraged the hearts of the missionaries dependent upon them, who from the very depths of their souls many times have thanked God for such loyal brethren and sisters, and have taken courage to plan in faith for a strong campaign for the finishing of the work. The devoted young people that have entered the field since the General Conference are the greatest possible contribution to the advancement of the work. Could those who have sacrificed to send them have heard the prayers for this greatly needed help, and witnessed the tears of joy that mingled with thanksgiving on the arrival of the new recruits, they would have felt repaid for their sacrifice in contributing toward supplying this greatest of all needs in mission fields.
But the needs are not all supplied. New fields are most piteously calling for the message. One whole tribe of four thousand is calling for teachers. Four hundred of them have forsaken their idols and are favorably inclined toward the truth.
In Pastor Hsi's territory hundreds are seeking for more light, in view of the signs which indicate the rapidly approaching end of all things. The great Mongolian field, with the Celebes Islands and many other unentered fields in Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and China, is still waiting.
These calls burn like fire in our hearts, and we can do no less than to pass the needs of these fields on to you, and ask if you have not more consecrated young people who desire to volunteer to meet these calls and join us in extending the message into these unenlightened fields, that the work may be speedily finished, and we all stand with that triumphant company who sing the song of final deliverance from a world of strife, injustice, and war, and as victors sit down in the kingdom of God with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the faithful who have sacrificed for the finishing of God's work in a world of sin.
Shanghai, China.

J. S. JAMES

By J. S. JAMES

Furlough Reflections— No. 3

J. S. JAMES

“It has got so I hear nothing but ‘give,’ ‘give,’ ‘money,’ ‘money,’ until I feel like not giving another cent to missions as long as I live.” Such were the words spoken by a man of some means and a reputation for piety, at the close of a missionary lecture. Fortunately such statements are exceedingly rare.
I recovered from my surprise, and began to reflect something as follows: G-i-v-e is only another way of spelling G-o-s-p-e-l. The great heart of God so loved a wretched, unmeriting world, that he joyfully gave his only Son that we might have life and happiness both here and hereafter. He lifted us out of the ruin and degradation of our lost condition, and washed away our guilt and stain by his own lifeblood. Into our rebellious hearts of unbelief, darkened by misery and despair, he caused the light of his love to shine, which melted and subdued its stony likeness, and imparted to us the assurance that we are members of a heavenly family — sons of God.
Why did he do all this? Was it that we might become self-centered and self-satisfied, narrow and grasping, hiding away in the earth the treasures imparted to us, leaving the great world forever impoverished and ourselves forever in debt to its cry for help? — No, no! All that we have and enjoy of spiritual and temporal blessings has been given us in trust to be passed on to others. We must reflect the spirit of the Master, who came as a gift, who freely gave himself, and who now is willing to give us all things through the Holy Spirit. Is it too much to say that the measure of spiritual life, whether it be in an individual, a company, a church, a conference, or a union conference, is in proportion to the giving, done in faith, to the great missionary cause? This is not saying that we can acquire spirituality by our gifts any more than we can purchase God’s forgiveness with money; but it surely is true that our spiritual riches set a true gauge to our giving.
It has been well said by one: “The cause of foreign missions goes down to the roots of the spiritual life, and we need look for no abundant giving until that life is enriched. In far-off Persia, a few years ago, lay dying that godly missionary, Henry Martyn, stricken with a fatal fever. While in this state he received a letter asking how the church at home could be stirred to greater missionary activity, to which he replied, ‘Tell them to live more with Christ, to catch more of his spirit; for the spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions, and the nearer we get to him the more intensely missionary we must become.’”
Indeed we must give, and keep on giving with increasing frequency and liberality. There is no alternative for the individual who wishes to remain loyal to God and the work for this generation. This is a rapidly growing message, and the demands for means and laborers will increase as the message is extended. Says the prophet, “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.”
When once an army is put in the field against an enemy, it must be maintained from the home base of supplies or go down in defeat. The value of the enormous expense incurred in recruiting and equipping its forces is to be saved only by keeping its ranks reenforced, well officered, and properly furnished for an aggressive campaign. Not only must the loss of dead and wounded be made up, but advanced positions must be taken and held, often at great cost. How can the cost of warfare be figured all on one side as is so often the case? Those who enlist have also invested no small price in the issue. They have left homes of comfort and love, positions of profit and honor, an environment of safety and peace, and an enlightened and educated society, for the cruel barbarism of bloody carnage and death. The missionary advances into a strange land among benighted and uncivilized peoples, surrounded on every hand with disease and death, subject to dangerous climates, wild beasts, and reptiles, often shut away from all social intercourse with those of a kindred race, and many times suffering for want of proper food and home comforts. These are items not to be omitted in figuring the cost of foreign mission warfare — items almost too sacred to be placed alongside a table of cold, unsympathetic figures.
We have been forty years in raising an army of missionaries which now girdles the earth. The task has required infinite toil, sacrifice, and hardship. Thousands of brave hearts have responded to the trumpet call to service. Some have been stricken down at their post, and others have been rendered unfit for foreign service by disease and advancing years, but the battle front continues to extend, and the shout of victory comes from all lands. This is not the time to cry, “Enough of giving.” As well might one cry, “Enough of breathing;” for to close our ears and harden our hearts in this, the greatest hour of need in the history of the world, would be to write ‘Ichabod’ across the face of this entire movement. We must enlarge our gifts, lengthen our cords, and strengthen our stakes. We must stand ready to give all that we have in sons and daughters, money and lands, energy and talents, until all has been consumed on the altar of service. When we as a people have done this, there will come an end of giving, for the work will be finished, and we can enter the joy of our reward together.
Port Said, Egypt.
PARTIAL VIEW OF QUITO, ECUADOR
PARTIAL VIEW OF QUITO, ECUADOR

Ecuador

By C. E. KNIGHT

C. E. KNIGHT
It has been four months since my wife and I arrived in Quito, Ecuador, from Argentina. I had not expected to see such a pleasing landscape, especially in the highlands, neither did I think that the climate would be so agreeable. At Quito, although on the equator, the temperature is about the same as at Oakland, Cal., during the spring and summer. The mountains, even at an elevation of twelve to fifteen thousand feet, are covered with grass or small growth, so that the great plateau appears like an immense pasture dotted by numberless patches of cultivated ground.
Ecuador is a most favored country naturally. Crops are raised the year round, and it is a curiosity to see apples maturing at the same time that peach trees are in blossom and other fruit trees are putting out new leaves. Corn and barley are two of the staple products of the uplands; and the former, prepared in various ways, is one of the principal foods of the people. Many other temperate zone fruits and grains are raised in abundance.
Our work has not become strongly established as yet, owing, first perhaps, to the intense religious sentiment in favor of the Roman Catholic religion. In Quito alone there are more than thirty large churches, and many city blocks are occupied by convents and monasteries. Probably half the population are so conservative in this respect that, had they the power, they would exclude all Protestants from the country.
We are, however, beginning to see some good results from our labors. My wife has had interesting experiences in medical missionary work, and the effect has been to break down some bitter opposition, gaining thereby many friends as well as some attendants at our meetings. Our evangelical work will undoubtedly continue to advance slowly and under difficulties, but Ecuador is included in the “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.”
Those who do accept the truth are usually very poor, and with some it is more difficult afterwards to earn their living. Owing to the hard times, generally we are unable to help them much. We see, however, one way by which their situation might be improved; and to bring this about, we are hoping to buy four hundred acres of government land, which can be had for less than one hundred dollars, and let our poor brethren make their living from it. In three or four months vegetables can be matured; in one year a banana crop; and in three or four years the first crop of cacao, from which chocolate is made. Rubber is also raised.
The land is timbered, and the soil is rich. If a number of families from the States would come and buy some of this land, they would not only have an independent living for themselves, with every possibility of substantial gains, but would be a great help to this needy field.

First Fruits From Pondicherry, South India

By V. E. PEUGH

V. E. PEUGH
PONDICHERRY is a French possession lying on the seacoast south of Madras. It is a place of historical interest, having been the scene of many sieges and engagements between the English and the French. French is the official language, while the language of the natives is Tamil.
This being a French settlement, Catholicism is the prevailing religion; but Hinduism is also strong among the native people. Protestant societies have been able to do but little in the line of missionary endeavor.
More than two years ago Seventh-day Adventist literature began to find its way into this dark center. Some tracts fell into the hands of a Catholic man of good rank. The silent messengers of truth began to illuminate the heart of this brother, and he desired to learn more about the third angel's message. Soon we received an urgent appeal from him, asking us to send some one to teach him and his people more about the truth. Just at that time some of our workers left the field on furlough for America, which made it impossible to answer the call from Pondicherry. However, we continued to encourage this brother by writing to him and by sending literature on different phases of the message.
It was not until March, 1914, that we were able to send a native catechist to Pondicherry. Brother Devasahayam, one of our faithful native workers, who was then working in connection with the Tamil journal, planned to spend every second Sabbath in Pondicherry. He found that he soon had a growing company of people who were hungering for the truth. Later on, after Brother James returned from furlough, the way opened for Mrs. Peugh and I, with our native worker, to settle in Pondicherry and develop the interest that had begun. This interest has grown until a goodly number are now keeping the Sabbath. The message has had its cleansing effect upon their lives, and they have gained victories over tobacco, beetle nut, and liquor. The women have taken off their jewels. This was a severe trial for them, but they gladly did it for Him who did so much for them.
One brother, although bent and hoary with years, is strong in faith. He has destroyed his idols, and is rejoicing greatly in the truth. The joy that comes from knowing God beams upon his countenance. Another man with a family to provide for has given up a splendid position in order that he may keep the Sabbath. Now he is tilling a small plot of ground. Among the number, two are widows. Over one the shadows of a sad life are beginning to lengthen, and to her the gospel is a boon. She is watched and ridiculed by her relatives and friends, but she has tested the power of prayer and has found it an anchor to the soul. The other is an educated girl with all of life's years just opening up before her, but she has been forced to taste of the sorrows of Indian widowhood, and to her the hope of a soon-coming Saviour is sweet indeed.
Brother James spent a few days with us last week, and gave very instructive talks to those who had decided to cast their lot with the people of God. On Sunday afternoon, November 22, our hearts were made glad as we saw seven of these precious souls buried with their Lord in baptism. More than as many others are keeping the Sabbath, and we hope that they, too, will soon be ready for baptism.
Thank God that a few real jewels are being gathered out from among the Tamil people. We are confident that when Jesus comes to number his people, a goodly company will be gathered from among the millions of South India.

The Mother's Opportunity

By Mrs. M. A. Wheeler

MRS. M. A. WHEELER
“O, IF I could only have my children back again, little children around me, or how differently I should do!” The sad lament of this broken-hearted mother, who realized that the lost years could never be recalled, that her God-given privileges and opportunities had gone forever, was uttered many years ago. It has rung in my ears ever since, and has often startled me into a greater realization of how important and precious are the hours of childhood, when father and mother constitute the children's little world, and when their hearts are so receptive that it is the mother's golden opportunity to mold and fashion them for the Master.
The mother in question was a good woman; and there are many who, like her, place their household duties, their own dress and that of their children, their social obligations, first, the children receiving only the fragments of time left over when everything else is done.
In her desire to have her house immaculate, free from litter and noise, this mother sent her children forth to play on the street; and when they came to her with their little joys and sorrows, they were told “Run away,” or, “Don't bother; I am in a hurry.” And so she sent them forth, little realizing that in a twofold sense she was sending them from her. And so the years sped on, and too late she awoke to the realization that she no longer shared their confidences, that they had turned to others for sympathy and counsel, others whose influence had led them farther and farther from home, purity, and noble living.
I knew a busy mother, who amid all the cares and burdens of home—and they were many, for she was early left a widow with a large family—often gathered her children around her, especially at the bedtime hour, and talked with them of Jesus, and how he loved little children, and laid his hands upon them in blessing. She told them Bible stories, and sang with them the beautiful songs they loved, and tucked them into bed with their little minds and hearts filled with beautiful thoughts and a longing desire to “be good and please Jesus.” I am convinced that this custom adhered to will make a great difference in the dispositions of the children. It is a sad sight to see a little child sobbing in its sleep, having been punished and sent to bed, usually to awaken “all out of sorts.”
Scientists tell us that the brain is more or less active for some time after sleep enfolds us, and that the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that are dominating the mind just before we lose consciousness, go on making impressions on the brain. As this is especially true of children, therefore the importance of the children's bedtime hour cannot be overestimated in its far-reaching results upon the character and lives of our children, and the mother who can accomplish this through all the busy years has done much to insure the future welfare of her children, for both time and eternity.
As the children grew older, the same loving interchange of thought and confidence continued. The mother stepping softly in to the bedsides of her big boys and girls, and sitting by them, talking over the experiences of the day, their friends, their plans, learned what was uppermost in their minds, and in these good-night talks saw deeper into the hearts and lives of her children than at any other time, knowing what influences were entering into their lives, knowing how to help and encourage them in high and noble living, averting any possible dangers that threatened them, and leaving impressions that were felt through all their years.
Some time ago, at the close of a mothers' meeting where I had been presenting some of these thoughts, a woman came up to me with the tears running down her cheeks, saying: “I am one of those mothers who did not realize, and now my children are all gone from me into the world. They are not Christians. They will not listen to me now. They will be lost. What shall I do?” There are many mothers like the one just mentioned; for often, in our Christian work in the homes of the people and elsewhere, we hear the same regrets expressed in one way or another. We would refer these dear mothers to the promises found in Joel 2:12, 25, where the Lord says if we turn to him with all our hearts, he will restore unto us the years that the locusts have eaten. To all of us this promise comes with help and comfort. Let us all awake. It is high time. Satan has come down in great power, knowing that his time is short, and as the spirit of prophecy has told us, is working especially to ensnare our children and youth. We are fighting for the lives of our children, not merely for that life which is like “a vapor,” but for that eternal life that measures with the life of God. And “we wrestle not against flesh and blood;” but he has said, “Be strong and of a good courage, . . . for the Lord thy God . . . will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” With him we have all; and when at last we shall see our Saviour coming in the clouds of heaven in power and great glory, what rejoicing will be ours if we each can look up and say, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me.”
“A little hand within My own I hold,— More precious 'tis than Silver, gems, or gold,— “A darling little hand, That clings to mine. O, loving, trustful eyes That softly shine! “You look to me For all that love can give, Will look to me as long As both shall live. “One gracious boon, O blessed Lord, I ask: O give me wisdom, Fit me for the task “Of safely guiding little feet Into the narrow way, That we be gathered home, To realms of endless day.”

Comfort in Affliction

By MRS. C. C. LEWIS

MRS. C. C. LEWIS
I WAS made sad by receiving your letter and learning of your affliction. This is indeed a dark picture, and I do not wonder that you are cast down; but you must not give up. God will not forsake you, for he has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” The outlook is indeed dark, but some one has said that it is darkest just before dawn. Do not give up your hold on the Lord. I feel sure he will raise up friends for you. You must be brave. This condition of things will not last always. You are young, and under good treatment your husband will be likely soon to rally. One thing is certain: you must keep up as brave a heart as possible. Many a woman has been left empty-handed with her little children. She wanted to die, perhaps, and take them with her, but she could not. She just had to live on and keep brave, and do the best she could. That is what you must do. It must have been a disappointment to receive so little sympathy from those who should have stood by you, but you are the Lord's child, and he will not forsake his own.
You are better off than many others. Not long ago a company of boys went a mile and a half to cut wood for a poor woman. Her husband was so cruel and worthless that she left him. She lived in a poor old shack of a house, and had three children, the oldest about six. All she had to eat was what the neighbors carried in. She is not one of our people, but she is one of the suffering human family. Of course there are a few of the many other cases of this kind, but I happened to know about this one; and I think her case is still more sad than yours. You have a loving husband, who will probably soon regain his health, and then it will be a delight to him to provide for you and the babies.
So, my dear sister, bear up. God provides for the sparrows, and “ye are of more value than many sparrows.” I want you to read Psalm 104, and note especially verses 14-16, also verse 27. Do you not see that the Father provides food and shelter for these lower creatures? I hope as you read these precious words that courage will spring up in your heart. “The Lord will provide. It may not be my way; it may not be thy way; and yet in his own way, the Lord will provide.”

Conducted by Mrs. C. C. Lewis, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C

By Mrs. C. C. Lewis

Through the columns of this department, hints will be given on all matters pertaining to the home life. Short articles and letters are solicited from home makers, telling of their everyday experiences,—their joys and sorrows, their failures and successes.

The Purpose of Bible Stories

By MRS. VINA SHERWOOD-ADAMS

Our Little Table, and How It Solves Some Home Problems—No. 6

The Purpose of Bible Stories

MRS. VINA SHERWOOD-ADAMS
Our object in telling wee folks Bible stories is not to make staid Bible students of them,—that will be accomplished later in the school,—but to stimulate a love for Bible literature and to inculcate in their young lives the beautiful lessons of right to be found in the Scriptures.
Mothers, do not allow what I have written to deter you from telling Bible stories to your children; for Mary, the mother of Jesus; Elizabeth, the mother of John; and Jochebed, the mother of Moses, all were humble mothers. None of them had a college education, yet they all told Bible stories to their children in an effective manner. Just give attention to the result of the humble efforts of one of these mothers, Jochebed, to train her child. The story is thus told in “Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 244:—
“She kept the boy as long as she could, but was obliged to give him up when he was about twelve years old. From his humble cabin home he was taken to the royal palace, to the daughter of Pharaoh, ‘and he became her son.’ Yet even here he did not lose the impressions received in childhood. The lessons learned at his mother’s side could not be forgotten. They were a shield from the pride, the infidelity, and the vice that flourished amid the splendor of the court.
“How far-reaching in its results was the influence of that one Hebrew woman, and she an exile and a slave! The whole future life of Moses, the great mission which he fulfilled as the leader of Israel, testifies to the importance of the work of the Christian mother. There is no other work that can equal this. To a very great extent, the mother holds in her own hands the destiny of her children. She is dealing with developing minds and characters, working not alone for time, but for eternity. She is sowing seed that will spring up and bear fruit, either for good or for evil. She has not to paint a form of beauty upon canvas or to chisel it from marble, but to impress upon a human soul the image of the divine. Especially during their early years the responsibility rests upon her of forming the character of her children. The impressions now made upon their developing minds will remain with them all through life. Parents should direct the instruction and training of their children while very young, to the end that they may be Christians. They are placed in our care to be trained, not as heirs to the throne of an earthly empire, but as kings unto God, to reign through unending ages.
“Let every mother feel that her moments are priceless; her work will be tested in the solemn day of accounts. Then it will be found that many of the failures and crimes of men and women have resulted from the ignorance and neglect of those whose duty it was to guide their childish feet in the right way. Then it will be found that many who have blessed the world with the light of genius and truth and holiness, owe the principles that were the mainspring of their influence and success to a praying, Christian mother.”
I cannot give added force to these words; but, dear mothers, let us arouse to our sacred duties and happy privileges before the fleeting hours of childhood are past and we find our babies of so short a time ago in the uncertain period of adolescence, untrained to meet this restless period of youth.
I should be glad to read some helpful experiences from fathers and mothers who have been or are guiding youth through the uncertain period just mentioned.
Battle Creek, Mich.

Thoughts of Life

By Lillian S. Connerly

LILLIAN S. CONNERLY
We wake to life with rainbow hues ahead; Bright sunshine doth her radiant beauty shed; The birds sing songs of promise; and each day, Like fairy dreams of sweetness, flits away.
We bid them go, for morrows seem all fair; Sweet strains of music fill the scented air. We do not dream of happiness, ’tis ours; Nor love, for love enriches all our hours. Fame but awaits our coming, and her smile Beguiles our fancies while we wait, the while Sweet whispers of yet gladder, fairer days Fill all the thoughts and tune unconscious praise.
But time hastes onward, and the rainbow hues Fade gently, and the sunshine bright subdues. The birds trill now a softer, sadder lay, And fairy dreams no longer cares allay. We dream of happiness, but, lo, a cloud Enfolds us as a subtle funeral shroud.
We dream of love, but she eludes our grasp, And cold and lifeless is the form we clasp; We dream of fame, but every glory dies, Nor heeds the cold, proud world our tearful eyes.
Fond memory, never truant to our call, Brings back the past glad hopes and glories all; But from her casket, gemmed with dark and fair, We gain but fleeting comfort, and we dare
Once more to cast our weary eyes ahead To future fortunes where our feet must tread. But hope has fled, for earth is not our home; Surrounded by the host, we are alone.
’Tis then the inmost heart cries out for God. He never mocks his creatures of the sod, But kindly bids us come and find in him All that our poor hearts long for. All our sin
And woe he cleanses, offers us a place In highest heaven. Marvelous gift of grace!
O soul, tear earth’s illusions from thine eyes, And fix thine heart on heaven’s eternal prize.
Bocas del Toro, Panama.

Teaching Reverence for the Body

“BELIEVE me, there is no nobler work, no diviner work, than the work which teaches a young man a reverent care for his own body and a scrupulous and tender regard for those divinely instituted laws of health which shall make that body more and more a weapon for God and for good in the service of God and his fellow men.”

Human Companionship

By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

HUMAN companionship counts for so much in this life! but, after all, the sharpest corners are to be turned alone. —Elizabeth Stuart Phelps.

Advice to an Overworker

By MRS. C. C. LEWIS

MRS. C. C. LEWIS
This is rather a dismal outlook for a young father, but you must not give up. Look over the past, examine your life, and see if perhaps you were not overzealous in your efforts to make your work go. You doubtless went beyond your strength many a day, and the Master did not require that of you. It would not be strange if there was mingled with your labors a bit of personal ambition. Have we not all marred the work sometimes in this way, and brought sorrow to our hearts?
It was a new thought to me one day many years ago, that it was just as wrong for me to overwork as it was to overwork my helpers. The latter I would not think of doing, while the former I did without compunction. Tell the Master you are sorry for this unwise use of your strength, and ask his forgiveness. “As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” Give yourself to prayer. The Lord will heal you, or give you grace to bear your suffering.
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