ELIJAH and his message are typical of the threefold message that Seventh-day Adventists are proclaiming to the world. Elijah was earnest in his work. James 5:17. It could be said of him as of the prophet Haggai, that he was “the Lord’s messenger in the Lord’s message,” because of the intense earnestness which characterized his labors. Haggai 1:13.
His work was also typical of the work of John the Baptist. Of his work Jesus testified that “Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. . . . Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.” Matt. 17:12, 13. In regard to his stability, he said, “What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?”
An Elijah message must go to the world before the great and terrible day11of the Lord. Mal. 4:5. In order for it to be truly an Elijah message, it must be similar in character, and the messengers must manifest the earnestness and faith which characterized Elijah.
We will now present some points of similarity between his message, character, and experience, and the message and experience of those who are carrying the threefold message of Rev. 14: 6-12:—
1. Elijah’s message was a call from the worship of Baal to the worship of the true God. 1 Kings 18: 21. The call of the hour, as expressed in Revelation 14, is from the worship of the beast (the papacy), and his image, which is to be set up in the United States by the union of church and state, enforcing papal doctrines, to the worship of the God who made the heavens and the earth. Rev. 14: 9, 7.
2. In the days of Elijah there were schools of the prophets where the youth were educated in the things of God. To-day we have our colleges, intermediate schools, and church-schools where our young people are given a Christian education.
3. Elijah’s message was a work of reform, a call for obedience to the commandments of God. 1 Kings 18: 18. Our message is the commandments of God. Rev. 14: 12.
4. In the message of Elijah was Sabbath reform, as the Sabbath is a part of the divine law. Baal worship was the sun-worship of the pagans. The North British Review styles Sunday “the wild solar holiday of all pagan times.” Our message is a Sabbath reform message, calling people from Sunday to Sabbath observance.
5. On account of prevailing idolatry in Elijah’s time, judgments came upon the land of Israel. 1 Kings 17: 1. Because of beast worship and prevailing iniquity, judgments will come upon the world in our day. Rev. 16: 1-21.
6. Elijah was, by Ahab the ruler, held responsible for the judgments in the land. 1 Kings 18: 17. We as a people shall be held responsible for the judgments that are coming on the earth.
“Those who honor the law of God have been accused of bringing judgments upon the world, and they will be regarded as the cause of the fearful convulsions of nature and the strife and bloodshed among men that are filling the earth with woe.”—“Great Controversy,” page 614.
7. The woman Jezebel stirred up and controlled Ahab, the head of the civil government. 1 Kings 21: 25. Jezebel is a type of an apostate church. See Rev. 2: 20. Church leaders will stir up the state to oppose our message.
“As the controversy extends into new fields, and the minds of the people are called to God’s down-trodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light, lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work, papists and Protestants unite.”—“Great Controversy,” page 607.
8. The death decree was pronounced against Elijah. 1 Kings 19: 2, 3. A death decree will be issued against those who persist in refusing to obey the law of the land, enforcing the observance of Sunday, in opposition to the Sabbath of the Lord.
“As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand, will make them objects of universal execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and the law of the state, ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. The same argument eighteen hundred years ago was brought against Christ by the ‘rulers of the people.’ ‘It is expedient for us,’ said the wily Caiaphas, ‘that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.’ This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment, and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death.”—“Great Controversy,” page 615.
9. Elijah fled into the wilderness. 1 Kings 19: 4. God’s remnant people will be caused to flee into solitary places to escape the wrath of their enemies.
“As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against commandment-keepers shall withdraw the protection of government, and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the people of God will flee from the cities and villages, and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places.”—“Great Controversy,” pages 625, 626.
10. Elijah was fed by an angel. 1 Kings 19: 5, 7. In the time of trouble, angels will minister unto the saints.
“The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation, and suffer for want of food, they will not be left to perish. That God who cared for Elijah will not pass by one of his self-sacrificing children. He who numbers the hairs of their head will care for them, and in time of famine they shall be satisfied. While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield the righteous, and supply their wants.”—“Great Controversy,” page 629.
11. Earthly armies could not harm Elijah. 2 Kings 1: 9-15. Earthly armies can not harm the people of God in the time of trouble.
“The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment-keepers will be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and, before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall as powerless as a straw.”—“Great Controversy,” page 631.
12. There was demonolatry in the time of Elijah. King Ahaziah “sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, and inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.” 1 Kings 1: 2.
NOTE.—To consult Baal-zebub is to consult the devil. Matt. 12: 24. To-day, through spiritualism, people consult mediums and clairvoyants, which is one form of demonolatry. Isa. 8: 19; Rev. 16: 14. The consulting of spiritual mediums to-day is similar to inquiring of Baal-zebub in the days of Elijah.
13. At the beginning of his experience, Elijah ate flesh food. 1 Kings 17: 6. Those who led out in the beginning of this message ate flesh food. Near the close of his work, God gave him a vegetarian diet. 1 Kings 19: 6-8. Those connected with this message who will be translated when the Lord comes, will be free from the use of a flesh diet.
14. It was known by the people of God when Elijah should be translated. 2 Kings 2: 3, 5, 7. The day and hour of Jesus’ coming will be made known to the saints.
“The voice of God is heard from heaven, declaring the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to his people. Like peals of loudest thunder, his words roll through the earth. The Israel of God stand listening, with their eyes fixed upward. Their countenances are lighted up with his glory, and shine as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. The wicked can not look upon them. And when the blessing is pronounced on those who have honored God by keeping his Sabbath holy, there is a mighty shout of victory.”—“Great Controversy,” page 640.
Wonderful appear the points of similarity between the work we are now carrying forward and the work and experiences of Elijah, whose message was typical of ours.
College View, Neb.
The Plenteous Harvest
“WILL you hasten the day?
Will you labor and pray?
Will you thrust in the sickle, and reap,
while you may,
The plenteous harvests that lie
Waiting still for your hand
In every land
And rip'ning 'neath every sky?”
News· From Haran—5
By Z. G. Baharian
Z. G. BAHARIAN
MARCH 30 our fifth trial came off. The clerk was given a letter to be read. It was a circular letter for the Southern Watchman, sent from Nashville, Tenn., to Brother Alexan Buzugherian. The president inquired of Brother Buzugherian who was this man—Southern Watchman. He explained that this was not a person, but a journal, published in America, to disseminate the gospel truths in the Southern States. The names of the editor and manager were written in the letter. He was then asked if he had any acquaintance with these men, to which he answered, “No.” Then he was asked, “How did it happen that they sent this letter to you?” He answered that the names and addresses of all our workers are printed in a journal, and as he was a worker, his address was on the list, and the manager of the Southern Publishing Association had sent this circular letter, though he did not know him personally.
VIEW OF CONSTANTINOPLE
The president inquired, “What is the meaning of this paragraph: ‘This is a medium for the Southern field. Hundreds of copies can be sent to the North’?” Brother Buzugherian opened his Bible, and explained well that the seed is the word of God, and the field is the world; and the Southern field is the Southern States of the United States; this journal is prepared especially for these Southern States, but the Northern States may also be benefited with it; there is nothing political in this paragraph. It seemed dark to them, because they were not acquainted with such terms. I also arose and gave further explanation about this journal.
A letter was read which had been written by Brother J. H. Krum from Beirut, to Brother Buzugherian at Adana. In this Brother Krum had written about a political trouble in Beirut which took place about three years ago, when from thirty to forty persons were killed, and an American war-ship was sent to protect American citizens. The mention of this event was charged against us as mingling in politics. Brother Buzugherian did not know anything about that event, so could give no explanation. I arose to explain, but was not permitted to do so. This was an injustice. They would have it remain unexplained, that they might prove their accusation. In this act they showed their determination to convict us.
Another letter was read by the clerk, written by a brother from Mersine to Brother Arak Ouzounian in Adana. It was a letter of comfort, Brother Ouzounian having contracted consumption. The letter had been given by him to Brother Buzugherian, and so was among his papers when arrested. In this there was a dark sentence, speaking about Jesus: “He clothed himself with blood-stained garments in Eden because of the tree fruitful.” I saw that the clerk read Edinch (Adrianople) for Eden. At once I proposed its correction. Adrianople being in Macedonia, they tried to mingle our case with that of Bulgarians. We protested against it. After the correction, Brother Buzugherian was requested to give an explanation of it. He explained it from the third chapter of Genesis, telling how Adam and Eve became disobedient, eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; then Jesus took upon himself the sin of man, to die for all the human race, to save them from sin. The president could not bear the thought that Jesus is Saviour of all humanity. We were glad that this truth was told them for their salvation.
Then the clerk read another letter, written by Brother Buzugherian from Adana to a brother in Kozolouk near Tarsus, advising as to the education of the brother’s children. He closed his letter with a salutation, and as a postscript he had written him to send charcoal for his tithe. The president was so anxious to accuse and convict us that he asked Brother Buzugherian: “What relation have the Bible verses about child education to salutation and charcoal? You say you preach the gospel in your letters, but you write other things.” This question was very queer, indeed, but it was explained quietly. The president felt ashamed because he had asked such senseless questions. We saw that a determined effort to judge others blinds even the wise men of the world.
A few other letters were read, but there was nothing political in them. All were about religion. The time had expired, and our trial was deferred another day.
Aintab, Turkey.
Beginnings in Hayti
By W. JAY TANNER
W. JAY TANNER
TWENTY-FOUR years ago some one in Southampton, England, actuated by the missionary spirit, sent a bundle of Signs of the Times and tracts, by a royal mail steamer, to the agent of the company at Cape Haitien, Hayti. It must have seemed like a random shot at the time, but nevertheless it hit the mark. The agent, not being interested in religious matters, sent these papers and tracts to the Baptist minister, and he gave them to the English-speaking members of his congregation. Among those who received them was a Jamaican by the name of Henry Williams. As a result of reading these papers, he and his wife began the observance of the Sabbath a few weeks later, a practise in which they have persisted ever since, even though at times they have been surrounded by revolution, and have had to flee to the mountains for safety.
For twenty years this elderly couple kept the lamp of faith burning alone, until about four years ago they were joined by another Jamaican, much to their encouragement. But it remained for the present year to reveal to them that persistent continuance in a good object will be rewarded. In January they succeeded in calling the attention of a highly intelligent and influential school principal to the message.
This young man had been a Roman Catholic all his life, but had recently left that church on account of errors that were beginning to be apparent to him, and had united with the Wesleyan denomination. About the time the truth found him, he and several other young men had been seeking the Lord for light and power. The revelation of the third angel's message seemed like an answer to their prayers; and this young man, after examining the foundation of our faith, concluded to build upon it. He immediately began working for the students in his school (a private boarding-school), and as a result one of the teachers and three or four of the young men joined with him in Sabbath observance. He then, during vacation, went out to some of the interior towns, and in one place awakened an interest that brought eighteen into the message for these times, and at another place about the same number accepted the truth. Besides this he wrote a tract in which he stated his change of views and reasons therefor; this he printed and circulated at his own expense. One of these tracts fell into the hand of an influential Haitien gentleman in the extreme southwestern part of the island, and as a result he has cut loose from the Church of Rome and begun to keep13the holy Sabbath; and in other places this little tract has created an interest that is leading people to call for more light.
Since coming to this field we ourselves have had many evidences that we came none too soon. Although we have had to speak through an interpreter, in our meetings we have realized much of the Spirit and power of the Lord. Meetings that we held at Grande Riviere were attended by the mayor and a general, and here at Cape Haitien a judge and one of the most influential senators in the republic have attended our Sabbath services. The senator has been here twice, and the last time he told me that he expected to continue to come.
The enemy is at work also. The other Protestant churches are importing and circulating literature against us, and one of the young men who meets with us on the Sabbath was imprisoned last week for refusing to do duty on the seventh day. But these things can not stay the progress of the cause when God leads, and there is every evidence that God is leading here.
Cape Haitien.
Ohio
By C. P. HASKELL.
JEFFERSON.—Sabbath, October 14, was a good day to a goodly number of the scattered ones in this part of the Lord's vineyard. An appointment for quarterly meeting (which had been postponed two weeks) was circulated, and the brethren and sisters came from a radius of thirty miles. We met at the home of Brother Atwell's family in Jefferson. It seemed like old times to see the dear people driving up from all directions, and the Lord did not let them return to their homes disappointed, for in all the services of the day, from the beginning of the Sabbath-school till the close of the ordinance meeting, his presence was felt. It did my heart good to meet some of my dear spiritual children as well as others, still faithfully growing.
We closed our meeting with an appointment for the next Sabbath at Austinburg, where a brother and his wife are awaiting baptism, but the weather did not permit. On the week following we were very kindly granted the use of the Baptist church at Jefferson, together with its baptistery. The two dear souls were baptized, and one other joined by vote of the church, making three earnest burden-bearers who have cast in their lot with this little company.
Having been connected with the sanitarian work for the last three years, I have not been out among our people very much, and it was a source of encouragement to me, and also to my wife, who has been for two years in Africa, to meet with our former home church after our long absence from it. And although not connected with this conference, yet I always wish to be like Samuel, and say, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth,” and be able to help where and whenever I can. I am glad of that statement of John's, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren,” and I know I have this assurance. We are looking forward with pleasure to the week of prayer, and hope to receive our portion of the blessing that the Lord will bestow upon his people at that season.
C. P. HASKELL.
Burma
By H. H. VOTAW
INSEIN.—One young Burman, who has been educated for the Catholic priesthood, has just accepted the Sabbath, and we shall baptize him within a week. He came to our meetings for the first time soon after we arrived in Rangoon. He has attended faithfully since then, and recently asked for baptism. However, the real work with this man has been done by Brother Maung Maung. They have studied together very much, and this has been the means of his getting the points of truth much more clearly than I could have hoped to give them to him, with his limited knowledge of English.
Two soldiers from the battalion station in Rangoon have recently begun the observance of the Sabbath. These men had both been Christians before, and we could, therefore, give them the message more quickly. We have hopes that one of them will become a good canvasser, as soon as he leaves the army.
The ministers in Rangoon are fighting us with a vengeance. But the battle is not ours. Our Captain has never lost a battle. The same old plan of attack is used,—a great deal of reckless assertion of things which can not be proved; a little careless reading of Scripture, and by far a major portion of their effort given to abuse and ridicule—a positive evidence that better argument is wanting. They now teach tithing, and preach upon the second advent here. I am more fully convinced than ever that the devil does not care how close a man gets to the truth just so he remains in error. However, they are preparing the way. Soon we shall have to preach only the Sabbath, and move on to new fields, instead of giving all the message in each place.
The yearly meeting of the Baptists is to be held in Rangoon soon, and we are planning to get one of our tracts upon the second coming of Christ, and one upon the three yearly Sabbaths, into each delegate's hands. This tract upon14the second coming was set up and printed by Buddhist workmen, and it aroused inquiry, and a request for further reading upon this subject. We hope this tract may be of much use in reaching heathen, as well as Christians. We have just printed five thousand copies. It has cost about one third of a cent a copy.
H. H. VOTAW.
Mission Notes
A missionary laboring alone in one of China's large cities sends this message home: “I am burdened with the awful need—hundreds, or even thousands, of inquirers from all the country round. I could open twenty centers tomorrow if I had the men. Make this known.”
The Bible Evangelizing Company is a Japanese organization now three years old. Pastors, Bible women, and other workers engage in its work, which consists of reading one Gospel from beginning to end at fixed times, and with explanations to one inquirer. This method of concentration has had good results.
The Presbyterian Church of England Jewish Mission in Aleppo, Turkey, has a school in which one half of the two hundred and fifty pupils are bright and progressive Jews. Every now and then the Jewish pupils are scared away by the curses of angry rabbis, and the school is left half empty. But they come dropping in one by one again, as soon as they are sure that the rabbis are tired of cursing. Then the school booms until a rabbi remembers it again.
Put the people of China in rank, joining hands, and they will girdle the globe ten times at the equator with living, beating, human hearts. Constitute them pilgrims, and let two thousand 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 passing throng for five hundred long years. By these strong figures the Mission Field explains to the reader’s mind what four hundred million means.
Colorado
By G. W. Anglebarger
DENVER.—I am glad to be able to say that the work is making progress in Denver. Many are accepting the message of truth here. The members of our churches in the city are becoming aroused, and are going to work. We are planning to put reading-matter into every house in the city this winter, and with the blessing of God we look for great results.
G. W. ANGLEBARGER.
Bermuda
By JAMES A. MORROW.
HAMILTON.—We were made glad by the visit of Brother and Sister Geo. F. Enoch, returning to Barbados from furlough in the States. Stormy weather delayed the steamer twelve hours, so they did not arrive till Sabbath morning. At eleven o’clock a good congregation assembled for Sabbath-school. In expectation of Elder Enoch’s coming, we had invited our brethren from different parts of the island to meet with us. We had an excellent service. All hearts were cheered, both by the message borne and by the presence of such a goodly number of believers. Sometimes it seems that the work moves very slowly; but our meeting last Sabbath gave evidence that there is some growth. Another Portuguese family is manifesting considerable interest in the message.
Our courage is good. It means much to be true and faithful to God in this time; but we hope to be so true to the principles of the message, and faithful in the work committed to our trust, that we shall not only be ready to meet Jesus ourselves, but have many sheaves to carry home with us.
JAMES A. MORROW.
Eastern Pennsylvania
By W. H. Smith
WILLIAMSPORT.— My work for the last eight or ten weeks has been mostly among the churches, and the Lord has richly blessed in every effort.
I am glad to report that although I have been permitted to be with my home church only one Sabbath and Sunday during the last two or three months, they have by no means lost sight of the all-important fact that the world must be warned in the few closing years of this generation. They sent for a club of two hundred of the special number of the Watchman, and have been selling them from door to door with remarkable success, and have also sent copies of the special Sabbath number of the Watchman to every minister and Sunday-school worker in the city.
As soon as this had been accomplished, their attention was called to a notice in the daily papers announcing a State convention to be held in the city the following week (November 21 and 22) by the Sunday Crusaders of Pennsylvania. All felt to praise the Lord for his guiding hand, which was so plainly seen in placing in the hands of all the ministers this timely issue of the Watchman.
I returned home just in time to attend the convention, and never had I seen such a wonderful demonstration of the spirit of evil as I saw in this movement. Surely the restraining Spirit of the Lord is being withdrawn from the earth. They are now endeavoring to effect an organization in every county in the State; and already twenty-seven counties have been organized, with instructions to their committees to spy out and arrest every person who is found doing any work upon the first day of the week. These committees have also been instructed to call upon every lawyer, judge, justice, or any candidate for any public office in the State, and get a solemn pledge from him that he will stand by them, and enforce Sunday rest upon every person in his domain. Some judges have pledged themselves to give them their services, free of all compensation.
The following are some of the resolutions which were passed without one dissenting voice:—
“That we instruct and urge upon all Christian people everywhere to patronize only such druggists as are law-abiding [referring to the Sunday law] and worthy of our patronage. That we most earnestly urge all Christian people and all who have any respect for law, human or divine, to cease from buying all Sunday papers on the Lord’s day. That we urge all civil officers to enforce the law against these and other law-breakers, as they are sworn to do. That we urge all Christian people everywhere to patronize only such barbers as are obedient to the laws of the State.”
Surely the time has come for the people of God to be seeking him for a right way for themselves and their children, that God may not be disappointed in his people, but that he may cut his work short in righteousness, and thus hasten the glad day when victory shall crown his work in the earth.
W. H. SMITH.
China
By J. N. Anderson
HONGKONG.—I have just returned from a visit to Amoy. I spent five days there, every one of which was full of interest. Brethren Hankins and Keh and I spent all the time in the country. A more or less definite knowledge of the truth has spread quite generally all over Amoy and the immediate vicinity. Many are convinced, but hesitate, on account of fear, arising from different considerations. You well know how native converts are supposed to belong to the foreigner almost soul and body; and for them to break with the missionary puts them in a very bad light. I believe, however, that this feeling is coming to be less pronounced; in fact, it is quite plain that in China, as in Japan, a strong sentiment of entire independence is fast taking hold of the people. In Japan the native Christians do not hesitate to tell the foreigners that they are not wanted as leaders, since they themselves are both willing and capable of self-management. In China we have several instances of secession on the part of the Chinese Christians. Just how all this will finally issue, it is impossible to forecast. The recent war has had a very decided effect in this matter.
I found Brother Keh just as earnest and active as when I went away last spring. It is impossible to estimate the direct and indirect help this man is to the newcomers there. In every way he is just the support they need. And, best of all, he is, so far as I can find out, thoroughly reliable. He has one very peculiar and commendable characteristic, and that is that he feels a woe resting upon him if he does not preach the gospel. He is not satisfied, nor even willing, to teach school, or to teach the language to foreigners. He says he feels called to preach the gospel, and requests us that this privilege be given him to the fullest extent.
Some months ago a chapel was opened in the country, about twenty-five miles from Amoy. Considerable work has been done there, and some fruit is beginning to appear. There are a number of inquirers, some of whom have begun to keep the Sabbath. I hope to see a good church organized there before long. While I was there, we laid plans to open a boys’ school at the beginning of the next Chinese new year. It is a market village of probably less than one thousand people, but there is a good opening, as the country about is full of small villages, and we are all alone in the field. We may find it profitable to open a girl’s school after a time. Next year a native worker will be located in that village to look after the work in that vicinity. There are still other openings in other parts, and I feel that the Lord is going out before us in a very signal manner.
Brother Hankins is doing well with the language. I feel confident that within a year he will be able to do a good work in the Chinese tongue. As he is almost constantly with Brother Keh, he has a great advantage in that particular, as well as in other matters.
Dr. Keem and wife are now settling in a house in Canton, for the time being, until they can go into the country.
We plan to hold an institute in Canton for our native workers. All the foreign workers will, of course, be a part of this meeting. The native laborers from Amoy will also be present. This is feasible, owing to the fact that Brother Keh can speak the Cantonese language. I hope in this way to get some Christian workers not of our faith to hear the truth in a thorough and helpful way. It will necessitate some careful and hard work on our part to carry on this institute work, since we do not as yet command the Chinese tongue very readily or accurately. But it will be a real help to us all in many ways, I am sure.
J. N. ANDERSON.
British West Indies
By W. A. SWEANY.
GOUYAVE.—About three weeks ago we began holding meetings again, especially for the benefit of the three who have made a start. We want to fully instruct them, and baptize them, before we move back to St. George. From twelve to twenty, usually, come in, so there may be more fruit. My wife gives me some sort of treatment which freshens me up to get through the service; then after the meeting I have some form of soothing treatment, to induce sleep, which does not always come.
The company in St. Patricks is growing both in grace and in numbers. Our canvasser visits them. They send in their tithe and offerings faithfully. There are about sixteen adults, besides a good many children. None are baptized yet; in fact, they have heard only a few sermons. I believe proper effort there will develop a strong church. They plan to erect a building, and pledged one hundred and fifty dollars before I went away. There is also a company of three adults keeping the Sabbath two and one-half miles from St. George, where we held Sunday evening outdoor meetings.
We have found this a difficult field,15and the work has gone hard and slow, and many things have come in to interfere with our plans.
W. A. SWEANY.
[Brother Sweany has suffered severely from fever, and should be remembered in our prayers.—ED.]
India
By Anna Orr
OUR work grows more encouraging here, and more and more doors are open to us. There are a few who seem to be in the valley of decision. We have spent some time preparing the soil, hoping that the seed will have a better chance to germinate, grow, and bear fruit. It is too early to say yet what the harvest will be, but we hope to come rejoicing by and by, bringing our sheaves with us.
Brother Meyers is now with us, and this strengthens our work. We have gathered some of our friends and neighbors into the house on several occasions, and Brother Meyers has conducted some profitable Bible studies.
Two little orphan Tamil girls have been turned over to us. One has been sent to Karmatar. The other girl is with Mrs. Meyers. She is a sweet girl, willing to work, and very anxious to learn. If she sees that Mrs. Meyers is not busy, she asks her to read to her. She wants to go to school. She is about twelve years old. She lost her mother from plague a short time ago.
We are of good courage. My health is much better, and I am enjoying my work. We have delightful weather here now.
ANNA ORR.
