“Don’t you think it would be a good plan for me not to allow the children to talk while at work?” asked Mrs. Bowen.
“No, I do not,” I replied. “The silent system is for hardened criminals. Work and talk with the children, and teach them how to economize time and strength, and get the greatest amount of enjoyment out of both.”
“Well, I tried the not-talking plan this morning, and the work dragged. Everything seemed to go wrong. Two cups were broken, and the children were pouty. Now if I tell them they may talk tomorrow, what will they think? You know I am trying hard to keep my word with them.”
“I see no other way out of it except by confession. Tell the children you are sorry you told them that they could not talk while working; for, after thinking it over, you see it was not a good plan. You will surely gain by such a course. Try it and see.”
“One must have a great deal of self-control to do that way.”
“And if one has not self-control, what then?”
Clintonville, Conn.
Training in Obedience
By Caroline Sherwin Bailey
To ask ourselves, before saying “don’t” to a little child, whether or not his own moral health or the state of our own nerves is at the root of the matter, will reduce very much the number and character of the commands that we lay upon our little ones. It isn’t morally wrong for a child to be noisy or restless or to interfere with the order of our homes, because it is through this very disordered activity that child muscles develop normally and naturally. But the child should obey immediately when asked to do a kind act or refrain from doing an unkind one.
A small girl of four was taken to visit a relative in whose family there was a beloved old colored servant, Chloe. The first morning of the visit the little girl’s mother said, “Run downstairs, Katherine, and say good morning to Chloe.”
The child looked at her mother a second in wonder, and then firmly said, “I won’t.”
She was, ordinarily, a tractable small maid, and her mother was at a loss to understand the reason for her sudden revolt. She realized that many warring impulses and ideas might have merged, making it difficult for Katherine to obey. She might be afraid of the old colored woman, or embarrassed, or shy. Still, the mother argued, Katherine must overcome these motives, and this might be a crucial point in the little girl’s moral development both in relation to society and to her mother. So she kindly explained to Katherine her reasons for wishing her to greet the old servant, telling of her long service in the family16and her kindness through a generation.
Still the little girl reiterated,—
“I won’t say good morning to Chloe. I can’t; I won’t.”
The mother then told Katherine that she must; first, because it was right, and next, because she must obey. A torrent of tears followed, and the struggle between mother and child lasted an hour. At the end of that time the little maid, smiling through her tears, went downstairs, bade Chloe a courteous good morning, the relief to her own mind in gaining this self-control being as great as that to her mother. She never again showed a similar inclination to disobey, and the struggle marked a milestone in her moral journey.
We must lay few commands upon the little child, but must insist upon obedience where it is right, at no matter what cost of time and thought to ourselves.— Caroline Sherwin Bailey, in American Motherhood.
Recipients of Gifts
By Mrs. D. A. Fitch
MRS. D. A. FITCH
WE sometimes notice that persons who are to a degree dependent on charity for their clothing are better attired than many of their more fortunate neighbors, who buy their own garments.
An interesting spiritual lesson may be drawn from such conditions. One who is poor in spirit must needs depend on Jesus for the spiritual garment he wears. Then, too, it must necessarily be a gift, for had he the robe of righteousness to sell, no human being would have anything with which to buy. This garment can never be secured by the expenditure of time or strength or money: it is not on sale.
As the days go by, some addition may be made to the attire, such as the “ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” No more can these ornaments be purchased than can the garment itself. Those who are attired with these graces are surely dependent on charity for their clothing, even the charity and love of Jesus.
The Alabama Camp Meeting
By C. M. SORENSON.
The camp was pitched in a suburb of Birmingham. A tent meeting had been conducted for a number of weeks near the place. There was a good attendance of interested hearers from the city, and many expressed themselves thankful for the help they were receiving through the services.
The president’s report showed that during the year one hundred and thirty-three believers were added to the church, two new churches were received into the conference, two church buildings were erected, and the children of the church were cared for by nine church schools, with an enrollment of one hundred and fifty-five. The people responded freely to the calls for money for the mission offering. The conference fully expects to meet its quota of twenty cents a week for missions.
The laborers from outside the conference were Elders S. E. Wight and L. A. Hoopes and the writer. Brethren G. H. Curtis and J. W. Davis and Prof. L. H. Wood, of the Southern Union Conference, were also in attendance. All departments of the work received attention. Professor Wood labored earnestly for the upbuilding of the Missionary Volunteer and the educational work.
The business part of the conference proceeded in a harmonious manner. Elder A. L. Miller was unanimously re-elected. With a few exceptions the committeemen and the department leaders remain the same as they were. On the last day of the meeting, Brother J. F. Wright was ordained to the gospel ministry.
C. M. SORENSON.
District of Columbia Conference
By R. E. HARTER
REPORTS are coming in from all parts of the field of the success which has attended evangelistic campaigns in the large cities during the past summer, indicating that the Lord has signally blessed in this phase of the work. Our people, being especially interested in Washington, where our headquarters are located, will be glad to learn of the progress of the work in this important center.
A large tent was pitched near Lincoln Park, in Southeast Washington, the latter part of June. Elder S. B. Horton and the writer, assisted by an able corps of workers, were in charge. A chorus numbering fifty voices, under the direction of Prof. Irving A. Steinel and accompanied by the Review and Herald Orchestra, added much to the interest and success of the meetings. The faithful efforts of our Bible workers, covering the territory thoroughly as they went from house to house, giving personal invitations to attend the services, and disposing of a club of one hundred Signs a week, resulted in bringing many honest seekers after truth to the tent, and in interesting them in the vital message there presented. A goodly number of these left their names and addresses on the cards provided, requesting literature, and Bible instruction in their homes. The effort closed Sunday evening, October 3, bringing out a company of about forty new believers.
Realizing the necessity of having a building where the interest could be followed up during the winter, a desirable location was secured three squares from the Capitol and the Congressional Library. This building affords commodious quarters for our services, with adjoining office rooms, where we now have our conference and tract society offices established.
In behalf of the colored work in the city a successful tent campaign was conducted by Elder J. M. Campbell in the large colored section in Northwest Washington. This effort closed Sunday evening, October 10. The meetings were well attended throughout, and at last report, fifty had taken their stand for the truth. A large hall at 1628 L St., Northwest, has been leased for the winter. Here the new company will be organized, and an aggressive follow-up work be carried on among the many who have manifested an interest in the message17during the summer. Two Bible workers are associated with this company, and will employ their time and influence in this work.
In addition to our city work, two prosperous country tent efforts have been conducted in the conference,—one at Newland, Va., with Brother W. A. Nelson in charge, and one in Rollins Fork, Va., with Elder F. E. Gibson in charge. At the latter place a substantial interest was developed, and at the close of the season the people joined in erecting a place of worship where meetings will be held and the work continued throughout the winter.
In securing these halls we have seen the hand of Providence, and in the encouraging results of the summer's work we have seen a manifest token of the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the human heart and bring it into captivity to the will and mind of Christ.
R. E. HARTER.
What of Our Thoughts?
By Mrs. Edna G. Clemens
EVERY act is the consummation of a thought; and you say, “Thoughts are the cheapest things in the world. Like necessity, they come to us unbidden, unsought, unwanted, and uncontrolled.” Yet they are the foundation of man.
They rule all good. They control all evil. They make all the money in the world, and create all joy and all sorrow. Are they the cheapest things in the world? Are they? I say they are beyond price, the most expensive luxury of man.
When starting out on that road of perpetual motion called life, the greatest capital and the greatest inheritance one can have are thoughts of which one is not ashamed. O mothers of men, when that little body, flesh of your flesh, is nestled in your arms, what thoughts are you transmitting? What acts are you constructing? — Mrs. Edna G. Clemens.
Our Peace
By O. P. WILSON
O. P. WILSON
WE speak of the peace of Eden
When man was dwelling there,
When every thought and action
And every day was fair;
But oft forget the lesson
While in this world of sin—
There's many a peaceful Eden
Our hearts may keep within.
There's peace for every creature,
And glory for his clay,
If he will let the Saviour
Each moment lead the way;
For perfect peace he giveth
To those who look above
And ever trust the promise,
Made steadfast by his love.
So then may we together
Look for that peaceful way,
Not in the distant future,
Nor in a bygone day,
But now in him who conquered,
And says in accents free,
“Thy peace shall be as rivers,
Thy righteousness, a sea.”
The South Texas Camp Meeting
By W. L. ADAMS
This camp meeting was held at Corpus Christi, Tex., which is on Corpus Christi Bay, on the Gulf of Mexico. As it was only a local camp meeting, the attendance was not large. The camp was located on a shell beach about a block from the bay, making it very pleasant for the campers, except for the heavy rains which fell for several days. One day nearly eight inches of rain fell, and about ten inches during the time of the meeting. The last few days, however, were pleasant, and we enjoyed the meetings.
Some interest was manifest among the citizens, a few of whom came regularly in spite of the inclement weather. A nice little company of young people were there at the beginning of the meeting, but some left for the school, which opened during the time of the camp meeting. Others remained till the close of the encampment. We had some very interesting meetings with the young people.
Although the camp meeting was small, twelve persons were baptized. Elder Watson, the president of the union conference, buried these in the waves of the bay on the last Sabbath of the meeting. The other workers from outside the conference were Brother A. F. Harrison and the writer.
The past year was in some respects the best in the history of the conference, the sale of literature and the number added to the membership reaching the highest records the conference has ever known. We are looking forward in this conference, believing that we have yet better days for the future.
W. L. ADAMS.
The Morning Watch
By M. E. KERN.
WHAT is the morning watch? This is a comparatively new term with us, but the blessed experience for which it stands is doubtless well known to many. The morning watch is a regular morning season of Bible study, meditation, and prayer.
Is a regular habit of prayer needed?—It surely is. A miraculous work must be done in each of our lives if we are saved. We must walk with God on earth if we would live with him in heaven. A superhuman work must be done through us if we accomplish the work of giving “the advent message to all the world in this generation.” These things can be accomplished only in answer to prevailing prayer. We must live the life of prayer.
Why the morning hour?—Because that is the beginning of the day. “The morning watch is essential. You must not face the day till you have faced God, nor look into the face of others till you have looked into his. You cannot expect to be victorious if the day begins only in your own strength.” In “Steps to Christ” we read: “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly thine. I lay all my plans at thy feet. Use me today in thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in thee.’ This is a daily matter.” “In the morning,” said David, “will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” Of the Saviour it is said that “in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
“Begin the day with God.
He is thy sun and day;
He is the radiance of thy dawn,
To him address thy lay.
Take thy first meal with God,
He is thy heavenly food;
Feed with and on him, he with thee
Will feast in brotherhood.
Thy first transaction be
With God himself above;
So shall thy business prosper well,
And all thy day be love.”
Church elders, can you imagine what a difference it would make in your church if every member were a faithful observer of the morning watch? The Missionary Volunteer secretaries just now are endeavoring to extend the influence of this plan and get all our young people to observe the morning watch. Will you not take this up with the whole church? Do not wait until the beginning of the new year.
A special opportunity is afforded to us just now to carry forward an effort of this kind. The Review and Herald having several hundred copies of the Morning Watch Calendar left over, will sell them at half price, 2½ cents. Can you not order enough for all who are not supplied? Further than this, for a short time our Missionary Volunteer Leaflet18No. 40, on “The Morning Watch,” will be furnished free. Order both from your conference tract society.
M. E. KERN.
Northern Illinois Conference
By W. A. Westworth
THE work in the Northern Illinois Conference is making good progress. We have continued evidences of God's favor. Our tent companies, which numbered five during the past year, were blessed with a good fruitage, and the interests developed in these meetings are now being cared for, and some are accepting the message.
The work in Chicago is marked this autumn with the establishment of two training schools for Bible workers. Elder E. W. Webster and his wife are in charge of the work for the whites, including the foreign department as well as the English. Elder W. D. Forde, who has charge of the colored work in this city, has just formed a large and enthusiastic class, the members of which will operate among their own people in giving Bible readings and conducting other meetings. The work for the colored people in Chicago has been greatly stimulated by the addition of a splendid schoolroom, and one of the most encouraging of our schools is the one in connection with the colored church. Seventeen church schools are being operated in this conference, and the reports that come from them are most encouraging.
The financial outlook in the conference is good. A good, strong increase in tithes is being maintained, and we are far in excess of last year's record in our offerings to missions. Surely the Lord has blessed us financially as well as spiritually.
One of the great problems presented to this conference is the vast foreign population in Chicago, there being over two million people of foreign birth or parentage. When we think of three hundred and fifty thousand Poles in this one city, without a single worker to give them the message, our hearts faint within us. When we think of six hundred thousand Germans, and find ourselves unable to get a single German minister for the field, there is certainly laid a burden upon us which is hard to carry. When we realize that there are more Bohemians in Chicago than in any other city outside of Prague, and that we have not a single minister among them, we can only say, “How long, O Lord, how long?” On every side, we find whole settlements of foreign-speaking people right here among us, and yet we are unable to grapple with the situation. We cannot but feel that the Lord has many souls among these many nationalities who would accept the truth were they given the opportunity. The strong and consistent work of our little group of Italians has impressed us with the possibility of great fruitage in the work for these of different tongues.
The splendid church that has been erected and dedicated by the Danish-Norwegian brethren, and the solid and substantial work done by the Swedish brethren, are evidences that God is at work as we strive to bring the message to other nationalities; but there are so many peoples who have not had any work done for them, many of whom have come from their own homes to the United States, with hearts willing to receive whatever good they could find here, that it does seem as if we as a people are greatly remiss in our duty if we do not give the message to these hundreds and thousands within our own gates.
The Northern Illinois Conference is not a large or strong or wealthy organization, but we are making every effort to accomplish the work which the Lord has given us to do. Pray for the work in the Northern Illinois Conference.
W. A. WESTWORTH.
Report of the Opening of the College of Medical Evangelists
By Newton Evans, M. D.
THE opening exercises at the Loma Linda College of Medical Evangelists were held Sunday evening, September 26, in the chapel. The program was interesting and inspiring. Besides the members of our teaching faculty there were present, Elder Andross, president of the board, and Elder W. F. Martin, president of the Southeastern California Conference.
The school work is beginning nicely, and with little friction. Both teachers and students seem contented and earnest. The attendance is large, both of new students and of those in the advanced classes.
One new feature of the educational work in Loma Linda in regard to which we are all very happy, is the organization of a special class of medical evangelistic students which is designed particularly for those of our denominational workers who have already had experience in evangelistic work of various kinds. This class spends three hours each day in regular class work, and the afternoons are given to practical training in evangelistic field work. There are already enrolled in this class about twenty members. Elders George B. Starr and Luther Warren are engaged as teachers for this work. In addition to these, several of our regular physicians are also taking an active part in the teaching and practical work.
We are made especially glad to learn from the official reports of the State board examination that the nine of our medical graduates who took the examinations this year, have successfully passed.
We feel thankful to the Lord for his many blessings, and are looking forward with pleasure to the work of the school year.
NEWTON EVANS, M. D.
The Spendthrift of Time
“The most reckless spendthrift in the world is he who squanders time.”
Missionary Volunteer Department
M. E. KERN General and N. Am. Div. Secretary
C. L. BENSON Assistant Secretary
MEADE MACGUIRE N. Am. Div. Field Secretary
The Opening of the School Year of 1915-16
By Frederick Griggs
At the time of the opening of our schools this fall, a letter was sent to the presidents and principals, asking them to report concerning the beginning of the year’s work. The majority responded, and for the next two or three weeks we shall give in this department of the REVIEW the substance of these responses.
The steady growth of our schools is truly encouraging. The attendance each year has not been marked by any sudden and large increase, but there has been a steady, regular addition to the enrollment of the preceding year. This enlargement of our school enrollment is one of the most encouraging features of our school work. While numbers are not a measure of success in educational work, and should not be so considered, yet if the spirit of Christian education exists in our schools, it is gratifying to know that this education is being received by an increasing number.
From the reports which follow, it will be seen that the spirit and genius of Christian education is not being lost sight of by our school workers. Without doubt, a higher standard of Christian experience prevails in our schools than ever before. If the general meetings of our educational people be considered a thermometer of the spiritual warmth and purpose of our educators, and they well may be, then surely the council held in June at the Pacific Union College proves that a higher spiritual standard does prevail. We had never had such a strong, spiritual meeting of our teachers as was this one, and the strength and help which came from it will certainly be seen in the work of this coming year. We are sure that these reports of our advanced and secondary schools will be read with much interest by all our people who are devoted to the cause of Christian education. FREDERICK GRIGGS.
E. A. von Pohle, principal of Beechwood Academy, Fairland, Ind.: “School opened September 13, and before the close of the first week, we had forty students in attendance, two of whom earned their way by the scholarship plan. We hope to have the enrollment up to about forty-five within the next week or so. Our students are much younger this year than ever before in my experience, very few of them being over fourteen years of age. Our seventh and eighth grades are larger than we ever had before. We are glad to see seventh and eighth grades fill, as it means that these students will probably be with us for two or more years. We are making quite a number of improvements around the academy. At present we are working on the pressure water system building, a concrete block house sixteen by thirty-four feet. Part of this building will be used for boiler tanks and engines; but the rest of it will be used as manual training classroom, as we are going to do quite a little woodwork and other manual work this year. We are of good courage19concerning the work here, and believe that a good future is ahead of us.”
E. C. Kellogg, president of Walla Walla College, College Place, Wash.: “The first week in the new school year is a matter of history. At the end of that time the enrollment was one hundred and seventy-nine, being twenty-one more than a year ago. There were one hundred and eleven in the grades, making a total enrollment of two hundred and ninety. Wednesday and Thursday were matriculation days. At sunset Friday evening a devotional meeting was held in the chapel. It was conducted by Elder C. W. Flaiz, and had a large attendance. An excellent spirit prevailed. Owing to overcrowded conditions at the church, a college Sabbath school was organized, with a membership of nearly one hundred. Saturday evening the usual reception was given by the faculty. After some time spent in a social way, a pleasant and profitable program was rendered. Altogether, the school opened under favorable conditions and with excellent promise of a successful year. It is the purpose of the institution that the prayers of the many friends for special prosperity to attend the work shall be answered.”
Thos. W. Steen, principal of Adelphian Academy, Holly, Mich.: “Our school opened September 7, with eighty-four present the first day. This initial enrollment was just twenty higher than last year, when we enrolled sixty-four the first day, at that time the highest enrollment in the history of the school. Since the opening we have enrolled thirteen more, bringing our membership to ninety-seven, with a number of others planning to enter soon. Our aim has been to make our average attendance this year one hundred. Already we have seated our chapel with one hundred and four chairs, and we expect they will all be filled by the first day of the second month. Although some of the students are young and a number are from high schools, nevertheless on the whole we feel there is a more earnest spirit manifested by the students than we have observed before. A number are present who earned scholarships last summer. Some who taught church schools last year are also present.”
J. B. Clymer, principal of Fox River Academy, Sheridan, Ill.: “The first week of our school is in the past, and while our enrollment is not large, yet there are four more than there were last year at the same time, and our outlook for further increase is quite encouraging. Several have been detained on account of the lateness of the threshing season who will undoubtedly be with us a little later. There is an earnest spirit in our school. The young people seem to realize more than ever before the need of a preparation for the Lord’s work and the shortness of the time in which to get this preparation, and are entering into their work heartily. There are seven here at present who have earned a part of their scholarship by canvassing, and there are three or four others who are still working on that plan and will be here within a short time.”
O. J. Graf, president of Emmanuel Missionary College, Berrien Springs, Mich.: “Our school has opened very encouragingly, with an enrollment of two hundred and twelve. We have the largest number of students in our dormitories that we have ever had, and they have overflowed into neighboring cottages, and still they come; and what encourages us still more, is the splendid class of young people. Practically all have publicly taken their stand for the Lord. A spirit of loyalty and cooperation and of earnest service characterizes these opening days. The Bible workers’ band is organized, with a membership of about thirty; the ministerial band, with about the same membership. The young men have already found several places in halls and schoolhouses where they are planning to begin meetings in the near future. From thirty to thirty-five of our students earned scholarships by selling our literature during the past summer. The spirit of earnestness, service, and cooperation is more marked than ever before. Last Friday night we had a vesper service that was really remarkable. Christian joy seemed to fill every heart.”
Harvey A. Morrison, president of Union College, College View, Nebr.: “The opening of Union College for the twenty-fifth year has been an inspiration to all who are connected with it. There has been a very substantial increase in our enrollment, reaching two hundred and seventy-three at the close of last week, or twenty-three more than we had last year. This is especially encouraging because practically all our students are mature, and a very large number of them are taking college work. There is a spirit of earnestness and a determination to make this year their best in spiritual advancement. All the students are engaging in the religious activities of the school in a very whole-hearted way. Our enrollment is rapidly increasing, and we know of many who are still to come. Forty-six are attending school because of work done in the canvassing field. Thirty-three earned one or more scholarships. It is a great encouragement to us to have such an earnest, mature, and stable class of young people to train for the Master’s service. We believe that the Lord has sent them to us for a great purpose, and every effort is being put forth that the training received in Old Union will be to that end.”
W. T. Bartlett, concerning the Stanborough Park Missionary College, Watford, England: “At the close of the current school year we shall be sending seven young persons into the work,—five young men into the ministry, and two young women into the Bible work. Brother T. M. French, who had charge of our school on the west coast of Africa, has been invited to join our faculty. This will increase its strength. We have been affected to some extent by the war. Several of our former students were unable to deliver the books they had taken orders for, and so were hindered from returning to school. We have a total enrollment of about seventy this year. Most of our students are in earnest, and they have been working hard. I have been expecting that some would come to us from India, judging by the correspondence from some of the workers there, but possibly the work hindered. I do not see why Stanborough College should not continue to train workers for this country and for foreign fields.”
Missionary Volunteer Circulating Library
By Mrs. Bertie C. Richards
On my first visit among the churches, I found a number of young people and children who could not buy the Reading Course books. They were anxious to read them, but there was no way that we could find by which these persons could secure the books. I remember especially one boy about sixteen years old, the sole support of his aged grandfather and grandmother, who told me, with an earnest, troubled face, that he could not buy books, but that he was actually hungry for something to read. He had read all the good books in the neighborhood, and as he had decided to leave books of fiction alone, he had nothing to read. Right then and there I determined to find a way to get books for this boy. He became interested at once in the Standard of Attainment study and the morning watch. This gave him something to do, and I left him feeling much happier and more contented.
Not long after this, away out twelve miles in the country, I found a quiet, studious girl. She could not buy the Reading Course books, but I noticed how she drank in every word I said about them. When I was ready to retire, she asked if I would allow her to take the books and read awhile. I gladly gave my consent, and went to bed thinking no more of the matter. You can imagine my surprise next morning at about four o'clock when I found her still reading. She finished one book before I left that day. This experience, as you may know, only added to my determination to get books for these young people.
When I reached home, I was not long in telling these and other experiences; and I soon won the support of the tract society secretary and the conference treasurer. The privilege of going over the shelves of the conference supply room and selecting books was gladly given, and I gathered about thirty-five. A few of these were sample books of past Reading Courses. The rest were mostly the works of Sister White. The conference committee gave me these books for the beginning of a circulating library. I asked for money with which to buy all the books of the past Reading Courses and several copies of “The Great Second Advent Movement,” the total cost of which would be over ten dollars. This was promised in case the circulating library proved successful.
It was a success from the very first. A list of the books was prepared and sent with a circular letter explaining our new departure to all Missionary Volunteer Societies, to all conference workers, and to elders of churches. We took pains to see that every young person received a list of the books, with directions for ordering and returning the same.
The conference pays the postage on all books sent out, the only cost to the readers being the return postage. Small books are allowed to remain out one month, and the large books two months. A record is kept of the name and address of each person receiving a book. A register is also kept of requests for books. Applicants for books were required to make first, second, and third choice of books.
The books are neatly covered with heavy paper, the titles being plainly written or printed on the back. The conference stamp, giving name and address, is used to stamp all books on outside and inside of covers and on blank spaces in the body of the book, or on the margin of leaves. This plan insures against loss, and is a constant reminder to the reader that the book must be returned at the end of the allotted time.
In all the Reading Course books the review questions are placed. When sending out a Reading Course book from the library, I have found it pays well to write a letter calling attention to the review questions, and urging the claims of our Reading Course plan. A Reading Course leaflet inclosed in such a letter is helpful. In working for the Standard of Attainment, the young people are reminded that we have “Bible Footlights,” “The Great Second Advent Movement,” “The Great Controversy,” and other helpful books which may be had for the asking.
Our library has been in existence a little over a year, and our Standard of Attainment members have increased from ten to thirty. The circulating library alone is not responsible for the increase, but it goes well with the work of the Reading Course and of the Standard of Attainment. The three are like the legs of a tripod—all are useful.
It might seem a strange thing in this age of books to plead in favor of good reading. Yet we find among us many who have never read through one of our standard books, but not a few of these persons find time to read the criminal news of the daily paper. The youth need especially to be protected against the flood of unwholesome literature that is filling the land today. The surest protection is a mind filled with good.
When Abraham Lincoln as a young man visited the slave market and realized more fully the misery and sorrow caused by the institution of slavery, he determined to go home and study how it could be destroyed. A few years afterwards we find him proclaiming liberty to every slave of the Union. All Missionary Volunteers and other young people have a like opportunity today. If by earnest effort they get ready to meet the issues of our time, which are the final issues of the ages, they may declare God’s emancipation proclamation to many slaves of sin.
MRS. BERTIE C. RICHARDS.
Freedom in Christ
By Phillips Brooks
If you will let Christ walk with you in your streets, and sit with you in your offices, and be with you in your homes, and teach you in your churches, and abide with you as the living presence in your hearts, you, too, shall know what freedom is, and while you do your duties, be above your duties; and while you own yourselves the sons of men, know you are the sons of God.—Phillips Brooks.
Duty and Idle Censures
BE not diverted from your duty by any idle reflections the silly world may make upon you; for their censures are not in your power, and consequently should not be any part of your concern.— Epictetus.
Educational Department
FREDERICK GRIGGS General Secretary
W. E. HOWELL N. Am. Div. Asst. Secretary