LEAVING Hamburg September 6, I had a safe journey to New York. Elder J. H. Schilling met me on my arrival at the latter place, and I spoke to the German church in Brooklyn, reaching Takoma Park, D. C., September 17.
The council of the General Conference Committee was indeed of world-wide importance, and principles were again emphasized which must ever remain the fundamentals of a sound policy. The spirit of unity which prevailed throughout the meetings, and the active interest taken in the fields beyond and in increasing our contributions for them, presage only good for the future. It was my privilege to speak several times in Washington and at the Seminary, in Takoma Park.
September 26 I left for Boston. I spoke several times at the Melrose sanitarium, and in South Lancaster, and then on Sunday in the Greater New York tent, and again in Brooklyn on Monday, and sailed October 1 for Europe. Arriving at Plymouth, October 7, I was joined by Mrs. Conradi, who had been visiting relatives in England. I was also pleased to meet Brethren W. J. Fitzgerald and S. G. Haughey, and several members of the Plymouth church, and to improve the short time of our stop in counsel.
In Hamburg I had only four days to prepare for the long trip to Africa, and part of this time had to be spent in considering matters pertaining to the Hamburg Publishing House, and in correspondence. The Hamburg presses were busy in running off the extra edition of the Herold der Wahrheit, which, for the first time, is to reach an edition of half a million copies. A new press was being set up, none too early to meet the ever-increasing demands made on the house.
Evening after the Sabbath I met Elder H. F. Schuberth in Berlin, and addressed a crowded chapel of our brethren in that city. In view of the good success attending our health food store in Hamburg, the German Health Association has recently rented good quarters in Berlin for the opening of the same kind of work there. The same night Brother Schuberth and I went to Friedensau, where we spent Sunday in counsel. Our Friedensau school has one hundred seventy-five students, all preparing for active missionary work in various parts of the European Division. On my way south, I met Elder J. G. Oblaender at Frankfort-on-the-Main, and Elder O. E. Reinke went with me from Basel to Zurich, where I spoke on the sixteenth.
Good quarters have been secured in Basel for the headquarters of the Central European Union. I spent the seventeenth with the Latin Union brethren at Gland. I was pleased to find their school so well filled, and thus the prospect brightening for workers in the great Latin field. Next day Elder L. P. Tieche and I proceeded to southern Italy, meeting Elder Guy Dail at Milan, Elder L. Zecchetto at Faenza, and reaching Gravina Friday noon. All our brethren gave us a hearty welcome at the station, and did everything they could to make us feel at home among them.
This was our first general meeting in Italy. All our local workers were in attendance, and also about twenty-five of our people, besides about as many interested strangers. The four days spent here were crowded with workers’ meetings, meetings for our own people, and in the evening our public lectures.
Gravina is a town of about 25,000 inhabitants, the seat of the Catholic bishop, and is situated in the midst of fine vineyards and olive groves. Close to the present town in a ravine by an old Roman aqueduct are many old caves. When the Saracens destroyed the city, then situated on the adjoining hill, the inhabitants went to the ravines below, and found shelter in caves cut into the soft limestone rock. Though Gravina has a priests’ seminary and no less than sixty-two priests, yet the weakness of the Roman Church in this place is best seen from the fact that the city government is entirely in the hands of the socialists.
Much of our time was spent in instructing our workers and laying careful plans for the advancement of the cause in Italy. During the winter, work will be carried on in Naples, Florence, Pisa, and the Waldensian valleys. There are now nearly one hundred members in Italy, and we have seven gospel workers, among whom is only one ordained minister—among 35,000,000 people. Much valuable time has been lost, but we are glad that brighter prospects are before us in this field. We need, more than anything else, consecrated men who know the language, and feel one with the people, as well as with the truth.
Some time was also given to the consideration of how we may increase the circulation of our Italian paper, and edit it in such a way that it might serve as an important mission factor in the evangelization of the Italians. All our people who feel a burden for the advancement of the work among this nationality could help us greatly by aiding in the circulation of the Italian paper. We have some very promising members in our churches, and the results attending the work thus far are the best assurance that the Lord still has a great work to be done in Italy. Let us remember this field in our prayers.
Brindisi.
My First Visit to the Grecian Mission Field
By E. FRAUCHIGER
E. FRAUCHIGER
THIS mission field is composed of Macedonia, Albania, and Greece. It has a population of about three million. But there are only four workers. About two thousand years ago, when the apostle Paul received his invitation, by vision, to go to Macedonia, this region became a very successful mission field, and many strong churches were established by preaching Christ the crucified. From them the light shone brightly to the Occident and the Orient. It seemed, however, to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness. Now only the form of Christianity remains. In these last days the message of the second coming of the Lord is being preached as the final work in this country.
I left Constantinople in May, and made my first stop in Salonica, where I met Brother F. Scior, who has been at work in this city two years. During this time he acquired so much of the Greek language that he is now able to hold Bible studies among the people. Lately he has been assisted by Sister Loxandra Keanides, who came from England as a missionary nurse, and Brother Savvas, of Constantinople, a canvasser. While I was there, we had Bible studies every evening, and sometimes the meeting-room was quite full of listeners.
Salonica is quite an important city in the European part of Turkey. It has over 120,000 inhabitants. Half the population are Spanish Jews, and there are12only thirty thousand Turks, while the rest are Greeks and other nationalities. This city is the cradle of the revolutionists who dethroned Abdul Hamid, and brought about the adoption of the constitution; and it has been playing the leading part for four years. Brother Savvas has had good success here in canvassing. He sold over four hundred piasters' worth of publications in one week.
From Salonica I went to Berea with Brother Savvas. At the station he was arrested, and his valise, which was full of many kinds of tracts, was examined. The train had to wait ten minutes until this affair could be settled. The officers thought him to be the man distributing revolutionary literature. As they could find only the tract “Secret of Health,” in Greek and Turkish, their eyes being blind to see the other kinds, he was set at liberty, and the train brought us to Berea. Along the railroad from Constantinople to Salonica, and from Salonica to Monastir, which is one of the headquarters of the Albanian revolutionists, Turkish soldiers are posted to protect the line against dynamiters.
Going through the streets of Berea, Brother Savvas was called to the chief man of the city, that he might examine his tracts. As they were found very good, Brother Savvas was given the liberty of selling them. In a hotel I made the acquaintance of a Turkish officer who had recently come from Tripoli. I could speak with him in French, and interested him in our belief. He bought some of every kind of tract Brother Savvas had. Berea, with its surroundings, is a very interesting place. Between it and Salonica is the birthplace of Alexander the Great. When returning to Salonica on the cars, I saw people wearing a strange costume, and was told that this same dress was worn in the time of Alexander the Great.
Going on from Salonica, I made my second stop at Athens. Athens is entirely a European city. It is wonderful how it has improved during the last eighty years since being released from Turkish bondage. It was interesting to see the ruins of Greek art. The Greeks are well educated. There is no other place in the Near East where people read newspapers so much as in this city. This gives us hope that our literature can be easily sold. The information I received there from one of the largest booksellers and from a lawyer assured me that Greece and Macedonia would be the most fruitful field in our union for our canvassing work. We have already seen the good omens of what we may accomplish.
From Athens I went to Janina, where Brother R. S. Greaves and wife have been at work. I was glad to reach this place safely, as this country is well known as a very uncertain place because of robbers and murderers. It is safest to travel after an attack has been made, for then the way is clearer, and soldiers patrol the roads. Not only private cars, but also the official ones are always in danger.
From Janina, Brother Greaves and I went to Vostina. There we visited a family who accepted the truth some years ago without a preacher, just by reading the Bible and some tracts that had come to their hands. It did my heart good to hear their experience. In spite of all mockery and persecution, they have held fast to the truth. Sabbath afternoon Brother Greaves baptized the man's second daughter. A hard thunderstorm brought us the necessary water for the baptism. Brother Greaves has changed his headquarters to Patras, in the province of Achaia, which is mentioned in Rom. 15:26. May his entrance there be a blessing to the people.
FIRST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST FAMILY IN ALBANIA
Since my return to Constantinople, new doors have been opened through the canvassing work, by Brother Savvas. He is working on the line from Salonica to Iskub, which is in rebellion. In Istomnicha, about fifteen men are deeply interested in the truth, and are waiting to join God's people.
While Brother Scior was holding meetings there, the local authorities became suspicious, and the fanatical people so excited that they urged him to leave the place. He will try to work in the vicinity of Istomnicha, caring for those interested, and instructing them in the truth. We are glad to see something being done in Macedonia. It is no easy task to control the people there, as for many years they have been in a state of unrest. The powers sometimes have a hard time to manage them. But we are sure that God has honest souls in this section who will accept the message before the Lord comes.
The workers of the Levant Union need the prayers of God's people. The present state of political affairs is uncertain, and the future of Turkey looks very dark. As Turkey will have to leave Tripoli to the Christians, the newspapers say that a great massacre may happen again in the near future. Our comfort is in Ps. 27:1-6.
GROUP OF WORKERS IN SALONICA
Abiding With God
By O. P. WILSON
O. P. WILSON
O, how may I do more for Him?
The time glides on apace;
Should I put forth with greater zeal
More efforts in life's race?
Ah, that is not my highest aim;
I'll offer up my all,
And place it on the altar here,
And bide the time, as Paul.
In whatsoever state I am,
I'll there contented be,
In city, town, or countryside,
Until my Lord I see;
Abiding ever with my King,
In duties great and small,
For one may plow, and one may preach;
And there is work for all.
So let each man “wherein he’s called
Therein abide with God,”
Put on the helmet and the shield,
Be with the gospel shod;
“And having food and raiment, let
Him therewith be content,”
For from above there cometh down
To man life’s element.
Takoma Park, D. C.
A Special Message to the Sabbath-Schools
By MRS. MARY T. WESTPHAL
MRS. MARY T. WESTPHAL
[An appeal for the Pua Training-school, one of the schools to be helped by the special Sabbath-school offering, December 28.]
OUR hearts were made glad to-night on receiving word that the Sabbath-school donations for the thirteenth Sabbath of the present quarter are to be dedicated to the Argentine and Chile mission training-schools for workers. God will richly bless the givers, for the Bible tells us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” and the blessing in receiving this assistance just now will be greater than words can express.
I have been connected with the Pua, Chile, school the past two years, and wish to present to you some of the great needs. The class-rooms are on the first floor of the building, and the dormitories13occupy the second, third, and fourth floors. With a little more expense, these can be finished off and made comfortable, but the students’ rooms need furniture. The dining-room and the kitchen are in a cottage about twenty-five yards from the main building. In the rainy season the mud is very, very deep, and good walks would be greatly appreciated. The dining-room is small. It contains five tables, seating ten persons at each; but there is scarcely room for the waiters to pass to and from the kitchen to bring the food. The sewing class meets in this room, and the ironing is done here. Benches served for seats until this year, when donations were made for chairs.
The kitchen opens off the dining-room, and is very small. Here the food is cooked and served, dishes washed, bread made, and clothes dried in winter. A small room opening off the kitchen is used for dispensary. Here all the food supplies are kept. This whole building would serve well for kitchen and store-room if a new dining-room could be built, or would serve for a dining-room if a kitchen could be added.
Now go with me to the laundry. This is in the wood-shed, and has no floor, and no window. The door must be kept open during wind, rain, or sunshine, to furnish light. A little arrangement of brick serves as a stove. Here the water is heated in two zinc tubs for washing and bathing. The washerwoman stands before a sort of trough made of boards, and with a scrubbing-brush washes the clothes on a planed board arranged slantingly in the trough. There is no place to dry the clothes in wet weather, no pipes to bring or carry away water, and sometimes wet wood must be burned, for there is not room enough to store the winter’s wood. With such inconveniences, it is surprising that a woman can be found to do the washing for forty persons. Yet here stands faithful Amalia, week after week, washing for board and room, less than six gold dollars a month. She goes to several classes, takes some private lessons every day, and takes music lessons. Besides this, she does extra washing and ironing, cleans clothes, and does dressmaking and plain sewing to earn a few extra pesos to give to the Lord’s work. Whenever any one is sick, her great heart and willing hands are ready for service. Added to this, she spends a day occasionally selling papers and taking subscriptions, with good success. On the wall above her wash-tub she has arranged a fixture to hold her book; thus she washes, studies, and sings. In her room, in like manner, she sews and studies. Do you not think she deserves an education? Last year she came out of the Catholic Church, was baptized, and joined us. She could read poorly, and scarcely write. In March she came to the school, and has made wonderful progress.
From the educational fund our conference is assisting a young sister to get an education to teach. Her mother desires to be with her, so does the cooking here in order to buy the necessary clothing and books. This faithful sister bakes the bread also, and has to carry it through rain or sunshine about fifteen yards to the brick oven. This has a zinc cover over it, but otherwise is unprotected. If a small building could be put up which would serve for laundry, bakery, and perhaps bath-room, it would greatly relieve the situation.
Another necessity is a plain coach, or carryall, to meet students, bring out supplies, etc. Our director and others have had many a weary trip on foot to the station, carrying heavy packages. Must we battle another year with this difficulty?
I have mentioned the dark side, but there is also the sunny side. Many rich blessings are enjoyed in the work here, and many things remind us of kind, loving hearts at home which years ago contributed to this, and to the Argentine school, before this was even opened. The dear sisters in College View met from week to week and made many quilts and other useful articles to send here. The brethren contributed of their means to purchase material and pay freight. The church near Mason, Mich., contributed articles also. This bedding and other supplies have been a great blessing to many in the school, and also at our conferences and general meetings. Many kind hands that assisted in this work of love are resting now, but their works follow them.
May God bless you all for the interest you take in needy missions. In the great harvest ingathering you will also have abundant sheaves in foreign lands.
A Transformation
By CHAS. N. LAKE
CHAS. N. LAKE
A YOUNG Japanese woman of good education came to our home, and accepted employment as a servant at one half the salary she had formerly received at the largest fancy-goods store here in Tokyo, just because of her eagerness to learn English. But the Lord was leading her, as we shall presently see. She was only partially converted to Christianity at the time.
After being with us but a short time, she became seriously ill. As the days passed by and her condition did not improve, she became discouraged, and especially so on January 1, when she was still confined to her bed; for the Japanese people, being superstitious, regard it as an ill omen to be sick on this day.
Finding her case demanded special attention, we arranged for one of our trained Japanese nurses to come and look after her. This nurse made the most of this opportunity, by ministering not only to her physical need, but to her spiritual need as well. Glorious hours in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings were spent in reading the Bible, in singing God's praises, and in prayer to him.
As a result, our girl, losing her discouragement and dejection, had a most happy frame of mind, and her recovery was rapid. She has been attending Sabbath-school and church with us regularly, and studies her Bible diligently. Does it pay to train these young people for service?
Tokyo.
Publishing Work in India
A RECENT mail brings from India one copy each of the five magazines published in that mission field. Accompanying the journals comes a letter from Elder J. L. Shaw, in which he tells something of the work being done by our literature in that field:—
“The Oriental Watchman is a monthly missionary magazine which we have been publishing for the past fourteen years. The Herald of Health was started three years ago in English. Juga Lakhyan is a monthly missionary magazine published in Bengali, and started nearly three years ago. The Burmese Watchman was started this year, and the Tamil Present Truth also. They are both quarterlies, and are meeting with a ready sale.
“In a country like India, having so many languages, the problem of circulating our literature is much greater than where the diversity of the tongues is not so great. Climatic conditions and other hindrances also present many difficulties, but progress is being made.
“We are finding that as our canvassing force is developing, the sales of our journals are increasing. The combined issue of the magazines for the present month will be about twenty-three thousand. Our canvassing work is becoming organized, and canvassers are having better success. We feel very confident, therefore, that the circulation of these journals will be largely increased during the coming year.
“We expect to start two more journals with the beginning of the new year,—one in Hindi, and the other in Urdu. There is a great work to be done in publishing the message in the many different tongues of this land. There are tongues in India spoken by more than twenty million people in whose language no sentence of present truth has ever yet been printed. But God is able, the message is going, and erelong we believe it will be proclaimed in many tongues thus far unknown to us.”
Christian Charity
“WHEN a rosebud is formed, if the sky is genial it is not long before it bursts, for the life within is so abundant that the bud can no longer contain it all; but in blossomed whiteness and swimming fragrance it must needs let forth its joy, and gladden all the air. And if, when this is ripe, it refuses to expand, it would quickly rot at the heart and die. And Christian charity is just piety with its petals fully spread, developing itself and making a happier world. The religion which fancies that it loves God when it never evinces love to its brother, is not piety, but a poor mildewed theology—a dogma with a worm in its heart.”
One Day's Work
By Eliza H. Morton
ELIZA H. MORTON
The legend runs, an angel came and said
To one on earth: Behold,
The record of a fellow worker here,
More precious far than gold.
He soothed a crying child, and little
thought
The act was written down,
And made to shine in kingly courts
above,
As stars within a crown.
He helped a crippled man to cross the
street,
And spoke a kindly word,
Which echoed on and on through earth
and sky
Till every angel heard.
He touched the hand of one in pain, and
said:
“My Jesus lives to save.
For you he died, and he can help and
heal
And bless your soul; be brave.”
He gave a weary one a smile of cheer,
Sincere and sweet and true;
A soul responded to that smile, and rose
With strength to plan and do.
He sang a song of hope at close of day,
A song of faith and trust;
And one discouraged heard that song,
and said,
“Believe I will and must.”
And thus his hours were spent in little
things,
Too small, he thought, to be
Noticed by God, and yet the record
stands
Approved eternally.
O ye who seek to do the Master's will,
Working by night and day,
Remember this: the highest service lies
Close by the traveled way.
Portland, Maine.
Encouragement to Mothers
By Vera Churchill
VERA CHURCHILL
WE often hear mothers speak of how much they would like, were it in their power, to go as missionaries to heathen lands. Do you know, dear mothers, that we can do a missionary work right in our own homes which is as pleasing to God, which demands as much consecration, and which will bring not only a blessing, but a great reward as well?
Our wise Father has placed in the mother-heart a feeling akin to his own, for mother-love is God-love. What is there that a true mother will not endure for the sake of her child? There is no sacrifice too great, no labor too humble, for her to undertake for those she loves.
A mother of my acquaintance became almost discouraged with her many cares and trials. It seemed to her that all her efforts to rear her little ones aright, as well as her own life, had been a failure. Being very weary, she sought her couch for a much-needed rest. There she fell asleep and dreamed of taking a journey, on which she met a mother with several small children. She noticed how carefully the mother guided their steps, leading them around the rough places, and pointing out what was harmful in the way; how cheerfully she answered their many questions, and seemed to rejoice that their little minds were developing under her training. It seemed to the dreamer that children so carefully guided along life's uneven pathway would not be likely to go astray as they grew older; and then, looking up, she saw a white angel of peace hovering over the mother and her children, and heard a voice saying, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my little ones, ye have done it unto me.” Her sympathies went out to that mother, and she wished she could see her face. Just then the mother turned, and she beheld herself. She awoke with the thought that she had never realized what help she was having in the performance of her duty.
It was only a dream, but that tired, discouraged mother took up life's burdens with renewed strength, hoping and trusting in him who said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Dear mothers, it is the little trials, and the little crosses, which are so annoying, that we must bear with patience if we would gain the reward at last. O, let us then as mothers be willing to receive the lessons, whether given in reproof or counsel, which our Father sends us, and go on faithfully unto the end, believing and trusting in him who has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Udall, Kans.
The Girl Who Interrupts
TELL a girl it is bad form to interrupt, and she will say, “Who doesn’t know that?”
Unfortunately, knowledge and practise are not one, and girls are inclined to this habit whether they realize it or not.
Sometimes this habit is acquired in a home where all the family talk so much that none gets a chance as a soloist. Interruption becomes a matter of course in the home life. But strangers do not take to it so amiably, and the reputation of the family for good manners suffers.
Again: one is given to breaking in on conversation because she has been closely associated with a talker who would drone on indefinitely unless some one else forcibly takes the floor. The excuse is plausible, but one doesn’t excuse her when the habit follows her into other circles.
Nothing makes a young girl so unpopular as unwillingness to give another a fair show in talk. She may be a veritable chatterbox at other times, but she should have the art of holding her tongue when some one else is talking.
True, there is such a thing as listening to the point of stupidity. One young girl gave as an excuse for speaking but five times in the course of a dinner, that she thought people enjoyed a listener. The guests present would have thought more of her mentality if she had not been so perfect.
One need not rudely interrupt to be a curtailer of conversation. All that is needed is a wandering eye or an inane “Is that so?” thrown in pointlessly to cause the other half in the conversation to realize she might as well save her breath.
Another unconscious interrupter is the listener who sits with a stolid face while another is telling a good story or touching on some subject of the day. She is bored and hides it not, which does not increase the fluency of the talker.
Then there is the wholesale interrupter who switches a whole group of people from animated conversation by breaking in with some other subject, which may or may not be apropos. You may much prefer to go on with the old topics, but can not refuse to answer, and when you try to get back, all the interest is gone.
Of course you know better than to interrupt?—Perhaps; but it will not hurt to do a little watching.—Public Ledger.
Modest Apparel
By K. C. RUSSELL
K. C. RUSSELL
The October, 1912, number of the Lutheran Advocate contains an article on the question of dress that deserves to be passed on for others to read. It is as follows:—
“There is a Scripture passage which has been running through my mind a bit of late. I think of it every time I go to town and see crowds of people on the street. I think of it sometimes when I sit in church. I think of it, in short, whenever I see women gowned after the modern fashion. The passage I refer to is in Paul’s letter to Timothy, in which he says, ‘In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.’ I do not claim to be much of an authority on feminine fashion, but it does not require an expert to see that modern styles are not modest. One needs only to be a man to see that a woman who appears on the street in a gown so cut as to reveal every curve and line of her body may be dressed in style, but she is certainly not arrayed in ‘modest apparel.’ I understand that15some of these women are complaining that men and boys stare at them when they appear on the street. Why should they complain? Don’t they want to be stared at? If not, why in the name of common sense do they tog themselves out in such a fashion? I once heard the question asked, Where do the styles come from? The answer was given, ‘We get them from —, of New York; he gets them from —, of Paris; and he gets them from the devil.’ At the time, I thought that while this reply was rather inelegant, it was somewhat funny, and I laughed at it. Since I became very observant, I do not laugh at that any more; I see too much grim truth in it.”
While this article is expressed in a plain, unvarnished way, nevertheless it contains truths which will appeal very strongly to those who desire to follow the teachings of God’s Word on the question of dress reform. It has been demonstrated, however, that it is of little use for persons simply to lay aside questionable articles of dress in order to conform to a regulation of the church, while a love for them still exists in their hearts.
Many instances might be cited where persons have laid aside their finger-rings and other articles of jewelry, and the flowers and feathers which adorned their hats at the time of baptism, knowing that the minister would refuse to immerse them if they persisted in wearing the same. It is a lamentable fact that many times these adornments have reappeared on their apparel subsequent to their baptism.
It must be evident to every conscientious Seventh-day Adventist that the work of teaching true dress reform to those who have newly accepted the truth, is made very difficult by those professed Seventh-day Adventists who are indulging in these vain things. ‘A word to the wise is sufficient.’
Chicago, Ill.
The Noon-Hour Prayer
“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.”
Requests for prayer continue to reach us from week to week. Some of these requests are of such a character that we do not feel like presenting them to the readers of the REVIEW. The purpose of this column is to help two classes: First, those who are sick and afflicted, and are seeking deliverance from the power of disease; second, those who for years have been struggling to gain the mastery over some besetment, or who have prayed long for the conversion of some loved one, and feel that they must have the help of their brethren and sisters in gaining the victory. General requests, like prayer for the Holy Spirit, for a deeper consecration, we do not feel like presenting. Every heart daily should feel a burden for such petitions at the throne of grace. It is those who are sick and discouraged and cast down that we desire especially to reach in this department.
Let us remember that the same God who delivered Daniel from the den of lions and the three worthies from the fiery furnace, who took his people in olden times through the Red Sea and the Jordan, who at one time walked this earth as a man, causing the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, the devils to depart from those they possessed, is our gracious and compassionate Saviour today. He desires to come into such close relationship to us that we may feel to place upon him every burden and present to him every care. As we come to him alone from day to day, we may tell him every need. We may enter into the details of our experience, and present to him requests which we would not feel free to speak to others. We know that he will never turn a deaf ear to our entreaty, that he will not betray our confidence; and if in his great wisdom and love he does not see fit to give us at once the desires of our hearts, he will grant us grace to bear the burden, and strength to stand the test. Let us cultivate daily communion with our best and dearest Friend in all the universe.
Requests for Prayer
175. A sister writes from New York State of the rich blessing she received from God some years ago, when in answer to prayer he raised her up from a great affliction. She now desires prayer in behalf of one of her sisters who has been an invalid for some years, and is now seriously sick, that God may restore her to health and bring to her heart his own cheer and the consolations of his grace.
176. A sister in Indiana requests prayer in behalf of her niece who has been given up to die by physicians. Her son in the asylum, for whom she asked prayer some time ago, has shown improvement; but she desires that he still be remembered, that God will once more clothe him in his right mind.
177. From Ohio a brother writes regarding a sister-in-law who is very low with tuberculosis, that if it be the will of the Lord, she may be raised up in answer to the prayers of his people. There are other members of this family who know not the Lord, and for these he desires prayer that they may be converted.
178. One of our sisters in Illinois writes that she, with three other mothers, have formed a quartet to pray for their four unconverted sons. Two of these are in Illinois, one in Michigan, and one in Pennsylvania. She says they would “rejoice to see the strength of their young manhood given freely to the service of the Saviour.” She asks that the prayers of God’s people may be united with the prayers of these mothers for the conversion of their sons.
179. A burdened request comes from New Jersey in behalf of a young man who has fallen into bad company and is being led farther and farther away from God, that he may be converted and give himself to the Lord’s service.
180. One of our young sisters attending school in Michigan writes of her great need of physical health to permit her to go on with her preparation for the Lord’s work. She has been afflicted for years, and her heart cries out for deliverance in order that she may the more freely give herself for service.
181. A brother from Nebraska writes that he is the object of great criticism. He desires grace in order to endure the test, and that God will send his converting power upon those who speak evil of him.
182. One of our sisters in Missouri is suffering with deafness. Her affliction has increased to that extent that it is very difficult for her to hear the preaching of the truth, or the conversation of her companions. She seeks for deliverance from this affliction in order that she may do the work which she believes the Lord wants her to do. Surely he who unstopped the deaf ears when he was on this earth, is able to make this sister every whit whole. Pray for her deliverance.
183. A sister in Indiana earnestly desires help that God may permit her to live such a life in her family that the unconverted ones, consisting of her children and the families of some of her children, may be converted to the Lord. She is a widow, and the only one in the family trying to obey the truth. She needs the help of earnest prayer.
184. A truly burdened request comes from California in behalf of a seriously sick mother. There is no help for her only as it comes from God. Pray that she be raised up if it be his will, and above all that she may consecrate herself fully to him. The sister who writes, also presents the case of her own husband, who is addicted to the use of strong drink, spending recklessly the money sadly needed for the support of his little ones. He is now trying to overcome this habit, and needs to be strengthened by the prayer of God’s people.
185. A sister in Illinois writes that she is afflicted with failing eyesight, and desires the prayers of her brethren and sisters.
186. The husband of one of our sisters in Indiana has deserted his home. His wife does not know his whereabouts. She earnestly desires that prayer be offered that God will work upon the heart of her husband, leading him to give his life to God and to return to his family.
God’s Way of Deliverance
“THIS is God's way. In the darkest hours of the night his tread draws near across the billows. As the day of execution is breaking, the angel comes to Peter's cell. When the scaffold of Mordecai is complete, the royal sleeplessness leads to a decree that saves the threatened race. Ah, soul, it may have come to the worst with thee ere thou art delivered; but thou wilt be! God may keep thee waiting, but he will ever be mindful of his covenant, and will appear, to fulfil his inviolable word.”
Smile Through Thy Tears
By Worthie Harris Holden
WORTHIE HARRIS HOLDEN
Smile through thy tears.
For after night comes joyous day,
When mist and darkness flee away,
Dispelling fears.
Smile through thy tears.
It brings delight and hope anew;
For fellow travelers weary, too,
The rainbow cheers.
Smile through thy tears.
The voyage now is almost o'er;
See in the distance Canaan's shore,
The land appears!
Smile through each tear.
Love, rest, and home, and Jesus there
Await with laurels wondrous fair,
If faithful here.
