Earlier text: THE RIVER OF LIFEA MEMBER of the recent Belgian Antarctic expedition tells in a late French journal of the results of this latest exploration around the south pole. Attempts to gain a definite knowledge of the south polar regions have usually met with little success, owing to the fact that the warm ocean currents, such as the gulf stream and the Japanese current, do not penetrate this zone to any appreciable extent. This accounts for the fact that explorers have not been able to penetrate as far into the southern ocean as they have in the northern. Only floating icebergs or mountains whose snow-line reaches down to the sea are found in latitude south which would correspond with the latitudes of Hammerfest, Tromso, Reykjavik, and Archangel in the north, all of which are habitable cities. The geography of the south polar region, M. de Garlache says, has been based largely upon reports of whalers and sealers, and these have been very inaccurate. The Belgian expedition was continually sailing over what had been supposed to be land, and finding land where only open sea was designated on the maps. M. de Garlache's article concludes with the following description of regions hitherto unexplored :— "The panorama unfolded to our eyes, and never contemplated by man before, was of gloomy grandeur. Half way up the black, gray, or red cliffs, vertical and with clearly defined clefts, floated clouds; at their feet was the ice, brilliantly white, with blue cracks at the sea-level. Here and there floated icebergs eaten away by the waves; some had vast caves, whose roofs were of dazzling azure. We often saw sunsets of unspeakable magnificence. The only things needed to complete our happiness were volcanoes. "The water was peopled with cetacea, *balneop-9tera, and megoptera*. On the floating ice seals assembled. On the land we found rookeries or colonies of penguins, which did not disperse at our approach; they had never seen men before. These rookeries were often on beds of guano that looked like soil, but underneath was solid rock. Other birds innumerable nested or perched on the cliffs, sea-swallows, petrels, cape-pigeons, etc. It is difficult to give an idea of the desolation of the Antarctic regions. Take the highest Alps, suppose an unheard-of deluge that raises the water level to the limit of eternal snow, regard the summits that rise above it, and you will get an idea of Brabant Island, of Antwerp Island, of Danco Land, etc. There the snow line is at the sea-level, and nevertheless we are only at 64° or 65° South latitude." DOES IT REPRESENT CHRIST?
THE Kansas City Journal prints a letter from a captain serving in the United States army in the Philippines, describing a banquet that was given on the occasion of the baptism of a Chinaman into the Catholic faith. The opening paragraph of the letter expresses the surprise of the captain at the ability of those semi-civilized people to give a banquet, in the following language:— "I was a witness the other day to an event that, had I not seen with my own eyes, would not have believed was possible among a people who in many things are no farther advanced than the civilization of 2,000 years ago, and in a country village, too, containing not over 600 inhabitants, and eight miles from the only railroad in the island." The letter then gives some personal matters in regard to how enthusiastically the captain was received by those assembled at the banquet, and describes the feast in the following words:— "The table was decorated in fine linen, silver, cut glass, and china. At every plate was a bottle of red wine, champagne, and glasses. Everything was served in courses in ultra fashionable style, a change of plates, knives, forks, and spoons at each course. It began with baked Spanish mackerel, then followed three or four other varieties of the 'finny tribe,' then baked duck, turkey, and chicken, with a French dressing; strange but delicious salads. One, I remember, consisted of sliced oranges, tomatoes, onion wafers no larger than a silver three-cent piece. After chopped lettuce came a world of fancy dishes that were new to me, but simply elegant. The last course was fresh and candied fruits and other sweetmeats and confections; then cigars, cigarets, and fancy toothpicks, one end of which was whittled to represent some one of the different tropical plants of the country. Thus ended a banquet that would have done credit to the first-class hotels of the inland towns of our own country." Any one who will study the real life of the real Christ of God until he becomes imbued with the spirit of the Gospel, will feel a sense of such sadness as words can not express at the thought that those poor, confiding heathen are being made to think that such things as are indicated by such a banquet are to be associated with Christianity. Those who really know the Lord, and who are more anxious to see that Christ is properly represented in the earth than they are to build up some man-made ideas of theology, should stand ready to answer the call at any moment to go to those lands and let the light of the Master's teaching and life as it is in very fact, shine out through them. HARD LOT OF THE DOUKHOBORS.
THE Chicago Inter-Ocean tells a pitiable story of the colony of Doukhobors, who, being expelled from Russia, were brought over by the Canadian Government and settled in the Northwest. They had hardly put foot in the country, in a state of absolute poverty and dependence, when they were beset by the ministers of the many rival sects that abound in Canada, to join their different denominations. Satisfied with their own simple and practical form of Christianity, they repelled all the overtures made to them, and so came to be regarded as little better than heathen. Then petty persecution began. The patriotic British immigrants and settlers in their vicinity accused them of disloyalty for not participating in the rejoicing that followed the relief of Ladysmith, and other events in South Africa, following up their accusations by acts of menace and violence. They were also described as anarchists because they would not work for less than customary wages, and inflammatory literature, which would have as much effect among them as a lighted torch thrown into water would have, was said to be sown broadcast among them. A portion of the French press took up the cry and went for them on religious and racial grounds, and altogether the poor Doukhobors found themselves in a very embarrassing dilemma. They found not only the people among whom they had come inhospitable, but the climate unpropitious, and began looking about for some more favorable surroundings. They were persuaded to come to California, but they found that, while despotic Russia had driven them out, free Canada would not let them go out from her domain when they wanted to do so. Effort was made by agents of the Ottawa Government to persuade them to remain; but this failing, other means were adopted. It was represented to the United States agent at Pembina, on the frontier, that the Doukhobors had been engaged to come to California under labor contract. Of course this blocked the way, and at present they are constrained to remain. So they find a hard lot in America as well as in Russia. ALLIES IN CHINA BUT ENEMIES IN AMERICA.
It is a singular spectacle which this generation witnesses—the whole world at war, different nations of earth seeking to sink their international differences long enough to unite in sinking China. Japan, with the rest of the world, is there—they are allies in China. But the reign of peace among different nationalities does not necessarily follow, as instance the present trouble on the fishing grounds of the Frazer River, where 3,000 Japanese and 3,500 whites and Indians "slept on their arms" for several days, ready to shoot one another down, for a difference of five cents per fish in the price of the salmon they caught. They may be allies in China, but in the rest of the world the service of self is the basis of amity. The friend in partnership is an enemy in competition; and personal gain is of more consequence than the life of the competitor. In the midst of this turmoil the question arises, When will Christ come and bring peace on the earth? The earth will not be at peace again until He does come; but His coming is near.
s. Concerning the assassination of the king of Italy, it is somewhat startling to call to mind the number of assassinations and attempted assassinations of government officials that have taken place within the last few years. In 1894 President Carnot was stabbed to death at Lyons. In 1895 the queen of Korea was killed by a Japanese soldier. In 1896 the shah of Persia was murdered while entering a sacred shrine. In 1897 an attempt was made on the life of King Humbert. In the same year the prime minister of Spain was shot to death near San Sebastian. In this year also the president of Uruguay, Juan Idarte Borda, was killed, and attempts were made on the lives of Felix Faure, president of France, Porfirio Diaz, president of Mexico, Señor Moraes, president of Brazil, and upon the sultan of Turkey. In 1898 the president of Guatemala was killed by a Swiss clerk. In that year the king of Greece was attacked, and the empress of Austria was stabbed to death at Geneva. A shot was fired at the Prince of Wales on April 4 of the present year, while sitting in a railway carriage at Brussels. Most of these bold crimes have been the work of anarchists, whose creed is the extermination of all rulers, without respect to their individual characters, or without regard to the consequences which may come to themselves; and the spread of their doctrines and those of other secret societies of similar nature, taken in connection with the growth of the war spirit throughout the entire world, places before us the plainest of evidence that we are now in the "perilous times" which God declares through Timothy are a sign of the "last days." 2 Timothy 3.
s. An editorial in the San Francisco Chronicle of July 31 reads as follows: "Whether wisely or foolishly, we have in former years compelled China to enter into treaty stipulations to protect natives of that country who have become Christians. If we abandon China, we abandon those who by our own voluntary act have been endowed with a special claim to our protection. That the course of Christendom toward China during the past century is almost wholly without justification is true, and it is also true that the present situation is not far from a just retribution for our own misdeeds. But as matters now stand, we have obligations toward many people in China, and we can not disregard them." It was this interference with the internal affairs of China which gave the Chinese his intense hatred of foreigners; and too this interference was wrong, especially since it was done as the act of a Christian nation, yet, as this editorial implies, the forces of America will not be withdrawn from China. At least they will act in concert with the forces of the other nations in whatever action they may take. The nation is involved in the Chinese turmoil, and the way is thus being prepared for all the nations to become involved in that great war so long foretold. Emperor William, of Germany, in giving a farewell address to his troops who were embarking for China, on July 27, gave utterance to the following advice and sentiments:—
"Every civilization not founded on Christianity is sure to be brought to naught. So I send you out. May you all prove your German efficiency, devotion, and bravery; bear joyfully all discomfort, and uphold the glory and honor of our arms. If you close with the enemy, remember this: spare nobody, make no prisoners. Use your weapons so that for a thousand years hence no Chinese will dare look askance at any German. Open the way for civilization once for all. The blessing of the Lord be with you. May the blessing of God rest on your banners, and may He vouchsafe to you to find a path for Christianity in that far-off country. I wish you Godspeed. Adieu, my comrades." How Christianity can follow such a path as the emperor of Germany designs to hew out for it in China, is a matter that is not explained in any of the four Gospels. Germany lost a minister at the hands of the Chinese, and no doubt many of her missionaries have perished also; therefore the soldiers of Germany, representing "Christian civilization," are to spare none of them, and make no prisoners; to use their weapons so effectually as to spread terror through China for a thousand years; and all this in the name of Christianity. A more sacrilegious charge would be hard to bring against the Man of Calvary, who "when He was reviled, reviled not again;" who was "led as a lamb to the slaughter;" who "opened not His mouth" amid the most bitter accusations and under the most cruel scourgings; who died on the cross praying for His enemies, and with no word of railing or censure against them! What a contrast between this "national Christianity" sentiment and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ!
s. King Humbert of Italy was assassinated at his country home, Monza, near Milan, on the evening of July 30. The author of the desperate crime was Angelo Bressi, an anarchist from the State of Tuscany. Italians everywhere are mourning the loss of their king, who seems to have been exceedingly popular, in spite of the firm stand he has taken in reference to the separation of ecclesiastical and civil affairs. Many times the wrath of the Catholic orders has been vented on the king, and the serious outbreak at Milan not many months ago, in which hundreds of lives were lost, was believed to be an attempt of the ecclesiastics to overturn the government. Comparative peace has reigned in Italy since the suppression of this disturbance, and the king has gained in the favor of his people. Humbert was the son of Victor Emmanuel II., and Humbert's son, who succeeds to the throne of Italy, bears the name of his illustrious grandfather. The new king, Vittorio Emanuele, is said to be as much opposed to the Vatican as was his dead father.
s. A despatch from the British minister at Peking bearing date of July 21, has been received at London, stating that the British legation had been under fire from June 20 to July 16. Since the latter date an armistice has been in effect, but a cordon is drawn closely around the legation. The casualties in the legation up to July 21 had amounted to 62. Many women and children are included in those who are within the legation walls. From other sources comes the report that on July 8 the Chinese made a determined attack on the legation, and were repulsed, with a loss of 1,000. A despatch from the secretary of the German legation, bearing the same date as the English, states that the German, Russian, American, British, and half the Japanese and French legations were still being defended, but also states that the speediest possible advance of relief troops is urgently necessary. A report from London states that Lord Kitchener has been despatched from Pretoria to relieve General Baden-Powell, the defender of Mafeking, who is now besieged by General Delarey in Western Transvaal. General Prinsloo, commander of the Free State Boers, has surrendered to General Hunter, with 1,000 men. The main body of the Transvaal troops, under General Louis Botha, are at Middleburg, and are accompanied by President Kruger. It is reported that President Kruger has offered to surrender on certain conditions; but Lord Roberts insists upon unconditional surrender. The rebel forces of Colombia have been finally defeated at the hands of the government troops. The last fight in and around Panama is described as being a bloody one. The fight lasted five days, and it is reported that more than 600 were killed, while many hundreds more were wounded. Panama has been plunged into the deepest mourning by the loss of many of its prominent men. The work of collecting and burying or burning the dead and caring for the mangled victims who still survive, has cast a gloom over the entire republic. Notwithstanding the rain that has fallen in India, the viceroy reports that that country is still in a sad plight, as sufficient rain for the growing of crops has fallen in but few districts. One-quarter of the inhabitants in the central provinces are on government relief. The governor of Bombay reports 5,073 deaths from cholera during the week ending July 21. The statistics show that less then one-third of those attacked recover. The viceroy reports the situation serious and critical in several of the provinces. Official reports from Manchuria show that the Russians in this province are sorely pressed. The opposition to Russian influence is increasing, and the Russian troops have been compelled to retreat from Moukden southward. The withdrawal of this column was accomplished with much difficulty, fighting continually and surrounded by Chinese troops. Chinese troops are menacing other towns along the Russian frontier, and fighting is going on at various points. Altho it is impossible to get authentic news from China, yet the indications are that hundreds, if not thousands, of native Christians and missionaries have been killed in the disturbed provinces of that country. It is now feared that the foreign ministers and their families are held by the Chinese Government as hostages, and that their lives will be taken as soon as the foreigners begin their march on Peking. There has been a reign of mob violence in New Orleans for several days. Two negroes, resisting arrest, killed four white men, two of whom were policemen. The whites thereupon organized mobs, who set upon and beat or killed every negro whom they could find unprotected. Several hundred extra police were sworn in, and the militia ordered out, before the disturbance was quelled. England has finally conceded to Russia the control of the railway from Tau to Tien-Tsin, which was built by English capital. It was the dispute over the control of this railway which was hampering the advance of the foreign troops upon Peking. England's surrender in this matter is expected to hasten the advance on the Chinese capital. A battle is reported to have taken place in Yucatan recently between Mexican soldiers and the warriors of the Yucatan tribe, in which the Mexicans were badly worsted and lost heavily. These Indians were armed with modern weapons of war, and mustered a force of 6,000 to oppose General Bravo, who had a force of about 3,000 men. The two-days fiesta which was arranged in Manila to commemorate the proclamation of amnesty to the Filipinos is declared to have been a complete failure. The people were passive and unenthusiastic. Failing to see any tangible results of amnesty, they say they can see no reason for celebrating it. John Clark Ridpath, America's great historian, died at the Presbyterian hospital, New York City, on July 31. Dr. Ridpath was born in Indiana, in 1840, graduated from Ashbury University (now De Pauw University) at the age of 23, and became one of the most noted writers of the day. A New York paper recently gave an account of a two-hundred-dollar monument that had been put up in that city over the grave of a dead dog. Comment is unnecessary; but it is certain that there are more profitable and useful channels through which to let our means and our affections flow. A despatch from Minister Conger, dated at Peking July 21, gives the same information in substance as that from the English minister, mentioned in these columns. The despatch states that ammunition is low, and that another attack by the Chinese would probably mean a massacre. A report from Japan states that Mount Azuma has become an active volcano. The eruption occurred on July 17, and streams of lava poured down the mountainside, destroying villages in their path. The loss of life is not known, but it is believed that as many as 250 persons perished. The transport Hancock sailed from San Francisco for China on July 29, with battalions of heavy artillery and 500 marines on board. On the day following, 900 infantry and cavalry arrived from Eastern stations, to sail for the same destination, August 1. The commander of the revenue cutter Bear reports that the situation along the Cape Nome coast is very serious, owing to the total lack of sanitary arrangements. According to his report, typhoid fever is raging, and smallpox is on the increase. It has been discovered that through an error in the treaty with Spain, two islands of the Philippine group still belong to that nation. It is expected that the United States will buy the islands. Thirty miners were suffocated in the La Paz mine, near Monterey, Mexico, on July 29, by the burning of a portion of the mine. HOW THE GREEKS OBSERVE EASTER.
By Hervy A. Henderson
MANY days of the year are observed by the Greek Church as holy days. Days are observed in honor of "saints" almost without number, also in honor of Christ's baptism, His ascension, and other events in His life and ministry; but Easter outrivals other religious festivals, and Easter Sunday is the most festive day of the year. Church and State unite to do it honor. It is ushered in by the booming of cannon, while the military pageantry and priestly ritualism vie with each other in making the loudest noise and the finest display. The following description of Easter festivities is translated from the Greek. It appeared in one of the Easter morning dailies of Athens this year:— "The church bells and the booming cannon announce the Saviour's triumph over death, and call upon us to rejoice, while a million Christians sing, 'Christ is risen.' The harmonious songs of all the Christian world ascend to heaven, awakening emotions of joy and gratitude in all hearts. "Day of love, day of brotherliness sent to all the world! Every soul sings a hymn to the Saviour. Rich and poor, free and bond, give the hand in loving fellowship, and the desire of happiness to all. From the mountains, from the plains, from the cities, from the villages, from every place where free Greeks live, they send salutations to their brethren in trouble. Let hope not forsake their hearts. 'Christ is risen' is true in the Christian faith, and it is also a symbol of another resurrection and another day when all the Greeks will feast together." For forty-eight days previous to Easter Sunday, Lent is observed. During this time the most devout worshipers abstain from the use of flesh meats and oil. The majority of the people, however, only observe in strictness the first and the last day of the time. Beginning with Monday of the last week, each day is a "great" day. All are "holy" days, and each night liturgies are said in the churches, and some part of the Gospel pertaining especially to the last week of Christ's ministry on earth is chanted. On Friday flocks of sheep are driven in from the country, and each family provides itself with a "paschal" lamb. Friday night is a time of great mourning. The people all gather in the churches, each provided with a candle. The priests and choristers chant the story of the cross. The people assume a very sad demeanor. They mournfully kiss a large picture of Christ hung in the vestry of the building, and seat themselves in silence. In the center of the church rests a bier, covered with a canopy of flowers and surrounded by lighted tapers. The lamentation continues until 10 o'clock or later, when each person, at a given signal, lights his or her candle. The bier, borne by selected pall-bearers, is carried out of the church, followed by priests and people. Outside a procession is formed in front of the bier, consisting of men wearing long white robes and bearing crosses and brazen lamps, the band playing a funeral dirge, and a company of soldiers representing those who crucified Christ. The priests and people follow, marching in solemn procession through the principal thoroughfares of the city, which are everywhere lighted up, a brilliant display of candles being arranged in every window and balcony. On Saturday morning at 10 o'clock the people again gather in the churches, while the priest chants the fourteenth chapter of John. In the afternoon the lambs are killed, and blood is seen everywhere. In the evening all is quiet again, and in darkness. The people speak in undertones, and there is a feeling that some strange event is impending. By 11 o'clock the people have again collected in the churches. The king, with the royal family, the officers of the law and of the army, rich and poor, high and low, all meet in a common expectancy. At a few minutes before 12 the high priest, wearing a brilliant crown and bright-colored robes, comes out of the inner room of the church, carrying several lighted candles. Quietly he passes among the people, each one lighting his candle from that of the priest. Then, accompanied by a few officials, he goes out into the open square in front of the building and mounts a raised platform surrounded by soldiers. The people press around in silence, and in a mournful yet distinct tone the priest chants from the latter part of the twenty-third and first part of the twenty-fourth chapters of Luke. At length the distant town clock begins to strike the hour of midnight. Still all is silent save the voice of the priest; but as the last stroke of the clock dies away, the priest reaches the sixth verse, and, raising his voice, he says, "He is not here; Christ is risen." Instantly all is changed. The very ground trembles with the roar of cannon. The band strikes up a lively air; fireworks are exploded, and rockets shoot far into the heavens. The sea of candles, which has been so quiet, now waves up and down, as the people with happy faces grasp each other's hands, and even embrace, shouting, "Christ is risen." On Sunday morning the lambs are roasted. This is usually done out-of-doors, over a large charcoal fire. Sunday afternoon and the following days of the week are spent in feasting, dancing, and visiting. During these days the common salutation is, "Christ is risen." The men very often salute one another with a kiss; and this salutation is not confined to acquaintances, but is extended to strangers also. During the week following Easter, no matter at what hour one may visit a house, the table is spread with a cold roast lamb, colored eggs, fruit, and wine, and the visitor is always expected to partake of these refreshments. The historical Greek is noted for his devotion to his religion. The people are courteous to strangers, and very hospitable, and they respect persons who adhere to other forms of religion; but their idolatries are so woven into their lives that the spiritual power of a true Gospel has no place, and makes no impression upon them. The formalities of these sacrilegious devotions are their highest ideal of Christianity. OUR GOSPEL SERVICE AT SAN QUENTIN PENITENTIARY.
By Chas. T. Everson
HAVING received a cordial invitation from the chaplain of the prison, the Rev. C. Drahms, to occupy the regular service in the chapel, we were able to take advantage of the privilege thus accorded us the first Sunday in June. I was accompanied by a male quartet from the Oakland church, composed of Brethren Winslow, Gould, Drake, and Lemos. The chaplain met us at the entrance, and conducted us to the chapel. The surroundings of the prison are beautiful, but the inside, with its cold gray stone walls, is not so inviting. As we entered, the prison choir was practising a selection for the service. The chapel is a large hall used exclusively for public meetings, both religious services and other meetings. It is well seated with comfortable benches. The platform is neatly arranged. It has as a background bunting of various hues, on which are inscribed in large letters the words, "Christ Is Risen." When the hour for meeting arrived, the men came in, one closely following another, till the chapel was full. The chaplain was very kind, giving the service entirely over into our hands, with no restriction on the speaking or singing. The service began at 9:30, with a selection sung by the prison choir. Our quartet then sang a few selections, that were listened to with evident pleasure. After a prayer, the quartet sang again that beautiful song that never grows old, "Nearer, My God, to Thee," to a new and beautiful tune. The Scripture lesson was from Mark 5:1-20. The quartet sang again, and then followed the sermon. It gives one a curious sensation to stand before 600 men, all in stripes, and tell them of the power of God to save whosoever will come, "be they bond or free." It was indeed strange to think that in whatsoever face I looked, my eyes rested upon a man to whom the State of California had denied his liberty as being unfit to be at large. And yet I spoke to them with the utmost confidence in God's ability to help them. For, while I knew many were hardened in sin and crime, still I know we have a mighty God, with whom nothing is impossible. The congregation showed a great many intelligent faces of persons who might have been a power for good in the world if their talents had only been dedicated to God. But there they were, some for five years, some for twenty-five, and some were doomed to spend the rest of their days within those dreary stone walls.11 I took as the subject of my discourse the man of the tombs, as recorded in Mark 5:1-20. I showed that if Jesus was able to deliver from the power of Satan a man whom the powers of darkness controlled to such an extent that he could not use his own voice, and one who murdered every one that he came in contact with, he was certainly able to save any man in the chapel; for no one present had sunk as low as that. It did not take months to save a soul, nor long prayers, but it could be done in an instant, and without even an audible prayer being offered. Jesus, seeing a soul with a darkened mind and a broken-down body, groping in despair, longing for rescue from his fearful condition, was moved with compassion, and immediately set the struggling soul at liberty. To-day the same Jesus is yearning to break the bonds of sin and set at liberty every captive. A man that has Jesus enthroned within his heart, altho in prison, is in a far better condition than any man outside of its walls without the power of God in his life. For, altho Paul was free, yet, rather than give up his hope in Christ, he was willing to suffer imprisonment in a dark Roman dungeon, and at last lose his life. He would rather live in prison with Christ than live outside without Christ. After the sermon we had a short testimony meeting, in which the prisoners took part with wonderful freedom, and the testimonies resounded with the ring of hearts touched by the power of God. The chaplain remarked to me that they were all good, as the daily lives of the men were in accordance with the testimonies they gave. One man testified that he had found the Lord in prison four years before, and altho behind the bars, yet he was a free man in Christ Jesus. Another said that he was converted ten months before in the Oakland jail. Our brethren held a service in this jail every Sabbath, and were instrumental in this man's conversion. So jail work pays. Another said: "I am a changed man. Three years ago the truth made me free. I accepted Christ in this prison, and the way grows brighter." And thus the testimonies ran. Two raised their hands, signifying a desire to start to live for God, while others asked an interest in our prayers. After the service I had the privilege of shaking hands with the men, and I was asked by them to come again and speak to them. Several said they had received good from the meeting. We distribute 250 copies of the Helping Hand at the prison every month, and much interest is manifested in this paper, as shown by the remarks of both the chaplain and the men. After the service several men whose terms were soon to expire, came to me and expressed a desire to come to the mission, and get on their feet again, and live different lives. One said that he had been a Christian four years, having found Christ in prison. His term would end in just a few weeks, and he desired to come to the mission and be baptized, that he might do all that the Lord has enjoined upon His followers. There are many hopeful cases in this prison, and among prisoners in general, and we desire to see the work for them go on with increased zeal. The Spirit of God was present in a large measure at this meeting. One of the brethren remarked that it was the most powerful meeting he had attended for a long time. An elderly lady, Mrs. Goes, who was acting chaplain of San Quentin penitentiary for many years, and who has perhaps the most influence with the men of any one who goes there, was present at the service, and spoke to one of our Oakland ministers of the "remarkable service we had at San Quentin." We feel thankful to God for the privilege of ministering unto those in prison, and would give Him all the praise. Any of our friends who feel disposed to help in this grand work can send the Helping Hand for a whole year to one of these poor, lonesome men for twenty-five cents. Send the money to the Helping Hand Mission, 641 Commercial Street, San Francisco.
CHAS. T. EVERSON. "WITNESSES."
By E. M. Exton
[E. M. Exton, in the Word and the Way.] "And ye shall be witnesses unto Me." Acts 1:8. WITNESSES for Jesus in a world of sin:
What do those around us know through us of Him?
Witnesses for Jesus, Conqueror o'er the grave;
Since He rose triumphant, He from death can save. Witnesses for Jesus of the Spirit's power,
Rich to help and comfort every day and hour.
Witnesses for Jesus of His precious blood,
As we journey onward to our rest above. Witnesses for Jesus of His matchless grace—
Great, and rich, and boundless—till we see His face.
Witnesses for Jesus of His power that saves
E'en the "chief of sinners," who His mercy craves. Witnesses for Jesus everywhere we go,
On the mountain summit, in the vales below.
Witnesses for Jesus, faithful to our trust,
Lifting up the fallen, seeking out the lost. Witnesses for Jesus as we pass along
Through a world of darkness to the light beyond.
Witnesses for Jesus, shedding light around,
That may guide another to the rest we've found. Witnesses for Jesus with our earthly store;
"All" upon His altar—Jesus asks no more.
Witnesses for Jesus till He comes to reign
O'er the world in glory, where He once was slain. Looking Through Blessings to God
Thrice blest will all our blessings be
When we can look through them to Thee,
When each glad heart its tribute pays
Of love and gratitude and praise.
—M. J. Cotterill. VARIATIONS IN MISSION LIFE IN CHINA.
THE present troubles in China bring out many thrilling experiences of the missionaries, which show that missionary life, especially in the interior provinces, is often fraught with danger and sore privation. Rev. W. C. Hill, recently from Japan, who is visiting his brother in this city, was a missionary in the far west province of Szechuan in 1895. He was one of the sufferers by an uprising which eventually cost the Chinese Government a large amount of money. With over a hundred other missionaries, he was compelled to fly for his life in the night. After the little band came the mob, destroying missions and spreading devastation over the entire country. Of that perilous experience, and the principal causes of such uprisings, Mr. Hill says:— "The trouble in Szechuan came with the appointment of a viceroy who wavered in his determination to use the power of the government to protect the missionaries. We were advised one afternoon that there was to be an uprising, and, knowing that the advice was from reliable sources, we determined to escape the town in the night. With my wife and all the others, we made our way to the Yangtze River, and then journeyed down the waterway 2,000 miles to Shanghai. The first hundred miles we traveled on bamboo rafts, and made the trip in eleven hours, in the rushing current of the river. Then we secured a houseboat and drifted many miles, to the head of stream navigation. From that time on we were safe, for we were lost track of by our pursuers, and they were afraid to follow farther. All of our property was destroyed, however, and it was some time before the government reimbursed us. "China is unlike our country in that everything depends upon the disposition of the government. It is not like a land where law reigns and jury trials prevail. The head of the government embodies all the law there is; and people follow the slightest leading of the viceroys, whose powers are absolute. A Chinese viceroy can cut off heads for the slightest provocation. He is a mighty man in his province, and has but to whisper to have all who hang upon his smiles or frowns at his feet. "The most unfriendly to foreigners in China are the student class, from which the officers are drawn. The common people, the ignorant and superstitious, are not generally hostile to Europeans, who can go about in the most distant provinces in comparative safety in ordinary times. It is only when one of the periodical outbreaks of popular passion arises that there is any danger. At such times it is worked up by the literary class and the officials. The imperial government realizes the necessity of protecting foreigners, but at times it is represented in the provinces by men who are weak in character, like the viceroy of Szechuan, and then disorder begins and grows."