Biblical Teaching about Visions and Their Perpetuation in the Church
By George Ide Butler
GEO. I. BUTLER
WE are well aware of the skepticism prevailing in these latter times concerning visions and everything of that nature. “Visionary” is the term in common parlance covering all such experiences, and expressing incredulity concerning their reality. But that wonderful book, the Bible, speaks very differently concerning visions. The wise man says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Prov. 29:12. Visions from the Lord and the keeping of the law of God are associated. Through visions the great God instructs his people. It was considered one of the greatest calamities when God’s people had no visions among them.
When the prophet Jeremiah sorrowfully lamented over the terrible judgments which had been inflicted upon his people, he said mournfully concerning the daughter of Zion, “Her gates are7sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the Lord.” Lam. 2:9. In summing up these terrible calamities, he mentions as the greatest of all the judgments, the fact that God has ceased to speak to his people through visions. How differently do his professed people now regard visions! They want no visions from the Lord.
Let us consider now how God speaks to his people. The first verse of the prophecy of Isaiah reads as follows: “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Then follow the sixty-six chapters of Isaiah, that prince of prophets, largely given through vision. The first verse of the prophecy of Ezekiel reads: “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.” Then follow the forty-eight chapters of his prophecy, which was given through vision. Then comes the wonderful book of Daniel, the great statesman and prime minister of Nebuchadnezzar the Great, and of Darius and Cyrus, the first kings of Medo-Persia. It is said of him, “Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” The revelations through visions to him are among the most important in all the Bible. The messages of several of the lesser prophets were given through vision. Others of the prophets say, “The word of the Lord came unto me, saying.” If the reader will turn to Second Samuel, chapter 7, reading verses 1-17, he will find that the terms “the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,” and “having a vision” mean the same.
We have been seeking to find out how the prophets were inspired to write their wonderful prophecies. No other books in the world afford such light. The good, devout people of all ages consider these revelations as God-given. They could come from no other source, for none but God knows the future. Some of the prophecies of Daniel, for example, foretell events more than two thousand years in advance of their occurrence. It was through visions that God gave his revelations.
“But this was in Old Testament times,” the objector may say. “Do we have any evidence that the New Testament was thus written?” Paul was a prominent writer of the New Testament. Let him speak for himself: “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven. . . . How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful [“possible,” margin] for a man to utter. Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. . . . And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” 2 Cor. 12:1-7. From these statements we may draw the following conclusions:—
1. Paul is speaking of his own experience. This is evident from the statement itself. His modesty is revealed in the language he uses.
2. He is talking about “visions and revelations of the Lord” to him.
3. In a vision he was “caught up to the third heaven,” or to paradise, and the event was so remarkably real to him that he could not tell whether he was actually and bodily taken up there, or whether his mind was so impressed by the vision that it seemed he was actually so taken up; in other words, during the time occupied by this vision he was utterly unconscious of anything taking place about him. From this experience we may conclude that in any vision which God gives, the mind of the one in vision is utterly unconscious of the occurrence of anything else.
From Paul’s language another conclusion is evident, that he did not share in the view that visions from God are trivial matters, as is commonly thought by most people now. He considered that such experiences are of the greatest possible glory and importance. Having visions from God is the highest honor God confers upon mortals. By them heavenly light and instruction come direct from the throne of the Eternal. Paul recognized that such experiences might lead to self-exaltation, and he says God sent him a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. Paul’s wonderful writings contain the instruction he received in heavenly visions. In this way he was inspired to write instruction for the Christians of all ages.
The beloved John was made a channel of communication from God to man in the wonderful book of Revelation. “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.” Rev. 1:1.
The book of Revelation was all given through vision. The book of Daniel in the Old Testament was largely given in the same manner. These two books contain the most definite, clear, and full revelation of God’s purposes and plans ever given to mankind. They are virtually history in advance. They stand among the most remarkable evidences that the God of the Bible is the God that rules the universe. None but he could tell the great events of history before their actual occurrence. With our own eyes we are seeing events which were clearly foretold more than twenty centuries ago. No book except the Bible has ever done this, and these events were revealed through heavenly visions. Satan himself has been blinding the minds of men to the value and importance of heavenly visions. The great mass of professors of religion have no conception of the importance of this subject. To reject visions is to reject the Bible, for a large portion of that blessed Book was given through visions.
Whether the Bible teaches that true visions will be seen in the last days will be a very interesting subject for consideration. There has certainly been a long interregnum since the close of the first century of the Christian dispensation, when John had his visions. Why has this been so? and will visions be seen again in the last days? Our next article will take up this question.
Bowling Green, Fla.
The Motive Behind It
By J. O. Corliss
The Atonement — No. 2
The Motive Behind It
J. O. CORLISS
The very nature and object of the atonement naturally suggests the motive for putting it in operation. The fact that its culmination is the restoration of the sinner to his forfeited oneness with Jehovah, is the best evidence that the plan originated in love. The statement that God’s love toward the human race is “everlasting” (Jer. 31:3), confirms the thought that every act of his from the very first was prompted by love. In reality it could not be otherwise, since “God is love.” 1 John 4:16. With Jehovah, love is not an acquired attribute; for he is the author of it, being the very thing itself.
As the object of the atonement is to restore lost souls to divine fellowship, and that through sacrificial love, it is clear that the creation of man must have been wrought under the same prompting. The fact that the controlling motive which guided in the original creation of man remained intact after he was made captive by sin, reveals that God’s love is coexistent with himself, and, if it were possible, has only become more clearly manifested in man’s behalf than at the beginning. This is shown by Jehovah’s willingness to give his only begotten Son as a sacrifice for man’s restoration to his original place of oneness with himself. John 3:16.8
Love is therefore more than a mere desire or passion for something. Human desire is subject to changes according to shifting circumstances. But the original love of the Creator being an inherent component of One with whom is not even the “shadow of turning” (James 1:17), cannot possibly be altered, though the creature has changed his attitude toward the original designs of his Creator. It must therefore be true that in sending Christ, the “Well Beloved,” into the world to die for man, God revealed that he yet loved the world as he did his “only begotten Son.” John 17:23.
In his open conversation with the Father, the Saviour declared he had been the object of infinite love before the foundation of the world (John 17:24), and he therefore prayed in behalf of his followers that they might also enjoy the same high honor. Verse 26. It was undoubtedly, too, this sense of a Father’s eternal love that gave him the earnest longing for renewed fellowship with his Father in heaven’s glory. Verse 5. From whatever angle one views love, he must feel that it is nothing less than a longing for fellowship which is not satisfied except when putting forth every endeavor looking to its fulfilment.
But fellowship, real and genuine, can be nothing short of the union of kindred minds. One man’s mind may be superior to another’s, but there is fellowship if both are in accord. One may see in another qualities that awaken admiration, though they fall short of satisfactory development. Then the first thought is to put forth an effort for the elevation of those faculties so as to make fellowship possible. This suggests what God has undertaken in behalf of sinful men. The system of at-one-ment through Christ has been put in operation, that man might be elevated to fellowship with God and Christ. 1 John 1:3-7.
Indeed, this is the basis on which man was created. He was made in the image of heaven’s character, that true fellowship might ensue. Nothing short of such a creation could have walked and talked with Deity in Eden. But when sin entered to mar and even to break the much-desired connection, expressions of deep sorrow followed. The covenant conditions had been violated, and man must leave the “garden of God” to enter upon the labor of sorrow (Gen. 3:16-19), from which relief could be found only in coming to the Source of restorative power, where rest and peace abound. Matt. 11:28; John 16:33.
But notwithstanding man’s breach of faith, the longing for his fellowship yet continued in the breast of “everlasting Love,” who lost no opportunity to engage man’s attention to that end. So when his people were held in slavish bondage, although they had in large measure forgotten him, their groanings came to the ears of the God of Sabaoth (Ex. 2:23), and mighty miracles were wrought to recover for them their liberty. Having brought them out of Egypt into the wilderness, on their way to a land reserved for them, God would have them know that he yet desired their association, and so the command was given them to build, and keep in their midst, a sanctuary for God’s occupation, that he might “dwell among them.” Ex. 25:8.
So careful, indeed, was their divine Associate for their daily welfare that, as they were going to the desired land of peace, the Lord’s Angel of comfort (Ex. 23:20) went before them by day in a cloud, and watched over their nightly rest from a column of fire. Ex. 13:21, 22. But this was not all. When the people were hungry, and no earthly provision appeared, food was mysteriously provided for them, that they might know that God was indeed with them. Ex. 16:4. When the dry sands of the Sinaitic desert afforded no thirst-quenching moisture, a divinely smitten rock gave forth in abundance the necessary refreshment. Ex. 17:6.
In all these cases the favors received were directly from the hand of Jehovah, whose fellowship love for his people assured them his association. These acts of grace were not of an ordinary physical nature; they were spiritual, because of coming through a spiritual source. The apostle recognized this phase of the matter when making reference to the experience of the Israelites in their wilderness wanderings. He says that they did all eat of the same spiritual meat, and did drink of the same spiritual drink, when they partook of that spiritual Rock that went with them, which was the Lord Christ. 1 Cor. 10:3, 4.
God’s treatment of his people is like that of a loving father toward his own children. The psalmist puts it in this form: “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” Ps. 103:13. But the pity of a father for his children is born of love. Nothing else carries genuine pity so strong as love does. It was this same motive, though of an infinitely higher kind, that insured the watchful eye of Heaven’s protection over the people of Israel. The prophet uses this language concerning the matter: “The Angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” Isa. 63:9. No words could tell the fact clearer. The Messenger of his presence saved them, and the act was that of infinite love, which could not be restrained from associating with the object of its affection.
This kindred fellowship was continued until Israel was safely established in the land of Canaan, and would have been indefinitely extended had not that people grown weary of heavenly direction, and demanded to be led by an earthly king instead of the divinely chosen Messenger. 1 Sam. 8:5-7. Even after this defection, the Lord said to them, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isa. 43:1. He promised that he would be with them if they were called to pass through the deepest waters or to tread the hottest fire. They were precious in his sight, made honorable because of his love bestowed in redeeming them to his fellowship.
It is this, and even more, that portrays the manner of love to which attention is called by the beloved disciple, the depths of which cannot be fathomed by the finite mind. Yet all this has been done in order that we might take the name of sons of the Lord Almighty. 1 John 3:1. But to become “sons” of God involves a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17) of the sinner, in preparation to stand in the glorious presence of God when all things have been made new. Rev. 21:3-5. This can be done only by the Messenger of his presence, who has been commissioned to complete the great plan of at-one-ment between God and his people. The next article will be devoted to a study of this Messenger’s representative character.
Glendale, Cal.
A Great Confession
By M. Leslie Rice
M. LESLIE RICE
The following experience came to the writer recently: I was invited by the pastor of the —— Church to speak in his church one Sunday evening. Taking advantage of the opportunity of sowing some seed of truth, I accepted the invitation, and chose for the subject “The Judgment.” At the appointed hour I found a company of eager listeners, and by the Spirit of God deep impressions were made upon the minds of all, even the pastor.
At the close of my sermon the pastor said, “I feel as if I must say a few words. You have heard tonight the straight testimony. Our brother has given us the word, unmixed with human theories, and I admire him for it; but he is a young man, new in the ministry, and he preaches what he thinks is truth; but see him ten years from now and his bread and butter will be behind his preaching. He will then preach to please the people. I dare not preach the straight testimony,—the ministers at large dare not do it,—and if I did, you who are here before me would take up stones and stone me.”
Surely this points to the time of the end. May God give those who preach his word grace to stand firm, even against opposition.
San Bernardino, Cal.
Family Worship
By J. M. Cole
J. M. COLE
The value of family worship cannot be overestimated. That home in which there is no family altar cannot expect the divine benediction. If the Lord does not cover our habitation with the shadow of his wings, surely our home will be without a shelter in the storm. If we do not seek the Lord for his guidance, our household will be like a ship without a pilot.
The misbehavior of many of the children of professedly Christian parents is often due to the neglect of family worship or the cold formality at the altar of prayer. Many a sore judgment has befallen households because God was not duly honored therein. We have seen parents allow their young children to play or run about during worship, and later wonder why their children were not more inclined to seek the Lord at the family altar. Parents cannot begin too early to teach their children to reverence the hour of worship. The neglect of quiet reverence is one of the first steps toward the world.
“Eli was a good man, pure in morals; but he was too indulgent. . . . He did not want to hurt the feelings of any one, and had not the moral courage to rebuke and reprove sin. . . .
“The guilty sons of Eli were slain in battle. . . . He knew that his sin of neglect in failing to stand for the right and restrain wrong had at last9deprived Israel of her strength and glory. . . . What a lesson have we here for parents and guardians of youth.”
. . . We are just as accountable for evils that we might have checked in others, by reproof, by warning, by exercise of parental or pastoral authority, as if we were guilty of the acts ourselves.
“Eli should have first attempted to restrain evil by mild measures; but if that would not avail, he should have subdued the wrong by the sternest measures. . . . Eli was gentle, loving, and kind, and had a true interest in the service of God. But he was wanting; . . . he did not add to his faith the courage and power to say no at the right time and in the right place.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IV, pp. 516, 517.
A lady with whom we are acquainted said, “I never knew family prayer to be neglected in our home, no matter how busy we were. If my father was away, mother would lead.” That family of seven are all devout Christians. Did the earnest prayers and the quiet but steady requirements of these parents have anything to do with making the children what they are?
“If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer, it is now. . . . And yet, in this time of fearful peril, some who profess to be Christians have no family worship. They do not honor God in the home; they do not teach their children to love and fear him. Many have separated themselves so far from him that they feel under condemnation in approaching him. They cannot ‘come boldly unto the throne of grace,’ ‘lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.’ Heb. 4:16; 1 Tim. 2:8. They have not a living connection with God. Theirs is a form of godliness without the power.
“The idea that prayer is not essential is one of Satan’s most successful devices to ruin souls. . . . By sincere, earnest prayer, parents should make a hedge about their children. They should pray with full faith that God will abide with them, and that holy angels will guard them and their children from Satan’s cruel power.
“In every family there should be a fixed time for morning and evening worship. . . . The father, and in his absence the mother, should conduct the worship, selecting a portion of Scripture that is interesting and easily understood. . . .
“Fathers and mothers, make the hour of worship intensely interesting. There is no reason why this hour should not be the most pleasant and enjoyable of the day. . . . The prayer offered should be short and pointed. In simple, earnest words let the one who leads in prayer praise God for his goodness and ask him for help. As circumstances permit, let the children join in the reading and the prayer.
“Eternity alone will reveal the good with which such seasons of worship are fraught. . . .
“Each morning and evening gather your children around you, and in humble supplication lift the heart to God for help. . . . Those who would live patient, loving, cheerful lives must pray. Only by receiving constant help from God can we gain the victory over self.
“Each morning consecrate yourselves and your children to God for that day. . . . Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up, as his providence shall indicate. Accept his plans instead of your own, even though their acceptance requires the abandonment of cherished projects.”—Id., Vol. VII, pp. 42-44.
Australasia.
When Will Christ Receive His Kingdom?
By O. A. JOHNSON
O. A. JOHNSON
Christ is now a priest-king, and sits upon his Father’s throne as an associate ruler with his Father during the reign of the kingdom of grace. This reign of grace will end when probation closes. Then, and not till then, will the kingdoms of this world be given to Christ; and of his reign there will be no end. But as this has been clearly set forth by abler writers, we will let them speak.
In a work on the judgment, published by the Pacific Press, pages 100, 101, this subject is presented concisely and clearly, as follows:—
“The relation of these two thrones to the work of our Lord is very important to be understood. As a priest after the order of Melchizedek, who was both priest and king (Gen. 14: 18-20; Ps. 110: 1, 4; Heb. 7: 1-3), the Saviour has had a joint rule with his Father upon the throne of the universe. Zech. 6: 12, 13. His office of priest-king continues till his Father makes his enemies his footstool. Then he delivers up the kingdom which he has shared with his Father to him alone, that God may be all in all. 1 Cor. 15: 24-28. His reign upon the throne of his Father ends with all his enemies being given to him for destruction.
“The throne given him when his priesthood ends is that which he inherits as David’s heir. On that throne he shall reign over the immortal saints for endless ages. Luke 1: 32, 33; Isa. 9: 6, 7. Upon the throne of the Father he had a joint rule as priest-king; upon his own throne his people have a joint rule with him. The first ends, that God may be all in all; the second is a reign that shall continue forever.”
Uriah Smith in his comment on Dan. 7: 13, 14, has the following note on this subject:—
“The scene here described is not the second advent of Christ to this earth, unless the Ancient of days is on this earth; for it is a coming to the Ancient of days. There, in the presence of the Ancient of days, a kingdom, dominion, and glory are given him. The Son of man receives his kingdom before his return to this earth. (See Luke 19: 10-12 and onward.) This is a scene, therefore, which transpires in the heavenly temple, and is closely connected with that brought to view in verses 9 and 10. He receives the kingdom at the close of his priestly work in the sanctuary.”—“Daniel and the Revelation,” p. 156.
Mrs. E. G. White speaks as follows of the investigative judgment, of the bride and the marriage, of the time when Christ receives the kingdom, and of the order of these events:—
“The investigative judgment is clearly represented as taking place before the marriage. Previous to the wedding the king comes in to see the guests,—to see if all are attired in the wedding garment, the spotless robe of character washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on, are accepted of God, and accounted worthy of a share in his kingdom and a seat upon his throne. This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment, the closing work in the sanctuary above.”—“The Great Controversy,” p. 428.
“In the parable, when the bridegroom came, ‘they that were ready went in with him to the marriage.’ The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of his kingdom. The holy city, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called ‘the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ Said the angel to John, ‘Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’”—Id., p. 426.
“Not until his work as a mediator shall be ended, will God ‘give unto him the throne of his father David,’ a kingdom of which ‘there shall be no end.’”—Id., p. 416.
“The coming of Christ here described is not his second coming to the earth. He comes to the Ancient of days in heaven to receive dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, which will be given him at the close of his work as a mediator.”—Id., pp. 479, 480.
College Place, Wash.
Do Not Imitate
INSIST on yourself: never imitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life's cultivation, but of the adopted talent of another you have only an extemporaneous, half possession. That which each can do best none but his Maker can teach him. Where is the master who could have instructed Franklin or Washington or Bacon or Newton? Every great man is unique. Do that which is assigned to you, and you cannot hope too much or dare too much.—Emerson.
A Wise Son Heeds Instruction
“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”
W. G. KNEELAND
By W. G. Kneeland
Nicaragua
W. G. KNEELAND
ON a recent trip to the northern part of our conference [West Caribbean], I spent four days on Corn Island, one of the small islands about forty miles northeast of Bluefields, Nicaragua. This island has a population of about eight hundred. Now that there are prospects that this island will become a United States naval coaling station, these islands are likely to come into more prominence soon. Although the island is under Spanish rule, the people speak English, and favor the Protestant faith.
Our work began there a few months ago, when Elder J. A. Reid and family were sent to that island. A good beginning has been made. Nine adults have been baptized, and a Sabbath school of eighteen members has been organized. Plans have been laid for the erection of a small house of worship in the near future.
Leaving Corn Island, in company with Brother Reid I spent more than two weeks among the Sabbath-keeping Mosquito Indians in the Wava River district. During the day we worked with the Indians, getting out material from the forest and preparing it for a church building. We also had daily studies on the cardinal points of our faith, which were translated into the Mosquito language, and also into Spanish, as circumstances required. Nearly enough material and cash were secured to complete the eighteen-by-thirty-foot building they are erecting from native pine and mahogany timber.
Four adult persons were baptized, a church of twenty-six members was organized,—about one half of whom are aboriginal Indians,—officers were elected, and the ordinances were celebrated.
We also made two visits to another village of 130 inhabitants, about ten miles from our church. None of these people are able to read. Our brethren have been doing missionary work among them, and now the headman and the majority of the people do not go to their work on the Sabbath, and are anxious to be fully instructed in the gospel truths.
Some years ago they built a house and invited the Moravian missionaries to establish a school among them, but nothing permanent was done for them. About fifty attend the Sabbath service whenever we can send some one to explain the Sabbath school lesson to them from the picture roll. Already we see marked improvement in their way of living, and many evidences that they desire to know the story of Jesus, who died to save these children of the forest.
They are very anxious for a day school to be conducted among them for their children. The headman tried his best to convince us that we ought to take his only son along with us and teach him to read, so he could return and help his people. As soon as he found out that we were willing to co-operate with him to provide a school, he called the whole village together to consider what they could do to secure a teacher. They at once began to plan to build a church like the one they saw us building in the other village, so there would be a place ready for us. Each family having children promised to give a stated sum each month in cash or provisions for the support of the teacher. The headman also took us into the hills, where they would all work together clearing and planting lands for the support of the school. Several years ago one of our brethren from the Bay Islands took his family and settled among the Mosquito Indians. He has learned their language and gained their confidence. By caring for them in their sickness, he is now having many opportunities to minister to their spiritual needs as well.
Although the New Testament has been translated into their dialect, only a very small per cent of the Indians can read it. Their great need is teachers who will learn their language sufficiently to converse with them in their own tongue, and then conduct elementary training schools for them in both English and Spanish, teaching them how to establish and maintain Christian homes. In these little schools we believe a number of persons could soon be given sufficient training so that they could visit their people scattered in small groups throughout this country, and tell them the old, old story of Jesus' love, which they have never heard.
Although we have already gone beyond the limit of financial safety, according to our visible resources, by opening up Colombia and strengthening our staff of workers in Costa Rica this year, yet we did not dare refuse altogether this urgent call from a most needy people.
We are inviting all our people in this field to make special offerings, in addition to the offerings they are already making, which are very liberal considering their abilities, trusting that by the time the Indians have a building ready, we can raise sufficient funds to pay the transportation of a teacher, and to furnish some other aid until the work can be established on a self-supporting basis.
Another Year of Mission School Work in Africa
By S. M. Konigmacher
S. M., KONIGMACHER
THE past season has been a very trying one on account of the great heat. There has also been a scarcity of rain, especially during the time when the crops needed it; and consequently there will be suffering in some parts of the district, though most of the natives are getting a little food from their gardens. The rains are about over, and the cooler weather has come, which will be appreciated by many. [This was written March 26.]
On account of poor crops last year and a shortage of corn, we were obliged to close our school earlier this year than last. We have had between forty and fifty boys with us the last six months, and there seemed to be a greater desire for an education than ever before. The last week of school was devoted entirely to special services to try to win the boys to Christ. We were glad when a number asked for baptism.
We had two preaching services during the day, and the boys had their morning worship in their different houses; the evening worship was held together, with a native leading. The teachers from the outschools, with their wives, spent this week with us. It was especially interesting to us to see the great change that had come over the wife of one of the outschools teachers, and to hear her earnest testimony on Sabbath evening. Before she went to Maninga to help her husband, she lived near the station here, and for years did not seem to take any interest in his work, but the Spirit entered her heart, and she is now completely changed. The work for the women in this district is very discouraging, but when we see such a change as this take place in six months, we are encouraged to try again. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord,” is the work to be done.
On Sabbath after the service we went to the Magoye River for baptism. The boys sang almost all the way to the river. Many had never before seen a baptism, and we are sure that the burial of these three in the watery grave made a lasting impression. We hope that many will return to school, and follow their Lord in the same way. They were also greatly interested in the Lord’s Supper, which was celebrated in the afternoon. One boy, who had backslidden, could not rest till he came back and was rebaptized. We are thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit, which had been with us in marked measure during the whole school year. The testimonies of the boys every Sabbath evening were good, and we could always feel the presence of the Spirit at such times.
Mrs. Konigmacher made about twenty-five copies of the songs we translated, bound them into little booklets, and gave them to the boys who could read. These the boys took home with them, and we hope they will help to attract others to Jesus when used by the boys in the little11services they will hold in the villages where they live.
It is really surprising to find that some boys who do not seem good students in school do very good work when they are at home. I was particularly impressed with this fact when I went to Lusaka and found a boy who in school seemed very unpromising, but when I reached his village I was surprised to see what he had done.
I have just had a bad spell of fever, but now that I am getting stronger again, I shall go out tomorrow to Fufwa to reopen some village schools. Though in Nyasaland I had thought a school with an attendance of only twenty a small one, yet here we think such an attendance is very good.
My brother kindly sent me some picture charts. Last week when some of the boys went out into village work, I gave out a few, as they are a great help in such work. Last year Stephen took a chart with him, and this year a boy who came to school from the district where Stephen labored, said the chart was a great help in interesting him in our work. I also use the charts. Many times I succeed where I am sure I could not if I did not use them. Calls are coming from many places for pictures. Some of the boys offer to buy them. I also find the lantern a help, as I try to impress the people with the truth through their eyes and ears and through song.
Pray for the Batongas, and for us who are working for them.
Rhodesia, South Africa
The Breaking Down of Caste in India
THINGS are certainly changing in India. We quote the words of Rev. F. E. Jeffrey, of Aruppukottai:— “A marvelous revolution is in progress. Twenty-five years ago the writer was stoned for innocently taking a low-caste Christian servant through the Brahman street. The other day he sat down to a banquet with college students of all castes, including three divisions of Brahmans. All were served by servants of low-caste extraction. In Bombay, on December 28, an All-India Inter- caste dinner, organized with the avowed object of doing away with caste differences, was held. Of the 450 guests from various castes, 225 were Brahmans, 50 were Indian women, and 20 were the so-called ‘untouchables.’” — American Board Quarterly News Bulletin, Boston, Mass., May 19, 1916.
THE heated season, just past, has been one of the most trying times of drought in the history of our missions in South Africa. Brother W. H. Anderson says it is the worst he has known during his twenty-one years in Africa. A rain came at Solusi just in time to save the crops. Fever is severe also. At Somabula the natives about the mission have come for food, but there is nothing with which to supply their need. Such are the trying conditions our missionaries are forced to encounter at times. Truly they need our prayers and our loyal support.
What Our Literature is Accomplishing in China
By James E. Shultz
JAMES E. SHULTZ
WITH this I am sending something that I think will be of interest. It is a Chinese code telegram that I received a short time ago from western Chinese Turkestan. If you will look on the map, you will see that Brother Allum's station at Chung-king, Szechuan, which is our most distant western outstation at the present time, is only about one third of the distance from Shanghai to the city of Kashgar, the place from which the message was sent. While the sending of this code telegram is unimportant in itself, as the message is only a petition which we were asked to publish in the magazine, yet it is significant, for it shows that our magazine is circulating on the distant western borders of the Asiatic Division, and that it is considered of sufficient importance to warrant the citizens' committee of the city of Kashgar in spending over fifty dollars gold to send this message to us for publication. It shows the rating of our magazine as compared with the other papers and magazines of China.
One page of the code telegram received at Shanghai from western Chinese Turkestan
How our magazine got away out there I do not know, for the only railroad connection leads almost to the city of Moscow, and thence down through Russian Turkestan to the borders of Chinese Turkestan; but that it is there cannot be questioned, for they sent the message to our exact address, and asked that it be published in the Signs of the Times. I am thinking that here is an opening for us on our extreme western border, and am sending them several more copies of our papers. I am asking where they learned of us, also that they send us a list of subscribers. It will be some time before I can receive an answer, for the nearest railroad is two hundred miles distant from Kashgar.
Rejoicing in Severe Trials
“If God is taking you through severe trials, you should rejoice in the consciousness that he knows you have the stuff in you that can endure them and be benefited thereby.”
