The things that comprise a holy life are not the so-called great things,—brilliant speeches, eloquent sermons, a great battle fought, or a remarkable achievement in science or the world of art,—neither can we always rely on the wonderful impressions that may come to the mind; these do not make up the life of the child of God.
Every one has battles to fight, victories to win, all the way through to the end of the race. We must fight against little evils, little sins, as well as large ones. There are trifling inconsistencies in others that one must pass by, in youthful minds as well as those that are older.
We are placed in this world for a two-fold purpose,—to live for the interest of our fellow beings, and to learn lessons in the school of Christ, that we may be fitted to dwell with Jesus and holy angels. There are lessons of patience, and submission to the small trials and petty annoyances of every-day life to learn. There are little deeds of love and kindness to the poor and needy, little acts of mercy and benevolence to the sick and afflicted, to perform all through life.
Often we think our way is hard, when the Master permits us to pass through a trying place. What an effort we make to get out of it! Perhaps we are called to pass over the same road again because of our failure to learn the lessons that our loving Heavenly Father has tried to teach us.
If we learn the lessons the Lord is endeavoring to teach us, we shall not only be fitted to dwell in a world where everything is pure and holy, but we shall have peace and joy in our hearts as we journey thither. “Like as a Father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” We know Jesus is our best friend, and that all heaven is interested in our welfare. “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,” and we can still trust the One who is everything to us.
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it can not save; neither his ear heavy, that it can not hear.” Isa. 59:1. “Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?” Jer. 23:23.
The Beatitudes
By Sarah M. Saunders
SARAH M. SAUNDERS
WHEN the Son of God left the bosom of his Father, and came to earth to make known his Father's will toward fallen man, he lost no opportunity of doing and speaking good. In the beginning of his ministry, he selected twelve men from among those who occupied humble walks and vocations in life.
Often it became necessary for Jesus to take his disciples apart from the multitude, and instruct and comfort them. In his memorable sermon on the mount, where he made known to his disciples the blessedness of their calling, we learn many things which should encourage and cheer us on our pilgrimage. At this time Jesus pronounced blessings upon those who sought the ways of life. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” he said; “blessed are they that mourn;” “blessed are the meek;” “blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness;” “blessed are the merciful;” “blessed are the pure in heart;” “blessed are the peacemakers.” For each of the characters here represented, there is a blessing pronounced,—a satisfying of their desires, a fulfilling of their highest happiness and aspirations.
Reading a little farther in the sacred narrative, we find another comforting assurance for the people of God: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Matt. 5:11. The Saviour himself was persecuted, falsely accused, and reviled by those who themselves believed they were doing God's service. After he had accomplished the work for which he was sent, and had been buffeted, scourged, spit upon, and condemned to an ignominious death, some of those who had been his most intimate friends deserted him, and even denied any knowledge of him; yet he possessed within himself the blessed assurance of his Father's approval and recognition. While he was thus reviled, he “reviled not again,” but lifted his eyes toward heaven, and pleaded with his Father in behalf of his persecutors, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” In this we have a blessed example of the spirit we should manifest.
Battle Creek, Mich.
And Praying
By L. D. Boardman
L. D. BOARDMAN
LUKE was inspired to record that, on both the occasions when the Holy Spirit was manifestly poured out, it was a direct answer to prayer. The first instance is recorded in Luke 13:21: “Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.” A. R. V. The second is found in Acts 1:14: “These all with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer,” this being their attitude of mind for a period of ten days, until the wonderful events recorded in the second chapter of Acts took place.
Can we not realize that, until we attain to the “one accord” condition, we are not ready for the Spirit?
Rich blessings have been received at our conference meetings, and at our church gatherings, when a spirit of oneness, of self-forgetfulness, of sincere humility, and of reconsecration has been manifested. But we need to go yet further. In complete self-abnegation, in entire renunciation of our sordid earth-longings, in perfect purity of heart, we must seek His power to come among us.
“Our God is a consuming fire,” therefore we must expect all the dross in our natures to be burned out of us; then, and not until then, are we clean vessels, fit for the Master's use, fit instruments for the King's service, fit weapons for the direction of the Holy Spirit of God.
Hove, Sussex, England.
Deeper Consecration
By H. S. PETERS
H. S. PETERS
THE week of prayer is now in the past. No doubt all have resolved that the coming year will see in their lives a closer walk with God. This is right. Christ has given us light, that we may not be in the dark in regard to his desire toward us. The Master desires consecrated, willing minds, devoted hearts, and faithful service. He says of his children: “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.”
For years we have talked about the loud cry of the third angel’s message. Now the time of that cry is upon us, and it is for us to give it. If the people will not come to us, we must go to the people. This message must be given in this generation. There has been a great work done, but a greater work remains. Money alone will not do it, neither will God send his angels to do it, independently of our efforts.
One excellent way to carry this message is by working with the Family Bible Teacher. Shall we not take up this work? Shall we not carry the message to the people, to open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith? The Lord has gone before us, and the people are waiting for something, they know not what. The Spirit of God is preparing the soil for the seed of truth. Shall we sow it? If we do, we shall see an uprising that will bring our work conspicuously before the public, and will glorify God as the banner of truth is held up before the people, to give them the opportunity to decide where they will stand.
Pittsburg, Pa.
Resisting the Light of Truth
By Keith
It is easy to exclude the noontide light by closing the eyes; and it is easy to resist the clearest truth by hardening the heart against it.—Keith.
Don't Trouble
THERE'S a saying old and rusty,
But as good as any new;
'Tis, “Never trouble trouble
Till trouble troubles you.”
Don't you borrow sorrow;
You'll surely have your share;
He who dreams of sorrow
Will find that sorrow's there.
If care you've got to carry,
Wait till 'tis at the door;
For he who runs to meet it
Takes up the load before.
If minding will not mend it,
Then better not to mind;
The best thing is to end it;
Just leave it all behind.
Then don't you trouble trouble
Till trouble troubles you.
You'll only double trouble,
And trouble others too.
— Selected.
Overheated Houses and Pneumonia
By D. H. Kress
D. H. KRESS, M. D.
DURING the winter, pneumonia is responsible for more deaths than any other disease, not even excepting tuberculosis. One out of about every five deaths in our large cities during the month of December was due to this disease.
While tuberculosis attacks the undernourished, those suffering from malnutrition, pneumonia selects the overnourished, who are apparently robust and in good health.
The soil which most favors the growth of the germ of pneumonia is the one which contains most organic impurities. Because of this, pneumonia is chiefly a meat-eaters’ disease, and confined to those whose habits are sedentary, or to house-dwellers.
Starch, sugar, and fats are the natural heat producers in winter as well as during the summer. They should be used more liberally, however, during the winter than during the summer months, because a greater amount of heat is needed to keep the body warm. When burned up within the body, they give off carbonic-acid gas and water, which are readily eliminated. When used a little in excess, the person may put on adipose tissue, but no serious injury results.
There are many who recognize that meat is not the most suitable food for the summer, but for some reason the feeling prevails that while meat-eating may not be indicated during the summer months, it becomes a necessity during the cold weather. As a result, meat is partaken of in large quantities by the average American during the winter. While meat can be utilized in the production of heat, it is never a good body fuel. In the first place, it has concealed within its fibers organic impurities which favor the growth of bacteria; and secondly, when it is burned up within the body, it forms carbonic-acid gas and water, the same as do the fats, sugar, and starches; and in addition there is left a solid residuum, or ash, popularly known as uric acid. One who leads an active, outdoor life can dispose of a good share of this product, for the active muscle and the improved circulation of blood through the liver assist in converting the harmful uric acid and other organic wastes into harmless products, and as such they may be eliminated through the kidneys without marked injury to the tissues through which they circulate or the organs through which they are eliminated.
In addition to this, meat always undergoes a certain amount of putrefaction in the alimentary canal. All meat-eaters suffer with a mild form of ptomain poisoning all the time. The poisons are not formed in sufficient quantities to cause serious symptoms, but in sufficient amount to undermine the resistance of the tissue to germs of disease, and they especially prepare the tissue soil for the cultivation of the germ of pneumonia.
In themselves, cold and changes in temperature are not responsible for pneumonia. They act only as causes if they are successful in leading us to shut up our offices, living-rooms, and bedrooms.
It is the breathing of impure air, and especially of overheated impure air, that is responsible for the increased prevalence of this disease during the winter months.
We may guard against pneumonia by keeping the tissue soil unfertile for the growth of this specific germ. We do this: (1) By using in moderation the nitrogenous foods, and excluding meats from our dietary; (2) by suitably protecting our bodies from sudden changes of temperature by proper clothing; (3) by admitting outdoor air into the rooms in which we live and sleep; and (4) by preventing overheating of the living-rooms, for even overheated pure air is debilitating.
The temperature during the day should not be above sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, and at night it may be as low as forty degrees, or even lower, provided the body is well protected and is kept warm.
The admission of air should be regulated according to the outdoor temperature. It should be admitted in such a way as not to strike the floor.
The aim in every ventilating system should be to keep the air surrounding the feet warmer than the air surrounding the head. This can be done by directing the air upward as it enters the room. The simplest contrivance is a slat about three inches in width placed at the bottom of the lower window. This will allow the air to enter at the union of the upper and lower sash, and will at the same time direct it upward.
Takoma Park, D. C.
One Mother’s Way
By Charlotte Reese Connor
AFTER teaching another mother how to take care of her child’s health, I went home, and found one of my own boys ruining his eyesight reading fine print in the waning afternoon light. I was going to begin sharply, but remembered the boy’s impatient temper, so I said: “Son, did you ever hear the story of the carpenter of Carlsbad?”
No, he hadn’t.
“Well, come and sit with me, and I’ll tell it.”
“There was once a carpenter who lived in Carlsbad, and he was always bragging about the fine things he could build if he had good tools. One night he had a dream. A friend brought him the finest chest of tools that had ever been seen,—shining saws, sharp chisels, planes, a brace and bit, and all the things necessary to build a house.”
“Take care of these,” he said, “for you will need them all your life, and you will get no more.”
“When the carpenter woke up, he found it was not all a dream; for on the chair by the bedside was the very tool-chest he had dreamed of,—complete, new, and in perfect order.”
“You may imagine how pleased he was. But as time went on, he forgot what his friend had told him about taking care of his tools. When he used his saw, he let its teeth get dulled; when he used his chisels, he left them out where they got rained on or rusty. Gradually everything got out of place, broken, and dull-edged. Suddenly there came a call to build a new palace for the emperor. It was to be the finest palace in the world, and the best workmen were called in to help. Our builder came also. Here was the great job he had wanted all his life; now he would make a reputation and a fortune. Alas! when he began to work, he had nothing fit to use. Some of his tools were lost, all were dull, rusty, and worthless, and he could accomplish nothing. Any moral there, Donald?”
“You mean my eyes?”
“Of course, and other things too. Your faculties are your working tools. Listen, all of you,” I said to the family, who had just come in from school; “you children all began with a good box of tools,—sharp eyes, sound teeth, perfect hearing, a good stomach, a normal nervous9system. I’ve helped keep your physical machinery in good running order by teaching you the truth about it. But I can not follow you around all the time, and keep you from blunting your tools. If you will read fine print in the dusk, crack hickory-nuts with your teeth, or eat chocolate caramels at bedtime, you will have no eyes, no teeth, no stomach left when you are forty. The doctors are pretty smart nowadays, but I have never heard yet that they could supply you with any of these things to take the place of the old ones that are worn out. Take care of your tools of living.”
“Mother,” said Ruth, “Tom takes awful big mouthfuls at the table.”
“Does he?” said I. “That’s all wrong, and he knows it, but the best way to do is for each one to look after her own mouthfuls, and then she won’t have time to attend to mother’s business of looking after the family.” Ruth subsided.
Then I explained to the children the whole digestive tract,—what becomes of the food when we have swallowed it, how too large mouthfuls of unmasticated food overwork the stomach, what part the saliva has in aiding digestion, and what a painful thing it is to get dyspepsia fastened on one. Reproof at the time does not answer. It is forgotten the next minute. The child’s attention must be aroused until his imagination takes hold of the matter, and urges him to establish good habits.
Besides the general health talks which we have when an occasion like the present arises, I find it is necessary to have quiet sessions with the children separately. I try to teach them reverence for their own bodies. Why not? Does not Paul say they are temples of the Holy Spirit? And if flowers and stars and birds are worth studying as parts of the wonderful scheme of creation, is not also the human body? The course of the constellations in the sky is no more wonderful than the circulation of the blood; the assimilation of the elements of earth, water, and air by a buried seed, bringing it into new and different life, is not less marvelous than the chemical processes which transform food and drink into flesh and blood.
As I look back upon my own life, I realize that every sickness which wasted my time, sapped my strength, and cost me money was unnecessary. I slept at a mountain hotel in damp sheets, and had an attack of bronchitis; I ate too heartily and too fast when I was fatigued, and brought on appendicitis; I went riding in a light wrap, and came down with pneumonia. In every case, if I had known or thought, or somebody had warned me, I would have been saved not only the result in actual illness, but also the long after-effects which one never escapes.
Therefore I try to teach my children how to take care of themselves. The time is not long before they will be going away from me, out into the world where I can not reach them with warnings. —Charlotte Reese Connor, in Ladies’ Home Journal.
Workers’ Meeting in West Africa
By Mrs. D. C. Babcock
MRS. D. C. BABCOCK
The first workers’ meeting ever held in West Africa convened October 10–18. The need of such a gathering has often been considered by those in charge of this mission field, but financial pressure has caused delay.
KIRIMA FALLS, FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA
Our mission stations on the Gold Coast being nearly one thousand miles from Sierra Leone, we could expect only a few of our workers from that field. There were, however, representatives from two of the largest stations. We had most of our workers from other parts of the field; Mrs. Hyatt, representing Liberia, arrived one day after the close of the meeting. Including our brethren and sisters here, there were about one hundred in attendance.
At the opening meeting, Elder D. C. Babcock placed before us its object, giving an outline of papers to be read and questions to be considered.
Each day began with a social and prayer-meeting at 6 A. M. These were especially profitable seasons. The young people met at the mission house, and the older brethren and sisters in the chapel of the school building.
Brother C. E. F. Thompson reported the work at Axim. He said that at times it seemed as if nothing could be accomplished; but they prayed and labored on, and at last victory came. There is now at that place a good company, who are taking hold of the work earnestly.
One day’s walk north from Axim is Appatem, a new station on the Aucobra River. The chief here had erected a mission house and a school building, and is urging us to open our work at an early date. This people know no worship day but the seventh. Brother Thompson also gave an interesting account of his visit to Salt Pond, where there is a family keeping the Sabbath. An urgent call comes from that place for laborers.
Brother C. A. Ackah gave an account of the work in Apollonia. There are now about one hundred Sabbath-keepers among this people, and the natives of several villages are calling for our work to be opened among them. We greatly need more workers on the Gold Coast.
Brethren Randall and I. W. Harding gave an account of the opening of the work at Sherbro. They spoke of the many difficulties to encounter in such a field, and of what can be accomplished if earnest, faithful effort is made. Sister Marke, who has lived the past three years among the Mendi people in the Sherbro district, made an earnest appeal to meet the call for help in that field.
During the progress of the meeting, four men who had just been released from prison for cannibalism, called on Elder Babcock, urging that a teacher be sent to their village. On another river in the same district, another plea is made for help. These are not circumstances simply which make the calls, but earnest appeals from those in heathen darkness, personally calling to us for help.
Prof. T. M. French gave a stirring account of the work at Waterloo. The Lord has greatly blessed in opening the school work there. The new school farm affords employment for the students, and is now giving some returns financially. The new church building provides room in its basement for the school. We now have in training for10our mission field, including the boys at the factory in Freetown, about thirty young men and boys.
An interesting review of the work in Freetown was given by Brother R. P. Dauphin. Although the enemy seeks to undermine the work at the headquarters, yet there is a steady increase in the church-membership. Many of the Freetown church are now engaged in mission work in the colony and on the Gold Coast.
The reports of these laborers from different parts of the field were very encouraging to all present, and awakened new zeal for the cause of God.
The third and fourth days of the meeting were devoted to the educational work. Different features of school work suitable to our mission field were presented by the chairman and Brother French. Papers were also presented by the writer, Mrs. T. M. French, and Mrs. W. H. Lewis. A free discussion followed, bringing out many helpful features in mission school work.
The committee on plans formulated a resolution for the opening of a girls’ training-school. After a short discussion, over three hundred dollars was pledged to be paid by April, 1911, for this commendable undertaking. Who would like to help us in this good work?
Friday, October 14, was Sabbath-school day, and it was a day profitably spent. A paper was presented on Sabbath-school work by the field Sabbath-school secretary. Plans were adopted for carrying on the Sabbath-school work in the field from the standpoint of training laborers for the Master’s use.
Papers were presented Sunday, October 16, on church missionary work and missions in the hinterland. These were well received, and many excellent thoughts were brought out.
Services were held each evening for the public. Education, temperance, and the coming of the Lord were the general themes.
On Monday, October 17, the committee on plans presented its final report, and all questions discussed during the entire meeting received the unanimous support of all present. It could truly be said, ‘They shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion,’ Isa. 52:8.
The meeting closed Tuesday morning, when twelve young men and boys went forward in baptism. Joy filled the hearts of God’s people as they returned to their homes.
Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Tsungwesi Mission, Rhodesia
By M. C. Sturdevant
M. C. STURDEVANT
WE wish once more to tell what God is doing for us. Truly he is good! For a long time I have longed to “break sod” in a new place, and the way has at last opened, and we have been in Mashonaland now two weeks. We were very late in getting here as the government was slow in granting our request for the land. But the answer finally came that we could have this farm, if we would release acre for acre in Matabeleland—the old Solusi Mission. So, knowing that farm to be more than we would ever really need, the brethren here in Africa thought well to make the exchange. One acre here is worth at least three there. There we had much waste land and rocks. Here there is really no waste land; for the hills are covered with splendid pasture grass and timber. Two small rivers, which are never dry, cross the farm. The highlands are rich, and the soil is sandy, good for fruits, nuts, vegetables, and the like. The valley land is a rich, black, loamy soil, just what is needed for corn.
With all this, we are only seven miles from the railroad siding. We feel that Providence has wonderfully worked for us. This is now the third time I am sure that I am where God led me,—first, in going to the Southern States; second, to the Solusi Mission; and third, here. I believe God led me all the way, preparing me for this work. This confidence in God’s leading gives us courage and hope.
Last March, when I was here looking over farms, I passed this one, among many others. A white man, who had been there hardly a year, was that day moving off, giving up the farm. He did not like the hardships of pioneer life. He was leaving some pole-and-mud huts, grass-roofed. These he had sold, including doors and windows, to a neighbor. As I passed the houses, I looked back, and prayed: “O Lord, if it be thy will that I should get this farm, keep those houses for us.”
At that time this farm had not been offered me by the government, but we were offered some others joining on two sides, not nearly so good. Well, I heard no more about the houses being left till I arrived at the railroad siding. Here I met the man who had bought the material. He said that after he took off the doors and windows, having heard I was bidding for the farm, he left the houses, thinking I would want them when I arrived. So, by paying him ten pounds, we had houses ready to move into, with some doors and windows, which I have since put in. We believe God held this man from tearing them down, in answer to my prayer. As we had been delayed so long, grass for roofing was all burned, and now the rains have already set in. Daily, hourly, we say to each other, “What would we have done if these houses had not been here for our shelter?” We would have been set down in the veldt, with only a tent and bucksails for houses till we could build. And how could we have built in all this rain? O, we are sure of God’s leading, and we praise his dear name!
We shall not now be able to do much planting, or raise much of a crop this season, especially with all the building and settling and clearing to do. So far, the remainder of this year and next, we must have financial help for all; but when once the work is started, we are sure we can carry it on with very little help from outside.
There are many natives all around us, and the prospects for a good school are excellent. I have with me twelve of our adult trained workers from Solusi, so we feel strong as far as native help goes. It is a new language, but so much like the one we left that it will not take long to pick it up. Already I understand considerable of it, and my native helpers converse quite freely with the people. We do not dread the language.
We shall expect the prayers and financial help of our people.
Haiti
By W. J. Tanner
W. J. TANNER
THE cycle of time has nearly completed another turn, and we find ourselves in the midst of annual reports and retrospective views of the advancement of God's cause during the year 1910. This has been a prosperous twelve months for the Haitian Mission. An examination of the church records shows that forty-one have been baptized, and seven taken into the church on profession of faith, giving us a net gain of forty-one members. The field now has a baptized membership of one hundred forty-nine. Our accounts, too, show that there has been a very encouraging increase in tithes during the year. Piety and faithfulness seem everywhere to be taking deeper root among our people, and I believe the Lord has many more good things in store for this mission.
As the year closes, we find that our battle lines are drawn closer to those of the enemy than ever before. As I write, I have before me a copy of what I suppose is the first journal ever dedicated by the Catholic clergy for the express purpose of combating the third angel's message. This is a little four-page monthly called Bulletin Catholique de Grande Rivière. The first issue appeared November 15; and the first paragraph of this issue, translated, runs as follows:—
"The Sect of Sabbath Observers
"The little Adventist sect is stirring up and spreading erroneous doctrines. Catholics have so often had their ears knocked off (by the famous beast) that they will have a certain pleasure in reading this little organ, that henceforth from month to month will pursue error into every corner. We shall examine the brochures that the gentlemen who publish Les Signes des Temps [our French paper] send abroad, and we shall gather out and expose the dishonest arguments that they are giving to the public. We place ourselves under the protection of Sainte Rose de Lima."
True to its avowed purpose, the 1st number of this little paper is devoted exclusively to us and to our doctrines. As an exponent of the Scriptures, however, the editor, who is a priest, does not make it worth while for me to translate any other passages for the edification of the readers of the REVIEW. He draws a sort of verbal caricature of Adventists, though even that shows just11what phases of our message trouble his peace of mind the most.
Another thing that throws light on the appearance of this little sheet is the fact that at Grande Riviere, where it is published, I have baptized twenty-nine Roman Catholics this year, and have a class of eighteen more who have come out of that church, and are preparing for baptism.
Our work in Haiti is not dead, by any means. The week following the publication of the above-mentioned paper, our brethren at Grande Riviere were compelled to begin a series of meetings to satisfy the demand of the Catholics to hear further about the beast, Babylon, and the Sabbath. These meetings were the largest we have ever held in this place; as to what the results will be, we can not say, but the end is not yet.
Cape Haitien.
Kiusiu, Japan
By W. L. Foster
W. L. FOSTER
Kiusiu means, in Japanese, “nine provinces,” and is an island containing six and one-half millions of people. In all this island the Japanese empire had its beginning; mission work for Japan also began here; hence there are many places of interest. The proclamation of this message for Kiusiu had its beginning in Nagasaki, and did not reach much beyond until the present year.
After coming to Nagasaki a year ago, things looked very dark, and the prospects for establishing the work were poor for many months; but we continued to work and pray until we had as many as thirty Bible readers a day. Severe sickness in the spring compelled us to leave during the summer; but we returned September 2, and meetings were begun the following week. On September 16, tent-meetings were opened, with good attendance, and continued thirty-two nights under the most unfavorable conditions of weather. Nearly every one in attendance took severe colds; but as we had no other place to go, and the interest was good, we did not feel like closing. One young man, who was waiting for baptism, was helping at the tent when needed, and spent the remainder of his time canvassing. His name was Kamio, and we all learned to love him, and thought surely he would make an excellent worker. But during the stormy weather he took cold, and died in five days of pneumonia. It was indeed a bitter experience for us. Kamio San rests on the mountain back of the city, but we believe he sleeps only until Jesus calls him at the resurrection of the just. His aged mother and little brother, who have also found the Saviour, received baptism yesterday, with nine others.
Since the tent-meetings closed, our meetings have been held in a hall, or “kogisho,” as we call it in Japan. Two of the canvassers have gone to attend the school at Tokyo, and another worker goes this week to study the Bible and to help in the teaching. Sister Cornish remained in the north after the summer’s work, so while the burdens are becoming heavier, our force of workers is decreasing. We are continually finding interested ones for whom to work. At present two thousand neat invitations for Bible study are being circulated as we again canvass the city.
Among the eleven baptized, the first of November, was a physician, a sea-captain, and the daughter of the first Japanese Christian; also a banker’s son, who loses his earthly home to win one in heaven. The captain, mentioned above, was one night studying the stars, and thought, “What wonderful lights to guide the ships on the pathless sea!” As he pondered, he longed to know more about them, and then the thought came, “Why, those people at the tent claim to know the Lord, who made these things; maybe they can tell me.” The Lord was guiding him; for when he came to the tent the next night, the text of the sermon was: “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Gen. 2:1-3. We have many interesting experiences as we seek souls for the Master, and some are very touching. Souls are not easily won in Japan; but others here are waiting for baptism, and we hope they will be ready early in December.
Recently, it was my privilege to visit Dr. Kawasaki on my way to the old city of Kumamoto, about the center of Kiusiu Island. The doctor’s health is quite poor, so he returned in July to the village where he was born, hoping to do something for his people there, and, at the same time, regain his health. He is building a neat little house, where he can have sufficient fresh air, sunshine, and water, and is fitting up a small operating-room, with several rooms for patients. The people are very much opposed to Christianity in that province, but they have great confidence in the doctor’s “medicine,” so, practically, all the work on his house and well is being donated by the neighbors.
At Kumamoto, some work has been in progress for a year, but none of us had ever visited the worker there before. It was interesting to see what has been accomplished. Six are keeping the Sabbath, and about fifteen others are interested, and receiving instruction daily. Brother H. Kuniya expects to go over and help shape up the work, so a church can be organized. Prospects are very encouraging there, and we hope to open tent-meetings early in the spring. Much more might be done in Japan if we had suitable publications and a better paper. But, in order to have these, we must have an experienced printer, and something with which to work. Surely, if that printer we have been expecting from California knew how much he is needed in Japan, he would be anxious to sail at once for this shore. When the waiting lengthens into years, we are tempted to wonder if help will ever come; but I hope the waiting time will not be much longer. Many, many times I resolve that I will work on in silence, and never mention our needs again; but the publishing work in Japan needs help so much. I can not see how the message will ever triumph here without good literature. A good printer with a few hundred dollars for machinery could make a great improvement.
Kobe, Japan.
The Work at Asmara, East Africa
A LETTER received from Brother Anol Grundset, our missionary at Asmara, Africa, gives an interesting insight into their life there. He says that the people are as a rule uneducated, hundreds being unable to read or write. He will have three difficult languages to learn, which he expects to begin wrestling with in earnest next year. This year he has been so busy with building and looking after many other things, that he had to be content with enough of the language to get along with his native helpers. He and his family live in a stone house built by himself. It has cement floors, tin sheeting for roof, and the ceiling is of unbleached muslin sheeting, whitewashed. With this he says they are well content, though it would be considered very humble in America. Food is very high there, and fruit is scarce. He writes:—
“Milk is very high, and we can not afford it, neither can we make use of that sold by the natives; for all their vessels are continually smoked,—never washed,—and for a European to relish anything put into them, it would be first necessary for him to lose his sense of smell and taste. I have wondered if we could get a cow and hay. Butter is one dollar a kilo, and then often not fit to eat, so we can not afford to use it. We sent to America for a shipment of dried fruits, which have arrived and are very nice. Apples are thirty cents a pound. However, we have enough to nourish us and to live on, and we are content, knowing we are here for the cause of God, and shall soon, if faithful, eat of the fruit of heaven.
“I am only sorry that our work here was not started years ago, so we could now have a good knowledge of the language, with a literature for the people. As it is, we have none; but we must push on now, and do the best we can.
“Our boy is doing well in the language, and we hope by the Lord’s help will be of use to our work here.”
How much the faithful missionaries need our prayers to sustain them in their many trials.
Adventist Work Begins in Formosa
ANOTHER great island field has been entered by our work for the first time: Elder W. C. Hankins, of Amoy, China, writes: “We have sent two young men into Formosa to take subscriptions for our paper, and to sell tracts and Bible calendars. They report good success so far.”
