Earlier text: Sabbath [Sunday] RecreationTent Meeting at Albany, N. Y.
By Daniel H. Kress
AFTER the close of our recent union conference committee council held at the New England Sanitarium in Melrose, I accompanied Elder K. C. Russell to Albany, where a tent effort is being conducted. It was recommended that Elder Russell spend some time in visiting the churches and isolated brethren throughout his conference. This interfered with his plans for the meeting at Albany, and naturally he felt some concern about it. It was also recommended that Elder O. F. Butcher assist in the effort at Albany if found necessary. On reaching Albany I at once went to the meeting, arriving just in time for the opening. I was surprised to see the splendid attendance of an excellent class of people. I do not know when I have attended a tent effort that impressed me more favorably than did this one. There was no rough element present; those who were there were there for a purpose, and seemed receptive. During the four days I was there, the interest was good. The location for this effort is ideal. Everything about the tent and its surroundings is in keeping with the truths we are proclaiming, and cannot help but make a favorable impression on those who attend the meetings. So well has this effort been conducted by Brother C. J. Coon and his associates17 that it was thought safe to throw the responsibility upon them. Each day at 9:30 A. M. the workers meet for prayer, and then start out on their house-to-house visiting. At 12:30 they again meet for a short Bible study and counsel before starting on their afternoon calls. At four o'clock they return and rest so as to be fresh and able to meet the people at the evening service. The church members are enlisted in this effort. Each one is supposed to have a part in it. Some meet with the workers and go out with them; others make visits in the community in which they live; and those who cannot do either, spend a short time in prayer at half past twelve each day for the workers and for the people who attend the meetings. This makes the tent effort a church effort, and not an effort carried by two or three workers. We expect to see God work in the salvation of souls in Albany. Certainly the time has come for him to work, the time when we may expect great things of him.
D. H. KRESS. Preparing to Enter Manchuria
By O. J. Grundset
[It is one thing to have a foreign missionary enthusiasm, and quite another to overcome the stern obstacles that must be met in actually qualifying for work in some difficult unknown tongue. Brother Grundset, chosen by the Danish-Norwegian brethren in America to pioneer with the message in Manchuria, in a recent letter gives a little of his experience.] WE are always glad to get letters from the homeland, also to read of the progress of the work in our papers. The loyal devotion of our people to the cause is surely one of the most important factors in its success. It is a comfort to know that we are being presented in prayer before the throne of God. Letters often contain expressions like this, “We have been praying for you and the work in China at our prayer meetings.” When Mrs. Grundset and myself were selected to go to Manchuria, we were at the Danish-Norwegian Seminary, in Hutchinson, Minn. From the first, no little enthusiasm was manifested in our field, but storm clouds arose in the Orient, the raging pest in Manchuria, and revolution and unrest called a halt. In the meantime we attended school at Hutchinson, and at Washington, D. C. Brother and Sister Peterson were also called to go, and together we had the privilege of attending the General Conference. On reaching China, owing to the unsettled conditions in Nanking last fall, the new recruits remained here at Shanghai. Dr. Selmon has conducted an English-Chinese class for us, and selected Chinese teachers; so we have quite a start in the language. At present Dr. Selmon holds class for us from 6 to 7 A. M.; the Chinese teacher comes at 8 A. M. and stays by us until 5 P. M., with an hour off at noon. We have also studied with Brother Feng, a young man from Manchuria. In Dr. Selmon's class we change about in holding short Bible readings. We are able to carry on somewhat of a conversation with Mandarin-speaking Chinese, and get the gist of Chinese sermons and short talks. In reading portions of the Chinese Bible, we find fewer unknown characters than formerly. We have committed some verses and portions of Scripture to memory. We not only learn to recognize the characters, but also to write them. This is a great advantage in many ways. Even Chinese, when speaking, write many of the characters on the blackboard, if there is one, and foreigners find it a help to write several expressions on the board if they have any idea that they may be misunderstood. When conversing with one another, it is very common to see a Chinese writing a character in the palm of his hand, using the forefinger of the opposite hand. In traveling, conversing, etc., foreigners also find this a convenient method, provided they are able to write. There is a selection of five hundred characters which we are to master during this school year. We have learned nearly four hundred of these, besides, in reading and talking, acquiring many others. So, although the language sounded somewhat strange at first, and notwithstanding the difficulties connected with remembering the characters, the strokes in writing, the pronunciation, tones, idiom, etc., we are rather encouraged with what has been accomplished, and our hopes are bright for the future. We have had good health, so have not lost any time on account of sickness. An Editor’s View of the Message
By Walter L. Burgan
That newspaper editors and their wives have regard for the power connected with the preaching of the third angel’s message, and believe that the words spoken are of more than ordinary importance, is shown by the manner in which the wife of one editor in a town in Minnesota wrote of one of our workers in that locality. She very highly appreciated the sermon they had heard, and the forceful way in which she commented upon the remarks ought to be the means of arousing an interest in the hearts of their readers. The write-up, including the heading, was as follows:— “Being an Arraignment of Infidelity, Agnosticism, and Higher Criticism
“At the Adventist church on Cedar Street Sunday evening Elder — gave a stirring address upon the topic ‘The Devil’s Last Stand.’ Mr. —, who is president of the — Union Conference and a member of the World’s General Conference Committee, is a speaker of unusual force and ability. He speaks with conviction and power. Like others of his denomination, he knows his Bible thoroughly, believes it means what it says, and goes to its pages for the answer to all his questions.” “He prefaced his sermon by the statement that ministers are called to preach the gospel, and not to uphold or build on any particular denomination. His sermon dealt with the drift of the times, the spirit of infidelity and unbelief, born of higher criticism, perverted Christianity, and failure to find directing power in God’s Word. His exhortation and the keynote of his message was, Study the Bible, search the Scriptures, go to the Word of God, study his message, each for himself, and then you must believe its promises and trust its Author. He gave a text for almost every statement, and drew this message from Gospel sources, the Old Testament, and Revelation.” “He quoted from the press, from published sermons, theological professors’ opinions, and higher critics’ ultimatums; then, brushing them aside, as many of them had brushed aside the Bible, and holding his Bible in his hand, he assured his audience that heaven and earth would pass away but not one jot or tittle of the Word of God could pass.” “The address was brilliant, didactic, logical throughout. It held the audience in closest attention, and would make any one who heard it more thoughtful. It was marked by earnestness, a love of truth, and fearlessness. The speaker believed what he said, and gave a reason for the faith that is in him.” “There was a good attendance, good music, and deep interest.” It would be well for more of our workers to invite editors and their wives to attend the tent and hall meetings and get them aroused to the importance of the truth. Not only do they need salvation, but when favorably impressed with the truth they can be mighty instruments in the hands of the Lord in using their pens through the greatest medium that can carry the blessed message for these days into the homes of the people. Such comment as here reproduced should be courted by our workers, as it is bound to work for the glory of the cause we so dearly love. Thus Far the Lord Has Led Us
By J. H. ROGERS.
In the year 1860 the light of present truth came to me while living in the State of Missouri. I had been reared from early life in the advent faith; but when the light of the third angel’s message came, many things were made plain which before were obscure and hard to understand, such, for instance, as the millennium, the saints’ inheritance, and the gifts of the Spirit. Now, at the age of nearly eighty-three, I can see the Lord’s hand in the message more and more plainly as the years go by. The Lord has led us on, and blessed be his name forever. As I am permitted to do pastoral work among our churches, the Lord bestows the riches of his grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are surely in the time of the latter rain, and if the Holy Spirit is now awaiting our demand and reception, it is important that we get into right relation to God for its bestowment upon us. Then the gifts of the Spirit will be manifested in mighty power. O, for a closer walk with God! And it is for us. One of the important helps in maintaining a closer walk with God is our good church paper, the REVIEW. This paper, with its great spiritual uplift, the information it brings regarding the advancement of this message in all parts of the world, and the plans it presents for further progress, is an inspiration to every reader, and ought to be in the home of every believer in this message. No one should forgo its benefits. ABILITY is power of applying knowledge to practical purposes.—Graham. Parents Are Responsible
By M. E. K.
It has been said that if a person desires to make a success in life, he should be very careful in the selection of his ancestors. There is no question that the parental and home influences are by all odds the largest factor in the development of character. All other agencies for the betterment of young people are merely supplementary to the home. This department in the REVIEW is conducted primarily for parents and church workers. The Missionary Volunteer Department endeavors to speak to our young people through the Instructor; but here we desire to speak to those who first and last are responsible, not only to supply food, clothing, and shelter to their children, but most of all to impart those moral and religious ideals which determine their destiny. That many parents seem, in a sense, to have surrendered their responsibility, makes it all the more important that this department should be filled with interesting discussions of problems vital in the lives of our youth, the solution of which requires their cooperation. Those parents who have a keen sense of their responsibilities, and who are, by God’s blessing, making a success in the training of their children, are always the most alert to appropriate helpful ideas from any source. We want also to catch the eyes of those busy people who are quite content to trust to the day school, the Sabbath school, and young people’s society for the molding of their children’s lives. First of all, as parents, we must come close to our children. “Parents, watch, watch and pray, and make your children your companions.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 94. Professor Coe has truly said: “If a choice must be made between living with one’s children and any competing interest, whether the increase of wealth, social enjoyments, even philanthropic and religious activities, there should be no hesitation in choosing in favor of one’s own children.” After you have come close in interest and sympathy, you can lead (not drive) your boys and girls into just those fields of activity that will be for their best good. After you have studied their interests and inclinations, you will be able tactfully to make suggestions which the young people themselves will recognize as the very best. Has your boy or girl been preparing for the Standard of Attainment examination? How many parents of boys and girls know that a Standard of Attainment has been set worthy of the ambitions of every Seventh-day Adventist, whether old or young? How many of you, I wonder, are endeavoring to beget in your children an ambition to pass the examinations in Bible doctrines and denominational history, and thus become members of Attainment? If you do not understand it, quietly inform yourself, from Missionary Volunteer Leaflet No. 21 or other sources, and lay your plans for advancing your children in this vital knowledge. Then there are the Reading Courses, which have already become an important factor in the lives of many of our young people. Do you know what your young people are reading? Some of you think you do when you do not. Do you know that “the young are in great danger” through the evil which results from light reading? Do you realize what valuable information the young people who take the Reading Course are storing up, and what a tremendous power for good is the habit of reading such books as are outlined in these Reading Courses? Have you seen to it that a set of the Reading Course books is accessible to your boy or girl? If you have not, do you think you have done your duty? The courses begin in September, and I feel sure that with a little encouragement from parents or other interested persons, hundreds of our young people will enroll who otherwise would not. And who can estimate the importance of the first Missionary Volunteer Reading Course enrollment? Missionary Volunteer Work in Australia
By E. M. JAMES
In the society next to our office, prayer bands have been organized for the past quarter. This phase of the young people's work in our church has brought rejoicing and encouragement to us. The bands were organized three months ago; but before they had been in operation but a few weeks, we all felt like praising the Lord for answers to prayers. Four young persons for whom we were praying, who were not Seventh-day Adventists at that time, are now whole-hearted in obeying the truth and in doing what they can to spread a knowledge of the message. The tithe that comes to us from week to week and the remarkable success of one of our canvassers for whom we pray regularly, are other very pleasing features. Our prayer bands were organized at the farewell meeting of two young men who left our society to go into the canvassing work. Our bands meet at the close of our society meeting, and there is a good attendance in all three of them, even the little ones praying. Some of the young people who were backward about praying in public, have been wonderfully helped through these bands. The plan to form the prayer circle for our coming camp meetings has been adopted. We look forward to the camp meeting as a time when many of the young people may make their decisions for eternity. Those who join the prayer circle are to pray every day between now and camp meeting, morning, noon, and night, for one or more young persons whom they desire to see take a definite stand for the Lord. At our last camp meeting forty-five of the young people went forward in baptism, and we are looking for even greater results this time. We do not have the Standard of Attainment here as you do, but we have the doctrinal studies. Each quarter, examinations are taken on one subject at a time. About two hundred and fifty examination papers came in this past quarter; and we are aiming for three hundred at the end of June. We seek to place in every home a list of the texts to be learned. These are pinned in some prominent place where all can be reminded of the texts. The texts are reviewed in the Missionary Volunteer meetings every Sabbath afternoon. Some of our children write out the verses on paper or in a notebook, and carry them to school to memorize during the noon hour or on the school playground. In this way they have interested other children so that some of those not of our faith join in Bible classes and take the written examinations. Some of the younger members of the family have also interested their parents or members of the family who were not in the message, in the study of the Scriptures. One little Chinese girl who lives next door to one of our Volunteers, has been memorizing the doctrinal texts for about twelve months. She takes her examination each quarter, and although her parents are not in the truth, they call this child in to repeat her texts to their Chinese and English friends. She is only seven years old. So we are reminded of what the Lord has said about the way he would use even children to spread a knowledge of this truth. We have tried to keep the conference workers in touch with what is planned for the young people, and their influence has helped greatly. We have had the president of the conference present the certificates on two occasions. Last Sabbath afternoon (April 24) Elder E. H. Gates presented 107 certificates to the young people of the Sydney churches. Our Reading Course is gaining influence. We received a shipment of two hundred and fifty books yesterday; and already I have had to send for another fifty copies. Last quarter, Reading Course enrollment slips were sent to each member of our Reading Course circle with a letter asking that each find one other reader, and return the enrollment card with the name and address. We found that this worked well; for it is only personal effort that is needed to get readers for these good books. In order to increase our offerings, we have set an aim of £50 a quarter for the state. We encourage each society to set an aim, and also suggest one for the isolated band. In writing to the isolated members, we acquaint them with the amount that is received from time to time. Some buy our magazines and sell them again, making eight or ten shillings from the first sixpence. We have also found it very helpful to keep the societies and isolated members in touch with the progress in the mission field to which the offerings are given. They correspond with our missionaries, and they in turn send reports of our work to the office each mail, which is once a month. We glean from these letters some items of news to be read in the meeting each week just before the offering is taken. We also have a prayer list consisting of the names of the natives who are interested in the message, all those for whom our missionaries are working. These names are distributed among the young people, each family taking the name of one person for whom to pray: then when a new list comes from our missionaries, they tell us of the progress made by these natives, naming each one and stating whether he is attending the meetings or not. The Morning Watch Calendar is a splendid help. There are not so many using the daily reporting system as we19 should like, but it is our aim to have this used by every Missionary Volunteer. We find the comparing of reports from week to week and quarter to quarter very helpful, and when the reports are given in the meeting each Sabbath, many of our leaders have the blackboard rolled up like two large report blanks on which the reports are written as they are given, and then totaled. E. M. JAMES. Missionary Volunteer Department
M. E. KERN — General Secretary C. L. BENSON — Assistant Secretary MATILDA ERICKSON — N. Am. Div. Secretary MEADE MACGUIRE — N. Am. Div. Field Secretary What Our Publishing Houses Are Doing
By W. W. E.
ONLY a few years ago all our publishing houses were doing more or less commercial work; indeed, it was thought impossible to maintain one of our publishing houses without patronage from the outside. But acting by faith upon the direct message from the servant of the Lord that our institutions should eliminate commercial work and devote all their energies to the definite work of the message, our publishing houses have been greatly blessed, and for a number of years have been kept busy in the production of our own literature. Some extracts from recent communications will give an idea of what they are doing at the present time. In a bindery report received from Brother E. L. Richmond, superintendent of the Review and Herald, our oldest institution, we learn that20 for the month of June the total deliveries from the bindery were:— Full leather books .......... 879
Half leather books .......... 820
Cloth books ................. 8,182
Board style ................. 2,662
Tracts and pamphlets ........ 65,324
Total ....................... 77,867 For weeks this institution has had to run its presses night and day in order to take care of its business, and the shipping department is often perplexed to know how to fill its orders on time. In a letter written by Brother C. E. Weaks, general agent of the Pacific Union Conference, from the Pacific Press, he says:— “It just does one good to walk out through the shipping and stock room these days. Brother Scott is just ‘snowed under.’ He told me this morning that he thought we would do a two-million-dollar business from the Pacific Press alone, if we could keep up the present rate of sales right through the year. Some orders have had to be held up because the bindery could not turn out books fast enough.” Speaking of the hard times that exist on the Pacific Coast, Brother Weaks says:— “These hard times have so affected the leather-binding trade that I see additional help has been called in to help in cutting up goat hides. There was sent to a canvasser in the Pacific Union this morning, forty-two full morocco, one half morocco, and no cloth bindings. It is worthy of note that there is an increasing demand for our books in the best binding.” From a letter received from the manager of the Southern Publishing Association we glean the following:— “We are now running our pressroom from half past three in the morning until ten o’clock at night, over eighteen hours a day. Both the pressroom and the bindery are working Sundays. Just now we are hurrying through the new editions of ‘Bible Readings’ and ‘Past, Present, and Future,’ as our stock of both books is practically exhausted.” These institutions have been established for the purpose of giving to the world the message delivered to John on the isle of Patmos, and the reports already given indicate clearly that they are doing the work.
W. W. E. The Lord's Day Congress
By C. E. HOLMES
The local papers of Washington, D. C., recently announced that President Wilson had “accepted the honorary chairmanship of the council of the Lord’s Day Congress.” The plans of this congress are worldwide. Its promoters purpose to combine in one monster organization all the religious bodies of the world. A delegate is now visiting the “Christian sovereigns” of Europe in an effort to secure their indorsement of the congress. A great convention is being arranged, to be held at the Panama-Pacific Exposition, “under the auspices and by the authority of all the principal Sabbath organizations of Europe and America.” The principles of this congress, as sent out by the executive committee, are:— “First: We hold the Sabbath or weekly day of rest to have been founded by the Creator in the beginning; embodied in a commandment of the decalogue; confirmed by the Lord Jesus Christ, by him dedicated to the welfare of all mankind; and finally to have appeared in the Lord’s Day of the Christian church, all whose great historic branches, however otherwise divided, are united in the observance of Sunday as the day of rest and worship. “We aim to promote the fullest recognition of the divine purpose, to obtain this priceless liberty for all men, and to secure the proper and conscientious observance of the day in the interest of those high attainments in religion and morals upon which the stability of political institutions and of national well-being depend; and therefore we set ourselves earnestly to contend against the adverse influences which so strongly assert themselves and which threaten the integrity of this blessed day of rest and worship. “Second: While it is not the function of the state to enforce or to interfere with the religious observance of the Lord’s Day, yet for the maintenance of the religious liberty of the people, that their right to worship may not be infringed by the allurements of commercialized pleasure, by the demands of business and labor, and that the physical well-being and the social privileges of all citizens may be safeguarded to them, the weekly rest day has become a civil institution, embodied in law and custom; and thus the state relates itself vitally, through this institution, to the well-being of individuals and of society, to the stability of free institutions, and to the peace and prosperity of governments. “We aim to promote among all classes such a true understanding of its value to themselves, to their families, and to the state, as shall lead them to resist whatever tends to deprive them of it, and to secure and enforce such just laws as shall protect the people in their right to this day of religious privilege and of freedom from toil.” The first principle of this great organization states that, however otherwise divided, the historic branches of the Christian church are “united in the observance of Sunday as the day of rest and worship.” In unity there is strength. The churches are beginning to feel their power and are bringing it to bear upon the civil officials for the protection of their rest day. They aim “to secure and enforce such just laws as shall protect the people in their right to this day of religious privilege.” Such laws cannot be just. The demands of the churches are not consistent; for they are not willing to grant to others what they themselves wish. As declared in the second principle, religious liberty means that on Sunday “the allurements of commercialized pleasure” and the “demands of business and labor” must cease. Those who worship on other days of the week, or those who do not worship at all, have no religious liberty from this viewpoint. It is necessary only to read over the organizations represented in the executive committee of the Lord’s Day Congress to understand the spirit that is animating this movement. Among these are the New York Sabbath Committee, the Lord’s Day Alliance of the United States, the International Reform Bureau, the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, the National Reform Association, the Lord’s Day Alliance of Canada, the Woman’s National Sabbath Alliance, etc. Practically all these bodies are engaged directly in the attempt to secure State and national Sunday laws. It is a cause of great distress and sorrow to the camp of Sunday law advocates that the District of Columbia does not have a Sunday observance law. We may reasonably expect that soon the Lord’s Day Congress will direct its energies toward the capital. At a meeting held in Washington in 1912, a speaker said:— “There are only two spots in this country where there is no Sunday law. I do not know how you people sleep in the District of Columbia. I do not understand how you are so well satisfied with yourselves when you know the conditions. I would be glad to talk with you about the necessity of securing a Sunday law for the District. But we do not want to rest until there is a model Sunday law for the District of Columbia.” Left to their own judgment, it is doubtful if our national lawmakers would pass laws interfering with the religious and civil liberties of our citizens on Sunday. But when pressure is brought to bear upon them by their constituents, and especially the churches, they will listen to them rather than to their own consciences. Years ago the spirit of prophecy pointed out this very thing. Persecution will come indirectly from the people. “In free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance.”—“Great Controversy,” page 592. A statement which in a remarkable way shows this tendency, was made by former Senator Bailey. Speaking of the “average politician,” he says, “He will vote for blue laws, because, observing the people, he thinks that is the color of their complexion. . . . You will find the politician the most responsive creature you ever knew.”—Washington Post, April 3, 1913. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. The important question is, Are we filling our appointed place in God’s great plan of warning the world of its impending doom? C. E. HOLMES. Consolation of Severe Temptation
“ONE of the consolations of severe temptation is that it shows the devil has not captured us. Satan is no fool and he never bothers with one he has.” Religious Liberty Department
By C. S. Longacre
C. S. LONGACRE N. Am. Div. Secretary What Is Man?
By O. P. WILSON
Man lieth down and riseth not
Until his change shall come;
His thoughts do perish, and his eyes
No more this earth shall roam;
He hath no love within his breast;
His sons he cannot see,—
Then why is he so careless here
About the “life to be”? Yea, what is man that he should tell
What life on earth will bring?
He cometh forth and soon is gone,
Just as the flowers of spring;
A shadow only is his life,
That cometh soon to flee;
“But as he thinketh in his heart,”
That kind of man is he. Yet there is hope for every man,
And glory for his clay;
This hope is true as is the light
That cometh with the day;
For Christ, our life, hath conquered all;
A man on earth was he:
O Death, where is thy cruel sting?
O Grave, thy victory? N. Z. TOWN · · · General Secretary W. W. EASTMAN · · · N. Am. Div. Secretary A Splendid Colporteurs’ Convention
By W. H. HECKMAN
A COLPORTEURS’ convention was recently held for ten days at Daytona, Fla., one of the most beautiful little cities of the South. To say that the institute was a good one but mildly expresses it. From the first, it was a most interesting, enthusiastic, and successful meeting. Twenty-two colporteurs filled with the fire and enthusiasm of youth and with the Spirit of God were present. A most excellent influence prevailed, not a note of complaint being heard. This large representation—the largest ever held in Florida—of self-sacrificing men and women was largely brought about by the untiring efforts of Brother D. W. Dillen, our field agent, who has been working hard to bring up the book work in Florida to its present standing. We were highly favored in having with us Elder O. Montgomery, president of the Southeastern Union, whose inspiring talks were a source of great encouragement to all in attendance. There were also present, L. D. Randall, of the Atlanta Branch of the Southern Publishing Association; Elder J. L. Shuler; W. M. Lee, tract society secretary; Dr. R. S. Ingersoll, of the Florida Sanitarium; and the writer. The instruction given consisted of Bible and Testimony study relative to the colporteur work, as well as to the details of the art of salesmanship. The general instruction was given by Brother V. O. Cole, the Southeastern Union Conference agent, and D. W. Dillen, who has charge of the local colporteur work. A daily Bible study was conducted by one of the ministers each morning. Preaching services were held each evening, which were well attended, a number not of our faith being present at each service. God’s prospering hand has been upon every department of the work in Florida, and the future outlook for the colporteur work is promising. Let us remember in our family devotion the faithful, self-sacrificing colporteur. The War Situation
By F. M. W.
SINCE the beginning of hostilities among the nations of Europe there has been considerable skirmishing, but no decisive engagements. With the slow mobilization of the Russian and Austrian armies these countries have been ill prepared to strike early decisive blows. The mobilization of forces, however, is reported as nearly complete. The most active operations are being carried on by Germany along the Belgian and French borders. It is claimed that Germany has two million men massed at different points on her western frontier extending a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. In an effort to secure the easiest way of invading France, Germany endeavored to obtain the consent of Belgium to march its troops across that country. This Belgium refused to give. Germany then undertook to carry out its plans by force. Serious fighting has occurred at Liege with varying success. The Germans have occupied the town, but the forts remain intact. Heavy casualties have occurred on both sides. This invasion of Belgium led Great Britain to declare war against Germany. The integrity of Belgium in the past has been guaranteed by the great powers, and its territory considered neutral. The action of Germany was regarded as a direct violation of past treaties. During the last few days the French have invaded Alsace; but at last reports had been driven from that territory back across the French border. There has been to date (August 14) an even dozen declarations of war in Europe since July 28. The nations are aligned in the conflict as follows:— Germany, at war with France, Belgium, England, Russia, and Montenegro. France, at war with Germany and Austria. Austria, at war with Servia, Russia, Montenegro, England, and France. England, at war with Germany and Austria.21 Russia, at war with Germany and Austria. Belgium, at war with Germany. Montenegro, at war with Germany and Austria. The whole world is watching with intense eagerness the progressive steps in this terrible battle of the nations—the greatest war in which the world has ever been engaged. What will be its outcome no living man can foresee. That important changes will take place on the map of Europe is inevitable. The child of God can only put his trust in the Ruler of the universe and believe that he still takes account of nations, as he does of men, and that he will cause even the wrath of man to work to his praise and eternal glory. In this hour of great international calamity this is our assurance, and in this confidence let us rest securely in God. F. M. W.