Earlier text: Note and CommentTEXT: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Rev. 3:20. It matters not how many years we have been members of the church, nor how much striving we have had, I think we shall all admit, as did Paul, that we have not already attained, neither are we already perfect; and today, perhaps as never before, God is seeking to get us to listen to the words of our text as if it were addressed to us each personally, and to sense it so keenly that all barriers will be broken down—his Spirit have free course to run and be glorified in our lives, so that at his coming we shall be found "in his likeness." We are not only in "the time of the end," but it seems that we are at the critical period of that time. Surely there is a crisis before the world. The nations are facing it. It is felt in politics, in society, and perhaps as emphatically in the religious world as anywhere; and the great question with us is not alone, How does the Seventh-day Adventist denomination stand as related to this situation? but, How do I stand? In the study of our text it is my desire to bring each one of us, myself included, to consider this matter individually and with a clearer view than heretofore. I purpose to make a word-for-word study of the text. The first word is "Behold." This means "see, look, give attention." It is an emphatic call. Jesus Christ in it is saying, "Sisters, stop," in the midst of your cooking, your dish washing, your ironing, your house cleaning, "see, give attention." It says, "Brothers, stop," in your plowing, in your sowing, your reaping. It says to blacksmith, carpenter, grocer, banker, yea, to every man and woman in every walk of life, "Stop long enough to see and appreciate that the eternal God is calling." Whom are we to behold?—"Behold, I—" Not a tramp begging a meal or old clothes; not a peddler anxious to get our money; no, not a friend even, who has come to make an evening call; no, not even an earthly dignitary, coming to do us honor. Has any governor or senator called at your door lately?—No, they do not come; but there is One, before whose dignity and worth, whose might and power, the potentates of earth pale into nothingness,—he comes. My brethren and sisters, Jesus Christ once went from door to door, from village to village. Poor, and often despised, and with a consciousness that he would finally be rejected and crucified, he continued knocking at the doors of high and low, rich and poor, churchman and sinner. And now "this same Jesus" from high heaven comes to the same classes, and keeps coming. Behold—be astonished! "Behold, I stand." Our Saviour and Redeemer is very busy. Every day with him is a "busy day." "All heaven is astir." But Jesus takes the time to come to my door, to your door, and stand there. Will you try to consider the eternal patience of our Lord? How long has he been standing, waiting for us? Is he waiting yet? How long will he stand and wait? For some he has waited thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy years. His locks are wet with the dews of midnight in his vigils for poor lost souls. If you are hesitating, can you not hear him cry to you, "Behold, I stand waiting"? "At the door." What is this door? You may say, It is the door to the heart, to the church, etc. But let us consider what we mean by the word "door." I come to your home, and I find there a door. It is closed. I will describe it as something which stands or hangs between you and me. If I come in, it must be taken out of the way. Then the "door" of our text must be that which hangs or stands between Christ and us, between his life and our lives; something which must be drawn, turned, or put aside before we can commune with him. I believe we must all agree that there is and can be but one such impediment, and that is sin. The man or woman who is cleansed from sin and rejoicing in the salvation of God, has passed the sorrows and misery of the "shut door" condition. "I stand . . . and knock." Disappointment, sickness, bereavement, loss of property, sudden calamity to ourselves or others, loyalty of others under severe trial, even a little kindness shown,—these and a thousand more are means, not brought by God, but used by him to call our attention to his waiting presence. "If any man." The term "man" embraces all members of the human family, both male and female. God does not make selections. He does not say, "I will knock at this door, but not at that." He does not go to the good-looking, the well-dressed, the rich, the educated, the cultured, to the neglect of those in the humbler walks of life. God is no respecter of persons. "God so loved the world." Jesus comes to the world, and in pity faces the sins of every one of us,—sins that are barring the way to our heart of hearts. He is waiting and knocking, knocking and waiting. "If any man hear my voice." Nothing short of imbecility or utter incapacity should keep any soul from hearing his voice. In the days of Elijah, the prophet found that God was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the "still small voice." Elijah could hear the voice. Many today are made conscious of it by the twinges of conscience, and by the many evidences of divine providence. But many are unable to hear the quiet pleadings of the Spirit, and to them God is speaking by the cyclone, the flood, the hurricane, the tidal wave. He is speaking in the awful earthquake. He is speaking through the clash of great armies in Europe; through the millions of men killed in cold blood, or crippled for life; through the millions who have become widows or fatherless as the result of this, the worst war of all history. He is speaking through the unrest of the financial and labor world. He is saying to all who have ears to hear, "These are the signs that the end is near, and there is little time in which to get ready. My child, can you, will you, hear my voice?" "And open the door." Some claim this to be an act entirely our own: I must, you must, open the door, then Christ will come in. I wish to tell you, my brother or sister, that you and I cannot of ourselves open the door, for we cannot remove sin. With many there is much rubbish in the way. They are in some back room, tied down upon a bed of habit. The only way they can open the door is to cry to him who stands waiting, "Lord, come in." A few weeks ago I was in bed because of a surgical operation. I could not get off the bed. Our sitting-room was between the front door and my bedroom. People came to that front door and knocked. It was the only entrance to our rooms. If I did not want callers, I kept still; but if I really wanted them to come in, I called out, "I cannot come to the door, I cannot open the door, but come in." At once the door opened, and they came to my bed in the back room, and I was comforted. I come to your home and knock, and you say, "Come in, Brother Place." How many times I have heard these words! and how many times I have been thrilled by the warm welcome in the tone of voice! Instantly I feel perfectly free to take hold of that impediment which we call the door, and come in. Oh, how many dear souls are tugging away at the rubbish at the door! How many are trying so hard to clean house! How many are trying to break the chain of habit, and get in shape to enter the church, to have Jesus come in! Many might be named Martha. Trying to get a good dinner for their Lord—oh, what an endless, impossible job it is! Our best is but "filthy rags." Christ's voice comes to us down the ages, "Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." How often we forget the words of the Lord, "Without me ye can do nothing"! "It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." What, then, shall I do? is the question of many. I answer, just say, "Lord, I want you to come in. I would gladly open the door, but I am way back in this7 dark room, torn and lacerated by the enemy and chained to my bed of sin. But, Lord, I will to do thy will. O blessed Lord, come in and heal me. Save me from the evil one. Save me from myself." And just keep crying this till you are free. It may take crying. It may take some fasting. But Jesus will reach you, cut your bands, heal your wounds, put the blessed peace that comes with divine victory, into your soul. Then he will be your peace as long as you will let him. "And sup with him, and he with me." This must mean that he comes to sit at our table and eat with us. Most wonderful words! But again, like Martha, we cry, "There is nothing in the house fit for the Lord. Oh, what a table is ours!" Do not worry, troubled soul. Jesus can eat with publicans and sinners; and though not customary among men, he furnishes the best part of the meal. He sits at my table, and, blessed be his name! he sets before me his forgiveness, his peace, his perfect righteousness. Before the meal is over, I cry, "Lord, abide with me forever." "The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee." "Satan has long reigned on the altar of my heart. Take thou his place and reign supreme forever, and by thy grace I will ever be thy loyal subject." He will take the throne, and will lead us on to victory after victory. By constant faith and submission to him who sits there as our blessed King, we are finally prepared to sit with him on his own throne in glory, where no door will ever be shut. Every Christian’s Work
By Ellen G. White
(From the REVIEW of Feb. 28, 1893.) “WATCHMAN, what of the night?” Are the watchmen to whom comes this cry able to give the trumpet a certain sound? Are the shepherds faithfully caring for the flock as those who must give an account? Are the ministers of God watching for souls, realizing that those under their care are the purchase of the blood of Christ? A great work is to be done in the world; and what efforts are we putting forth that it may be accomplished? The people have listened to too much sermonizing; but have they been instructed as to how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has there been a line of work devised and laid out before the people in such a way that each one saw the necessity of taking part in the work? Have men and women been educated so that they are efficient in home and foreign missionary fields? It is evident that all the sermons that have been preached have not brought up this kind of labor, and the churches are withering up because they have failed to use their talents in diffusing the light of truth to others. Careful instruction should be given that will be as lessons from the Master, that all may put their light to practical use in benefiting others. Those who have the oversight of the churches should select members who have ability, and place them under responsibilities, at the same time giving them instruction as to how they may best serve and bless others. There are youth in our churches who could be educated to do a work for the Master in visiting the sick, in running on errands of mercy. This work is not done, because no attention has been given to the matter. Sometimes men and women have been selected to do certain work, and because they have made mistakes, the work has been dropped. This is not as it should be. Let those who are just gaining an experience be invited to meet with more experienced workers, and as did the disciples after their first missionary effort, let them tell what they have done, and what have been their failures or successes. In this way opportunity will be given to reprove or encourage, as the case may demand, and teach them how to work in the best manner. What can we expect but deterioration in religious life when the people listen to sermon after sermon, and do not put into practice the instruction given? The ability God has given, if not exercised, will degenerate; and men and women unemployed will become as tools that rust from inaction. Let the missionary meeting be turned to account in teaching the people how to do missionary work. Put work into their hands, and let not the youth be ignored, but let them come in to share in the labor and responsibility. Let them feel that they have a part to act in helping and blessing others. Even the children should be taught to do some little errand of love and mercy for those less fortunate than themselves. In our large churches, . . . there should be some plan set in operation whereby the talents of all may be put to use; and as they learn how to bless others by imparting light, they will be learning what practical Christianity means. But let those who are sent to instruct others, see to it that they do it in a manner similar to that in which Christ taught his disciples. Jesus did not say to his followers, Do this, and do that, but he said, “Follow me.” He led the way, and took his disciples with him on his journeys through country and city, that they might see how he taught the people. He linked their interest with his, and they united with him in the work. Many have been educated to think that they must live upon sermons from week to week; but they know not how to practice what they hear. The very simplest methods of work should be devised, and set in operation among the churches. If the members will coöperate with such a plan, and perseveringly carry it out, they will reap a rich reward; for their experience will grow brighter, their ability will increase through exercise, and souls will be saved through their efforts. But if, on the other hand, the churches are left to their inactivity, Satan will see that they are employed. He will preoccupy the field, and give the members lines of work to do that will engage their energies, kill spirituality, and make them fall as dead weights upon the church. When the church is in a low condition, and in need of help, it is not best to devote all the time to sermonizing. It is better to form classes to seek for spiritual wisdom, and call into exercise the talents of the young and the old, by setting brethren and sisters to work for those who need help most in the church. In seeking to benefit their brethren in the church, they will gain an experience that will qualify them for labor among those who do not understand our faith, or even the first elements of religion. While sermons may point out the way, the best results will not be seen until the members of the church go forth to practice what has been presented from the desk. There are scores who have real ability, who are rusting from inaction, and yet many of these do not know how to set themselves at work for the Master.8 But let some one who has ability to devise ways whereby this talent may be utilized, lay out before these inactive ones the line of work that they could do, and let them understand that this is expected from them, and many who are now unemployed will become true laborers. The parable of the talents should be explained to all. The members of the churches should be made to understand that they are the light of the world, and according to their several ability the Lord expects that his professed followers will enlighten and bless those around them. Those who have heard so much preaching ought certainly to know that if they undertake to work for the Lord, they will have divine aid. The Lord has said, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” If they seek strength and wisdom from him, they will not seek in vain. If in accepting responsibility, in seeking to impart light to others, they tremble under the cross, they will be led to the Saviour to find strength and grace and power. Through this experience they will learn to rely, not on their ministers, but on the Lord himself. They will learn to go to Jesus for help, and will not be so dependent on their ministers. They will learn that we have a Minister in heaven who understands all our necessities, who is full of wisdom, and unerring in understanding. Bound Up with Christ
By J. M. HOPKINS
In Volume VII of “Testimonies for the Church,” page 9, we read: “When you accepted Christ as your Saviour, you pledged yourself to unite with him in bearing the cross. For life and for death you are bound up with him, a part of the great plan of redemption.” Paul says we are “laborers together with God;” “workers together with him;” united, “bound up,” with infinite strength; “bound up” with infinite wisdom; “bound up” with infinite love; “filled with all the fulness of God;” “complete in him;” for life and death a part of the great plan of redemption. What a calling! what a privilege! what a glory! what an opportunity! what an inspiration and incentive to faithfulness in duty! what an assurance of final success and triumph! Giving Pleasure and Helping Others
WE never miss an opportunity of giving innocent pleasure, or of helping another soul on the path to God, but we are taking away from ourselves forever what might have been a happy memory, and leaving in its place a remorse.—Frances Power Cobbe. A Short Sermon
By H. A. St. John
“Unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write.” Rev. 3:14. This solemn and important message that John was bidden to write is the last of a series of seven messages to the church in the Christian dispensation; hence the Laodicean message is addressed to the church of Christ on earth just before the close of probation. It is addressed to the remnant church, and when believed, received, and fully heeded, it will cause a mighty shaking among them. The obedient will come forth from that shaking purified, and they will arise and shine. In a short time the whole earth will be morally shaken and illuminated by the closing gospel message of the third angel, as given by the remnant church. When that work is completed, there will soon follow another mighty and literal shaking of the heavens and the earth by the voice of God. This last shaking will remove mountains and islands out of their places, and destroy all cities and habitations of man. So terrible will be that last shaking that the ungodly, who have rejected the last call of the last message of mercy, will in great distress cry to the rocks and mountains, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Rev. 6:16, 17. All the hopes of the ungodly are centered in this world, and when these hopes are dashed to pieces, the wicked will cry in despair, asking that their lives be cut off also. Their destruction is at hand then, but it will not be by the earthquake, but by the brightness of the coming of the Lord in all his glory, which immediately follows. Reader, be admonished to heed the Laodicean shaking message. Be awakened and aroused to put off lukewarmness by zealous repentance. Then you will be prepared to stand on the Lord’s side in the shaking message of the third angel. When that shaking is finished, you will be protected and preserved during the third and last shaking, and at its close you will be gloriously delivered from a ruined world by the coming of the Lord, and will join the mighty host of glorified saints, who will go with Jesus to the heavenly home prepared for them. The Nearness of the End
By Carrie K. Butcher
As a people claiming to believe in the soon coming of Christ, do we really sense as we should the solemnity of the times in which we live? Are we carefully heeding the admonition to “watch . . . and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man”? Luke 21:36. The assurance grows doubly sure that the end is near. The signs are increasing, look where we may,—in the political, the social, the physical, and the religious world. The awful calamities on land and sea, the increasing wickedness in our cities, the hatred and cruelty of the warring nations, all tell us that this old world is rushing on to her doom with lightning speed. We know it from what we can see; we know it from the “sure word of prophecy.” We see “men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21:26. And yet, strange to say, men and women are talking and planning for a time of universal peace. Many of the nations of earth are engaged in deadly combat, resulting in the most terrible destruction of life and property this old world has ever known. On the other hand, peace conferences and federations assure us that the time is near when wars will cease, and peace and prosperity will be restored to the whole earth. But what does the Lord say of these last days? “When they [the people] shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, . . . and they shall not escape.” 1 Thess. 5:3. Isaiah says, “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” So, though the people say peace and safety, the Lord says “sudden destruction.” How little time is left us to get ready for that solemn time, and to work for the salvation of men and women around us! As we see the war spirit spreading, and note the anger of the nations and the terrible things coming upon the earth, we can but question, Where are we in the stream of time? Are the watchmen on the walls of Zion falling in with the peace-and-safety cry? or are they giving the trumpet a certain sound? “Watchman, what of the night?” Educated Ability
By W. A. Gosmer
That education alone will not qualify one to do the work of God, must be apparent to all who have a knowledge of the workings of Christianity. That God is not dependent upon the learning and the wisdom of men to carry forward his work, has been demonstrated through all past time; but that he has employed men of liberal education and mental discipline far more effectually than those of meager qualifications, has likewise been demonstrated. As it is true that God can use only the qualifications and endowments which men possess, so it must be equally true that he cannot use what men do not possess. A lack of proper qualification, therefore, limits one's usefulness in proportion to the lack of development and training of one's faculties. We conclude, then, that education and mental culture united with the power of the Holy Spirit place men on vantage ground, and according to their attainments, make them efficient in the work of God. In proof of this, we cite the labors and the experiences of the apostle Paul. After his conversion, his former training, received from the greatest educators in his nation, was turned to splendid account. We follow him to Athens, one of the great citadels of learning at that time. His heart filled with the love of Christ, he makes his way to the court of the Areopagus, well knowing that there he must meet a concourse of men of high intellectuality and culture. He is not ignorant of the religion of Greece, of its literature, its art, or its wisdom; therefore he is able to meet on their own grounds the sages and philosophers of Mars Hill. Paul stands up to speak for Christ. His heart's desire is that these refined idol worshipers shall receive a knowledge of the true and living God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. The Holy Spirit indites the word spoken. As Paul “matches logic with logic, philosophy with philosophy, science with science,” showing unmistakably that the Ruler of the universe is a God not made with hands, the scholars before him realize that in learning he is far from being a novice. His philosophy is profound; his arguments are unanswerable. Strong in his knowledge of revelation and of science, Paul stands unawed and confident before that assembly of the worldly wise. With sanctified ability and judgment he adapts his teaching to the character of his hearers,—a thing impossible but for his learning. The shafts of divine truth are being driven home by the Holy Spirit. In some hearts the darkness of heathenism gives way before the light of the gospel;9 the hitherto unknown God is making himself known through his servant. As a result, “Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them,” are converted and believe the gospel. Thus the training which qualified Paul to stand before men of great mental attainments was the means, under God, of obtaining for him a hearing before the supreme court of Athens. Had he not so skilfully adapted his teaching to the occasion, it is very doubtful whether the Athenians would have given him audience to the conclusion of his discourse. He was “all things to all men.” To kings and to slaves, to aristocrats and to the common people, to learned philosophers and to ignorant men, he made known “the unsearchable riches of Christ,” He went forth boldly, knowing that he was master of the situation among any people and in any place. Consequently he could say, “In labors more abundant,” for doors were open to him that would have been closed to men less qualified. The education which enabled him to labor acceptably for the higher classes of society, was certainly no hindrance to him in his endeavors to reach the people in the common walks of life. Thus he was enabled to approach all classes of men; and because of this, his life work stands forth as a marvel of Christian activity and achievement, unparalleled in the history of the church. It may be argued by some that Christ chose unlearned fishermen to be his disciples. This is true, but it arose from the very necessities of the situation, since the learned Pharisees and scribes, incased in an armor of self-righteousness and independence of God, could not be successfully approached with the gospel. Resting wholly in their position as teachers in Israel, in their attainments, and in their self-sufficiency, they were far from God, and farther still from being enlisted in his service. To such an extent was this true that the question was asked, “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?” This obduracy on the part of the educated men of that time is well illustrated in the case of Paul. He had to be stricken to the earth with the light from heaven; and smitten with blindness, before he could be brought to acknowledge Jesus to be the Messiah. But once having surrendered himself to God, he became, as we have seen, the mightiest of the apostles, and the most able defender and propagator of the faith in his day. The question involved in the choosing of the disciples was not one of capability, but of necessity, for God cannot coerce the human will. The choosing of unlearned fishermen was only an illustration of the principle that God will use humble instruments in his service, to the exclusion of those who might do a greater work, but who cannot be used because they will not. The lesson applies not only to the days of Christ and the apostles, but in a special sense to our own time, when education and educational facilities occupy so large a place in the affairs of men. This is pre-eminently an age of mental culture. Scattered over all the land are men and women of trained minds and cultured intellects. Especially in the large cities are there many brilliant clergymen, physicians, lawyers, statesmen. There we find the wealthy, the educated, the exclusive. Among these are aching hearts, hearts unsatisfied with the glamour and the tinsel of earth. To these the tidings of the last great message would be welcome. There is no doubt that if rightly approached, some would accept the message, and, in turn, be the means of reaching still others. But “how shall they hear without a preacher?” It is to be earnestly hoped that this question will weigh heavily upon the hearts of our young people everywhere. What a great work might now be accomplished among the higher classes of society by consecrated hearts and trained intellects! May the Lord of the harvest raise up many from among our young people who will become spiritually and mentally qualified to labor with patience, faith, and courage for the salvation of men and women in the higher walks of life. An Impressive Dream
By GEO. O. STATES
JUST before the close of the old year and the ushering in of the new, I had been intensely interested in reading in the REVIEW of the wonderful progress the message is making in all parts of the earth. After retiring, my mind dwelt on the fundamental principles of our faith and the certainty of the final triumph of the message. I thought of some of the words given this people at the very beginning of our work, and of the mighty angel which would unite with the third angel, and give power and force to the message. Of the power resting upon the people of God at this time, we were told: “I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message. . . . The glory of God rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon, and calling upon God’s people to come out of her, that they might escape her fearful doom. . . . A compelling power moved the honest, while the manifestation of the power of God brought a fear and restraint upon their unbelieving relatives and friends, so that they dared not, neither had they the power, to hinder those who felt the work of the Spirit of God upon them. . . .” “Servants of God, endowed with power from on high, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. . . . God’s people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance, and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation.”—“Early Writings,” pp. 277-279. In my dream I was apparently entering a large city church which was well lighted. There were three brethren in the pulpit. One was just reading a hymn, and as he did so, there seemed to rest upon the congregation a solemnity such as I had never experienced. Then one of the brethren prayed, and the impression that prayer made upon the congregation was wonderful. It seemed that the very doors of heaven were opened and showers of blessing were resting upon God’s people. Then the other minister arose, and in a quiet voice read his text, and began to give the message with a power I had never experienced. Very soon I felt impressed to step out of the church, and on doing so I found an elderly man standing just outside, apparently listening to hear every word. I walked up to him and taking him by the hand said, “What are you doing here in the cold? Why don’t you go in and sit down where it is more comfortable?” He looked at me in surprise, and pointing to his poor clothing, said “I am not fit to go in there. I am a wicked man; I drink whisky, swear, and use tobacco.” I replied, “You are just the one we are after. Now come in and have a seat.” We took a seat in the rear, and as the servant of God preached the word with the power of the loud cry, it took effect upon the congregation, and there was weeping in all parts of the room. My friend was impressed, and tears came to his eyes. At the close of the meeting many took him by the hand and said, “I am real glad you are here.” He said, “I had begun to think that religion was all an empty show, but now I know you people have the truth, and I want to be a Christian, and be ready for the coming of the third Lord, which I know is right upon us.” I was indeed happy, and on awaking I felt deeply impressed as I thought of how many there are among our people who, like myself, because of sickness or the infirmities of age, are not able to go forth in a public way to give the message. These still can go out and hunt up poor souls and bring them in where they can hear this blessed truth. It is not always the great things we do that count, but the Lord can take the little things we do in weakness and in infirmity, and make them count in the work of eternity. THE spirit of liberty is not merely, as some people imagine, a jealousy of our own particular rights, but a respect for the rights of others, and an unwillingness that any man, whether high or low, should be wronged and trampled under foot.—Dr. Channing. If Sinners Entice Thee, Consent Thou Not
If sinners' entice thee, consent thou not.—Proverbs. Oran, Algeria
By W. E. HANCOCK
SINCE the beginning of the year 1915, the interest in and around Oran has been more promising than at any previous time. On our arrival we began work among the Spanish-speaking people. This was entirely a new work; and considering the conditions that exist in this town, which is a mixture of many nations and languages, we feel encouraged to see even a little progress. The company, which on our arrival consisted of two faint-hearted believers, has been increased until now we are six, after having lost two by death; and we expect to add three or four others in the very near future. In Oran itself the interest has increased, and there is an interested company in a town about twenty-five miles distant, which gives promise of a harvest of souls. This company was found by our only colporteur. It is another example of the importance of the canvassing work in pioneering a new field. We feel doubly encouraged to report that the canvassing work proves to be a success in this field, even in time of war. In the month of April we made a venture which proved to be a happy one. Before that time we had been receiving each month one hundred copies of the Signs of the Times in Spanish, and felt that we were doing well to sell even that number in time of war; but the one hundred were sold so easily that we decided to try one thousand, which we also sold, and afterward ordered two or three hundred more of the same number, with many back numbers of the first three months of the year. Since that time we have ordered regularly four or five hundred copies a month. This venture gave courage to one of our Spanish brethren, of Mostaganem, to take up the canvassing work, beginning first with papers, tracts, and small books. Recently Brother H. A. Robinson, director of the canvassing work in Spain, came over and gave us much-needed help. Since then this Spanish brother has been able to do considerable with the large book, “Guia Practico,” while continuing work with papers, tracts, and small books. During the last month and a half more than three hundred francs’ worth of these large books have been sold and delivered. This shows that the work of God is hindered by neither war nor hard times. One interesting feature of the condition of our little company is that, in spite of the trying times we are experiencing, our tithes and offerings have increased. To be sure, neither are large, for the income of our brethren and sisters is very, very meager. Some of them are without employment a good part of the time, and some have no income. Other societies here wonder that we are able to get any contributions among the Spanish population. To my certain knowledge there is no other society which asks or receives contributions for the support of its work in Oran; on the contrary, they are constantly giving help to needy members. We are thankful that our brethren are beginning to learn that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” I think the same report can be given for our members throughout this field. There has been a marked increase in tithes over that of any preceding year. Our interest is constantly enlisted in the Moslem work, which, in this field, as well as in practically all others, is an untouched problem. We have been able to do but little in the study of the language, as we have to work in Spanish, and also some in French, which leaves us but little time to make progress in a language so difficult as the Arabic. Then, too, the missionary, in order to work successfully for Moslems in this field, has to learn two languages in one,—the spoken language, which is a patois of the classic, and the classic,—in order that he may study successfully the Arabic literature. Doubtless we should have already been engaged, to a considerable extent at least, in this work if the war had not come. We were under appointment to go to Morocco when the war broke out. In God’s own time we hope to be able to enter this large untouched field. With this great problem laid upon our hearts, we commend ourselves to God’s direction, asking at the same time to be remembered at the throne of grace by the readers of this report. Interesting Chinese Statistics
By W. C. Hankins
In making up our report for the past year, we were much interested in some of the statistics, for they were evidence to us that the Lord has set his hand to make a short work in the earth. The year 1915 was our tenth year of mission work in the province of Fukien. During the years 1914 and 1915 we trebled our membership. Each year we gained as many members as we had had at the end of the previous eight years, 1905-1913. The financial gains were also of interest. In 1914 our Sabbath schools donated $88.75, but in 1915 they gave $210.54, being considerably more than twice as much as was given the year previous. In 1914 the total offerings to missions amounted to only $118.62, while in 1915 they were $521.21, or more than four times the previous amount. In 1914 the total receipts from the field, not counting foreign tithe, rents, exchange, etc., amounted to $1,501.95, while in 1915 they came to $2,968.26, or nearly one third of the amount required for running the station. In one place we have a boys’ school, with an enrolment of more than one hundred students, all of whom pay their own board, and pay such good tuition that the whole school is run at a very slight loss. This school has already furnished us about thirty church members, so we consider this slight loss as being well made up. Our literature work is almost self-supporting. Our colporteurs work on a commission without any salary, and some of them are making better wages than some of our older evangelists. One man made nearly thirty dollars one month, and did not work more than half the time, as he attended a general meeting that was in progress. This was very good wages indeed for this country. While the statistics here given may not seem large to our people in the homeland, yet when we consider that ten years ago there was only one baptized church member in the whole province, it seems very encouraging to us. The fact that these poor people, with an average salary of about one tenth that earned by the ordinary wage earner in the United States, have given an average of seven cents gold each a week in donations alone, besides a tithe of their earnings, may cause some of the more favored in the homeland to pause and consider whether they are giving as much in proportion to their blessings as are some of these poor Chinese people who have been so recently rescued from heathenism.