In view of the fact that the Lord calls for laborers to be educated “quickly,” it has been arranged for a three months’ term in the Keene Academy for the benefit of those entering the canvassing work, for it is through this kind of work that workers are the quicker and the better prepared for all departments of the great work in giving the message. Besides, the Lord has recently said that “where there is one canvasser in the field, there should be one hundred,” and also that we should “educate, educate, educate young men and women to sell the books which the Lord by His Holy Spirit has stirred His servants to write.” So we feel sure that the plan that the Academy has adopted will be blessed of the Lord, and we hope to see a large number of both old and young take advantage of this rare opportunity to fit themselves to labor for the Master.
The course will include the following branches: Bible study, language, book study, hygiene, and simple treatments, accounts, penmanship, principles of canvassing, and principles of commercial law.
The Texas Conference will provide for the special instruction so that those who come will only need to provide for their living expenses. We believe that the brethren in the churches, where it is necessary, will assist those who consecrate themselves to the work.
The course will begin about the first of January, but the exact date will be announced later. The last three weeks of the course will be the time when we will hold our regular canvassers’ institute, and at that time we will expect all the old canvassers to attend. Possibly some of the old canvassers will want to attend all through the three months.
Now then, brethren and sisters, when the Lord speaks so plainly to us, shall we not arouse ourselves and take hold in earnest, and see if we are not the very ones He would have attend this school, and encourage others to do likewise?
For further particulars write to the undersigned.
Keene, Tex. J. B. Blosser.
Spanish at Keene Academy.
One of the valuable suggestions of the last General Conference was that of Elder W. C. White to the effect that each training school make a specialty of teaching a certain language with the view to preparing missionaries for the field where that language is spoken. This suggestion was embodied in the following recommendation on education:—
“18. Resolved, That we approve the plan set forth on page 8 of the General Conference Bulletin, of helping our larger schools to teach the languages of the countries nearest their respective fields, and of printing tracts in those languages; and we request the General Conference Committee to take measures to set this plan into speedy operation.”
Keene Academy has taken steps, since issuing the annual calendar, toward carrying out this recommendation by employing Brother Fitch, of El Paso, Tex., to whom the Castilian, or Spanish, language is native, and who has had much experience in teaching it, as he has also the English language. He is competent to translate from Spanish to English, or vice versa. Furthermore, he is a printer by trade, and an editor of more than twenty years’ experience.
Brother Fitch is now in charge of the Academy printing office, which is equipped for printing tracts and small pamphlets. If any have work of this kind, in either English, German, or Spanish; if they have translations to be made involving these languages; if they have bills, letter-heads, circulars, posters, etc., to be printed, it will aid the effort we are making for industrial education, and will assist worthy students struggling for an education, if they will give us their patronage. We can deliver jobs to them as cheap as they can get them at home. Please address Keene Academy, Keene, Tex.
We would also call the attention of the General Conference Committee to the fact that we are ready to do our part in carrying out the recommendation of the General Conference.
BELL'S LANGUAGE SERIES.
Complete Course in LANGUAGE, GRAMMAR, and ENGLISH LITERATURE in Five Books.
In this series of English text-books, the five volumes composing the set form an unbroken chain of study, beginning with the study of our language in its rudimentary state and concluding with a comprehensive study of English and American literature. The work has many individual features to commend it to all engaged in teaching English, either in school or home. From the first the examples used in each lesson are such as tend to awaken in the mind of the student a love for the purest in language and thought.
Primary Language Lessons.
BOOK ONE.
These first studies in language are designed to introduce the young pupil into the higher work of grammar. They seek to awaken thought by means of the object-lessons of nature which they see on every hand, thus forming a firm groundwork for later study in form of expression of ideas.
272 pages. Cloth, 65 cents.
Elementary Grammar.
BOOK TWO.
Once thought is awakened in the mind of the student, the important feature of his education becomes the learning of best methods of expression and formation of sentences. The “Elementary Grammar” takes up this work in its earliest stage, and by means of simple selections and sentences the primary principles of grammar are indelibly impressed upon the mind.
224 pages. Cloth, 65 cents.
Complete Grammar.
BOOK THREE.
In this number is contained the subject of grammar in its completeness. Its principles and laws are so interwoven with examples selected from the highest and noblest in literature, that a refined taste is cultivated, and beauty in thought and elegance in expression become objects for study rather than mere correct grammatical expression.
281 pages. Cloth, 80 cents.
Rhetoric and Higher English.
BOOK FOUR.
In the field of text-books on this subject, this number of the English series occupies an individual position, its comprehensiveness and the copiousness and beauty of literary illustrations used making it pre-eminent in these respects. A valuable feature is Part Six,—“Making Ready for the Press,”—which contains valuable instruction for readers of proof and writers for the press.
375 pages. Cloth, $1.25.
STUDIES IN ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE.
BOOK FIVE.
“I have made a somewhat careful examination of Bell’s ‘English and American Literature.’ It is emphatically a study of literature instead of literary men. The plan is good, and the work, I am sure, will be an inspiration to students of literature, and will foster in them a taste for literature of intrinsic worth.”—Prof. Alfred Pearson, Chair of English Literature, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn.
600 pages. Cloth, $1.75.
Easy Steps in the Bible Story.
By Adelaide Bee Cooper.
THE minds of children turn as naturally to the stories of the Bible as a lily to the sun. They never tire of hearing of the wonders of Creation Week, of the incidents of the Flood, and the building of the Tower of Babel, and of the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And Joseph—what mother does not hear again and again from childish lips, the request, “Tell me ’bout Joseph?” At the age of the child when the mind is expanding and is most susceptible to impressions received through hearing over and over again these stories of patriarchal life, the teacher will find in “Easy Steps” valuable assistance in inculcating a love for the teachings of the Bible.
Bound in cloth, 50 cents; paper, 25 cents.
The Bible Reader
By Prof. E. A. Sutherland.
This primer and first reader contains sixty-two carefully prepared lessons on word study, spelling, and sentence building. The nature of the illustrative sentences is such as to turn the attention of the child to Bible events and teachings. The book contains numerous drawings of objects and scenes taken from nature, strengthening the natural love for the beauties of God’s creation.
“The Bible Reader” also contains exercises in the Roman script and number work. Specially prepared for home and church-school work.
160 pages; 35 cents.
BEST STORIES FROM THE BEST BOOK.
By James Edson White.
THIS work for the children contains thirty-five selected readings from the most important and most precious Bible lessons. Written in a simple and entertaining style, they at once serve to educate the child in the great principles taught, and to impart instruction in reading and spelling. A feature which cannot fail to be of vast service to the teacher, whether in the school room or at the fireside, is the “Introductory Department of Easy Lessons for Children,” by Ella King Sanders, consisting of exercises in reading, spelling, and penmanship, illustrated with the use of colored drawings of selected objects of nature.
200 pages.
Thin paper edition, heavy board covers, ................................ $0 25
Heavy paper edition, board cover cloth back, ................. 50
Heavy paper edition, presentation cover, ........................ 75
In German, Danish, and Swedish, at same prices.
The Mental Arithmetic.
By Prof. E. A. Sutherland.
This volume has succeeded in meeting the long-felt want of a reformation in the preparation of text-books on mathematics for the young. In these books, objects for illustrations and examples of rules and principles have been chosen which tend to exercise an unhealthy influence upon the mind. These undesirable features have been eliminated in this work, and only educating and uplifting elements have entered into its lessons.
240 pages. 87 lessons. Price - 65 cents.
Living Fountains
or
Broken Cisterns
An Educational Problem for Protestants.
By Prof. E. A. Sutherland.
This work is pre-eminently a history of education. From the source of all true education, the first great school in which the Creator himself was the Teacher, down through succeeding ages of this earth’s history to the present time the story of education is told. The perversions of true methods by Satan and their influences on the rise and fall of nations are taken to show that the only hope of liberty, Protestantism, and Republicanism lies in upholding the standard of education established by Jehovah among his chosen people. The work is replete with authoritative quotations from history.
428 pages. Bound in cloth - $1.25
THE GOSPEL PRIMER.
AS indicated by the title, this primer is one which, in teaching the alphabet and the very beginning of word learning, instills into the mind of the little ones the wonderful story of God’s love and care. The lessons, in a simple way, take up the gospel story, and when the last chapter, “A Little Child Shall Lead Them,” has been studied, the child has been made acquainted in simple language, with the great plan of redemption.
128 pages: 33 full-page illustrations.
English cloth, embossed cover, lemon edges, ........ $0 50
Heavy board, handsome design in colors, .............. 25
Also issued in German, Danish, Swedish, and Spanish.
The Gospel Reader.
A Companion volume to “The Gospel Primer.”
IN this reader the beautiful theme of redemption and of the gospel is told in a connected and unbroken story, many of the great events of Bible History, being given in chronological order. From creation to consummation, the history of God’s people, and the hope set before them, become familiar subjects of thought and study.
The book contains thirty-five chapters, twenty-two half-tone engravings, and 192 pages.
Cloth, with portrait in gold, of our Saviour, .... $0 75
Board covers, in two colors, ............................ 50
GRAND TRUNK RY SYSTEM.
Taking Effect June 2, 1901.
TRAINS LEAVE BATTLE CREEK.
West-Bound.
No. 9, Mail and Express, to Chicago.................... 12.15 P. M.
No. 7, Limited Express, to Chicago...................... 7.00 A. M.
No. 1, Chicago Express, to Chicago...................... 9.23 A. M.
No. 3, Lehigh Valley Express, to Chicago................ 8.50 P. M.
No. 5, International Express............................ 2.17 A. M.
No. 75, Mixed, to South Bend............................ 7.30 A. M.
Nos. 9 and 75, daily, except Sunday;
Nos. 1, 3, 5, and 7, daily.
East-Bound.
No. 10, Mail and Express, East and Detroit............. 3.45 P. M.
No. 8, Limited Express, East and Detroit................. 4.50 P. M.
No. 4, Lehigh Express, East and Canada................... 8.22 P. M.
No. 6, Atlantic Express, East and Detroit................ 2.10 A. M.
No. 2, Express, East and Detroit.......................... 7.00 A. M.
No. 74, Mixed (starts from Nichols yard).................. 7.15 A. M.
Nos. 10 and 74, daily, except Sunday.
Nos. 4, 6, 8, and 2, daily.
W. C. CUNLIFFE, Agent,BATTLE CREEK.
MICHIGAN CENTRAL
“The Niagara Falls Route.”
Corrected June 9, 1901.
EAST
Station
8 *Night Express
12 Detroit Accom.
6 †Mail & Express
10 *N. Y. & Bos. Spl.
14 *Eastern Express.
4 *Pn.-Am. Spl.
36 *Atlantic Express.
Chicago
pm 9.35
am 6.45
am 10.30
pm 8.00
pm 6.00
pm 11.30
Michigan City
11.25
4.35
pm 12.08
4.42
7.00
am 1.30
Niles
am 12.40
10.15
1.00
6.42
8.21
2.30
Kalamazoo
2.10
am 7.30
pm 12.10
2.08
6.55
9.25
4.10
Battle Creek
3.00
8.10
1.00
2.42
7.28
9.57
5.04
Marshall
3.28
8.38
1.30
3.09
7.51
5.30
Albion
3.55
9.00
1.50
3.30
8.11
5.52
Jackson
4.45
10.05
2.35
4.05
8.50
11.10
6.40
Ann Arbor
5.55
11.10
3.47
4.58
9.48
11.59
7.20
Detroit
7.15
pm 12.25
5.30
6.00
10.45
1.00
8.15
Falls View
am 5.44
7.19
9.09
Susp. Bridge
6.00
7.40
5.32
Niagara Falls
6.15
7.55
5.40
Buffalo
am 12.20
7.05
8.45
8.50
Rochester
8.19
10.00
6.40
Syracuse
am 12.15
10.00
10.45
Albany
9.05
4.50
am 7.50
New York
pm 1.30
4.45
7.00
Springfield
12.16
6.15
7.40
Boston
3.00
9.00
10.94
WEST
Station
7 *Night Express
17 *N. Y. Bos. & Chi. Spl.
6 †Mail & Express
5 *Pn.-Am. Special
23 *West’n Express
13 †Kalamazoo Accom.
37 *Pacific Express.
Boston
pm 2.00
pm 3.30
pm 6.00
New York
4.00
6.00
am 8.15
Syracuse
11.30
am 2.00
4.05
am 10.20
Rochester
am 1.20
4.05
pm 12.10
Buffalo
3.20
pm 8.30
5.20
pm 8.50
Niagara Falls
9.12
6.02
4.32
Susp. Bridge
9.31
Falls View
9.39
6.31
5.07
Detroit
pm 8.20
8.25
7.15
am 2.10
pm 12.40
4.35
11.15
Ann Arbor
9.48
9.23
4.50
3.09
1.38
5.45
12.20
Jackson
11.15
10.20
11.00
4.02
2.40
7.30
1.35
Battle Creek
am 12.40
11.34
pm 12.25
5.04
3.50
9.08
3.00
Kalamazoo
1.40
pm 12.10
1.20
5.38
4.80
10.00
5.40
Niles
3.25
1.22
3.25
7.04
6.05
6.00
Michigan City
4.47
2.20
4.45
7.58
7.05
8.08
Chicago
6.55
4.00
6.40
9.30
8.55
7.60
Daily. †Daily except Sunday.
Trains on Battle Creek Division depart at 7.45 a. m. and 4.00 p. m., and arrive at 12.40 p. m. and 6.30 p. m. daily except Sunday.
O. W. RUGGLES,
General Pass. & Ticket Agent, Chicago.
R. N. R. WHEELER,
Ticket Agent, Battle Creek.
Order of your State Tract Society: REVIEW AND HERALD PUB. CO., Battle Creek, Mich.; PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., Oakland, Cal.
Keep From Every Wicked Thing
A stirring missionary discourse was given in the Tabernacle, Sabbath, September 28, by W. A. Spicer, on Deut. 23:9: “When the host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.” The admonition applies to us to-day; for we are engaged in a conflict with the powers of darkness; and it shows the degree of consecration which is made the condition of success in this warfare. “Then keep thee from every wicked thing.” One Achan in the camp brought discomfiture to Israel. What wonder, then, that in the more important conflict now being waged, it should be made incumbent upon the people to keep themselves from every wicked thing? The Moravians were held up as a people whose example should be emulated and followed. If people with the ordinary views of the gospel can maintain the enthusiasm and persistence which they and some others have manifested, how ought it to be with us, who have a work on our hands the keynote of which is to flash the truth around the world till all have heard it, and to bring the triumphant conclusion of the gospel in this very generation?
“The Home and Church School Manual.”
ARRANGEMENTS have been made whereby Prof. C. C. Lewis’s “Home and Church School Manual” will be published by the Review and Herald, under the indorsement of the Educational Committee of the General Conference. The book is now in press, and will be ready in a few days. It will contain about two hundred pages, and will be sent, post-paid, to any address, for thirty-five cents in paper binding, or fifty cents in cloth. A description of the book will be given next week. Every parent, as well as every teacher, should obtain a copy, so that all may co-operate in carrying out the valuable suggestions which it contains in reference to the educational work in our home and church schools. Order at once from your tract society, or from the Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.
Death of Elder Dan. T. Jones
A special delivery letter, received the 28th ult., announced the death of Elder Dan. T. Jones, at his home in Kingsville, Mo., Sept. 24, 1901. Particulars by Elder R. C. Porter next week.
Seventh-day Adventists and Anarchy
IN connection with the expression of the nation's sentiment against anarchy, it is well to remember that much has been said in the past to the effect that Seventh-day Adventists are anarchists, and that much more to that effect will certainly be heard in the future.
Sabbath-School Lessons on Christ’s Object Lessons
By Editor
THE Sabbath-school lessons for the present quarter take up the parables of our Saviour, using “Christ’s Object Lessons,” as the groundwork of the studies. Many of the most precious lessons given in figure by our Redeemer will be carefully considered, and the series should be studied with unusual interest by all. Price, five cents. Order of your tract society, the Pacific Press, or this Office.
Book Notices for Church and Family Schools
THE book notices on page 15 will be of interest to every one interested in church and family schools. Parents and teachers who wish to place before the children text-books of the highest worth will there find material for a valuable selection of books written by instructors of large experience in the lines represented. The student will have nothing brought to his attention but those thoughts and teachings that will tend to uplift him morally and intellectually.
Health Notes
In keeping with the endeavor to furnish the reader with the most information in the least space possible, the Home and Health department will hereafter contain occasional columns of “Health Notes.”
It is hoped that these condensed health news items, as well as others of a more general nature to be introduced later, may prove of value and interest.
It is gratifying to note that the majority of those sending in Progress reports are taking for their guide the motto: “Paragraphs—Not Pages.”
Catholic Church Property in the Philippines
A METHODIST missionary in the Philippines reports to the Northwestern Christian Advocate that “the Manila courts have decided that church buildings built for and used by the Catholic Church prior to American occupancy belong to the Church, and cannot be alienated from its ownership by those who gave the funds for their erection, even when they have all become Protestants.”
Protestantism is, however, making considerable progress in this territory.
The Sacred Relic Business
THE “sacred relic” business was recently somewhat overdone by the English Cardinal Vaughan, as appears from facts furnished by a London paper. The cardinal obtained from France some “genuine” “relics of St. Edmund,” which he received with much ceremony, which was augmented by the reception of a letter of congratulation from Pope Leo, duly sealed with “the Fisherman’s Seal.” A little later it turned out that the relics were not at all what they were supposed to be, and the cardinal has made acknowledgment of the fact. This would be the case with all these “sacred” relics if their true history could be known.
Deposits in the Bank of Heaven
IN these times of sudden and tremendous changes he who knows the significance of these things should be admonished to be in an unchangeable position himself, by having built upon the sure Foundation, the unchangeable word of God. He should be admonished to have a character that will not need changing, or be affected by changes in the world without, and to have his treasure where it will not need a sudden transfer to put it in a place of safety. The Bank of Heaven is still open to receive deposits. A single dollar invested in this bank will in the course of eternity accumulate a good deal of interest.
Second Sabbath Reading.
By Mission Board
As Missions is the subject in the Reading Circle department in this Review, we have thought it best to suggest that article as the topic for this month's second Sabbath missionary service in the churches. We will therefore not send out a special circular letter to church elders this month.
MISSION BOARD.
A Good Beginning.
THE First Annual Calendar of Emmanuel Missionary College, of Berrien Springs, Mich., has come to our table. It is a neat well-printed pamphlet of sixty-four large pages, and seven full-page half-tone illustrations from photographs, giving views of the county buildings temporarily used by the college, and the pleasant surroundings. The reading-matter of the book contains all the information necessary for any one who desires to connect with the college, and enough instruction about textbooks and industrial employments to enable one to decide upon a discreet course of instruction at that institution.
The Lynch Spirit.
It is really a matter of surprise how rapidly the lynch spirit is growing in this country. In a recent speech delivered before the Marinette (Wis.) Chautauqua, the dispatches state that “an audience of four thousand people, all of the best social sets of northern Wisconsin, stood up and cheered when Senator Tillman openly advocated the lynching of negro ravishers.” He said: “Our Southern women will not go on the stand to testify to their shame, and the only way to end this awful crime which menaces the entire South is to string up the ‘niggers’ to the nearest tree.” At this “the women waved their handkerchiefs, and men cheered till the speaker was forced to stop speaking.” Senator Tillman began his speech by stating that “the North no longer believed that the negro was the equal of the white,” and, according to the dispatch, “his statement appeared to be verified by his audience.” He then said: “In Wisconsin you have five thousand black men. Why don’t you try the bleaching process and exterminate them by intermarrying? The idea is repugnant to you. In South Carolina we have seven hundred and fifty thousand blacks and five hundred and fifty thousand whites. The carpetbaggers, the ‘nigger,’ the Southern scalawags, and the scoundrels ruled us after the war until they had stolen everything that there was in the State. Then we went with our shotguns to the polls and took it away from them. All men are not created equal, and the ‘niggers’ are not fit to vote. Come what may, the white people of the South will govern their own country.” He then condemned Booker T. Washington’s scheme of educating the negro in the different trades, as carried out at Tuskegee, as “an attempt to place him on an equality with the white artisan, something that would intensify race hatred in the South,” and said that “among the four million slaves during the Civil War, there were more Christians than there are to-day among the nine million blacks in the South.” He then closed his speech with “an impassioned statement” to the effect that “in spite of the devil,” the white people of the South would “remain on top,” and that, if necessary, he and his brethren were “ready to take down their shotguns again.” Yet, strange to say, after this defense of the principles of slavery, he said: “I do not want to uphold slavery.” What else, pray, does such a speech as that uphold?
OCTOBER STUDY OF THE FIELD.
Articles for Study in the October Missionary Magazine, on Paraguay, Fiji, Bay Islands, and West Indies, and the letters.
(October 6-12.)
1. WHEN was the society of Jesuits organized? What can you say of the work of this society in Paraguay?
2. What has been the result of their influence over the native Paraguayans?
3. When were the Fiji Islands discovered? What was the result of the first attempt to land missionaries on these islands? When was this undertaken?
4. Tell something of the ancient religion of the Fijians. Mention some traditions which they hold that show that they once had a knowledge of the true God. What text of Scripture has been fulfilled in their experience?
5. Describe some of the customs that have been almost entirely abolished by the power of the gospel.
6. From the description of life on the Bay Islands can you see any opportunity to do self-supporting work?
7. Locate the Virgin Islands. Mention the principal British and Danish islands in this group.648
8. In what point in St. Thomas has a work been begun? Mention some points where the message has been carried in this group.
9. From what islands do calls for help come? What appeal is made for the Island of St. Thomas?
10. What religious belief among the Maoris makes this a field which should be entered soon?
11. Tell something of the progress of the message in South Africa, Germany, Sumatra, Egypt, China, Trinidad, Iceland. How many baptisms reported this month? How many and what appeals are made for help?
THE HERMANNSBURG MISSION
By William A. Spicer
THE CALL TO PRAYER FOR MISSIONS.
For Second Sabbath Missionary Service,
October 12.
God’s word and providences in this opening year of the new century have been calling us to definite, earnest, and persevering prayer and effort in behalf of missions. For years now the message has been taking root in this land, and slowly spreading out into other lands. The new century opens with new conditions and new incentives to haste in the Lord’s work. Both in the work and in the world we may read the call of Providence to so take up the work of witnessing to all lands that it shall be indeed the new work for this new time. This is the distinct issue. Now is the time to meet it.
We know that God waits only for a people through whom, as by one man, He can bear witness to the whole world of His power to save men. The unfolding of events has brought the time when there can be no longer delay. Some must enter in, and the work is to be finished in this generation. But in order to have a part in finishing it, and be of the work indeed when it is finished, we must enter into it heart and soul, just as if the work itself depended upon us individually.
The harvest is so plenteous and the laborers so few that Jesus tells us: “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” Matt. 9: 38. The story of God’s work and of missions in particular shows that decided advances have been marked by earnest and united prayer. We lack laborers and means in all the needy fields abroad. Just as soon as we go through these lands, the work will be finished. Shall we not unite as one people in definitely praying the Lord of the harvest to send forth the laborers now? It is too often assumed that our strength is limited to the ordinary or visible strength in the way of numbers and in the matter of means. The Lord would have us know that His resources are unlimited. In the story of the Moravians and their mission enterprises, and in individual mission enterprises, the Lord has furnished object lessons in the power of prayer in behalf of missions.
THE HERMANNSBURG MISSION
Just as our own work in America was growing up by prayer and earnest effort on the part of a little band of pioneers in the message, a work in behalf of missions was being done by a community of simple peasants in Germany, the story of which must be an inspiration to us, now that this people must take on the definite burden of carrying the message speedily to all the world.
Pastor Harms assumed the pastorate of Hermannsburg about 1844. His soul was made alive with missionary zeal as he read of the needs of the heathen world. A sketch of his life tells the simple story of the work wrought out by prayer and consecration:—
“The parish included seven of the villages that dot the Lüneburg Heath, an expanse of thinly-peopled moorland. The parishioners, about forty-five hundred in number, were, for the most part, sturdy, self-reliant German yeomanry and peasantry. The religious life of the parish was cold and formal, with little spirituality. The new pastor, by his singularly devout life, fed by deep communion and unceasing prayer, soon raised the people to a higher spiritual level, and a great religious awakening followed. He soon succeeded in kindling the fires of missionary enthusiasm throughout his parish. The first fruits were three gifts,—six shillings from a widow, a sixpence from a laborer, and a penny from a little child. Erelong men as well as money began to be offered, until soon a company of twelve stood ready to go wherever God would send them. These untaught peasants, though filled with the Spirit, with faith and heroism, were by no means prepared for the work. A training school is established, and the prospective missionaries enter upon a four years’ course. Besides a daily round of manual labor, the curriculum included Bible study, church history, dogmatics, history of missions, etc.—a formidable array of subjects to men unused to study. This, however, as all else connected with Hermannsburg, was accomplished through prayer. The missionary enthusiasm ran high. As many as sixty offered themselves. Eight more were accepted and put under training.”
“Perplexing questions arise. How is this large company to be sent to the field? The field chosen was a district in southeastern Africa, occupied by a fierce and bloodthirsty tribe to whom as yet no gospel herald had carried the story of the cross. ‘Build a ship,’ was suggested. ‘The proposal is good,’ says Harms, ‘but the money!’ That was a time of great conflict, and I wrestled with God. No one encouraged me. My friends hinted that I was out of my senses. I was spending a night in prayer. I laid the whole matter in the Lord’s hands. As I rose from my knees at midnight, I said, ‘Forward, now, in God’s name!’ The crisis was passed. The contract is let. The ship is built. Hermannsburg is a scene of activity. The women and girls by their sewing and knitting have contributed. The outfit is complete. Eight of the missionaries have completed the course, and are ordained. Farewell services are held. The pastor’s final counsel is given: ‘Give heed to the reading of the word, and pray without ceasing;’ and on Oct. 28, 1853, the first missionary colony from Hermannsburg set sail.”
Year after year the work grew. As the demands exhausted the local supply of funds, the little people who had consecrated all to God, sought Him in prayer, and the Lord was able to open treasuries in the hearts of people outside of their community. Prayer and the spirit of consecration brought the community into the place where God could co-operate with their efforts.
“So greatly was the mission blessed of God that in 1860, seven years after the first missionaries sailed, the Hermannsburg mission in the homeland owned, and had in successful operation, the mission house occupied by forty-five students, a mission farm, a refuge farm, and a printing house; owned in Africa, ten thousand acres of land, occupied by eight stations, at each of which comfortable houses and workshops had been erected. One hundred of their own number were on the field, and fifty converts had been gathered from the African tribes. Besides they owned a ship and a mission magazine. The work of one pastor and his congregation of humble peasants!
“The financial record of the mission has been a marvel. Such operations demanded large outlays of money, and neither Harms nor his people were rich in anything but faith. Though they gave with great liberality, one missionary giving his farm, and some others all they had, it was quite impossible for them to furnish more than a tithe of the whole amount. Where did it come from?—God, who manifestly directed the enterprise, sent it in answer to prayer. Contributions came unsought from all parts of the world. How richly his faith was rewarded! His experiences of answered prayer were as remarkable as those of George Müller.
“While they were so busily engaged in sending the gospel to the heathen, the windows of heaven were opened to them. During the whole period of Louis Harms’s pastorate, there was an uninterrupted revival in the Hermannsburg parish, in which it is said ten thousand souls were brought into the kingdom. Professor Park, who spent three weeks with Pastor Harms during this period, says: ‘Supposing the parish was then in a state of special revival, I asked, “How long has this revival continued?” “About seventeen years,” was the reply, “ever since Pastor Harms came among us.”’
The missionary interest grows out of personal experience. And missionary effort reacts in continuous blessing at home. A thoroughly united effort in behalf of lands and needs beyond our borders is the sure way of keeping hearts in the home churches aglow with the love of God and the joy of service. The work to which we are now called so urgently in other lands will prove God’s way of bringing new life and power into the home work.
So it proves everywhere. The need of the unwarned millions has led churches to determine that by God’s grace they will keep the light glowing in their own communities, while their contributions are to flow out to other fields, and the laborers are to go to those who have not heard. Let the believers and companies take up this work of prayer in solemn earnest. Pray for the fields definitely and by name. God lays the burden of Africa, of India, of China, of South America, and of all lands, upon the hearts of those who know this truth, and who know that prayer and faithfulness in consecrating all to God puts us where God can open the windows of heaven in blessings upon the work. Shall not all the companies in all the services, and day by day, as families, bear before God the needs of the great harvest field?
The paragraphs relating to the Hermannsburg experience will bear re-reading by the leader of the missionary service this month. A discussion of the lessons for our own companies in this story of the power of prayer will quicken many hearts. Let every company adopt the whole world as its parish, and begin to pray and plan for a quick work in it.
