p. 14 | Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 4. (1/20/1916)

Preparation for the “Latter Rain”

By ELBRIDGE M. ADAMS

The Holy Spirit—No. 7

Preparation for the “Latter Rain”

ELBRIDGE M. ADAMS

“It is true that in the time of the end, when God’s work in the earth is closing, the earnest efforts put forth by consecrated believers under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are to be accompanied by special tokens of divine favor. Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seed-time and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of the spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church.

“But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest ‘in the time of the latter rain.’ In response, ‘the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.’ ‘He will cause to come down . . . the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.’”—“The Acts of the Apostles,” pages 54, 55.

It is one thing to know of the “latter rain,” but it is quite another thing to be prepared for it. We must not only know that it is coming and that by it a mighty work will be done, but we should understand clearly what we must do to share in the closing of this work in mighty power.

To the people of God the “latter rain” will not bring a sudden transition from sinning to holiness, from weakness to power; but rather a culmination of victories won through severe conflict, and growth in grace.

“I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary, through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully.

“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful, and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord, and to live in his sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation, therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets, and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it, and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, ‘He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.’ I saw that none could share the ‘refreshing,’ unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord, and be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that God is holy, and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in his presence.”—“Early Writings,” page 71.

We are living in solemn times. It is beyond us fully to comprehend the meaning of these things. We can only prayerfully search the pages of truth to know what God has revealed, and seek the enlightenment of his Spirit. It seems to me that after reading the following warning from God, no one could rest until he is assured that his sins are forgiven and that he is receiving the preparation suggested by the “covering” that is being drawn over God’s people.

“Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God’s people from the present truth, and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over his people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth, and was pure in heart, was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty.

“Satan knew this, and he was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many people as he possibly could wavering and unsettled on the truth.”—Id., page 43.

“Oh, that all could get a view of it as God revealed it to me, that they might know more of the wiles of Satan and be on their guard! I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God’s people, just now in this sealing time. I saw some who were not standing stiffly for present truth. Their knees were trembling and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling.

“Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were until the sealing was past, until the covering was drawn over God’s people, and they left without a shelter from the burning wrath of God in the seven last plagues. God has begun to draw this covering over his people, and it will soon be drawn over all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter. God will work in power for his people; and Satan will be permitted to work also.”—Id., page 44.

The importance of carefully heeding the “plain truths of the Word of God” is emphasized on pages 50, 51, of “Early Writings:”—

“The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth, and to sacrifice for God and his cause. The angel said, ‘Think ye that any will be compelled to sacrifice? No, no. It must be a freewill offering. It will take all to buy the field.’ I cried to God to spare his people, some of whom were fainting and dying. Then I saw that the judgments of the Almighty were speedily coming, and I begged of the angel to speak in his language to the people. Said he, ‘All the thunders and lightnings of Mt. Sinai would not move those who will not be moved by the plain truths of the Word of God, neither would an angel’s message awake them.’

In the same book, under the heading “The Shaking,” pages 269-272, is seen what will be expected of every one who shares in the “latter rain” and enjoys the protection of God in the time of trouble:—

“I saw some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances were pale, and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal struggle. Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in their countenances; large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God’s approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle upon them.

“Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that surrounded them, and thus they be led to distrust God, and murmur against him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels of God had charge over his people, and as the poisonous atmosphere of evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually wafting their wings over them to scatter the thick darkness.

“As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus came to them, to encourage their hearts, and light up their countenances. Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left these, and went to the aid of the earnest praying ones. I saw angels of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all their power to resist the evil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling upon God with perseverance. But his angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I lost sight of them.

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God’s people.

“I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it, and be purified.

“Said the angel, ‘List ye!’ Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through my whole being. Said the angel, ‘Look ye!’ My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of Spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe

internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy.

“The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them.”

Human lips can add nothing to these words, for God himself has spoken through his servant. But Satan will seek to frighten those whom he cannot keep from seeing the real issues that are before us, by pointing to their weaknesses and sins, telling them that they have besetting sins that they have never overcome, and that as absolute perfection is required, they can hope for nothing but the wrath of God. We must remember that our Saviour’s name is “Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” What we cannot hope for in ourselves, let us hope for in him. How can one that really tries fail with all heaven behind him? “They are to contend with supernatural forces, but they are assured of supernatural help. All the intelligences of heaven are in this army. And more than angels are in the ranks. The Holy Spirit, the representative of the Captain of the Lord’s host, comes down to direct the battle. Our infirmities may be many, our sins and mistakes grievous; but the grace of God is for all who seek it with contrition. The power of Omnipotence is enlisted in behalf of those who trust in God.”—“The Desire of Ages,” page 352.

“My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise he has made. With your Bibles in your hands, say: ‘I have done as thou hast said. I present thy promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”’ Christ declares: ‘What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’ ‘Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.’ Matt. 7:7; Mark 11:24; John 14:13.

“The rainbow about the throne is an assurance that God is true; that in him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. We have sinned against him, and are undeserving of his favor; yet he himself has put into our lips that most wonderful of pleas, ‘Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.’ Jer. 14:21. He has pledged himself to give heed to our cry, when we come to him confessing our unworthiness and sin. The honor of his throne is staked for the fulfilment of his word to us.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VIII, page 23.

Light for Africa

ONCE Africa sat in darkness, Too blind to unfasten her doors, Not knowing the strength that was in her, Not knowing the wealth of her stores.

In lands where her Master was honored A tender compassion was stirred, And many the lives that were given To open these doors to the Word.

Today there is entrance; wide open The doors now invitingly stand, And science and commerce are bearing Their torches across the Dark Land.

And Christ, the Redeemer of nations, Is bidding us rise in his might, And carry to Africa’s children The gospel of blessing and light.

— Selected.

Rhodesia, South Africa

By S. M. KONIGMACHER

S. M. KONIGMACHER

SINCE the close of school I have been out in the bush doing village work, and am off again tomorrow evening for a week in the Lusakas district, to look at two sites Brother Anderson found.

WORKERS AND BELIEVERS CONNECTED WITH THE TENT EFFORT AT NAGOYA, JAPAN

There is a fine chance in that district to open up work. The natives are anxious for a school, and the government is willing to sell us a piece of land. The natives of this district seem to be brighter than many of the other tribes in this part of the country. We had some of these Batama boys in our school last year.

A few weeks ago, when I was working among the Machikilombwe people, I was impressed with the wonderful change that the grace of God makes in the lives of these people. One of our brightest boys was home in his village for a little vacation. I found him at Maninga, and he went with me to hold services in the many native villages along the river about two miles from his kraal. I held a service in his kraal, but his father and mother were not there. We found them later in a small village where a number of people were having an orgy of beer drinking.

The father was nearly naked, his coarse black hair hung in strings, and his principal comfort was his long-stemmed pipe. The mother wore her letchwe skin, and was decorated about the same as all native women. I could not help thinking of the question the people asked concerning Christ, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” How, I asked myself, could this boy, who is a Christian worker and as bright and intelligent a boy as I have seen since I have been in Africa, come out of such a home and such a village, and from among such people? Surely the gospel has power to change the heart and life when we allow it to have its free course in us.

The work is progressing here, and we hope that soon we can push out still farther with the light of truth. Brother Wilson is going up with me, and will bring down some of these Batama boys for the next school year.

All the white workers are well at present, and we have much to be thankful for. The war seems to go on, and some of the natives and some of the white men have left the district to engage in it; but so far we can go about unmolested, proclaiming the truths for this time. The truth is so simple that the dullest native can understand it if he wills to do so.

Pemba.

Sharing With the Needy

I TRULY enjoy no more of the world's good things than what I willingly distribute to the needy.— Seneca.

More Victories in Japan

By BENJAMIN P. HOFFMAN

BENJAMIN P. HOFFMAN

WE have now been living in Kobe over a year and a half, from which place I also make trips out to help in the work of the three other stations that are in our section of the field. During the past summer a good share of the time has been spent in the city of Nagoya, where we have been laboring with a tent. After the first series of meetings, which ended the latter part of August, six new believers were baptized. These, with six who received baptism in the other stations, make an addition of twelve in this section of Japan during the summer months. Others also have taken their stand and are awaiting baptism.

In the early part of October we began another effort with the tent in Nagoya, continuing through the first week of November, when we had to close on account of the weather. Throughout this second effort a very hopeful interest was shown, and on the closing day ten new believers came forward, expressing a desire to obey and requesting further instruction.

We feel greatly encouraged over the outlook in that city. The work there is very new, but we hope soon to be able to organize a church that will be a permanent light there. The brethren and sisters are full of that earnest desire to give the light to others which we all felt when we first gave our hearts to God, and which we must all guard against losing.

One of the brethren, though not paid by the mission, has been able to render very valuable help in the tent meetings. He is the one seated in this group. I was much interested in getting from him the story of his past life. His parents were Buddhists, but he was never very much devoted to that worship. In his youth he was influenced by the progressive spirit that was beginning to be felt in the country, as the knowledge of Western ways increased; and later he was one of the party that began to work for a constitutional form of government. Their requests and petitions being spurned, they began laying plans and preparing for a more effective means of realizing their hopes, which they were convinced were for the good of the nation.

Just as they were getting ready, the plot was discovered, and soon the authorities were on their trail. The party gathered and made a final stand to defend themselves, and in the altercation several policemen were killed. This brother and several others escaped, and remained under cover for a while, but at last all were taken. Their examination and trial resulted in all being sentenced to death. Several had the sentence carried out at once, but the rest were given life imprisonment instead.

Five years after they had been taken to the northern island of Hokkaido to begin the weary prison life, the constitution for which they had worked and risked all, went into effect. By this time some of the number had died in prison. After the promulgation of the constitution, the remaining ones served five more years of hard labor and privations, when, on a special state occasion, all political offenders were pardoned. Among those who walked out to freedom was this brother whom God had chosen for his work.

Since he found the truth, about two years ago, he has been manifesting the same enthusiasm in this cause as characterized his former efforts. Already several bright men and women have come to the light through him. He is an intelligent, well-appearing man of rather quiet disposition. Through his former experiences, especially the death sentence which he so narrowly escaped, he realizes how to appreciate better the love of Christ in ransoming him from eternal death, and this makes for power in the presentation of the story of redemption to others. We firmly believe he will be used of God in aiding our work in this field.

We are of good courage in the Lord, because we know he has many others whom he would have us help to save here in Japan. Join us in praying for this work.

Colombia (South America) Entered

By B. E. CONNERLY

B. E. CONNERLY

No doubt the readers of the REVIEW will be pleased to know that Colombia, the most neglected part of the Neglected Continent, has finally been entered as a mission field. At this late date, after so long a “delay,” the principles of the third angel's message are beginning to be proclaimed to this waiting people, and another great country, with millions of people, has been added to those in which the advent message is being given.

According to a prearranged program, our work for a year or more will be the introduction of our medical books among the educated class. This is the best and quickest way to begin work in new fields, especially among the Latin Americans. It is the natural way, the way of least resistance, and may become more nearly self-supporting than any other method. Our medical books make friends wherever they are sold; they benefit the people more physically, socially, and morally, and thus prepare the way for evangelical literature, the Bible, and the minister. Benefiting the body is making ready the approaches to reach the heart and life with the third angel's message.

As to the outlook of a speedy work in Colombia, actual conditions seem favorable, better than we had expected. While we have lost by delay, and the country's finances are not what we might desire, yet the hour is propitious. Colombia is awakening. She has heard the trumpet call of progress, and is shaking off those medieval institutions that for three long and dreary centuries made her the jest of civilization. The Bible is no longer “new and illicit,” but there is a manifest craving for modern advancement in both church and state. Political and religious conditions in the republic, the temper of the people, and the character of our message all combine to make the hour propitious.

Barranquilla.

Mission Notes

THE Malamulo Mission, our main mission in Nyasaland, has received requests for opening ten outschools this year, but they have decided to add only four. At a recent Sabbath service there, over three hundred were present, at which time twenty-eight were baptized.

A GOSPEL worker in North India used this metaphor in describing how the gospel is making headway there amid the dense heathenism. He says: “The word of God is working among the people of this district like the white ants.” Those who know how persistently and thoroughly yet silently white ants work, will appreciate the aptness of this comparison.

GIDEON, one of the native boys at Tsungwesi Mission, Rhodesia, sought permission recently to go out to a kraal, about a day’s journey, to spend the Sabbath in teaching his native brethren the truth. This is the first request from the students at this mission to go out in missionary work. They have this year an enrolment of seventy boarding students. So far the native commissioner has refused to grant requests for opening outschools, but Brother Jewell is carefully working with the end in view of obtaining this permission.

BROTHER M. C. WARREN, in sending in a large order for Chinese Signs subscriptions to Shanghai, tells of openings which the two Chinese colporteurs have found for giving the message. At one place, Wan-hsien, those interested sent a man to our mission to plead for a worker to come to them and teach the truth. At a village about thirteen miles from the above place, where there is a company of one hundred or more interested, they offer to furnish a chapel and other needed equipment for a worker to labor in their midst. These are the beginnings in the urgent calls to come in the opening of our work in the great Szechuan Province of west China.

Little Foxes

By MRS. E. E. BACKUS

MRS. E. E. BACKUS

A consecrated mother once asked Sister E. G. White how to train boys. Among other things the aged servant of the Lord advised, “Keep the boys with you, sister, keep them with you. Teach them to bear the real burdens of the home with you, while they are young.”

Along this same line the book by Mrs. S. M. I. Henry, entitled “Unanswered Prayer,” contains some very helpful suggestions; and hoping that they may be appreciated by other mothers who are facing unsolved home problems, I pass on the following paragraphs:—

“In looking over the ground of parental failure, I have found it to lie chiefly in the little things. In nearly all homes the great evils which threaten the purity of childhood are forestalled. The barricades are up against the giants, and yet we are not safe; we must fence against the ‘little foxes.’”

“We must consider trifles, things too insignificant to be often noticed, and yet so mighty in their results as to make it the only wisdom to search for them, as the scientist with his microscope searches for the disease germ which is too minute to be recognized except through the most powerful instruments. Our cause, like his, is one of life or death.”

“Prominent in the list of minute evils is the exposure of the child to the creatures of the dusk. The little one has come into a busy home. Father and mother are both intent upon making a place for him in the big world; he must have as good a chance for an education, and a start in life for himself, by and by, as any boy ever had. . . . So the child, after being duly welcomed and installed in the most approved way, public and private, is turned loose and allowed to run, finding his own sweet way over the threshold, into the yard, out to the street or alley, where he finds others of the same sort, some older, some younger; one or two as innocent as he, but many have already become proficient in street lore. Intimacies spring up, attractions crowd upon the little novice. At first the shades of evening drive him in, through God’s agent, the child’s natural fear of the dark, according to the wisely foreordained plan for his preservation. But he is taught indoors, as well as out, that it is not manly to be afraid of the dark. So the divine precaution is circumvented by human wisdom, and the natural barriers to evil broken down, he goes out boldly, and lingers; and the cover of the dark is none too heavy to hide him and his associates, as they practice the things which make them adept in vice before they have learned the meaning of virtue.”

“The instinct of fear planted in the human mind, is just as truly of God as is the life itself. He intended that by this the little feet should be sent flying into the light and shelter and safety of the home, from the unclean things that hide and breed under cover of the dark. It is not ‘manly’ to be afraid of the dark, but the babe is not yet a man; and the things that wait for him out there are so evil that the stoutest parent has reason to fear them for his child.”

“If this page falls open in the hand of any father or mother whose child is not afraid, and goes out ‘bravely anywhere, after dark,’ and often has to be sought and brought home, allow just a personal suggestion. If you have never thought about it, and can see no cause for alarm in this trifling thing, it will be well for you to follow the little fellow at your earliest convenience, and surprise him and his associates at their pastimes; and if you do not find that which will cause your cheeks to burn and your ears to tingle, your experience will be different from that of many parents who have tried the experiment. The child who has come to enjoy the associations of the world outside his own home after dark has already taken lessons in those things which will make a clean memory an impossibility forever. And an impure memory is something which even the blood of Jesus does not cleanse.”

“Anything which takes children out in the evening is dangerous. . . . The habit of coming in and sitting down for the evening at home should be so early fixed in children that they will know no other way to do. There is no place like home and the shelter of mother love for a child under any and all circumstances. There is danger in the broadest daylight in the gathering together of little folks to amuse themselves alone. However it may have been in past generations, it is true in this, that the ordinary associations of children in neighborhoods where they play without the oversight of some careful guardian—not nurse girl, but mother, aunt, or elder sister—are dangerous.”

“So widespread and terrible is the disease of impurity among the children of even ‘good’ church homes, that there seems to be no remedy but by a vigorous process of ‘stamping out,’ by each mother keeping her own carefully under her own eye.”

“‘But,’ you say, ‘I must do my work; I can’t give the time to follow my child about.’ Then draw your child after you. I believe that God intended that the mother should be the best and most delightful companion of her little ones; and if she is taught of him, she will find the secret of this. The child should share in the real life and work of the mother, and, in this primary school of its life, receive the preparation for the broader circuit of the father’s activities and the enterprise of the world. The training of the hands, feet, and tongue can best begin in the round of common household service; and the mother who finds no place for these beginnings in her housekeeping, who can’t be bothered with the hinderings, but, despising the day of small helpings, sends the restless feet and hands that only need to be taught how, out into the street or alley or to a neighbor’s house, misses the very best out of her life as a mother.”

“More than twenty years ago I knew a little maid of four years who with her tiny housekeeping things helped in all the work of her mother. Her little broom and duster, scrubber, dish pans on a low table, with soft cloths, always kept company with the taller and larger appliances of the woman. When the beds were to be made, she went to one side for her part. Was a pail of water needed from the well, she took her tiny pail and brought it back full. Was fruit to be gathered and prepared, she had her share in it all, and the work actually accomplished by this little one, increasing by month and year, came to be an important factor in the economy of the home. As

the work was mutually shared, so was the leisure; the afternoon nap, the hour for reading, the rides, the calling, everything that was done by daylight; and when other children came, the same policy was continued with sons as well as daughters; and one thing has always been noticed in after-life to this day, that their home was attractive enough to hold them, and draw their friends to them within its doors that had never shut them out.”

“But, you say, ‘children should have the association of children outside the home.’ Certainly, for a fractional portion of the day—a small fraction. Childhood is, however, too important a period in a human life to be wasted; and except it is spent among conditions which produce the best and highest development, there is loss which cannot be afforded. All their associations with each other should be presided over by adults. Children are not safe teachers of each other. It will not cost so much time, labor, or money to create safe and culturing conditions about the child as it will to rescue him from pollution.”

“That the necessary opportunity for sport and contact with others of their kind may be afforded to the little people, let the mothers in a neighborhood or a given social circle, combine for the purpose, each mother taking her turn in playing hostess to the flock for an hour or two in the morning, giving herself up to the task of directing the recreation of the children.”

Trust the Saviour

By A. L. HOLLENBECK

A. L. HOLLENBECK

When your life is full of trouble, And it seems you cannot pray, When the tempter fierce assails you, Tries to turn you from the way, Then the Saviour longs to help you Safe through your Gethsemane. You may trust him, you should trust him, Say you’ll heed his earnest plea.

When you’re weary, worn, and footsore, With no place to lay your head, When the way seems closed before you, Then recall what Jesus said As he gave the great commission, “I’ll be with you all the way.” You may trust him, you should trust him, Say you’ll trust him every day.

And if enemies should lead you Up the hill to Calvary, If they with despite should use you, He who died for you and me Says he’ll bring you, if you’re faithful, To the mansions bright and fair. You may meet him, you should meet him, Say you’ll meet him over there.

Conducted by Mrs. I. H. Evans, Takoma Park, Washington D. C

By Mrs. I. H. Evans; Miss Lora E. Clement

Assisted by Miss Lora E. Clement

Through the columns of this department, hints will be given on all matters pertaining to the home life. Short articles and letters are solicited from home makers, telling of their everyday experiences,—their joys and sorrows, their failures and successes.

Willingness to Learn

By MRS. D. A. FITCH

MRS. D. A. FITCH

To gain real knowledge one must have not only a willingness but an earnest desire to learn. We may find teachers in our friends and in conditions about us, but sometimes we fail to gain the instruction intended for our good. Pride often hinders us from acknowledging our ignorance; and when this trait becomes too marked, our friends will let us alone, to learn by our own experience, when we might have had the benefit of theirs.

With all the opportunities for gaining knowledge, ignorance is no excuse for failure. One may learn by asking for information, and this sometimes from those whom he is wont to look upon as his inferiors. Thinking is another good way to learn. It is related of Frederick Douglass that in his slave days he made some trifling change in the machinery of the cotton-gin he was operating. When chided by his master, he excused himself by saying, “I thought it would work better.” His master was angry. “Thought!” he exclaimed, “what right have you to think?” We pity the slave, but often we allow our minds to atrophy until we are in veritable bondage.

Observation is another excellent teacher. Had Angie observed that one reason that buttons tear out, taking a piece of the cloth with them, is that the thread is drawn too tightly, not leaving sufficient room for the play of the button-hole between the cloth and the button, she would not have lost so many buttons before learning the better way. Had Mrs. Walters taken the word of another in regard to the scientific method of cooking beans and other legumes, she would have found that they are really better when started at a slow heat, and during the entire process of cooking kept below a violent boiling point. Had my mother understood that much of the flavor and nutriment escapes into the water in which legumes are cooked, I should have been taught to use as small an amount of water as possible, and to save whatever remained, to be used in soups and gravies.

If busy housekeepers who are anxious to improve their methods of work knew that they could obtain bulletins treating on many subjects of interest to the home maker by simply sending a request to the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, D. C., many would doubtless avail themselves of this opportunity for information.

Santurce, Porto Rico.

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