be Jamaica Vizitor
Vol. 1. KINGSTON, JAMAICA, NOVEMBER, 1926. No. 3.
WITH A THOUGHT OF HIM. the Lord would have us today treat the house that we dedicate to his worship. We If ever Jesus has need of me, expect the Lord to meet with us as we Somewhere in the field's of sin, I'll go where the darkest places be, gather in his house. He states: "The Lord And let the sunshine in; is in his holy temple: let ail the earth keep I'll be content with the lowest place, silent before him." I believe it would be To earth's remotest rim; I know I'll see His smiling face, well for us to sing frequently that beauti- If it's done with a thought of Him. ful hymn found in "Christ in Song," en- titled "Tread Softly." We should sing it I'll fill each day with the little things, As the passing moments fly; with the spirit, and with the understanding The tendril, which to the great oak clings, also. Grows strong as it climbs on high; We have some very plain counsel given I'll trust, my Lord, though I cannot see, Nor let my faith grow dim; us in the "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. He'll smile—and that's enough for me, 5, pages 491-500, entitled "Behaviour in the If It's done with a thought of Him. House of God." I quote a few paragraphs The lowliest deed will be reckoned great from this Testimony: "When the worship- In the book that the angels keep, pers enter the place of meeting, they should If it helps another along the road do so with decorum, passing quietly to That is often rough and steep. A kindly word may let sunshine in their seats. . . Common talking, whisper- Where life's rays are sadly dim; ing, and laughing should not be permitted And love can win a soul for God in the house of worship, either before or If it's done with a thought of Him. after the service. Ardent, active piety —CHAS. II. GABRIEL. should characterize the worshippers. "If some have to wait a few minutes be- REVERENCE IN THE HOUSE OF fore the meeting begins, let them maintain GOD. a true spirit of devotion by silent medita- tion, keeping the heart uplifted to God in In looking over some old papers I came prayer that the service may be of special across an article written some years ago benefit to their own hearts, and lead to the by Elder E. E. Andross, entitled, "Behaviour conviction and conversion of other souls. in the House of God" that I thought would They should remember that heavenly mes- be of interest to the readers of the VISITOR. sengers are in the house. We all lose much He writes: "For some time I have been sweet communion with God by our rest- burdened over the apparent lack of proper lessness by not encouraging moments of regard for the house of God that seems to reflection and prayer. The spiritual condi- be growing among our churches. I am tion needs to be often reviewed, and the very sure that our people are desirous of mind and heart drawn toward the Sun of treating with proper respect the house dedi- Righteousness. If when the people come cated to God's worship, and that any lack into the housse of worship, they have genuine on their part is not of design, but through reverence for the Lord, and bear in mind thoughtlessness." that they are in his presence, there will be The ancient temple at Jerusalem was a sweet eloquence in silence. The whisper- taken as a type of the church, as seen in ing and laughing and talking which might Ephesians, 2: 21. 22, where the apostle Paul be without sin in a common business place, writes as follows: "In whom all the build- should find no sanction in the house where ing fitly framed together unto an holy tem- God is worshipped. The mind should be ple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded prepared to hear the word of God, that it together for an habitation of God through may have due weight, and suitably impress the Spirit." And again the same thought the heart. is referred to in Hebrews 3: 6, where it is "When the minister enters, it should be stated, "But Christ as a son over his own with dignified, solemn mien. He should bow house whose house we are, if we hold fast down in silent prayer as soon as he steps the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope into the pulpit, and earnestly ask help of firm unto the end." God. What an impression this will maker The Lord was very particular indeed as There will be solemnity and awe upon the to how the temple, as well as the ancient people. Their minister is communing with Sanctuary, was to be treated; and by care- God; he is committing himself to God before ful study of this subject we shall find how he dares to stand before the people. 2 THE JAMAICA VISITOR
Solemnity rests upon all, and angels of God dred cords of wood be sent to the poor; are brought very near. Everyone of the but being for a little while under the pleas- congregation, also, who fears God, should ant atmosphere of her own home, counter- with bowed head unite in silent prayer with manded the order, saying that it was un- him, that God may grace the meeting with necessary, as the weather had moderated. his presence, and give power to his truth Changing moods and c,nditions do not re- proclaimed from human lips. When the lease one from fulfilling promises. meeting is opened for prayer, every knee The Lord, we are toil, is not slack con- should bow in the presence of the Holy One, cerning his promise. "",\Then the fulness of and every heart should ascend to God in the time" comes, he Lufills his word. He silent devotion. The prayers of faithful requires, too, the sal—e carefulness on the worshippers will be heard, and the minis- part of those who profess his name. "Pay try of the word will prove effectual. The thy vows" is his command. lifeless attitude of the worshippers in the No ordinary excuse absolves one from the house of' God is one great reason why the obligations of a promise. James A. Garfield, ministry is not more productive of good. when a young district school-teacher, walk- The melody of song, poured forth from ed four miles in a pouring rain one dark many hearts in clear, distinct utterance, is night rather than break a promise that he one of God's instrumentalities in the work had made to one of his pupils to return him of saving souls. All the service should be his knife at the close of school. Many conducted with solemnity and awe, as if in would have thought that the fact that Mr. the visible presence of the Master of as- Garfield could hand it to the boy next morn- semblies." ing would have released him from keeping It will be observed that in this quotation this promise, since the weather had become special emphasis is placed upon the matter so inclement. But Mr. Garfield said, "A of refraining from common talking, whis- promise is a promise, and I must keep pering or laughing in the house of worship, mine." either before or after service. Instead, The text, "No man, having put his hand ardent, active piety should characterize the to the plow, and looking back is fit for the worshippers. If Jesus were to visit our kingdom of God," reveals the Saviour's churches in person and be recognized by estimate of the one who lightly regards a us, how different would be our attitude promise. If in things of small moment, one from what it is commonly in the house of is careless in fulfilling promises, one will God. be very likely to be 'eq-ually so in regard to I am confident that by adhering to some things of eternal worth. Let us then take of these regulations that were so carefully thought when making promises, and take followed by God's ancient neople, we should even greater thought to see that we fulfil find much greater blessing in our public these promises. Let not heaven's record service than we do when we disregard them. concerning us be, "They say, and do not." I sincerely hope that the officers of our —Selected. churches will give careful heed to this matter, and as faithful stewards call the attention of the brethren and sisters in all THINK ABOUT IT. the churches to this important counsel and do all in their power to secure proper A young man employed in one of the great reverence in the house of God. iron smelters at Sheffield, England, was accidentally thrown on a red-hot armour W. J. HURDON. plate. When finally rescued by his fellows, he was terribly burned, and one of his "THEY SAY, AND DO NOT." mates cried out, "Send for the doctor!" "No, never mind about a doctor," groaned "They say, and do not" is an accusation the sufferer. "Some one tell me how to applicable to more than the Pharisees. For- get saved! I'm dying without God. Who tunate for us if it does not characterize can help, me?" ourselves. The motto, "Expect great things Although there were three hundred men from God; attempt great things for God," and more gathered around, not one could has guided more than one faithful mission- tell him the way to salvation. After twenty ary along life's pathway of service, but the minutes of untold agony, he died as he had motto, "Promise great things; fulfil little," lived. has never guided a single person to any The man who told ,the incident was one worthy height. On the contrary, it has led of the crowd who saw the accident, but he many into ignominy and shame. had lost touch with God. "I have heard "They say, and do not" is a fearful de- those cries ever since," he said, "and I nunciation. Promises should be held sacred. wished I could have stooped down and No promise should be counted of little pointed the boy to Jesus. But my life sealed worth. It is said that a certain duchess my lips." once, on coming indoors from a drive on Does your life, dear reader, tell sinners a very cold day, gave orders that four hun- you are saved, or does it close your lips? THE JAMAICA VISITOR 3
Regent Street.—The Regent Street Church HOME MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT. are certainly doing a strong, good work in this campaign. While they have very small and poor territory, they are pressing on SOLDIERS ONWARD! close to £20, and will no doubt have their thirty-pound goal raised in a very few The battle is in full swing. The soldiers weeks. We thank the Lord for the faithful of the Lord are advancing on the enemy and work on the part of this church. are winning good victories in the Harvest Spanish Town. — The Spanish Town Ingathering campaign. But remember the Church have a goal of £25, and with battle is not finished and there is much yet their earnestness and enthusiasm we are to be done. So onward, Christian soldiers! sure they will reach this goal long before Let us all advance together, and remember the time of the campaign is closed. We that in unity there is strength. If we are to have received word that they have already win the battle and reach our goal, it will gathered several Pounds. mean every man at his post doing his full West Indian Training College.—The duty. school at Mandeville has certainly set a The greatest argument in favour of every good pace for doing Harvest Ingathering one of us giving faithful and earnest work work. In two days these earnest students in this Harvest Ingathering campaign is not and teachers gathered £52. They expect our goal of £800 0 0, but the great need of to raise £100 before the campaign is closed, more work and workers in all parts of the and with this kind of a spirit we have no world. When we hear of souls crying out doubt of their raising it. for the light in all the dark corners of Glengoffe.—The Glengoffe Church have earth and know there are thousands yet been doing very earnest and faithful work unwarned, and we realize that the sun of in this year's effort. On a recent visit to human probation is fast setting, our hearts that place, I was very much interested in cry out, and we say, "0 Lord help us to do the story related by Brother Howell, the our whole duty that this terrible reign of church leader. He told us of one Chinese sin may soon be over." When we see the merchant who gave him a good donation awful enemy Death taking our dear ones and then subscribed for the "Chinese Signs and see the suffering on every side our of the Times" and got a friend to also whole soul should say, "Come Lord Jesus, subscribe, and another to promise his sub- quickly come." But dear ones, Jesus can- scription for the near future. This Chinese not come until the work is done, so let us merchant has discontinued the use of to- hasten on and finish it quickly. To raise bacco and liquor and is very much im- our goal of £800 in the Harvest Ingather- pressed with our message. This is just an- ing campaign is just one of the many tasks other argument to prove that the' Harvest that lie before us in finishing the work of Ingathering work is doing a great work at God on earth. So we say in the language home as well as abroad. of the apostle Paul, "Watch ye, stand fast Ei erten Park.—The little church at Ever- in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." ton Park sent in a remittance the other Let us not rest until the work is done, so day of 25 for the Harvest Ingathering. This onward Christian soldiers, onward to the was the first Harvest Ingathering remit- fray. tance to be received at the office this year. R. J. SYPE, H.M.S. It seems good to see these little churches doing such earnest work in the campaign. TIDINGS FROM THE BATTLE FIELD. S. Catherine.—The churches throughout the Parish of St. Catherine are making a We, are receiving very encouraging news good start in the campaign as I found from from various parts of the Island concern- a recent visit to a few of the churches in ing the progress of our Harvest Ingather- that part of the Conference. While most of ing campaign. the churches in that section are small and BelfieId Church seem to be the first they have many difficulties to face yet we church in the Conference to have reached are sure that they will soon have reached their goal. We are glad to pay them due their goal. honour as being the first company in the Guy's Hill.—We recently visited the army of the Lord to go over the top. church at Guy's Hill and were sorry to Kingston Church will have gone far be- learn that they had not received their yond the Hundred-pound mark before this Harvest Ingathering papers. We were un- article is read in the field and they are able to understand this circumstance, but doing a strong work. We want to especially are sure that they will soon be in the cam- mention the children of Kingston who will paign and though late in starting, will reach have raised between fifteen and twenty their goal, as they were very much in- pounds in the campaign and expect the terested in the work. twenty-five pound mark before it is finished. Jack's River.—We recently visited the No doubt North Street Church will reach little church at Jack's River with other their £200 goal within a very short time. churches in the Parish of St. Mary and 4 THE JAMAICA VISITOR were glad on the occasion of our visit to periences which any one shall have in the find Brother Gray the leader and other mem- campaign that we may pass it on to en- bers busily engaged in the campaign; and courage others. Let us keep the good work we note from word coming to the office, that going and the victory is ours. they are having very good success. R. J. SYPE, H.M.S. In the West. We made a very hasty trip to the Western part of the Island a few HARVEST INGATHER, NG SERHONETTE. weeks ago and found all the churches in that section making preparation to do a strong work in the Harvest Ingathering. "I can't get interested in the Harvest In- gathering work," exclaimed a young girl Some of them had already made a begin- petulantly, and, if the truth must be told, ning; others were delayed on account of the prevailing crops coming in a little later. a bit supercilliously, as she left a thrilling Harvest Ingathering rally in company with In the business district of Kingston, Sister an older lady. We were near enough to Hurdon has been having some good ex- hear the answer. "No, dearie, it is not ex- periences in meeting the business men. pected you should be yet awhile. It's just While only a beginning has been made we like getting interest in a bank. You have expect to see many Pounds gathered from to put in a little something first; the more these gentlemen. you put in, the more interest—time, money, In word received from various parts of or prayers, it doesn't matter which; but the Island we learn that some churches have something you have to put in, or you will been greatly hindered because of inclement never have any interest . . . Try it, dearie, weather. But in all the letters received from such churches, they are of good cour- just put in a little something, and you're sure of the interest." age and expect yet to do a strong work in This denomination has already put well this campaign. over four million dollars into the Harvest We would like to take this opportunity Ingathering work and today one-fourth of to thank the treasurers of the churches for our mission programme is supported by the their faithfulness in sending in the post cards which were mailed to them to tell us Harvest Ingathering work. It is no small thing. Elder Spicer calls it our biggest of the amount gathered in the Harvest In- single enterprise, and it is. Will you have gathering campaign. We received nearly part in the biggest enterprise of the denom- fifty of these the second week, and are ination? Or will you be defeated by the grateful that these treasurers had taken so enemy again this year? He would like to much interest in the Harvest Ingathering see every Seventh-day Adventist stay at work. We trust they will continue to be home. And you who have already started, faithful in sending us this information. when are you going to stop? When you Besides the churches which we have men- get your ten dollars? No, I don't believe tioned in this report, there are many others who have reported from 1/- to a few pounds that you will. For we should not be satis- fied with anything short of our best for gathered up to date. We are sorry to say Jesus. You know some people get little that a few churches have for some reason because they attempt little. Let's do big failed to receive papers yet this year but things for God. Carey said, "Attempt great before this will have been read, they will things for God and expect great things from all have their papers and no doubt be hard God." That should be the spirit during this at work in this good effort for the Lord. Some of these misfortunes seem to be un- campaign. One other thing I almost forgot. Did you avoidable but we are glad that the brethren ever notice the number of husbands that are patient and full of courage in spite of let their wives raise their Harvest Ingather- it all. We had to send to Cristobal, Canal ing money for them? Now, of course, that Zone, for a new supply of papers. These is a good way to get out of it, but, husbands, arrived and will no doubt all be used in who gets the blessing? You or your wife? addition to those that were sent out at Can you afford not to have part? You are first. busy and work hard all day, but try it Before closing these notes, I want to men- during the evening hours. On Sunday and tion that the church at Coleyville have Saturday nights. Write a few letters. already raised a number of pounds, and also the churches at Jointwood, Moor Park, Where there is a will, thre is a way. Don't let your wife do it for you this year. What Mt. Carey and Seaford Town have reported do you say? Enough for this time. Per- a Pound and more each in the campaign thus far. We are wondering what will be haps a little more later. the next church to report their goal reached. We are thankful to say that from all HOME MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT. district leaders, there comes words of cour- age and hope. A letter from Elder Jones KENCOT. assures us that his district will win the victory by the help of the Lord. We would I am sure that the readers of the VISITOR be glad to receive any interesting ex- are anxious to know something of the work THE JAMAICA VISITOR 5 that has been started in Kencot, a suburb King of heaven. How good it is to know of Kingston, five weeks ago. that we are citizens of that better land, and The Tabernacle was erected on a suitable to know that in all of our service even plot of land in a central locality. Since though we should be called upon to lay then Elder Hubert Fletcher and his corps down our lives in the end it will mean of labourers have been conducting meetings eternal life. each night. The attendance has been fairly We wish to call upon all the leaders and good, appreciating the fact that we have secretaries of our missionary volunteer been having inclement weather for the past societies over the Island to regard them- few weeks. We are thankful to state that selves as captains in a great movement; and a good interest has been manifested by those to realize that the Lord is depending upon in attendance, and the prospects for a them to inspire our young people with harvest of souls are good. The very first courage, faith and hope; and we are sure week of the meetings two souls decided to that if this would be done we will see such take their stand for the truth of God. a spirit of consecration on the part of our We have been having Sabbath services young people as we have never seen before from the second week of the meetings with in the history of this movement. In a re- a fair attendance of strangers. Especial cent visit to one of our larger churches of note must be made of the attendance of the the Conference we were very much im- children, which was very encouraging. We pressed with the fine spirit of devotion to have just organised a Sabbath-school with their work which characterised both the an enrollment of forty-one. leader and secretary of the society at that As we visit the homes of the people we place. It wat a real pleasure to talk with see a hungering and thirsting for Truth and some of the young people of that church, a desire to hear more of the gospel. We and to note how loyal and true they were solicit your earnest prayers on behalf of to the message and how enthusiastic they these dear souls, that they may yield their were for its triumph. I could only wish all in obedience to the gospel's urgent call. that this spirit might characterise our FRANK FLETCHER. young people in all our churches in Jamaica and we are sure that this should be and must be if we are to finish the work of God MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPT. in this Island for to a great extent we are depending upon our young people to step MISSIONARY VOLUNTEERS. into the ranks and carry our work to its final and victorious conclusion. What is a missionary volunteer? I trust It has been a matter of regret on my part every young person in the Jamaica Confer- that because of the Harvest Ingathering ence will analyse this question carefully and campaign and other duties and burdens I after you have given a satisfactory answer, have been unable to spend more time and please ask yourself, "Am I a missionary thought on our young people here. But let volunteer?" me take this opportunity to assure you, dear When Great Britain was plunged into friends, that I have every interest in you the late war the Prime Minister sent out the and as soon as we have caught up our other call to all parts of the great British Empire duties which are pushing us so hard at this for the young men to volunteer their service time it is our aim to spend more time with in defence of the interest of the Empire our missionary volunteer societies. I want and of humanity. In substance, he said, to ask you to be free to write to me at any "Great Britain is depending upon every time and if there are any problems that young man not only to volunteer his service you feel that you need counsel or help on, in the defence of his country but also to be free to suggest them to us. We were give every ounce of himself and all of his sorry that our report blanks were late in powers to the winning of this great war." reaching secretaries this quarter, but this We all know the result. Not only thousands was due to the material all being in Mande- but millions of strong young men from all ville and we being in Kingston which caused over the Empire placed themselves at the some delay in finding where to send these service of their country not even regarding blanks. But we assure you that when we their lives, but knowing that all the possi- get things organized, all these difficulties bilities were that they would lay down their will be corrected. lives on the battle-field in defence of their In closing let us mention our circulating country. library. I am sorry to say that we have We as missionary volunteers need the been unable to respond to applications for same spirit of consecration and devotion to books on account of the library being still the cause that we profess to love. Let us in Mandeville. We expect having it re- volunteer with every ounce of strength of moved to Kingston in the near future at body and mind, in the service of the King which time we will be able to respond to of kings. If men should feel it an honour all these requests and applications. We are to serve an earthly Empire, how much more thankful for this circulating library and are should we feel it an honour to serve the sure that you appreciate the privilege of
6 THE JAMAICA VISITOR
getting these good books in your possession REPORT OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS for a; few weeks at a time to help you along FROM CHURCHES AND COMPANIES. the Christian pathway. Received during the month of September, Once more let us beseech of you all to 1926. be faithful and true to the high calling of our profession, and be faithful soldiers of CHURCHES. TITHE. OFFERINGS. the cross and true to our pledge and aim Axe & Adze 0 18 9 0 17 7 as missionary volunteers and I am sure we Bagbie can look forward to a final and complete Ballimonay 0 14 3 0 19 4 triumph and a glorious reign in that king- Bellas Gate dom that shall never end. The Lord bless Beverley, 3 months 0 14 1 1 0 7 Bird's Hill you missionary volunteers. Blue Hole 2 0 8 0 13 7 R. J. SYPE, Bonny Gate Bryant Hill 8 14 10 1 7 1 Y.P.M.V. Sec. Bluefields Belfield .... 6 1 5 6 7 11 Canaan .... 2 14 9 0 5 11 "A servant wants his pay at the end of Contented Hall .... Calderwood .... the day, week, or month, but the heir waits Coleyville .... 8 2 3 2 18 1 until the entire estate is apportioned." Craig " .... Darliston