MISSIONARY LEADER VOLUME 31 SYDNEY, SEPTEMBER, 1943 NUMBER 9

papers? The last I had heard she had brought a hundred people to the truth." "She is still going strong," he replied, "and the list of souls is now 150." A Great Work Programme I cease to wonder at results like this when I read in the Spirit of prophecy that "invisible GEORGE BUTLER armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God."—"Acts of the Apostles," page 154. A GREAT work programme is placed in the but excusing ourselves on the ground that as "There it is !" I said. I was looking at these hands of evangelists of the living Word, as we did not begin at the first there is no use simple agents and wondering how it was all "labourers together with God." We have the trying to step in at such a late hour? Or done. Now I saw that it was the work of last warning message to take to the whole perhaps you try to make excuse for idleness "invisible armies of light and power," who were world, and only a short time in which to do by hiding the one talent which you possess, looking only for true and humble agents the work. The Apostle James tells us that instead of putting it to use. "Go work today through whom to work. That made it plain. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and in My vineyard" is the ringing command of the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and the Master as it comes down through the ages On the back of one of the maps in my Bible widows in their affliction, and to keep himself in this late hour of earth's day. And all who I have for many years looked at this state- unspotted from the world." James I: 27. The are willing to respond and go to work will ment: "The talents of the humble cottager are prophet Isaiah gives us the details of James's receive His just reward in the final settlement. needed in the house-to-house labour, and can summary, in the following clear language:— accomplish more in this work than brilliant Christ lived a life of service from the cradle gifts."—"Testimonies," Vol. IX, pages 37, 38. "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to the grave. He worked day and night in to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the behalf of His Father's business. So success- There is here no premium placed on indolence heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go fully did He perform His life task that He was or mental sluggishness and distaste for applica- free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not able to say, "Father, I have glorified Thee on tion to earnest study. But the humble cottager to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou the earth: I have finished the work which may perhaps be more ready to study the real bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? Thou gayest Me to do." Would that we, essentials, the really deeper things of God, than when thou seest the naked, that thou cover called to be messengers of Jesus Christ in the one with brilliant gifts. him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine these last hours of probation, might each be Once, when I was on a visit to Oslo, Norway, own flesh?" Isa. 58: 6, 7. able to bear the same testimony as to faith- an old man of brilliant gifts, a man of repute In these verses we have eight different re- fulness in the work assigned to us! in the engineering world, wept as he told me quirements specified, and connected with these how a scrubwoman—one of our aged sisters requirements are sixteen blessings, as set forth who came to do cleaning in his home—had in the remaining verses of the chapter. This taught him how to read his Bible. She had is a work programme, and the servant of the Invisible Armies evidently taught him our way of giving a Bible reading—following a topic through by texts Lord tells us this programme should be in W. A. SPICER operation in every Seventh - day Adventist from one book or chapter to another. "Why," church. It calls for willing labour and conse- As I used to visit some of our mission fields, he exclaimed, "she taught me how to make a crated service by every member of the church. I marvelled at the fruitage that came sometimes path through the Bible!" His eyes filled with from the efforts of very simple and untutored tears as he told of the help that old sister had In Christ's parables of the talents and of the been to him. It seemed to me that he was not workers in the vineyard, the principles of ser- believers. The last time I was down in the Inter-American Division I met Elder C. E. far from the kingdom, and perhaps even in it, vice in the Master's vineyard are brought to though he was not quite a member at that time. view. In the distribution of talents, to one Wood, Superintendent of the Mexican Union. is given five, to another two, and to another "Well," I said, "how is that little old lady There is danger in getting our eyes on the one. The record shows that all talent-holders getting on, with the black bag full of tracts and world's idea of training to meet great issues. We must keep in mind the "invisible armies," made the same percentage of gain, except the and do our part with just what we have, one-talent man, who did not attempt to use 1,111.T.-^411"111^IPT".10,11.-"UTIP,,gr always seeking for more. Here is the picture the talent, but buried it out of sight. Here given us of the closing days: "God will use we can see an example of the practical work- ways and means by which it will be seen that ing out of an unchangeable law of nature, in Transforming Commonplace He is taking the reins in His own hands. The that what is not used is lost. Every Christian Affairs workers will be surprised by the simple means should thank God that he has received at least that He will use to bring about and perfect His one talent, and should earnestly seek to use EDGAR FRANK work of righteousness. Those who are ac- t to God's glory. It is not the number of counted good workers will need to draw nigh talents that counts, but the use made of them. A MAN I know has made an altar Of his factory bench. to God, they will need the divine touch. They To those who hear the spoken Word today will need to drink more deeply and continuously there is a lesson of encouragement in the And one has turned the counter in his store Into a place of sacrifice and holy ministry. at the fountain of living water, in order that parable of the labourers in the vineyard. We they may discern God's work at every point." read that some began work early in the morn- Another still has changed his office desk Into a pulpit desk, from which to speak and —"Testimonies to Ministers," page 300. ing, others began at noon, and still others at write, What a wonderful work lies before us—a the eleventh hour. And yet at the eleventh Transforming commonplace affairs work within reach of every believer! hour, some were not working, and the Master Into the business of the King. asked, "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" A Martha in our midst has made The ready answer came, "No man hath hired Her kitchen table a communion table. us." In modern parlance, this is the same as A postman makes his daily round HOME MISSIONARY GEMS saying, "The conference committee has not A walk in the temple of God. . . . employed us." But the command of the Mas- IN the place of shifting your responsibility upon someone whom you think more richly ter was, "Go, work!" And they started in. To all of these each daily happening But when the time for settlement came, all the endowed than you are, work according to your Has come to be a whisper from the lips of ability.—"The Desire of Ages," page 370. workers received the same pay—those who had God, toiled from early morning until late at night, Each separate task a listening-post, and those who began between the eleventh and And every common circumstance "THE call of the hour—the last solemn hour twelfth hour. A wayside shrine. —is not to experience mere rapture or offer No doubt today some would question the up hollow words of praise, but to do His justice of such compensation. But we should bidding in the waiting fields." remember that the dear Lord does not recom- pense us by the time we begin, or the amount SUCCESSFUL work for Christ depends not so we do, or by the noise we make about it, but much on numbers or talent as upon pureness rather by our willingness to act when duty is of purpose, the true simplicity of earnest, pointed out. dependent faith.—"The Desire of Ages," page How are we responding to the calls for work- 370. ers in the vineyard today? Are we doing all we can? Have we entered the vineyard and "Jr Christians were to act in concert, mov- been hard at work since early dawn of duty, ing forward as one, under the direction of or did we begin in the heat of the day, or one Power, for the accomplishment of one in the late afternoon; or are we still standing purpose, they would move the world."— idly looking on, waiting to be set to work, "Testimonies," Vol. IX, page 221. 2 1V1 1 JJ 101N A K Y Lt.A.DhK Septemper, 1943

in actual demonstration of the instruction re- SEPTEMBER 18 ceived, do not wait another day. If you have SUGGESTIVE TALKS not taken a course of instruction in how to A Systematic Soul-winner give Bible studies, why not see your church (Evangelist Signs) for Ten-Minute Exercises missionary leader today and plan with him to commence a course? Once you have broken the THE greatest evangelist our denomination has ice of fear and procrastination, you will revel is also our greatest soul-winner. This is "Evan- SEPTEMBER 4 in the depths of joy in service never known gelist Signs." He is neat in appearance, with before. a charming and versatile personality. He uses the very latest and most successful methods. My First Bible Study He is a great student, tireless in research, with A LARGE number of students from a near-by SEPTEMBER 11 a most pleasing style. His sermons in one year college were spending the summer vacation at would make several books of considerable size. the "City Mission," where experienced instruc- Block Evangelism He is systematic, and he never neglects an in- tors conducted classes in Bible doctrines, the terest. He stays by his prospect week after distribution of literature, securing appoint- OUR appeal today is to individual church week. All of these valuable qualities make ments for Bible studies, and the proper pro- members—to you who follow your various "Evangelist Signs" our greatest soul-winner. cedure, under varied circumstances, in giving vocations day by day, to wives and mothers In Australasia there are many towns where Bible readings and leading the reader through who keep the home fires burning, to the youth we do not have a church. Mission efforts the "valley of decision." The broad vision of upon whom so much depends for the future, should be held in these places, but before this the place of this Bible work in connection with to the shut-ins on beds of sickness, and those is possible we could use the Signs to prepare the third angel's message was strikingly por- who are struggling under burdens of heavy the way for future efforts. trayed in all the instruction, and each student responsibility or poverty. All of these elements While millions are seriously thinking of tragic was enthusiastic over the possibilities, and of human experience, and more, are wrapped world happenings is the time to help them happy in the privilege of receiving such train- up in the church, which "is God's appointed think of the world to come and the heavenly ing. Although many years have passed since agency for the salvation of men"; and "all reward. Perhaps never in earth's history was that time, never has the vision faded, nor the heaven is looking with intense interest upon the there a better time to help others to under- interest waned. church, to see what her individual members stand "what these things mean." Many plans The instruction combined theory and prac- are doing to enlighten those who are in dark- have been laid to help us in service for others. tice from the very start. Class members re- ness." It is the attitude of the individual mem- One way to warn our friends and neighbours peatedly passed through the ordeal of giving a ber that is of intense interest to heavenly is to send them the Signs of the Times. It Bible study before the entire class, subject to agencies. sounds the message clearly. kindly, helpful criticism and words of com- Each church member has a parish for which Our church members are sending from week mendation as appropriate, all of which was he is responsible to God. It may not be a to week hundreds of Signs to various classes of testing, but beneficial. Certain hours of each large parish; in fact, it may be very small— individuals. It is a good thing to check up day were devoted to work on the streets, dis- perhaps a city block, or it may be the neigh- now and again to see if these papers are reach- tributing literature, and making appointments bour next door, or possibly your duties are ing their destination, and if they are being for Bible studies. confined within the walls of your own home. appreciated. In cases where the papers have been received for some time and are not fully When about half way through the course, Nevertheless, you have an individual responsi- appreciated, they could perhaps be sent to new students were sent to fill appointments for bility to let the light of truth shine in dark- Bible studies in homes. My assignment was ness. There are so many ways by which we people, and in this way bring the truths pre- to a new audience. in a suburb at some distance from the mission, can work our parish. Have you worked your sented by "Evangelist Signs" "block" parish? Even in the four sides of We would urge you, church member, to take reached by car and bus. The trip required are some time, and to me, the longer the time the block there may be found a vast field of stock occasionally of those to whom Signs before arriving at the destination the better, need, sickness, sorrow, poverty; or perhaps being sent. A personal letter to the indi- so great seemed the undertaking. But at last wealth and riches, but no hope for the future. vidual, in most cases, will bring a reply con- the junction was announced, and the street and Seek to find out the spiritual condition and taining the needed information with a sugges- number of the house located. After walking the need of every member of your parish, and tion that they become subscribers or with an up and down the block a few times, and dedicate your service to God for meeting the offer to pay something toward the cost of silently praying for divine help, I rang the need, wherever it may be. having the paper sent to them. If the letter door-bell, and was answered by a lady whose "Do not pass by the little things, and look is not answered, it can usually be taken for kindly face and unpretentious bearing inspired for a large work. . . . Take hold wherever granted that the paper is not really being ap- courage. "Yes," she said, "I am Mrs. Brown, you see there is work to be done." Even those preciated, and it would be quite in order to and I have an appointment to meet a Bible who are prevented from crossing the threshold have it sent to another reader. Check over teacher this afternoon. Are you the teacher ?" of the home can exert an uplifting influence your Signs mailing list with your church mis- Hardly daring to assume such a dignified title, by smiles and words of courage and cheer. sionary secretary as soon as possible. I replied that I had come to fill the appoint- The story is told of "Uncle Bob," as every- ment, and was very happy to make her ac- body in the little town called this friendly, quaintance. genial man, poor in purse, but rich in friends. SEPTEMBER 25 Soon we were seated beside the library table, When he became ill there was much sorrow in with Bibles and notebooks in hand. First we the village. One day a specialist came from The Most Successful Method bowed together in prayer—just a few sentences, the city, and after a careful examination, de- (Personal Contact) uttered in broken words from a sincere heart; clared that the sick man would never get well. but the Holy Spirit bestowed the benediction Uncle Bob accepted the verdict with a smile, G. E. HUTCHES of peace upon us, and from that moment there and asked, "Will it be days or weeks, Doc?" IN checking the background of many newly seemed to spring up an understanding between The reply was, "Weeks, but not many." baptized believers, it was found that in almost reader and teacher that melted the ice of for- The next day the man made a strange re- every instance somewhere along the line there mality, and we became more than friends— quest, and that was that his friends move his had been a favourable contact with a faithful" sisters in the great family of God, for the lady bed into the front room right in front of the layman—there had been a visit on the themes was a sincere and honest-hearted seeker after big window, so he could wave at the folks as of the message, literature had been given out, truth. they passf.c1 by. His request was granted, and a Bible study conducted, a letter written, and Our subject for study was the usual initial there he rested among his pillows of snowy in some cases only silent observation. These topic, "The Word of God." The outline was whiteness, his open Bible before him, with a things had done their work and prepared the followed without interruption and break, and smile on his face; and as the people passed by, way for a harvest of souls. The ministry of the texts of Scripture read one by one. How Uncle Bob would wave his hand in his own Christ consisted mostly in such work. He my heart thrilled as I opened the Scriptures friendly way. In the next few days this win- never missed an opportunity to speak a word to this one-soul audience, and how eagerly she dow became a shrine. Thither came the people, of comfort to the weary, or go into depths of grasped the connection and seemed to accept old and young. Here the tired found rest; the reasoning with the inquirer. the Bible as the Word of God to her! Then sad comfort; and the selfish healing chastening. We have wonderful instruction from the I could better understand the meaning of the "Now, neighbours," said Uncle Bob, when he Spirit of prophecy on matters of soul-winning, scene portrayed by Inspiration, as follows:— was very weak indeed, "when I am gone, don't and the obligation that rests upon us all to "Two . . . workers were seated in a family. think of my grave; think of my wave." And carry on missionary activities for the sake of With the open Bible before them, they pre- then came a day when he could not wave his those around us. "Ministry of Healing" tells sented the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardon- hand; he could only smile. Just before he us on page 143, "There is need of coming close ing Saviour. Earnest prayer was offered to died, he looked up into the face of his weep- to the people by personal effort." In "Testi- God, and hearts were softened and subdued by ing wife, and said: "Never mind, mother. I'm monies," Vol. VI, page 115: "The work of the influence of the Spirit of God. . . . As the only going to sleep for a little while ; and when Christ was largely made up of personal inter- Word of God was explained, I saw that a soft, I arise and see you coming to meet the Saviour views. He had a faithful regard for the one- radiant light illumined the Scriptures, and 1 with me, I'll just wave." soul audience. From that one soul the intelli- said, softly, 'Go out into the highways and The memory of Uncle Bob's wave and gence received was carried to thousands." hedges, and compel them to come in, that My cheery smile, and the Scriptures which he "Christ's method alone will give true success house may be filled.'"—"Testimonies," Vol. IX, loved, still linger as a benediction in the little in reaching the people." The advent message page 35. town. May the life of every Christian be so is evangelical; soul-winning is our chief pur- All too quickly came the time of departure, filled with the presence of God that the home, pose. We are made custodians of God's last but we separated as Christian friends, eagerly the street, the block, or the extended com- warning truth for the world, and we must anticipating another period of study the coming munity will be attracted to eternal truth. employ every possible means to prepare people week. for the earth made new. Surely this is the eleventh hour of this world's probation. The I can indeed say truly, "It is a joyous work eleventh hour is the layman's hour. The layman to open the Scriptures to others." The call is THE church on earth united with the church who employs Christ's method of reaching the to everyone. There must always be the first in heaven, can accomplish all things.—"Testi- people will have a rich reward of souls re- Bible study, and if you have not ventured forth monies," Vol. VII, page 31. deemed in the kingdom of our Father. September, 1943 MISSIONARY LEADEK

low pretence, no hidden ugliness. The heart of the flower is as beautiful as its surface. The attractiveness of flowers is an exterior exhibi- LAlissionary Volunteer Department tion of the inner quality; it is a visible dis- closure of what is hidden within the plant; it is an outward semblance of what the flower really is. Spring Service into the mind, and spiritual lessons are im- pressed upon the heart. We have been re- Flowers foster new ideals, present new visions, and promote reform. As direct agents for Poem: THE PROMISE OF SPRINGTIME minded that their simplicity and purity make ' these lessons direct from nature of the highest good, the value and power of flowers cannot be A PROMISE of spring and sunshine, value. Every one of us needs the instruction overestimated; and in whatever way, there- A whisper of halcyon days, obtained from this source. Contemplation of fore, public attention is drawn to the garden A fragrance of wattle around us, the beauties of nature helps to lead the soul as affording an influence toward reform, the In golden and beautiful blaze. away from sin and worldly attractions toward tendency is beneficial. purity, peace, and God. An attractive plant given to a poor family A rose with its petals unfolding, The earth is full of reminders that lead us has been known to arouse their interest in it A dewdrop, the diamond to pale, from nature to nature's God, and teach us of sufficiently to induce them to be concerned A glimpse of an emerald carpet the excellence of His character and His un- for its needs. As the bud opens and the flower Bespread over hillock and dale. failing care. The world of nature about us is blooms, their estimation of it deepens, and the "ever-speaking appeal of the Father to His alterations have been made, little by little, to A leaf that is opening in beauty, children." Especially is this true of the provide surroundings suitable to the flowering A tree that in verdure is seen, myriads of fair flowers surrounding us. Their plant. A thrush from the depth of the green- multitudinous voices reiterate messages of His wood, With the awakening of the flower, the emo- tender mercy and watchful concern. They are tions of the family have been aroused. Its Whose song, in its sweetness, we His constant witnesses that testify, "The hand glean. loveliness and fragrance have entered imper- that made us is divine." ceptibly into their souls. The plant has opened A message triumphant has Springtime, As we study closely the many flowers and their minds and brought to their hearts a long- And clear as a clarion it rings, imbibe their fragrance, our hearts are led to ing for something better, a desire for the beau- Proclaiming the soul's resurrection, marvel at the wisdom and skill manifested in tiful, and they have converted their squalid The voice of our Father it brings. the exquisite adornment of even the humblest abode into a neat, clean dwelling-place. Such plants, and through them God speaks to us a reformation is of lasting duration, because it "Behold, I renew !" 'Tis His promise, of His peace and love. We feel "we can trust is the result of a growth from within, an out- In faith and in hope and in love, the heart that planned the daisy, the hand from ward manifestation of a change wrought in the We gaze on His own resurrection, which the lily and the lilac come." Their value life by the gradual subduing power of a little We look for the mansions above. as mute teachers of the Father's love is well flower—no urging, no demanding, just an un- illustrated in the following story:— spoken pleading, constant and quiet, an in- NATURE EXERCISE A man by the name of Charney was in sistent wooing to a higher plane. Single Voice— prison, placed there by Napoleon as a sus- pected enemy of the empire. While walking Flowers stimulate thoughtfulness for others, What do the flowers say? Listen! one day in the court adjacent to his cell, he and subdue the selfish motive. A lovely flower They speak so low and so sweet:— noticed a tiny plant forcing its way upward blossoms in our garden. We gaze on its form and colour. We revel in its elegance, and Group (from opposite side of platform)— between some stones. He knew not whence it came or what kind it was, but his interest almost before we realize it, a thought of To make the world glad is our mission ; was aroused. Shut away from friends, with someone else creeps into our minds, a desire Just hear us in chorus repeat— nothing to occupy his time, he was gladdened that another shall enjoy it too, a feeling that Roses and poppies, marigolds, pinks, by this living little plant. He observed it with our joy will be greater if this flower is shared Tulips, and lilies fair: increasing interest, and learned to love it. with another. So we provide the opportunity "We work with a will, all earth-land to fill Every day he examined it closely. for someone to enter into our joy. A young With beauty and bloom everywhere!" By and by some buds became visible. He child will pick a flower, not for himself, but for mother, father, brother, sister. This is Single Voice— watched them grow larger and larger, and eagerly waited to see what the flower would characteristic of childhood. We do well to What do the birds say ? Listen ! be. Eventually the buds opened, and the keep this spirit of thoughtfulness growing by Their songs are tuneful and sweet:— flowers appeared, diffusing a delightful fra- multiplying the gift of flowers. Group— grance. His heart overflowed with joy, for no Flowers ennoble and animate our thoughts other flowers had ever seemed so charming. To make the world glad is our mission; and feelings. We cannot examine a flower The plant afforded great pleasure and comfort Just hear us in chorus repeat— closely, and not be benefited by it. We cannot to the imprisoned man. Before his imprison- Robins and nightingales, mocking-birds, look deeply into its heart without being influ- ment, he did not believe in God. As he daily enced for the better. The thoughts are lifted too, observed his cherished flower, its unfolding And larks rising high in the uo in contemplation of its beauty, simplicity, air: blossoms convinced him that there is a God. "We work with a will, all earth-land to fill or fragrance. Our minds are elevated above He knew that only God could make such won- With beauty and song everywhere !" the common, ordinary things, because for the drous beauty. He carefully guarded the plant; moment the disagreeable, sordid things are Single Voice— but one day his heart was saddened, for it forgotten, and thoughts of adoration and seemed that it was dying. He longed to lift charm engross our attention. Thus our souls What do the fields say? Listen! the stones from around it, but this could not Cornfields and nodding wheat:— are uplifted, and thoughts of beauty illumine be done without permission. One day the the dark recesses of our minds. Our whole Group— daughter of another prisoner was visiting the being responds to the exaltation; and if this gaol, and noted how sympathetically Charney ' To make the world glad is our mission; is often repeated, the habit of a happy outlook tended the plant. She gained an audience with Just hear us in chorus repeat— and uplook is cultivated, and our characters are Josephine, and related the story of Charney Meadow-grass, sparkling with dewdrops, ennobled. Our lives are enriched, sweetened by Cornfield, and wheatfield declare: and his plant. Permission was given him to the gentle influence of a silent flower messenger. do as he pleased with his treasure. So he re- "We work with a will, all earth-land to fill moved the stones, cultivated the soil, and the With beauty and use everywhere !" flower regained its former freshness. Dialogue: THE MISSION OF FLOWERS Single Voice— The Empress Josephine had a deep regard First Girl (represents a student of nature)— for flowers, and her sympathy was awakened Thus field song, and bird song, and for the prisoner who so carefully tended his I walked in a garden where flowers grew, flower song, too, lone flower. She induced the emperor to grant Whose tinted colours, blent, In musical cadences sweet, Rivalled in glory the brightest hue Tell the children that each has a mission; the prisoner his liberty. When Charney de- parted from the prison, he carried his plant Of the bow in the firmament; Now hear them in chorus repeat:— on the air a gentle breeze to his home, for he could not be separated from While soft Wafted a sweet perfume, Group— the little plant that had cheered him during his lonely prison life, taught him of a loving And the harmony seemed just formed to "We all have a place in God's kingdom, please AU nature is under His care; God, and finally was the agency used by Heaven for his release. In a world of so much gloom. So, we work with a will, all earth-land "And surely," I said, "you lovely flowers to fill Have some silent work to do, With joy, beauty, and use everywhere !" Talk: THE INFLUENCE OF FLOWERS While I seem useless, with no great powers —From "Sunshine Songs." Flowers are such common things that most To bless the world like you. of us take no thought of their existence except But what is your mission? I pray you, Song: "Our God Is a God of Love" speak! (No. 249, "Christ In Song") for the delight brought to us through their colour, form, and perfume. Flowers awaken That over my clouded way (To be sung by those taking part in the in our hearts a sense of the beautiful and good. Some glimmering ray of light may break ; yet I stay !" above exercise.) They help the mind to appreciate the beau- Oh, tell me, while tiful. They present a standard for judging Solo or Duet: "Hear What the Flowers Say" Talk: DIVINE APPEAL THROUGH real beauty—the beauty of soul. They supply NATURE a correct guide to the true beauty in life—the (Tune, No. 98, "Christ in Song") The book of nature is God's great lesson- beauty of character. They aid us in distin- book; used with the Bible, it is invaluable in guishing the value of inward beauty above I. Yes, even the flowers, so frail and fair, teaching God's love and in guiding the wan- mere outward adornment. Flowers are per- On earth have a work to do ; derer back to the Father's house. As the things meated with pleasing genuineness through and They gladden the sad hearts everywhere, of nature are studied, new truths are flashed through—no make-believe decoration, no hol- And comfort the mourner, too. 4 MISSIONARY LEADER September, '943

CHORUS: From whose weeping eyes we might chase on the happy, glorious heavenly family the Then hear what the sweet flowers say ! away Father and Son lavished their love. Oh, hear what the bright flowers say ! The tears with a single smile. As the years rolled on, God and His Son in And from your heart all the gloom will And if such is our mission, who can tell council decided to enlarge heaven, as it were, depart What good we may do while on earth we by creating this earth and another happy When you hear what the sweet flowers say. dwell, family. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, Though 'tis but for a little while? were created, and for them was prepared a 2. Oh, hark! 'tis of God they speak each day, new and glorious home. For their immediate Song: "Beautiful Flowers" (No. 578, They live but to do His will, occupation a beautiful garden was created— And each little flower must, day by day, "Christ in Song") a paradise. This Eden home was beautiful be- Its purpose in life fulfil. yond description. It was filled with all the comforts, riches, beauties, and pleasures that Enter 2nd Girl an all-loving, powerful, and wealthy Father (dressed in white, carrying roses in hand)— A Practice Meeting for the could bestow. One writer uses these words to Child of creation! would you know Christian Help Band convey the picture of beauty: "The entire land- The mission of the rose? scape outvied in beauty the decorated grounds My lot is a favoured one, I know, C. P. SORENSEN of the proudest palace." When Lucifer rebelled in heaven and was For into the presence of kings I go, Note to Leaders And dwell in the courts of those cast out, he came to this beautiful earth to Whose lordly mansions I beautify, Tins is to be a practice meeting for the live. He determined to set up a kingdom of And many regard me admiringly, programme the band members will hold in an his own, and his rule would be against God's While I rest neath the sunshine of many institution. Make it real, and let as many as government. He made it appear that he was an eye possible take part. seeking to promote the good of the universe. In blissful and calm repose. At the close of the meeting, it would be well Adam and Eve were warned about this My work is to brighten, where'er I go, to have a discussion of the following points:— wicked and rebellious angel and his wicked The lives that are dark, and to plainly show I. For what kind of institution would this schemes. God loved and trusted His little To those who weep and mourn, programme be appropriate? family—Adam and Eve—in this new addition That a life of all joy and no sorrow would be 2. What do you think is our main objective? to heaven. There was only one place in this As strange a thing in this world to see What are we trying to accomplish? beautiful, spacious garden where Satan could As a rose without a thorn! Be prepared to announce when and where speak to Adam and Eve—the tree of knowl- the Christian Help Band will present this pro- edge of good and evil. The sad and tragic Enter 3rd Girl (carries a lily)— gramme, and invite those who desire to join story of the fall of man is familiar to all. Our the band to be present. Only a lily! My services here first parents became the servants of Satan. Death came to every living thing. Now only May not just now to the world appear Introduction by Band Leader sorrow, misery, suffering, death, and eternal To be of much use to humanity. Good afternoon, friends! May I present a But some day I shall be understood, separation from God awaited the family God group of young people representing our world- had created. And men will bow at the throne of God, wide organization of youth known as the Mis- And hark to my message of purity. Would man perish, never more to live? No, sionary Volunteers? We are very grateful to God had another plan. Sin must be destroyed, So still shall my cry sound clear and sure, the officials of this institution for granting us "In thought, word, and action, in life be pure." and His family saved. (Quote John 3: 16.) the privilege of greeting you this afternoon. Man sold himself for naught, and he will We desire to bring a message of hope and cheer Enter 4th Girl (holds a bunch of violets)— be redeemed without price—neither silver nor to each of you. gold can pay for our redemption. The object What is my mission in life? you ask; We have chosen to follow in the footsteps of more precious to God than all else, the life of Well, I'm only a violet, you see, our beloved Jesus, and we know that His foot- His only begotten Son, Jesus, is our only hope But mine is often a nobler task prints will be found beside the sick-bed and in for restoration to a place in God's family. God Than men believe it to be. every place where human hearts need a word created us. He redeemed us by the death of Even though sometimes in a mossy glen of cheer, hope, and consolation. His Son. Now, just now, He extends to us My sweet buds hidden lie, We sincerely hope that the programme we the invitation and privilege of being adopted And blossom a while in the shade unseen, have prepared for this brief visit will make into His glorious family. Then droop and wither and die; your life's pathway a little more pleasant, and Our small earth is but an atom in the vast 'Tis still my mission to cheer and bless, your hope and courage brighter. Our sincere dominions over which God rules; yet this little And to kindle a ray of hope prayer is expressed in the words of this song, fallen world, the one lost sheep, is more pre- In hearts crushed down by hopelessness, and we sing it as a prayer song. (Sing "The cious in His sight than the ninety and nine that And silently bid them look up! Helping Word," No. 559, "Christ in Song.") did not stray away from the fold. Jesus left Scripture Reading: Isa. 65: 17-25 these ninety and nine, laid aside His glory, Enter 5th Girl (holds bunch of snowdrops)— came to this earth to be "wounded for our When the earth is wrapped in the mantling Hymn Story: "WHAT A FRIEND WE transgressions" and "bruised for our iniqui- shroud HAVE IN JESUS" ties." God gave Himself in His Son that He Of winter's chilling gloom, might bring back the one sheep that was lost. When storms and tempests are raging loud, The author of this sweet and simple hymn "Behold, what manner of love the Father And the thunder's crashing boom is Joseph Scriven. He was born in Dublin, bath bestowed upon us, that we should be Bursts from the clouded skies, Ireland, in 182o, and came to Canada when he called the sons of God." God bends from His And the shrinking sunshine flies, was twenty-five years old. The young lady to throne on high to hear the cry of His weakest 'Tis then that I lift my drooping head, whom he was to be married was accidentally son or daughter. Though we have through the Like a spirit returning from the dead, drowned on the eve of their wedding day. acceptance of Jesus become a part of the heav- With a message of life and love, This led him to consecrate his life and fortune enly family, we shall have to remain on this And I point to the realms above ; to the service of Christ. He was a man of dark, sin-cursed earth till Jesus comes to take Though death must come with its dark- refinement, a college graduate, but he chose us to our heavenly home, to be united with ening gloom, to do humble duties. This story is told of the heavenly family. Look up! look up! for beyond the tomb the author:— Jesus is coming back to this earth very The shadows will all remove. One day he was seen in work clothes carry- soon. Then the real significance of being ing a saw-horse and a saw. adopted into God's family will be realized. It Enter 6th Girl (with bunch of f orget-me-nots)— "There goes an honest-looking man," some- will mean translation to heaven and becoming one said. "I will ask him to saw some wood When you find that your days pass wearily, for me." joint heirs with Christ of all the treasures of the vast universe. The family of God will And you've grown discontented with life, "He won't saw wood for you!" someone And your earthly lot, maybe, then, according to His original plan, be fully commented. "That is Joseph Scriven, and he made up, His family reunited and at home in Just turn your eyes from the dismal sight, saws wood only for poor widows and sick their Father's house. And think of the rose and the lily white, people! You are able to pay." Of the snowdrop, and the violet bright, He lived a quiet and helpful life. Until a (If time permits, the song "A Child of the As close by your pathway they grow. short time before his death, it was not known Yes, remember all these, I pray, but, oh ! that he could write poetry. King" may be sung) Forget-me-not ! A friend sitting up with him in his last illness No. 514, "Christ in Song" happened upon a manuscript copy of "What a Though I may be small and unseen by one Friend We Have in Jesus." Being questioned Story: "THE NINETY AND NINE" Of those who pass by me, I still stay on, concerning this, Joseph Scriven replied, "I wrote In the same small spot. that for my mother, to comfort her in a time It was in the year 1874 that the poem, "The message is this: "A contented mind, And my of special sorrow. I did not intend anyone else Ninety and Nine," was discovered, set to music, With hope and humility combined, to see it. The Lord and I wrote it." and sent out upon its world-wide mission. Mr. Will bring happiness still to those who find This sweet and simple hymn has cheered Moody and Mr. Sankey had been in Glasgow No pleasure in life." So each day, I say, thousands, and we take delight in bringing it conducting a series of meetings. They were at As you think of the mission of flowers, I pray, to you again this afternoon. a railway station at Glasgow, about to take the Forget-me-not ! train for Edinburgh. Mr. Sankey bought a Hymn: No. 237, "Advent Hymnal" weekly newspaper as they were about to board First Girl— the train. He paid a penny for this. When So this is the mission of flowers! We see Talk: GOD'S FAMILY seated in the train, Mr. Sankey began perusing What lessons they teach us, and so may we Quote John 14: 1-3. Before ever this world his newspaper, hoping to find some news from Live ever as they have shown. was created, God lived. Our finite minds can- America. He was disappointed in this, so Oh, Father in heaven! help me to grow not comprehend eternity. Heaven has always threw the newspaper down. More like the flowers each day ; and so been the dwelling-place of God and His Son. Shortly before reaching Edinburgh he picked Their mission will be my own, At some time in eternity the angels were cre- up the newspaper again, thinking he would For there's many a lonely one today ated. They are an innumerable company, and scan the advertisements. His eye fell upon a JCpLCIIIUCI, 1943 1V1 1001 kJ IN ft

little piece of poetry in one corner of the time she had ever conducted a service in a her. Notices were posted for singers to report paper. He decided that this poem would make prison. If she'd hurry up and start preaching, to the chapel. More than four hundred came, a great hymn for evangelistic work if it had I thought, maybe that would ease the strain. and from them we selected sixty white men and a tune. He cut out the poem and put it in But she didn't preach. She had a guitar, and sixty Negroes for two choruses. We were per- his music scrap-book. she smiled and said, "Let's have a song." She mitted to hold rehearsals; prison carpenters, In his sermon the next day, Mr. Moody sang "The Rose of No Man's Land" in a clear electricians, and others were allowed to reno- chose his topic, "The Good Shepherd." At the voice, and when she came to the chorus she vate and decorate the chapel. close of the sermon Mr. Moody turned to Mr. called, "Come on, let's all sing it." But there On Easter morning the men were up at Sankey and said, "Have you a solo appropriate wasn't a flicker of response; they just sat dawn, polishing heavy brogans, slicking down 2r this subject with which to close the ser- staring at her. As she went on with the chorus, their hair, donning prison greys that had been ice ?" Mr. Sankey was troubled for a moment her voice shook a little, but she got through pressed between mattresses and iron slats. at the thought. Just then a voice seemed to with it. Directly from breakfast the prisoners began 1,say, "Sing the words you found on the train "Didn't like that one?" The girl smiled streaming into the chapel; by nine o'clock not yesterday." But he had no music for them. again, but I could see her hands trembling. an inch of bench space was unoccupied, and He, however, placed the little scrap of news- "Well, there's a lot more tunes here in the men were sitting in the aisles. On the platform paper on the organ before him. He lifted his box." She tried again—with a spiritual, "Walk were the singers, many of them scar-faced and heart in prayer, struck the key of A flat, and in Jerusalem." In a moment some of the cauliflower-eared, but how they could sing ! began to sing. Note by note the tune was coloured prisoners began to hum, then to sing. Then the girl came in with the chaplain. given. It has not been changed from that day It was pathetic to see how grateful the girl Because she had sung it to us the first time to this. was. Then she sang "There's a Long, Long she came, the white chorus started off with A short time after this, Mr. Sankey received Trail A-winding," and that got a lot of men "The Rose of No Man's Land." Then the a letter from a woman thanking him for having with her. Before she was through she had half coloured men sang "Swing Low, Sweet Char- sung her deceased sister's words. Thus Mr. the crowd singing. iot," After that came "Shine On, Harvest Sankey learned that the author of the poem was Although some of the men still sat staring, Moon," and the spiritual, "Roll, Jordan, Roll." Elizabeth C. Clephane of Melrose, Scotland. most of them were now straining forward on Once more the girl stood on the platform, Her sister described her in these words: "She their benches. They were human beings again was a very quiet child, shrinking from notice for a little while. I felt a hard lump inside of looking out at the rows of pallid faces and smiling at us. Then she and the choristers and always absorbed in books. Her love for me begin to break up and melt. I was nine- sang, "Lead, Kindly Light." poetry was a passion. Among the sick and teen when I had been sent to prison three years suffering, she won the name 'My Sunbeam.' before, and I had never known a woman like (Unseen Voice sings two stanzas) She wrote the poem, 'The Ninety and Nine,' her. for a friend, but it received comparatively Talk: SPEAKING OF COURAGE Speaker: little notice." (By a young lady if possible) "The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead Thou me on." Special Song: "Ninety and Nine" After the singing she made a little talk. Shy (No. 61, "Christ in Song") and nervous at first, she soon got going and The men on the benches began singing. When forgot about herself. I can't remember all the hymn was over you could hear a long sigh Musical Reading: "THAT BEAUTIFUL that she said. A man may be down, but he's —a sigh that came from men whose brains had LAND" not out. . . . A prison door can be a gate been tied in hard knots and who felt those I have heard of a land on a far-away strand, to opportunity if a man makes it so. . . . knots loosening a little. In the Bible the story is told, Help people, why hurt them? . . . Even in Then the girl spoke. This time she talked to Where cares never come, never darkness nor prison you can begin to live so that when you me and to the other doomed men like me who gloom, come out you'll be worth something to your- would never again see the beautiful world of And nothing shall ever grow old. self and to others. trees and flowers, or know the love of a woman I guess it doesn't sound much when you and of little children. She talked of the new There are evergreen trees that bend low in the write it down, but the way she said it made life awaiting us, here and now. Our bodies breeze, you feel she cared a lot about getting it over might be confined to prison; but our spirits And their fruitage is brighter than gold; to you. You could see that she wanted to get could be free if we would let the forgiveness There are harps for our hands, in that fairest you out of prison and be a decent human being. and abiding love of God the Father enter our of lands, In one of the front rows an old safe-cracker hearts. She believed what she was saying so And nothing shall ever grow old. doing a fifteen-year sentence was straining to completely that her faith came through to you, catch every word. Next to him was a boy of and I, listening, began to believe too. There's a home in that land, at the Father's eighteen with tears streaming down his cheeks. When she finished speaking she stood quietly right hand; It was over. The girl smiled at us once There are mansions whose joys are untold, for a minute; then lifted her head and began more—a tired smile this time, as if she had to sing:— And perennial spring, where the birds ever sing, used all her strength in getting through with us. And nothing shall ever grow old. Then she went away and we were marched "Rock of Ages, cleft for me, back to our cells. Let me hide myself in Thee." In that beautiful land, on the far-away strand, No storms with their blasts ever frown; From the throats of thousands of hardened Special Item (Mixed Quartette): No. 70, men the beautiful old hymn rose, filling the The streets, I am told, are paved with pure gold, "Gospel in Song" And the sun shall never go down. great, gloomy chapel and transporting us to a realm of hope and peace. Talk: A DESPAIRING OUTLOOK I remember that Easter service of eleven That night the men weren't so much on edge. years ago as clearly as if it were yesterday. The girl had brought to most of them a little "The Most Unforgettable Char- comfort and peace of mind. But not to me, for Closing Talk: "GREATER LOVE HATE acter I've Ever Met" I realized that she was talking to men who NO MAN THAN THIS" were going to get out of prison; in two years, Yes, I remember that Easter service of eleven ,By JOSEPH RUSSELL. No. 57419, Ohio Peniten- ten, or fifteen. But my sentence had fifty-two tiary. Arranged by Lois ROSENDAHL. years ago as clearly as if it were yesterday, years to run. Fifty-two ! but the terrible things that happened the next I don't know how to make people on the Note to Officers day are mixed up in my mind like a nightmare. outside understand the overpowering despair, The world read about it in the newspapers— HYMN suggestions: "Advent Hymnal," 62o, the fierce longing for freedom, that sometimes the fire of Easter Monday, 193o, when 322 629, 658. If at all possible, arrange an unseen takes hold of the prisoner. It may grip him convicts in Ohio Penitentiary were burned to singer (preferably young woman) to sing "Lead, when the clanging bell wakes him to face death, locked in their cells. Kindly Light" and "Rock of Ages" just as another day, or in the prison shop where he speaker for the fourth talk mentions our works all day in enforced silence, or during The prisoners whom the guards were able to heroine singing those hymns. Make a pause the lock-step march across the dingy yard. liberate—I was one of them—did what they could to smash cell locks with sledge-hammers while two verses of each are sung respectively. Most often it catches him when he is locked These talks could be read if good readers are up for the night. The cell is eight feet by nine, and thus save others. Then, when the flames chosen, but to have them well spoken is ideal. and in our badly overcrowded penitentiary drove them back, they gathered in the prison four men were herded into each cell. yard. It was a cold night, and they stood around, shivering. Talk: FIRST IMPRESSIONS Imagine yourself there with those thick walls pressing in on you, and perhaps you can under- Suddenly I heard someone yell, "There's a (By young man if possible) stand why a man throws himself on his bunk, woman !" I looked, and recognized the blue I saw her only three times. The first was grips hold of bars and bites the cold metal to uniform of the girl. She had come to do what when she appeared in the prison chapel one keep from screaming. One man had that feel- she could for the men in the prison. Sunday eleven years ago. She was young, tall, ing so badly that he rammed his head through All that horrible night she worked, helping and slender; she wore a smoky-blue uniform, a window and sawed his throat open on the one of the doctors with the oxygen tank. and a jaunty cap set off her fluffy hair. A few jagged glass. That kind of thing is often in Again and again she was drenched by the days before, twelve long-term convicts had the men's minds. spray from the fire hoses, and I saw that she made a break for freedom; the whole prison was trembling in the chill air. But she kept was on edge, and for her protection two armed Special Item: "Is There Anyone Can Help on until she collapsed and was taken home. guards accompanied her. You?" ("Christ in Song," 522) Soon afterward we learned that the girl had The chapel seated 2,000, but only a few developed pneumonia, due to the exposure and hundred prisoners were there that Sunday. Talk: THE SECOND VISIT BRINGS exhaustion of that night, and was fighting for I played in the prison orchestra, and from my HOPE her life. The next morning she was dead. seat on the platform I could look out on the sullen, bitter faces of the grey-clad men on One day we got word through the prison (Slight pause.) I can still see that lovely the benches. grape-vine that the girl was coming again—on girl standing on that platform. She speaks to I was near enough to hear the girl draw her Easter Sunday. From cell-block to cell-block me now (spoken very impressively): "Though breath sharply as she stood there with all those the news was whispered. With the co-opera- the body may be imprisoned, the soul may be eyes fixed on her. It was evidently the first tion of the chaplain we planned a surprise for FREE." INIIJS.LUIN AK Y LEADEK September, 1943

Talk: RIDING A HOBBY One day Govinni came to his master and JUNIOR M.V. DEPARTMENT Hobby riding should engage a person's in- timidly asked, "Please, master, may I have for terest during spare time. What is hobby riding my own the bits of glass you throw upon the for most of us may be a business with some. floor ?" Stamp collecting, for instance, is pursued by "Why, yes, my boy," replied the artist. Band of Hope quite a few people as a means of livelihood; "They are good for nothing." but to most of us it is done for fun and what- One day the master entered a storeroom Hymn: "Yield Not to Temptation." ever educational profit and relaxation we may seldom used, and in looking around came upon Roll Call of Members, and Temperance gain thereby. a piece of work carefully hidden behind the Pledge repeated. Hobby Time.—Filling in moments when we rubbish. At that moment Govinni entered theil Ritual: Lesson No. 4. "Alcoholic Drink." haven't anything special to do, or when the door. He stopped short on seeing his master Address: "At the Last." Text: Prov. 23: 32. mind and nerves are tired from doing the re- "What is this?" cried the artist. quired daily duties, is where a good hobby "Please, master," replied Govinni, "it's only rides to our rescue. There would be less of my poor work ! You know you said I might ONCE when a prince was eating, a fly came have the broken bits of glass you threw away." through the open window and alighted on his a lot of wicked things if people were trained in riding a hobby along some pleasant bridle path. This boy with an artist soul had gathered up food. He could have killed it easily, but the fragments, and patiently and lovingly he instead idly watched it, and admired its Everybody Has a Hobby.—Miss Erna D. Bunke sent a questionnaire to one hundred had wrought them into a wonderful work of iridescent wings. The next day it came again, art.—Selected. this time as large as a butterfly. "Do not prominent business and professional men and harm it," the prince said to his courtiers, "there women, asking for their favourite hobbies. On the basis of 97 replies out of the too letters Talk: CHOOSING AND CULTIVATING is food enough for both of us, and see how A HOBBY beautiful its wings have become!" The third sent out, Miss Bunke contributed an article on day it had grown as large as a bat, and the "My Hobby Is Hobbies" to the Survey. Among Hobbies are generally classified under four other things she wrote: "Nearly prince became alarmed as he saw it take all everybody had headings: Collecting things, making things, do- his drink. He ordered all the windows and more than one hobby, and even those who ing things, and learning to appreciate things. doors closed that it might not enter again. The started out with, 'I'm sorry to say I have no (List several typical hobbies in each group.) fourth day, it was the size of a hawk; it broke hobby,' ended up by mentioning two or three What should be the basis for our choice of a through a window and entered as before, and very definite hobbies." She adds this bit of hobby? Should the hobby we choose be one wit at the end of one of her paragraphs, this time it devoured all the food upon the that is different from our usual activity? Is table. "Put iron bars across the windows," "Hobbies are as unaccountable as their riders." this necessary? Is it wise? How different commanded he, thoroughly alarmed, "that I If you actually are hobbyless, I'd advise that should it be? you adopt or create one. Hobbies need not be limited to one for each may eat and drink and not die." But the Profit of Hobby Riding.—This next day the attendants heard the twisting of is the chief person. If our main hobby takes us out of bars and the shattering of glass and then concern in the study of our topic. What does doors, why not have another hobby we can it profit a man to ride a hobby? Music was screams, and rushing in they found the prince follow indoors when the weather or other con- one of David's favourite hobbies. dead upon the floor, and upon his throat were The hurling ditions make it impossible for us to be out- of stones with the aid of a sling was another. the marks of the beak and talons of a vulture. side? Again, sometimes we may wish a more At first the prince could have killed the fly, He learned to play a harp and to throw stones active hobby than at other times. while occupied in tending his father's sheep. but at last the vulture killed him. At first It is well to choose hobbies for the pleasure you may overcome an inclination to do wrong, I'm not assuming that the mere possession of we shall gain from them, because of the crea- some hobby will definitely result in saving the at last the inclination becomes so strong that tive power we can put into them, and because life of any one of us, but I am positive that it it overcomes you. of the physical results. This is the lesson of our fable. These verses will mean greater happiness and contentment Some hobbies may be carried on individually, tell us about the effect of strong drink at the for all of us, and even add to our years. When others by families or groups. If our hobby is first and at the last. At the first its tempta- a doctor prescribes sunshine and air to a something which we do alone, we shall doubt- patient, he as much as says for him to jump on less soon find new friends who enjoy the same tion can easily be put from us. What does the the back of a hiking verse say it does at the last? Its power over hobby.—Adapted. sort of thing. the drunkard becomes so great that after a A hobby is good for many other reasons. "Hobby horses need books in their saddle- night of drinking and a morning of sickening Two of the greatest values of any hobby are bags," someone has aptly said. If we are to knowledge and friendship. Almost any hobby stupor he only says, "I will seek it yet again." learn what there is to know about the hobby leads into entertaining and worthwhile study. The vulture has him in its deadly grasp. we have chosen, we need to find the recorded Some of our best friends may be made through experiences of others and build on this foun- the pursuit of a hobby. A collecting hobby dation. There are many excellent books on teaches us to be orderly and neat, to have a hobbies in general, and many on the subjects place for everything and keep everything in we shall choose. In meeting the Progressive Hobby Time its place. A hobby inspires originality in find- Class requirements, many things are accom- ing new items, in doing things, or in preserv- plished which may develop into worthwhile Note to Leaders ing specimens. hobbies, and many Vocational Honours may EVERY person should have a hobby. If all Tests for Profitable Hobbies prove the beginning of fascinating study or one's time is given to one thing, he is sure to crafts. Our friends will be happy to know of become narrow in his interests. Hobbies may Do I like it? Is it interesting to me? our hobbies and to remember us in helpful be directly related to a person's regular work, Will it lead on to something bigger and ways. or something totally apart from it—something better? Symposium: "MY HOBBY" that will rest him from his regular employment. Will it develop knowledge or skill or be some- If all work is indoors, he will want to do thing to share as I get into it? Have five or six Juniors tell how they would something outdoors in his free time. Point out Does it make me happy? Does it keep me carry out a certain hobby. For suggestions see to the Juniors that a vacation spent in doing good-natured ? the Vocational Honours in the "Junior Hand- book," pages 93-133, and the Supplement. something worth while is just as much fun as Does it encourage me to think and plan time that is idled away, without accomplishing carefully? Have them name several: Bird Study, Flower' anything that will be of value. Hobbies can Is there a possibility of being creative about and Fern Study, Music, Needlecraft, Carpentry. have several values. First, the fun that can be it ? If they can produce models of things already had with them, the creative power that can Does it make me understand life better? made, so much the better. This can be given be put into them, the physical value that can Does it help me to see beauty about me? in dialogue form by having the Juniors seated be derived from outdoor hobbies, and the re- Does it add beauty to the world? and one come in with something he has made, ligious value that can come in the creation of Can I afford it? Am I learning to have a saying, "I am going to follow this as a hobby," anything that is beautiful or useful. The good time on little or no money? or, "One of my neighbours wants one of these, friendship hobby is a good one to be taken up Does it add to the work I do in school or and I am going to make it for her as a friendly by a person who is inclined to live apart from otherwise? act"; then have him tell how he made it. Hob- others. Making friends is an art. Does my hobby ride me, or am I the director? bies that boys and girls learn may be the very (/t is not necessary for all the tests to things they will need to know in their work in Introduction: SPARE MOMENTS apply to every hobby.) the mission field, besides giving pleasure, profit, and relaxation now. The story is told of two men who worked Do I have a hobby which I do alone—one Or perhaps in your church or community you at the same trade in a large factory. Each had that helps me get acquainted with myself, makes have people who are actively enjoying hobbies an hour off for lunch, and each used it in my own company interesting, and helps me in which you think the Juniors might be in- accomplishing a definite purpose. One of these meditate and think? terested. Invite several to exhibit their hobbies, two mechanics used his daily leisure hour in Do I have a hobby with my family Can and be prepared to discuss with your group working out his invention of a machine for I plan and work and do things well with my (I) how they first became interested in their sawing a block of wood in almost any desired family ? bobby, (2) how they have accomplished the shape. When he completed his invention, he Do I have a hobby which my friends share? results exhibited, including the kinds of skill sold the patent for a fortune. Does this bring me new friends of different required, and (3) what their hobbies have The other man spent an hour each day ages, races, classes? meant to them. Tell each person how much during the most of a year in teaching a little time he can take, for hobbyists would have dog to stand on his hind feet and dance a jig. Story: MASTERPIECE FROM much to say about their interests. At last accounts he was working ten hours a FRAGMENTS day at the same trade and at his old wages, Some years ago a great artist in mosaics finding fault with the fate that made his fellow lived and worked in Italy. His skill was won- Men Who Dared workman rich while leaving him poor. derful. With bits of glass and stone he could Spare moments may bring benefit to the produce the most striking patterns that were Introduction: FOUR IN TEN THOUSAND mind as well as the purse, if applied to that valued at hundreds of pounds. In his work- WHEN Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, which. in the end, will be useful. Many men shop was a poor boy, Govinni, whose business came against Jerusalem, the Lord permitted him have come to fame through their accomplish- it was to clean up the floor and tidy up after to overthrow the city. He carried out from ments during spare time. the day's work was done. the temple of the Lord beautiful treasures and vessels of gold. In 2 Kings 24: 14 we read: Talk: CUP-BEARER TO THE KING being hanged on the gallows which Haman "And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all One of the captive Jews was Nehemiah. He had built. the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, was cup-bearer to one of the Persian kings One day two door-keepers plotted to kill even ten thousand captives." after the fall of Babylon. Nehemiah felt the king, but Mordecai, at the risk of his own How many of these can you name? Daniel troubled about the destruction of Jerusalem, life, told of the plot. The king honoured was one of them. Shadrach, Meshach, and the city of God, and the way God's people Mordecai for saving his life. He made Haman Abed-nego were three others. Their real names were being treated. put the king's royal robe and crown on were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. That One day he made up his mind to do some- Mordecai, and while Mordecai rode the king's makes four out of the ten thousand, doesn't thing which no king's servant had ever dared horse, Haman walked along saying, "Thus shall it? Do you know any others? What about to do. He determined to ask the king to help it be done unto the man whom the king de- ehemiah and Mordecai? These are two more God's people and to help in the rebuilding of lighteth to honour." who lived more than one hundred years later. Jerusalem. Nehemiah prayed to God for Immediately after this parade was ended, We do not know many others. In our meeting courage first, for help to say the right thing, Mordecai went right back to his place at the today we shall talk about these young men and for the favour of the king. king's gate. Because he was so faithful in because they were true to God. They honoured As he stood before the king he was afraid. little things, he became next in power to the Him, and He honoured them. When the king asked, "For what dost thou king and sought to help God's people in their make request ?" he stood there silently praying troubles. Talk: DANIEL, THE MAN WHO DARED to God. Then he asked the king to send him Hymn: "Can He Count on You?" to Jerusalem to direct the work of rebuilding ("M.V. Songs," No. 49) Daniel showed real courage and bravery in the city, and to send letters commanding the three experiences. He refused to eat the food king's men to furnish material for rebuilding Poem: HEROISM that the king gave him to eat, because he had the temple and the wall. It was through this Please, God, do help my heart to know been taught to care for his body. He went to brave act of Nehemiah's that the work of That heroes do not always fight the king who had made a decree that all the making Jerusalem again the city of the God of In armour, or with swords, to show wise men should be killed because they could heaven was begun. That they uphold the good and right. not tell the king's dream. Thus he saved their Chorus of Juniors: "Loyalty to the Master" The truest hero can endure lives at the risk of his own, going on God's (No. 484, "Christ in Song") errands before the great king of the land. Without resentment, and he knows He also kept the Morning Watch, continuing Talk: THE GATE-KEEPER That victory is made more sure to pray to his God even though there was a For many years Mordecai was a captive in By gentle words instead of blows. decree that no one should pray to anyone but Babylon. After the Persians began to rule, The truest hero does not cease the king, and though he would be cast into a Mordecai was made the gate-keeper at Shushan His goodly efforts day by day ; lions' den if he did. the palace. There was not much honour in He loves his God, his life, his place, Daniel dared to disobey the king, and coura- that kind of work, but he made it honourable And scatters kindness on his way. geously faced those hungry lions. That took by being the best gate-keeper the king ever He lives to make a better world; real courage. had. Now, why do you think that Daniel was so There was a wicked man named Haman A chance to serve he will not miss; courageous in these three things? Don't you who hated Mordecai because he was a Jew. His flag of honour is unfurled— God, make us truly brave like this. think it was because he purposed in his heart Because Mordecai refused to bow before him right from the very first meal that he would as the other servants did, he narrowly escaped —John Martin. not defile himself with the king's meat? And another reason was that he served God con- tinually, believing that God would watch over him no matter what the king threatened to do. Another main reason was that he prayed regu- Sabbath School Mission News larly three times every day. I am so glad that we J.M.V's can be like Daniel. Sister White says this in Volume IV of the "Testimonies":— SEPTEMBER 4 building materials for the native houses, school, "His life is given us as a bright example of and church, and although he had gone through what man may become, even in this life, if Ona's Vision many discouragements he was here—here with he will make God his strength, and wisely im- C. PASCOE his wife and daughter and son-in-law follow- ing all the way with him. prove the opportunities and the privileges DURING the last few months of 5941 there within his reach. . . . He felt the need of re- The meetings closed, and upon Ona's return raged through various islands of New Guinea to his village the devil came down with great freshing his soul with prayer, and each day a great pestilence which carried off thousands found him in earnest supplication before God. wrath. Many in the village were smitten with of natives, depopulating entire villages, and sudden and severe pain, including Ona's wife, He would not be deprived of this privilege, leaving an emaciated few to inherit the lands even when a den of lions was open to receive children, and finally himself. of the deceased. In our patrols through the him if he continued to pray." various districts of Bougainville, we passed On the Friday evening as he lay helpless on Hymn: "Dare to Be a Daniel" through village after village to be greeted at his rough cane bed beside the fire, he pled with ("M.V. Songs," No. 48) each stockade by the plaintive wails of the God for help, for it seemed to him that the mourners who rocked themselves helplessly be- close of the working week and the ushering in side some stricken loved one. Grotesque figures of holy time had brought the sunset of his life. Talk: THREE BOYS moved slowly about, their black bodies and He saw himself in childhood days playing bow and arrows with the other boys; he thought of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego had seen faces hideously painted with white, leaving the dark-rimmed eyes peering out of their un- his virile youth and the hunting days, his real King Nebuchadnezzar and his soldiers capture happiness always marred by the fear of evil the cityof Jerusalem, walk right into the holy natural setting in a spectre-like reality of what that body probably would soon become—an- spirits and devil poison. Then came the change temple, and take the holy treasures from it. of rule, to the just, humane British protection, 'They expected to see the soldiers slain by God other sheaf in the harvest of the "grim reaper." The epidemic swept down the valley and and his life on the plantation cutting copra for for defiling the temple. They were tempted export, and his return home. There flashed for a minute to wonder if the king and his men through the mission, carrying off many of our finest natives, including the head teacher of across his mind his rise to power, the coming were stronger than God. Then Nebuchadnezzar of the clean new mission, his first desire to took them to be his servants in Babylon. the school, Misa, and his devoted wife Machia. The neat little house and the pretty garden help, then his antagonism—his desire to forget After they had been in Babylon as captives God, burn His house of worship, and drive of war for a little while, they were told to would no more echo with the practice of hymns for the meetings; the fire was out in the away the teacher. Finally there was his yield- bow down and worship a golden image which ing to the pleading of the Spirit of God and the king had made. They remembered the cook-house, and the river rushed noisily by, drowning the sobs of all on the mission. Day his ultimate baptism, and now—as his life command of God, "Thou shalt not bow down passed in panorama before his mind's thyself to them, nor serve them." And so after day saw a sorrowful procession, bearing eye, he the remains of some son or daughter, mother pondered whether the terminus of his earthly they did not bow. journey had at last been reached. This made the king very angry when he or father, to the burial ridge. And as we found out why they had not bowed. Again he looked into each other's faces we read the Suddenly his attention was arrested by the commanded them to do it, saying in a loud thought—"Who will be next? You, or I— consciousness of some presence in the room. and cruel voice that he would have them or maybe—both !" It was that of a form clothed in shining thrown into a big furnace of fiery flames if We laboured night and day, near and far, white, standing by his side with an open Bible they did not. He taunted them, saying, "Who until at last the plague seemed stayed. It was in his hand. In amazement he looked up. He is that God that should deliver you out of my time for the year-end meeting—their camp- seemed to recognize friendship in that look. hands?" meeting—and the baptism. Some, however, It was the missionary—no; it was his native These three boys were just like any other could not be present, for the area in which assistant—no; but he felt wonderfully reas- ordinary boys, and just for a minute they were they lived was still quarantined. Others would sured! The one at his bedside spoke to him tempted to wonder if the king were stronger not come. They rested in hope. in his own language of the wonderful love of than God. But they had been taught that God Among those who were ready for baptism God, and read from the open Book of the honours those who honour Him. So bravely was Ona, the chief of Mamu, who had lived a Father's care and help for the sick. He then they said, "Our God whom we serve is able to singular life. His mother from his birth had knelt in prayer at the side of Ona requesting deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and forbidden him to eat of swine's flesh, to smoke God's blessing, and upon rising from his knees He will deliver us. . . . But if not, . . . we tobacco, or to chew betel-nut—and this without he intimated that the petition had been an- will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden knowledge of the Scriptures! He had trans- swered, and that the chief would live. The image which thou hast set up." gressed on occasions after his mother's death, messenger then spoke of the promise of Jesus Bravely they stood for right, and God deliv- but here he was—now no more a transgressor. to return to the earth, assuring him that the ered them by a mighty miracle so that the fire Upon the establishment of the mission at terrible sights he would soon witness were but did not hurt them. Even the king was com- Rumba he had been a ready helper, both in signs of the Lord's soon coming to receive His pelled to admit that it paid to be true to God. the securing of land and the provision of faithful ones, and admonished him that he ivi .11 .7 1 V 11 PI IV Y L i. I% I) Jr. IV °C1./IC[110er, .1943

should therefore not be afraid, but that he that a year ago were hardly heard of outside of adherents of the Adventist faith. They would should remain faithful. As the being finished our Sabbath schools are almost as familiar to also find a number who were children in those speaking, Ona framed his reply of thanks; but Londoners as the Strand, or the Brooklyn days, now heads of families, also faithful ad- the shining one vanished, and he realized that bridge to New Yorkers. How often in recent herents to the teachings they received in child- he had been in the presence of one of the days we have heard news like this—"Our forces hood; and with these they would find the third ministering spirits from the courts above. made a counter attack at Efogi"; "Japanese generation of Adventists growing up in the Next morning he arose, much stronger, and troops have penetrated beyond Bisiatabu"; faith adopted by their grandparents and faith- took his place in worship in the church. The "Landing barges at Guadalcanal"; "Japanese fully adhered to by their parents. Lord had fulfilled His promise given by the broadcasts claim that the action took place It is most gratifying to be able to report that prophet Joel that He would in the last days near Rennell Island"; "Another raid on notwithstanding all the adverse influences pour out His Spirit on all flesh. Moresby." And in these days life is too short thrown upon these village people through th Two weeks later destruction, death, and to say Port Moresby. influx of the army, the church services are desolation rained from the skies upon those We hear of the bombing of Bena Bena; faithfully attended, a regular tithe is brought once secluded islands. We clasped hands—not planes in the Ramu valley; air strips at to the mission treasurer, the Sabbath school is good-bye, for we would meet again—if not Kavieng and Gasmata; dromes at Salamaua— actively and enthusiastically supported, and the here, above. The Lord is calling out a people the jumping-off place for inland New Guinea. young men and young women are definitely for Himself, and a short work will the Lord There are several dromes at Rabaul, and Tulagi resisting very strong temptations. make upon the earth. is a formidable base. During a recent visit to the Tholo village, Not so long ago German raiders hurried to where the message has been established for Emira, bundled off the crews and passengers thirty-five years, it was the writer's privilege SEPTEMBER 11 of several torpedoed ships, and scurried off to conduct the Sabbath service. In the testi- before the news could be abroad. monies which followed the consecration service, Our Sacrifice Reveals Our Love Ughele, Kieta, Matupi, Batuna, Rendova, a number of men and women personally testi- For Souls Noumea, Suva, Vila—all are in the news and fied that they had now been members of this on the maps in the newspapers. church for at least thirty-five years. One of THE Apostle Paul declared in his Epistle to The writer was speaking to a retired ship- the charter members of this community whose the Romans that the gospel "is the power of ping manager lately. He has travelled the aged and stooped form is seen regularly in God unto salvation to everyone that believeth, world, on one occasion going to Norfolk Island church service is now nearing his ninetieth year. to the Jew first and also to the Greek." The on the same steamer as Pastor W. H. Pascoe, His son, who was trained at the Buresala school wonderful thing about the gospel of Christ is whom he highly esteems. Not long ago he over thirty years ago and who has done foreign the fact that it affects all members of the returned from an extensive sea voyage. Talk- service in the New Hebrides, is now the or- human family alike, whether they be Jew or ing about travelling after the war, he waved dained minister in that district. Gentile, whether bond or free, whether dark- his hand and laughed: "That will all be done Going to the Ra coast the oldest man living skinned or light. The gospel is THE POWER by plane then." in the district accepted the message more than OF GOD UNTO SALVATION. This has been Many of us who are not yet old still re- forty years ago. His son, Ratu Semi Vuloaloa, proved a thousand times in the islands of the member the time when savage heathen thought sea, in the great non-Christian countries of who spent a few years in the Australasian Mis- that "missionary" and "kaikai" did not differ sionary College some time ago, is now an earth, and in our homeland. And when the in meaning. Yet in a handful of years all over gospel really takes possession of an individual, ordained minister, and is the native assistant the island groups there are air strips, aero- to the mission superintendent. Some of his no matter who he may be, there is created dromes, wharves, ships, and every modern within his soul a desire to save others and to children are now students in the mission school, method of transport; statesmen are talking of being established in the faith so earnestly follow the example of the Christ in making the benefits of Christian missions; and people sacrifice in order that others might be saved. cherished by their father and faithful grand- in far lands know of the loving-kindness of the father, who is also nearing his ninetieth year. Some years ago one of our Fijian workers Fuzzy Wuzzies. was stationed at an isolated spot away to the There are many other places in the field What does it all mean? Naturally our im- where the message has borne such wonderful north of the group. Being so far removed from mediate care should be to remember before district headquarters, it was not possible for fruitage, and it is a great consolation to us all the mercy-seat our native workers and breth- to see that the fruit that Christ has given to the district director to visit him more than once ren, some of them far from the land of their in three months, and there being no other prac- His servants in these islands still remains. birth, who are so bravely keeping the advent By our offerings this quarter we are endea- tical arrangement at the time whereby money banner flying in these trying times. We have could be forwarded to him, he had to wait vouring to provide better educational facilities been told for very many years that the task of for the third generation of Adventists in the three months for his wages. carrying the third angel's message to the On this occasion a drought had struck the Fijian field. It is certainly a worthy objective, islands of the Pacific rests upon the Australasian and the help that we give today will, we believe, district and it was almost impossible to get Division. It means that even now, notwith- native food to grow, consequently our brother bear fruit which shall be found in the kingdom standing the turmoil that fills the world, the hereafter. and his family were compelled to live mainly Lord is arising in majesty to make a short on rice and sugar from the local Chinese store, work in the earth. thus making it difficult for his monthly allow- ance to cover his needs. When the district Willing Helpers director arrived, it was the last week-end of THIRTEENTH SABBATH (An exercise for four children) First Child the Week of Prayer, and after enjoying a spir- SEPTEMBER 25 itual feast with the believers, the quarter's A little brook sang on its winding way, offerings were received from the worker, and The Fruit That Remains "I give as I go, I go"; notwithstanding the strenuous time through AS DEMONSTRATED IN THE FIJI Then it sprinkled the dusty grass and flow'rs which he had passed, he asked that one month's With its cool and sparkling flow. wages be returned as his Week of Prayer MISSION offering. Understanding his circumstances, it PASTOR A. G. STEWART . Second Child was difficult for the district director to accept ON one occasion as Christ addressed His dis- A little bird sang in a treetop high, it, but the native worker insisted, intimating ciples He very kindly said to them: "Ye have "I give of my best, my best"; that his burden for the needy in Papua and not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and And its song so sweet cheered a weary heart, other island fields was such that he felt he ordained you, that ye should go and bring And brought to it peace and rest. should make some sacrifice in order to help forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain." them. With such a spirit manifested by our The real call to become missionaries for the Third Child Fijian brethren for others, don't you feel you Lord is not of men, for Christ says, "I have A violet grew by a dusty road. want to make some real sacrifice for the work chosen you, and ordained you." He not only "I'll give of my sweet, my sweet," in Fiji? chooses the workers but He makes provision It said; and its perfume floated out, And in closing, we ask sincerely, Has the that by co-operating with Him they should go Each sorrowful soul to greet. gospel proved to be the power of God unto out and bring forth fruit, and further that that salvation to you? Do you have a yearning fruit should remain. Fourth Child to save others such as this brother had? Then It must be very gratifying to our pioneer A little girl dropped with a tender prayer may God help us to make real sacrifice in order missionaries to reflect upon the work of the Her pennies so dear, so dear, that many more such precious souls may be years and see the fruit of their early work still In the mission box, that some heathen child gathered from Fiji and other islands of the remaining. Of the blessed Lord might hear. Pacific for the kingdom of God. Well over forty years ago our early mission- A LOVER OF FIJI. aries of the Fijian Islands very earnestly sought ALL IN UNISON the Lord's direction for a place in which they Willing helpers of Jesus we all may be, SEPTEMBER 18 could commence fruitful service among these If we gladly give our best ; people. In the Suva Vou village, which lies Though little the gifts, the dear Lord will What Does It All Mean? some three miles around the harbour from know, H. STOCKTON Suva, the opportunity came to Pastor Fulton, And His love will do the rest. at the invitation of the native Methodist min- —Lizzie De Armond. "WHERE am I?" was the puzzled question put ister, to preach a very convincing sermon in to me not long ago on the Warrawee station the vernacular. This led to further meetings by a stranded Air Force lad. The night was being held, with the result that the village was dark and cold. "I should have got off at divided, one half of the people becoming Ad- THE MISSIONARY LEADER Central, but I went to sleep in the train, and ventists, and the other half remaining with PUBLISHED BY THE just woke up. I belong to Melbourne and am their former church associations. After forty AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE OF just back from Moresby; so I don't know years that division still exists, the larger part of SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS where I am." the natives, however, being Adventists. Were "Mizpah," Wahroonga, N.S.W., Aust. "Do you know Bisiatabu ?" "Bisiatabu?" he these early workers to return today to the Edited by T. A. MITCHELL said. "Oh, yes," just as if I had said, "Do scene of their former labours they would find you know Collins Street?" a small remnant of the charter members, who Printed for the Australasian Conf. Asan. Ltd., And so it goes. Places in our mission fields were young people at the time, still faithful by Signs Publishing Company, Warburton, Vic.