Gospel Herald

"In the defense and confirmation of the Gospel."

"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace.

Vol. XI

(Herald of TrutH\ ^Established 186V

SCOTTDALE, PA., THURSDAY, APR. 4, 1918

/"Cospel Witness > ^ Established 1905 '

No. 1

EDITORIAL

"Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."

"What will it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

The advent of spring, the earnest way in which people are improving their opportunities that the heat of summer and the fruits of harvest may be turned to good account, is a reminder to us of the importance of making the best possible use of the springtime of life,

The Great Issue. — Intense as is the present interest in the present world war, let us not lose sight of the fact that the great issue that is still before us is the issue of salvation. After the smoke of battle will have cleared away, the most important thing to remember is that we stood the test in a way pleasing to God and that all along the one burning desire and burden of our hearts was that people might be saved for Christ and glory. A constant vision of heav- en will not only enrich our foretastes of heaven here on earth but it will also help us to solve many of the problems of earth.

Gospel Herald, Volume XI. — Ten

years ago we were able to announce that the Gospel Witness and Herald of Truth had been merged into one and the new paper known as "Gospel Herald." With this number we begin on the eleventh year of the history of the new paper. What the coming year has in store for us, the Lord alone can foretell. But by His grace we mean to do our best in bringing before you a weekly messenger that

will be a source of encouragement and help to every home that bids it welcome, and in this we invite your prayers and your co-operation. May we hope that this coming year will see the addition of another thousand to our family of subscribers, and that the weekly message may be stronger and more useful than ever before? That depends upon how hard we work and how fervently we pray. Remem- ber us at the Throne.

To Our Subscribers. — We welcome the thousand or more who have, dur- ing the past year, joined our family of Gospel Herald Readers. We thank the body of old subscribers for the promptness with which they have renewed their subscriptions. At this time we desire to speak a word with reference to getting our subscription list in the best possible shape by the close of the current fiscal year, which for the Mennonite Publishing House will be the last of the month. It will be a fine thing if we will be able to say at that time that we have over eleven thousand subscribers fully paid up in advance. A glance at the label at the top of this page will show you whether you have attended to this matter. In case it is inconvenient for you to remit right now, a card informing us that you expect to renew when convenient will answer the pur- pose. If for any reason you wish the paper discontinued, kindly drop us a card. We trust, however, that there may be none of this class. Old subscribers sending in the names of two new subscribers, accompanied by $2.50, will get one year's credit on their paper. In sending in renew- als, we would be glad to have you send us, along with your renewals, a list of names of those who might be interested in the paper if they had the opportunity to read a few sample copies.

RELIEF FOR WAR SUFFERERS

A year ago, soon after the United States became involved in war with Germany, we took occasion to discuss the situation editorially, defining our attitude in the present world conflict. With reference to our duty toward suffering humanity we said :

Our attitude toward mankind in general is that of love. We are not what we ought to be unless we share the love which prompted our heavenly Father to send His Son into the world to save the lost. We can not take the place of Christ in the work of redemption, but we can take our place as his followers and share in the love which prompted Him to lay down His life for His enemies. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men," be they counted friend or foe. Our sacrifice for humanity should be none the less because we do not share the hardships of army life. Enlistment in the King's army means a self-secrificing love not found in the armies of any earthly king. We should not shun military service because of the hardships and dangers of army life, for no man in whose heart the love of God is shed abroad by the Holy Ghost wants to live at ease while the world is wrapped in the conflagration of carnal strife and millions are dying without Christ. Let us keep our eyes open for opportunities to relieve the sufferings of fellow men, not forgetting that the most painful sufferings are those coming from the sin-sick soul. This is a time when we should renew and redouble our efforts to bring about the salvation of the lost at home and abroad.

As time passed on it became more clear in what ways we might be able to do that which we clearly recog- nized from the start was our Christian duty. Last December an organiza- tion was effected known as "Menno- nite Relief Commission for War Suf- fers." Our district Mission Boards have become active, notably the East- ern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities. We are informed by Brn G. L. Bender, Treasurer of the Relief Commission, and Bro. Eli G. Reist, Treasurer of the Eastern Bo>a::d of M. & C, that by Mar. 30 the total sum of $75,810.00 had already been contributed to this cause and funds were still coming in. We trust that the pocket books of our people may continue to remain open, and as long as the Lord blesses us with means our gratitude for the blessings may

GOSPEL HERALD

April 4

be shown by sharing with those in need.

Our position as a people is a peculi- ar one. We are, always have been, submissive to Government, yet we can not, never have been able to, see our way clear to have any part in carnal warfare. In previous wars our nonresistant position was recog- nized without much question. It remained for the present test to deter- mine whether we as a nonresistnt people can be induced to have a part in bearing the noncombatant end of the struggle. But when the issues were clearly put before us, we did not hesitate to take the position that since the principal business of war is to kill or to subdue the enemy by means of violence, no person who holds to the Bible doctrine of nonre- sistance can consistently have any part in maintaining the military ma- chine, whether serving in a combatant or noncombatant capacity. Since Government insists that our young men shall serve under the military establishment, and since they are loyal to the position of the Church that such service is directly contrary to the peace teachings of Christ and the apostles, there is at present an apparent conflict in attitudes of Gov- ernment and Church from which we fervently pray to be delivered. Our prayers shall continue to ascend that the day may speedily come when the present differences and misunder- standings will have been wiped away, when our religious convictions may be fully recognized as guaranteed by national and state Constitutions, and when we may be able to serve in a capacity in which we can do so with a free conscience.

We are under pressure to do many things in support of war which as believers in nonresistance we can not conscientiously or consistently do. Our motives are often misinter- preted. From many quarters we hear that we are pro-Germans, "slack- ers," cowards, selfish, traitors, stub- born, ignorant, narrow, and other things too numerous to mention. Our greatest concern is that our attitude toward God and man may be such that we may merit none of these des- criptive terms. With a firm reliance upon God, we want to do that which is pleasing in His sight, improving every opportunity to work to the glory of His name and the good of fellow men. A pressing opportunity is at our doors right now. The pres- ent awful world conflict adds to the intensity of human suffering and th is increased suffering lays a corres- pondingly greater responsibility upon We are gl;;d for our organiza- tions to assist in the work of relief for the needy, and we want to do our very best in their support.

While those who favor the support

of war are purchasing liberty bonds and contributing to such organiza- tions as army Y. M. C. A., Knights of Columbus, Red Cross, etc., let us be equally zealous in our support of work along lines which we can conscientiously endorse. Our failure to enlist in the support of war does not lessen our obligations to suffering humanity. The fact that we do not endorse the- policy of nations which helps to bring on this suffering is no reason why we should not do all we can to supply the wants of the needy. The fact that we do not "participate in war in any form" is no license to take it easy while the world is suffering. While the world is going through the crucible of war and millions are suffering the agonies of death — some temporal death, some spiritual death, some both — is no time when any child of God feels like living at ease or working to hoard up money. Let us do what we can in tilling the soil that a sufficient quantity of food may be raised to keep the world from starving, to save all that we can that we may have to give to the needy at home and abroad. Let our relief organizations be well supported and our prayers continue to ascend in behalf of peace.

At the present time most of our relief work is carried on through the Friends' organization, which was in existence at the beginning of this war. How long this arrangement is to continue depends upon circum- stances. The main thing now is to get the relief to the most needy plac- es, in the shortest possible time, and through channels where we can feel sure that for every dollar we contrib- ute one hundred cents gets to the right place. At present there seems no way open for our people, acting on their own initiative, to get a foot-

For the Gospel Herald.

The position of the Mennonite Church has been very much misun- derstood since the "Selective Service Act" has become law, and members of our Church have been inducted into military service. The fact that members of the Mennonite Church find themselves unable to co-operate with our government in a military program, on account of their faith ; and the further fact that the body of our people are largely of German extraction, has given rise to the belief that we are "pro-German," "slackers," etc.

That we should be misunderstood because we sincerely and consistently seek to maintain our testimony on the doctrine of non-resistance, in time of war, is not more than must

hold in the war-stricken districts of Europe, but the Lord only knows how soon an opening may be made. The thing for us to do is to improve present opportunities and keep ready to enter new doors as they open.

Let us not forget the principal ob- ject of our contributions!. While it will be convenient to be able to say to the next government solicitor that comes around that we are giving more to the cause of relief for the needy than most people in similar financial circumstances who have no conscientious scruples against war are contributing towards war support, that is simply incidental. Our giving should be out of a heart overflowing with sympathy for suffering humanity and our reward looked for "at the resurrection of the just." "As every one purposeth in his heart, so let him give."

In contributing to relief work, let us not lose sight of the fact that this is but one among a number of causes needing our support. Great as is the need of those who are literally starving from natural hunger or neg- lect, greater still is the need of the suffering millions who are perishing for want of the bread and the water of life. When it comes to the distri- bution of that which, under the bless- ing of God, has been committed to our charge, let us remember the needy in our own community, our charitable homes, our schools, our missions at home and abroad. We are glad for the liberal way in which our mission and charitable interests have been supported during the past few months, and we trust that as time rolls on a still more generous support may be given, notwithstanding our contributions to the relief of war sufferers.

be expected. The position of the Mennonite Church has been clearly stated in a paper adopted by the Men- nonite General Conference, Aug. 29, 1917. Copies of this paper were car- ried by a committee to the heads of our government at Washington on Sep. 1. Later a brief re-statement of our position was prepared and sent by mail to the President and Sec- retary of War. Following is the let- ter:

Scottdale, Pa., 10-31-17.

N'ewton D. Baker,

Secretary of War,

Washington, D,. C.

Dear Sir: —

The Committee appointed by the Men- nonite General Conference held at Yellow Creek Church, near Goshen, Ind,., Aug. 29 and 30, 1917, desire to briefly restate

THE PRESENT SITUATION

By Aaron Loucks

1918

GOSPEL HERALD

the position the 'Mennonite Church holds on the doctrine of non-resistance as it applies to war. A fuller statement of our position on military service as adopted by the Mennonite General Conference, Aug. 29 and 30, 1917, and signed by 183 ministers is herewith submitted for your consideration.

We freely confess that our faith in this doctrine is an occasion very often for a misunderstanding of our motives and acts. Yet we do not hesitate to faith- fully teach these principles and advise the course of action our brethren should follow as faithful disciples of Christ and members of His Church.

In our first interview with you on Sep 1, 1917, we received assurance that we would not be compelled to violate our church creed or conscience in this matter.

In your conversation with us on Oct. 23rd you stated that the question of what shall constitute non-combatant service was 'under consideration at that time. The position of the Mennonite Church as de- fined at the last General Conference, on the war question, is briefly stated as fol- lows: "Our attitude on the question of military service is correctly stated in that clause of the Selective Draft Law enacted May 18, 1917, which provides for members of every church whose existing creed or principles forbid its members to partici- pate in war_ in any form and whose relig- ious convictions are against war or partici- pation therein.

"This position has been uniformly held by our forefathers from Reformation times, and their loyalty and devotion to their faith is attested by their suffering, even to the extent of martyrdom and ban- ishment by those governments enjoining military service upon their citizens." We teach that "even laws which may seem unwise and unjust should be submitted to uncomplainingly and no thought should be entertained or doing anything but com- ply with all that they ask of us — unless they prescribe conditions contrary to the Gospei; in which case we should meekly but faithfully stand true to the principles of the Gospel, even if the consequences entail suffering. As a Christian people we have always endeavored to support the government under which we lived in every capacity consistent with the teaching of the Gospel as we understand it, and will continue to do so; but accord- ing to this teaching we cannot participate in war in any form; that is, to aid or abet war, whether in a combatant or non- combatant capacity. We are conscious of what this attitude, under existing cir- cumstances, may mean. No one who real- ly understands our position will accuse us of either disloyalty or cowardice for our record has proven our submissiveness to the powers that be, and to maintain our position under present conditions requires greater courage than to accept noncombat- ant service. But, believing as we do, that any form of service under the military arm of the government means responsibility, either directly or indirectly, for the taking of human life and other destructive acts of war, we cannot consistently do other- wise than hold aloof from every form of military servce. Our people have at all times refrained from voluntary enlist- ment for service in any form under previ- ous military laws, and for us now to accept service under the military arm of the gov- ernment, would be equivalent to a denial of the faith and principles which we have held as vital to our spiritual well-being and eternal salvation."

As a Committee we have therefore urged upon all of our people to comply with the regulations of the government with

reference to registration and reporting St camp when called, and only advised that t'hey do not accept service in which said service they would violate their church creed.

We as a people will cheerfully render any service for the Government we can, that is consistent with our faith, but should the government see proper to as- sign our members to any service under the military establishment, we could, no longer advise obedience to such rulings, but to be consistent with the principles of our faith and doctrine we will have to advise them to be amenable to any penalty the government may see proper to inflict as a punishment for taking such attitude, rather than serve under the military establishment.

We have always been a quiet, peace-lov- ing, and law-abiding people, desiring to pursue only such occupation as will enable us to consistently carry out the principles of our faith in uplifting humanity in ac- cordance with the teachings of our Savior. We are confident that our government woirld not wish to arbitrarily force upon us such service as would partake of the nature of religious persecution.

Trusting that all rulings made in this matter that in any way will affect our faith will be such that we can yield hearty support thereto, we subscribe ourselves, The Committee.

Aaron Loucks. S. G. Shetler. D. D. Miller.

We appreciate the consideration and respect that has hitherto been given to these communications. And now the President has given his rul- ing as to what shall constitute non- combatant service in the sense that that phrase is used, in' Section 4 of the Selective Draft Act. He has made further provision^ for persons who are members of a religious organiza- tion as defined in Section 4 of said Act ; or who object in participating in war because of conscientious scru- ples, by them in good faith enter- tained, and are unwilling to accept by reason of such scruples, assign- ment to non-combatant military ser- vice.

The Secretary of War will, from time to time, classify the persons so reported and give further directions as to the disposition of them. Pend- ing such directions from the Secretary of War, all such persons not accepting assignment to non-combatant service, shall be segregated, as far as practica- ble.

Scottdale, Pa.

EXHORTATION TO OBEDIENCE

By Frank C. Newcomer.

For the Gospel Herald.

In the life of man, to obey is the one thing needful. Our Father in heaven asks, requires, and actually expects that every child of His should yield Him whole-hearted and entire obedi- ence, day by day, and all the day. "Behold, to obey is better than sac- rifice."

When we pick up our Bibles and start in the beginning to learn its con- tents, one can easily see what obedi- ence will bring to God's children.

First, we read of Adam. He was the first man to fall by being disobedi- ent. God placed him in a glorious gar- den, gave him the liberty to do as he pleased, but Adam suffered himself to be led away from his Creator.

Adam disobeyed in only one single command, yet it was the means of making his life miserable. From the lovely garden of Eden, to the spade and plow, banished from the tree of life, was his punishment. Though things may appear ever so fair, let us beware that we do not disobey. "The was"es of sin is death."

From Adam we go on to Noah. We find the following written four times, "According to all that God command- ed Noah so did he" (Gen. 6:22; 7:5,9, 16). When God commanded him to build the ark he obeyed and made it just as God commanded him. He preached and warned the people of that day, but they would not listen. God's mercy is to draw our affections from this world, and to prepare us to enjoy another, a better world.

Turn to Abraham the father of the chosen race. "Bv faith Abraham obeyed" (R'eb. 11:7). When he had bound Isaac his son on the altar, God came and said. "Bv myself have I sworn, in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thee: because thou hast obeyed my voice" (Gen. 22:17,18).

Moses was another of God's obedi- ent servants. In the book of Exodus we can see this expression many times: "According to all the Lord commanded Moses so did he." The book of Deuteronomy uses the word obev often, and speaks of the blessing obedience will brinsr. "I set before you a blessine if ve obey, a curse if ye will not obev" (Deut. 11 :27).

Space will not allow to speak of the manv other faithful servants we read of in the Old Testament. Among them we find Joshua, Caleb, Samuel, David, Isaiah, and many others.

Let us turn to the New Testament. Christ frequently commanded His dis- ciples to be obedient. They followed Him many days, and were obedient to the things He taught. To the obedi- ence of Christ we owe everything. He left His place in heaven, and came to earth, that He by His obedience might find a way for those who sinned to come to repentance.

Much depends on us, however. We can do nothing of ourselves, but if we surrender our will to Christ, like He did to His Father, we shall see that a surrender to full obedience is noth- ing but a full faith that God will work all in us. In our lives, especially at the present time, we must obey God

(Continued on page 5)

Preacher's Page

SERMON OUTLINE

By H. Frank Reist For the Gospel Herald.

THE 'CALL TO STUDENTSHIP Text.— Mark 1:17.

Introduction.

A great need of the Church today is students; students of the Word, humble followers of Christ. Historical Setting of Text.

Three great divisions in life of Christ — the Preparation, the Ministry, the Consumation. Call to student- ship came early in Galilean minis- try.

Three Calls:—

(1). To discipleship, or salvation. — Jno. 1:35; (2). To studentship, or training. — .Mark 1:17; (3). To apostleship, or definite service or responsibility. — Mark 3:13. Outline of Text.

1. _The Call — "Come ye after me." Next to salvation greatest call to train for service. This is a universal call coming to all believers. Something for all to do. Disciples followed "straightway." A characteristic word of Mark, Disciples asked no question a- bout future — did not fully under- stand meaning of call. We desire to see end from beginning. Faith responds to the call at once.

A Call to Consecration — obedience. Consecration implies a call— To Being. — Ready to be any- thing. Doorkeeper, Ps, 84:10. No room for self.

To Doing. — It is not a question of finding task large enough for our abilities, but of doing any- thing to help cause. All tasks in Christian service large enough to tax all our powers. The pro- motion of the Cause is the chief concern.

To Suffering. — Fundamental principle in life. Real spiritual progress is made thru suffering. Bible characters who shine the bright- est are the ones who suffered the most. Those who stand true to the nonresistant principles thru present crisis will make the greatest spiritual progress. The acid test of our consecration is this: Are we willing to die for the cause of Christ?

2. The Preparation. — "I will make you

to become." iChrist's method of teaching was by groups.

Unless Christ trains us and makes us "to become," we lack the most vital training. The empha- sis today needs to be laid anew on spiritual training rather than scholastic.

The great preparation essential is, a passion for souls, knowledge of the Word, and obedience.

Preparation and service go hand in hand.

3. The Task.— "Fishers of men.."— Supreme task of all. Not all have

same kind of work. There are different ways of fishing. Evangelization is imperative need.

GOSPEL HERALD

Conclusion —

Present world crisis challenges Church to train and send forth workers. An appeal for consecration. Scottdale, Pa.

THE ARRANGEMENT OF A SERMON

By C. K. Brenneman

For the Gospel Herald.

Many preachers do not have the attention of the audience as they would like to have it, or as they should have it. In order to have re- sults it is absolutely essential that we have atention. God can take a rib out of Adam and make Eve, while he is asleep, but man cannot make saints of sinners while they are asleep^ There are a number of reasons for inattention, one of which may be be- cause of the lack of preparation on the part of the preacher, or of the ill arrangement of his sermon. We will therefore offer a few suggestions that may be helpful to some.

The Arrangement of Material

I. iSome advantages:

1. To the preacher 'himself.

a. Clear arrangement involves clear thought, and thus gives a clear grasp.

b. It gives effectiveness {o the ser- mon.

2. To the audience, They will follow better.

There must be movement, that which leads the audience deeper into the subject as they go along.

3. To the theme.

a. The theme itself rebels against improper arrangement.

II. The material o™ the sermon should be arranged so as not to give exhortation before instruction.

TIL The divisions of the sermon should have logical connections.

The Arrangement of the Sermon

I. The outline should be easily followed by the audience. A striking outline is easier remembered, the same is true of a logical outline.

II. A sermon has three divisions:

1. The Introduction.

2. The Body.

3. The Conclusion.

a. The Introduction.

(1) Its purpose.

(a) To awaken interest at the outset.

i(b) To get the people in readiness for what is to follow.

(2) Material for the Introduction.

(a) The text often furnishes •enough material for the intro- duction, but it can also be taken out of: —

1. — The context.

2. — The historical setting.

3. — The geography of the Bible.

4. — The customs, and antiquities

of the people.

5. — From the circumstances pe-

culiar to the writer, or the people written to.

(b) The occasion, i. e., the time of the year when the sermon is preached, or the conditions that may be existing when the sermon is preached.

(3) The embodiment of the intro- duction.

April 4

(a) 'Should not be long. S'hould not awaken an expectation

we cannot fulfill, (c) Should contain only one thot. b. The Body.

(1) Is usually divided into three parts, viz., Explain, Prove and Apply.

(a) Explain.

1. — If sermon on Regeneration, a — Define.

(1) Negatively — not j»stvfi-»

cation, etc.

(2) Positively.

b — 'Compare. "The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto."

c — 'Contrast. The wheat and tares, the good and bad.

d — Illustrate the above points by use of an appropriate illustration.

(b) Prove.

1. — All things are not taken for granted.

2. — «A11 people do not have faith.

3. — Not everything needs proof.

4. — 'Prove from cause and effect.

a — The empty tomb is an effect, what is the cause? Christ is risen.

b — The Lord's Day. How did we get it?

5. — From testimony.

a — 'The witnesses concerning the Resurrection.

1. — Some apply as they go along,

others leave the applica- tion till last. This may depend on the nature of the sermon.

2. — The nature of the app'lica.-.

tion.

a— Persuasion, "Almost thou

persuadest me." b— Valuation. Show that the truth you are giving has a specific bearing on the life of the audience, en- list motives, arouse faith, show that there is an opportunity for action. >c. The Conclusion.

(1) The final struggle, the deter- mined conflict. ;(2) Its necessity of preparation.

(a) Should be most of all pre- pared.

(b) Do not depend on the occa- sion for the conclusion.

(3) The method of the conclusion.

(a) Recapitulation.

1. — If you go over the same ground do not use the same words or p'hrases. This adds weight to the sermon, it helps to make it impressive.

(b) Appropriation.

1. — What shall I do with jesus?

iShow what he can do with Him. Receive Him.

2. — Appeal for immediate deci-

sion.

3. — 'Appeal to the will rather

than to the emotion. "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and DOE'TH them." a — Do not give illustration to

make people laugh or

cry.

In conclusion, what I have said on the subject is not the only thing of importance that goes to make a successful preacher, nor do I consider it of the first importance. But if we are servants, it follows that we must be laborers, otherwise we shall be classed as "wicked and slothful ser-

1918

GOSPEL HERALD

vants." Let us therefore prepare as though all depended on us, and then TRUST God the Holy Ghost as though ALL depended on HIM. Canton, Ohio.

WHY I GO TO CHURCH ON RAINY SABBATHS

I attend church on rainy Sundays because,

1. God has blessed the Lord's day and hallowed it. making no exceptions for hot or cold or stormy days.

2. I expect my minister to be there. I should be surprised if he were to stay at home for the weather.

3. If his hands fail through weak- ness I shall have great reason to blame myself, unless I sustain him by my prayers and presence.

4. By staying away I may lose the prayers which may bring God's bless- ing, and the sermon that would have done me great good.

5. My presence is more needful on Sundays when there are few than on those days when the church is crowded.

6. Whatever station I hold in the church, my example must influence others. If I stay away why may not they?

7. On any important business rainy weather does not keep me at home, and church attendance is, in God's sight, very important.

8. Among the crowds of pleasurer seekers I can see that no weather keeps the delicate female from the ball, the party, or the concert.

9. Such weather will show me on what foundation my faith is built ; it will prove how much I love Christ. True love rarely fails to meet an ap- pointment.

10. Those who stay from church because it is too warm or too cold or too rainy frequently absent themselves on fair Sundays. I must not take a step in that direction.

11. Though my excuses satisfy myself, they still must undergo God's scrutiny; and they must be well grounded to do that.

12. There is a special promise that where two or three meet together in God's name he will be in the midst of them.

13. An unavoidable absence from the church is an infallible evidence of spiritual decay. Disciples first follow Christ at a distance, and then, like Peter, do not know him.

14. My faith is to me shown by my self-denying Christian life, and not by the rise or fall of the thermome- ter.

15. Such yielding to surmountable difficulties prepares for yielding to those merely imaginary, until thou-

sands never enter a church, and; yet think they have good reason for such neglect.

16. I do not know how many more Sundays God may give me, and it would be a poor preparation for my first Sunday in heaven to have slighted mv last Sunday on earth.

— Frances R. Havergal.

MINISTERIAL TRAINING

It is not at all unusual these days to* find daily newspapers discussing questions that are clearly ecclesiasti- cal, and quite often they offer sugges- tions well worth considering. A cor- respondent of the "Daily News" (Chi- cago) says: "What we need most in America is a body of trained minis- ters. Preachers go to their charges, as a rule, book-trained, but with no real knowledge of life, of human na- ture, and of real, every-day conditions. Before preaching, prospective minis- ters should go out into the world, work among people, do men's work among men, gain a knowledge of life, and when they have reached the age of thirty years, or thereabouts, begin their ministry. If they were to follow this course, they would better under- stand the truth of Scripture." Many of the most successful ministers have followed just such a plan, and it would seem that their efficient work abun- dantly proves the truth of the state- ment above quoted. — Gospel Messen- ger.

If to this you add the truth that this kind of training should continue throughout the ministerial life, it would be still more effective. — Ed.

SERMON CRITICS

Dr. D. Fraser

Knr thr Gospel I lei aid.

The sermon-criticising habit of church-goers obstructs evangelistic success. It has become use and wont with the most regular people in our church to estimate and discuss ser- mons. After service they say, 'We have had a good sermon," or "a poor sermon," as the case may be. So they praise or dispraise the preacher for his performance.

We do not say the practice is wholly bad. At all events there is one thing worse than criticism ; and that is the stupid indifference which cares not whether the sermon be good or bad and desires only that it be short. But it is very baffling to the evangelistic minister, who aims at quickly reaching the consciences of the audience. They — especially if they are in their accus- tomed pews — are by sheer force of habit examining and estimating him and his discourse, whereas he wants them to forget him and attend to his message. — Evangelical Visitor.

EXHORTATION TO OBEDIENCE

(Continued from page 3)

rather than man. We are going through trials here in camp that calls for much faith. "Without faith it is impossible to pleace God" (Heb. 11: 6). Does that mean that ' we should not obey those who have the rule over us? Oh no! Turn to Rom. 13:1-6. Heb. 13:17 says we are to obey those that have the rule over us. Our life is a school of obedience. If we want to see God in all His glory we must obey.

A good exmaple is the method of training the men for the national army here at Camp Meade. As we pass through the training grounds we can see the men drilling, the captains and lieutenants giving their commands in a clear, loud voice. The men obey these commands at all times, and if they do not they are placed in a guard house. I must often think of our small band of "conscientious object- ors." Do we who are soldiers of Je- sus Christ obey His commandments to the letter like those who are drill- ing and training for this great war now raging? I am afraid we come very short of it. Do we have any pun- ishment if we don't obev? Turn to II Thes. 1:8,9.

Obedience is an important matter and should be practiced every hour of the day. It can not only be applied to the army soldier, but also to us who are holding aloof from carnal warfare.

Are we hearing and obeying? Are we working, watching, praying? Does our dwelling stand on rock or sand? These are questions we should all consider well every moment of our lives. At no time in our lives do we need God more than we do now. How can we obtain the love of God? Only by keeping and doing His command- ments. We should always be obedient whether in Camp Meade, at home, in church, or at our daily occupations.

Camp Meade, Md.

"Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). The world says seeing is believing. Jesus Christ says believing is seeing. The world's maxim is familiar enough. The man who sees believes. We come into knowledge through the channel of vision. We know the sky, the stars, the clouds, the sea, because we se them with our very eyes. Yet just as real, and quite as simple, is the truth that the man who believes shall see. Faith ever issues into vision. The man who trusts shall know. The believer becomes a seer. — James H. McConkey.

"Build it well whate'er you do. Build it straight and strong and true; Build it clean and high and broad, Build it for the eye of God."

— Selected.

Family Circle

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy jouth.— Eccl. 12:1.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. — Eph. 6:1.

Honor thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with promise. — Eph. 6 :2.

Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. — I Tim. 4:12.

MOTHER

(Selected by Sister Alice Erb, daughter of Bishop Martin Rutt and wife of Dea. Harry Erb, shortly before she died.)

Whose love can equal the love of mothers?

Whose the devotion so laya'l and true? Who suffers so much with such joy for another's?

Who works with such pleasure as moth- er for you?

You hail with delight the friendship of others,

You revel in love of the sweetheart you've won; Yet where do you find a friendship like mother's,

Unbroken till death calls and life's work

is done. Elizabethtown, Pa.

THE CHRISTIAN'S HOME

An alien to God and a stranger to grace, I wander through earth its gay pleasures to trace;

In the pathway of sin I continue to roam, Unmindful, alas, that it leads me from home.

O Savior direct me to heaven my home, Home, Sweet home.

The pleasures of earth I have seen fade away,

They bloom for a season, but soon they decay ;

But pleasures more lasting, in Jesus are given —

Salvation cn earth, and a mansion in heav- en.

The saints in those mansions are ever at home.

Home, Sweet home.

Allurp me no longer, ye 'false glowing charms,

The Savior invites me, I'll go to His arms;

At the banquet of mercy, I hear there is room,

O there may I feast with His children at home!

0 Jesus, conduct me to heaven, my home!

Home, Sweet home.

Farewell, vain amusements — my follies, adieu,

While Jesus, and heaven, and glory I View;

1 feast on the pleasures that flow from

His throne, The foretaste of heaven, sweet heaven, my home

0 when shall 1 share the fruition of home!

Home, Sweet home.

The days of my exile are passing away,

1 he time is approaching when Jesus shall

say,

"Well done, faithful servant, sit down

my throne, And dwell in my presence forever at

home."

0 there I shall rest with my Savior at home,

Home, Sweet home.

GOSPEL HERALD

Affliction and sorrow, and death shall be o'er,

The saints shall unite to be parted no more,

Their loud hallelujah fill heaven's high dome,

They dwell with the Savior forever at home,

Home, Sweet home. — Sel.

CHILDREN AND THE CHURCH

"At fifteen I joined the church. My ideas of conversion were indefinite. I wonder what per cent of the children of the present day have definite or correct ideas about the subject."

When T read the above statement I felt a sadness, born of the growing conviction that the writer is inclined to find fault with her early Christian life and experience, because later years have given her clearer ideas and larg'er experience. In this I am of the opin- ion that as she continues to walk with the Lord, her ideas on the subject will yet become more definite and more correct.

Among children, as well as among converts from non-Christian religions, the idea of conversion, at the time of conversion, is necessarily immature. It can not well be otherwise. Conver- sion is an experience that comes nor- mally but once in a life-time. It does not come by appointment. It is not the result of an investigation of the subject. Before the first communion, the young Christian meditates, hears sermons and reads on the subject. Not so is it with conversion.

I know several people who, in af- ter-years, made great progress in their life of consecration, but who felt, for a time, that the change of heart, experienced at the time of their baptism, was not as marked as it should have been, therefore, what?

Qne of the number desired rebap- tism. Such a demand places too great a stress on the form. Another found fault with the baptizer. This misses the point completely. Another doubt- ed the genuineness of his conversion. Giving place to doubt is a most dan- gerous experiment. Another said he was living up to the light he had at the time, and he has been doing so ever since. This last one was correct.

Conversion is, among other things, the changing of one's attitude to any given subject. In referring to their conversion, at the time of becoming Christians, men generally refer to the experience they had at that time. Many are the difficulties created by those who insist that all must have the same experience. A scoundrel of a man, converted at the age of forty, must most certainly experience a greater change than a good, quiet, conscientious girl who was converted at the age of twelve or fifteen years. And everybody can see the change

April 4

he makes, while hers may not be ap- parent except to a close observer. She, the better of the two, from child- hood to old age, would make a great mistake if she permitted doubts to distress her mind because the older converts, apparently, made a greater change of conversion than she did.

When children understand that God has a desire for them, and when they are willing, at any cost, to comply with that desire, they are on the point of conversion. Then they need teach- ing,— some more, some less. Having a heart receptive, the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and they form the resolution that clings to them as long as they live.

The same is true among non-Chris- tian peoples of the world. When they come to understand that God wants something from them, and when they are willing, at any cost, to comply with what God wants of them, I certainly feel that they are near the kingdom. Among children, I think that, perhaps, not one in a hundred understands conversion at the time of his conversion, as clearly as he does in after-years. Among heathen converts perhaps not one in a thousand understands conversion at the time of his own conversion as clearly as he does in after-years.

Shall we, therefore, 'permit doubts to arise concerning* their conversion? Not a bit of it. As soon as any one is ready to accept God in his life, take Jesus as his Savior, and walk in the Spirit, his ideas are sufficiently clear on the subject to begin. Encourage him to go on, and for God's sake don't hold him back because he does not understand all. You and I se many things differently now to what we did when converted. We ought to if we have been growing in grace.

"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14).— W. B. Stover in Gospel Mes- senger.

The missionary is sent out to live a life ; that is the thing that the heathen world needs. That is the thing- they are looking for and the only way they get it is through the examples of missionaries. If he wants to live the life of Christ, he must feel the warm touch of the Master, so when he comes in contact with lost souls his warm touch will make them feel, "That is the thing that I want." Many people try to get their training as some people take concentrated tablets of medicine. If we just had more of those blessed prayer meetings like that at Antioch. — I. R. Detweiler.

It is impossible to have a theology in India with a question mark after it. — G. J. Lapp.

1918

GOSPEL HERALD

Sunday School

Pat ihc Gospel Herald.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 1918 Lesson for March 14, 1918.— Mark 8:27-38

JESUS REQUIRES CONFESSION AND LOYALTY

Golden Text. — Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. — Mark 8:34.

Lesson Story. — The scene of our lesson is in Caesarea Philippi. Jesus is busy in the work of the ministry, both teaching and performing miracles. He asked two significant questions :

(1) Whom do men say that I am?

(2) Whom do ye say that I am? From . the viewpoint of those not His disci- ples, He was some great man or proph- et. From the viewpoint of His disci- ples He was "the Christ of God." But even Peter, who was so quick to recog- nize Him as Christ, did not fully com- prehend who He was. For when Christ told them of His coming humili- ation and death Peter undertook to reprove Him for saying anything of the kind. Christ quickly told Peter his mistake and gave him to under- stand that Peter's suggestion came from Satan. After this He proceeded to propound three great truths that should never be forgotten: (1) Self- denial is one of the first essentials to Christian discipleshp. (2) It takes the death of the self lfe to gain the new life in Christ. (3) Whoever is ashamed of Christ here will find in the bright hereafter that Christ is ashamed of him. From beginning to end, this lesson is laid with precious truths that all people should know.

Lessons for Us. — 1. The first thought that appeals to us is the con- trast between > the world's view and the Christian view of Christ. The people that heard Him were "aston- ished at his doctrine." Officers who were sent to arrest Him came back saying, "Never man spoke like this man." His wonderful power was rec- ognized wherever He was, but those outside the fold could see only the greatness of the man, refusing to recognize that He was divine. But when the question as to who He was was put to the disciples 'they recog- nized Him at once as "Christ, the Son of the living God." The same distinction is noted today ; but while the world adores Christ as the wonder- ful MAN, only the Christians recog- nize Him as one with the Father, God incarnate, without human father, the Savior of our souls.

2. A man may have a high concep- tion of Christ, even recognize Him as Lord, and still not comprehend the depth and breadth of His mission. That was Peter's case ; that is our

case. But, thank God, by His gface we are accepted even in our ignorance, and in Him we are learners and contin- ue to learn more and more about Him.

3. One of the best things that can happen to us is an occasional reproof that takes the conceit out of us.

4. At the very gateway of disciple- ship is the Christian grace of self-deni- al. We must be emptied of self before we can be filled with Christ. We must give Christ full possession of our hearts, submitting to His direction no matter how great the sacrifice to self, before we can really flourish in His grace or be used to good account in His service.

5. Our lesson propounds to us an impressive question on profit and loss. For once we want to look at life from a selfish standpoint. (Come to think of it, it is selfishness that stands in the way of people accepting Christ.) Let the selfish man have his way. He wants the very best. Let him have it. But let him look at it from a sensible viewpoint. "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world" — gold, silver, real estate, personal property, honors, power, pleasure, ease, a trillionaire in every sense of the word — "and lose his own soul !" Can you measure the comparison? Is there any one foolish enough to barter away heaven for all that he can get out of earth? Yes, millions of them — but they lose their lives in seeking the self life. When they come before the King; when they will have reached that stage when all this world's goods, honors, riches, glory, pleasures, ease, etc., will do them no more good, they will be confronted with this question : "What shall a man give in exchange for his soul !"

6. Many people would like to con- fess Christ, but they are ashamed to do so. They would like to stand for true Christian piety and heaven- approved holiness, but it is too humil- iating. Like Peter in the hour of temptation, they would lie and curse and swear rather than to be lined up with anything that would "queer" them in the eyes of the world. Well, that may do for awhile ; but when the world can no longer be of service to them ; when they stand before the King and would be very glad to have His friendship, they will be humiliated beyond measure as they see that He is ashamed of them. Well may He be ashamed of such unworthy creatures. We owe our life and all our blessings to Hi He gave Himself . that we might made free. How comtemptibl us, unworthy creatures of the to swell with a feeling of self-i ance and profess ourselves of the best friend and th message the world has ey;

Our Young People

SYMPATHY FOR OTHERS.— (Junior.) Rom. 12:9-16

Topic for April 14

MOTTO

"Bear ye one another's burdens."

THE STUDY HOUR I. Our Lesson. — The word sympathy is one that means that people feel the same things together. When I am burned you cannot know how it feels in your body till you are burned also. But after you have been suffering a burn you can feel for another the next time you see 'them suffer so, altho you have no touch of the heat against yourself. Sometimes when one person has sorrow we see another shedding tears with them even when the other has had no loss himself at all. Many people shed tears at funerals who never had a near friend die.- It is sympathy of feeling that has grown in our hearts and makes us feel with others.

•Sympathy may be of different kinds. We can feel glad with those who are happy or we can feel sad with those who are unhappy. When we see the smiling happy faces of the boys and girls we often feel like smiling with them. That is why a person who is happy is such good company and seems to drive away the sadness all around them. We like to see such people come around us. They always leave such good cheer behind them. But we should not only pick out the people that can make us happy. We ought to feel with ithe people who are sorrowful and try to bring gladness to them out of our sup- ply of sunshine.

There are different ways of sympa- thizing with others besides just re- joicing or weeping with them. When mamma sympathizes with her children she does something to help them bear their troubles. Why does she sit up all night when we are sick? Why do peo- ple who are sorry for the poor give ■them of their things? Why did Jesus leave His beautiful happy home in heav- en and become poor and suffer death for us? It was all because He sympathized with us so much that He was not only willing to weep but to bear our burdens for us. We can also express our sym- pathy toward others by following the footsteps of Jesus.

II. The Text, Rom. 12:9-16.— This scrip- ture expresses our duty to one another as Christians. Our love should without any pretention. It should strong toward others that we the other the best. It she give the things that we have them a.nc_ happy and It should Noboc to

GOSPEL HERALD

April 4

Gospel Herald

A Religious Weekly Published in the interests of the Mennonite Church by

MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD Scottdale, Pa.

Aaron Loucks, General Manager.

Entered at Post Office at Scottdale, Pa., as second class matter.

Subscription Price, $1.25 per year in advance. Sample copies sent free on application.

Editor, Daniel Kauffman. Associate Editor, J. A. Ressler.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS John W. Weaver, Union Grove, Pa. Silvanus Voder, Middlebury, Ind. Oliver H. Zook, Belleville, Pa.

Address all communications intended for publication GOSPEL HERALD, Scottdale, Pa. Communications relating to the business of the House, such as subscriptions, changes of address, etc., should be addressed

MENNONITE PUBLISHING HOUSE, Scottdale, Pa.

COMMITTEES

Executive Committee. — J. S. Shoemaker, Jonathan Kurtz, S. H. Miller, Abram Metzler, Aaron Loucks,

Levi M umaw.

MENNONITE PUBLICATION BOARD J. S. Shoemaker, Pres., Freeport, 111.

Jonathan Kurtz, Vice Pres., Ligonier, Ind.

S. H. Miller, Sec, Shanesville. Ohio.

Abram Metzler, Treas., Martinsburg, Pa.

L. J. Heatwole, Dale Enterprise, Va.

George S. Keener, Hagerstown, Md.

S. F. Coffman, Vineland, Ont.

John Blosstr, Rawson, Ohio.

Samuel Gerber, Pekin, 111.

L.' J. Miller, Garden City, Mo.

D. H. Bender, Hesston, Kans.

E. S. Kallman, Goshen, Ind. Harry West, Hubbard, Oreg. M. C. Cressman, Berlin, Ont. J. R. Shank. Purvis. Mo.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1918

Field Notes

OUR MOTTO

The whole Gospel as our rule in faith and life.

Scriptural activity in all lines of Christian work.

Love, unity, purity, and piety in home and church.

Bro. L. H. Shank of Paradise, Pa., paid a pleasant visit to the Mennonite missions in Kansas City, Kans., re- cently.— M.

Bro. J. Z. Birky of Manson, Iowa, has favored the congregation worship- ing at the Kansas City Mission a number of times. — M.

The congregation at Lancaster, Pa., took votes for minister on Sunday, March 24, and the following Sunday was the time set apart for the casting of lots and ordination services.

Bro. P. R. Lantz of Marshallville, Ohio, filled the regular appointment at Lancaster Mennonite Church on Sunday evening, March 24, and the next evening preached at the Vine Street Mission in Lancaster.

Communion services were announced for Purvis and Carver, Mo., last Sun- day, and one at Mt. Zion Church later. Bro. Joe C. Driver of Garden City, Mo., was expected to be present and have charge of the service.

Bishops Warren Bean, Jonas Minin- ger, and A. G. Clemmer of the Fran- conia Conference District attended the Lancaster Conference held at Mellinger's Church on Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22.

Change of Address. — Bro. and Sis- ter Phares D. Kemrer and family wish to announce the change of their address from Millersville, Pa., to Lan- caster, Penna., Route No. 2. Friends will please note the change. — L. S. K.

Communion services are to be held at Gingerich's Church, Lebanon Co., Pa., on Sunday, April 21, and baptis- mal services at the same place the day before ; also at KralPs on May 5. — G.

A. Graybill has

from Schellburg.

Among the worshipers at the Scott- dale Mennonite Church last Sunday was Bro. Berg, a minister in the Mennonite Brethren Church of Reed- ly, Calif. He was on his way east to look after the interests of a young brother in camp. He favored the con- gregation with some helpful thoughts on the Resurrection. He was accom- panied to Washington, D. C, by Bro. Aaron Loucks.

Steps are being taken to ordain another bishop in the bishop district of Bro. Abram Herr of New Danville, Pa. Bro. Herr has been a faithful verseer for many years. During the t year he has been unable to attend is work much of the time on ac- f feeble health. We are glad that his health has improved and our prayer is that spared to the Church for

Brother and Sister M. C. Lapp, missionaries on furlough from India, are visiting at present in eastern Pennsylvania. Their address for the time being will be Souderton, Pa., in care of John Nice.

Some time ago a report was current in some quarters that Bro. Clayton F. Derstine, well known to many of our readers, had been arrested and put in prison. He desires us to an- nounce that there was absolutely no foundation for such a report.

Last Sunday was communion day at the Mennonite mission in Chicago, with baptismal services at the 26th St. Mission the evening before. Bro. J. S. Shoemaker of Freeport, 111., was expected to be present and have charge of the services.

Communion Services. — The follow- ing announcements are made for part of the communion services to be held in the Franconia District, Montgom- ery Co., Pa :

Towamenin, April 7. Plain, April 14. Line Lexington, April 7. Souderton, April 28. Rockhill, May 5. Salford, May 19. Franconia, May 26. — C.

Correspondence

Midland, Mich.

Dear Gospel Herald Readers :• — God is certainly good to us, sending us many blessings, for which we feel tharikful. Saturday evening, Mar. 16, Bro. J. K. Bixler was with the brotherhood and preached a sermon. He also preached Sunday morning and evening and Monday evening. There are twelve converts at present. Instruction meeting was held for them Sunday afternoon. Many good things were brought forth in all the meet- ings.

Bro. D. J. Thornton's expect to leave this place and go to Montana to make their home. We hate to see them leave us but wish them suc- cess wherever they are.

Pray for the work at this place.

Clara A. Emmert.

March 18, 1918.

Swink, Colo.

(Lajunta Congregation) Greeting to all Herald Readers : — ■ Our annual business meeting was held some time ago, and officers elected for the coming year. We have experi- enced quite an unusual winter for sunny Colorado, but are again enjoy- ing nice weather and signs of spring- time are here.

Bro. J. A. Heatwole is conducting

1918

GOSPEL HERALD

a weekly mission study class, with good interest. We also expect to organize a teachers' training class, to be taught by Bro. Allan Erb. We are glad for a wide awake S. S. We believe it is proving very helpful, es- pecially to the primary department. We rejoiced to see Sister Mary Flish- er able to be brought to services on last Sunday. She has not been with us for almost a year. She has im- proved enough to be able to walk, by being helped. We hope to see her continue to improve. Pray for the work at this place.

March 22. 1918. Minnie Winey.

Carstairs, Alta.

Dear Herald Readers, Greeting in the Name of Jesus: — We have been enjoving a Bible conference. On March 13, Bro. Miller and Bro. Leh- man came into our midst and con- ducted the meetings. Bro. Miller also remained over Sunday and gave anoth- er subject on Saturday evening and Sunday evening, and a short inter- esting sermon for which we have great reasons to be thankful to the giver of all gifts. Three confessions were made May the Lord be their guide through life.

Lena Steckly.

March 22, 1918.

Middletown, Pa.

Greetings in Jesus' Name : — Last Sunday our Sunday school was reor- ganized at Shopes, with officers as follows: Supts., David Erb, H. L. Longenecker; Sec.-Treas., David Eb- ersole. At Stricklers on March 24, with the following officers : Supts., David Miller, Aaron Martin ; Sec.- Treas., H. R. Landvater. May the good Lord abundantly bless the breth- ren that they fill the offices faithfully, that we may be bettered through them, and that the Sunday school may prosper for God.

It is announced that we have con- tinued meetings at Strickler's begin- ning in the evening of the second Sunday in April (Apr. 14). Bro. John Mosemann promised to conduct the meetings. It is also announced that these meetings should continue until the Sunday following, making eight evenings in all. We hope to enjoy great blessings while these meetings are going on.

Bro. David Miller preached a very interesting sermon for us on the 24th. He reminded us of some of our duties towards the Church and towards God.

March 25, 1918. Cor.

Dalton, Ohio.

(Sonnenberg Congregation) In the Master's name we again greet all the Herald Readers : — On Good Friday 16 young persons will be received into the visible Church

by water baptism and two will b„e reclaimed. May God's blessing attend them. On Easter Sunday communion will be held. May all be strengthened who partake of the sacred emblems.

On Feb. 3 we had the privilege of having with us Bro. G. J. Lapp, the missionary, who preached for us an edifying sermon. March 3, Bro. P. R. Lantz of the Old People's Home near Marshallville, Ohio, also preached an interesting sermon of faith, using as a text, Gen. 22. May the blessing of God attend them in their labor.

March 25, 1918. Cor.

Akron, Pa.

Bro. John E. Bressler of Richfield, Pa., just closed a two weeks' series of meetings at the Ephrata Church. During these meetings twenty-four souls decided for Christ. Many more are seriously considering the appeals made by the brother, some of whom will undoubtedly join the class later. The Church has been spiritually strengthened, and will press forward in the new duties with renewed power and courage. Our prayers go with the brother to his other efforts in extending the kingdom.

Mar. 25, 1918. Cor.

Lajunta, Colo.

(East. Holbrook congregation) Bro. J. W. Hess of Palmyra, Mo., began a series of meetings here March 12. He preached fifteen sermons. The visible results were ten confessions here, three at the Sanitarium, and two, whose love had grown cold, reclaimed. A prayer service was held each even- ing before the regular services. Pray that these souls may remain faithful in the Lord's service.

Cor.

March 25, 1918.

Terra Eella, • Calif.

Dear HeraM Readers, Greetings: — We are having lovely spring weather. Fruit trees are about through blos- soming. Alfalfa hay will be ready to cut in about two weeks.

Bro. Samuel Eyre of Waukena, Calif., Minister of the "River Brethren Church," has kindly come over and preached for us three times. We ap- preciate his services very much. Does that not look as though we need a minister of the Mennonite faith here? This is a very needy field, and about the best location for a Mennonite church in California. Perhaps some are thinking of changing their loca- tion. I'm sure we would be glad for a number of families to locate with us. Anyone desiring to know anv- thing about this country in regard to price of land, etc., kindly write to the undersigned and we will give you all the information possible.

Our former pastor, Bro. Emanuel Stably, now of Los Angeles is with us at present, will be with us for a few weeks. He intends to hold a ser- ies of meetings in the near future. Sunday morning, March 24, Bro. Stah- ly preached for us, and in the evening, Bro. Samuel Eyre. All enjoyed the services very much.

We are still praying for the Lord to send us a minister. There is a minister from Ohio who is thinking seriously of coming out here if the Lord so directs. He asks that we pray for them that they may decide in the right.

We ask that you remember the work at this place. The harvest is great, but the laborers few.

Bro. C. B. McPherson, a visiting brother from Jet, Okla., was with us over Sunday, always glad for visitors.

Cor.

March 27, 1918.

Waynesboro, Va.

(Springdale, congregation)

Dear Herald Reader's, Greeting: — • Another Good Friday has come and gone, and God's blessings are contin- ually being showered upon us. This has been a beautiful day, and part of it spent in special service to Him who died to save us, and trust every one present was drawn nearer to Him, who suffered so much that we may be able to say, "Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ," and that we may be victorious in the great battle for right, that every true Christian must face in this world of sin.

We were very glad to have Bro. and Sister M. C. Lapp with us for a few days. They came on Wednesday evening-, the 20th, spoke on Wednes- day, Thursday, and Saturday evenings at Springdale, on Friday evening at Mt. View, on Sunday morning at the Flildebrands church, from there to Rockingham Co., where they will be about a week. His talks were very interesting and helpful to all, especial- ly to those interested in mission work. He told us of some of the customs, needs, and experiences in India. We trust the missionaries may ever be re- membered and helped in every way possible.

Our bishop, Bro. A. P. Heatwole, could, not be with us during these meetings, as he had appointments a- head in Tennessee that he had to fill.

Our deacon, Bro. Amos Showalter, who has not been well for some time, is slowly improving. We hope he will soon be able to attend to his duties. We ask the prayers of all God's chil- dren in behalf of the work in this part of His vineyatd-

Maggie M. Driver.

March 29, 1918.

(Contnued on page 13)

Miscellaneous

THROUGH TRIBULATION

By Geo. R. Brunk

For the Gospel Herald.

In youthful days

The fancy plays, And time goes slowly creeping,

High in the air,

Loom castles fair Which ever keep retreating.

In snow and rain

In heat and pain We plow and sow with weeping,

Then weak and pale

We faint and fail And who will do the reaping?

On every hand

Like desert sand, Our troubles are upheaping;

They heavy fall

Upon us all Like hail-stones heavy beating.

On stormy sea,

Still hoping we , Unto the wreck are clinging;

From rock-bound shore

Comes evermore The reef-bells' doleful ringing.

Lord of the storm

Extend thine arm To save weak faith from sinking;

If thou art near,

None need to fear Or from the storm be shrinking.

Roar then and rave Ye winds and waves

The whole earth over-sweeping. We'll reach a shore Storm-beat no more

God's Word and spirit keeping.

Denbigh, Va.

A TRIP TO THE WEST

By L. H. Shank On the twenty-seventh day of Feb- ruary I left my home at Paradise, Pa., to spend a month with a number of my children living in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and the western part of Pennsylvania. The first place at which I stopped was at Palmyra, Mo., visiting with my daughter, Emma Fenton, and family. Here I attended church services on Sunday, and was pleased to find very nearly all the members in attendance. Bro. J. M. Kreider preached the sermon. I was pleased to find them all enjoying good health naturally and also alive spiritu- ally.

On Monday, March 4, I took the train for Hallville, Boone Co., Mo., near which place my brothers, David and Benjamin, are living. Having heard of the illness of my brother David, I found him in very weak con- dition, with little hopes of his recov- ery. Here I remained one week, after which 1 took the train for Kansas City, Kans., where my daughter Rose is assisting in the work at the Chil-

GOSPEL HERALD

dren's Welfare Home in Argentine. Here I remained one day, attending a cottage meeting in the evening, where a small group of brethren and sisters had collected and all seemed to be spiritually awake, happy in the Master's service. Leaving here on Tuesday evening, I took the train for Lajunta, Colo.

Here my daughter, Fannie, has a position in the public library. Here I remained two days, visiting among the brotherhood, and was well pleased with the zeal manifested among them. My old friend and brother, J. M. Her- shey, has not been enjoying very good health ; but he is resigned to the work and will of the Master, looking for- ward with a blessed hope.

On my return I visited a number or friends in the vicinity of Newton and Hesston, Kans. I attended servic- es at the Academy on Sunday morning and evening. Here I found many friends that I had not expected to see, and was pleased with the associa- tions and Christian fellowship while in this community.

On Monday morning I took the train at Newton for Kansas City, where I remained over night. Among the brethren whom I met while in Kansas City were the superintendents, Brethren J. D. Mininger and Allan Good. After spending the night at the Children's Welfare Home, I took the early morning train for Leeton, Mo., where I visited with my daughter Sallie Mohler, and family. My daugh- ter, Rose, accompanied me to Leeton. Here I remained a day, and enjoyed myself in the association of the father of the family, Elder John M. Mohler of the Brethren Church.

My next stop was at Versailles, Mo.,, my former home. Here I met my brother, J. R. Shank, and my son, J. R. Shank, Jr., also two sisters and a number of other relatives and brethren. Here. I remained from March 20 to 25, visiting among friends and brethren, attending services at Mt. Zion Church Friday evening and Sunday. I was well impressed with the thought that the ministry here is qualified to give food to their flock.

On Monday morning I started for Scottdale, where I am at the time of this writing, expecting, the Lord willing, to arrive at my home in Para- dise about March 28.

During the whole of my journey I found the brethren and sisters inter- ested in the one great event that is on every one's mind, the present awful world conflict. So far as I found the brethren are practically of one mind : that as a nonresistant people the only course to pursue under existing cir- cumstances is that mapped out by our General Conference and the subse- quent work of our war committee. We have in times past enjoyed a liberty of conscience and exemption

April 4

from military service. In every war in which the United States has been engaged the position taken by the Mennonite Church with reference to nonresistance has been recognized by our government. It remained for the present conflict to test our faith in the attempt to hold our young men for noncombatant military service. I met with a general feeling and convic- tion that if we should now surrender our ground to a sufficient extent to consent to bearing the noncombatant end in the present struggle it would only be a question of time until our church would have surrendered the whole nonresistant ground. But in my opinion we have not yet struck the most vital chord. Many have prayed that God might so overrule that peace may come. Several times there has been a time set apart by congregations and conferences for special prayer in behalf of peace. In my travels I have found a well defined conviction on the part of many that a day should be set apart in which the entire Church — all the brotherhood in all our conference districts in the United States and Canada — should give itself over to fasting and prayer, and reach at the Throne the power that will move the nations to grant full liberty of conscience to all nonre- sistant people. The Church should make a movement in the direction of setting apart a day for this purpose. It was by the way of the Throne that Daniel received grace to stand the test in the lion's den ; that Hezekiah was saved from the scourge of con- quest at the hands of Sennacherib ; that Nehemiah got the consent of the king to relieve his people and to return to Jerusalem ; that the apostolic Church got relief in the release of Peter from prison ; and it will be through fervent, united, persevering, and prevailing prayer that the ear of the Almighty will be reached in this case and His protecting care extended to 'those who call upon Him in faith. I favor the calling of a day of prayer in which all the Mennonite Church (and as many other nonresistant churches as may be moved to enter into this in faith) will lay aside their temporal cares and toils and devote themselves exclusively to fasting and prayer, to calling upon God and trust- ing in His promise to hear and answer the prayer of faith. Paradise, Pa.

We must not only accept God's will as revealed in His Word, but we must accept it in every providence. Whether it be a Judas that betrays or Pilate in his indifference who gives you up to the enemy — whatever trouble or temptation, vexation or worry comes, see God in it and accept it as His will. — Andrew Murray.

1918

GOSPEL HERALD

A MEDITATION

(Gen. 6:14-22) By N. A. Lind

For the Gospel Herald.

What joy it brings to feed on the wondrous food that God has provided in the Ark, Jesus Christ. It is worthy of our notice that God said to Noah, "Take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten." That meant plenty and variety. And that is what we have in the service of Jesus Christ. "Plen- teous grace with thee is found." "He maketh me to lie down in green pas- tures." If we are not enjoying the Master's service, let us not blame .it on the food. God has plenty and a variety in store. "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Look into the average life. How little time is spent with the Word. The Bible is a dry book. But look at the book- shelf. Novels, magazines, and dailies en-masse. Well did Solomon pray: "Feed me with food convenient for me." God did not ask Noah to eat hay, but there was to be provision of "all food," and here is God's propo- sition to David and to us : "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.'' It may be too that if we are not enjoy- ing the Christian life it is because we are spending too much time in some of the lower decks, or in the wrong room ; in the cattle pens or hog yards. God wanted room in the ark for cattle, hogs, horses, etc., but it seems to me that Noah lived above them. In the upper story he lived, I presume, where the window was located. May we rejoice in the "depth of the riches," feeding upon the plenty and variety that God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Wadsworth, Ohio.

WHAT IS THE CHURCH?

By Luetta Kauffman

For the Gospel Herald.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an 'holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. — I Pet. 2:9.

The word Church is thought to have been handed down from the Greeks to the Goths, the first among the Teu- tonic tribes to embrace the Christian faith. The meaning of the Greek word for Church means "an assembly called out by authority." This is also the Bible idea, which recognizes the Church of God as a "chosen gener- ation" and a "peculiar people." The word in common usage may mean a house of worship, a congregation, a denomination, or a collective body of which Christ is the head.

The Bible recognizes the word in

two senses: (1) the congregation, as the churches of Asia and Galatia. Rev. 1:4, I Cor. 16:1. (2) The whole body of believers, as "he is the head of the body, the church" (Col. 1:18). It is the organization through which God works to make known His Word and will to man which Christ organ- ized to carry on the work of salvation, in which the Holy Ghost moves in choosing the Bride of the Lamb.

The Church is a sacred institution. God is the Author of it and our God is a God of order, as you will notice in the Bible, Therefore when we come to the house of God, may we come to receive food for our never dying souls and not for almost any other purpose, or it will not be the blessing to us that God intended it should. When the Lord called Samuel his ready response was, "Here am I." There were no excuses of youth, weak- ness, etc. If we attend promptly to the call of the Lord, He will take care of our weakness. This same readiness to respond to duty is what made Sam- uel the mighty power he was.

Wayland, Iowa.

LITTLE POINTS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE

By J. C. Schwartz

Kor the t<osi>cl HeraW.

Is the Red Cross a Christian organi- zation? Let us see. In the first place, who belong? Any one that so desires. The church member? Yes. The non-church member? Yes. A mixed throng. Paul says in II Cor. 6:14, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" — 'enough evidence right there to convince the Christian it is not for them. Is it right for them to nurse the wounded and restore them again to go out and fight again? Of course, the nursing is all right, but while they are mend- ing their bodies, why don't they try to mend their souls, point them to the Prince of Peace, and tell them how horrible it is to kill their fellow man? How long would the Govern- ment tolerate such an organization?

What else do they do? A. I. Root of Medina, Ohio, says, "Flow can God hear and answer our prayers when not only the Red Cross but even some of the churches are sending cigarettes to our soldiers?" A Jacksonville, Fla. paper says, "It seemed to be the universal conclusion based on experi- ence, that the cigarette was a coffin nail. Now the papers that exploited this conclusion are asking for money to provide cigarettes for our boys in France." The Associated Men's for Oct. has this to say, "The millions of cigarettes now being fired at our soldiers will every one hit its mark and will do its mischief. More Ameri-

can soldiers will be damaged by cigar- ettes than by German bullets." Is the Red Cross guilty of doing this thing?

Before we were aware of it, the school teacher had our children en- gaged in making gun-wipers, instill- ing into their minds the great (?) service they were doing their country, and helping Uncle Slam ; also ask them to join the Red Cross. When and where are we to begin to teach against this cjuestion which is in direct oppo- sition to our loving Master? Let us take a stand for God, and be out and out for Him who gave Himself for us. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (II Cor. 6:17,18).

While in conversation with one man, that tried to get me to join the Red Cross, he said, "the Bible gives us the right to defend ourselves." I asked him what Jesus meant when He said, "Love your enemies, pray for them that despitefully use you," etc. He did not appear to know (at least did not say) but said the brutes fight for their defense. That is true; how is it possible for them to know of the better way? Was he classing himself with the brute creation? When I made reference to the Bible, he said, "Oh hang the Bible," and called me a crank. I thought at once of what Bro. J. A. Heatwole said when some one called him a crank. He smiled and thanked the man for ac- counting him good enough to be a crank that some time he might be able to turn a sinner to repentance.

II Cor. 5:10; "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

Eccl. 12:14; "For God shall bring every work unto judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

"Dare to be a Daniel,

Dare to stand alone, Dare to have a purpose firm

Dare to make it known."

Marion, Kans.

God has called every individual man to become an active worker. Unless we get busy right at home in saving men, we will not get a call to India. Nine-tenths of the mission- aries never had a call like Paul, but in some way He revealed and will con- tinue to do so. Make of each seeming call a test and allow God to make it definite to your satisfaction. — S. E. Allgyer.

GOSPEL HERALD

April 4

SPRING IS HERE

By J. Erwin Gnagey

For the Gospel Herald.

Spring has arrived at last with all its splendor and beauty and creates within us in camp the longing to re- turn to our former homes as tillers of the soil. Spring seems about the only normal thing amid these abnor- mal environments. It vividly portrays the reality of God and His creation. We recall these words from Exodus ; "God appeareth unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush" (Ex. 3:2-4). We are just crossing the line of those great transitions in na- ture which transforms the aspect of the world ; instead of death we have life ; instead of brownness and still- ness, verdure and motion ; the grass has struggled successfully in the fields and on our lawns, gladdening the eye with its hope-inspiring greenness. The wonderful thing that we call spring is upon us with its suddenness of surprises, its beauty and glory. After an unusually severe winter we all rejoice in the return of this season to the earth, this angel of growth, which brings forth the buds on every vale and hillside, whose music is heard in every brook and stream, whose garment is the upspringing grass which adorns the plains.

The writer of Job tells us to "speak to the earth and it shall teach thee." Moses said God appeared unto him out of the midst of the bush. To him at that moment the earth seemed all enchanted ground. And now a- midst these perilous times can we say, "Look upon the bush, flaming with roses; listen, if thy soul be not deaf thou wilt hear the voice of God speaking to thee out of the bush." In the divine unfolding of nature in spring we then see the spirit of the universe climbing up through flower and tree, trying to utter itself in mate- rial shape. The world is transfigured "to him who in the love of nature holds communion with her visible form." The one most certain item of our knowledge is the existence of an infinite and eternal Energy, whence all things proceed. The glory and beauty of Galilee in spring fur- nished Jesus with a part of His mes- sage. Nature mirrored in His soul the heavenly blue of the firmament, the glowing tints of the sunset, the excjuisite purity of the snowy Syrian moun tains and the endless shade of color presented by the spring-clad surface of Palestine. Let us rejoice in the growth within ourselves spiritu- ally, in the buds of promise within our hearts and minds; let us maintain our inmost convictions, let opposition be what may, cultivating the spirit of cheerfulness and consideration for our fellow beings, and above all, to

be stedfastly devoted to God's teach- ing, all the while sustained and in- spired by faith in the eternal right and by the convictions that we finite beings are allied to the infinite Being, let us so cling to the right that seeds of holy living are always blossoming within and opening into diviner and purer character. By constant watch- ing and praying we can attain to all this and may you never cease to lift us before the throne of grace.

We are segregated and live in tents amid nature away from camp patiently awaiting the final outcome.

Camp Sherman, Ohio.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP A LITTLE

'One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and in you all." "It is good to be zealously affected always in every good thing. For I mean not that others should be eased and ye burdened : but by an equality that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want" (II Cor. 8:13,14). "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer" (Psa. 19:14).

Would to God that all of God's faithful ones would seek very earnest- ly to decide all questions relative to the interests of the kingdom of His dear Son by His Word, never trying to come to any conclusion or make any decision without very earnestly desiring and seeking the aid of God through the Holy Spirit. There seems to be a great tendency in these days to forget our dependence on God to direct our hearts and minds in every good work to do His will. It rejoices my heart to think that our Lord through His suffering and death has made it possible for the children of His family to have one common inter- est in the welfare of His Church of which we are individual members, members of the body of Christ having been chosen to carry forward His work which He established and perpetuated while on earth to minister to the needs of dying, perishing souls, while Satan is getting and destroying his millions. Should we not be earnestly striving as instruments in the hands of God to save some. Let God have His way in our hearts to do Plis will on earth as it is done in heaven, and when we speak of His will being worked out through our lives we speak something vastly important and extensive.

Paul says, "It is good to be zealously effected always in every good thing." "Herein do I exercise myself to have a conscience always void of offense toward God and man." God's eyes

are in every place, and I believe that when He has full right of way in our hearts He causes our vision to broaden, intensifies our interest, mak- ing our lives fuller and richer by His presence in our lives, thus causing our vision to go beyond our well watered valley into places not so well watered, not so well favored in a general way, to places where the membership does not run into a very great number, but when it is clearly evident that the fire of God's love is enkindled in their hearts to do His will.

Brethren, sisters, would you like to help the work of the Lord in such a place? The brotherhood of the Blanchard River Church, Putnam Co., Ohio, have seen the need of erecting a new church house for a number of years, but were rather fearful to make the attempt, but I am glad to say that present indications are that the Lord has removed this spirit of fear and looking to God in whose hands we all are. In faith the work has been started. We have every reason to believe that God's desire is that a house should be built to His name at this place. We feel sure His Spirit is working, as two souls have confessed their Savior recently, and the prospect is good for a few more to be received into Church fel- lowship soon. A building committee was appointed recently who are doing good work; also a soliciting commit- tee was appointed to solicit help in places not far distant. And now this is just a Christian appeal giving all an opportunity to contribute to this worthy cause that you might have fruit to abound to your account having in mind the salvation of lost and dying captives of sin and Satan. May God's love be still made manifest to the world by His people in the many ways in which it is possi- ble to do so.

Send contributions to the Secretary, S. G. Shenk, Continental, Ohio.

Roman Catholicism, after four hun- dred years, has not done much for South America. Bishop Kinsolving of Brazil claims that not more than two in a hundred students acknowl- edge relation with any religious or- ganization. A Roman Catholic priest after six years' experience in South America said : "I do not think that the church reaches ten per cent of the people, and in many places that is saying too much. I do not believe that of the one million people in Buenos Aires there are two hundred men on any given Sunday at serv- ices." No country in the world is more in need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ than this much neglected field. — H.

1918

GOSPEL HERALD

CHEERFULNESS

By Rebecca H. Hauck

For the Gospel Herald.

Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. — John 16:33.

These words spake Jesus to a little band of troubled disciples shortly before He left them. He told them how that He would be taken away from them, and that they would be left alone to face the trials and tribula- tions of the world ; but He said, "Be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world."

Over and above every other social trait stands cheerfulness. Did we ever stop to think how much good we may do, by simply being cheerful? and how much good we may get from being in company with a person that is real cheerful? God bless the cheer- ful person.

Cheerfulness! "How sweet in in- fancy, how lovely in youth, how saint- ly in age." Oh for grace to cultivate it more and more. One has said, and truthfuly so, that "the abundance of grace in the soul manifests itself in a cheerful expression upon the coun- tenance." How such a face enlivens every other face it meets, and carries with it joy and gladness.

Let us keep the sunshine of living faith in the heart, and not let the shadow of discouragement, and des- pondency fall upon our pathway. However weary we may be, the prom- ises of God will, like the stars of night never cease to shine, cheer and strengthen.

A cheerful life is the only happy life. "But," says one, "how can we be cheerful in trouble? in these days of trials and great crisis, when all the world Js at unrest, no peace, no peace, how can we be cheerful?" Lis- ten ; here are God's promises : "I will be with thee in trouble" (Psa. 91:15). "I will be with thee in deep waters" (Isa. 43:2). "I will be with thee and bless thee" (Gen. 26:3). "I am with thee alway, even , unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20). "Abide in me, and I in you" (John 15:4).

With these precious promises, and many others, let us go on our way with Christian cheerfulness, ever trusting in God, and knowing that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8: 28).

Another thought is that the cheerful ones are the busy ones. When we find people complaining, finding fault, criticising, frowning, and hear spiteful comments on the motives and actions of others, are they busily engaged in the Master's work? Are they?

The busy bee does not stop to com- plain that there are so many poison- ous flowers and thorny branches 'in his road but it buzzes on, gathering

honey where it can find it, and passing quickly by the places where no honey is to be found.

There is enough in this world to complain about, and to find fault with, if men and women have that disposi- tion. Let us be sunshiny members in the family of Jesus Christ, making all duty seem pleasant, all self-denial and exertion easy. Let us be cheerful, happy, and, last but not least, willing workers for the Master. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Ecc. 9:10). Oh for that blessed power and for God's grace to exercise it rightly.

Cheerfulness is something all may have. It is not a matter of talent, not entirely a matter of great energy, but rather a matter of earnestness. "It is a grace, rather than a gift, and we all know where all grace is to be had, freely for the asking."

And what brings more cheer and gladness to our hearts, at this time than the thought that the glad Easter tide is here, when our blessed Saviour arose triumphant from the grave, to die no more. Thank God that He lives, He lives again.

Lancaster, Pa.

LIKED THE MINISTER

"O! wasn't that a good minister we had today?" said Johnny.

"Yes. very good. Which sermon did you like best?" said his teacher.

"O, I don't know! It wasn't the sermon altogether that I mean."

"What then?"

"Why, he prayed for Sunday Schools and boys so good : I never heard any one pray so much for boys. Most of them do not. That is whv I like him."

"Do you like to be prayed for?"

"Why, yes, of course I do."

"The minister prayed today that all the boys may be Christ's boys. Did you like that?"

"Yes, and I prayed as hard as I could that I might be. When we hear people praying for us it makes us think it is about time to be praying for our- selves. If children don't like to say much about good things, I guess they all like to have the minister remember them. I always watch and see if they pray for young folks ; if they don't, I think they won't have much in the sermon either. Then, of course, I don't listen as well as I should if I thought there was something for me."

— Selected.

You may wonder at the darkness and coldness in your life. The sun- shine of heavenly glory cannot enter through closely barred doors and windows. "Open your heart to heav- en, and the glory will come in."

— R. R. J.

CORRESPONDENCE

(Continued from page 9)

Imlay City, Mich.

Dear Herald Readers, Greetings: — We still have great reasons to praise Him from whom all blessings flow. On March 19 and 20 Bro. J. K. Bixler of Elkhart, Ind., was with us at this place. He preached two very interest- ing sermons while here. On March 20 we also organized Sunday school as follows: Supts., Bro. David Ropp and Bro. J. Neuhauser ; Sec.-Treas., Bro. J. S. Roth. We are also having church services every Sunday in a school house, which we can use till we get the church building done.

We would be glad if some of the traveling brethren would stop and see us. We are situated about 33 miles west of Pt. Huron, on the Grand Trunk, and D. U. R. Electric Road from Detroit.

Pray for us at this place, that we may be shining lights to the world.

Isaac Kennel.

March 29, 1918.

Vineland, Ont.

On Sunday, March 17, the ordin- ance of baptism was observed in our church at Vineland, at which time twelve new members were added to our flock, and one who formerly was a member, was reinstated. May they receive grace to keep them steadfast in the faith and doctrine of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as believed and practiced by the Mennonite Church.

Cor.

March 29, 1918.

HOLY LIVING

Giver of Concord, Prince of Peace,

Meek lamb-like Son of God! Bid our unruly passion cease,

'By Thy atoning blood.

Rebuke our rage, our passions chide,

Our stubborn wills coiTtrol; Beat down our wrath, root out our pride.

And calm each troubled soul.

Subdue in us the carnal mind,

Its enmity destroy; With cords of love our spirits bind,

And melt us into joy.

Us into closest union draw,

And in our inward parts

Let kindness sweetly write her law.

And love command our hearts.

Savior, look down with pitying eyes,

Our jarring wills control; Let cordial, kind affections rise,

And harmonize the soul.

O let us find the ancient way Our wondering foes to move,

And force the heathen world to say, See how these' Christians love!

— Wesley.

GOSPEL HERALD

April 4

MEMORIZING THE WORD OF GOD

III.

By J. B. Smith For the Gospel Herald.

A few words to those memorizing the "One Thousand Best Verses of the Bible" (or any part thereof) will again be in order.

It will be noticed that one-fourth of the one thousand verses will not have been published by the end of March. This is due to the fact that the first installment did not appear until the issue of Jan. 17; to. the omission, through an oversight, of publishing any verses in the issue of Feb. 28, and to the reprinting of all the verses from Genesis to Nehemiah. The verses appeared in the various issues of the Herald thus: m

Jan. 17, Genesis, 15 verses.

Jan. 24, Exodus and Leviticus, 25 verses.

Jan. 31, Numbers and Deuteronomy, 30 verses.

Feb. 7, Joshua to II Samuel, 25 verses. Feb. 14, I Kings to Nehemiah, 24 verses. Fe'b. 21, Genesis to Deuteronomy, 69 verses,.

Feb. 28, None.

Mar. 7, Joshua to II Samuel, 25 verses.

Mar. 14, I Kings to Nehemiah, 24 verses.

Mar. 21, Job, 20 verses.

Since some errors and omissions oc- curred we wish to make the following statements and corrections:

1. In the review publication of the Feb. 21 issue, Exodus 20:8 was omitted, and the reference, v. 8, was erroneously at- tached to v. 7.

2. The review was to be completed in the Feb. 28 issue (see editorial Feb. 21st) but by an oversight this was omitted.

3. An error again occurred in 'the March 7 issue, when only a part of the remaining review verses appeared, those omitted appearing the next week (Mar. 14). Thus it happened that the issues of the 7th and 14th of both February and March con- tained precisely the same verses.

4. In Deut. 5:29 was occurred instead of were.

. 5. In Deut. 30:19 (R. V.) the last word, live, should be followed by a comma and connected with the next verse.

6. Has was wrongly printed for hath in I Sam. 12:24.

7. The should be omitted in II Sam. 23:3 in the issue of Mar. 7th.

8. In I Kings 2:3, judgment appeared instead of . the plural, judgments.

9. The title of the book, II Kings, is omitted. It should be inserted after I Kings 18:21. II Kings 6:16 is misplaced — it should be the first verse in the book i. e. immediately after the title.

If). In Nehemiah 8:8 of the law should read in the law.

11. The verse from Esther was omitted. It should read thus: "Who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" 4:14 (R. V.).

12. Job 22:21 was also omitted; viz., "Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be a>t peace."

Our brethren at the Publishing House are overcrowded with work, so it will still be some time before the verses will appear in loose leaf form. The suggestion has been made that the verses be published under various topics. It is the intention to have the verses appear later in book form also. In the back part of the book these verses are to be listed under different subjects in black-faced type and others having a direct bearing on the various topics of distinct merit will be added. It is proposed to give one unit's credit on a Bible course in the Eastern Menno- nite School to all those who will make

a passing grade (75% and over) on the one thousand best verses. Examinations on verses from the Old Testament may be taken in three different occasions or divisions, viz.

(1) Verses from Genesis to Esther — (120).

(2) Verses from the Poetical Books — (250).

(3) Verses from the Historical Books —(130).

As stated before, the verses are to 'be written from memory in the presence or under the charge of some responsible person, such as parent, S. S. teacher or minister. The cost of each examination will be 25 cents. Where the return of corrected papers is desired, stamps should be sent, sufficient to cover postage. Grades (including the number of correct verses) will be sent post free. If preferred, examinations may be held locally. Howev-

For the Gospel Herald.

PSALMS (Continued)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. — 23 :1

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. — 23:2

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. — 23:3

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. — 23:4

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou a- nointest my head with oil; my cup run- neth over. — 23:5

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

—23:6

The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. — 24:1

The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant. — 25:14

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid. — 27:1

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

—27:10

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. — 29:2

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. — 30:5

Oh, how great is Thy goodness which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee. —31:19

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. — 32:1

Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. — 32:7

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye. — 32:8

er, where credit or a reward is desired, results must be sent in after each examina- tion by some responsible and competent examiner. The final examination, which will be based on the entire selection, is to he taken under the supervision of the undersigned. This is suggested for the sake of equity and uniformity. There need be no specified time for taking the examinations, but as near as possible, students should keep up with the appear- ance of the verses in the Herald. Howev- er, any one may start at any time and send in papers for examination when ready. The cost of the final examination will be fifty cents, and may be taken any time after the close of the year. The pa- pers for this examination will be returned post free.

Address all communications to J, B. Smith,

Harrisonburg, Va.

I will bless the Lord at all tmes: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

—34:1

The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. — 34:7

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

—34:8

The eyes of the Lord are upon the right- eous and his ears are open unto their cry.

—34:15

Thou shalt make them drink of the river "of Thy pleasures. — 36:8

With Thee is the fountain of life: _in Thy light shall we see light. — 36:9

Harrisonburg, Va.

REPORT

Of Receipts of Eastern M. B. of M. & C. for War Sufferers Relief for Week Ending, March 26, 1918

For the Gospel Herald.

Amos L. Fisher $ 20.00

In His name 20.00

St. Matthew 7:12 25.00

Mellinger's Cong., Additional 100.00

Stickler's Cong., Additional 3.00

Total for week $168.00 Previously reported $28,615.04

Total to date $28,783.04

Gratefully acknowledged,

Eli G. Reist.

WAR SUFFERERS RELIEF FUND For the week ending March 26, 1918.

For the Gospel Herald.

Martins Creek Gong Holmes Co.

O $ 364.00

Salem Gong Wayne Co. Ohio 60.05 Oak Grove and Pleasant Hill Cong

Wayne Co O 1,825.78

West Union Cong la 1,771.50

South Nampa Cong Ida 55.50

West Fairview Cong Nebr 374.00

East Fairview Cong Nebr 872.50 West Fairview Cong (for Belgium)

Nebr. 267.00

South Sharon Cong la 140.00

ONE THOUSAND BEST VERSES OF THE BIBLE By J. B. Smith.

1918

North District Old Order A. M. Cong

Okla 30.00

\T. J. Yutzy 2.50

David 1 1 err 25.00

Springdale Cong Va 475.50

Banks S. S. Va 74.82

D. P. Wenger 50.00

C. T. Heatwole 5.00

Lizzie Miller 5.00 Naomi Cline • 3-00

Preacher Joe Driver Va 9.00

Cong near Becmer Nebr .35.00

A Bro. Kulpsville Pa 15.00 Church of God in Christ Mennonites,

A. G. Ensz, Treas. 225.00

Peter Neuenschwander 25.00

Nampa Home Mission Ida 12.25

Metamora Cong 111 50.00

Belleville Cong Pa 510.00

Anna Lapp 20.00

Howard-Miami Cong Ind 506.50

Students Goshen College 250.00

Midland Cong Mich. 6.00

A Sister Elkhart Ind 5.00

Total $ 8,069.90

Previously reported 35,348.18

Total to date $43,418.08

Gratefully acknowledged,

MFNNONITE RELIEF COMMISSION FOR WAR SUFFERERS

G. L. Bender, Treas.

Elkhart, Ind.

REPORT

Of the Fourth Annual Meting of the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities

Kor the Gnst'H Herald

The meeting was held this spring at Mellinger's Church, Lancaster Co., Pa., on the 19th and 20th of March. It was well attended and much interest manifest- ed. Very able addresses were given on the following subjects:

The Work and the Workers, Noah H. Mack, New Holland, Pa.; Lord, What Wilt Thou Have Me to do? Willis Baer, Lititz, Pa.; Sin, and Its Consequences, P. R. Lantz, Marshallville, Ohio; Social Life in India, Geo. J. Lapp, missionary to India; Lessons for the Church from the Detention Camp, I. B. Good, Good- ville, Pa.; Freely ye have received, freely give," John W. Weaver, Union Grove, Pa.; Mission Workers — How to Procure and How to Send, Bish. Peter Nissley, Mt. Joy, Pa., Bish. Benj. Weaver, Terre Hill, Pa.; Mission Work on the Jericho Road, Geo. J. Lapp.

Also instructive sermons by the breth- ren, Sanford B. Landis, Bird-in-hand, Bish. John Mast, Elverson, and Bis'h. C. M. Brackbill, Binzer. The treasurer's report shows a very substantial increase of receipts over former years and alto- gether we feel very much encouraged. Pray for the work that it may continue in His name and that many souls may be won for the kingdom.

H. L. Hershey.

First Annual Report

Of Sewing Circle, Woodriver, Neb., 1917

Number of meetings held, 6; work done: 218 garments, 6 quilts, 3 comforters, 4 rugs. Collection for Linoleum for Ar- gentine Mission, $9.50. Donations, 1 comforter, 18 garments. Average attend- ance, 18. 'Sec-treas.

If any man serve me, him will my Fath- er honour. — Jno. 12:26.

G O a i h. I, !' E R A ' r>

Married

Snider— Rabe.— On Feb. 14th, 1918, at the home of the bride's parents near Kos- suth, Waterloo Co., Out., Alvin Snider to Clarsie Rabe. Oscar Burkholder officiat- ing. iMay the Lord's richest blessing attend them through life.

Rodgers< — Hershberger. — On March 7, 1918, Bro. Ralph Rodgers and Sister Delia 'Hershberger were united in wedlock at East Fairview Church, Seward Co., Neb., Peter Kennel of Strange, Neb., officiating. May God be their counsellor.

Gascho — Stutzman. — At the Church near Woodriver, Neb., Bro. Arthur Gascho and Sister Barbara Stutzman were united in marriage Feb. 10, 1918, Bro. J. E. Zim- merman officiating. May God bless them through life.'

Hertzler^Harbold.— On March 7, 1918, at the home of the bride's parents, Bro. Isaac Harbold and wife, 'Harri|sburg, Pa,. Bro. Henry C. Hertzler and Sister Annie E. Harbold were united in the bonds of matrimony, Bishop Benj. F. Zimmerman officiating. May God's rich blessing rest upon them.

Boshart — Stutzman. — At the home of the bride's parents, Bro. and Sister D. D. Stutzman, Bro. Amos Boshart and Sister Sarah Stutzman were united in marriage, Mar. 14, 1918, Bro. J. E. Zim- merman officiating. May God's richest blessings attend them through life.

Stauffer^- Bollinger.— On March 17, 1918, at the home of the officiating bishop, Bro. Noah L. Landis, Bro. Evan S. Stauf- fer of Elizabeth Twp., Lancaster Co,., Pa., and Sister Barbara Bollinger of Clay Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa., were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. May their pathway through life be strewn with God's richest blessings.

Obituary

Badertscher. — John Frederick, son of John and Fannie Badertscher was born Sep. 4, 1917; died Mar. 1, 1918; aged 5 m. 28 d. He leaves to mourn his early departure parents, 3 brothers, 4 sisters and 2 grandmothers. Funeral services were held by Bro. Jacob Nussbaum, Mar. 3, at the Salem Mennonite Church, near Dalton, Ohio.

Berkey. — Ray Berkey was born Dec. 12, 1915; died March 9, 1918; aged 2 y. 2 m. 25 d. He leaves father, mother, 3 brothers, 1 sister, 4 grand-parents and many friends to mourn his early departure.

"A precious little jewel

Is taken from our side,

To dwell with saints and angels

In the glory world on high."

Funeral Mch. 11 at Forks Church near Middlebury, Ind., conducted by D. D. 'Miller.

Gregory. — Infant daughter of Bro. Clar- ence and Sister Eva Gregory of Vesta- burg, Mich., died March 3, 1918; aged 3 m. 29 d. Only a weak little babe, but she lived long enough to perform her mission in life. The cords of affection for this little jewel help to lead others heavenward. Funeral services were con- ducted at the house on Mar. 4, 1918 by

the brethren, Simon P. Martin and John M. Yoder. Texts used by Bro. Yoder,

1 Sam. 20:3, Psa. 90:12. Theme, The brevity and uncertainty of life. Burial in Ferris Center Cemetery.

Denlinger.— Maria B., only daughter of Martin W. and Fmma R. Denlinger, died at their home in Lancaster Co., Pa,., Mar. 1, 1918; aged 5 m. Death has again entered this home and taken away a little one that was much loved. Her death was caused by whooping cough. 'She leaves to mourn her departure her parents,

2 brothers, a foster brother, and a grand- mother. One little brother went to his rest a year and a half ago. Our Lord's will be done. Funeral services at Melling- er's Church 'March 3, by our home minis- ters, Bro. Sanford Landis and Bro. David Landis. Text, Isa. 66:13. Remains were laid to rest beside her little brother within the Cemetery nearby.

"The cradle now is empty, Her little clothes laid by,

A father's hope; a mother's joy, On death's cold arm doth lie."

Stauffer.— (Sister Mattie Stauffer (nee Bender) was born April 6, 1856, in Oxford Co., Ontario; died Feb. 21, 1918; aged 61 y. 10 m. 15 d. On Feb. 11, accompanied by her husband, Bro. Jos. R. Stauffer, and her daughter, Sister Barbara Brenne- man, she left her home at Tofield, Alberta, for the Dr. Nichols Sanitarium, -Savannah, Mo., to take treatment for cancer. She seemed to be getting along nicely, but suffering from diabetes she was greatly weakened and peacefully fell asleep on Feb. 21. In 1866 she moved with her parents to Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1872 she again moved with her parents to Henry Co., Iowa. On Jan. 1, 1880, she was married to Jos. R. Stauffer, living in holy matrimony 38 y. 1 m. 2 d. In the spring of 1880 she moved with her hus-band to Seward Co., Neb., where they resided until March, 1913, when they moved to Tofield, Alberta. This union was blessed with 3 sons and 5 daughters, one son and one daughter, also her parents, 3 grandchildren and 1 sister preceding her to the spirit world. She leaves to mourn husband, 2 sons, 4 daughters, 2 step- daughters, 17 grandchildren, 21 step-grand- children, 2 step-great-grandchildren, 2 sis- ters and 3 brothers and a host of relatives and friends. She was a faithful member of the Mennonite Church from her youth. Her place in church was seldom vacant. She was beloved by all who knew her, and she never complained in her affliction. Her remains, accompanied by her hus- band, eldest daughter, also youngest son, Ezra Stauffer, who had been attending school at Hesston Academy and Bible School, were taken home to Tofield, Al- berta. Funeral services Feb. 27, at the Salem 'Mennonite Church, Tofield. Burial in Cemetery nearby. Services were con- ducted by Bro. J. K. Lehman, text, II Tim. 4:6-7 and Bro. Norman B. Stauffer text, Prov. 31:10,31.

"Every sorrow and care in the dear day gone by,

Was made bright by the light of the smile

in your eye, Like a candle that's set in the window

at night,

Your fond love has cheered me and guided me right."

Bontrager. — Sylvia Bontrager was born April 12, 1886, at Sturgis, Mich.; died March 16, 1918, at Goshen, Ind., after an illness of nearly a year. Her father and one brother preceded her. The imme- diate members of the family surviving

her are her mother, Elizabeth Bontrager, Goshen; two sisters (Mrs. S. E. Hooley and Airs. L. B. Greenwalt), four brothers (Joseph, Rollin, Simon, and Neri).

'She early chose Music as a life work and began teaching at the age of seven- teen. She entered Goshen College during the winter of 19U5-6. She began her regu- lar course in music in 1907. During the later part of the course she was assistant in the music department and graduated from the Course in June, 1911. She was elected a member of the Faculty of Goshen College that same year where she taught for three consecutive sessions. Upon a leave of absence she entered the New England Conservatory of 'Music, Bioston, Mass., from which she graduated in June, 1916. Her teaching was resumed at Go- shen College during the following summer and continued until June, 1917, at which time her illness developed. She professed faith in Jesus Christ in 1906 and became a member of the Mennonite Church. The conscientious devotion to her church and the constant effort to promote the cause of her Master indicated the trend of this noble young life, so soon cut short. Hers were the objects of a true soul living in an active world. The underlying motives of this life were that of service and sacri- fice. Herself she placed modestly into the background. Faithful endeavor served her as a vital stimulant. Her attitude toward music was, that it is a wonderful means of expression. The words fr6m her own lips since the time when she found that the Lord would soon take her home give evidence of the quality of her mind.

In speaking of the transition which was to come she said, "I felt all winter that God was wanting me because my strength went so fast, but it is all right and I hope it will not be long." With a glance at her flowers she said, "Those beautiful flowers, how I love them but just think I'll soon be where things will be more lovely than they, and am I anxious? Yes, I really believe I am anxious to go. Will the time be long?" Upon being told that it would probably not be long, she said, "I am glad, so glad." The long, patient struggle ended in the prayer of resignation and plea for relief. "O God take me, and take me quickly."

Services were conducted at the home in Goshen in March 18, 'by I. R. Detwiler and at Howe, Ind., on March 19, by D. D. Miller. Interment at the private ceme- tery at the old home at Sturgis, Mich.

CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT

Illinois

The annual Mennonite church confer- ence w ill be held at Morrison, Ills, May 31, 1918. Sunday Svchool conference will be held on May 28-30 at the same place. All church and Sunday School workers are cordially invited to attend.

A. L. Buzzard, Secty.

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

The Gospel of Mark as announced in the Herald a few weeks ago is now com- ing to it-i finish and the last copy will sonn be from the press. This book is written in such a way that it will serve as a commentary as well as a guide in the study of the book. It should be a per- manent volume for the library. The larg- est local Sunday school class using the studies now has twenty-four enrolled. Sample copies of the lessons will be sent to those interested free, on request. We have a limited number printed and will not get more prepared unless the demand justifies it. If you want to investigate do it soon. Address,

I. R. Detweiler, Goshen, Ind.

GOSPEL HERALD Items and Comments

Easter services are generally reported from churches in many lands, one notice- able feature being a greater seriousness and less frivolity than has usually been among the nations is making people the case. The great struggle going on think. We would that there might be an even greater seriousness as the churches reflect upon the still greater conflict in the winning souls for God.

An event of more than ordinary in- terest was the going into effect of the new law directing that on Sunday morn- ing at 2 o'clock, Mar. 31, all clocks were to be set forward an hour. The result was that public appointments and all business was shifted forward just one hour, with surprisingly little friction and inconvenience. About the greatest source of annoyance to some people was the matter of getting up earlier in the morn- ing. If this succeeds in getting people to retire an hour earlier it will have wrought a good work in more ways than one.

Events of surprising interest and im- portance have been transpiring in Europe during the past week. The great "Ger- man drive," has gone forward in the midsti of the most stubbornly contested and probably the most important battle thus far fought in the war. At the time of this writing (April 1) the German thrust seems to have been halted — whether it proves to be a lull before another on- slaught on the part of the Germans or the beginning of a successful counter offensive on the part of the allies will proba'bly be decided by the time this reaches the eye of the reader. War preparations are being pressed with great- er fervor than ever before, and the idea is generally expressed on all sides that the events of the next few weeks will probably decide the fate of the war, Those who have been O'f the opinion that the war will be decided by the gnawing of hunger rather than by bullets are still of the same opinion. Let us continue our pray- ers for peace.

While phenomenal sales are occasionally made of some book that happens to strike popular favor, no volume ever printed can boast of such large and undiminished sales as the Bible. Then, loo, no other book has ever been translat- ed into as many different languages and difficult tribal dialects. For scores of savage and illiterate heathen tribes, the Word of life has been the first attempt to mold their crude vernacular into a lan- guage that can be printed. In these efforts the faithful missionary has labored arduously and most effectively. No one knows at what expense to health and vital energy the translators have toiled at their almost superhuman tasks, and it is not at all strange to learn that many of them have been cut off in their prime, because of their intense devotion to the work alloted them. Admittedly the Bible is the "One Book" that stands in a class wholly to itself, so far as real preeminence is concerned, and at the same time it is the cheapest, — complete copies, well print- ed and durably bound, selling as low as seventeen cents each. During a recent year more than 30,000,000 copies O'f the -Sacred Word were sold by the various Bible Societies and other publishers. So perfect are the means of distribution, •employed by the various Bible Societies, "that no matter where you may be, — on the frozen plains of Siberia or in the dense jungles of equatorical Africa, — a colporteur is within easy reach to supply a copy of the Holy Oracles. — 'Gospel Messenger.

April 4, 1918 Our New Book

STORIES FROM INDIA

By J. A. Ressler

A collection of incidents and experiences of the writer and others during his nine years ser- vice in mission work in India. The accounts given are of special value to the present generation and will be preserved as history for generations to come. It is es- pecially adapted to the Teen age and interesting to older people as well. Illustrated from original photos. Size 5 1-4x7 inches. Very appropriate for gift purposes to Sunday school classes. Ask for special prices in quantities.

Price 50 Cents Postpaid

MENNONITE PUBLISHING HOUSE Scottdale, Pa.

We have divine authority in our commission, to go everywhere with the gospel — next door, next parish, next State, and to all nations. — Ex.

Table of Contents

1 — Editorial

2 — The Present Situation

3 — Exhortation to Obedience

4— — Sermon Outline

The Arrangement of a Sermon

5 — Why I Go to Church on Rainy

Sabbaths Ministerial Training Sermon Critics Exhortation to Obedience

6 — Mother (Poem)

The Christian's Home (Poem) Children and the Church

7— The Sunday School Our Young People

8— Field Notes Correspondence

10 — Through Tribulation (Poem) A Trip to the West

11 — A Meditation What is the Church

Little Points of Vital Importance

12 — Spring is Here

Would You Like to Help a Little?

13 — Cheerfulness

Didn't Like the Minister Holy Living (Poem)

14 — Memorizing the Word of God

One Thousand Best Verses of the Bible Reports

15 — Married Obituary

16 — Items and Comments Announcements, etc.

17 — Editorial

The Tame Man Who Loved Savages

18 — Two Ways of Working

19 — A Tour South of Buenos Ayres

20 — News Notes from South America

21 — Notes from the Stations

22 — Financial Report

"Go ye into all the jj world, and preach the Gospel."

£ "Look on the fields; ^ «f» for they are white <■>

t already to harvest." *♦* Conducted by J. S. Hartzler. X £

I i

One hundred sixty mission presses

are sending periodicals, pamphlets, and books to the non-Christian lands of the world.

The population of the U. S. has

increased three-fold since 1850, while the wealth has increased fourteen- fold. That is suggestive.

Whiqh will the Church do? quit praying for workers and for opportu- nities in the foreign field or greatly increase her gifts? If the former are to be effective, the latter will be nec- essary.

The hostility of 50 years ago has today given away to tolerance and even friendliness in nearly all the mission fields. What should be our expectations and prayers for 50 years hence?

23,000 day schools, 1000 high schools, and 8 colleges with their 1,100,000 students and pupils are qui- etly but surely planting Christian truth into the young people of the non-Christian lands.

Because of greater experience in the mission field and because of great- er knowledge in the home church of the needs of heathen lands, the Church ought to accomplish as much in one year now as they did in ten a generation ago.

James Stewart said, "The dawn does not come twice to awaken man." John R. Mott said, "Non-Christian lands are being awakened now as never before." This latter statement is substantial by missionaries from all lands. The number of teachers and preachers is not near any where adequate. Those awakened will nat- urally go to sleep again. What will it require then to awaken them? Who will be responsible? Not the missionary! This is serious.

Forty persons within the U. S. the last three decades have given from one to thirty million dollars each to educational institutions. Many of these were intensely interested in missions but they realized that if we want to be sucessful in missionary work that we must have good schools.

Every minister should be not only a student of missions, but he ought to be an authority on the subject. He can not do justice to his calling nor command the confidence of mis- sion Boards without it ; nor has he a right to expect his church to become a missionary power if he is not versed on the subject.

It is. peculiar that nearly everything seems to go by fads, even religion being no exception to the rule. There was a time when a man's theology was practically all that was brought into the question. If he had the prop- er belief with regard to the Trinity ; if he remained within the well accept- ed paths of the Church, it mattered very little What he thought about the Great Commission ; whether he ever gave anything to relieve suffer- ing, especially if that suffering was considerable distance from home. Holiness was almost exclusively a matter of theology. Today the pen- dulum has swung almost as far in an opposite direction. It is not so much a question what a man believes with regard to the inspiration of the Bible, the human and divine nature of Jesus Christ, the personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit, or even his attitude toward, or his relation to, holiness, if he is active in service. If he is always ready to relieve suffer- ing, if he is interested in missionary work, if he tries to bring sunshine into the lives of those around him, if he is careful about his morals, he is generally regarded as having quite a sure passport to heaven. Surely God is pleased with all of these good beliefs and works. No doubt Jesus

would think of him as He did 'of the "Rich young ruler." You remember the Scripture says, "Jesus looking on him loved him," but His love soon pointed out his weakness. Possibly no word would be more appropriate to the Christian world today than, "These ye should have done and not have left the other undone." No amount of service, important as that is, will ever take the place of holiness, faith, devotion, and worship.

THE TAME MAN WHO LOVED SAVAGES

"And what do you get for it, man alive? How much gold do they send you from rich England ?" asked a burly Dutch farmer as he sat at supper with Robert Moffat, who was on his way with another missionary, Mr. Ebner, to Great Namaqualand.

"I can't say. I came out to Africa, not to seek gold, but men ; I know the missionary's name is despised here but I would not be otherwise than I am for all the gold in England."

"But you must live."

"Yes, the directors will send me what they can spare ; perhaps twenty pounds for the first year."

"Twenty pounds! Why, man, it is not half what a decent artisan can get anywhere at the Cape! I wonder how some of these directors would manage with that. Talk about meanness! A Dutchman is bad enough, but to be so consumed with love for the heathen, that they send you to starve among them ! Bah ! Bah ! Do you know what sort of country you are going to?" he added seeing that the young Scotchman was silent.

"Yes ; not a garden of Eden, of course."

"A garden of misery, you mean. You'll find nothing but sand and stones, few people and each suffering from awful thirst ; plains and hills roasted like a burnt leaf under the scorching rays of a cloudless sun! And the chief of the country, African- er, will set you up as a mark for his boys to shoot at ; or mayhap make a drinking cup out of your skull, or a drum of your skin to dance to."

"It wouldn't matter if you were an old man," said the farmer's wife ; "but such a comely youth, and to become

GOSPEL HERALD

April 4

the prey of such a monster, it is dreadful"!"

"Well Scotchmen, if they attempt a thing, ever go through with it ; so say no more, good wife. You'll give us a service, won't you?"

"With pleasure ; but you'll bring in your servants."

"What servants?"

"Why the blacks, the Hottentots of whom I saw so many."

"Hottentots ! Let me go to the mountains, or call the baboons ; or stop ! I have it ! William, call the dogs in, they'll make as good a con- gregation as the blacks."

Moffat made no reply ; but he gave out a hymn. After he had offered prayer, he opened the big Bible, and read the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman, selecting as his text, "Truth, Lord, but even the dogs do eat of the crumbs that fall from their master's table." He had proceeded but a few minutes when the farmer interrupted the preacher saying, "Will Mynherr sit down and wait a little? he shall have the Hottentots."

Into the apartment soon thronged the dusky servants, until the room was quite full. When the service was over the Dutchman . said to Moffat: "My friend, you took a hard hammer, and you have broken my hard head. Who hardened your hammer to give me such a blow? I will never object- to preaching to the blacks again."

On the 26th of January, 1818, he reached Africaner's village, which was to become his home for some twelve months. The whole of this period he lived alone in one of the native huts, made by tying long wands together into a bee-hive shape, which frame work was afterwards covered with native mats. This hut neither exclud- ed rain, dust nor even serpents. Two bulls near it would sometimes demol- ish it, or the native dogs make their way through the mat wall.

He turned his attention chiefly to the children, many of whom were in- duced to wash themselves and their filthy sheep skin dresses.

The evenings were generally occu- pied by conversation with Africaner, the chief, who would sit upon a big stone at the door of Moffat's hut and ask questions about God and the world He made so fair. The chief would listen attentively until at last he would rub his hand upon his head and say, "I have heard enough; I feel as if my head were too small and as if it would swell with these great sub- jects."

The chief's brother, Titus, would often sit and listen to the conversation between his brother and Moffat, and would say, "I hear what you say, and I think I understand, but I can not feel ; my heart is hard like a rock."

One evening, while the three were thus conversing, Moffat suddenly ex- claimed, "Africaner, I must go down

to Cape Town ; Come with me and see the wonder's the Gospel brings with

it." ;tjf • ■ ; v;!

Africaner started. "Are you in earnest ; are you sure you are not jok- ing?" he asked.

"I'm not joking; I really mean it. Do come with me."

"Nay, father, but I thought you loved me ; would you wish me to go to be hung up as a spectacle to jus- tice? Don't you know that I'm an outlaw and a thousand rix-dollars have been offered for this poor head?"

"But no harm will come to you, friend. You are now a changed man, there is no danger."

"Well, I will deliberate, and roll my way upon the Lord. He, I know, will not leave me."

"Three days afterwards, arrayed in a pair of leather trousers, a duffel jacket, and a hat neither white nor black, Africaner accompanied Moffat on his journey to Cape Town. The difficulty was to bring him safely through the Dutch farmers, many of whom had suffered injury from him during the period of his wildness. This, however, was successfully ac- complished, and the wagon was ap- proaching the house in which the farmer lived who had at first refused to allow his servants to attend the preaching. He was walking in the garden when he saw Moffat coming. He at once put out his hands and cried, "It's Moffat's ghost! Don't come near me ! I knew Africaner would kill you."

"But I am not dead yet ; feel my hands," said Moffat, setting the ex- ample.

"Then when did you rise from the dead?"

"Come let us go a little farther from thp. house ; vour wife will be fright- ened."

"A man told me that he had seen vour bones ; and Africaner had killed you."

"But Africaner is a Christian man now."

"Look, Moffat, I can believe almost anything you say, but that I can not credit. Never! That would be an eighth wonder."

As Moffat continued to assert the fact, the Dutch farmer at length said, "Well if it is true, there's only one wish I have before I die, and that is to see this man. He killed my own uncle, but if he really is a Christian I should like to see him."

"Should you? There he is," said Moffat, pointing to Africaner, who was sitting at their feet.

"Are you really Africaner?"

"I am," said the chief, making a low bow.

The farmer stood silent for some moments ; at length lifting up his eyes to heaven, he exclaimed, "Almighty

God, what a miracle of Thy power ! What can not Thy grace accomplish !"

If you care to read the remaining part of this interesting biography, send ten cents to the Mennonite Pub- lishing House, Scottdale, Pa., for the Life Story of Robert Moffat. — H.

TWO WAYS OF WORKING

By Crissie Y. Shank

hoi nit gospel Herald.

(To self)

Oh, the missionaries in India want us to recruit more workers and more money and more prayers for them and the work over there. I don't see how we can do anything more than we are doing, I wonder why they keep suggesting things for us busy people at home to do. Some- times I wish all our mission effort was at one place, it certainly would save a lot of work for us.

Let me see, where did I put that paper, the Treasurer's monthly finan- cial report must be in it too? Oh, here it is and the figures for our con- gregation. Last month we sent to the Treasurer of the Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities nearly $40.00. That seems very much when there are so few that give, four of our 550 members are in home or for- eign mission v/ork, and the sisters of our church have a sewing circle. I don't see how we can get more to do something or give or pray. But I suppose we shall have to see if we can.

(To others)

I am so sorry we can do so little for others. The missionaries in India want us to recruit more workers and more money and more prayers for them and the work over there. I think we have done pretty well in our congregation, considering how few there are to do anything, and how hard it is to raise money with so many calls. They seem to think we ought to try to recruit people more and they are now asking every one to do something. I have lost that number of the Gospel Herald, but I can tell all about what they want. Each one of us at home is to be a do-er or a giv-er or a pray-er. But I think that most of us who can do anything are doing it. I think our congregation is above the average. I believe the Mennonite Church as a whole has one foreign missionary out of every 1,860 members, and our congregation does better than that. If we send more of our members we shall likely be asked to give more. I sometimes wish our Church had just one mission station. It would simplify matters and be so much easi-

1918

GOSPEL HERALD

er for us, for we would have fewer calls to answer.

What will we do? You think we had better not try anything? We are doing' fairly well as it is, and we have to do for ourselves, too. Let us write the missionaries in India that we have done our best and there is a feeling that we cannot get people to do more, or perhaps we had better not write at all. We have peculiar conditions in our congregation, and there are so many calls for help.

(To self)

Oh, here is some more news from the missionaries in India. God bless them ! 1 wonder what they have on their minds now. Why isn't that an interesting letter, it makes it hard to refuse them anything. 1 wonder if we could not do better. Let me see — membership of our cong'regation, 550 ; members in home and foreign mission stations, 4. Why, that is pretty bad, and the Treasurer's monthly financial report says we sent last month for the support of all mission work of the church only $40.00. We ought to do better than that, I am sure there is a plan. I wonder who would be the best per- sons to talk it over with. There ought to be a variety, some old, some young, some middle-aged;, and of different temperaments.

1 believe the best thing to do would be to ask some people to come here some evening. This is a busy week, perhaps Friday evening will do. I will call up a few on the telephone and make sure they will come. Bro.

■ can come and bring Bro.

and his son John, and

Bro. in his automobile. I

will call up about ten, telling them to be here early to talk over some interesting plans.

Then I will see what I can do. I must have all the articles from India from the Gospel Herald and Christian Monitor, and there are some reports and letters. We can spread every- thing out on the table and all talk it over together and make our plans for work.

(To others) Yes, I want your name as a recruit right away. What does it mean? Well, you know everybody all over the country is recruiting for war now, and we ought to get recruits for the Kingdom of Peace and the mission work our Mennonite Board is doing. I wish you could have been at our house Friday evening, we read some very interesting reports and news from India and saw the work more clearly than ever before. Do you realize how little we are doing and how 'every person is needed to help? You know the Mennonite Church has only one foreign missionary out

of every 1,860 members, counting those on the field and on furlough in this country. We talked about the hospital and the schools, then about the orphanages and workshop and about our twelve missionaries. It had seemed quite big there until we saw how it extended over so much country, and to think it is being done by one out of 1,860 of the people of the Mennonite Church! Do you real- ize that only four persons from our church of over 500 are in any direct mission work?

Well, after we had read and talked and prayed and planned, we decided to recruit this whole congregation. With a little enthusiasm we can do it in less than a week. We shall meet again next Friday evening and on Sunday a report will be given at the Church services.

Bro. called up this morning

to say he has three persons who will pray every day for something definite in India, and three persons who are willing to go. We must send a list to the Secretary of the Board of Mis- sions and Charities, because he has much more than the rest of us to do, and we can help him in little ways

if we will. Bro. gave

$100. immediately, he said he had never realized before what very small gifts we are making to bring the Gos- pel of peace to India. And Bro.

is giving one-tenth

of his large income each month which

will do much. Sister will

give $20.00 a year for Bible Woman's work, you know she does housework and g'ets only four dollars a week, but when she heard more about the Bible women, she said she must have one and so work for Christ twenty- four hours in the day.

Just think what has been accom- plished and we haven't really begun yet. You will give me your name, won't you, to make a gift of $10.00 each month, and to pray for the work your money is to do, each day. You will? Oh how glad I am and how glad the Missionaries will be when they get the letter telling about it.

Adapted from "Missions"

Dhamtari, C. P. India.

A TOUR SOUTH OF BUENOS AYRES

By T. K. Hershey

fur the Gospel Herald.

I. Introduction.

It will be remembered by our Her- ald Readers that the missionaries in South America were not to begin permanent work until they are on the field for at least a period of one and a half years. During this time language study and further observa- tions and investigations was to be the program. Besides reading books

and receiving information, from busi- ness houses and firms in this city, it is absolutely necessary, in order to observe and investigate more close- ly, to make, inland tours, and in differ- ent directions from Buenos Ayres. This article tells of one such a trip south.

The Trip

After having received a rebate of 50 '/< from the Railroad Co., grips well packed and all the necessary ar- rangements made for our families, we left for Bahia B'lanca, 492 miles south of Buenos Ayres, Jan. 7, at 8:05 in the morning.

With book and pencil in hand we began to take notes. For a few miles the farms were small and mostly truck farms. About 30 miles out from Bue- nos Ayres we passed through one of the largest dairies in the world. It is called "La Martona." They milk, we are told, 7,000 cows, and are cared for on an estate of 20,000 acres, most of which is in alfalfa. In pass- ing through this farm we read from either side of the train on horse-shoe shaped signs, the words, "La Marto- na." They have many "Lecherias" (milk stations, or stores) where they sell the milk at wholesale and retail. It is considered the best that can be purchased. Even though the herd of cattle is largely Holstein the milk is considered best, because from them one usually buys milk, and not half milk and half water.

After stopping a day at Azul with mission workers, we leave for Coronel Suarez with weather extremely warm. Here we traveled in a South-east direction, and we note more large farms, sheep, cattle, and horses graz- ing on the very much dried up pasture fields. Llere the land was rolling, and we judge from its appearance not to be quite so good.

Another day was spent at Coronel Suarez with the missionaries. While here, with his Overland in fine shape, Mr. Schmidtt took us to La Madrid, some 40 miles to the northeast, where he preached to a little band of Chris- tians who were without a shepherd. This trip gave us a very nice view of the country. We returned in time to take the train from Coronel Suarez, at 11:00 A. M. Friday morning for Bahia Blanca, our furthest point south.

Here we were shown around by the Methodist minister in charge of the work in this town. We also went to the International Harvesting and the Case threshing machine offices, to inquire about the country, and the advantages and disadvantages of the country for farming. The soil here is very sandy, and is carried very rapidly by the heavy wind storms.

But we had to hasten on, and our

GOSPEL HERALD

April 4

next stop on our return was Tres Arroyos, where we again met a few of God's children laboring for the salvation of the lost. We left for Tandil after a day's stay, where we arrived Saturday evening, 8 AO. Sun- day was spent here, leaving for Bue- nos Ayres 9:18 P. M., arriving in Buenos Ayres 7 :05, being away from home just one week.

Some Observations by the Way

Brother Shank will report observa- tions and investigations as found by the various missionaries at work, I therefore will confine mine to crops, cattle, and general farming.

We would say the main crop in the section covered was wheat. We saw, however, many acres of corn which in size was about like corn usually is in Pennsylvania and Ohio in July. Many acres of maize, oats, and alfalfa were also seen.

Wheat yields from eight to twenty bushels per acre, and sells at about $1.50 (U. S. money) per bushel. I was not able to get prices or yields of corn. But alfalfa sells usually about 35.00 pesos per ton. This year it being so very dry, alfalfa sold as high as 45.00 pesos, a peso being a- bout 44 cents. Grain bags were very scarce and high, 1 peso each. Oats averages from twenty to thirty bush- els per acre, and sells for 55 to 60 cents per bushel (U. S. money). Gas- oline 50-60 cents per gal. (U. S. mon- ey) and Overland cars $1,469, gold.

In spite of the drawbacks, which are many in this section, we are told that 1,800,000 tons of wheat or half the total exports are shipped out of the port at Bahia, Blanca. While the yield is not so large per acre, the acreage being so very large is what makes the shipment so great.

Land sells from $20. to $30.00 per acre, gold. This depends, of course, if one is near or far from the city. Horses are usually small and poorly cared for. They can be bought any- where from 50 to 80 pesos, the best for farming purposes, for 100 pesos.

Cattle, mostly short horned, for fattening purposes; Holstein for dai- rying purposes.

Steers are mostly short-horned, while the Holstein are mostly found for dairying purposes. They sell anywhere from 50 to 100 pesos, de- pending of course on the condition of the animal.

Sheep bring good prices. Wool sells this year as high as 1.36, pesos or 60 cents gold per lb. At the present time in Bahia Blanca there are depos- ited about 5,393,097 kilos of wool. This figures about 643,248 tons of wool at this one place alone.

A Large Estancia.

We might write on a number of things that would be interesting to our brethren and sisters at home,

but farming on a large scale we thought would be especially interest- ing.

While at Tres Arroyos, Mr. Cook, who has charge of the work there, wanted to show us a large farm, and being farmer boys we were ready to go with him. He hired a Ford and took us a^bout 10 miles out in the Campo (country).

The Estancia, (farm) visited be- longed to a man by the name of Senor (Mr.) Ayastuy, who is a native from Spain, and who is worth three or four million. Upon questioning we found he owns 17,500 acres of land, and that this year he had 8,800 acres of wheat under cultivation ; also that he has 25 large binders. They look as though they may be 7 or 8 foot cut. They are so made that by a little adjusting, they can be used for either heading or binding. Land here sold a little better than some other parts, as it was very good land.

We noticed he had so many sheep, and on asking how many, the answer came 14,000. The money from the sale of wool alone would be several thousand pesos. Mr. Ayastuy also owns 23 large carts with which he hauls the grain. The wheels of their wagons and carts, are often as much as 12 feet in diameter. On ladders 6 to 8 ft. long the grain is carried up in these wagons and carts. We actually saw such ladders placed be- side wagons and men ascending and descending like they would a building.

600 horses are used and 50 men are hired on this farm. He also milks 500 cows. He has a cheese factory on his farm. Thus he turns all the milk into cheese and ships it to Bue- nos Ayres as well as abroad.

When we saw the way they hitch their horses when they haul wheat, we decided they needed 600 horses on this size farm. They hitch from 10 to 14 horses to one load of wheat. The wagon has one pair of shafts. In it is placed one horse ; two on either side, two to the end of each shaft, and one or two as they desire, from the hub of both the front and rear wheels. The horses that pull from the rear wheels, I should judge are 10 to 12 feet from their load. One can imagine the leverage. In speak- ing of this to Mr. Heycock of Tandil, he said he has had considerable exped- ience in farming here, and that gener- ally he pulled with four horses proper- ly hitched, what the natives tried to pull with from ten to fourteen. People can not be made to believe that the same load could be pulled with fewer horses. They have their way, and it is the only way.

There are some advantages to farm- ing in this southern country, but we concluded more disadvantages ; be- sides the country is worked better by missionaries than some other parts

of Argentina. While it is true the soil is, generally speaking, good, also good markets, the destructive pests, parasites of every description, locusts, and the almost certain droughts con- vince us that directly south of Buenos Ayres would not be the place for us. The scarcity of rain is the biggest draw-back that we noticed. Yet in spite of this many people, they tell us, have become millionaires in a very short time. This year they claim is an exceptionally dry year. Many cattle and sheep have died, simply because the pasture is burned out. There is plenty of water, but in many places the pasture is bare. We saw many cattle and sheep by the road- side and in fields, which showed that they had recently died. Added to the torture of scarcity of food are the extreme heat and the high winds.

We are praying daily that as we go from place to place in search for the location where God would have the Church open His work, that we may be directed by the Holy Spirit. Will you join us in this great, respon- sible work?

Buenos Ayres, 2961 Convencion, Flores, Argentina, So. Am.

Jan. 20, 1918.

NEWS NOTES FROM SOUTH AMERICA

By J. W. Shank

For the Gospel Herald.

A Sunday School in the Slum Districts of Buenos Ayres

The Boca Mission of Buenos Ayres corresponds more nearly to the city missions in the home land than any other we have seen in this country so far. I arrived at this mission one Sunday morning a few minutes before the opening hour. My purpose was to find the place so that more of us could go later and find out more about the work and working methods.

Upon my arrival, I was met at the door by the Superintendent who ad- dressed me in Spanish and gave the hand of welcome. The pastor of the church at this place, a man who speaks English, was absent and for that reason I had to plunge into the Spanish without help. Upon entering I saw the children already in their places, the benches being arranged in groups all over the room. There was plenty of noise chatter being made by the street children who con- stitute this Sunday school. There were 245 children present on this Sun- day.

After the singing of a few songs and the reading of the lesson the su- perintendent announced that he wished to introduce to the school a stranger. To my surprise he called me to the front and told the school that here was a new missionary from the United States who had come to

1918

> OSPEL HERAL D

the country to begin work. The chil- dren stared as though this was the first North American they had ever seen. At the Superintendent's sugges- tion they gave a greeting, while I stood very much embarrassed because I knew that next I would be expected to say something. I could think of only one sentence to say at that mo- ment, namely, "I am glad to be here." This, of course I said in Spanish. Considering the fact that it was the first thing I ever said before an audi- ence in Spanish, I think it was quite enough.

I was then invited to attend a class of large girls taught by a young man from the Methodist Bible school. He said he wished to have me speak a few words to the class. I begged to be excused entirely because of my limited Spanish. However he insisted that I speak a little. Being thus driv- en, I accomplished the task of speak- ing about fifty blundering words a- bout the character of Nehemiah whose experiences were the subject of our Sunday school lesson.

The Boca Sunday school is situated in a district near the river. It is usu- ally considered the slum section of the city. Only the poorer classes of people live here. Some time later we- want to visit the homes of some of those who attend this Sunday school.

Psalm Sunday

A delightful custom is observed in the little Spanish church here in Flores. On the last Sunday of the year, instead of conducting the review in the Sunday school, the time is taken for the reciting of psalms from the Bible. The children memorize these during the year and some of them are able to recite as many as four entire psalms. They seem to take a great delight in this. In fact, the children in South America are remarkably capable in memory work and they recite with an ease which the children in the States could scarce- ly imitate.

Selling Church Images at Christmas Time

Once while passing along a street in Buenos Ayres we observed a win- dow which contained a remarkable scene. There seemed to be mountains, streams, highways, fields, shepherds with their flocks and- various travelers represented by images and other mat- erials made to look like grass, trees, stones, soil, etc. Then in the center of the group was a representation of the holy family. Around them were shepherds and the wise men.

A moment's observance proved that this window was prepared as an adver- tisement of the church statuary for

sale inside the store. Inside .there was every imaginable piece of image- ry of sacred design. There were those representing the infant Christ, selling for exorbitant prices, even for very small ones. There were many images to represent Mary and Jesus. Instead of the simplicity which we believe must have characterized the lives of Jesus and His mother, we observed here suggestions for the most lavish wealth ; Mary's garments being bor- dered with gold, a shining crown on her head, golden earrings and bracelets of glittering jewels. The images of Jesus were similar in suggesting wealth and pride.

Friends at home, do you realize that here lies the secret of the power which the Catholic church in South America has over the people in these lands? The people love display. They glory in the glitter of the out- side. (But the inside, who can name its corruption?) Their churches are the costliest buildings to be found. In fact, there are many million dollar churches here in this city. The gran- deur of the imagery, the stately cere- mony of the priests, in fact, the very atmosphere of these majestic churches is awe inspiring, especially to people who are not inclined to look beneath the surface. When shall they know that Christ and His Kingdom is not of this kind?

New Year's Day in the Slums of Buenos Ayres

It was in the afternoon of New Year's day that we had the privilege of doing some house to house visiting in the "Boca district" of this city. The Boca mission is in charge of de Bohun who is thoroughly awake to the needs of the poor who live around him. Hundreds call at the mission daily, some desiring food, medicines, clothing or help of numerous other sorts. "It is our aim never to turn anyone away who is in need," said the missionary as he answered another knock at the door. "Yes, we have to investigate sometimes so as to be sure that they are really needy, but there are very few unworthv ones call- ing at this door."

Again there was a knock at the door and a baker brought in a basket of bread, perhaps containing several bushels. "We use much of that here," said the missionary." We distribute on an average five dollars worth of bread each day and in addition to this other food and clothing."

The first call of the afternoon was in the home of a Christian family, that is, the mother and daughter are Christian. But the daughter has been sick for a year. She looks weak and helpless but a smile of content plays upon her face as Mr. de Bohun offers words of encouragement, and reads

a portion of Scripture. The careworn mother sits back offering a tender note of sympathy as she describes the effect of the hot weather upon her daughter. This afternoon is cool and the sick girl feels better than usu- al. Two rooms and a tiny bit of patio is all the space occupied by this family of four. Their house is an old struc- ture, being far from modern. There are about ten other families living in the same house and using the same bit of patio.

We pass to the strets again where we find every one in holiday attire. This is a great day off for workmen, and apparently all of the men are mak- ing good use of it. Most of the people seem to be on the streets, some sitting on their door steps, others walking or sitting at drinking tables in front of saloons. Children are numerous everywhere. But from the appearance of their homes and dress many of them must lead a sad life.

Another call at a home where two grown daughters are the support of the family. The girls and their mother are Christians and they show every sign of pleasure at the sight of their pastor. Another Scripture reading and season of prayer gives power to the missionary's influence. While we talk the cup of mate tea is passed around and each person takes a sip. The serving of this tea is the native sign of hospitality.

The hour and a half alloted for visits has slipped away and we must go home. This is the beginning. We expect to make frequent visits with the mi?sionary, for it is by this method that we learn to know the people of this country and get our preparation to work independently. The readers of the Herald may expect to hear other reports about experiences among the people of the "Boca district."

NOTES FROM THE STATIONS

for the Gospel Herald.

Lima, Ohio.

Ere. J. M. Shenk and Bro. John R'os^er were with us on Sunday the 17th, and officiated in baptismal and communion services. Five souls sealed their vows in baptism and were received into church fellowship.

On Sunday Mar. 10, Bro. Miller from near Shipshewana, Ind., Simon Good, J. M. Shenk, P. E. and S. Brunk of Elida were with us in the afternoon service.

Ero. Emanuel Kauffman of West Liberty, O., was with us and helped to make some needed improvements in the Mission home.

Our Mission Study class was organ- ized with Sister Eva Driver as leader. We are looking forward with special pleasure to that part of the work.

March 20, 1918. B. B. S.

GOSPEL HERALD

April 4

Kansas City, Kans.

(200 S. 7th St.)

The brethren, Perry J. Shenk and D. S. Weaver, were callers at the Mission Mar. 16 on their way to Camp Funston.

Bro. Joe C. Driver is with the two stations at Kansas City, Kan., at present instructing- a class of converts preparatory to their baptism, March 24. (D. V.).

March 22, 1918. J. D. Mininger.

Youngstown, Ohio.

The interest and attendance are growing in the Sunday school and kinder-garten with the approach or spring. A community coal yard helped some of the neighbors of the Mission during the extremely cold weather. Considerable coal was sold and given away bv basket or bucket- fuls.

C. Z. Yoder conducted the services on Sunday evening. Mar. 3, and told some helpful stories to the children during the story hour in the after- noon.

J. L. Yoder conducted services on March 17.

Sister Edith Hostetler from Wayne Co., O. gave her valued assistance in the Day Nursery and Sunday school during the past month. Her work in song services was especially helpful. Our family at present numbers 26 and all enjoying good health.

Mar. 20, 1918. C. K. Hostetler.

West Liberty, Ohio.

(Mennonite Orphans' Home) One of our older girls recently went to Paris, 111., to live with her uncle.

Four new children from Lima, Ohio, recently came to live with us. Sister' Glenora Peden, a former child here, who had been in a home in Iowa for the last five years, recentl)' returned to the Home, asking to be a worker, saying that she always had a desire to come back when of age and show her appreciation for what the Home had done for her.

Bro. Metzler attended church ser- vices at Bethel Church on Sunday, March 17, the first time in about seven months.

The help received from our sewing circles at the Home and those scat- tered throughout the states is very much appreciated. May they contin- ually realize Heb. 6:10.

For His cause,

Orphans' Home,

per K. H.

March 19, 1918.

Kansas City, Kans.

(Argentine Mission)

To our friends and co-workers in the great hervest field : — This finds us in the midst of a series of instruc- tion meetings and personal heart-to- heart talks with about fifteen souls who have in the recent past confessed their Savior at our regular Sunday evening meetings and at our cottage prayer meetings. Many of them are very eager to learn what God's will is and being largely ignorant as to what the Bible teaches on Christian Living, it presents a big task to in- form them, so we crave your prayers for us and them.

Mar. 21, 1918. Allan Good.

Lajunta, Colo.

(Sanitarium Letter)

Bro. J. W. Hess of Pea Ridge, Mo., preached for us Sunday afternoon. Many of the Holbrook brethren and sisters were with us and we had a real enjoyable feast. Many hands were raised for prayer and three souls made a confession. Another soul was led to Christ today by one of the patients.

Sister Malinda Liechty, accompa- nied her brother to Ohio, leaving last Thursday night. God saw best not to bless her brother with renewed health and we wish them the richest of God's grace in their life.

Weather is very beautiful. Patients in general doing exceptionally well.

Sister Lela Miller, one of the nurses at the Sanitarium, was required to submit to an operation, Thursday, March 14. She is getting along nicely. Remember her in your prayers. She is greatly missed in the work of the Sanitarium.

Bro. George Reber is making some needed improvements at the Sanitari- um farm house.

Mar. 26, 1918. Allen H.Erb,. Supt.

Russian Ambassador, — "I might as well tell you now, Mr. Schauffler, that the Emperor of Russia, who is my master, will never allow Protestant- ism to set foot in Turkey."

Dr. Schauffler, — "Your Excellency, the Kingdom of Christ, who is my Master, will never ask the Emperor of all the Russias where it may set its foot."

FINANCIAL REPORT Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities

For the Gospel Herald.

February, 1918

General Fund

West Union Cong la. $37.73

Ella Zook 10.00

Metamora S S 111 21.57

Midway S S O'hio 9.74

Freeport 'Cong 111 53.15

Midway iS S Ohio 13.00

East Union Cong la 28.37

Bethel & Guilford Congs

Ohio 22.00

Howard Showalter 10.00

West Zion Cong Alta 35.05

Sonnenberg S S Ohio 27.11

Sonnen'berg Y. P. B. M. 5.77

Sugar 'Creek Cong la 42.15

Clear Water Cong Alta 10.25

Fakview Cong Ore 12.45

Bro. & Sis. Elida Ohio 25.00

Harmony S S 111 22.38

Bethel & Guilford Congs

Ohio 87.35

Amos R. Kurtz 5.00

Maggie Ellen Kurtz 5.00

A Bro. & Sister Dakota 111

10.00

India Mission (General)

David iHerr $ 25.00

J. W. Oswald and wife 2.00 Walnut Creek S 'S Ohio 55.00 Zion Cong Ore 9.50 Bethel Mission S S Ore 3.50 E. H. Z. Belleville Pa 10.00 Venora & Iva Hartzler 10.00 From Fentress Va. 10.25 Union S S 111 13.54 Salem S S Wayne Co Ohio

6.27

Pleasant Grove Cong 111 14.75 East Fairview <S S Nebr.

124.53

Warwick River S S Class

No. 3 Va. 10.00

(Total $293.94 Missionary Support (India)

H. B. Winey $ 5.00

Young People Roanoke

iCong 111 25.00 C. J. Gunden and wife 200.00

Missionary Children Support (India)

Ira R, Earl E and Harvey A Summers $15.00

Boys and girls Elverson

Pa 3,01

Marie Riehl's S S Class 7.58

Total $25.59

Native Workers Support

Markham Y. P. B. M.

Ont $15.00 Spring Valley S -S N. Dak 5.00 Abraham Good 15.00 Harmony Y. P.' B. iM 111 6.00 A Bro. & 'Sister Dakota

111 10.00

Total

$51.00

Total

$493.07

Total

$235.00

Bible Women Support

Two Sisters Kalona la $ 2.00 Eli D Yoder and wife 4.00 Katie Nusbaum S S 'Class

16.00

Old Sisters Class Bethel :S S West Liberty O 6.00

Logan Co 'Sewing Circle

O'hio 4.00

M. L. & Elizabeth Troyer 2.00

Salem S 'S Wayne Co.

O'hio 2.00

H. C Deffenbaugh 4.00

Willing Workers 'Metamora ^ S S 111 11.50 Sugar Creek Sewing

Circle 24.00 Old Sis. Class Oak Grove

S S 2.00 C. 'S. Swartz and wife 2.00

Total $79.50

Mahodi Station (India)

S. D. Camp $10.00

Andrew Schertz 50.00

Peter D. Schertz 50.00

Total $110.00

New Missionaries to India

Willow Springs Cong

111 $290.00

C. B. Egli 300.00

Total $590.00 India Hospital Anna M. Hartzler $5.00 Mary Burkhard Support

Logan Co. Sewing Circle $2.50 Missionaries Personal

Mrs. D. S. Weaver for

M. C. Lehman and

family $25.00 J. A. Cooprider for

Florence Cooprider 10.00

Total

$35.00

1918

GOSPEL

HERALD

Medical Work (Florence Cooprider)

Oak Grove and Salem Sewing Circle Wayne 'Co. Ohio $ 8.85

A 'Sis. Clear Spring Md 6.00 Venora & Iva Hartzler 12.00 Warwick River S S Class

No. 3 Va 6.50 West Liberty Cong

Kans 101.50

Total

$134.85

Chicago Missions Primary Dept Sterling

S S 111 $10.52 Willow Springs Cong 111 16.07

Amos Zook 1.80

Waldo 'Cong 111 34.75

A. H. Leaman .47

David B. Hostetler 5.00

Amelia Roth 5.00

Lizzie B. Cender 5.00

Visitors and friends 6.00

Elsie C. Mast , 3.00

(Provisions)

Metamora Cong 111 22.00

Cong, not named 9.08

Total $118.69 Chicago Mission Bldg. Fund

J. N. Byler $ 10.00

A Bro. Metamora 111 250.00 Sterling 'Cong 111 50.00

Total $310.00 Ft. Wayne Mission

From Fulton Co. Ohio $ 5.00

Provisions Yellow Creek Cong Ind 25.00 Olive Cong Ind 50.00

Total

$80.00

Canton Mission

A Sister Ohio $ L00

A Friend Ohio 2.00

A Friend 10.00 Sugar Creek Sewing Circle

o. i-oo

J. M. Hostetler L00

A Brother Ohio .25

S. H. King LOO

Nelle Beachy 5.00

J. S. Lehman LOO

Total

$22.25

Kansas City Missions

Caleb and .Mary $ 8.00

Lena E. Zook (Ford) 2.50 East Fairview S S. Neb. 26.05 Calvin Bauer 10.00 C. W. >Bowie 5.00 C. A. 'Hartzler 20.00 F. P. Kauffman 2.00 Joanna Toombs .50 By Mail 5.00 Jacob King 2.00 Crystal Springs Cong.

Kans 15.66 Anna Hershberger 2.00 Dan & Barbara Yoder 5.50 Vera Gingerich 2.00 M. D. Stutzman 2.00 Salina & Fred Swartzen

druber 3.00 Sycamore Grove Cong

Mo 39.00 Jacob Ramer 2.00 J. B. Noel 15.00 'Milton Zook LOO Palmyra Cong. Mo 7.50 Sister Yoder LOO Wm. & Ella Landis 5.00 A Sister 1.00 West Liberty Cong. Kans 6.00

(Provisions) White Hall Cong Mo 10.31 Wayland la .40

East Fairview Cong Nebr 19.00 Salem Cong Xebr 23.13 Svcamore Grove Cong

'Mo 26.11 B. F. lluckwalter 2.00 West Liberty Cong Kans 19.00 Jane Randolph 2.00 Palmyra Cong Mo 13.45

Total

$309.11

Youngstown Mission

H. H. Stanbaugh $100.00 Elias Bear 6.40 Naomi Erb 3.C0 Day Nursery 34.55 House income 157.60 North Lima Cong 8.00

(Provisions) North Lima Cong 91.37

I. S. Riehl 2.00

(Clothing) Portage Co. Sewing Circle 4.50 Trail Ohio Sewing Circle 7.50

Total 414.92 Lima Mission

Meimo Troyer $ LOO

M. H. Brenneman 6.00

Sister Albert Strait 5.00

E. B. Snyder 5.00

Mary Cood L00

A Bro. Atglen Pa 6.00

Evening Offering 8.39

S. S. Offering 16.90

(Provisions)

Menno Troyer 1.15

C. D. Brenneman .85

Dan Christophel 1.25

Friends of the Mission 25.00

Total $77.54

Toronto Mission

J. C. Fritz $11.00

W. J. Perry 1.00

A. Sternaman 2.50 (Provisions)

Kitchener

Ladies' Aid 35-00 Rainham Cong

Total $49.50 Old People's Home

Alma Beck $ .50

Alma Aschliman .50

J. G. Wenger 2.00

Special Support 17.50

Labor 6.25

Total $26.75 Orphans Home

Lillic F. Minnich $10.00 E. A. Troyer 2.00 Lora Suter's S S Class 16.00

Total $28.00 Children's Welfare

Boys and girls Quarter Income ■Spring Valley S S N.

Dak $ 10.15

Alpha S S 'Minn 2.00

Brandon Colo S S 8.00

Kalona la S S 22.39

Kalona S S la 169.20

Garden City S S Mo 31.50

Oronogo S S Mo 12.68

Metamora S S 111 53.15

Harmony S S 111 49.85

Ralph Gingerich 1.05

Mary L. Gingerich 2.10

iFarmie Gingerich , 2.23 East Fairview S S Nebr 50.00

Ira M. Zook 1.00

M. B. Stutzman LOO

E. Ulrich 2.50

A. H. Weaver 10.00

Zion S S Ore 16.94

Pacific Cpast Mission

Meeting 31.58 S. E. Roth 1.00 A Bro LOO

Special Support 38.00

Total

$517.32

Sanitarium

Labor $ 3.00

Sanitarium Farm 250.00 Woodruff Endowment 14.00 Litwiler Endowment 10.00 Hospital Fees 593.65 Sewing Circles of Kans. 99 towels, 90 wash cloths 46 sheets, 89 pillow cases 7 tea towels, I blanket

Total $870.65 Armenia

Bethel & Guilford Cong

O $1.00

Children's Fund — Home

Children Chappell Nebr. $16.25

CA NAD IAN TREASURER

IM. C. Cressman, Kitchener, Ont.

India Mission General

Eli & Levina Brubaker $ 2.00

Sister M'oyer Vineland 2.00

Wideman S S 20.00

Geiger Bible Conference 33.15

Ouarter Income

Biehn S S Children 48.85

Selkirk S S Children 8.25

Latchar S S Children 65.01

Warner S S Children 26.63 St. Jacobs S S Children 50.00

Cressman S S Children 34.00

Floradale S S Children 26.50

Wideman S S Children 40.25 Toronto Mission S S

Children 9.50 Wilmot S S (A M)

Children 60.84

Total $426.98 American Missionary Children Support Fund

Quarter Income Selkirk S S Children $ 3.75 Baden Mission S S

Children 41.25 Pool (A M) S S Children 16.09

Total $61.09 Children's Welfare Fund

Quarter Income Selkirk S S Children $1.75 Cressman S S Children 3.25 Wideman S S Children 2.00

Total $7.00 New Missionaries' Support

First Mennonite Cong Kitchener $257.66 War Sufferers Fund Zenas Snyder $20.00 Abbie Detweiler 10.00

Toronto Mission Latchar Cong $19.00 Floradale Y. P. M. 5.00 Blenheim Cong 13.59 St Jacobs Cong 31.00

Quarter Income Biehn S S Children 23.30 Selkirk S S Children 8.50 Warner S S Children )14.37 Wideman S S Children 2.00

Total

Total for month

I ' ASTER X Mi ENNONITE BOARD MISSIONS & CHARITIES

Eli G. Reist Treas., Mt. Joy,

Pa.

India Mission (General)

Christ M. Hostettler $25.00 Cburchtown Quarterly S

S Meeting 2.90 Paradise Cong and S S 71.90 Mt. Joy Y. P. B. M. 5.50 A Sister Lititz Pa 5.00 A Bro. 50.00

Total $160.30 Native Workers Support

Fast Petersburg S S. Y.

M. Class $5.00 Manheim Bible Study

Class 5.00

Total

$10.00

K A NS AS- N E BR. Mil S SI O'N BOARD

V. E. Reiff, Treas., Hudson, Kans.

India Missionary Support

Missionary Support Band

Pa S S $32.00

Protection Cong 3.35

S. A. Kuhns LOO

Total $36.35

Native Workers Support

Catlin S S $15.00 Larned S S 5.00 S. A. Kuhns 1.00

Total $21.00 India Hospital

S. A. Kuhns $1.00 India Mission (General)

Pleasant Valley S S $ 5.00

Lajunta S S 31.75

S. A. Kuhns 1.00

Lajunta Cong 100.00

Catlin Cong 2.00

Total $139.75 Chicago Missions Catlin Cong $3.00

Old People's Home Catlin Cong $ .50

Orphans Home Catlin Cong $ .50

War Sufferers Fund

Total for Month $454-55 Kansas City Missions

East Holbrook Cong $21.51 Lajunta Cong 50.00 Catlin Cong 6.50 Protection Cong 3.50 S. A. Kuhns 1.00 West Liberty Congs 6.00

Total $88.51

Childrens' Welfare Fund

S. A. Kuhns $ 1.00

Roseland Cong 39.50

Protection Cong .50

Total $41.00 Lajunta Sanitarium

Hesston Cong $32.56

Lajunta Cong 30.00

Protection Cong 1.50

West Liberty Cong 12.00

$116.76 Total $76.06

Hesston Academy

$899.45 Protection Cong $3.00

GOSPEL

HERALD

April 4, 1918

Western Mennonite Welfare Commission

Roseland Cong $18.50

Pleasant Valley Cong 1.00

Lajunta Cong 17.50

S. A. Kuhns 2.00

Martin Yoder 1.00

Lizzie Yoder .50

Lajunta Cong 20.00

Catlin Cong 38.40

Protection Cong 15.00

'Class No. 9, Olive S S Holdeman Y. P. M.

6.00 5.25

Total $113.90

Evangelizing Fund

S. A. Kuhns $1.00

Springs Cong .70

Total • $1.70 General Fund (District Board)

Spring Valley Cong $50.41 Roseland Cong 10.80 S. A. Kuhns 1.00 Protection Cong 1.00

Total $63.21 Total for Month $1,044.03

FRANCONIA MISSION BOARD

G. S. Nice, Treas., Harleysville, Pa.

Knoxville Tenn. Mission

Soderton 'Cong $39.60

General Fund Plain Cong $30.00 ■Skippack Cong 16.37 Hannah Gross 1.50

Total $47.87 War Sufferers Fund

Total for Month $617.07 Total received for month $704.54

FRANKLIN CO. PA. AND WASHINGTON CO. MD. MISSION BOARD B. E. Stauffer, Treas., Maugansville, Md. General Fund (General Board) Clear Springs Cong $7.64 Sisters Missionary Support Fund

Reiff Cong Sisters $30.00 Miller Cong Sisters 6.00

Total $36.00 War Sufferers Relief Fund

Total received for mo. $1,342.09 Total for month $1,385.74

I.N'D.-MICH. MENNONITE

MISSION BOARD G. L. Bender, Treas. Elkhart, Ind.

India Missions (General)

Emma Cong $12.50

India Missionaries Children Sup.

Boys & Girls Fairview S S • $8.25

India Native Workers

C. A. Shantz & Wife $ 5.00 Ft. Wayne Cong 5.40 J. I. Weldy & Wife 15.00 Olive Cong 5.00

Total $30.40 India Bible Women Support

Helping Hands, Flkhart

S S $2.00 Nora Lantz 6.00 Clinton Frame S S 2.00 A. R. Es'hleman 5.00 Rutheans 4.00 Willing Workers, Elkhart S S 7.00

Total $37.25 Ft. Wayne Mission

A. R. Miller $ 2.00

Howard-Miami Cong 19-74

Fairview Cong 11.88

Holdeman Cong 6.00

Nappanee W. Market St.

S S 13.67

Salem Cong & S S 25.00

J. I. Weldy 25.00

Total $103.29 Ft. Wayne Mission W. Bldg.

Elkhart Cong $18.50 Yellow Creek Cong 10.41 'Clinton Brick Cong 6.25 Levi Mann .75

Total $35.91 Chicago Missions

A. R. 'Miller $2.00 Old People's Home

C. J. Troyer $25.00

Emma Cong 30.00

Holdeman Cong .50

Total $55.50 Orphan's Home

C. I. Troyer $25.00

Jacob H. Bechtel 5.00

Holdeman Cong 2.00

Total $32.00 India Hospital Levi 'Mann $1.00 India- Medical (Dr. Cooprider) Young Mothers' Class Forks S S $3.70 Armenian Sufferers. Elkhart, Y. P. Literary Society $3.00 Children's Fund — Home Boys & Girls, Fairview S S $11.42 Children's Fund — Foreign Boys & Girls, Fairview

S S $9.60 Children's Welfare Boys & Girls Fairview S S $9.50 Rural Missions Clinton Frame Cong $46.27 Holdeman Cong 22.95 Holdeman S S 29.00 Salem Cong & S S 25.00

Total $123.22

District Board Home Debt.

Holdeman Cong $ .50

Clinton Brick Cong 6.00

Total $6.50

Secretary's Support

Middlebury Cong $33.20 Yellow Creek Cong 20.00 Levi Mann 1.00

Total $54-20 General Fund

Forks Cong $40.00

Our Drafted Brethren Benefit Fund

Xappanee N. Main St. $56.18 Maple Grove Cong 51.58

Total $108.39 War Sufferers

Total Received for

Month $1,055.30

Total received for month $1,742.93

MISSOURI-IOWA MISSION BOARD

H. J. Harder, Treas., Tipton, Mo.

General Fund District Board

.75 1.15

Palmyra Cong	$10.00
Liberty Cong	1.75
Berea Cong	.40
Bethel	4.10
Spring Valley Cong	.25
Coalridge 'Cong	4.14
Wolford Cong	3.00
Surrey Cong	1.75
Mt. Zion Cong	13.55
White Hall	2.00
Cherry Box	.50
Bloomfield	3.90
Total	$45.34

Kansas City Mission

Palmyra Cong Liberty Cong Berea Cong Bethel Cong Wolford Cong Surrey Cong Mt. Zion Cong White Hall Cong Cherry Box Cong Bloomfield 'Cong Alpha 'Cong

$13.00 3.00

, -75 2.50 .50 .25 16.30 1.00 .60 2.00 4.20

$44.10

Total

Children's Welfare

Liberty Cong $ -60

Berea Cong -75

Bethel Cong 2.00

Spring Valley Cong .25

Wolford Cong .25

Mt. Zion Cong 8.25

White 'Hall Cong .75

Cherry Box Cong .75

Bloomfield Cong .75

Total

$14.35

Hesston Academy

Bloomfield Cong $ .75

General Fund General Board

Liberty Cong $1.25

Berea Cong 1.00

Bethel Cong 4.00

Wolford Cong 2.75

Mt. Zion Cong 6.00

White Hall Cong 2.00

Cherry Box 'Cong 1.25

Bloomfield Cong 1.75

Tote

$20.00

Lajunta Sanitarium

Wolford Cong $ .50

Mt. Zion Cong 1.00 Bloomfield Cong 1.15

Total

India Mission

Liberty Cong Berea Cong Bethel Cong Spring Valley 'Cong Coalridge Cong Wolford Cong Surrey Cong Mt. Zion Cong Cherry Box Cong Bloomfield

Total

Orphans Home

Liberty Cong Wolford Cong Mt. Zion Cong

$2.65

p 6.25 4.50 4.00 5.10 12.41 1.00 .85 18.50 .35 1.90

$55.86

$ .35 1.75 5.70

Cherry Box Cong Bloomfield Cong

Total $9.70 Old People's Home

Liberty Cong $ .40 Wilford Cong .25 Mt. Zion Cong 4.25 Bloomfield Cong 1.15

Total

$6.05

"Our Boys in Camp"

Palmyra Cong $13.55 Liberty Cong 3.75 Spring Valley Cong 2.50 Surrey Cong .75 Mt. Zion Cong 29.60 Cherry Box Cong 2.65 Bloomfield Cong 9.00

Total $61.80 War Sufferers Relief

Total for Month $102.45 India Medical' Work (Dr. Cooprider) Berea Cong $8.00

India Personal Mt. Zion for Sis. Eva H.

Brunk $17.00 Total for Month $388.05

SOUTH WESTERN PENNA. MISSION BOARD

H. F. Reist, Treas. S>cottdale,

Pa.

General Fund General Board

Casselman Cong $3,74

Home Missions Springs Cong $10.00 Altoona Cong 4.55 Rockton Cong 1.00

Total $15.55

India General

Blough Cong $17.00

Stahl Cong 20.00

Total $37.00 India Missionary Support

(S. W. Pa. S S Conference)

Rockton S S $ 1.00

Blough S S 11.00

Masontown S S 7.45

Kauffman S S 1.48

Total $20.93 India Bible Women Support

Kauffman S S Class $3.00

Orphans Home Stahl Cong $15.43 Weaver Cong 21.00

Total $36.43

War Sufferers Fund $1.00 South America

Scottdale Cong $19.13 Altoona Mission

Morrison 'Cove Cong $ 2.61

Springs Y. P. B. >M. 17.75

Elton Cong 2.78

Schellburg Cong 3.00

Total $26.14

General Fund District Board

Thomas Cong $25.54 Rural Missions

Kauffman Cong $16.38 Total for Month $204.84 Grand Total for

Month $11,437.35 Gratefully acknowledged, G. L. Bender, Treas.

Elkhart, Ind.

Gospel Herald

"In the defense and confirmation of the Gospel." "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace."

Vol. XI (SL^S) SCOTTDALE, PA., THURSDAY, APR. 11, 1918 (gffi&taiW No- 2

EDITORIAL

"And lo a voice from heaven, say- ing, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

"What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

Every true missionary's life is a life of prayer. And, in the sense that a missionary is one sent as a witness for Christ, every child of God, proper- ly enlightened, is a missionary,

If all people were as charitable with other people's faults as they are with their own, it would reduce to a minimum the unpleasantness arising from human misunderstand- ings.

If all people were as exacting with themselves as they are with others, it would mean a mighty stride in the direction of righteousness. For charity, apply to others the rule you have for yourself ; for righteousness, take for yourself the standard you prescribe for others.

Every believer in nonresistance ought to be thoroughly conscientious on that subject — but not any more so than on any other point of doctrine. Our conscience, thoroughly whetted up and enlightened, is not at ease unless we are in full submission to all things which the Gospel enjoins upon believers.

Now that the days are growing longer and the nights shorter, and people are improving every opportuni- ty to do their work properly, it is in order to remember that one can study his Bible quite as well by day- light as by lamp light. Scripture reading and meditation ought to be a daily practice summer and winter,

Is it not about time that we heard something about when and where our next General Conference is to be held? We are aware that the time is yet more than a year away, but it might be convenient to some of the conferences to be held this spring if they knew the exact time and place. It might affect their plans for next year.

Forty days after Easter is Ascen- sion Day. This is not, like Easter, generally observed as a holiday. But really, if the resurrection is of suffi- cient importance to lead the Christian Church to memorialize it by setting apart a day dedicated to its memory, (and it is) is not the triumphant as- cension of our blessed Lord also worth remembering in a similar way?

Table of Conferences. — We expect, the Lord willing, again to publish our table of conferences, together with other important meetings to be held this year, beginning with the April 25 number of the Gospel Her- ald. We will consider it a favor if all our conference secretaries, as well as secretaries of other proposed meet- ings, would send us the time and place of next meeting. If convenient, will you please call the attention of your secretary to this statement?

What man believes amounts to nothing unless it is in harmony with what God teaches. What man be- lieves is very important, as the sum total of his beliefs indicates how close is his touch with God. In all points of Christian faith and life, "What saith the Scriptures?" is the ruling test for every faithful child of God; and the more fully we consecrate ourselves to Him and "walk in the light as he is in the light," the more fully "what I believe" harmonizes with "thus saith the Lord."

OUR ATTITUDE

We almost feel like apologizing for mentioning the war question so often. Yet we are in war times and, whether we want to or not, we are compelled to face war conditions. As the struggle grows more intense the pressure brought to bear upon nonresistant people becomes the hard- er. Many unkind things are being said about us, but of these we shall not complain. Our only duty in this connection, besides keeping clear of malice and losing no opportunity to return good for evil, is to keep our attitude as clearly as we can before the public, especially those in authority, so that well meaning people may not, through misrepresen- tations, be led to get a wrong impres- sion of our attitude and thus, like Saul of Tarsus, with all good conscience join in doing the things which they would not do if they clearly knew the facts. It is from considerations of this kind that we undertake to turn the light, briefly, upon some of the erroneous reports that are being circulated in different places. Among the reports coming to our ears are the following :

1. That we are disloyal.

On the other hand we have repeat- edly taught, in public and in private, in peace and during war, that Chris- tian people should be subject unto the higher powers, as taught in Rom. 13:1-5 and Titus 3:1. Uncomplainingly have we borne whatever burdens our Government has seen fit to lay upon us, doing what we could in sup- port of Government consistent with the teaching of the Gospel that we owe our highest allegiance to God.

2. That our attitude is prompted by cowardice.

God forbid that we should boast of heroism. Most of us ought to have more courage than we have. Yet every thoughtful person knows that

GOSPEL HERALD

April 11

under existing circumstances it takes more courage to stand for nonresist- ance than it does to quietly consent to "noncombatant" service, or actual fighting, for that matter. It was not cowardice that prompted our Anabaptist and Mennonite forefathers to face the martyr's death rather than renounce their nonresistant faith.

3. That the attitude of our young brethren in camp is injurious to army discipline.

Our young brethren are not there from choice. They would gladly change the situation if they could. They are there because they were drafted, advised by the War Depart- ment to go there when called and they would welcome an opportunity to serve in a capacity in which they could do so with a clear conscience. Let the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of conscience be applied, and that trouble will stop immediate-

4. That we are pro-Germans.

Not any more so than our forefa- thers were pro-British in Revolution- ary days, pro-Mexican in the war with Mexico, or pro-Turk in the pres- ent war. If we were living in Ger- many or Austria or Turkey today our attitude toward war would be precisely the same that it is, now that we are living in America.

5. That we became suddenly con- scientious when the war began.

Then we became suddenly conscien- tious at the beginning of every war in history since we as a church had existence, for in all previous wars we had the same attitude toward war that we have now. More than this, it is a matter of record, (1) that we preached nonresistance in times of peace as well as in times of war, and (2) that most of the Mennonite people in America today are here because they or their forefathers left Europe to escape persecution because of their nonresistant faith.

6. That our attitude is prompted by selfishness.

If selfishness were our motive, we would get in with the popular current, follow "the path of least resistance," and thus escape many of the knocks and inconveniences occasioned through loyalty to conviction of right when that happens to be on the un- popular side.

7. That the body of our people really want to support the war but are kept from it through the influence and work of their leaders.

This fallacy would be instantly exploded if one of our bishops or otherwise prominent men would re- nounce his nonresistant faith. So established is the body of our people in favor of the nonresistant ground that during the entire life-time of

the Church not a single man in it long retained a position of promin- ence after it became known that he was loose in his nonresistant views. This is one of the Bible doctrines in which all loyal Mennonites are a unit.

8, That the present opposition to war is a conspiracy against our government.

If this be true, then every open avowal of our faith is a conspiracy. Our adherence to the nonresistant faith has been none the less rigid than at any time of profoundest peace- — only as some members have had their eyes opened to their indiffer- ent life into which they had drifted during times when their faith was not so severely tested as it is now.

9. That we advise people not to sell their farm products for fear the War Department will get hold of it.

On the other hand, we have advised submission to authority, have testified against hoarding food when Govern- ment declared against it, and advocat- ed marketing the farm produce promptly whenever Government so ordered, calling special attention to the fact that after a man has sold his farm produce he is not responsible when a use is made of it that he does not approve.

What shall we say to all these charges? Let us exercise all due charity. Many a well meaning man, being misinformed, assumes an entire- ly different attitude from what he would if he knew the facts. Only let us be careful that we do not exchange railing for railing, or harbor a feeling of resentment because of real or fan- cied wrongs.

Brethren, be firm. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith," re- membering that along with our firm- ness "a soft answer turneth away wrath," while "grievous words stir up anger."

"LORD, LORD"

By D. D. Johns

For the Gospel Herald.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heav- en; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven. — IMatt. 7:21.

When the Son of God was on the earth and taught with authority, the people questioned, "What new doc- trine is this." When He spake as "never man spake," they said, "Whence has this man this wisdom?" When He manifested His creative power by feeding the multitude with a few loaves, they ran after Him by the thousands. When revealing His power over the elements by still- ing the tempest, men were afraid. When He cast out the legion of devils

at the cost of some swine, He was asked to leave the community. When He healed all manner of diseases, men thronged and pressed Him, and were ready to cry "Lord, Lord," on every hand.

When He said, "Except a man be born again he can not see the king- dom of God. . .Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he can not enter into the kingdom of God," the question came, "How can this be?" And when He taught what it really takes to assure one's safety as a fol- lower of Christ and an heir of eternal salvation by saying, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood ye have no life in you," — it was too much ! ' "This is an hard saying, who can say it!" "Many turned backward walked no more with him." "Lord, Lord"— but this is too hard!

Listen, dear reader, Christ emphat- ically teaches that "Except a man be born again he can not see the king- dom of God." And Paul tells us that "the carnal mind is enmity against God, and is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." "So then they that are in the flesh can not please God."

Are not even these few Scriptures sufficient to show us that in our carnal, sinful nature it is not possible to serve God acceptably because we can not be subject to the law of God. There- fore the need of the new birth, a re- generation, a being made new. By the birth of the flesh we all partake of the nature of the flesh. This is the law of birth : that which is born partakes of the nature of that which gives it birth. That which is born of the flesh is flesh : so truly that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. This spiritual birth brings the mind that is subject to the law of God. This birth takes away the hard, stony heart and gives the heart that seeks after the truth and cries not only "Lord, Lord," but also doeth the will of the Father.

Do I hear some one questioning about works, saying, If all depends upon the inward change which is the work of God what then depends upon our doing? Listen: the blood upon the lintel and door posts was not a token for the Lord that He might know where to pass over and not slay the firstborn, but for the Is- raelites- that they might know that the firstborn would be safe and live. Was not the lowing of the oxen and bleating of the sheeep the evidence from which Saul could not get away? The "Blessed be thou of the Lord ; I have performed the commandment of the Lord," had to sink into insignif- icance before the fruit of his disobedi- ent heart, even though he claimed these were saved for sacrifice to the

1918

GOSPEL HERALD

Lord. The Lord had said, "utterly destroy." No matter how good the oxen and sheep may have appeared to man for an offering, God's com- mand still stood — "utterly destroy." The blood on the door posts was an evidence of obedience. "I will pass over." The oxen and sheep were an evidence of disobedience. "Thou art rejected."

How could we know whether or not we are born from above if God had • not given us tests whereby to prove ourselves? My heart condemns me not. "The heart is deceitful above all things." Peter said, "Though all the rest will be offended yet will not I. . . .1 am ready to die with you." Did he stand the test? We know Peter's condition by what he did. And we also are known by what we do or what we do not do. "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say" (Lu. 6:46)? If a man love me he will keep my words . . He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me" (Jno. 14: 21,23). "Blessed are they that do his commandment, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in thru the gates into the holy city" (Rev. 22:14).

Is our own life an evidence of an obedient heart? "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world ; if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (I Jno. 2:15). "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world" (I Jno. 5:4). "Out of the heart are the issues of life" (Prov. 4:23).

Many will say "Lord, Lord ;" but few we are told, will enter in at the straight gate.

Goshen, Ind.

THE SWORD OF JESUS

By Allen Christophel

For the Gospel Herald.

The subject of non-resistance, the issues at stake and our attitude to- wards war, in any form, are matters that have been discussed very fre- quently, and are generally understood. Quite frequently, however, we read, or hear arguments in which Scripture is taken (misapplied or only partially quoted), mingled with sophistry, pop- ular opinion, and human imagination, in such a manner that conclusions are reached, which are clearly contra- ry to both the spirit and letter of God's Word.

Recently we read an article (a good example of its kind) in which the author concluded among other things : (a) "It is easier to see the man of Galilee in the trenches, shoulder to shoulder with his comrades, who have drawn the sword of human liberty, than it is to imagine his skulking at home under the pretext that he does not believe in war." (b) "Jesus,

the light of the world kindled the fire of this world war in those days when he declared for the divine rights of humanity against the assumption of those who falsely claimed a divine right to suppress and enslave humani- ty ... . They could not put out the fire he had kindled ; and that fire has spread until today the nations are aflame." (c) "We hear the man of Galilee charge the men of this nation, "Go" and "Lo, I am with you alway."

We do not believe that at this critic- al time, or any other, Christ would be skulking at home. Christ was a brave, valorous, self-sacrificing per- son. Neither do we oppose the proper kind of human liberty. In fact, we know there is only too