Extracts from Letters

“No Christian can be healthy in his Christian life if he mixes with the world. Acquaintances among the unsaved we must and should have, but where there is friendship with the world, there is enmity with God. The only reason for making a friend of an unsaved person, is to lead that one to Christ. How can you be at one with those who hate your Lord?”

You asked my opinion on this comment. I had that in mind when I handed you the tract, "Love not the world," along with a few scriptures I had copied.

You have much for which to be thankful, in that God has so graciously delivered you from a most trying situation and given you, so quickly, work more desirable, and pleasanter, and with a more promising future. Starting in with different people gives you a chance to start over, as it were, free from worldly entanglements, free to be a testimony for Christ.

Yesterday morning I was reading the second chapter of Jeremiah-just my regular reading-how the Lord was pleading with Israel to repent of her idolatry and return to Him. I was quite struck with her reply,

“There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go." (verse 25).

Satan likes nothing better than to occupy the Lord's children with "strangers"-anything to turn their hearts away from the Lord. If the old adage, "Give him an inch and he'll take a mile" was ever true of anyone, it is true of Satan. If he can get just the tiniest wedge in between me and my loyalty to the Lord, he knows how rapidly he can widen the gap, leading on to such serious consequences as the Lord only can foresee. It is the same principle that was illustrated on the calendar leaf that I gave you.

Worldly people and unbelievers want to go to worldly places and do worldly things. If you or I show any inclination to associate with such people, they will naturally want us to do the same things with them. The only safe way is not to form any such ties or companionships; or, if they are already formed, to break them.

“Come out from among them, and be ye separate," is God's Word. (2 Cor. 6:17.)

When Peter and John were released after their imprisonment in Jerusalem, (Acts 4), they went to "their own company" and reported the experience they had been through. This "company" being Christians, they praised God.

In Acts 12, when Peter was released from prison by an angel, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, surnamed Mark, "where many were gathered together praying." Again, Peter went to his own company.

When Paul and Silas left the prison (Acts 16) they entered into the house of Lydia, another Christian home (verse 40). They, too, went to "their own company.”

When work is over, and duties are performed, and we have spare moments for relaxation and recreation, if we desire companionship, let us seek it in those who love the Lord. There is a satisfying and uplifting joy in Christian fellowship that cannot be imparted by unbelievers. Satan may say,

“O, have a little fun with these jolly good people. A little won't do any harm." But the minute our eye is turned away from the Lord, we are in danger.

All this may sound harsh and severe, and over strict, but we are not our own, we are bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19, 20).

When once the believer completely surrenders himself to God, he will experience a deep peace and joy that he cannot possibly know while he is trying to please the Lord one minute, and do his own way the next. It takes many years for some Christians to learn this practically. How much easier and happier it would be if they would surrender themselves completely and without delay to the One who longs to fill their hearts.

You are young, my dear, and naturally desire companionship. We are all so busy and so widely separated that you have little opportunity to find this companionship in "your own company," but you can pray to God about it. In prayer is found the solution of many a question.

Lovingly yours,

Extract From a Letter

For the afflicted ones the Lord has an especial care, and we see Him as the "Great Shepherd" caring for the lambs and sheep of His flock.

What is wanted amongst us, is not so much Lew thoughts, though knowledge has its proper place, but what we have learned, and it may be some time ago, brought home in the power of the Holy Ghost to our souls. So as in the address to Philadelphia (Rev. 3), we have the Lord saying to these feeble but faithful ones, "Behold I come quickly, hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." I believe we are not so much in danger of giving up the truth, as losing the power of it in our souls, as for instance, the coming of the Lord, which has long been held as a doctrine, but is losing its power, and is in danger of doing so, in our souls.

It has been remarked something to this effect, if the devil can take away the coming of the L 'rd as a present hope, we lose spiritual power and are on the road which leads to the loss of our crown; but if this is kept bright before us, no man or devil can rob us of our crown. We were reading this morning, "If they speak not according to this word, it is because they have no light (margin, no morning) in them." For the Jews, "The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings." (Isa. 8:20, Mal. 4:2.) But, alas, they have no such hope, and are a part of the apostate nation.

Extract From a Letter

It is beautifully written as to the blessed Lord:

“It should be the common delight of all His saints to trace Him in all His doings. For where are we to have our eternal joys but in Him and with Him? What, beloved, is suited to our delights, if Jesus and His ways, be not? What is there in any object to awaken joy, that we do not find in Him? What are these affections, sympathies, which either command or soothe our hearts? Is love needed to make us happy? If so, was ever love like His? If beauty can engage the sense, is it not to perfection in Him? If the treasures of the mind delight us in another, if richness and variousness fill and refresh, have we not all these in 'the communicated mind of Christ? Indeed, beloved, we should challenge our hearts to find their delight in Him. For we are to know Him so forever.”

But O! the more we learn of Thee

And Thy rich mercy prove,

The more we long Thy face to see,

And fully prove Thy love.

“The chiefest among ten thousand"-and "altogether lovely." Sol. 5:10, 16.

“TARRY YE HERE AND WATCH WITH ME.”

Wondrous the love of Him who spake these words,

Wondrous the grace to stoop so low to ask

Of men, to tarry and to watch with Him

One hour! With Him whose goings forth of old

From everlasting were. Whose word did form,

Whose power upheld creation's utmost bound.

Yes,-He did stoop to crave their tarrying

E'en for one hour, to watch with Him;-and yet

He asked in vain. Alone He prayed; alone

He watched. For comforters, He looked, and none

Did find. Wondrous the love of Christ!

Matchless the grace; Perfect the sympathy that flows

To lonely ones. Tell out thy grief to Him.

He felt the same. No human breast had He

To lean upon, no voice to soothe, or speak

Of comfort to His wounded heart. Not one

To watch with Him in that drear, darksome hour.

He knows it all. It was for thee, for, thee

Thou purchased one, He passed through all, and now

With open arms can welcome thee to come,

And pour out every grief, the keenest pang,

Or that too small for any ear save His.

Yes, pour out all, He can uphold, sustain,

Can comfort thee, can whisper peace, His peace E'en in the wildest storm. Nay more, can make all things work thy good, and yield to Him eternal praise.

Extract From a Letter

Very many of our older and stable brethren have gone Home, and in just a few more years, if the Lord does not come, the reins will be in new hands. O, that our young people would realize it more, and make it their business to make real spiritual progress now.

If we are left here much longer, all who have neglected doing so, will see their failure and loss. It will not only be loss to themselves, but to the whole Church of God. They sometimes think that what they do, is their own business, and only affects themselves.

“None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." Rom. 14:7.

Extract From a Letter: A Crown

Rev. 3:11 is much before me in its connection. Who has the greater joy? The One who gives the crown, or the one who receives it?

“It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35.

The greatest sorrow for us, would be, not to lose the crown, but to deprive Him of His joy in giving it.

Extract From a Letter From China

After seeing the awful black hopelessness of these poor blinded people, I often wonder how I have been so indifferent to their needs in the past. It is surely through not having valued sufficiently the wondrous grace that has been shown to me by the Blessed One who said,

“Freely ye have received, freely give.”

May we all value more His grace, and seek more earnestly to bring others to the knowledge of it, that they may swell the number of those who shall stand in His presence in the day of His manifested glory.

In our readings we have had continually brought before us what a place the Lord's coming and glory had in the heart of the apostle Paul, and what an incentive it was to him in seeking the salvation and building up of souls.

Extract From a Letter On

MARK 11:22-26MAR 11:22-26

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea: and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

I have found, Mark 11:22-26, of great benefit to myself and others in this connection. Here we have:

1. Faith.-The "faith of God, ''that is, faith that takes its character and strength from God as its object-faith that brings God into the difficulty. There is a mountain to be removed. God only can lift a mountain up, and throw it into the sea. But He is greater than the mountain, and if you can bring Him into the matter, the mountain must go.

2. Prayer is our proper attitude-what expresses our dependence on God; but the prayer of faith only is effectual.

3. There is a condition, that is, this prayer of faith is conditional on a certain state in us, and that is the spirit of forgiveness. "When ye stand praying, forgive if ye have ought against any." It is not here going to one who has wronged you, and telling him you forgive him. In such a case the word is: "If he repent, forgive him." But here it is the state of our hearts toward our brethren when we are in the presence of God. Suppose I am praying to God, who has forgiven me ten thousand talents in absolute grace, and am holding something against one who may have wronged me, God will not hear me. I am not in communion, my state is wrong, I am not in the current of God's thoughts, and will not be able to exercise faith.

A person says: "I cannot feel right towards

Mr. -." That is, he has hard feelings toward

Mr. -. But can I think of God in this way?

Can I speak of Him as having "hard feelings" toward anyone? Never. When we were His enemies, He gave His Son.

Now my heart is to be in the same state as His that is, my feelings and desires are to be formed by what flows down in communion, through the Word, from His heart into mine. And if this is my state when I pray, I will forgive if I have anything against anyone, and my heart will be free in God's presence; and, however my brother may have erred, I will be able to seek his blessing and restoration.

In ease of personal difficulties among saints, if this state is reached in God's presence, it is wonderful how soon difficulties melt away, because it is God Himself coming in to act in grace.

“Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32.

Extracts From a Letter

I do not know how long the Lord will hold the door open for this little service for Him at the Book Store. It is nearly nine years ago that I entered it, and I have not had even a hint of displeasure at my speaking to souls and giving out tracts in the store. This cost me my former position in the book department of a large department store here. I could then have gone in with a wealthy book, stationery and printing concern, with better hours and better salary than here. But as this store has a much more cosmopolitan and less exclusive trade, I felt this was where the Lord would give me the service He had entrusted me with.

My one thought in the store is souls. My prayer each morning on awakening, and I always give my first thoughts to Him, is that He will give me some soul to minister to through the day, and to give me the needed message for each.

It is a feeble service and I seldom see results. No doubt many recipients of the tracts do not profit by them, at least, not at once, but I delight to think of the hidden souls to whom they may find their way with divine blessing.

Once in a while I find some one trying to satisfy the needs of a hungry soul with the husks of philosophy, and to such a one I may give the gospel. Once I witnessed the passage of a soul from death to life through my exposing a "New Thought" book she was intending to buy. But encouragements of that kind are rare. Once a young wife, a believer I feel sure, thanked me for exposing "Science and Health" which she was about to buy. It had been recommended to her husband and herself. It may seem bad salesmanship, but God's claims come first. It is really in result the best and most enlightened salesmanship, to give a customer that which he needs, not necessarily that which he calls for.

As to Dr. S. I fear his interest in J. N. D. is chiefly intellectual and literary. I could write you a whole letter about this remarkable young man, and I will if I find evidence of a work of God in his soul. A brilliant intellect in a trained scientist is a great snare, though he defends the Scriptures against materialistic evolution and infidelity. His ambition is to bring the scientific world back to God, but the cross seems to have no part in his plans. I have small hopes of him.

My joy in ministering to souls in the store is not with bright minds, but with the common people and the poor. Occasionally a seemingly bright Christian, after a nice conversation at first, turns out to be a Russelite or Christadelphian, etc.

I have grateful remembrance of the blessing to my own soul in my youth of these tracts, and also I love to leave a trail for faith to follow on. If exercised, to know the will of God as to worship and service, instead of connecting them up with half-way stations, or with schism.

I delight to give out ministry that was blessed to my soul in my youth. Like David's sling and five stones, I have proved them.

I find Mr. Darby's tracts the most serviceable of all. "Christ for my sins and Christ for my cares," "The Father and the Prodigal," "Man's heart and Christ's heart," "How to know the will of the Father," "How to get peace," "There is nothing like the cross," are among my favorites. "The Testimony of God, etc.," is exceedingly fine. Many that I have given of this pamphlet have gone to foreign lands and to Alaska.

“Introduction to the Bible" is to my mind the finest thing in the English language.

“Either in Adam or in Christ" is a briefer survey of Scripture than, "The Testimony or God, etc.," but as Mr. H. once remarked to me, "Every word is packed." And yet there is a simplicity and tranquility about it that is charming.

“How to know the will of the Father" is an acceptable tract for general distribution among Christians. "The Man of Sorrows" attracts and holds the mind and heart of even children with its beauty, its sweet rhythm and cadence carrying the soul from the lowly glory of the Babe and the Child, along the lonely pathway of holy love rising to the ineffable majesty of the cross.

“How to get peace," was used of God, I was told by an old Scotch Evangelist, to evangelize England.

“There is nothing like the cross" met me as I was emerging from the 7th to the 8th of Romans, the most expressive tract I know of.

“The Sufferings of Christ" has been my refuge in sorrow for near forty years. I treasure every word of it. There is no consolation like the contemplation of His sorrows to hold the heart in times of crushing sorrow of its own. "Presence and operation of the Spirit of God in the Church" is of great value. "Separation from Evil, God's principle of unity" is most timely now, irresistible in its pure reasoning and stately dignity. One tract that I have not seen for some time is "On Sealing with the Spirit." One passage reads, if I remember rightly,

“All that is in the Father's glory, what He is as displayed and surrounds Himself with, according to what He is, was engaged in the resurrection of Christ. Righteousness, holiness, majesty, love of the Son, recognition of what He had done, supremacy above all evil in light and love, and Christ as Man rises by and into it, and that as having perfectly glorified God, where all was exactly contrary to it.”

In this day of declension and indifference and sorrowful ruin, I love to contemplate that divine and sovereign work of God manifesting itself in 1827 in that humble and unnoticed way as Mr. Bellet's letter shows, the Holy Spirit attracting the hearts to Christ, separating them from human systems, and binding them together in divine unity. And though the work counted for little or nothing in the eyes of men, God had prepared vessels for it which gave us ministry embracing the whole circle of divine revelation of the Scriptures. Ministry which never will nor can be duplicated, priceless above all except the Word it unfolds.

Mr. P. remarked to me once, speaking of the character of the gift or the ministry of these early brethren: "With Wigram,-it was Christ and the Church; with Denny,-prophecy; with Bellet,-the Son of God; with Kelly,-knowledge; with J. N. D.-divine righteousness.”

As the years have gone by, the wonderful balance and reach of Mr. Darby's ministry has been much impressed upon my mind and heart. Still we could not do without the other gifts either. Mr. H. told me once that J. N. D. had said to him there was no one he so loved to sit and listen to as Bellet. Wm. Kelly's solid, comprehensive and accurate ministry carries our judgment and conviction.

J. N. D.'s wins the conscience and heart. He was a "soul-winner," hence I find his little tracts so useful.

Extracts From Letters From the Front

“My comrades smile to see me read my `mass,' as they call it, but little by little, the danger and the Spirit of God, help, and they laugh no more but on the contrary, many borrow my New Testament of me, and others come to me when I read, and request me to read to them, and almost all agree in saying that it is truly a Divine revelation. So I pray constantly for my comrades, that God will open their hearts to His love, and I am sure there will be fruit to His glory. Yes I entreat all Christians to raise their supplications to the throne of the Father, for they are beginning to say all around me, in speaking of this terrible war, "It is because we have sinned, that God has sent this dreadful war". O, that Christians all over the world, would, on their knees, entreat our God and Savior to intervene in mercy, and make His creatures feel what lost sinners they are, and that, after humiliation and confession of faults, He will shorten this unspeakable trial, and lead to repentance many a soul bending beneath their load of sins as we did, and I am sure H, will do this. If you could see my comrades around me asking me how it is I am able to believe, and have such perfect confidence in God, and how I can be resigned to the idea of leaving this sinful world, without being terrified, then I tell them where my strength is, in the Lord Jesus, who died for me, to bring me to Himself. We speak continually of the things of God. As soon as the bullets and shells leave us in quietness in the trenches, we press close to each other, and I am able, with God's help, to encourage my comrades, and to exhort them to give themselves to the Savior, who loves them and calls them. Many seem touched in their souls.

I am often with my comrade, E. H. and when we are not too near the enemy, we sing hymns, morning and evening. In the evening, when we are not on guard we pray together, and then we lie down to sleep peacefully, meditating on the Holy Word of God, and go on day after day sustained and encouraged by our dear Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, who carries us in His arms, while we await the day when He shall see fit to re-unite us here on earth, or in the house of our Father, where there is fullness of joy forever more.”

Note: Before departing for the war, he showed his indifference to religious things in not taking his Bible with him. His thoughts were on other things. The change in him is so great that many of those who knew him could scarcely believe he was the writer of the letters, received from him. He has been preserved through a thousand dangers.

The writer was converted two years before being called to the front. "I know you are in a fight just as I am, and some day the march will be long and rations will be short, but you have a great Captain.”

O, how I wish I had come under His colors long ago. I might even now be helping at your side, and seeking to bring back those other sheep into the fold.

My work is binding up wounds and it is heart-breaking sometimes. Some of the wounded carried into our dressing stations are just lads, and your heart aches for the mothers.

The other day a boy was carried in by two of my comrades. He had only a stump of an arm left, and his body was full of shell wounds, yet what do you think he was doing? He was whistling, "From sinking sands, He lifted me." My heart almost stopped beating. I bent over him and began to wash his wounds and he just gritted his teeth, and then went on quietly whistling.

“From shades of night, to plains of light, O! praise His name, He lifted me.”

“Yes, praise His name, He lifted me, too," I said. You ought to have seen his smile. He stretched out his hand and said, "O, shake hands, will you?" and then in a whisper said, "Would you mind praying, please?" I did, and then the dressing was continued. He fainted under the pain and presently was carried out to the ambulance. unconscious. I don't suppose I shall ever meet him again. May be, he will soon be at home with his mother. He is only one of many who pass through my hands.

My! but I am proud of the Christian boys. You will be glad to know that another stretcher-bearer in my synod has come to Christ. He held out for a long time, although we tried hard to win him. We five (four have been led to Christ by the writer) had announced to have, a Christmas service for any who would like to come. About 50 of our company gathered and we sang the old gospel songs. Then I felt led to read the story of the Prodigal again. It somehow touches my heart most. Then I spoke a little while and made an appeal. This lad rose up and said, "I'm going home to my Father," and he knelt' right down in front, and said, "Father, I have sinned and am no more worthy to be called thy son." And you guess, he was forgiven, and there was rejoicing, not only in heaven that night, and now he joins us in our little meetings together. We have prayer and Bible reading, and the six of us take good care not to lose an opportunity of speaking to our boys of our Great Captain and His saving blood.

Pray hard, we need all your prayers, and your prayers saved me, you know.”

"One man who was down at the time you were with us and who received a great blessing then, was telling me some wonderful stories of God's working and answers to prayers. I cannot do better than pass one or two on to you and the praying friends. He and a number of others were clearing out wells; one of them over 160 feet deep was suspected of being poisoned, and the officers decided that one of the men should go down and investigate. W. was chosen. He got down safely, did what was required, then knelt down and had a few moments' prayer. While kneeling God told him to ask for another rope to be lowered. He did so, and was scoffed and jeered at by officer and men alike. However, he quietly told them that God had told him not to attempt the ascent on the rope he descended on, and would not come up until they grudgingly sent down another. A few yards from the top the first rope snapped, and if he had not had the other to cling to he would have fallen and been killed. This made a great impression, and afterward when they were sent out on special duty the other men always asked to be allowed to go with him. This happened so often that the officer who had jeered was interested, and asked W. if he really believed that God had nothing else to do than listen to him. The day following this conversation two-parties had to go out on a very dangerous piece of work. They were told it meant death to some, if not to all. W- reported "all safe," the and his company got together and before starting he asked them to bow in prayer. Every man did so, and he commended his men to God. The other company went out, laughing and swearing. The work was done, and the men in charge had to report to the officer. Nearly all the men in the first company were killed. When W- reported "all safe," the officer would not believe it at first. Some time after he came' to W-and another Christian corporal, and asked them if they would come to his dug-out and pray for him and with him. On entering they found other officers there, but before them all they knelt, and the major gave his allegiance to God, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. Thank God for a fearless testimony, and thank God for your message, in our hut on "Putting on the whole armor of God." It not only helped me, but made others brave and fearless in their witness for Christ. Shortly after, the above incident, he and a few others were singing hymns and having a little meeting in the trenches when a captain come along,, who had been a backslider for years. He joined peril, and before the meeting was over, had returned to the Lord!'

Extracts From Letters From the Front

As you have asked me, I am going to give you some details of the distribution of Gospels among the soldiers. I saw there was no time to be lost if anything was to be done for their souls. I had with me five hundred Gospels for general distribution, but my desire now was to give a Gospel to each soldier. My supply disappeared rapidly. I was pained at the thought of having to give up this work, so important, when I learned that you had in your possession a great quantity of these portions of Holy Scriptures which you had on your heart to distribute.

In this city was concentrated an enormous crowd of military men, come from all directions; streets, restaurants were gorged with soldiers. I entered everywhere, watching that not one military man escaped without a Gospel. For we know that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. There was no time to enter into conversation but I asked them to permit me to offer to them before their departure, a little souvenir, of great value to themselves. All appeared ready to accept. Then drawing from my bag the little books, I let them know it was the Gospel of our God Jesus Christ.

Many expressed much pleasure and gratitude. Some appeared to have some knowledge of what was offered them. One said to me, "I will keep it by me all the time, and I do hope to take it back with me to my home." Another, "I wish to conform my conduct to its teachings," etc. Here and there I saw eyes illuminated with joy. One of the latter said to me, "I know this book, and better than that, I know Him whom it reveals." These dear soldiers seemed comforted. I was able to gather a small number for prayer.

But any joy was disturbed and my heart wrung by a priest who was watching me, and noticing with what earnestness the little books were received. "You are doing a very wicked work," he said to me. "These men do not need the gospel, we have distributed among them medals of the Virgin which have been blessed, and rosaries. They have need of nothing else.”

Alas! no need of the gospel of the grace of God, when men are falling from shot and shell like grain beneath the scythe! An image without life, hidden in the depths of their pockets, enough for them? What darkness! And besides, God tells in the Scriptures, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," but the name of Jesus.

I learned through some Christian soldiers that these Gospels were being read everywhere in the barracks and on the trains. One day Satan raised a sort of persecution. A party of women went before me begging the soldiers not to accept what I was offering them, that it was a bad book. While other women followed behind me, telling those who had received them to tear them up. I changed to another place, and found the same opposition. Then the Lord came to my aid. The police came up and asked me what I was scattering. Immediately the crowd surrounded me. In a loud voice I answered, "It is the Gospel of the Grace of God," and I offered a copy to the police. After taking council together, he gave me permission to continue, saying himself to the timid ones, "You may take them. Do not be afraid.”

Later I came upon a train of eight hundred wounded, and while it was stopping at the station, I was able to distribute a large number of Gospels, which were gladly accepted.

Before the war, men were high-spirited. They despised all religion, and mocked at the Bible; now they are accepting it. May God who opened the hands to take the Gospels, open also the hearts of these dear soldiers to understand them, to the saving of their precious souls.

The night comes when no man can work. Let us redeem the time, watching and praying.

In publishing by permission extracts from these intimate letters, our object is to give God alone the glory, and to show how the hearts of the soldiers have been touched and turned to the Lord. May God use them also to encourage those who remain at home, knowing that our strength is in Him who answers prayer.

O Christians, to your knees! "He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great." Psa. 115:13.

Extracts From Letters From the Front

Dear Mother:

I am still on board ship. The scenery has an attraction and again it hasn't, for it makes me feel sick, for the more I see the more I feel like Solomon in Eccl. 1:2, "Vanity of vanities.....all is vanity," and all my life seems like a dream. Some days I feel quite happy and full of hope, and others I am quite sad and brokenhearted, and I have to go to the Lord about it and look up some of those verses in the Psalms, then I feel better again. The devil tries hard to discourage me but in that hymn in the "Messages of Love" Hymn Book, No. 66, it says we should never be discouraged but take it to the Lord in prayer.

I feel something like David did in the 51st Psalm, but I can thank the Lord for what I have had to pass through, for I don't believe I would have learned what I have if I had not been here. I can realize a little more of His wondrous love to me. The other day I started to read 2 Tim. and to put my name in the 5th verse instead of Timothy's and yours and grandmother's but before I finished it, I could not see for crying and thinking how much I came short of it.

Tell W. he can't study his Bible too much, for I feel sorry now that I neglected it as much as I did. There is nothing I like better now. I received your last letter the day before we left, and was glad to get it, and even if it does make me cry, it makes me feel better. Well, this may be my last, or it may not, the Lord only knows. If this is the last, you will know where I am and why, but there is one thing, I will be happy up there, and I hope we shall all meet up there soon. It is the only thing I can look forward to with joy, and I like to sing about it.

I received your letter, father's and Mr. H.’s

Yesterday, and I was glad to get them.

I trust I will soon be delivered from this, but I may have a lot to learn yet, and it is the Lord who will have to open the way and let me out. I can't see Him coming yet., but I have to wait with patience. (Psa. 27:14.) O, if I only knew exactly what the Lord would have me do. I haven’t given up asking Him yet, for the answer must be sure to come some day, but may be not in the way I look for it. (Luke 11:9, 10;

Matt. 7:7, 8;-John 14:13,14; James 1:5, 6.) He knows what I am passing through.

Well,. I thank the Lord that I still have a little time to study His Word, although we are kept pretty busy, but I hope the rest of them at home will learn a lesson from me.

Jesus said, "Let' not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid." Sometimes I feel as if I could stand anything for Him, and at other times, the flesh comes in and tries to frighten me.

One fellow just passed, and asked me if I was writing a sermon, because I have my Bible and Testament open here on the ground by my side and your letters strewn around me.

Well, mother I wish it was all over, and that I could understand Jesus' commands as well as man's, and had more courage to do them. I long to have another talk with you but we are thousands of miles apart, though I feel sure we shall meet some day.

There are a lot of heavy hearts here now.

God has been very near and dear to me these past weeks. Some days were more trying than others, and then was the time He proved His nearness. I have had some fine talks with some of the boys, and I was surprised how many, in fact all, who believe that works will get them to heaven. The "Precious Blood" meant nothing. Pray for me, and if I never come back, know that my sleep in Christ Jesus will be far sweeter than anything this world can give.

Extracts From Letters From the Front

In the midst of these trials I am happy to have an instant to send you this little message of sincere affection, and above all to tell you how happy I am in Jesus. What a Companion He is! What peace His presence brings to me in the midst of the conflict and of the stormy sea. I prove His care every day. How many times do I feel I am under the shadow of His hand, and of His powerful arm. Peacefully I continue my way, rejoicing in an unspeakable peace. He has been my health. He is my strength. May all, take courage.

My thoughts often turn to you. I can send you good news of my health. Thank God. I must thank you for your good long letter, and also for the tracts which I have been happy to distribute, even in the trenches. You might send me more leaflets, but not in such quantities, as we are heavily laden. As you see at the head of this letter, it is four o'clock in the morning. I am in the trenches, and at this hour we realize what the Word of God says of the watchman awaiting the morning with great desire.

“My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning" (Psa. 130:6). How many such circumstances are necessary to make us understand these passages. We are exhorted also to desire ardently the breaking of that grand day when Jesus will return to take us into the Father’s house, where all shall be peace and rest. It is only with such holy desires that we are able to run our course down here, looking unto Jesus in the midst of the great afflictions, realizing Rom. 15:13, "Now the God of peace fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

My joy is great and constant, like many other children of Christians (who like myself were deaf to all the pressing appeals of our dear Savior through the words of His servants who have responded in accepting a part in the eternal happiness which was offered to us.

We are tried beyond measure; we have to endure much suffering, both moral and physical. What a privilege to have the Lord present With us. He fills my heart, and in spite of all my troubles I can say I am perfectly happy. I know now that if I do not again see those I love here on earth, I shall be with them during eternity, to partake of the happiness which was offered to me, and which, I so long refused.

The Lord has placed before us two roads which we may travel, and He has shown us which one we should take. "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.... That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him:" Deut. 30:19, 20.

In spite of all the horrors which this war brings in its train, I thank 'God for having permitted us to take part in it, for it has been the means of our conversion, which has brought us eternal happiness.

The day before yesterday I was feeling more unhappy than usual, and I asked the Lord to reveal Himself to me as my dear Guide. My eyes fell On the 8th chapter of Romans. There I found the precious words, so encouraging. I stopped an instant at the 18th verse, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed to us." It is in Jesus that I have put all my confidence, and I know that it is not misplaced.

Extracts of Letters

The following extracts are given, through the suggestions of some, for the sake of those who are interested in the spread and support of the gospel in the pages of "Messages of Love" which are sent into the various Missions, Orphan Homes, Hospitals, etc., free, also for the encouragement of those who contribute articles:

Cornwall on Hudson, N. Y.

Brethren in Christ: I got your address from an old calendar which is hanging in our house, and has helped me very much.

I expect to start soon in Rescue Mission work, and could use a few "Messages of Love" if you have any to dispose of gratis; also tracts, mottoes, etc. I have been a Christian worker for a few years, but God laid me aside for a time. At first I rebelled, but now I realize He did it to draw me nearer to Him and teach me things I never would have learned otherwise. I hope you can grant the favor I ask, for my only aim in life is that God's name may be glorified, and sinners may be converted.

Bedford St. Mission, Philadelphia, Pa.

“We express our many thanks for the great aid you have been giving our work in donating the copies (150 per week) of 'Messages of Love.' We very much appreciate these papers. They are eagerly sought by the members of the Sunday school. Not one paper is wasted, and should anyone in school be overlooked when they are being distributed, I hear it very quickly. Our work is among a very poor class of folks who often do not have enough to buy food, so that reading matter is very gratefully accepted by them.

“Thanking you again, and assuring you every paper goes where it will bring a 'Message of Love.'”

Cleveland, Tenn.

“I am proud of the 'Messages of Love.' I give out hundreds of them in the mountains. People are anxious to get them.”

Philadelphia Home for Incurables.

“The papers, 'Messages of Love,' are read by the patients, and they seem to enjoy reading them very much.”

Mont Alto Sanatorium, Pa.

“The contribution of 50 copies of 'Messages of Love' forwarded to patients at this sanatorium is received with thanks. I am pleased to say that the copies of this publication have been distributed to good advantage, and we will be pleased to have you continue forwarding them.”

Keekskill, N. Y.

“We are certainly indebted to you for the 'Messages of Love' which we receive regularly. These papers are indeed appreciated, and distributed every Sunday to our children. We have often wished it possible to send at least a small contribution, but such has been out of the question. We do sincerely thank you in the dear Master's name for your help in this direction, and will certainly be glad to have these papers continued; if you can do so, as heretofore, send them to us free of charge.

Thanking you for what you have done, and may feel led to continue to do.”

Canadensis, Pa.

“'Messages of Love' are greatly appreciated. In fact, a little fellow who cannot read stopped me on the street and asked if they were going to be continued. They cannot wait for them from week to week.”

Lock Sheldrake, N. Y.

“We wish to thank you heartily for the 'Messages of Love' which you have so kindly sent to us for so long. They have been regularly distributed in the Sunday school, and if by reason of storms and deep snows in winter the school has been closed, the surplus copies have been carefully saved and sent to another Sunday school about two miles from here. So they have all been used where much needed, and the children have carried home the 'Messages of Love' to many families that would otherwise seldom hear the 'Gospel of the grace of God.'”

Philadelphia, Pa.

“I give out 'Messages of Love' to children in the Sunday school, and in the hospital, and in the Harrison Home, and in the mill, and the people like them so well I think it would be a pity to not continue them, as the Lord may save some of them, or draw them nearer to Himself.”

Atlantic City, N. J.

“We do appreciate your sending the 'Messages of Love' to us very much. Our little Sunday school of bed-ridden children look forward to the reading of the stories in these little papers every Sunday. I fear we have not expressed our thanks enough.

“Hope the papers will continue to come.”

Brooklyn, N. Y.

“I can tell you the 'Messages of Love' do lots of good. I give them to my class of 45 small children, and the rest I give to some sick old ladies, who enjoy them very much. We are thankful for them. We are a very poor church, and will be pleased to still receive them.”

Brooklyn, N. Y.

“The papers are being taken to the Orphan Asylum still, and the children look for them and enjoy them very much.

“There are about 200 to 250 children in the asylum, 40 of whom cannot read. They are the infant class. I have kept out a few copies each week, and have taken or sent them to homes where there is much need for just such simple Gospel stories, and I am sure the Lord is blessing them to souls. For instance, I had the opportunity of speaking to a young girl and her aunt about the Lord. The young girl thanked me. I then gave her the 'Messages of Love.' One day when reading one of them, she said she thought of those things I told her, and with what she read in one of the copies of 'Messages of Love,' she went up to her room and gave her heart to the Lord, and now is very happy. So, dear brother, the Lord does give encouragement, for which we thank Him. Soon He will come for us, and then we shall know in that day the fruit.”

Shanghai, China.

“We think it is time to write again and thank you warmly for the continuation of your favor in sending S. S. Literature to Shanghai. It is very much appreciated. We can use almost unlimited supplies of S. S. papers and cards in China. There is a wave of more than passing interest in things foreign passing over China at the present time and the interest in English is so great in Shanghai, especially, and other coast cities. Your interest in our work is very deeply felt by both teachers and students. It is a good time in which to sow Gospel Seed through the United States mail bag. We thank God for all that He sends to us; and trust Him, continually, to supply all our need, in this and also in other particulars. The heated term is fast approaching. We have dry and rainy seasons in our part of the world. It is very hot and humid from now on, until September. We think God is overruling the differences between the North and the South, and will give us another still wider "open door" for the Gospel, ere the end comes.”

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Yeung Kong, Canton Province, China,

Feb. 26th, 1921.

Dear Miss T.

Your kind gift of 45 Gospels in English and Chinese, reached us a short time ago, and I am anxious to thank you for them, and to tell you how useful they will be. We all teach English, more or less, and as soon as possible read the Scriptures with the pupils. I have a nice class of little boys, 7 or 8 coming daily for an hour. I also teach one little girl to read, and she also learns to knit. My daughter is beginning a class for some girls out of some of the wealthy homes. She understands a good deal of Chinese now, and has arranged that the English lesson shall be followed by reading the Gospels in Chinese. These girls belong to heathen homes, where the shrine, with its incense burning daily to the devil, is the most honored part of the house.

I often think of the words in Rev. 2:13, "I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is."

All through this immense country with its millions of inhabitants, Satan is exalted, feared, and worshiped. And there are only such a few followers of Christ, to worship and exalt Him. It makes one feel, first of all, so glad to remember, that a day is coming when He shall be Lord of lords, and every knee shall bow to Him.

Secondly, it makes one feel how careful we should be to show forth His praise now, in the midst of the darkness, endeavoring to be "epistles of Christ, known and read of all men."

While living on our house-boat last summer, we saw those on the boats around us worshiping the moon, even kissing their hands to it, as we read in Job 31:26-28; also in Jer. 44.

At another time we saw the "Devil's feast" going on around us. This is a feast in honor of the departed spirits; great feasts are prepared, and the spirits are supposed to eat the "spiritual" part, (has pork, rice, or duck a spiritual part?) then the remainder is eagerly devoured by the relatives. The next performance is to burn paper garments, furniture, food, even people, as this is supposed to provide the loved ones with all necessary things. All the shore around us was lighted up with those bonfires, and quantities of fire-crackers were sent off. Later on we saw a good sized ship, covered with burning incense sticks; it was a mass of light, and sailed up and down that part of the river until the early morning. This is worship directly addressed to the devil, in the hopes that he will treat the departed spirits well. I can assure you, I never before felt such an intense realization of a personal devil.

But we have much to encourage us, in spite of often very difficult times. Thirty or more men have been baptized in the last six months, and though we are anxious about some of them at times, the majority show undoubtedly, by their ways, and even by the expression of their faces, that there is a real change from darkness to light.

I will tell you of our Sunday program: Breakfast at 7.30 (7 other days) "Che Chop," or family prayers, at 8, a number of strangers come also to this. Sunday-school for boys at 9, this morning 40 were present, and you would have enjoyed hearing them sing:

"Ye-so oi ngoh, ngoh chi to,

Yan yan Shing-Shue tin ngoh kong.

Ngoh ch'aai hoi t'ai shuk kwai k'ui,

Ngoh sui uen-yuek Chue k 'eung-ehong.

Hai Ye-So oi ngoh,

Shing-Shue tin ngoh shoh kong.

("Jesus loves me," etc.)

Then they readily learned a verse of Scripture, and we sang, "Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

At eleven we have the Breaking of Bread al the Gospel Hall, and though it is all in Chinese, and I must confess to not understanding a single word, still one feels the Lord's presence with us in a marked way. Several of the young men accompany us home, and enjoy singing hymns, or reading the Scripture until our dinner is ready.

At 2 P. M. is a meeting for women and girls, which our daughter, Dorothy, takes. Last Sunday we had about 50, and the women especially, listened with intense interest. It is hard to imagine how ignorant and superstitious these poor women are, as they are never taught anything While every boy "learns characters" (to read), his sister is forced to grow up in ignorance. One little slave girl said, when Dorothy tried to teach her a text, "I could not learn anything, I'm stupid, fit to kill." Many of them have not even a name.

Well, at 3 P.M. Mr. Willis has a meeting in the Gospel Hall, and from 4 to 6, we generally have many visitors, and more Bible reading and singing. At 7 we close the day with Che Chop again.

The meetings in our house are held in our large reception hall, which is the prominent feature of every Chinese house. It has plain brick walls, and a brick floor, but we have texts of Scripture up, and plenty of benches and chairs, and judging by the numbers of people who come to see us, it proves attractive. The women are more easily reached in their own homes, and sometimes send over for Dorothy to come and see them. She has one interesting little woman whom she often visits. She can read, and is intelligent. She begged for a Gospel, but when we saw her again, she said, "I cannot understand it, I can read the characters all right, but I do not know what it means." Then she begged Dorothy to come often and "tell it to me, so I can understand."

We thought of the old hymn,

"Tell me the story simply, as to a little child."

It is hard to keep their attention for more than a few minutes at a time. They break in with all kinds of questions, such as, "How old are you?" "Why aren't you married?" "Do you ever brush your hair?" "Why is it that color?" "How much rent do you pay?" "What wages do you pay your cook?" and so on.

Your heart would go out to the little slave girls; many parents sell their little girls when very young, and they have a hard life. You see such mites of children, with big heavy babies strapped on their backs, and if, in pity, you bestow a card or a cake, it is at once given to the baby. Other tiny girls are carrying two pails of water on a pole, or great baskets of rice. It is not considered any sin to ill-treat these children. One woman said to Dorothy, "Yes, I killed a monigi (little slave) once. She seemed to have no shame. When they get old enough, they are married off; the bridegroom's parents paying $75.00 or $100.00 for a wife.

Our adopted baby was a "cast out," she is a year old now, and toddling about everywhere, and trying to say words in both Chinese and English. She is a very bright, lively, attractive baby, and makes many friends, too many for her own good, as they always present cakes, which are hardly suitable for a young child. China might be called, The land of cakes. They are, nearly all made of rice flour, and some of them are very nice, especially a kind baked very hard, with chopped nuts and fat pork in the center. I am afraid you do not think my description inviting, but when fresh, they are really very nice. We learn to eat a good many things here, which we might not fancy at home. At a feast you will have, bird's nest soup, shark's fins, fish skin stewed with sugar, ancient eggs, (these are buried for 3 years), frogs, duck chopped up with bones and all, etc., etc.

Well, I have written a long letter, but I feel sure- you must love the same Lord Jesus that I love, and also that you must take an interest in our work or you would not have sent such a beautiful present.

Perhaps you will answer this letter; you do not know what letters mean to us, so far from home. My intercourse, you see, is confined entirely to my husband and daughter; my knowledge of Chinese being very slight.

With love in the Lord.

Believe me, Yours in Him,

Anna F. Willis.

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Yeung Kong, Canton Province, China, Dee. 4th, 1920.

Dear Brother:-

All of you, in the land we have left behind, have great cause for rejoicing in the remarkable answers to your prayers that we are finding. We especially asked prayer, that being unable to speak, we might have grace to live Christ. How much that prayer has been answered, God alone knows: but we can say, some twenty have been gathered to Christ's most blessed name. The joy of it is immense, and the love that is shown is touching.

Besides the twenty now breaking bread, there are seven more desiring to partake.

There is one for baptism, a young man who comes and spends a good deal of his time at my house. I have urged him to get some kind of employment; but getting employment is not always easy. Perhaps we may employ him to take care of the meeting house. This is new, that is, new to us. We rented it last week for $7.00 a month. It is a native house, with the usual large reception hall, where over a hundred people can sit, and it has eight other rooms. In one of these, Mr. Choi lives, along with Mr. Taam. Mr. Taam is very active in spreading the truth. Mr. Choi was introduced by him, and baptized a month or two ago. He is elderly and although so recently baptized, you would think he had been a Christian many years. He has assumed the care of the flock most naturally, without any human being, as far as I know, even suggesting it to him, doing the work of an elder. This is remarkable, for one of the charges they bring against me is that I do not believe in elders, and certainly I do not believe in the imitation kind that the churches of this day produce.

Were it not for these two men, the work here could not, humanly speaking, go on. There are several others who are very valuable, but I will not enlarge. Continue to pray for us. We greatly need it. It is a work far beyond my brightest expectations.

The day after tomorrow (D. V.) I purpose to go to Tong Wai, a market town some few miles away, where there are eight people waiting baptism, and waiting to form a little meeting.

You understand these people have almost no knowledge beyond belief in the death and resurrection of Christ; after baptism they come out of the water so happy, and at once one sees evidence of the work of the Spirit. It is something altogether so new to me, that I have followed trembling, so to speak.

Your affectionate brother in Christ.

J. L. Willis.

Since the above letter was written, further information tells us that there are now forty breaking bread.

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Caracas, Venezuela, South America. My dear Sister in Christ: Having in my heart a desire to visit in a journey of 4 or 5 months, regions where there are thousands of souls without even one preacher of the Gospel to announce the good news of salvation by faith, and being assured that it is the will of the Lord to do so, and after much prayer, I am thinking that, if the Lord tarries His coming, and requiring for such a visit a good quantity of tracts, and booklets in Spanish for free distribution, I am writing you and praying the Lord to indicate to you His will. It would be a great joy to me if you could help in this way by sending a fair numbers of tracts, "Mensajes de Amor," as I desire to visit the houses one by one, and hold evangelistic meetings wherever possible, for 3 to 15 days successively, according to interest on the part of the people. I think I shall be able to reach in this way 250,000. In these parts there are no workers, and I desire that they have an opportunity of hearing the Gospel, and I believe He will supply all. In Him we confide, and none are put to shame who trust in Him. Praise His name.

Supplicating your prayers, I remain,

Yours in His service until His coming,

C. W. K.

(Translated from Spanish)

Linares, Spain.

Dear Sister in Christ

have received the "Messages of Love" for June and July. Very many thanks for them. As you will have learned I have a daily school for children numbering over a hundred, and also a Sunday School in this place for boys and girls. I am very much pleased with the paper, as are also the children, who appreciate it greatly. Receive my thanks and transmit them to whoever is interested in this work, knowing that our "labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Yours in Christ,

J. B. G.

(Translated from Spanish)

Linares, Jaen, Spain.

My esteemed Sister in the Lord:-

Thank you for your kindness in answering my letter with a promise of sending me fifty copies of the "Messages of Love," of which the first package has already been received.

I know that God, according to His promise in Isaiah 55:11 "will not let His word return void." I also send out much by mail. When I am traveling and see some who have an interest in the things of the soul, I ask for their address in order to send them tracts and periodicals by mail, hoping that some may be saved. I am sure that the Lord will bless your desire to send us the "Messages of Love," and will enable us to put them into the hands of the people. I have the testimony of many souls who have been saved by receiving tracts.

Praying that the Lord will bless you greatly, I remain, Your grateful friend and brother in the Lord, M. M.

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

AS TO THE LORD'S WORK IN SOUTH AMERICA

The Continent of South America has been called the "Neglected Continent." But many earnest servants of God are endeavoring to do their part to change this appellation. They are asking you to lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest. We know our blessed Lord and Master said this with a "Behold I say unto you." Do you desire to have any part in it? Just consider, is it possible that you have lived the greater part of your Christian life, or all of it, without 'knowledge of the work that was being done of and for the Lord in those lands where the blackness of the darkness of heathendom or superstition reigned, and is reigning. We feel sure that it is possible, and that thousands of the best taught Christians have lived in more or less' ignorance of these things, for none made it their business to tell them, and they never sought the sources of knowledge. Have you, dear brother or sister, no touch with those fields white unto the harvest? Do not say that those dear servants of God on the Mission fields are not your missionaries, for are they not members of the body of Christ, where God hath set them, and ye arc all members, one of another?

In these days of apostasy, when the enemy of souls is bringing in a flood of unsound doctrine, and denial of the truth in religious places', is it not all the more needful that we should hold up the hands of those who still contend for the faith once delivered to the saints?

Potosi, Bolivia, South America

Dear Sister in Christ:

I thank you so much for the beautiful papers. They are well gotten up and take well with the folks here. I keep them for the Lord's day school, as they suit this aspect of the work splendidly. I sent one or so to our dear Brother, R. R., and he is delighted with them also.

Potosi is 14,000 feet above sea-level, and is so isolated, being locked in by still higher mountains. To get out of this town, one has to climb over a mountain 16,000 feet above the sea. This will give you an idea of the difficulties of the work here. The altitude is tremendously hard on the heart. Of course, if there is any defect, well, one cannot live here. But praise the Lord, He is able, in spite of trials.

The work is very encouraging here in spite of the darkness spiritually, of the people. They are, because they can read and write, learning to appreciate the truth of the gospel, this being brought within their reach by means of preaching, distribution of Bible, New Testaments, Gospel portions, and tracts. This is all being blessed abundantly to souls here, for which I praise God, and take courage.

I am grateful to the Lord, for the privilege of filling a little niche in such a dark land as this. I do feel my unworthiness, but praise His name, He is worthy. May it please Him, to so work in, and through, and for us, that we shall give every heart beat, and every pulse beat back to Him, until He come. Thousands are perishing here, and the laborers are so few. I am all alone in this dark city, not a soul to help carry on. But praise the Lord, not alone, for Thy rod and Thy staff (support), they both comfort me. But O, that others would come, sent of the Lord, for the need is so great. However, His is the work, His the power, and His the Glory. He knows, He loves, He cares, and that is everything! Just lift your heart heavenward occasionally for this "Dark neglected Land."

Your Brother in Christ Jesus,

E. F. S.

El Fuerte, Sinaloa, Mexico

Dear Miss Ulrich:

We have received two packages of "Messages of Love". We have nothing for our children in Spanish. I would like to know who thought of this great blessing for our Mexican children? I could give you many addresses of pastors in Mexico who would be glad to know that there is such a paper. Please let me know all about it. Thank you for these numbers.

Yours truly, N. P.

Nombre de Dios, Poanas, Mexico

Esteemed Sister in the Faith:

The congregation which is in my charge has received regularly each roll of the "Messages of Love," which you have sent, and these have been used with good results to the glory of our Lord. I have been away in the country, and surrounding cities and God has blessed us richly.

Although my congregation is poor in money for lack of work, I beg of you to tell me how much we owe you for the "Messages," because it is probable that we will not be able to continue buying this good periodical after having paid you, as we are very scarce of money, though it is a paper which is a great help to us, we shall be obliged to cease taking it for this reason. We are very sorry for this. We acknowledge with gratitude your kindness in sending us each roll. Many thanks. We are praying for this publication, which is so good. We beg you prayers. With love in the Lord, E. G. S.

(Later from the same.)

Nombre de Dios, Poanas, Mexico Dear Sister in the Lord:

I have before me your much appreciated letter, and it gives me the greatest pleasure to see that you, who are so distant from us, are pleased to interest yourselves in us.

We, this congregation, are remembering in prayer each day this work which these "Messages of Love" are doing, for I repeat that we and all reading with profit this good periodical, and are passing it on to the unconverted.

Many thanks for your kindness which you are showing to us so gratuituously, and we shall hope to receive regularly these good "Messages of Love," as we have been doing.

For my part, I am greatly pleased, and only our God and Father is able to recompense this work, and may He bless it by His Holy Spirit is my desire and my prayer.

Your brother in the Lord, E. G. S.

Mexico

"For a long time we have been looking to the Lord to work in this idolatrous land of Mexico, and I cannot but feel that much of the seed that has been sown is about to spring up-God grant it. I am sure that you people who have so faithfully sent out the Word, will have your reward at the harvest time." M. V.

Panajachel, Guatemala, Central America My Dear Miss Ulrich:

He abideth faithful.

Mr. Townsend and my husband expect to share the work in this large Department of Solola until the Lord sends some one else to direct it, and we can always use "Messages of Love" to good advantage here; if you can send us some of each issue.

The time now is indeed short for seed sowing, and we are glad that the Lord is at hand in these strenuous end-time days, to cheer and bless. We know you will pray with us that His will be made manifest.

Yours in Him, L. H. T.

Ramerez, Argentine, South America

Dear Madam:

I recently saw the November number of your Gospel paper in Spanish and was attracted by the excellent production, both as regards the reading matter, and the general get up of the paper. I saw it in an obscure town in the province of Santa Ff, and I have been unable to find out how it got there. I should be pleased if you could send me a few every month for district visiting distributing.

Please pray for the extension of Gospel work in the Argentine. We have been in this country 17 years, and could give you some interesting accounts of Gospel work in it.

We remain, Yours in His Service,

E. G. G.

Manila, Philippine Islands

Dear Fellow-Helper in Christ:

I don't know to whom I am indebted for giving you My address, so that you have kindly sent me two packages of "Mensajes de Amor," but allow me to assure you that this splendid paper is greatly appreciated, and it, will be of interest to you to know that it is now being sent to many parts of these needy islands by mail.

There is intense missionary work here, but it is to he feared that education has greater place than conversion to God. At times we have been almost led to think that many of God's people in America had forgotten their responsibility to the eleven million souls of these islands, but we press on, assured that His gracious purposes will be fulfilled in spite of much to discourage. We shall greatly value your prayers.

Thanking you most heartily for share of the Lord's bounty, Yours in that blessed Hope, G. A. W.

Los Barrios, Prov. de Cadiz, Spain

Dear Miss Ulrich:

It has been a great pleasure and help to our work for the Lord here in Los Barrios to receive your nice paper for the young people "Mensajes de Amor." I have had some through Mr. Holmes, but I am writing to ask you if you could allow me some fifty or so, sent direct? I meet with so many, old and young, who would like to have them. May the Lord bless the Gospel messages which they contain, and give you to see abundant blessing resulting from your effort put forth in His name. It is sad indeed to see the children in these dark lands. Even the grown-ups so ignorant as to God's plan of salvation. It has been my joy and privilege now more than 20 years to tell the story of Jesus and His love in Spain and Morocco.

"His coming draweth nigh," so may we use up the opportunities.

Yours in Him whom we love to serve.

M. E. H.

Huehuetenango, Guatemala, Central America Dear Sister in the Lord:

"He abideth faithful."

Greetings in that most precious of names-Jesus.

For some time you have been sending me a small roll of "Mensajes de Amor". Not finding anything in the paper to indicate who were responsible for it, and fearing that it might be sent out to propogate some unsound doctrines or frills to the Gospel, that so much abound in these days, I have never made acknowledgment of it until now. So far as I have seen, you stand for the Truth, and should the Lord make it possible for you to do so, I could use, for His glory, the following to the address-centers under our particular care, 250 copies to Pastor Lopez; 200 copies to Pastor De Leon; 250 copies to Pastor Angel; 250 copies to Pastor Hernandez; 350 copies to my address. You may not be able to send so many, but this indicates what we can use for His glory.

Wishing you the Lord's best blessing, and that He may give you wisdom in the articles printed, I remain, in His dear Name and service, "Till He come", F. G. T.

Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands Dear Sister in the Lord: You will see by the enclosed receipt when the packages of the "Messages" reached us, and how many. Yes, we do appreciate them very, very much, for they just suit our need among the young folks. Have been keeping some in reserve each month for the following plan: We shall have boys and girls, from ten to fifteen years of age, here each week for a reading hour. One or more of them will read the stories, etc., in the "Messages," and then each receive a copy to take home. Those that are left are placed aboard the ships, and how eager the men are to get all such. They are really starved for something to read. No one seems to pay any attention to their appeals or care about them, so they have been going through the years without. What a responsibility has been upon the religious leaders who have refused to hear them, and give them the Word of God. What an account they will have to give for these people who have perished for the lack of the knowledge of the living God. Surely we are living in the last days, and the Coming of our blessed Lord "draweth nigh."

Never has there been more need of earnest prayer for help, and we hope that you, and as many others as can, will join us in this.

The people here continue to come as usual to hear the Word, and we pray that many may be led from darkness to the glorious light of our Lord. It is very difficult for them to break away from their old religious ties, and many of them that do, are compelled to flee to other countries for safety.

All of my family join me in Christian greetings and God-speed for you and your work for Him.

Yours in the Lord's Island service,

F. C. M.

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Panajachel, Sonola, Guatemala,

Central America.

My Dear Sister in Christ:

Just recently your splendid publication, "Mensajes de Amor," has come to my attention, and I am desirous of circulating it systematically each month through our field of about one hundred thousand inhabitants, so we are wondering if you will send us, say perhaps, fifty copies monthly of this blessed little paper? We have started a very definite and systematic hut to hut, village to village, campaign of personal evangelization with the printed and spoken Word, and are rejoicing in the sincere interest manifested among a truly large proportion of those visited, with a demand for more literature leading them into the way of life. We are building up a mailing list for those really interested in the regular mailing of such literature.

Praying for you and your associates for our Lord's full and abundant blessing in this incomparable work of sowing the blessed and eternal Word, I am yours in that blessed hope, W. R. R.

Chichicastenango, Guatemala, Central America.

Dear Miss Ulrich:

He abideth faithful."

Recently we received a bundle of "Mensages de Amor," which is just the sort of a Sunday school paper we need for our people here. We are most desirous of obtaining, at least, fifty copies a month, and to put its good Biblical teachings into as many homes which hardly ever receive anything in the way of a healthy periodical. The tracts and "Porcions" are always joyfully welcomed, but a real periodical is a rare treat.

Your little paper is quite pertinent to the needs of people in this isolated section.

Yours very sincerely,

L. T.

Mexico City, Mexico.

Dear Sister in the Lord:

I one day received a copy of your Sunday school paper, "Mensajes de Armor," and as I have opened a little evangelical mission here hi dark, needy Mexico, and have a few children on Sundays, I would like very much to have some copies of this paper for my boys and girls.

Thanking you for your kindness, I am,

Yours for Mexico,

MRS. A. S.

Quezaltenango, Guatemala, Central America.

(Translated from Spanish)

Dear Sister in Christ:

It is with pleasure that I write to you for the purpose of telling you my desire. I have read one of your papers, "Messages of Love," and I see they contain precious truths which are very profitable for us and for our people here, especially among the Indian race, which I represent, and among whom I wish to distribute them. If you would have the kindness to send me some copies I would be very grateful.

Very sincerely yours,

E. F.

Tetuan, Morocco, N. Africa.

Dear Miss Ulrich:

Mr. H., a missionary in S. Spain, has given me a copy of your very helpful little paper, "Mensajes de Amor," and I will be very grateful to receive some copies, both for my work among the Jews, and also for the Spanish Mission School in connection with the North African Mission. In this school there are over fifty children in attendance, and the two English workers find it very difficult to get any literature. The children are all very poor, and beyond these two young workers in the school, nothing else is being done here among these poor people, who are as ignorant of the Gospel as the heathen.

I trust you are being greatly blessed in your work, and will have great joy in it in the coming day. With Christian greetings, Yours sincerely in Jesus, M. E. B.

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

234 Santa Anita Court, Sierra Madre, Calif.

My dear Friend:-

I am so glad that you want to know something about our little Spanish "Messages of Love," for I assure you that nothing gives me greater pleasure than to tell about it to those interested. The Lord has indeed graciously blessed this small effort to send the light of His Gospel to some of the dark corners of the earth.

When we took up the work, a little over three years ago, one thousand papers were being sent to forty receivers. Through the Lord's goodness the demand and supply have steadily increased in a perfectly balanced ratio, until now we are sending out thirty thousand papers monthly to three hundred and twenty receivers. It is indeed wonderful, and we can but exclaim: "The thing proceedeth from the Lord." As nearly every one of our receivers represents a whole field, you can see how large is the area over which this "precious seed" is being sown.

Eight months' supply of the paper is printed all at once (for economy), and these are brought up here and deposited in our basement. Each month several come to help, and in a few hours the three hundred and thirty or forty bundles are weighed, wrapped, labeled and stamped. Then one of our brothers sends his auto truck and seven or eight of Uncle Sam's mail sacks. These are filled and taken to the post office, and our little "Messages" are soon on their way to all the Spanish-speaking countries of the world.

Numbers of interesting letters from those receiving the paper are continually coming, all so full of appreciation and gratitude, that it is a pleasure to read them. I will enclose copies of a few of these, and you might pass them on to any whom you think would be interested in them.

I was struck by the prayer of one of the brothers in the meeting here one evening. He asked the Lord to "put the spirit of prayer in the hearts of our brethren elsewhere for this work." I am sure you will not fail to respond to this, nor to the touching appeals for prayers in the enclosed letters.

With affectionate Christian greetings,

Yours in Him,

Henriette R. Ulrich.

Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Thank you for your little paper, "Mensajes de Amor." We can use all you can send, as we give away hundreds of tracts. My native men go to outside towns with Bibles and Tracts. There is nothing more in demand than the little "Messages." We could use a thousand of each issue, and then not have reached a tenth of the people who would like to have them.

Very sincerely yours,

J. T. M.

Campeche, Mexico.

God has given us an opportunity to open up a Bible room in this city to be entirely dedicated to the distribution of God's Word and Tracts. Could you please send us about 200 copies of "Mensajes de Amor" monthly, and we pray and know that they will bring good fruitage in the vineyard of the Lord. Thanking you and praying for His success upon your work.

Yours in the Lord,

L. P. S.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras, C. A. Thank you very much for the roll of "Mensajes de Amor." They are very good and I surely want to be placed on your mailing list. We give out tracts at least twice a week in the trains, where we use about 50 to 100, then also in the park and in barber shops, where we can use a very large number.

The paper is simple and appeals to me, as we need things not above the understanding of the common people, who have little or no education. We do some village work also. I wonder how many numbers you can send me each month. As you see we can use at least 500, possibly you can for the present send me 100 to 200 to take care of one week at the trains, park and barber shops.

Am sure the Lord will provide in the matter as He does in all His work. The train work especially means a wide distribution of the Word, as the people are from all parts of Honduras. How happy we are to be used of Him in this precious work. Pray for souls here as I am sure you do for the other fields where the "Mensajes" go.

Yours in Him,

H. N. A.

Villa Maria, Argentine, S. A.

I herewith acknowledge your great kindness in sending us "M. de A." which are very greatly appreciated by us, and all to whom they are distributed. They are most attractively gotten up, and can be placed in the hands of all classes, in the certain knowledge that they will command attention and be read. We shall esteem the favor highly if you will continue to send us your publication, and will endeavor to use it ever to the glory of God.

Again thanking you all and with our united love in the Lord Jesus, assuring you of our prayers, that your work may be greatly blessed of the Lord.

Yours very sincerely in Him,

H. F. B.

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Yeung Kong, China.

Account of Trip Taken Aug. 16th to 21st.

I would like to give you some account of our recent trip to Kaap Toang and a group of villages some six miles from it. We left Yeung Kong on Monday afternoon, August 16th, and starting with a favorable wind, reached the mouth of the tributary river on which Kaap Toang is situated. We proceeded up this branch some distance by moonlight, and at last came to an anchor near a small market place, the name of which I have forgotten. Here we passed the night in peace. The next morning very early we arrived at a small market town called Paak Shik. The men of the party left the ship here and proceeded to Kaap Toang on foot. The men were, Tang Tak Yi, who is a preacher, Taam Paak Was, who goes about hunting people out, who may be "willing to believe," a young man recently graduated from the Normal School, who asked to be allowed to accompany us, and who was the first person I baptized, about a year ago.

Tang Slin Shaang had been quite ill for three or four weeks, and has not yet by any means recovered his strength, so the rest of us arrived a little before him, and found a few people already gathered in the gospel hall, or "Fuk Yam Toang" as they call them here. We opened the New Testament and had some reading and teaching. Later Tang Slin Shaang came, and preached to them. It was market day, and there was an encouraging attendance. I was especially interested in a school-teacher, a man of some learning in the old-fashioned way, and two very bright faced students who were with him. Quite a number have been baptized at this place, and are now breaking bread in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. I have never been present at the breaking of bread there, except the first time. We had meetings again in the afternoon and evening.

On Wednesday the 17th at the urgent solicitation of some of the brethren, I went by chair to the group of villages in the valley, some six miles. It had been raining, and continued to rain, off and on, most of the way. We had to cross several small streams but at this season the water is so warm that one does not feel so sorry for the bearers, and if the rain should wet yourself a little, it does no harm. These valleys are beautifully situated, like a basin, or immense amphitheater, surrounded by hills, with stream running through them. The bright green of the rice-fields, the darker shades of the hills, green and brown, with the shadows of the clouds resting on them here and there, combined with the picturesque villages surrounded by their trees, and each with its pond or ponds, make a picture not readily forgotten.

We reached He Kwong Hei about three o'clock, or maybe a little earlier. Here we passed the night in the house of a man named Leung Yiu Yin. He impressed me favorably on the whole. I was told he had been a Christian for over ten years. Afterward I learned that he had been out of the church for some time, on account of having taken a secondary wife. I saw this woman, before I was informed of the circumstance, and she showed a nice spirit and desires to be baptized. We visited one of the adjoining villages, and after our return had a meeting in Mr. Leung's shop.

The village would not have more than sixty people in it, and there were say a dozen at the meeting. We slept in a large room that had seven beds in it, or eight. It was large and quite airy. The next morning early we went: to Ly Chee village. Here there is a school taught by a young man named Leung, whom have known for nearly a year. His father is connection of the gentleman referred to above, and is very zealous in going about preaching the doctrine. I have been helping him a little to the extent of about five dollars a month. I was much drawn to the younger Leung this time. He seems to have greatly improved. Several of his pupils wish to be baptized, and the elder Leung was desirous of hurrying the action there and then. However, I suggested that they should come over to the meeting which I supposed we were to have at He Kwong. I found, however, that they had other arrangements. Instead of having a meeting there, I was taken to another village perhaps three miles or so away, stopping at Ching Kwong Ping on the way. Arrived at our destination, a village called Tong Ping, I found there a "Fuk Yam Toang," very neat and clean, though small. Here we had meetings afternoon and evening. In the interval I baptized fourteen people, recommended to me by several of those known to me. Some of these no doubt are real, and of some I have misgivings. But I have found it is easy to be mistaken either way. There is a man of thirty-eight living in the village. It is he who has opened the "Fuk Yam Toang," and who has been teaching these people, helped by another brother named Hei. This man, whose name is Maak Ping Choh, will, I trust, continue to shepherd these newly baptized people, and teach them.

This expression "willing to believe" denotes the condition of a great many everywhere. The ancient prejudices are now broken down, and now is the time to give them the truth.

We slept in the "Fuk Yam Toang." Perhaps I should explain that Tang Slin Shaang remained at Kaap Toang and we got back to Kaap Toang about noon, and had a meeting there, and left at two o'clock to go to Paak Shik. Arrived at Paak Shik, we did not remain there, but passed on, on foot, to a village named Paak Kom. Here we were deeply interested. We saw a very large house-large in area, not in height; all its foangs or rooms, being on the ground. The walls near the ground were of granite, topped off with hard brick of the very best quality. It had a tower loop-holed for rifles, and was a veritable little fortress. The master of this house received us most kindly pressed us to stay to the evening meal-to stay all night-to come to breakfast. This last we accepted and left Mr. Leung to talk the doctrine while we, (my daughter Dorothy, Taam Pak Was and his son, and myself) returned to the ship for supper and to sleep. The ship this hot weather is more agreeable to sleep in than any house.

We learned that the owner of this house had already been baptized by Mr. Poon, the leading brother at Kaap Toang. His name is Hei, and he is very well connected. Our Ah Mah (nurse) is acquainted with them. The next morning early, even before we were all dressed, a man came to bring us to breakfast. We finished dressing, had our morning chechop (morning prayers), to which a couple of young fellows from a neighboring boat came, and then went to answer our invitation. We found a warm reception. No foreigner had ever been at that village, and men, women and children turned out, and turned into the reception room. We found the owner a most unpretentious man, and very simple and willing to learn. After breakfast we spent over an hour with the New Testament, and then Leung preached. There were five who wished to be baptized, but as the day was wearing on, and we felt we ought to get back to the city, (Yeung Kong) for today; we promised to return next Tuesday.

We arrived at the city about three, and found all pretty well.

J. L. WILLIS.

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Dear Miss U.:

Thank you for your letter which I was glad to receive. As to the little paper "Mensajes de Amor" we can use all you can, send. We have what we call the "Open Book," (El Libro Abierto). Here we have Bibles, pictures, calendars, etc., as many things as possible to make the place attractive, and thus call attention in a pleasant way to the dear old Book. At this room, dedicated exclusively to the Bible, we give away hundreds of tracts.

My native men go to outside towns, with Bibles and tracts. There is nothing more in demand than the "Messages of Love." We could use a thousand each issue, and then not have reached a tenth of the people who would be glad to take them. So tell me the condition on which we could have a thousand of each issue, for we can easily use that many.

We are very busy in the Master's vineyard, and are happy in our work. Mrs. M. and I go to the work day and night, with an ever new delight.

Very sincerely yours,

J. T. M.

(Translated from Spanish)

Coatepeque, Guatemala, Central America. Esteemed Sister in the Lord and our Savior: I desire that the richest blessings of the Lord may rest upon you and all your company, and after sending you all my Christian love, I acknowledge having received, in perfect condition, five packages of the papers, which you have had the kindness to send me. How much joy and pleasure the brethren and I feel in having these "Messages of Love," and in truth it is indeed the "Love of God,' for now we have much love and sympathy for our brethren, who so kindly send us such instructive reading. Today we have raised a fervent petition to the Lord, to bless you all.

We hope that in the future you will not forget to send us these "Messages." May the Lord give you all in that day, the crown of Victory, for I know that at the sound of the trumpet we shall all be united, even though here on earth it be impossible to meet face to face, yet the "lave of Christ constrains us," and we are united by the Spirit.

I shall faithfully divide these papers among those who are leading souls to the feet of 'the Savior.

Yours in Christ,

M. V.

Chile, South America.

As the days go by, and we see more of the life about us, one truth impresses itself deeply on our minds-the need of regeneration, rather than education; of Christ, rather than culture. Some people would have us believe that what the people of this land need is better environment, opportunity to develop "the good in themselves," but God says: "There is none righteous, no not one." (Rom. 3:10).

Chile is different from some other mission fields, as in Africa or India. Here we have practically all the conveniences we find at home. Civilization has preceded the missionary. But with all these advantages, what of the people? Are they living on a high moral and spiritual plane because of this fact? No! a thousand times, no! The rich who enjoy all the advantages of modern civilization, are as a class atheistic or materialistic.

The large majority of the educated have no faith in God; their education itself, having robbed them of this priceless jewel. No missionaries have ever begun to touch these. Our work is among the poor. As in the days of our Lord, "The common people heard Him gladly." Here too, it is into the homes of the poor that we find entrance.

And what shall we bring to these to whom we go? As we enter homes, and see poverty, degradation, ignorance, and vice, there comes the temptation to first help the people to a better standard of living, to teach them how to live in a wholesome manner, properly caring for their homes and their bodies. But it is clear from the condition described above, that education is not their first need. It is Christ, and Him crucified, who alone can bring light, joy, and peace to these darkened hearts.

So our desire is to preach Jesus, Jesus only, and we ask your earnest, intercessory prayers, that the power of the Holy Spirit may be upon us, a body of workers, missionaries and native helpers, to the end that our vision of the real need may not be lost, but that we may not only preach, but live Christ day by day, before those who are lost in sin.

(Translated from Spanish)

Infantes, Spain.

Dear Sister in the Lord:

Many thanks for the copies of this month's

"Messages of Love." I do like them so much, as do all those who assist at our Gospel meetings.

Now I must tell you something of our work in this city, and of the great trials through which we are passing, notwithstanding the Lord defends us and aids us in everything, glory be to Him!

I do not know if I told you that we were to be turned out of our house the end of June. It seemed impossible to find another one, first because houses were scarce, and second because we were Protestants, for there is much ignorance, superstitution, and fanaticism in this city, so we were praying to the Lord day and night to give us one.

At last at the end of June, a building was offered to us, containing a large hall and three apartments, for sixty dollars a month in advance. I did not have the money, but as we live by faith, I made the contract, and in four days the Lord sent me the money.

But when the priests and richest men of the city heard that we had acquired a new hall that would seat 500 people, they began to work against us to see if they could make us break our contract, going to see the landlord and trying to intimidate him, and threatening him because he had done so wrong in renting to Protestants. The wives of these rich men, who are Counts, Dukes, etc., visited the houses of those who assist at our meetings, threatening to dismiss them from their employ, and give them no more work if they attend our meetings.

This is a very backward city and dominated by the priests, and we need much constant prayer to the Lord. The "Messages of Love" are doing much good, for though they say that which we preach is bad, they see that the reading is good in this paper, which we distribute at the close of the meetings. We have confidence in the Lord, in Him alone is our hope.

Your brother in Him,

F. V.

Extracts of Letters From the Battle Fields - From an Officer

O, what cause I have to thank and bless and praise the Lord that I am well, although I have been eight times under the enemy's heavy fire, coming out of it each time without being harmed. One realizes in such moments that our God and Father does answer the fervent prayers of His own. I will not tell you of the great agony and Misery which surround me, as enough of such news will reach you from other sources, only I would implore the brethren to continue in prayer, to remember especially all God's children in the war, and to intercede much for those who do not yet know the Lord. How many have fallen in this war without hope and without God!

From a Naval Officer

The distribution of tracts among the soldiers is carried on daily from 8 a. m. till midnight. Forty to fifty thousand tracts and Bibles are given away monthly, for which work about a hundred dollars is given monthly. The Lord has encouraged and given much joy to the brethren who are interested in this work; only eternity will declare what has been done here, and in many other places, and in the garrisons since the mobilization. As an encouraging example of how the Lord has blessed this work we give a copy of a letter just received from the field:

January 6, 1915.

Although the son of Christian parents, I had never cared very earnestly about my soul, though often warned about it. Through the mobilization I awoke from my carelessness and realized that God was solemnly speaking to me. I felt that each day might be the last, and that I should be lost if I should die in the war. Full of anxiety and unrest, I decided anew to pray to God for forgiveness of my sins, but I received no assurance. This went on till the sixth day of mobilization, on which I had to enlist with a burden which almost crushed me. I went early to the headquarters where all were gathered. As we were getting started, a gentleman was distributing tracts. Eagerly I reached out for one of the leaflets, as if sure that I would find in it that which I was seeking. The words of the title, "I will be there," fell like soothing ointment on my heart.

I knew those words came from the Lord, and I knew He would not forget me in the war. I could not read the little tract till we were on the train. With interest I read the narrative in which a lady on a sea voyage sought to make known to a little child why the Lord Jesus died for us. Through this was made known to me that the Lord Jesus died for me, too. I realized the blessedness for which I had sought so long in vain. Now I could believe, and with a happy heart T, too, could say, "I will be there." Although much tried by Satan, through the help of the Lord, I was enabled to withstand his wiles, and to follow Him who gave His precious blood for me.

Concentration Camp and Hospital

Two of our believing sisters are nurses in this hospital, and so have access to the Concentration Camp, and find it a precious work for the Lord to give away to those poor prisoners the Word of God. One of these has written us several encouraging letters from which we send extracts: 1. "We have at present forty wounded, but expect shortly 100 to 150. The wounded and also the well rejoice much when we bring them something to read. Here in the camp is a Testament, and it is passed from one to the other, so much do they like it. If possible send us more. Even the doctors. ask for Testaments for the sick.”

2. "Thank you very much for the thirty Testaments and 100 Gospels and 200 tracts. It is a great joy to me to distribute them among the sick ones and also the nurses. O, how these sick ones rejoice when we give them something to read! One has read the Gospel of John twenty-one times. How he will rejoice when he receives a whole Testament. Each one would like to have one for himself. The nurses also read the Testament every leisure moment they have, and often I see the tears roll down their cheeks as they read. May the gracious Lord give light to many a poor soul, so that this captivity may be the means of leading them to real freedom. How often do I wish that all men would love the Word of God as do those poor prisoners. "In the isolated barracks that I am not allowed to enter, a doctor distributes with pleasure pamphlets and Testaments. "We have now 170 wounded and 120 sick in the isolated barracks.”

3. "I received with thankfulness the package of 70 Testaments, 100 Gospels and 200 pamphlets. O, how our sick ones rejoice over the Testaments. How thankful I am that through your help I can be useful to these sick ones, not only for their bodies, but also for their souls. We have met two children of God among the prisoners. It was a great joy. We have now 1,000 men, but a great transport is expected soon.”

The above sisters have distributed 350 Testaments, 1,200 tracts, 1,000 Gospels.

A Letter

Dear Young Friends,

I rejoice with every one of you who have trusted Christ and know Him as Saviour and Lord in the sunny days of youth. Some of us are getting old, and we will not be able to run the Lord’s errands, and tell others of His love very long. You will be filling our places, and going forth with the glad tidings to near and distant lands.

Keep close to Christ now; read and meditate on His Word; speak often to Him in prayer; and keep well away and far off from ungodly companions and worldly associations, by which so many bright young believers are spoiled and reduced to miserable backsliders. The out-and-out follower of Christ is the only truly happy person on earth. May you each always be found among that royal few who follow Jesus fully.

A Letter to a Young Christian Couple

In starting a new home there is one verse to which I want to call your attention and that is,

“In the beginning God." Gen. 1:1.

Very much of your happiness or success in all your future life will depend on how you begin. I do not mean financially-that is of little importance. God can bless little or blow on much. The all-important matter is to begin by making God's things first in the new home. That should be the center around which all the new duties and responsibilities take their places. It is much like an arch with every stone in its proper place, but if the center or keystone is missing, the whole will be confusion. Begin by "seeking first" the things that are first (Matt. 6:33).

After the proper start is made and a good foundation laid, you will find differences of opinions, thoughts and desires. In this there will have to be bearing and forbearing, but there is one sure way of always arriving at the same conclusion. That is by being of "the same mind in the Lord" (Phil. 4:2). There is always a mind and will of the Lord in all matters, and whenever two people agree to seek His mind and His will, they will of necessity arrive at the same point of view and decision.

The words: "if thine eye be single thy whole body shall be full of light," not if thine eye be keen or far-seeing. There must be the single purpose of desiring to see the Lord's will that it might be done.

Do not neglect your daily and habitual reading of the Word of God, and also make time to read other profitable, sound writings on the Word. You will find that it will be a good investment of your time. I sincerely hope that you will not be satisfied with just knowing your sins forgiven, but will "grow," and to grow there must be suitable food.

“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Josh. 24:15.

Substance of a Letter on the Theory of Evolution

You need not apologize for writing, for the subject is of such importance, and I myself having passed through a conflict of doubt and agony of soul on these very points, it makes one anxious to help any who are passing through the like. I was assailed with fierce doubts during the course of my scientific studies.

The young naturally look with reverence upon their college professors, but as one grows older one perceives that there is no class of men more self-confident than so-called scientists, and hence none more untrustworthy as guides on such matters.

The Christian of course takes his stand upon the Word of God. He has learned to trust that Word, not because of its scientific instruction, but because it has a power over heart and conscience that no other book has. The Bible was not intended to be a scientific handbook, nevertheless being inspired of God, it is and must be perfectly accurate wherever it may touch on such matters—and this, given time for a fuller acquaintance with the facts of science and a clearer understanding of the Scriptures, is invariably found to be the case.

I myself never had much difficulty on the subject of evolution, other things troubled my mind more. For, after all, evolution is but a theory; perhaps I should say only a hypothesis, invented by man to account for certain things that he finds in the world around.

It has often been said that the facts of science are one thing, the conclusions which scientific men have based on these facts are quite another.

The facts nobody can deny. "Scalpel and microscope," to use your friend's words, may elicit the facts of science. Man attempts to account for these facts by theories of his own invention, forgetting that after all he is only finite, and not only finite, but fallen; his intellectual powers are as much fallen as are his moral faculties.

But the Word of God accounts for these facts too, yet in a very different way from man's theory of evolution. Here there is an antagonism. Your scientists tell you that they are so convinced of the truth of their theory of evolution, that they are content to give up the Bible!

This is the crux of the whole matter. A man who thus argues proves two things; first, his own overweening confidence in himself, and second, that he has never felt the beauty and power of the Scriptures.

Man has a conscience which no scientific theories and research can silence—he has deep soul needs which the "scalpel and microscope" will never satisfy.

Give up the Bible! The noblest intellects have pored over its pages with love and reverence, and with adoration of its divine Author.

But does it not contain scientific mistakes? Is not Genesis 1 and 2 full of them? So says the superficial devotee of science. But in fact no chapters bear more conclusive evidence of divine inspiration than these. Written at a time when science was unknown, they treat briefly and yet exhaustively the whole subject of the origin of the universe. During the ages of the past, man has invented and been obliged to abandon theories. Scripture has spoken once, and has never had to alter, correct, or modify. And none of the facts of science can be shown to militate against the account of creation there given.

Why does man seek to get rid of creation and to substitute evolution? Because if there is such a thing as creation, then there must be a Creator; that is, there must be a God, and man does not like to believe in God, for his conscience makes him feel that he is not fit for His presence.

If people would read and study their Bibles more, they would find out moral beauties that would bow their souls in adoration.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Prov. 1:7.

A. H. B.

Extracts from Letters

Table of Contents

Copy Of A Letter

Extract From a Letter

Extract From a Letter

Extract From a Letter

Extract From a Letter: A Crown

Extract From a Letter From China

Extract From a Letter On

Extracts From a Letter

Extracts From Letters From the Front

Extracts From Letters From the Front

Extracts From Letters From the Front

Extracts From Letters From the Front

Extracts of Letters

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Extracts of Letters as Subjects for Prayer

Extracts of Letters From the Battle Fields - From an Officer

A Letter

A Letter to a Young Christian Couple

Substance of a Letter on the Theory of Evolution