Vol 40, No. 17 Sydney, Monday, April 27, 1936 gWeiTarintylpr' Qeneenl Pc,' by Post as a Ne;npaper T HE hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be His worshippers. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth." John 4:23, 24, R.V. These words of Jesus to the woman of Samaria are His first recorded teaching on the subject of prayer. They give us some wonderful first glimpses into the world of prayer. The Father SEEKS wor- shippers: our worship satisfies His loving heart and is a joy to Him. He seeks TIlLiE WORSHIPPERS, but finds many not such as He would have them. True worship is that which is in spirit and truth. THE SON HAS COME to open the way for this worship in spirit and in truth, and teach it to us. And so one of our first lessons in the school of prayer must be to under- stand what it is to pray in spirit and in truth, and to know how we can attain to it. Our Lord spoke of a threefold worship. First, the ignorant worship of the Samari- tans: "Ye worship that which ye know not." The second, the intelligent worship of the Jew, "We worship that which we know; for salvation is of the Jews." And then the new, the spiritual worship which He Himself has come to introduce: "The hour is coming, and is now, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth." From the connection it is evident that the words "in spirit and truth" do not mean, as often thought, earnestly, from the heart, in sincerity. The Samaritans had the five books of Moses and some knowledge of God; there were doubtless more than one among them who honestly and earnestly sought God in prayer. The Jews had the true full revela- tion of God in His Word, as thus far given; there were among them godly men, who called upon God with their whole heart. And yet not "in spirit and truth," in the full meaning of the words. Among Christians one still finds the three classes of worshippers. Some who in their ignorance hardly know what they ask: they pray earnestly, and yet receive but little. Others there are, who have more correct knowledge, who try to pray with all their mind and heart, and often pray most earnestly,. and yet do not attain to the full blessedness of worship in spirit and truth. It is into the third class we must ask our Lord Jesus to take us; we must be True Worshippers taught of Him how to worship in spirit and truth. "God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him IN SPIRIT and truth." There must be harmony between God and His worshippers. The man who would truly worship God, would find and know and possess and enjoy God, must be in harmony with Him, must have the capacity for receiving Him. Jesus stated that henceforth worship is no longer to be limited to a certain place: "Woman, believe Me, THE HOUR COMETH, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father." As God is Spirit, not bound by space ox time, so His worship would henceforth no longer be confined by place or form. A lesson of deep importance. A man who seeks to pray earnestly in the church or in the closet, spends the greater part of the week or the day in a spirit entirely at variance, with that in which he prayed. His wor- ship was the work of a fixed place or hour, not of his whole being. Our worship must be the spirit of our life; our life must be worship in spirit. This worship in the spirit must come from God Himself. He sent His Son, to fit us for such spiritual worship, by giving us the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to bap- tise with the Holy Spirit; the Spirit could not stream forth till He was glorified (John 1:33; 7:37, 38; 16:7). The Father sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts to cry, "Abba, Father." The wor- ship in spirit is in the spirit of Christ, the spirit of sonship. The worship OF THE FATHER is pos- sible only to those to whom the Spirit of the Son has been given. The worship IN SPIRIT is possible only to those to whom the Son has revealed the Father, and who have received the spirit of Sonship. It is only Christ who opens the way and teaches the worship in spirit. And IN TRUTH. That does not only mean, IN SINCERITY. The expression is one of deep and divine meaning. Jesus is "FULL OF GRACE and TRUTH." [John 1:14.] "Grace and TRUTH CAME by Jesus Christ." [Verse 14.] Jesus says, "I AM . . THE TRUTH and the life." [John 14:6.] The Holy Spirit is "the Spirit of truth:" through Him the grace that is in Jesus is ours in deed and truth, a positive communication out of the divine life. And so worship in spirit is worship IN TRUTH; actual living fellowship with God, a real correspondence and harmony between the Father, who is a Spirit, and the child praying in the spirit. We are carnal and cannot bring God the worship He seeks. But Jesus came to give the Spirit: He has given Him to us. As we set ourselves to pray, let there be the deep confession of our inability to bring God the worship that is pleasing to Him, and the simple faith that yields itself to the breathing of the Spirit. Above all, let us hold fast the blessed truth that the knowledge of the Fatherhood of God, faith in the infinite love that gives us His Son and His Spirit to make us children, is indeed the secret of prayer in spirit and truth. This is the new and living way Christ opened up for us. To have Christ the Son, and THE SPIRIT OF THE SON, dwelling within us, and revealing the Father, this makes us true, spiritual wor- shippers. Blessed Lord! I adore the love with which Thou didst teach an outcast what the worship of God must be. I rejoice in the assurance that Thou wilt no less instruct Thy disciple, who comes to Thee now with a heart that longs to pray in spirit and truth. Teach me that true worship is not of man, but comes only from Thee; that it is not only a thing of times and seasons, but the outfiowing of a life in Thee. I do bless Thee that in Thee I am a child, and have a child's liberty of access; that in Thee I have the spirit of sonship and of worship in truth. Let the infinite Fatherliness of God's heart be my joy and strength for a life of prayer and of wor- ship. Amen. ALONE WITH GOD "But thou, when thou grayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall recompense thee." Matt. 6:6, R.V. In His first words on prayer in the ser- mon on the mount the Lord teaches His disciples that every one must have some solitary spot where he can be alone with his God. Every teacher must have a school- room. We have learnt to know and accept Jesus as our only teacher in the school of prayer. He has already taught us that worship is no longer confined to times and places; and yet He wants each one to choose himself the fixed spot where He can daily =mamma= OUR MISSION FIELD I 0-.11100.011011 OH I.-Z.001100 11§-11 11 2 � AUSTRALASIAN RECORD � 27/4/36 meet him. That inner chamber, that solitary place, is Jesus' schoolroom. That spot may be anywhere; that spot may change from day to day if we have to change our abode; but that secret place there must be, with the quiet time in which the pupil places himself in the Master's presence to be by Him prepared to worship the Father. There alone, but there most surely, Jesus comes to us to teach us to pray. If we listen carefully, we soon notice what the chief thing is He has to tell us of our tarrying there. Three times He uses the name of Father. First, "Pray to thy Father which is in secret." God is a God who hides Himself from the carnal eye. As long as in our worship of God we are chiefly occupied with our own thoughts and exercises, we shall not meet Him who is a Spirit, the unseen One. But to the man who with- draws himself from all that is of the world and man, and prepares to wait upon God alone, the Father will reveal Himself. As he forsakes and gives up and shuts out the world, and surrenders himself to be led of Christ into the secret of God's pres- ence, the light of the Father's love will rise upon him. Christians often complain that private prayer is not what it should be. They feel weak and sinful, the heart is cold and dark. They are discouraged and kept from prayer by the thought that they cannot come to the Father as they ought or as they wish. Child of God! listen to your Teacher. He tells you that when you go to private prayer your first thought must be: The Father is in secret, the Father waits me there. Just because your heart is cold ana prayerless, get you into the presence of the loving Father. As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth you. Do not be thinking of how little you have to bring God, but of how much He wants to give you. Just place yourself before, and look up into, His face; think of His love, His wonderful, tender, pitying love. Just tell Him how sinful and cold and dark all is: it is the Father's loving heart that will give light and warmth to yours. 0 do what Jesus says: Just shut the door, and pray to thy Father which is in secret. Is it not wonderful? to be able to go alone with God, the infinite God. And then to look up and say: My Father ! "And thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee." Here Jesus assures us that secret prayer cannot be fruitless: its blessing will show itself in our life. "He that cometh to God must believe that He is � a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Not on the strong or the fervent feeling with which I pray does the blessing of the closet depend, but upon the love and the power of the Father to whom I there entrust my needs. And therefore the Master has but one desire:. Remember your Father is, and sees and hears in se- cret; go there and stay there, and go again from there in the confidence: He will re- compense. Still further to confirm this faith in the Father-love of God, Christ speaks a third word: "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him." As we get a deeper insight into what prayer really is, this truth will help much to strengthen our faith. It will give us wonderful confidence to say, My Father knows I need it and must have it. And if there be any delay in the answer, it will teach us in quite perseverance to hold on: Father! Thou knowest I need it. Let us quietly say: My Father sees, my Father hears, my Father knows; it will help our faith to take the answer, and to say: We know that we have the petitions we have asked of Him. And now, all ye who have anew entered the school of Christ to be taught to pray, take these lessons, practise them, and trust Him to perfect you in them. Dwell much in the inner chamber, with the door shut— shut in from men, shut up with God; it is there the Father waits you, it is there Jesus will teach you to pray. To be alone in secret with THE FATHER: this be your V) (0) (0) Upper Ramu, Central New Guinea A CALL THAT WAS ANSWERED One fine Sabbath day some two months ago, several teachers accompanied me on a visit to a number of villages that lie in a valley to the north of our main station. From where we live the circular huts of these villages can be seen scattered in groups along this pretty valley. During the early morning they are often overhung with banks of fog, while at eventide the smoke from the fires in the villages drifts along the valley. Before noon, interesting visits had been paid to four of these villages, and we thought of returning home, but someone suggested that we first climb the ridge over yonder. This suggestion appealed to all, for none of us had looked down on the other side before. Gradually ascending for about two miles, we finally reached the top of this ridge, which is really a mountain- ridge about 6,000 feet high. How inter- ested all became as we drew near our goal. What would the valley beyond reveal ? At last ! With astonishment we looked down on a large village almost at our feet, directly below us some 300 feet. It was prettily situated in a thicket of oak trees near the junction of two creeks. About eighty houses could be seen from our position. CROWDS CAME RUNNING There was no thought of returning home now until we had visited this large village below. Several "watchmen" came up the hill to intercept us, but they seemed friendly, so we descended. On the flats to our right could be seen acres of fine native gardens, well laid out, lined up and drained. Many of these people are very particular that the drains through the gar- dens, or lines of beans, or whatever it might be, are in a straight line, and for this purpose they use vines or creepers as we would string or rope. Crowds of nat- ives came running to meet us when we reached the creek near the village. It seems to be always an interesting sight for the natives to watch a white man be- highest joy. To be assured that the Father will openly reward the secret prayer, so that it cannot remain unblessed: this be your strength day by day. Blessed Saviour! with my whole heart I do bless Thee for the appointment of the inner chamber, as the school where Thou meetest each of Thy pupils alone, and revealest to him the Father. 0 my Lord ! strengthen my faith so in the Father's tender love and kindness, that as often as I feel sinful or troubled, the first instinctive thought may be to go where I know the Father waits me, and where prayer never can go unblessed. 0 let the place of secret prayer become to me the most beloved spot on earth. Amen. —" With Christ in the School of Prayer," by Andrew Murray. ing carried over a stream. Soon we were in the midst of this village, surrounded by hundreds of natives. We noticed that every matt was armed with a bow and arrow. We learned later that this village had been attacked by enemies that very morning, and this accounted for the pres- ence of all of the inhabitants. A song service was held, and then good use made of a Picture Roll touching on a phase of the life of Christ. The crowds would listen intently for a time as we spoke to them through a child interpreter, then someone here, and another over there, would wish to amplify the words already spoken. A wave of a hand from the chief, or a shout from him would bring tempor- ary silence, which we would endeavour to make the best use of. Later treatments were given, and there were some very pitiable cases. CLUTCHING THEIR WEAPONS The chief and his people were very earnest and emphatic in their request for teachers to begin work among them. As we set off on our return journey, crowds of natives accompanied us to the river, while some came on with us as far as the top of the ridge, clutching their weapons all the while, for their enemies only a few hours before had, following the raid, dis- appeared over another ridge. We looked back on that village, wondering what we could do to help th.Ese people, who were so enveloped in heathen darkness. The fact that they were so earnest in their request for teachers was a sign of the dawning of a better day for them. But there seemed no way in which the call could be ans- wered. How we wished that we had some teachers ready to enter immediately. The great Upper Ramu Valley lay before us as we finally set out on our return journey. It was a wonderful sight, moun- tains near and far, lying between them in all directions were timbered areas and great reaches of open country, with vil- lages dotted here and there. This is surely a wonderful country, and unique for the tropics. Calls were made and services held at two more villages on our return journey, which lay along a different route from the one we came. We must have come in con- tact with about fifteen hundred heathen during our eight calls that day. Rt(MIXAIXAMIAX=VagingMAXMCW Id00001111g-11 1. 410, •• � •• •• •• .• Colporteur Work •• •. •• •• 27/4/36 � AUSTRALASIAN RECORD � 3 NEVER MET A PEOPLE SO EAGER I learned later that about two years before a Government official was killed at that large village. There were twelve lives lost in that sad affair. I have never yet met a people so eager to have a mis- sion established in their midst. A few days ago, after an interval of several weeks, we visited again this large village of Nafetenu, and this time for the purpose of arranging for a site upon which to build a church-school and a teachers' house. Though hardly knowing which way to turn, we determined that this place would be entered without any further de- lay. In order to accomplish this we drew one teacher from another area, and gave up one of the three boys we have at our head station, leaving us only two. A very good central location was secured. Though on the occasion of our second visit the chief was away, all said that they would gladly help the teachers erect the buildings, and at the same time supply materials. This time we counted the houses from a different angle of approach, and to our surprise there were approxi- mately 100, including some large houses for boys. The population of this village would be about 500. VOICES ACROSS THE RIVER The buildings are now in course of erec- tion. The other day we heard a voice from the opposite bank of the river, calling for some nails. The river being in flood, the teacher could not cross, and so the nails were thrown over to him. He then returned to join his companion in their work for those hundreds of people. The chief, too, called later, saying enthusiastically, "Papa (master), house he close up finish, now be- hind we put 'im grass on top." From his meagre knowledge of pidgin English he was able to give me this information. THREE MEN TO TEACH TEN SCHOOLS That is another call answered. It gives satisfaction and joy when this, and not the reverse, is the case. It is planned that these teachers erect another school at a village nearly two miles this side of Nafe- tenu. These people also nave called for teachers. It is almost an impossibility to provide teachers for every village, but two or three teachers stationed in a good centre could work from eight to ten villages, and with a school building at each village, they could care for them all, and thus come in contact with from one to two thousand people. We are endeavouring to develop the work along these lines, which are very successful in Africa, and there seems no other way that would meet the situation here, with the great population and scarcity of teachers. REQUEST FOR PRAYER We invite your prayers, dear reader, on behalf of this great and needy field, and on behalf of these teachers, who are being called upon to take up heavy burdens and great responsibilities in carrying the mes sage to these thousands of heathen. The marvellous part about it is, that they were heathen themselves but a few short years ago ! Pray the Lord of the harvest that He will soon send reapers among other waiting thousands all through this country, lest much precious "wheat" be lost. Humanly speaking, it would be a hopeless task, but from God's standpoint it is al- together another question. It can be done, and must be done, in and through His power, But God's people are His representatives, His advance agents in the earth, who should be closely following as God opens the way. ALWAYS A MARVEL This week, a leading official of this Ter- ritory arrived from Rabaul to make inves- tigation in Central New Guinea concern- ing native affairs. He was informed in my presence by a local Government official that we had entered the village of Nafe- tenu, where one of their officers had been killed some time ago. He replied, ''I am glad to hear that!" This same official is to attend a League of Nations meeting at Geneva this year. He said to me the other day, "It is always a marvel to me how you people can get the natives to give up their old ways." He was referring in par- ticular to the work which has been done on Mussau and Emira, and which is being repeated at present in the Admiralty group. "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.'' That is HOW it is done. May the Advent message speed on its way with ever-increasing power. Let us pray harder, and give more and more, in proportion to the increasing seriousness of this mighty hour of earth's history. A, J. CAMPBELL. Pioneering New Island Groups East of Papua Immediately after the A. M. College closed last November for vacation, I re- turned home to Papua to canvass for the books, "This Mighty Hour" and "The Home Physician," in order to obtain a scholarship. The "Montoro" reached Port Moresby on November 28, and the next day I set out for Mirigeda and spent a week at home. The following Sunday the "Diari" was to make one of its mission trips about 100 miles down the coast east of Port Moresby to Aroma and Vilirupu, and I ac- companied my father, canvassing the plan- tations en route. A few days after our return to Mirigeda, it was due to leave again for the western coast. We called at Yule Island, the head- quarters of the Roman Catholic Mission in Papua, and sold three books to a Govern- ment official and the local trader. Some miles farther on we cast anchor at Kerema and interviewed the Government officer and the trader here, with the result that two copies of "This Mighty Hour" and one "Home Physician" found a ready sale. After calling at Vailala, unloading mission goods and visiting our workers, we continued our voyage to the Govern- ment head station for the Delta Division, about, 250 miles west from Port Moresby. Only two canvasses were unfruitful in the Delta Division. The week-end was spent at our new outstation among these primi- tive people, and our homeward journey was broken by two or three days at the Vailala Mission with Brother and Sister L. I. Howell. On New Year's Day we set out on the longest pioneering trip, which meant five weeks of travel. Our company comprised my father anii two younger brothers and a boat's crew of six, besides myself. We took a supply of "This Mighy Hour" and "The Home Physician" to deliver as we went, also numbers of our recently pub- lished book of Bible studies in the Motu, the leading native language of Papua. My brothers and the native crew greatly en- joyed their canvassing work with this lit- tle book, and had some good experiences. Beyond Aroma we called at the planta- tions along the coast, and finally came to Samarai. This township, second in size to Port Moresby, is situated on the tip of the "toe" of Papua, and is the Govern- ment centre for the island groups lying east of the mainland. Sailing among these islands, we visited practically every European in the four different groups. Our most easterly point was reached at Misima Island, sometimes mentioned in the Aus- tralian papers because of its gold mines. which are becoming known. Misima is about 150 miles east of the mainland of Papua. This was the hardest piece of territory we struck on the whole trip. There were about ninety white men there, but owing to the unsettled and uncertain conditions, our average sales were not so high as in other parts; but we sold about a dozen large books on this island. Regularly for the following year our health magazine will be posted to the addresses of all on this distant island who purchased "The Home Physician." We combined the health book and maga- zine in each district visited. From Misima, after an all night's sail we reached Woodlark Island. From this north-easterly point only twenty-four hours sail would have brought us into the Solomon Group. Our first canvass on Wood- lark Island resulted in the sale of three large books. In four canvasses after this four books were sold. Leaving there on Friday morning, we travelled all day, and reached a small island in the Trobriand Group, where we anchored for the Sabbath. We visited the native villages and found an entirely new and very interesting type of people. They are wonderful gardeners, and grow yams up to twelve feet in length. Their tribal customs are different from those of the mainland of Papua, also their form of wor- ship. They have a "heaven" and a god. One of the islands of their group is re- garded as heaven, and the chief of the island is their god. The Trobriand Islands are thickly populated. We canvassed the Government officials and the pearlers, and left some of our books there and have the prospect of posting others later. From here we passed down to Fergusson Island and canvassed the few traders, with good success. Fergusson is the largest island off the mainland of Papua, and its southern coast was the most thickly popu- lated of all the islands visited. Next we called at Normanby Island and sold a book to the only trader. Setting our course south and west, we sailed for Milne Bay, just above Samarai, and here along the coast of the mainland we called at a number of plantation:, and sold eight or nine books for about ten canvasses. Returning to Samarai, we spent the week-end and then worked the town- ship. It took us about two days, and we sold £39 worth of books. Most of these 4 � AUSTRALASIAN RECORD � 27/4/36 were cash sales. With the completion of Samarai, we had finished our territory. On our homeward way we visited our three mission stations, Domara, Vilirupu, and Aroma. It was on the return voyage that we encountered a gale, which lasted ten days. "So He bringeth them unto their de- sired haven." After five weeks of almost continuous travelling, glad were we to hear once more the familiar rattle of the chain as the anchor was dropped at our desired haven. Home at Mirigeda! Look- ing back, we can truly say, Surely the Lord was with us and blessed us, both in the beautiful weather He gave and the success which attended our efforts in reap- ing £230 worth of sales and orders. How good our heavenly Father is to us. Wonderful are the possibilities for the workers of God in this vast field, large portions of which are untouched. Papua certainly needs your prayers. Do not for- get this section of God's vineyard. LESTER N. LOCK. A Valuable Recommendation While canvassing with a colporteur in one of our leading cities, we found our- selves approaching the home of a Baptist minister. For a moment we hesitated to enter, knowing that ministers are some- times the bookman's greatest enemy. After going a few paces along the footpath we felt impressed that we should not pass by this home, so turned and entered. The wife of the minister answered the door, and after a description was given of the books, "Bible Pictures and Stories," she invited us inside and showed us some of the pictures which her husband uses in connection with his work with the children. The husband was then called in, and after looking at the books, they readily ordered a set in the best binding, and spoke very encouragingly of our literature. He then pointed to another of our books in his library, "Our Day in the Light of Prophecy," which he had ordered from one of our canvassers. Instead of finding this gentleman an op- ponent of our work, we found him in every way helpful, and it was really refreshing to be able to sit down and talk on some of the more important themes of salvation on which we were both agreed. Before we left, he took down a church record book, and gave us the names and addresses of his Sunday school teachers, and asked us to call on them and assure them of his recommendation of the books. We left his home feeling that our ven- ture had been worth while, and that God had guided us to call on these people. There are surely many among the leaders of other denominations who greatly appreci- ate the literature with which God has blessed us as a people. � J. R. KENT. Supernatural Demonstrations SELLING TO ASSIST CHURCH BUILDING FUND Thirty dozen copies of the booklet, "Modern Supernatural Demonstrations," dealing with the "speaking in tongues" movement of our day—personal experiences and Scriptural truth—are now advertised for sale at 2s. per dozen (half original price), plus 5d. postage, and the total amount received is to be given to assist in the building of a new S.D.A. church in Maryborough, Queensland. Accomplish a double service. Assist in enlightening souls regarding modern de- ceptions, and at the same time know that you have had a part in building another new church to witness for the Advent message. Write today for supplies, to Pastor A. I. Mitchell, 89 Tooley Street, Maryborough, Qld. The Completeness of Our Health Message With all else- that is good and admirable in the true health message, it is also to be appreciated for its completeness. It is a whole message and perfectly balanced. Any one-sided view has its lack, not in the message, but in the way it is presented, understood, or practised. The failure to see its symmetry, urging strenuously some of its features and ignoring others, leads to extreme views and brings it into dis- favour. Not alone for a consistent message should we regard all phases of healthful living in their proper place and relation, but particularly in practise should we be balanced. The injunction, "Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God," is all-embracing. Christian temperance, by which we are to glorify God in our bodies, is not confined to eating and drinking. Not only at meal- time, and at the table, but all the time, everywhere and in everything we are to do that which is best for our health and which enables us to render to God our highest service. Recognising that the laws of nature are not arbitrary exactions, but are the means of imparting health, we can understand that none of these laws can be ignored without loss. As it is by the violation of physical laws that disease results, we must accept the fact that in no degree can we transgress physical laws without suffer- ing a proportionate physical penalty; and carelessly to transgress these laws is counted as sin. It is said there are about 2,600 ways of being sick. That is, there are that many diseases or forms of disease. Some ail- ments are, of course, more serious than others, but all disable us more or less, and much suffering and premature death often result. In net results it makes little dif- ference to the individual, to his loved ones, and to the work he leaves, whether he dies of one disease or another. Whether it is Bright's disease, caused by eating too much sweet stuff, or pellagra from an im- poverished diet, or tuberculosis resulting from a poor air supply, a general break- down from overwork, or any other disease from any other cause, the outcome may be the same. And it is just about as bad to die of one thing as of another. It is through the proper use of air, water, food, exercise, rest, clothing, sunshine, and a right mental attitude, that we secure health. Each health factor has its work and place, and each is essential. The use or abuse of any, determines the good or ill effect. OUR PLATFORM The development of our health work, in all its phases, has been based on prin- ciples of divine revelation and the find- ings of science; and the best public health instruction of today is but expressive of the simple principles held by us through the years. Our health platform is fully comprehensive of all that is fundamental to the best of physical well-being, such as,— The control of appetites and passions. This means a self-mastery that is possible only through grace. The use of an adequate dietary of whole- some and nourishing foods and the avoid- ance of that which is harmful. Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, flesh meats, irritating spices and condiments, and rich and highly seasoned foods. The limited use of sugars and pastries. The proper preparation of foods. The use of proper clothing, suited to warmth, protection, simplicity, and mod- esty. An intelligent use of rational remedies in the treatment of the sick, and the ab- stinence from poisonous drugs and patent medicines. Strict cleanliness of person and premises. Proper and sufficient ventilation of churches, schools, and dwelling houses, es pecially sleeping rooms. Sufficient rest, relaxation, and sleep. Active warfare against flies, mosquitoes, and other disease-producing and disease- carrying insects. OUR HEALTH WORK Viewed in its full aspects, our health work assumes proportions and character worthy of our earnest consideration, loyal devotion, and active zeal. It cannot be set aside or ignored. Neither can it be cramped into a narrow compass and confined to a few features to the loss of others. It should be the aim of all to advance as fully as possible the health work in its fullness and entirety, giving all phases of our message their right relation and im- portance. We cannot run off on sidetracks and reach our objective. We cannot turn to fads or extremes without loss. The strength of our health work is some- what indicated in the splendid manner of its growth. It has spread to many parts of the world field. Sanitariums, hospitals, training schools for nurses, treatment rooms, dispensaries, health journals, clinics, food factories and stores, vegetarian res- turants and cafeterias in many lands, give material evidence of the strength of our health principles. A strong health educa- tion for the public is being given through our health journals, of which there are a dozen or more. Lectures by our sanitari- um leaders and by health workers in the field, schools of health, cooking schools and food demonstrations, also help in this health instruction. Classes in home hy- giene and home care of the sick are doing much toward training our own people in practical methods of health preservation and disease prevention. Dorcas Societies offer a field of service to many of our sis- ters who can help make and repair cloth- ing for the poor. Others can help our wel- fare societies to give assistance in com- munity relief. Soup kitchens and other eating places offer another avenue of much-needed service, and call for co-opera- tion. Church clinics and treatment rooms operated by a number of our churches also need workers. The record for the year 1935 shows a 27/4/36 � AUSTRALASIAN RECORD � 5 considerable volume of relief work ren- dered through our church activities. Over three million persons received help. More than a million articles of clothing were distributed. Almost a million treatments to the sick were given. Many meals were served. All this meant much to those who were helped. FOR THIS TIME The recent years of unemployment and world distress have been indicative of what we may expect more and more as we near the end. Even though slight improvement may be seen for a little while, we know that world conditions will grow worse and worse, and suffering will increase according- ly. The closing days of earth's history will be the stormiest and most trying. Conditions of suffering, physical and mental, will be greatly intensified. We can see how people's nerves can give way under the strain and stress of tense times. And we can well believe that as men's hearts fail them because of the things that come upon the earth, and as whole nations are distressed, it will be a time of unusual need. Above all things, men need the gospel message. It is when people suffer that they want relief. Healing of the soul and heal- ing of the body are so closely related that often one is not received without the other. "It is the divine plan that we shall work as the disciples worked. Physical healing is bound up with the gospel commission. In the work of the gospel, teaching and heal- ing are never to be separated."—"Min- istry of Healing," p. 141. Undoubtedly the bestowal of such ample means for doing good, places upon us great responsibility and obligation. May we, with God's help and blessing, do our part. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. . . Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me." � L, A. HANSEN. Visitors to the W.A. Missionary College We were all very happy to welcome to the W. A. Missionary College on Monday, March 23, two of the delegates to the General Conference, Pastors J. W. Kent and J. D. Anderson. We did appreciate their message. Pastor Kent spoke on faith, showing how mountains of difficulty had been removed by various great men as they went forward in faith at the Lord's com- mand. His inspiring address was followed by Pastor Anderson's recital of what God had accomplished in the lives of the heathen in the Solomon Islands. The thrill- ing and touching story of Simi and Aliti, together with the mention of such noble examples as Kata Rangoso, Pana, and Peo, stirred us deeply and all felt that we should put heart and soul into the work of God and in preparation for what He might have for us to do in the future closing days. We are just now expecting Pastor W. T. Hooper to pay us a visit. He will con- duct a rally service this evening [April 5] and tomorrow morning we plan to be out on the Ingathering campaign. So far the amount collected by several of our members is about £40. We should enter the campaign with much courage, seeing what has been accomplished and knowing what God has promised. F. P. WARD. Baptism at Mudgee, N.S.W. Among the great willows on the grassy bank of the Cudgegong River, Mudgee, more than fifty people assembled on Sab- bath afternoon, February 15, to witness the baptismal service conducted by the con- ference president, Pastor R. E. Hare. The baptism was the result of the mis- sion conducted in this old and conservative district by Evangelist Alfred Parker and the writer. The work has been very dif- ficult, but the Lord has watered the seed sown. The new members, including two who were unable to be baptised at the time and four who were accepted on previous baptism, now number nineteen adults, whilst several are planning to be baptised a little later. As the evangelists have seen these fine people taking their stand for their Saviour, the difficulties which have been sur- mounted, the long weary miles travelled, and the many disappointments which al- ways face the evangelist, have been for- gotten in the joy of witnessing wonderful victories gained and souls saved for the kingdom of God. The baptism in its rural beauty was a fitting climax to the efforts put forth and the faith gained by the candidates. One of the converts is now at the A. M. Col- lege, in his second year of training for the ministry. It is with faith and courage that these new members look forward to the coming of the Lord. Brother Parker now has charge of the Wagga and Tumut churches, whilst the writer visits Mudgee once each month from Orange, 120 miles away across the moun- tains, where with Evangelists R. H. Powrie and Erroll B. Ibbott as associates, a new mission is being conducted. LLEWELLYN JONES. Notes from South Australia The Lord has greatly blessed the Appeal effort in this State. We have been able to mobolise many more recruits this year, both adult members and young people. You will be happy to know that one Sunday morning Pastor Bradley and I had forty young people out from the Prospect So- ciety alone. � Twenty-four young people came out on another occasion. The aim for the Prospect Young People's Society was £20, and £41 odd was collected. A number of young people who had never taken part in the effort before went out this year, and were thrilled by the experience they gained. At Mount Gambier and Rendelsham, J. M.V. classes are commencing, and at Berri a Study and Service League class is being organised for the young people. Ten young people from South Australia are attending the W.A. Missionary College this year, and twenty-one the Australasian Missionary College. This is a record num- ber of students from this conference. A. H. FORBES, Home Missions & M.V. Sec. "Contentment does not consist so much in what your HAVE as in what you THINK." Baptisms at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri On March 29, Sunday afternoon, a ser- vice was conducted in the Cessnock church, when two candidates were baptised. On the following Sabbath they were received into church fellowship. On Thursday, April 2, at Congewai Creek, ten miles from Cessnock, the writer baptised three,—husband, wife, and niece, —at their own farm. They also were re- ceived into the membership of the Cess- nock church on Sabbath, April 11. On Sunday, April 12, five adults were baptised at the Kurri Kurri church,—a husband and wife and three other sisters. The Lord has raised up these souls by His Spirit, by the work of former labourers, and by the influence and work of church members and present ministerial labour. We hope all will endure to the end and receive the overcomer's reward. R. A. SALTON, Rockhampton Church School "We held a sale of work in aid of the school a few days before we left Rock- hampton," Brother T. P. Ward wrote re- cently from West Australia. "A number of musical items and recitations were ren- dered, the children taking a prominent part. At the close of the programme there was a pleasant surprise for us. A beauti- ful leather case was presented to me and we tendered our thanks. After my little speech we thought that was all finished, when, lo and behold! a tiny girl came for- ward with a lovely bouquet for Mrs. Ward and one of the sisters carried a pretty crystal vase and a beautiful box of sta- tionery. As my wife received these it did seem that our dear brethren and sisters were treating us better than we really deserved. A successful sale of work and gifts concluded the evening's proceedings. Since we left, the church school has been helped by the proceeds of two outings in a 'bus owned by Brother Hopkins, who kindly gave the use of the 'bus free of charge to the church folk on these occa- sions; the proceeds from fares all went to the church school." 1 WEDDING BELLS SMITH-ROWELL—. In the East Prab- ran Memorial Church on Tuesday, April 7, Sister Madge Rowell, daughter of our much-respected elder of the Elsternwick church, Brother Harold Rowell, was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Bro- ther Percy Smith of St. Kilda. This was the first wedding ceremony solemnised in this new beautiful Memorial Church, which was neatly decorated by loving hands for the occasion. We extend to Brother and Sister Smith our best wishes for future happiness, as she joins that vast Smith Family and they continue their church activities in the suburb of Elstern- wick. � E. G. WHITTAKER. ABBOTT-FOX.— Henry George James Abbott and Ruby Ethel Fox were united in marriage at the Perth church on the evening of March 26, 1936. They are son and daughter of Sister H. G. Abbott, Shen- AtSTRALASIAN rittGORD � 27/4136 ton Park, and Sister A. Fox of Maylands, respectively. A large number of friends gathered to witness the solemn ordinance, and to wish them God's blessing in their wedded life. Their future residence will be in Perth. We all wish them the love and care of. the heavenly Father and joy and prosperity. �W. M. R. SCRAGG. OBITUARY Sister A. H. Weil Sister Bertha Amelia Well was born at St. Mary's, Tasmania, on Aug. 6, 1885, and fell asleep in Jesus at the Sydney Sani- tarium on April 8, 1936, after a severe ill- ness lasting many months. Through read- ing the book, `,`The Great Controversy," sold to her mother by a colporteur, Brother R. A. Caldwell, Sister Weil ac- cepted the message twenty-six years ago. A little later Sister Weil became a student at the Australasian Missionary College, and for a time took up school teaching in the State of Tasmania. She engaged also in the colporteur work, church school teaching, and Bible work. At the time of her marriage to Brother A. H. Weil she was the Conference Sabbath School Secre tary for South Australia. Shortly after their marriage ten years ago, Brother and Sister Weil sailed for Santo, New Hebrides, where they laboured for several years and, built up a strong mission, already commenced at Big Bay. About four and a half years ago they were transferred to the historic island of Tanna, and from the day of their landing until their forced departure through Sister Weil's illness, their labours were greatly blessed of the Lord, and a large harvest of souls has been the result. About nine months ago it was necessary for Sister Weil to • leave her much-loved work and return to Australia for special medical care. This she received at the Sanitarium for several months. Later she spent some weeks with her husband in the hospitable home of Brother and Sister Start at Avondale, and also a few weeks on the Blue Mountains. One week before her decease, Brother and Sister Well returned to the Sanitarium, where her noble and sweet life Closed, be- ing fully resigned to the Lord's will. While in the New Hebrides, Pastor and Sister Weil undertook the care and guardianship of two small half-caste children who were in great need of care. Charlie and Mar- garet have grown up to be good children under the kind and capable care of Pastor and Sister Weil. Margaret has been in Australia during the illness of our late sister. There must also come a great sad- fleas to many of their native converts in the New Hebrides where Pastor and Mrs. Well have been so much loved by these people, children whom they have begotten in the Lord. To Pastor Weil, who has been bereft of a very faithful companion and helpmeet and to the circle of relatives 'left to mourn, we extend our deepest sympathies, assur- ing them that of our late sister it can truthfully be said, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hencefetrth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." After a service conducted in the Wahroonga church on April 9, we laid our'late sister to rest in the Northern Suburbs Cemetery to await the call to im- mortal life and the glad reunion with loved ones. Pastors W. G. Turner, A. W. Anderson, A. W. Knight, and J. R. Jame assisted in the burial services. • A. G. STEWART. TODD.— Sister Susannah Todd of Vic- toria Park, Perth, passed to her rest on April 1, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Ferguson, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. She accepted the truth in her declining years, and was phy- sically unable to receive the ordinance of immersion. We laid her to rest in the Karrakatta cemetery, Perth, to await the call of her Redeemer. To her sorrowing loved ones we extend our deep sympathy. W. M. R. SCRAGG. RETURN THANKS. — Mrs. W. W. Fletcher and family wish to thank all kind friends for the letters and words of sym- pathy during their recent,sad bereave- ment in the loss of her moher. WANTED.—A lady in Sydney who is re- ceiving Bible studies, desires to obtain a position in 'a good Christian' home in the country, away from the coast, for the sake of her son's health, a boy about thirteen who attends School. Please apply to the Editor, "Mizpah," Wahroonga, N.S.W. The Appeal on the South. Maitland Coalfields Our two coalfield churches, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri, both reached their aims of £30 in the Appeal for Missions. Condi- tions this year are better at the former town, but harder at the latter. The Cess- nock church has collected nearly £38, and will probably receive £40. Together they have raised about £70 on these coalfields and in contiguous country. With bands in cars we have gone out into the farming district and mining vil- lages on Sundays. Somewhere about £13 was raised in this way. Others collected in a farming district which we had not before worked. New Sabbath-keepers took part in the effort. Struggling through against financial de- pression, a band of the Kurri Kurri mem- bers went to Abermain on Sunday, April 5. They asked the Lord for £3 10s., and He gave them their request. This brought them up to and over their aim. God answers prayer. We feel encouraged by the success that has attended our efforts, yet our work is not finished. What has been done should be followed up, and this must be our fu- ture task. May God give us grace to co- operate with Him in this great work of soul-winning. An encouraging feature of the work is the kindly spirit and feeling of the major- ity of the people. We need to take ad- vantage of this while it is so. that souls may be won to Christ and His truth. The brethren and sisters have worked admir- ably. Although not 100 per cent took part, those who did have received a blessing and inspiration. In working the business and professional houses, valuable help was given by our president, PaStor. W. J. Westerman. Each year as the Appeal for Missions comes along it revives the spirit of and enlivens God's people. There is nothinc like this personal, hand-to-hand contact, and honse-to-house labour in stimulating church members and ministers to more dili- gent efforts in soul-winning. It brings folk out of their shell. And those who neglect to take part in this work thereby miss an opportunity and lose a blessing. R. A. SALTON. The Appeal in Northam, W.A. After 'returning from the camp meeting in Perth, the church members here entered into the Appeal with much enthusiasm. Our aim was reached the second week, and we found in the third week we had £6 over. Two of our energetic sisters gave up three mornings from their household duties and collected £10 between them. Our "Signs" worker gathered £2 10s. from her customers. A grandmother, now seventy- four years of age, collected from callers Rs. 6d., and an invalid sister, who comes to church in her wheel chair, received 5s. 6d. Little Wallie pressed his mother so hard to let him 'try to secure something for missions that she finally consented. Wallie obtained a "Kwic-Bru" tin, cov- ered it with a pretty Appeal for Missions label, and on Sunday morning went out on his errand , among ,the neighbours. He collected five shillings, nearly all in pen- nies, and was very happy 'over his, success. Beryl, Six years, old,, wished to try also, and with a bright sunny face returned with 2S. 6d. to, her joy. Our members did not require any urg- ing, for they of themselves were all anxi- ous to_ go out and have a part in the mis- sion work: The promiSes of God were made real_ to them. One told me that before going .,out she opened the Bible for a promise, and found one in the book of Acts' Which gave her just the help she wanted. This promise was tested that day and found to be sure, as the Lord helped wonderfully in the collecting. The money came in quickly, and our aim was reached before we were aware of it. All realised that His "yoke is easy" and His 'burden is• light." . F. E. LYNDON. Eight Conferences Victorious It •is a source of much rejoicing to us to be able to report 'victory for all the conferences working, at the close of the seventh Official week, or in an average working time of 44 weeks. This is a won- derful achievement. We must share with you the following telegrams: Victoria's message states, "Our sixth report completes the task," and from South Australia, "Aim realised before Easter. Everybody happy." With the in- formation contained in these two telegrams '"We can report a successful issue in every conference participating, and the over- ', ffows 'bring the total to 107 per cent of the coiribined aims, of the eight conferences -Working; or £11,284. Only eleven squares "remain to be filled in, and the lights will flash out from the lighthouse tower. Queensland enters the field on April.18, a week after the date of these figures, and we knoW that this conference will keep up- the- pace. UNION £12;310 MOE ELM 1.0111111 111 MEM • WM MI •▪ 44 • 4 MIIIM • ma ..m RIM 111111111111 101101MINIMM M▪ IIMMHOHIM IM▪ MUIMM • EMU 111 MUM 111 MOM m MUM • RUM• MIIMMII • IMMIMIM 4 a 11111111111111111111. 11.1111111.11110 1111.1111111101111 IMMENHIMME MUMMINMIMMI IMMEIMMUMIN MIMMOMMIM IMIMMININM• IMMOMMIMMI muumuu IMMIMMIHMIM IMMUNIMIMM MIMMOMMIMMIM MIMIMMIMUMMI MINIMMIMMIMMI IMMIMMIMMIHMS MNIMMIMMINIMI MIMUMMIMMIMM MIMMUMNOMMIMMIS IMMINIMMIMMIMEMI IMMIMUMMUMIHIMM IMMISMIMMINMIMMI INIMMEMMIMUMMI IMMINHIMMIMIMMI IMMIMMIMMIIMMIMM Sth. N. S. W £2200 • MEM MEM IMEM MIME mum Mum MEIN MIME MUM MIR MEM MUM MUM EMI MUM MUM jj EACH BLACK / SQUARE REPRE- SENTS £25 OR A MAJOR PORTION THEREOF. Tas. I 111 iii MEM Qtd. mum £1060 S. A. £850 iii MOM mum isi NOM MMIM 27/4/36 � AUSTRALASIAN RECORD � 7 SEVENTH OFFICIAL WEEK TO. APRIL 11 Offcl. Latest � Per -Aim Wks. Rep. TOT. Cent £1,120 4 £29 £1,458 130 1,850 6 56 2,256 122 530 3 570 108 1,050 4 1.050 100 2,200 750 7 3 W e 2,200 1: 2,150 94 2,150 100 850 5 50 850 100 £11,560 £229 £11,284 97 Pastor Westerman, who has been very busy with his additional responsibilities in the North N.S.W. Conference, and has also been working with the churches there in connection with the Ingathering, sends this brief message to you: "We greatly rejoice over the wonderful attainment in the Appeal for Missions. Words fail to express our appreciation of the faithful work of all. Surely we can say" with Nehemiah, 'So built we the wall . � for the people had a mind to work.' " Brother A. R. Mitchell, the Home Mis- sions Secretary in North New Zealand, writes that he spent the last week-end of the Appeal at the N.Z. Missionary Col- lege, and it was indeed a grand finale to a most enjoyable campaign. The Stu dent body, although many of them quite young. and also new to the Appeal work, went about it in a most enthusiastic manner. "In fact," he says, "it kept Brother Ab- bott, who was a most efficient organising chairman, busy fitting them into bands so that none would be disappointed. On the following Friday evening, we had a very helpful meeting, when the students and faculty members alike told of the blessings of the Lord, and the real enjoyment ex- perienced throughout the week's campaign. "The aim of £175, which was £25 higher than last year, was again exceeded by, £20, making a total of £195 for the week's work. They expect to get at least £200. "Two of the boys called on a con- vent, and on being invited into a small room, to await an interview with a sister, had the thrill of having the front door closed and barred behind them. How- ever, they canvassed the sister and to their surprise, she manifested co,-isiderable interest in their work, and taking their card and paper, canvassed still others of the nuns, and returned to their great de- light with 716 for their work." A small church in North New Zealand has requested a worker to care for the in- terest created by the Appeal. Another church has now upward of twenty names for the local evangelist to visit. Now that our Appeal work has been com- pleted for another year, let us not rest satisfied, but remember that we have a responsibility toward those whom we have met and who have manifested interest in spiritual things. What are we doing as individuals and churches to foster these interests ? If we delay, it may be too late for some whose interest we have awakened. "The hour has fully arrived for every one who believes that Christ is soon com- ing, to begin to do earnest missionary work. Our greatest need is a burden for souls, Many do but little in soul-winning. Every unsaved, unwarned soul should pain our hearts." "What we as Christians need is the same loyal spirit that was manifested by a regi- ment in the English army. They were to assault a stronghold of the enemy. The general explained that the storming of the fortification would be attended with un- usual danger, and that many would not re- turn. Then he asked all whotwould volun- teer for the service to step one pace to the front. Instantly every man in the regiment advanced one pace. If men fighting for an earthly kingdom and glory could do that, should not we, who are en- gaged in the closing struggle against the powers of darkness, stand by our colours too?" A.U.C. HOME MISSIONS DEPT. Nth. N.Z. MEM I N.S.W. MOM IMO �• KUM IMMO MUM! MUM Sth. NMI =IL% imam N.Z. mum maim MUM £1050 MUM �11 MUM 11•111111 IM ME MEM MIME 1111 MEM Mull MIME mum mum MUM IMIMMI � IMMI MEM MEM NEM MUM mum MM• MIME MUM mum IMMIM MUM MEWS MU MEM MEM EMU MEM EMI MIME Mull EMI IMBIM MEE Main mum mum MIMMM MIME mum MOM IMMO MUM MEM IMMI OHM EMI IMO MEM Maim MUM MUM MEM MIME Nth. N.S.W. Nth. N.Z. Tasmania Sth. N.Z. Sth. N.S.W. il Aust. Victoria Sth. Aust. Home Field Vic. £2150 � th. 8 � AUSTRALASIAN RECORD � 27/4/36 uziraiasiatt tecurb THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUSTRALASIAN UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS iVAIA.VAMMAKWAVA � WAY AI � Editor: Viola M. Rogers Single Subscription, per year, post paid . 5/- Order through your conference office, or send direct to the Avondale Press, Cooranbong, N.S.W. Printed weekly for the Conference by the AVONDALE PRESS (A.C.A. LTD.). COORANBONG, N.S.W. Pastor A. Smart, from Sydney, is spend- ing a few weeks among the churches in Queensland, doing general visiting. Brother A. H. Rose, from the Wholesale Branch of the Sanitarium Health Food Company in Sydney has been called to join the staff at the Union Conference office, Wahroonga. Pastor A. H. White, who has been help- ing in the Appeal with excellent success in several centres, sailed from Sydney on April 14 for Brisbane, in order to assist in the launching of the campaign in that con- ference on April 18. Latest reports from Orange, N.S.W., where Evangelists Llewellyn Jones, R. H. Powrie, and Erroll E. Ibbott are conducting a tent mission, indicate good congrega- tions, and the workers are much encouraged by the interest shown by a number of those attending. Pastor A. H. Weil sailed for Tasmania on April 15 by the "Zealandia," to pay a short visit to his late wife's mother, Sister Heise, and other relatives at St. Mary's. Brother Weil is planning to re- turn to Tanna, New Hebrides, by the next boat, the "Morinda," which leaves Sydney on May 14. "Pastor S. L. Patching and Brother A. H. Forbes, when helping the Kensington folk a few days ago, had the privilege of meeting a knighted gentleman who was deeply interested in our work, and said he would give a guinea that day, and rather than have them walk so far off the road to meet him in future, if they would drop him a note, he would be happy to send two guineas each year." Sister Peacock wrote from Rabaul, New Guinea, under date of March 29: "By the latest trip of the 'Malaita' Pastor and Mrs. Tutty and Lucille arrived from Bougainville. He was here until Brother Atkins arrived from Mussau with the `Malalagi' to take him up to the Admiralty Islands, where they will choose the site of the new mission home, set the native teachers to work on a temporary native house, and then return in time for the first annual New Guinea general meeting to be held here early in May. Meanwhile Sister Tutty and Lucille will stay with us." "We much enjoyed meeting once more Pastor and Mrs. Barrett on their way back to the Solomons," Sister Peacock con- tinues, "and becoming acquainted with Brother and Sister Hiscox when they paSsed through Rabaul. They all spent a week with us. Three days ago the `Veilomani' left with them all aboard for Bougainville. My husband expects to be away for about a month, and immediately on his return the general meeting will commence. At that time we shall have the other mission families from Mussau down, and no doubt Brother Gray. Our mission house here has developed elastic walls of late.... We are looking forward to the establishment of the New Guinea Training School in the near future. It is wonderful to think that it is to become not only a dream, but a reality." Prayer Essential It matters not whether you find your- self in Confucian China, Buddhist India, Mohammedan Arabia, Catholic Mexico, or Protestant England, people of all religions pray. There is something in the human heart which leads men to seek to worship one who is above them, and prayer is a natural avenue of contact and worship. With the Christian consciousness of a liv- ing God who calls men to pray and who promises to both hear and answer their prayer, there is an added intelligent con- ception of the value of prayer, and yet professing Christians generally pray so little. The Old Testament frequently dwells on the thought, place, and power of prayer. The New Testament emphasises the need of prayer. Jesus our Saviour employed the practice of prayer. Prayer in Christ's mind was important. He exercised it, and He counselled it, At times He prayed all night. Each day as the morning dawned, He sought help from the Father. To His disciples He admonished prayer for counsel, for added spiritual power, for physical strength, for increased forces in the proc- lamation of the gospel. On one occasion, the disciples, having witnessed the pray- ing of Christ, pleadingly besought Him to teach them how to pray. If they needed to know how to pray, may not the ques- tion arise in our mindS, Do we pray as we ought? As one writer says: "There is no way to learn to pray but by pray- ing. We know not how to pray as we ought, and if prayer waits for understand- ing it will never begin. We live by faith. We walk by faith. We must pray by faith." In 1921 Edison wrote: "Ws don't know the millionth part of one per cent about anything. We Con't know what water is. We don't know what light is. We don't know what gravitation is. We don't know what enables us to keep our feet when we stand up. We don't know what elec- tricity is. We don't know what heat is. We have a lot of hypotheses about these things, but that is all. But we do not let our ignorance about all these deprive us of their use." We do not understand certain things about prayer, but just as we receive tre- mendous temporal and physical benefits by using the natural things God has given us, so we may receive even greater spiritual benefits by applying the exercise of prayer in faith. But prayer must be practised if blessing is to come. It is not enough to talk about prayer, to write about prayer, to say we believe in prayer. It is posi- tively essential for us to pray. Great things have been done for men individ- ually and collectively by the practice of prayer. Prayer costs something. It costs time, and in these days time seems so fleet- ing. Without time we shall never learn to pray. Prayer costs pride. It humbles us nefore our God and puts us in that proper attitude of suppliant to supplier. It calls for the best that we have to be laid at tne foot of the cross. Think of Elijah on Carmel, pleading for the manifestation of the presence of God; of Abraham pleading for Sodom; of Jacob wrestling in the stillness of the night; Moses standing in the breach; Hannah in- toxicated with sorrow; David, heartbroken with remorse and grief; and Jesus in a sweat of blood. Prayer always costs some- thing and ever calls for the utmost and the best; but it brings so much in re- turn. It turns ordinary mortals into men of power. It brings rain, it brings life, it brings God. There is no power like prevailing prayer. We of all people should be a praying people, living in the last days, facing the greatest issues that have ever confronted men and women, assailed by the devil in his last desperate attempt to hinder the work of God, and yet without finding un- paralleled openings for the demonstration of God's power in the finishing of His work. Shall we not pray ? May the com- ing Week of Prayer be a time of deep re- freshing, much enlightenment, and the be- ginning of such an experience in prayer that, having been taught by Him, we shah earnestly plead to be kept by Him in the daily experience of prayer. W. G. TURNER. A Clarion Call Pastor A. IL Weil was a visitor at the Friday evening meeting at the A. M. Col- lege on April 10, having reached Avondale the night before to stay a few days in the home of Brother and Sister Start. Also on the platform were Pastors N. A. Ferris and Bata B.angoso, who had come to take meetings during the week-end. The news came as a surprise to the students when Pastor Ferris told them, just before the season of prayer, that Sister Weil had passed away at the Sanitarium on the Wed- nesday before. Because of the close Easter holiday, no word had come through the post office. For four years Sister Weil was a student at the Australasian Missionary College. She went out from these halls to labour for God as a colporteur, as a church school teacher, as a Bible worker, as a confer- ence Sabbath school secretary, and for the past ten years as an island missionary. Hundreds on the historic island of Tanna learned to love her arid her husband as their first missionaries. Now she has laid down her life work, and the sad news is on its way to the New Hebrides. Tanna in its need is looking this way. The needs of the hundreds of natives who will not see again the missionary for whose return they have been so earnestly praying, con- stitutes a clarion call to the students within these halls where Sister Weil for- merly studied, to go out and quickly finish the work that she has left as a trust to them. The student body then engaged in a season of prayer which must surely bear fruitage in a deeper consecration of many young men and women to the finishing of the task which stands between us and the coming of Jesus. In that glad day will be realised the hopes and prayers of the people of Tanna to see again the face of their dear missionary.