Von. 26 ---717e CHI-0'CH OffkerS" DECEMBER, 1939 No. 12 Choosing Church Officers T HE choosing of church officers is a matter of such importance that the Lord has given specific instruction in His word regarding the qualifications of life and character essential in those to be chosen to bear responsibilities of church leadership. in a letter to Timothy, speaking of a church elder, Paul, guided by the Spirit, wrote: "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hos- pitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not a novice [a new convert], lest being lifted up with pride he fall into [or, "under' the same," Wey- mouth] condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." And to Titus, the qualification of an elder is also emphasized: "Holding fast the faithful word as he halh been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to con- vince the gainsayers." While this instruction applies pri- Inarily to the elder, the general principles apply to all others who are called into service as officers of the church. How bn- portant it is that at all times the life of the ones being chosen shall be found witnessing for Christ—in the home, in the church, in their intercourse with unbelievers. The Lord plainly states that they should be sound in the faith, "holding fast the faithful word," "patient," "not greedy?' not given to overreaching in business transactions to obtain money. Their children are to be "in subjection with all gravity," or "with true dig- nity." This may seem to be a matter of little importance, but God emphasizes it by saying that if one is unable "to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church?" This instruc- tion also gives direction to the church in the choosing of its officers, calling for consideration of the candidate, whether he has "a good report of them which are without" the church. The Lord expects that those who are chosen as officers shall prove them- selves examples to the flock, "in all things showing" themselves "a pattern of good works." This counsel is also given us by the Lord's messenger: "Those who are chosen to bear bur- dens in the work of God are not to be rash or self-confident or selfish. Never is their example or influence to strengthen evil. The Lord has not given men or women liberty to advance ideas that will bring commonness into His work, removing the sacredness that should ever surround it. . . � The health of the general work depends upon the faithfulness of the men ap- pointed to carry out the will of God in the churches."—"Testimonies," IX, p. f64. The Nominating Committee The church appoints its nominating committee. By vote it may request the church board to select five mem- bers in good and regular standing, or more if the membership is large, and bring the names of these members to the church for its consideration and its vote, to act as its nominating com- mittee. The church board does not have authority to appoint this com- mittee without the action of the church. Nor should any suppose that the report of the nominating com- mittee to the church is final. This report represents the committee's best judgment in the selection of those qualified for the offices named. Only by the vote of the church as a whole are officers chosen and elected. Changes may be made in the com- mittee's report. However, the faith- ful service performed by this com- mittee usually so recommends itself to the church that when the report is voted upon, it is unanimously adopted. If possible, the committee should be made up of members not already in office. It is well also that there shall be on the committee those who are familiar with the work of the young people, the home missionary department, and the Sabbath school. "There are no ex-officio members of a nominating committee. T h e minister in charge of the church may be chosen as a membe • 2 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 If not elected as a member, his coun- sel should be sought by the commit- tee."—"Church Manual," p. 67. That the election of new officers may take place not later than the second Sabbath before the close of the year, thus allowing newly chosen ones to prepare for service, the nominating committee should be appointed hot later than the first Sabbath in Decem- ber, so that it may have time in which to do its work. Committee Discussions Confidential In the work of the nominating com- mittee the following counsel should be sacredly adhered to: "Nothing could be a greater viola- tion of Christian ethics and the spirit of the golden rule than for a member of the nominating committee to re- peat outside of a committee session any report, discussion, or conversation regarding any members whose name may be under consideration for any office. To offend in this regard is ample reason for excluding such a member from participating in the work of a nominating committee. All inquiries and discussions regarding the fitness of members to hold church office, should be confidential. If it is necessary that inquiries be made out- side the committee council, the chair- man of the committee should make them."—Id., p. 69. That this confidential consideration concerning the fitness of any church member for holding office in the church is a proper and right thing to do, vio- lating no principle of Scriptural teach- ing, is made clear in these words, "Lay hands suddenly on no man." 1 Tim. 5:22. And further, we find this counsel given us in "Testimonies," Volume V, page 618: "The family of the one suggested for office should be considered. . . . It will be far better to criticize the man before he is put into office than afterward; better to pray and counsel before taking the decisive step, than to labor to correct the consequences of a wrong move." Before submitting its report to the church, the committee should be as- sured that each nominated officer ac- cepts the responsibilities he is asked to bear for the ensuing year. The chair- man, or other committee members by his invitation, by visiting each ap- pointee, may learn of his willingness to serve. Let harmony Prevail The occasion for the selection and appointment of church officers may be one for the manifestation of Christian fellowship, harmony, and love. Changes in officers usually take place each year, some now ones are selectl, while some are reelected to continue their labors of love. Church officers are not chosen to be served. Instead, they are chosen to serve. In the world, "they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But yo shall not be so," said the Saviour, but be that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." And of Himself, He said, "I ant among you as he that serveth." With this spirit 1 1 1 1 1 actuating all, these words shall be ful- filled in the election of church officers for the ensuing year: "Do all things without murmurings and disputings." "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." T. E. B. Ill Seeking Lost, Wandering Sheep ONE conference president in the Car- ibbean Union has set a very good ex- ample. For the last six weeks he has been conducting a series of evangelistic services while carrying on his confer- ence work in the church. About twenty, interested ones have joined the baptis- mal class. This is work that others should be doing. More evangelism means more souls. I fear that some of us have not really taken seriously to heart the counsels given us in Bible experiences, and that given us in the Spirit of prophecy on the subject of dealing with wandering members. God has certainly given us very definite counsel, line upon line, page after page, of instruc- tion regarding our duty and responsi- bility in working for and dealing with lost sheep and the straying members of the flock. Please read carefully and ponder prayerfully some of the counsels given. See "Testimonies," Volume IT, pages 218, 219. Read every word. Weigh its significance. Read in "Life Sketches," pages 186-188, entitled, "Reclaiming the Lost." Also study carefully the chapters in "Christ's Object Lessons," entitled, "This Man Reeeiveth Sin- ners," and "The Measure of Forgive- ness." Shall not the "ice of selfishness be melted from our own hearts," and a greater burden for souls be felt? While we know that some must, because of open sin, be dropped from the church records, yet not even one of these should ever be dropped until the minister and church officers make a very personal effort to assure the of- fender of God's love, and of their lov- ing interest as well, in seeking to win back to Christ and His fold. No min- ister, I care not how wise he may be, should recommend the dropping of members from the church until he has had the time to become personally ac- quainted with, to pray with, and to work for, each individual member be- fore that tragic step is taken. 0 brethren, let us not be satisfied until we learn how to win to the fold many, many more lost ones, and hold those already won by the church of God! Let us win more: hold more. A. R. OGDEN. Caurca Offieernci aze a Issued monthly Printed and published by the REVIEW AND HERALD PUB. ASSN. at Takoma Park, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. Subscription Rates United States and Canada Yearly subscription � - � - � - $1.00 Clubs of two or more copies to one � address, one year, each - � - � - � .83 Foreign Countries Where Extra Postage is Required Yearly subscription - � - � - � - $1.15 Clubs of two or more copies to one � address, one year, each - � - � - 1.00 EDITOR �� T. E. BOWEN Associate Editors Steen Rasmussen, Alfred W. Peterson Assistant Editors: Mrs. Grace D. Mace. Mrs. Marjorie W. Marsh EDITORIAL COUNCIL M. N. Campbell, M. E. Kern, H. T. Elliott Entered as second-class matter, January 20, 1914, at the post office at Washington, D. C., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Special Appointments for December Annual Week of Prayer, December 0-16; Annual Of- fering, Sabbath, December 16 Elementary Schools Offering, December 30 Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, December 30; Southern Asia Division Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 3 Spirit of Prophecy Day Suggestive Program for Sabbath Service, December 2, 1939 OPENING SONG: "Wonderful Love of Jesus," No. 245 in "Christ in Song." PRAYER. BIBLE STUDY ON THE ADVENT MES- SAGE, arranged by W. A. Spicer. READING: "What a Treasure," by Steen Rasmussen. SONG: "Pure Gold," No. 69 (or spe- cial musical number if so arranged). READING: "Without Light We Per- ish," by L. H. Christian. SONG: "Praise Ye the Father," No. 377. (Rendered as quartet where possible.) READING: "The Prophetic Gift in the Church," by D. H. Kress, M.D. PASTOR'S APPEAL—The Spirit of Prophecy Library. CLOSING SONG: "Praise for Truth," No. 440. BENEDICTION. Note to Leaders It was originally intended to have presented a survey of missionary ac- tivities for the year in connection with the first Sabbath missionary serv- ice, December 2. But in giving fur- ther study to the matter, the General Conference Committee has recom- mended that this Sabbath be set aside as a day when in all our churches special attention be given to the im- portant place which the Spirit of prophecy has held and is still holding and will continue to hold in the rem- nant church of God. Special program material has been prepared, which wo arc presenting herewith. We would urgently recom- mend that it be made faithful use of, by pastors and church elders in a special service in our churches Sab- 79ath, December 2. The special effort which has been made throughout the world in behalf of the Spirit of proph- ecy writings during the summer and the autumn should be climaxed by this special program. The marvelous light that has come to Seventh-day Adventists through this gift in the remnant church can never be fully appreciated. That we are amid the perils of the last days, there is no doubt; but greater perils are before us. These are clearly pointed out in the most helpful in- struction in the writings of the Spirit of prophecy. Brief reference is made to a familiar statement as follows: "I was shown God's people waiting for some change to take place,—a compelling power to take hold of them. But they will be disappointed, for they are wrong. They must act; they must take hold of the work themselves, and earnestly cry to God for a true knowledge of themselves. The scenes which are passing before us are of sufficient magnitude to cause us to arouse, and urge the truth home to the hearts of all who will listen. The harvest of the earth is nearly ripe."—"Testimonies," Vol. 1, p. 261. in an hour like this it is highly important that the people of God should be closely united in the bonds of Christian fellowship and love, and that we become better acquainted with the word of God and the light which has been thrown upon the Bible through the special instruction given to this people in the marvelous writ- ings of Mrs. E. G. White. We sin- cerely hope that the entire church, both young and old, can be aroused to a realization of the preciousness of the inspired counsel given to us as a people, and that this counsel will be studied, treasured, and applied in the life of the church as well as in the life of each individual member of the church. "The end is near. Let our churches arise. Let the converting power of God be experienced in the hearts of the individual members, and then we shall see the deep movings of the Spirit of God."—Id., Vol. V, p. 537. GEN. GONE. HOME MISS. DEPT. Without Light We Perish BY L. II. CHRISTIAN Vice-President, Genelal gonference C ERTAIN spiritual factors need to be clearly understood and definitely accepted by the Ad- ventist Church today. Failing to do th's we shall never find our way through. We do not expect to give this message to the world because of a perfect organization or a large mis- sion income. Neither do we believe that a theory of the message will ever save us. The times call for individ- ual, experimental living in the guid- ance of God, based on light from heaven. Ancient Israel failed because they neglected the counsels of the Lord as revealed to Moses and the prophets. God has given special light and counsel to the remnant church through the Spirit of prophecy. If we neglect to follow that instruction, we, too, will be sifted out. In one respect the Spirit of proph- ecy occupies an entirely different posi- tion with us now from what it did while Sister White was still living. Many years after she began her work, her gift was being tested. God's peo- ple were not sure that she was a messenger through whom the Lord by inspiration revealed His will. But today that question exists no more. With the advent people it is now a settled fact that upon Mrs. E. G. White was bestowed the gift of proph- ecy. Sister White has gone to her rest. But her life is well known and her writings are all before us. Our denomination has come to the definite conclusion, and has incorporated it as a part of their faith, that God spoke through her to this people. All true 4 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 Adventists believe this, and those who fail to accept it aro really not Ad- ventists in the fullest sense. The Result of Rejecting the Testimonies We have observed some through the years who, in their own way, rejected the Testimonies. They did not believe in them, for they did not wish to fol. low them. Often they boasted of the great things they would do when they were free from the church restrictions. They claimed that they and other so- called Adventists would prosper much better in their gospel work without this divine gift of the Spirit of proph- ecy. But time has given the true an- swer to all their boasting. Those who talked of such great things and ridi. ruled the spiritual gifts have all pe. tered out, or have become bogged in their own muddy roads. Another thing should be considered. There have been some Adventist be lievere, and even workers, who did not openly oppose the Spirit of prophecy; yet they did not think they needed any of this light. They appeared to trust to their own independent think- ing, and to believe that they could be moro successful without a. thorough study of the Testimonies. We have known several workers or members of this kind. We never felt free to con- demn them. We hoped that they were honest and would later see their mis- take. But we found that without ex- ception they began to lose power from the day they gave up their faith in the Spirit of prophecy. Growing weaker and weaker in spiritual discernment and power as they departed more and more from the counsel of the Lord, their lives and labors only became the moro disappointing. The Spirit of prophecy among us is indeed "the testimony of .Jesus," as we have taught through the years; and without this gift the Adventist Church and cause simply do not pros- per. Whore the light of this divine gift is heeded and followed, God gives success, both in mission work and in personal experience. Where the gift is neglected, there is backsliding and defeat. Purchase and Snb- the Volumes It is this conviction that has led the General Conference Committee to inaugurate the present "Spirit of prophecy program." One purpose of this effort is to got our people to buy the Spirit of prophecy books. We might suppose that every Adventist on earth by this time would have all the hooks of the Spirit of prophecy which are printed in his language. linter. timately that is not yet the case. It is true that thousands and thousands of these books have been sold. hlow• ever, a large number of new believers join us every year, and these with some of the older members have not yet secured these books for them- selves and their families. Surely, be- fore this year is over, all of our peo- ple should endeavor to secure a full set of these books. Wo should give them to our friends as presents. Par- ents should have a burden that all their children, including those who aro married, own and read those books. No gospel worker among us should he without a complete set of the writ ings of Sister White in his study or office. However, buying the books is not sufficient. The books should be read. lt is not enough that we studied the Testimonies twenty years ago. We must study them afresh. There are workers who thirty years ago read the Testimonies with great care but who now scorn to make loos use of them. The Testimonies, like the Bible, never get out of date. They aro ever fresh and should ever be studied anew. We believe there is a most imperative need of a new study of the writings of the Spirit of prophecy among our people. To receive the Testimonies and to speak well of them will not suffice if wo fail to read and meditate upon them as we should. Guidance In Every Emergency We have entered another great war. Startling things are happening. Now problems are coming to our people in many lands. Strange perils of which we have never thought are upon us. Secret pitfalls, some of them entirely unheard of, lie before us. Unusual religious controversies and questions arise. Different definitions of right and wrong, new conceptions of such important things as religion, race, home, purity of life, and our relation to civil government, aro being taught. But not a single new idea, no matter how pernicious or strange it may be, has come to which thero is not an answer in the Spirit of prophecy. Years ago we read many statements in the Testimonies mad wondered what they meant. Some of these stntw ments deal with true 8abbathkeoping, our duty in time of war, and many other questions of personal, individ• cal, and moral responsibility. Twiny the meaning of many of these things in the Spirit of prophecy has become clear. Many new issues invented by the evil one to deceive mankind, eon• earning which the Lord gave us the solution in advance, are now fully un. derstood. But there are still more to come, and we shall need the divine light more and more as the days go by. But when we speak of studying the Testimonies, one important principle should be noticed. In the Bible we find mysteries hard to be understood. Very often the truth is found only after careful digging. In the Testa monies, too, every legion does not he on the surface. We need to meditate with earnest prayer on many of these statements of the Testimonies. In fart, important principles are found hidden here and there in the books of the Spirit of prophecy where we perhaps would never expect to sec them. TIM for instance, the books "Christ's Object Lessons" and "Min• istry of Healing" deal with some of the mutest urgent matters today. The same is true of "Early Writings," "The Great Controversy," and indeed of all the books. They contain light from the Lord for this time. They do net take the place of the Bible. It would be a great mistake to study the Testimonies and neglect the Bible. They lead us into the Bible. They open up new texts in the Bible that give courage to fight and fortitude to hold out. In His great love God has given us this light, and we are to heed it, for it is literally true that without light we perish. Of � IV What a Treasure! BY STEEN RASMUSSEN BEFORE Jesus ascended to heaven Ile promised that He would give gifts unto men. After His ascension these gifts wore distributed in abundant measure to His followers, not only on the day of Pentecost, but in the years which followed. These gifts are enu- merated in two of the epistles of the apostle Paul. We find that as we tome to the time of the gathering of (Continued on page 7) The Church Officers' Gazette � 5 Vol. 26, No. 12 'the Prophetic Gift in the Church BY D. II. KRESS, M.D. Goo has an organization in the earth known as the church. It is God's dearest treasure upon earth. Through the church a knowledge of Himself has been preserved. In speaking of the church in the wilder- ness, we read: "By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved." Hosea 12:13. It was not by prophets that Israel was led and preserved, but by "a prophet." God spoke to His church in the wilderness through Moses. The people came to Moses for guidance. He stood in the place of God to them. Moses said: "The people coine unto me to inquire of God." Ex. 18:15. Ordinary matters were to be referred for decision to men of wisdom who were appointed for the purpose, but fundamentals were to be referred to Moses. Every leading prophet after Moses sustained this same relation to the church. We read: "When a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a prophet was beforetime called a seer." 1 Sam. 9:9. There came a time when those most intimately associated with Moses, said: "Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath He not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it." God showed Its displeasure. Ile said to them: "Were ye not afraid to speak against My servant Moses? And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them. . . . And the cloud de- parted from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was lep- rous." Aaron besought Moses, say- ing: "My lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.... And Moses cried unto tho Lord, saying, Heal her now, 0 God, I beseech Thee." God, in answer to the petition of Moses, healed her, but commanded that she should "be shut out from the camp seven days." Num- bers 12. This was to bo a lesson to God's people for all time. God had spoken by Miriam and Aaron, it is true, for they, too, were prophets, but not in the sense that Moses was. MRS. E. G. WHITE When Aaron was selected by the Lord to be associated with Moses, his relation to Moses was clearly out- lined. The Lord said to Moses: "Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet [not My prophet]. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh." Ex. 7:1, 2. Even more explicit is the instruction which reads as follows: "Thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people. . . . He shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him in- stead of God." Ex. 4:15, 16. The relation existing between Moses, God's prophet, and Aaron is here clearly de- fined. Moses stood to him in the place of God, so that when Aaron went to inquire of God, he came to Moses. The spirit of independence mani- fested by Miriam and Aaron took possession of other leaders, and later became manifest in a more aggravated form. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were the leaders in this apostasy. With them were associated two hun- dred and fifty of the princes of the assembly "famous in the congregation, men of renown: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron; and said unto them, Ye take too muck upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them: . . � wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?" Num. 16:1-4. They maintained that to the church as a body it was given to guide her affairs, and that this was not to be the work of one individual. Their accusation was, "Thou make thyself altogether a prince over us." Verse 13, The people considered these ac- cusers to be good men, but the Lord told Moses to speak unto the congre- gation and warn them, which he did in the following manner: "Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. . . . Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. . . . If the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground claire asunder that was under them: and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. . . . And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men." Num. 16: 26-35. That these famous and supposed- to-be holy men exerted a tremendous influence against Moses will be seen by what followed. "But on the mor- row all the congregation of the chil- dren of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the Lord." Verse 41. Referring to the coming of Christ, Moses said unto the children of Israel, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the• midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken." Dent. 18:15. Concerning the promised Prophet, God said: "I will . . . put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall com- mand Him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My words which He shall speak in My name, I shall require it of him." Verses 18, 19. Christ sustained to the people of -His day the same relation that Moses sustained to the people of his day. Paul, referring to Christ, said: "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these 6 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 last days spoken unto us by His Son." Heb. 1:1, 2. Jesus "was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people." Luke 24:19. The One who spoke through Moses was Christ, who said, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Luke 16:31. The prophetic gift in the church was not to cease with Christ. He Himself said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the proph- ets: I am not come to destroy." Matt. 5:17. He did not come to do away with God's established plan. Both the law and the prophets were to continue. Paul, in his letter to the church at Corinth, referring to the church of Christ just before His sec- ond coming, said it would "come be- hind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 1:7. The remnant church will "keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus" (Rev. 12:17); and "the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy," as we are told in Revelation 19:10. In the rem- nant church the people, when they come to inquire of God, will again say, "Come, and let us go to the seer" in order to distinguish between truth and error. In other words, they will say "to the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 8:20. God will again take of the Spirit that rested on the leading prophet and place it upon His people, and there will be a fulfillment of the prediction, "Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy." Joel 2:28. Moses' prayer will be answered, "Would God that all the Lord's peo- ple were prophets." Num. 11:29. It was not until after the death of Christ that the Holy Spirit came upon those who had been associated so intimately with Him. It was after He was taken from them that they ap- preciated fully the words Ho had spoken, and they went from house to house teaching and preaching, and miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and thousands were converted. Afters the outpouring of , God's Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Peter said, "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: . � I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy." This prophecy of Joel referred to by Peter met only a par- tial fulfillment then. .It was to have its complete fulfillment in the last days. This will be seen by referring to the prophecy: "Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately [in this, reference is evidently made to the outpouring of God's Spirit at Pentecost], and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain." Joel 2:23. In the East, the rain, of which the "former rain" is a symbol, fell at the sowing time, to make possible the germination of the seed and to cause the tender shoots to spring up. The latter rain fell near the close of the season, to ripen and prepare the grain for the sickle. This represents the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to carry on from one stage to another the process of spir- itual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of God's work in the soul. Both the former rain and the latter rain are essential. Unless the early showers do their part, the latter rain could not bring the fruit to perfection. Only those who have received the full benefit of the former rain aro pre- 1. IN God's love for men, what gra- cious plan was announced by which mankind was to be given opportunity to prepare for the judgment/ "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matt. 24:14. 2. What view of this world-wide gospel work was given to the prophet John on the Isle of Patmos? "I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlast- ing gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every na- tion, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Rev. 14:6. 3. What was the first burden of this message to all people7 "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the foun- tains of waters." Rev. 14:7. , NOTE.—This is in part a quotation from the fourth commandment, which calls for observance of the Sabbath, the memorial of creation, the sign or mark of the Creator. The message goes on to warn against the mark of pared for the latter rain, or the re- freshing from the Lord. It is to this time that Peter refers when he said, "Repent, . . . and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of re- freshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must re- ceive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:19-21. From this it will be seen that a greater power than was witnessed at Pentecost will accompany the closing work of the gospel. After Pentecost "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:47. "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." Acts 5:42. All this took place under the former rain. The complete fulfillment will be witnessed before the second com- ing of Christ. As God's Spirit takes possession of hearts, and the "men and women com- prising our church membership . . . unite their efforts with those of min- isters and church officers," God's work on the earth will be speedily finished. the papal apostasy, the Sunday insti- tution. 4. What distinguishes the people called to give this gospel message? "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the command- ments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Rev. 14:12. 5. What must this commandment- keeping people meet from the origi- nator of sin and error, as they carry this last gospel message to men? "The dragon was wroth with the woman [the symbol of the church], and went to make war with the rem- nant of her seed, which keep the com- mandments of God." Rev. 12:17. 6. What special gift for guidance and instruction is foretold as coming to the remnant church? "The remnant . . . keep the com- mandments of God, and have the testi- mony of Jesus Christ." "The testi- mony of Jesus is the Spirit of proph- ecy." Rev. 12:17; 19:10. NOTE.—The remnant were not only to "keep the commandments of God," but they were also to "have the testi- mony of Jesus," which "is the Spirit of prophecy." Brief Bible Study on the Advent Movement BY W. A. SPICER Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 7 7. How did God lead and guide a special movement in ancient times' "By a prophet the Lo•d brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved." Hosea 12:13. NOIR—To instruct and guide in that organized exodus movement of a people standing for His law, the Lord set, in a special way, this gift of the Spirit of prophecy in His an- cient church. Now the advent move- ment is brought forth to represent His holy law before all the world. All prophecy has been speaking of the preparations of the way of the Lord in the last day. The time for the special movement preparing His way has come. It is the time fore- told by Isaiah: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time;" and observe that this second time is "to recover the remnant of His people . . . from the four corners of the earth." Isa. 11:11, 12. It is the gathering of the remnant from all nations, the very work set for the message borne by this advent people that "keep the commandments of God." And when the prophet John on Patmos is shown this work of the remnant, giving the call of God to all the four corners of the earth, the prophet John is shown the gift of the Spirit of prophecy in their midst, arming them to meet the final assaults of Satan, and to do the work ap- pointed. This gift of the Spirit of prophecy was wonderfully used in the bringing forth of this advent move- ment, and its messages are still needed to guide us till the work is done. to Christian life and activity. The minister can find helpful instruction not only as to his spiritual needs, but concerning methods and plans of labor. The same is true of the phy- sician, the nurse, and the teacher. The leaders of our publishing work also find helpful inspiration and valu- able advice. Guidance for domestic affairs, caring for the children, mat- ters of diet and the general health of the family, the activities of the church, the work of conferences, as well as the work of the far-flung mission fields, all are treated in a most help- ful and practical manner. The light which is thrown upon the events of our day is illuminating even to the smallest detail. This light we need in a dark hour like this. In "The Great Controversy" we find this striking statement: "We are living in the most solemn period of this world's history. The destiny of earth's teem- ing multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being, and also the salvation of other souls, depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire, 'Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ?' We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to medi- tate much upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose."— Page 601. In regard to the "Testimonies for the Church," given through the Spirit of prophecy, and the reason for this special light, Mrs. E. G. White writes as follows: "The word of God is suf- ficient to enlighten the most beclouded mind, and may be understood by those who have any desire to understand it. . . . If you had made God's word your study, with a desire to reach the Bible standard and attain to Christian perfection, you would not have needed -the Testimonies. It is because you have neglected to ac- quaint yourselves with God's inspired Book that He has sought to reach you by simple, direct testimonies, calling your attention to the words of in- spiration which you had neglected to obey, and urging you to fashion your lives in accordance with its pure and elevated teachings. . . . The written testimonies are not to give new light, . but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already re- vealed."--"Testimonies," -Vol. V, pp. 663-665. In view of this important counsel, A Library of Inestimable Value is Found in the Spirit of Prophecy Writings What a Treasure! (Conttnned from page 4) the remnant church, one of the dis- tinguishing characteristics of God's people is that they "have the testi- mony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17. The bestowal of these gifts, and, in a special sense, the gift of the Spirit of prophecy, is for the benefit and the blessing of God's children. The di- vine purpose in placing them in the church is "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Eph. 4:12. Hence, they are to strengthen the members of the church, guide them in their individ- ual lives, their Christian growth and development, and lead them on into fruitful, active service for the Master. All who have carefully studied the writings of the Spirit of prophecy have become impressed with the em- phasis which is placed upon the impor- tance of maintaining unity in the church and among the brethren. Mar- velous is the counsel given in regard BIOGRAPHY Early Writings Life Sketches Christian Experience and Teachings Life and Teachings of Ellen G. White TESTIMONY COUNSELS Testimonies for the Church—Nine Volumes (May be obtained singly or as a four-book set) Selections From the Testimonies— (A three-book set containing se- lected articles from the nine vol- umes) CONFLICT OF THE AGES SERIES Patriarchs and Prophets Prophets and Kings The Desire of Ages Acts of the Apostles The Great Controversy HEALTH LITERATURE Ministry of Healing Counsels on Diet and Foods . Counsels on Health Medical Ministry INSPIRATIONAL Steps to Christ The Sanctified Life Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing Christ's Object Lessons Christ Our Saviour SERVICE Gospel Workers Testimonies to Ministers Christian Service Counsels on Sabbath School Work Colporteur Evangelist GUIDE TO YOUTH Messages to Young People EDUCATION Fundamentals of Christian Education Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students Education Of these books, Mrs. White wrote : "Abundant light has been given to our people in these last days. . . . My writings will constantly speak, and their work will go forward as long as time shall last." LET THEM SPEAK IN EVERY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST HOME ' � GIVE THEM RIGHTFUL PLACE IN EVERY PERSONAL LIBRARY Write to Book and Bible Houses for prices; also for information as to the foreign languages in which Spirit of prophecy books are printed. Join in the Revival of Spirit of Prophecy Study During the Year 1940 8 � The Church Officers' Gazette � Decembei, 1939 the writings of the Spirit of prophecy should be in the home of every Sub- bathkeeping family. All Seventh-day Adventists should learn to know and value this marvelous treasure; they should be urged to search diligently in this great mine of truth, and read the counsel and admonitions again and again. May we say with David, the sweet singer of Israel: "Thy tes- timonies are my meditation." "Thy testimonies also aro my delight and my counselors!' Ps. 110:99, 24. And let us ever remember that a special blessing is pronounced upon those "that keep His testimonies, and that Reek Him with the whole heart." Ps. 119:2. 91 "The Way the Lord Has Led Us" As Seventh-day Adventists, wo view with a certain justifiable pride the world-wide advance of the work of our denomination. We have a repute.. tion as earnest students of the word of God, as tireless active missionaries, and us helpful neighbors and friends. We know that the distinctive message we boar and our understanding loy- alty to the word of God have been important factors in making us what we are and enabling us ever to broaden our work at a time of religious apes- tan,- and general retrogression in Protestant missionary activity. Wore we to turn the page of our own history we would readily discern another vitally important factor which has, in a larger degree than most of us realize, built up the church and preserved it from erroneous doctrinal teaching and fanaticism. That influ- ence is the Spirit of prophecy as manifested in the life and work of Mrs. Ellen G. White. "By a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt," declared the prophet Hosea, "and by a prophet 'vas he preserved." Hosea 12:13. As truly as God in days of old led His chosen people from bondage to the Promised Land, just as truly has He led His people of today on their journey to the heavenly Canaan. After the pioneers of the advent manage, nearly a century ago, were led, through their study of the Scriptures, to the acceptance of the leading doctrines that wo as Seventh- day Adventists hold, instruction was sent to them through God's chosen messenger, Ellen White, that the mes- sage must be heralded by the printed page. It was a very humble begin• ning that was made in 1849. In those early days of struggle and poverty, the prediction that the publishing work would be like streams of light encircling the globe seemed fantastic and impossible. The work has grown and developed, following the direc- tions given by God, through the years until today, ninety years later, we have seventy-five publishing houses printing, in nearly 200 languages, over 34,000,000 worth of literature a year. Inseparably linked with the pub- lishing work is our missionary activ- ity which has penetrated every land of earth. Other Protestant groups have found it difficult or impossible to maintain a unity of doctrine and a fellowship of peoples. We rejoice in a unified work the world around. A study of our work reveals the se- cret—adherence to the word of God, the love of God in our hearts, and the Spirit of prophecy counsels ad- monishing and instructing us. God has directly led this people in the matter of organization, in church order, in maintenance of doctrine. In ono land some time ago, where all literature is closely scrutinized by government authorities and our pub- lications are carefully examined, the officer in charge, after reading a vol- ume of articles selected front the "Testimonies for the Church," re- marked, "For some time we have been trying to learn the secret of your see- ms as a religious group. Now we have found it. It is in the writings of your Mrs. E. G. White." That ut- terance of a government official was very close to the truth. Incessantly the Spirit of prophecy messages call for a renewal of the study of the word of God, for a resulting deeper spiritual life, and a more diligent mis- sionary activity with each member of the church participating—none, not even the children, being left out. When God, through revelation to Ills messenger, pointed out the rela• tionship between our physical life And our spiritual welfare, and this pee- ple were led to a better way of living that "will promote our happiness in this life, and will aid us in a prepara- tion for the life to come" ("Counsels on Diet and Foods," p. 464), there was a response which has made Sov- enth-day Adventists known to the world as health reformers—"the clean church" in many darkened lands—and has led this people, professional and laity alike, to follow the footsteps of the Master in ministry to the physical needs as well as to the spiritual inter- ests of mankind. Our medical work in all lands is proving to be the right arm of the message. One hundred twenty thousand Sev enth-day Adventist youth the world around sit at the feet of Seventh-day Adventist instructors, gaining not only the essentials of an ordinary edu- cation, but studying the word of God and preparing for a part in His great work. What has led us to the train- ing of this army of youth? Why did Seventh-day Adventists years ago initiate a system of education in many respects different from the sys- ' toms of learning of the time, but today widely recognised as funda- mentally correct? Our educators in answer will point to the helpful guid- ance of the Spirit of prophecy. As representatives from all parts of the world meet from time to time in important councils, there is mani- fest a remarkable unity of doctrine. We marvel at it today. As we look back over the years, there passes be- fore us instance after instance when stealthy attempts were made to inject into the teachings of Seventh-day Ad- ventists certain apparently pleasing but misleading doctrines. Time after Eine such issues worn met by the Spirit of prophecy, which, in this our day, has pointed out the way we should take. The record of those counsels still guard the church today. Let us look into the future. Not only in the past has the Spirit of prophecy done its work, nor is the benefit limited to this day, but God through this means has clearly opened before us the spiritual conflict in which wo are engaged, giving detail of action of the two contending par- ties, and unmasking the plans and wiles of the great adversary. The value of this instruction will be ap- preciated with increasing force in the days of crisis into which we are now entering. "We have nothing to fear for the future," wrote the Lord's messenger some years ago, "except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history."—"Life Sketches," p. 196. ARTHUR L. Wfirre, Secretary, Ellen O. White Publications. Vol. 26, No, 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette Church Missionary Officers' Round Table I An Exchange of Experiences, Problems, Suggestions All Church Missionary Leaders and Secretaries Are Invited to Contribute to This Exchange A Pastor's Evaluation of the Weekly Missionary Service "You are making a mistake, my brother, in failing to conduct the weekly missionary service in your church!" Tt was the home missionary secre- tary of the conference speaking. The time was ten years ago. I had just entered the ministry, and at this par- ticular interview was discussing the problems of the church under my charge. I did not agree with the home mis- sionary secretary. I was decidedly prejudiced against trying to crowd in anything between Sabbath school and the preaching service, and I held to the opinion that I could do more to enlarge the missionary work of the church through the preaching hour than could possibly be done in the fifteen-minute weekly missionary serv- ice. But the conference worker was quick to size up the situation, and our interview ended with his kindly coun- sel as stated above. I did not, how- ever, give heed to his counsel for some time to come. Several years went by. I had moved to another locality and was pastor of a large church. The mis- sionary problem in the church became more and more a burden on my heart. I realized that I was failing in my efforts to lead the membership in mis- sionary endeavor. In searching for help I remembered the urgent appeal made by the conference worker in behalf of the fifteen-minute mission- ary service, and I decided to give the plan a trial. That first brief mis- sionary service was just a `trial" in more ways than one. I was still quite convinced that the plan would not work; and my expectations wore fully realized. The lay member chosen as leader failed to get the at- tention of the people, and there was confusion. T was about ready to inform the conference secretary "I told you so!" when it began to dawn on me that there were possibilities in the fifteen-minute service if we could train the leadership and get the church behind it. In the years which followed I have found this to be true, and today I consider the fifteen- minute missionary service a vital part of the church program. I still recog- nize that without proper leadership this missionary service will be a fail- ure; but right at this very point lies its greatest asset to the church—the opportunity of training local leader- ship. When the nominating committee is considering the missionary officers at the beginning of the year, I am al- ways deeply interested. I wan; to see that the choice of missionary leader rests upon the one who holds the greatest possibilities for organiz- ing and leading the church forward in missionary activities. Then when the leader is elected, I want to have his confidence, so that he will be ready to counsel and work with me in plan- ning and carrying out the missionary program. When the missionary leader finds that he has the backing and support of the pastor, he recognizes the responsibility resting upon him, and he catches a vision of the work to be done; and then if he is a conse- crated leader, something is going to happen in the church. 1 think of some of the faithful missionary leaders I have known. Their plans were carefully and prayerfully laid ahead of the Sabbath service. Then, as the last verse of the closing song of Sabbath school was being sung, the missionary leader and the secretary quietly exchanged places with the Sabbath school su- perintendent and secretary. When the song closed, the missionary serv- ice had already started -without a break. The leader was in his place, and his carefully planned program followed. There was no reading of long articles. Every item was cared for quickly. There was enthusiasm, there wore earnestness and zeal. The church members were touched by the appeal of one of their own members, and they responded. Whether it was arranging for a club of the Signs, or for a plan for systematic distribu- tion of Present Truth, the fifteen- minute service proved a real help. Perhaps the greatest help was realized in fostering the Ingathering campaign. Together with the faith- ful missionary committee, we organ ized for the ingathering work. Then I preached one sermon to start the campaign; but from that time no other preaching hour was needed to keep the work going, as the weekly missionary service carried it right through to victory. Each Sabbath after an enthusiastic opening of the fifteen-minute service, the leader called on the leaders of bands for reports on the week's work. The amounts stated were put in a neat column on the blackboard, and added to the previous week's total. The goal device was kept up to date, and the members were encouraged to go forward in a strong way. Before the service closed, definite plans were laid for the coining week. The missionary leader carried the responsibility for the success of the missionary service. I was always present to help and to give a word of encouragement, but the missionary officers carried the burden. When the hour for the preaching service ar- rived, pastor and people were in readi- ness. It was not necessary to take any time in making announcements and calling the members to arouse for missionary activity. All this had been well eared for during the preceding period. As a pastor I am fully convinced of the value of the weekly church missionary service. In Cleveland, Ohio, where I am now located, I feel that it would be impossible to care for the work of the missionary or- ganization without the help afforded by the fifteen-minute service, under the leadership of faithful missionary officers. In the large city churches, the pastor has many burdens, and success lies in organizing and placing responsibilities of missionary leader- ship on the lay members. One of the pastor's greatest assets is to be found in the unlimited talent of the laity when organized and trained for serv- ice. The fifteen-minute service, rightly used, will increase the church mis- sionary activity and multiply the use- fulness of the pastor manyf old. G. R. CARTER. .10 � The Church Officers' Gazette ! Church Missionary Organization E i Oiling the Wheels of the Missionary Organization Tms article is not designed to treat on the subject of organization as such, but rather on how to keep a good organization going along smoothly. The success of any good organization depends quite largely upon the mag- nanimous spirit of the chief leader and his subordinate officers. The missionary leader in the church must be a man big enough and noble enough to appreciate the real worth of others with whom he works. A word of sincere commendation occa- sionally, especially when the load goes hard, is always appreciated and helps lift the load. A successful leader recognizes the faithfulness and the accomplishments of individuals and groups. He knows the capabilities of every man and woman and youth in the church, The church missionary leader should meet with all the various band leaders from time to time, and call for a re- port of progress, problems, and plans. It is well to stimulate the initiative ability of each leader by recognizing a good new plan or method, and giv- ing credit for it. As chief leader, do not take all the credit for success or think that all good plans originate from the main office or officer. In personal counsel with any leader or church missionary worker, listen with interest to his problem, suggestion, or counsel. Be ready to receive counsel as well as to give it. Find time and a place to pray with these leaders in groups and alone. To keep the wheels of missionary consecration and zeal moving harmoni- ously, each band leader should call his group together frequently for prayer and for study of methods of efficient service, A still more efficient work could be accomplished by taking time to visit each member of the band in his own home. Do not be too hasty in trying to 'Straighten out every kink of difficulty. Many of these difficulties will in time take care of themselves. As far as possible let each man straighten out his own difficulties, especially if the problem is in his own band or group or class. Always, as far as possible, work through the recognized leader of each band. If trouble arises concerning methods of work, supplies, or territory, get the leaders together and make a resurvey of the territory and the plans in operation, and revise as seems neces- sary. Always play fair with everyone. "God is no respecter of persons;" neither should we be when it comes to fair play. But Heaven recognizes the ability of some men above others, and so should we. Some men can do better in one line of work than in another. Some leaders can accomplish more than others. As far as is consistent, bring men up to capacity; encourage efficiency. It is a most unfortunate fact that there are some individuals who; al- though excellent workers in their line, do not seem to work successfully with certain other persons. Everyone should learn the secret of teamwork, and be able to pull with another and enjoy it. .When it seems impossible for persons to work together, then arrangements should be made to separate them and try a more favorable combination. If at all possible this should be done without the real reason's being known. Avoid putting two dilatory people in the same group. A chronic critic— one who is ready to find fault with most anything--should be assigned to work alone, or by the side of a patient saint. If necessary to keep an effective organization functioning, such shifts in band or class leadership should be made; but it is best not to disturb a good organization or real working teams when everything is going along nicely. And when public efforts are held, the entire missionary organiza- tion should work in full harmony with the pastor and the church board. The weekly missionary services should be carefully observed in the right spirit, and should reveal the good work done by the church, as well as a concerted plan of promotion. The first Sabbath service should be most inspiring, and should stimulate to Christian service all who are present WILLIAM A, BUTLER. December, 1939 Strengthening the Topical and the Class Bands Organization "TIME is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work"— "Testimonies," Vol. IX, p. 27. If this quotation was true when it was written (and we believe it was), it is doubly true today. But what is the "larger work"? Ts it not the evan- gelization of the world, the task given to this remnant people, that we may search out the honest in heart for the kingdom? In order that this may be done in the short time left, "our forces must be organized." We are not left in uncertainty as to the organization necessary, for again we read: "The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err."—Id., Vol. VII, pp. 21, 22. These small companies are today rep- resented by the topical bands, which bind together those who have talents, or who have received special training along certain lines which has fitted them to do a certain work. The num- ber of topical bands may be many, but those most familiar are: Bible work, literature, correspondence, Christian help, etc. We all realize the value of strong work along the lines suggested by these topical bands. We have failed in accomplishing the work that should have been done because we have not carefully organized so as to secure the cooperation of the church mem- bers, A very beautiful illustration of such organization is found in the Bible, in the experience of Nehemiah when the walls of Jerusalem were being rehuilt. Little was being ae- complished in this important work of rebuilding; but when Nehemiah ar- rived on the scene, he immediately underto'ok the task of seeing just what was to be done and how best to accomplish it. Then he presented to the people his definite plans. "And they said, Let us rise up and build." "So built we ' the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." Neh. 2:18; 4:6. The people were ready to work when the task was presented in such a way that they could do their part. The same is true today. Our church mem- bers are waiting to be assigned their place, and the topical-hand organiza- Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 11 tion meets the need. The first step is for the church board to decide just what work should be carried on in the vicinity of the church, then select the best leaders available for the topical bands, and then present the full missionary program to the church, giving each member the op- portunity to volunteer for the par- ticular line of service for which he finds himself best fitted. The leader of each band should call a meeting of his group to study the best methods of doing the particular work they are to do. In carrying out these plans, the leader will no doubt find it necessary to give personal as- sistance to some in getting started in field work, going with them and dem- onstrating how it is actually done. Of such a program we are told: "There should be no delay in this well- planned effort to educate the church members."—Id., Vol. IX, p. 119. December 2—Bringing to a Decision IT is the harvest and not the seed sowing which determines the value of the farmer's tireless, faithful toil. And it is even so in the spiritual realm. Getting results, bringing in the sheaves, is the test of the spiritual seed sower's labor. Careful, prayer- ful study should be given by all who engage in soul-winning work—whether this be through systematic literature distribution, Bible work, or lay preaching, or a combination of two or all three—to the matter of bringing individuals to take their stand for Christ. We might offer briefly a few sug- gestions: 1. Be often in prayer for the in- dividual or persons for whom you are working. 2. Enlist the prayers of others. 3. Make frequent personal visits to those with whom personal work is being carried on. 4. Bring them appropriate heart- appealing literature to strengthen faith and decision. 5. If cooperation of a minister or a Bible worker can be secured, such help often gives just the special lift and encouragement that are needed. In order that such a work may be kept alive, it is very essential that an accurate report be secured. The wise man said: "A good report maketh the bones fat." Prov. 15:30. The same is true today. , A good report, or the putting together of what dif- ferent ones have done, helps our mem- bers to see that something is really being accomplished and encourages them to be more active. The best way, undoubtedly, of receiving such a report is through the Blass-band or- ganization; and often the Sabbath school class formation becomes the missionary class band during the fifteen-minute service. A more care- ful planning and working out of the topical-band and class-band organiza- tion will lead to a more permanent and more successful evangelistic pro- gram in our churches. M. E. CHAPMAN, Home Missionary Sec., Florida. 6. Place the Review and Herald in the hands of people who arc on the brink of decision. 7. Suggest the establishment of the family altar. 8. Introduce the Sabbath school les- sons. December 9—Reaping tile Harvest Tills week's topic is so closely asso- ciated with that of last week that we feel constrained to repeat that the test of a soul-winner's effort is the fruits and not the seed sowing or planting. If faithful cultivation has been en- gaged in, a harvest is bound to result, provided faithful efforts are put forth to gather in the grain and the fruit. Attention has often been called to the Ingathering follow-up work, but we desire to stress this matter again. We believe that a carefully planned effort to make the most of contacts of interest made in the Ingathering work, will bring encouraging returns in new members. Wherever Present Truth, Signs of the Times, or the Free Circulating Library books have been distributed during recent weeks and months, op- portunities should be sought for Bible studies, with a view to bringing inter- ested people to a decision. December 16—Personal Testimo- nies and Experiences WHAT brings greater satisfaction and peace into the soul than speaking a word for Christ, either as to His wonderful goodness and keeping power, or in regard to our missionary endeavors in His name? To some who are timid and find it difficult to speak before a group of people, it is a great struggle to rise and give their per- sonal testimony for Jesus. But what a joy and satisfaction it does bring into the heart when this timidity and fear have been conquered, and we rise to speak what is in our heart and what we have been able to ac- complish for the Lord. However, in addition to the joy that comes in relating our experiences, there is an even greater factor, and that is the inspiration and encourage- ment we give to someone else who may not have had the experience as yet of engaging in personal missionary work. One never knows what good may be accomplished or what a blessing and inspiration it may be to some other soul when a helpful testimony or ex- perience is given. There is a little lad about three years of age in one of our city . churches who deeply moves the hearts of everyone present as he stands on the bench beside his mother in prayer meeting and offers this sweet little testimony in a clear, childish voice: "I love Jesus with all my heart!" Surely, even a child shall lead them. So let us be as faithful as this little child in making known our love for Jesus, and our endeavors for remembering always the double bless- ing that comes—to ourselves and to others. December 23—The Secret of Success—Prayer PRAYER is a simple thing; yet it is a mighty force. Through prayer mar- velous things have been accomplished. It opened the Red Sea for Israel. It made the sun stand still; it brought fire from heaven on Elijah's altar; it healed the sick and raised the dead in days gone by. Prayer has the same possibilities today as it had in days of yore. Prayer is the wireless of heaven and the Christian. No enemy can interrupt the line. Prison bars may surround an individual, the lion's den may be his resting place; still the prayer line to heaven is open. Weekly Church Missionary Services 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 Not only for our own personal strength and comfort do we need to pray; missionary work done without prayer will not accomplish its purpose. Soul-winning activities carried on in behalf of others, when accompanied by earnest, sincere, unceasing prayer, will bring encouraging fruitage. Prayer is the real secret of true suc- cess in our endeavors for advancing the kingdom of God. "The simple prayers indited by the Holy Spirit will ascend through the gates ajar.... These prayers, mingled with the incense of the perfection of Christ, will ascend as fragrance to the Father, and answers will come."— "Testimonies," rot. VI, p. 467. Keep the prayer lamp burning, for in it is the light of life. Make your home and your church a temple of prayer. December 30—A Year of Oppor- tunity and Blessings THE new year brings to us two great challenges: 1. A challenge to consecration. To us a now year is given, a year that we can use either for God or for self, a year of privilege, a year of oppor- tunity, a year to seek and to impart blessings. "What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matt. 16:26. God's challenge is to consecration, to a dedication of life with its talents to the unfinished task. Society of Missionary Men SINCE this new feature of men's organization has been launched, a steady growth of new societies is ap- parent in parts of North America. It is most encouraging to see this new missionary unit filling the important place for which it is designed. Some of the societies are now in touch with the operators of lighthouses along the coast line and the shores of the Groat Lakes. The keepers of lighthouses have heretofore been a largely neg- lected class in carrying out our mis- sionary objective. Other Missionary Men organizations find:opportunities to assist very needy eases in the neighborhood. Rut more R. A challenge to service. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden. is light." Matt. 11:29, 30. "Service" is possibly an overworked word, but it is not an overworked ideal. Service for Christ implies service with Christ. Greater service for and with the Mas- ter during 1940 should be our watch- word. The days of opportunity for service are fast slipping by. The- time to arise, to awake, to shine, is here, in- deed. The Autumn Council of the General Conference sounded this key- note: "We believe that the time left us in which to finish our work is exceed- ingly short. Surely the consummation of all things is at hand. Millions who are about to perish are still unwarned, and yet we are told that 'we hold in our hands the bread of life for a famished world.' The time is at hand for a mighty advance in soul winning. "We appeal for a deeper consecra- tion and a more thorough organiza- tion and training of onr church mem- bers, including the youth, to engage in soul-winning work so that our church membership may be aroused and pressed into this mighty effort to finish the work while the day of op- portunity lasts, for soon, very soon, 'the night cometh, when no man can work.' "—Pall Council, 1938. and more one great objective and purpose of the Society of Missionary Men is being recognized, and that is a personal interest in men whose wives are members of the Seventh-day Ad- ventist church, and who are more or less favorable to the truth but have not given their hearts to God. The societies are also carrying on. active missionary work of the nature of cot- tage meetings and lay preaching. The pastor of the Wichita, Kansas, church, refers to the work of the So- ciety of Missionary Men as follows: "The members of the society took an interest in a community some thirty miles away, where the Seventh-day Adventist church had been closed for some time. They began holding a series of meetings, and virtually revived and reorganized the church, and added some new members. Regular church services are now conducted. They have also developed a new interest in another near-by town, with promising results." In other places good work is being accomplished through the Society of Missionary Men. The work of this missionary unit is of a most practical nature and is lasting in results. WILLIAM A. BUTLER. Health Study Circles LARGE portions of the Old Testa- ment are devoted to setting forth health principles. In the days of an- cient Israel, sanitary laws covering every phase of life were not only en- joined, but were enforced by civil authority. It is God's design that His children should "prosper and be in health." Service for God is impaired just in proportion as health is impaired. We cannot give our best to Him when our physical body is unfit. Although sin has wrought physical weakness and suffering to a vast extent, yet God has given explicit instruction for safeguarding the physical welfare of His people. A, wonderful message of health reform has been given to us, which we must first of all put into practice in our own lives, and then give to the world. A plan for organizing Health Study Circles' in the churches has been au- thorized by the General Conference, as follows: "WE RECOMMEND, 1. That the se- ries of Outline Studies based on the book 'Ministry of Healing,' as author- ized by the General Conference Com- mittee, be used throughout the world field in medical missionary educa- tional endeavor. "2. That Health Study Circles be formed in our churches for the pur- pose of further educating and ac- quainting our people with the prin- ciples contained in 'Ministry of Healing.' "3. That the Medical Department and the Home Missionary Department unite in organizing and promoting these Health Study Circles in accord- ance with the promotion plans agreed upon by both departments."—General Conference Committee, May 11, 1989. Departmental Activities 'T1413 NEW Fitness CIRCULATING LIBRARY At=X=== irtris===.= -1:15-itra•-"Fa INTRODUCTORY PAGE VoL 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 13 NE • SIMPLE • EFFICIENT • SELF-SUPPORTING PLBn This New Free Circulating Library consists of ten num- bers of the World's Crisis Series books, carefully selected to cover the different phases of the message. Each book is numbered, and just inside the front cover is an introductory page which explains the content of the book, with a footnote outlining the book to follow. FREE CIRCULATING LIBRARY A More Effective Plan for Greater Soul-Saving Endeavor Here is a new plan by which members of our churches can now place in the hands of people everywhere thousands of pages of, comprehensive reading on the main points of our message. If any are timid or fearful, yet desire to help give the message, this plan smooths the way. A simplified record sheet is furnished to the worker with each set, making it very easy to keep a record of the books as they are lent. Printed on the front of this record sheet is a brief canvass, and on the back of the record sheet are full instructions. METHOD ORDER OF YOUR CHURCH MISSIONARY SECRETARY or BOOK AND BIBLE HOUSE OPPORTIMITY Here is a simplified and system- atized method of literature work that any church or individual can follow successfully. By de- voting a little time to this work on Sabbath afternoons or on Sundays, a person can easily keep from one to five sets in circulation. A complete set of books, with record sheet and in- structions, will be sent postpaid at the prices indicated. Send for your books today and let them begin doing duty at once as silent ministers of truth in the homes of the people. "'"••••'.. SELF-SUPPORTING Many readers will wish to keep these books and will be glad to pay the regular price of 25 cents each. Thus this work can be made entirely self-supporting. ORDER COUPON BOOK AND BIBLE HOUSE: Enclosed find $ � for which send to me � sets of the Free Circulating Library at $1.30 per set. Name � Address � 14 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 The plan is that a class be formed in each church consisting of those who desire to make a careful study of the book "Ministry of Healing." Study outlines, covering thirteen class periods, are prepared and furnished by the Medical Department of the General Conference. The leader of the Health Study Class should be ap- pointed by the church board. It is hoped that beginning with the new year these classes will be organized in every church. The instruction will prove a great blessing in the life of the individual, and enable the church to go forward in medical missionary work with greater power and success. WILLIAM A. BUTLER. th' A Sermon in "Ifs" If you are not made better by giv- ing, double your gift. If you have God's promise for a thing, isn't that enough? If some people are really on their way to heaven; they are traveling in the sleeping ear. If you cannot give a good reason for what you are doing, there is a good reason why you should not do it. If some men were as tender in heart as they are in pocket, what won- derful things they would do for the Lord. If God had no more mercy on us than we have on one another, the world would have been burned up long ago. If some people would be a little more careful about where they step, those who follow them wouldn't stum- ble so much. If God's light is shining in you, it will be sure to be seen by somebody who is traveling in the dark. • If we are faithful, God will look after our success. If we do not rejoice in the Lord, the world will not believe that we know Him.-Selected. Study Outlines on "The Great Controversy" For the Month of December BY D. E. ROBINSON Chapter 21-A Warning Rejected 1. WHAT was Miller's attitude to- ward the establishment of a new reli- gious denomination? How did the proclamation of the advent message affect the growth of the churches? 375:1, 2 [429: 1, 2]. 2. What changed conditions led to the separation of many Adventists from their former churches? 376:1 [430:1]. 3. How would the spirituality of the churches logically be affected by the dismissal or withdrawal of such mem- bers as loved Christ's appearing? What contemporary testimony corrob- orates "a sudden and marked" declen- sion in spiritual life? 376:2-377:2 [430:2-431:2]. 4. What tragic results follow the deliberate rejection of Bible truth? How is this principle illustrated in the Jewish people in Christ's day, and since? 377:3-378:2 [431:3-432:2]. 5. What was the design of the first angel's message, and what blessed re- sults were experienced by those who accepted it? 379:1-3 [433:1-3]. 6. What were the reasons that led to a general prejudice against and unbelief in the advent message? What did its rejection involve? 380:1, 2 [434:1, 2]. 7. How is the term "Babylon," as used in the book of Revelation, shown to bo a symbol of an unfaithful church? and what Scriptures identify this church with Rome? 381:1-382:3 [434:3-436:2]. 8. Who are the "daughters," and what facts show that they are the ones especially referred to in the sec- ond angel's message? 382:3485:1 [436:3-439:1]. 9. How do the present standards of the popular churches compare with the ideals of their founders? 385:2- 388:1 [439:2-442:3]. 10. What is symbolized by the "wine"? How may the Bible be as effectively prohibited by subtlety as by edict? 388:2-389:1 [443:1-3]. 11. What is the relation of the an- nouncement of the fall of Babylon in Revelation 14:8 and in chapter 18:4, 5? Do the conditions as they have developed during the half century since this was written confirm the forecast then made? 389:2, 3 [444: 1, 2]. 12. As Ire near the climax of the modern apostasy, what hopeful view is given to encourage missionary ac- tivity? 390:2, 3 [445:1, 2]. chapter 22-Prophecies Fulfilled 1. What passages of Scripture brought encouragement to the disap- pointed believers as they continued to search for added light? 391:1-394:1 [447:1-451:2]. 2. How did the enemy of souls try to bring reproach upon the movement during the "tarrying time"? 395:1- 396:2 [452:1-453:2]. 3. What experiences of the past in- dicate that when the Lord is carrying forward a strong movement, fanatics may be expected to connect themselves with it? 397:1-398:2 [454:1-455:2]. 4. What discovery in the Scriptures led many to look to the autumn of 1844 for the ending of the 2300 days? How did the time of their discovery give to its proclamation the name of the "midnight cry"? 398: 3, 4; 400:1 [455:2, 3; 457:1]. 5. How did a study of the typical spring feasts and their relation to the death and resurrection of Christ point to October 22, 1844? 399:1-4 [456: 1-4]. 6. How did the "midnight cry" movement compare with the former movement as to extent, spiritual power, and missionary activity? 400: 2-403:1 [457:2-459:3]. 7. Following this second disappoint- ment, what three classes of followers renounced their connection with the movement? 403:2 [460:2]. 8. Review the parallel experiences of the disciples and those who proclaimed the second advent (351:1, 2 [402:1, 2]), and note the points of similarity further developed in their disappoint- ment. 404:1-405:2 [460:3-462:1]. 9. In what passage of Scripture did the doubly disappointed ones now find added encouragement and assurance for the future? 407:1-408:1 [464:1, 2]. Reward "cLoRious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers are gathered about the throne of God and the Lamb. When John in his mortal state beheld the glory of God, he fell as one dead; he was not able to endure the sight. But when mortal shall have put on immortality, the ransomed ones are like Jesus, for they see Him as He is. They stand before the throne, signifying that they are accepted. All their sins are blotted out, all their transgressions borne away. Now they can look upon the undimmed glory from the throne of God. They have been partakers with Christ of His sufferings, they have been workers together with Him in the plan of redemption, and they are partakers with Him in the joy of beholding souls saved through their instrumentality to praise God through all eternity. � "Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 467. Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 15 aung geopk s of Missionary 0epartinent Volunteers OFFICERS' NOTES December Week-of-Prayer Follow-up Activities URING this last month of the year, the annual Week of Prayer will take place in all our churches. Much of its same s will depend upon the coopera- Von of the Missionary Volunteer So- e'ety officers. As workers for youth, you should acquaint the church elders with the fact that you are anxious to cooperate in every possible way to bring about some definite results. Even though you may not take an active part in the public meetings yourself, you can do much to assist. Transportation may be provided for those who would not otherwise be able to attend. Invitations in person or by telephone or letter may be extended to both old and young who seem to need a word of encouragement to bring them back into contact with the church. Do not forget that the success of the Week of Prayer depends largely upon the follow-up work. Those who take their stand for Christ for the first time will need special attention after the season of consecration is past. Let them know that you are interested in them, although it may mean some inconvenience and sacrifice on your part. Visit them in their homes, invite them to yours, and sug- gest ways of having a part in God's work. All this will help to bind their interest and heart to the message. By watching for these apparently little opportunities, you may prove yourself a blessing to those who come within the sphere of the church. C. LESTER BOND. Election of J.M.V. Officers In the November issue of the GA- ZETTE your attention was directed to the importance of giving careful con- sideration to the election of Junior Missionary Volunteer Society super- intendents and the board of counselors. We again direct your attention to this important item, and request that if you have not already done so, you will study carefully the article which appeared last month, and that you use your influence to bring about the strengthening of our Junior society organization in the church. No other responsibility is more important than this. � C. LESTER BOND. December 2—Open Planned Holidays Tars month and occasionally throughout the new year, our young people will be confronted with the privileges and opportunities afforded in-holidays, but they will also be con- fronted with the temptations that come during these holiday periods. Because of their inexperience and the natural tendency of the youth to follow im- pulse instead of principle, they are in constant danger and in need of sympathetic direction by those of more mature years and experience. This places upon the Senior Mis- sionary Volunteer leadership of the church a very sacred responsibility— that of providing wholesome recreation and entertainment for our youth dur- ing holiday seasons. Not that it is necessary to attempt to provide ac- tivity sufficient to occupy all spare time, but it is necessary to give to our youth direction which will hold them steady during leisure hours. Even in winter months interesting outdoor activities may be provided. This is an excellent time to arrange for a "Secret Numbers" nature hike, as described on pages 26 and 27 of the "Master Comrade ManuaL" An- other interesting feature which might be developed is an outdoor or an indoor get-together of the young people and their parents. Devote a portion of the time to an inspirational program and the remainder to relay races and games. Many of our young people would find it interesting to engage in some phase of the Progressive Class work during these holiday seasons. The society should provide leadership for all who may desire such activity. Officers, let us watch for oppor- tunities of helping the youth, and endeavor, by the grace of God, to take advantage of each opportunity as it comes. � C. LESTER BOND. Solving the Holiday Gift Problem Tun holiday season presents a defi- nite problem—what to give the family and your intimate friends. Of course you want to present worth-while gifts that can be enjoyed for a long time to come. If you should like some sugges- tions, here they are: First of all there is the matter of greeting cards. Many are the friends to be remembered at this time—friends whom you met at school and camp, neighbors who have moved away, and others. A card is nice, but temporary; so how much better it is to send a Morning Watch Calendar, and it costs no more. The recipient of such a greeting will be reminded of you fre- quently, and will be encouraged to keep the Morning Watch. What would be more appreciated by an adult, a youth, Junior, or little tot, than to have the postman bring each week a copy of the Review and Herald, the Signs of the Times, LHe and Health, the Youth's Instructor, or Our Little Friend? Such a gift will last throughout the entire year, and it may mean eternity for the receiver. "Books bring more joy, books do more good than mortal tongue can tell." Yes, a good book is one of the finest of gifts, for a "book that is fitly chosen is a lifelong friend." Choose a worth-while book—a Reading Course book—to give to Jane or Jimmy. You may be sure they will appreciate a contribution to their library. And if needed, there is no finer gift than a Bible for young or old. Help the youth to begin or to complete a library of the writings of the Spirit of prophecy. "Messages to Young People" is their own special book, and many others are of interest even to Juniors. Take advantage of the special discounts made by the pub- lishers at this very time. If there is a Junior in the family, had you thought of buying him a Junior Missionary Volunteer uniform? The cost is nominal, and how pleased he or she will be with such a practical gift. Then, too, the "Junior Hand- book" makes an inexpensive but worth- while gift. And perhaps Susan is making the study of birds her hobby, or maybe Howard is becoming inter- ested in star study. You might give them field glasses (if you can afford it) or a book on the subject. For book suggestions, see those listed with the requirements for the various Voca- tional Honors in the "Junior Hand- book." Plan for it! for your original M.V. Society program! Leisuretime Profits Victory and How to Maintain It Christ's Method Bible Trees Speak Open 1 8 15 22 29 16 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, ]939 Have you heard your brother or sister manifest an interest in stamp collecting? If so, what better way is there to encourage a fascinating hobby than to present him or her with a stamp album? All the gifts listed here may be se- cured through your Book and Bible House secretary. Remember the slogan, "Do your Christmas shopping early"? All right, NOW is the time to sit down and make out the list, and the nice part of it is, you can do the shopping right in your own home! InmA LEE HEwETT. If I Were— An Outgoing Society Officer I WOULD— Take inventory. Seek to complete all unfinished busi- ness and projects. Give to my successor all information regarding any unfinished work. Complete records and reports. File records and reports to the so- ciety, send to the conference M.V. sec- retary those which belong to him, and give to the church missionary secretary or other person those which belong to him. Prepare the society for the new year. Assure the incoming officers of my hearty cooperation—and then cooper- ate. Give of my inspiration and expe- rience through the regular membership duties in the society, in missionary bands, and other avenues of service. Read again the Bible story of Elijah and Elisha. � M. W. M. Our Own Morning Watch Calendar TILE youth of this denomination are fortunate in having a Morning Watch Calendar for their very own use. The value of this little calendar is far, far beyond the cost price of five or fifteen cents. Leader, are you one of the thousands of youth who can testify personally to the -benefits received from daily prayer and meditation and study of the Bible verses outlined topically in the calendar? Have you enjoyed the poems and the quotations in keeping with the Bible thoughts? The Bible study plan? The Bible Year check? If so, then you are eager to share our own Morning Watch Calendar with others. You yourself will use the calendar in place of other greeting cards, and will suggest to your mem- bars that they do the same; you will see that each young person in your church is supplied with the calendar; you will consult with your executive committee and the society, and plan to distribute the calendars in hospitals, sanitariums, waiting rooms, hotels, Y.M.C.A.'s, and Y.W.C.A.'s ; you will encourage Sunday school superintend- ents to supply them to their class members; you will encourage dealers in greeting cards to put them on sale; you will suggest to managers of busi- ness houses that they supply their em- ployees with them; you will urge lead- ers of youth's organizations to supply their members; in fact, you will make every effort to share this little calendar with the greatest possible number of persons. The Morning Watch Calendar for 1940 has a particular appeal to the weary and heavy laden of this world— and aren't we all in that class? Its theme is the life, ministry, and prom- ises of Jesus. The colored cover pic- ture is a reproduction of the painting "Christ Our Righteousness," by our own artist, Mr. T. K. Martin. Resolve to make better use of our own Morning Watch Calendar. (Officers' Notes continued on page 24) Missionary Volunteer Society Meeting Topics for 1940 SENIOR � JUNIOR January 6 Making the Devotional � 6 My Devotional Life Life More Effectivet � 13 The Call to Service 13 The Call to Service** � 20 Being Sensible About Our 20 Being Sensible About Our �Friendships Friendships* � 27 Citizenship and My Reit- 27 Citizenship and My Reli- �glen gion February 3 Strengthen the Home Ties 10 Sin, the Only Thing God Hatest 17 Training for Leadership** 24 Strive for the Mastery* God's Way to Peace With S.D.A. Youth in the Orient Open What the Church Expects of Its Juniors Stewardship 6 Have I the Right?* �0 13 The Measure of Faitht � 13 20 Nature's Challenge Just � 20 Where You Are 27 Lessons Learned at Sum- 27 mer Training Camp May 4 Life's Fourfold Develop- � 4 meat* 11 Our Mothers � 11 18 God's Memorialst �18 25 Let the Papers Talk** � 25 June 1 Leisuretime Profits* 8 Victory and How to Maintain Itt 15 Christ's Methods* 22 Bible Trees Speak 29 Open SENIOR July 0 What Is the Place of Recreation in My Health Pro ram " 13 What to Do With Doubtt � 13 20 Local Opportunities** � 20 27 Perfection—Can You � 27 Reach It? August 3 Harvest Ingathering �3 Harvest Ingathering Rally** � Rally 10 Three Popular Amuse- � 10 Three Popular Amuse- ments* � rents 17 "Get Ready! Get Ready I � 17 "Get Ready ! Get Ready ! Get Ready It � Get Ready!" 24 Open � 24 (Then 31 The Hebrew Songbook � 31 The Hebrew Songbook September � , 7 A Worthy Life's Pur- � 7 A Worthy Life's Purpose Pose** � 14 Seven Last Plagues 14 Seven Last Plagues �21 The Christian's Attire 21 The Christian's Attire* � 28 Importance of Public 28 Importance of Public �Worship in Christian Worship in Christian �Living Livingt October 5 Why We Are Noncombat- � 5 Win Though You Lose ants* � 12 Where Reverence Is Duo 12 Where Reverence Is Duet � 19 What Is Truth? 19 What Is Truth? � 26 Health Missionaries 26 Health Missionaries** November 2 Windows Into New �2-Windows Into New Worlds � Worlds 9 Sabbathkeeping* � 9 Sabbathkeeping 16 A Heaven-born Idea** � 16 A Safeguard for Juniors 23 Are You Thankful? Show 23 Are You Thankful? Show It! � It! 30 Open � 30 Open December 7 Around the Family �7 Around the Family Altar Altart � 14 Enlist Now 14 Enlist Now** � 21 God's Love Demonstrated 21 God's Love Demonstrated � 28 I Resolve—for 1941 ! 28 Retrospect and Prospectt KEY: *Youth's Problems. � ** Christian Service Christian Experience 2 God's Way to Peacet 9 With S.D.A. Youth in Orient 16 Open 23 Youth's Place in the Church** 30 Stewardship* 24 March 2 the � 9 16 23 30 April 3 10 17 Strengthen the Home Ties Sin, the Only Thing God Hates Do You Take Responsi- bility? Strive for the Mastery Have I the Right? The Measure of Faith Nature's Challenge Just Where You Are Lessons Learned at Jun- ior Camp Life's Fourfold Develop- ment Our Mothers God's Memorials Let the Papers Talk JUNIOR What Is the Place of Recreation in My Health Program? The Junior Pledge Animals of the Bible Perfection—Can You Reach It? In these days of stress, the Morning Watch Calendar provides daily themes— Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 17 Youth and the Family Altar (Program for December 9) BY R. R. METZ OPENING SONG: "Spend One MOUE With Jesus," No. 101 in "Gospel in Song." ANNOUNCEMENTS. OFFERING. READING: "Messages to Young Peo- ple," page 247, par. 1. PRAYER. SPECIAL MUSIC. LEADER'S REMARKS. SYMPOSIUM: "The Family Altar." SPECIAL SONG: "My Name in Mother's Prayer," No. 36 in "Christ in Song." READING: "The Power of Prayer." READING: "How Father Became a Christian." READING: "Where the Old Man Used to Kneel." READING: "A College Graduate Writes Home." CLOSING SONG: "Mother's Prayers Have Followed Me," No. 102 in "Gospel in Song." Notes to Leaders As leaders of youth we can do much to revive an interest in the family altar—an interest which will culminate in the erection of broken-down family altars. Since this program includes the whole family, make an honest effort to have the parents present when the material is presented. Every father and every mother should ho listening in. It would be well, too, to invite fathers or mothers who are not Chris- tians. Make some special kind of announcement beforehand, to arouse the interest of the parents. The readings, poems, studies, etc., are given as suggestions. No doubt there is other material you may want to use. Perhaps you can arrange for some young people to give testimonies regarding the influence of the family altar upon their lives. We hope that this program will bring definite results in the homes represented in the various churches. Leader's Remarks "THE influence of family worship is as lasting as eternity. Many a boy who appears restless at the family altar has an impression made upon him which comes back to him with tremendous force afterward, when he is out in the world and is battling with sin. Many a girl is kept from doing that which is inconsistent be- cause of her recollection of the trem- bling tones used in her father's prayer, and the sound of her mother's voice Meetings � I in song. So many times we find our- selves drifting, and suddenly we stop as if a hand had reached out to lay hold upon us. It was impossible to drift farther, and all because the hand was a memory and the memory brought before us the time of family worship when our fathers were praying and the very atmosphere of heaven was round about ne."—"Menace of Immorality in Church and State," Straton, p. 116. All of us who have been reared in homes in which the family altar was kept intact year after year, know that the above statement is true. We have experienced it in the past and are still experiencing it today. When we think of home, we think of family worship, of kneeling around the family altar, of the beautiful songs we used to sing, of the helpful suggestions father used to give during the family wor- ship period. What a sweet time it was. And those Friday evening sun- set worships cannot be forgotten. Why is it that today so many homes do not have family worship as they used to a few decades agog Isn't it just as helpful today as it was a few years ago? Is the family altar out of date? I am sure that we all agree that the family altar is more important today than over before in the history of this world. It would seem, then, that the only excuse that can be given for not main- taining the family altar is that we don't take time. We are living in a fast-moving world. Speed, hurry, seems to be the call of the hour. We are traveling so fast and are kept so busy that there seems to be little time left for looking after the in- terests of the family. The art of staying at home is almost a lost art. A few years ago fathers and mothers still planned their home life in such a way that a little time was spent around the fireside. "In countless instances the old standards of the home have been under- mined by the restless pursuit for ephemeral amusement, which has served to bring about a collapse of the old ideals. That tightly knit center of common interest and affec- tion or mutual spiritual and domestic development, that love for father and mother, that pride of family progress --where are they? Card parties, golf, dancing, the movies, and the auto- mobile have, by their abuse, over- whelmed home interests and drawn millions away from the fireside and the church. And youth—forgotten youth—is being made to pay the bill. "The time will come when the heads of the homes will again realize their responsibilities. The churches, or rather, the people in these churches who have neglected their obligations, must again be inspired to exert a proper formative influence upon the character of the young. At present these great forces upon which America has depended in the past, have, in many districts, succumbed to the con- ditions of the times. America, without character, could no longer bo Amer- ica."—Etude. The Bible teaching in regard to this subject is very specific, and there is no parent who can give a reason why the instruction should not be followed. The prophet Jeremiah classes the families who do not main- tain the family altar with the heathen when he says: "Pour out Thy fury upon the heathen that know Thee not, and upon the families that call not on Thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and con- sumed him, and have made his habita- tion desolate." Jer. 10:25. We are living in a hurrying world. No one will deny it! But in spite of this fact, we must not be too busy to pray. The people who accomplish the most are the families who take time to pray. Job was a very busy man. He had much property to look after. He had "seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hun- dred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east." Surely a man with so much property must have been very busy doing the routine work that needed to he done, but we read of Job, that when his sons feasted, he "sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the num- ber of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually." He was a busy man, but not too busy to pray, to remember his sons every morning. We think of Abraham. He, too, had more to do than most farmers and businessmen nowadays. "Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold." Gen. 13:2. No doubt there was much work to do in connection with running his home affairs, but Abraham had time for his family. The Lord said of him: "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him and they shall keep the way of the Iiord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He bath spoken of him." Gen. 18:19. Abraham found time for morning and evening worship. The days still have twenty-four hours each. They have not become shorter. Surely we ought to devote part of that time to the Lord, for it certainly is true that: "More things are wrought by prayer Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice Itise like a fountain for me night and day. For what are men better than Sheep or goats That nourish a blind life within the brain, If, knowing God, they lift not bands of prayer Senior —for study and meditation which may be beneficial to young and old alike. 18 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 Both for themselves and those who call them friend? For so the Whole round earth is every way Bound by gold chains about the feet of God." The Family Altar 1. Whose duty is it to maintavn the family altar? "In every Christian home God should be honored by the morning and eve- ning sacrifices of prayer and praise. Children should be taught to respect and reverence the hour of prayer. It is the duty of Christian parents, morn- ing and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering faith, to make a hedge about their children."—"Counsels to Teachers," p. 110. 2. Why is it so important that the family altar be maintained? "If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer,dt is now. Infidelity and skep- ticism prevail. Iniquity abounds.. . And yet, in this time of fearful peril, some who profess to be Christians have no family worship. . . . In every family there should be a fixed time for morning and evening worship." —"Testimonies," Vol. VII, pp. 42, 43. 3. Why is the family altar neglected in many homes? "In too many households, prayer is neglected. Parents feel that they have no time for morning and evening wor- ship. They cannot spare a few mo- ments to be spent in thanksgiving to God for his abundant mercies,—for the blessed sunshine and the showers of rain, which cause vegetation to flourish, and for the guardianship of holy angels. . � . They go forth to labor as the ox or the horse goes, without one thought of God or heaven." —"Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 143. 4. How should the family worship be conducted? "There should be a fixed time for morning and evening worship." The service should be short. It should not be dry and irksome. It should be in- tensely interesting. It should be the most enjoyable hour of the day. The service should vary from time to time. "A song of praise may be sung. . As circumstances permit, let the chil- dren join in the reading and the prayer."—"Testimonies," -Vol. VII, p. 43. "The hours of morning and evening worship should be the sweetest and most helpful of the day. Let it be understood that into these hours no troubled, unkind thoughts are to in- trude; that parents and children as- semble to meet with Jesus, and to invite into the home the presence of holy angels. . . . To make such a service what it should be, thought should be given to preparation. . No doubt it will require effort and planning and some sacrifice to accom- plish this; but the effort will be richly repaid."—"Messages to Young Peo- ple," p. 341. 5. What songs are suggested to be used during the time of wor- ship? The songs should be such that all can enjoy. The children enjoy songs such as: "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know," "Jesus, I Will Follow Thee," "Little Feet Be Careful," " 'Tis Love That Makes Tie Happy." The follow- ing morning hymns are suggested: "Lord, in the Morning," "Holy, Holy, Holy." For evening hymns, some- thing which fits the occasion, such as: "Pay Is Dying in the West," "One More Day's Work for Jesus," "One Sweetly Solemn Thought." Other good hymns are: "My Faith Looks Up to Thee," "Sweet Hour of Prayer," " 'Tis the Blessed Hour of Prayer," "Faith of Our Fathers." 6. What can be said of a home in which family worship is regu- larly conducted? "A well-ordered Christian house- hold is a powerful argument in favor of the reality of the Christian religion, —an argument that the infidel cannot gainsay. All can see that there is an influence at work in the family that affects the children, and that the God of Abraham is with them. If the homes of professed Christians had a right religious mold, they would exert a mighty influence for good."— "Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 144. The Power of Prayer Ms uncle and aunt, with their two youngest children, lived at A � . sometimes visited their home in my childhood, and always I saw evidence of poverty, although my uncle was capable of making a good living. My young heart understood that whisky and sin were the author of all the suffering and misery in that home. Tho mother had seemed to settle down into a helpless and hopeless monotony, every ambition for better things having been crushed out by the blows of repeated disappoint- ments; she was hardly capable of putting forth any further efforts to extricate herself from the bondage sin had wrought, and she knew nothing of God's grace for such trials. The daughter, about sixteen years of age, attended a revival service with some girl friends, and was soon con- victed of her own lost condition. She gave her heart to God, consecrated her life to Him, and found groat joy in accepting Jesus as her Saviour. God put in her heart a burning de- sire for the salvation of those in her home, and a special burden of prayer for her brother, two years older than herself, was laid on her. She cried to God for his salvation. They had grown up together, and had played together, and now she felt the need of his cooperating with her in the salvation of their parents. He knew nothing of churchgoing or of any religious influence; but the earnest prayer of the sister prevailed for him, and he was drawn to the place of meeting by the Spirit's own drawing power. He yielded himself to God, and a new heart was given him. The brother and sister now agreed that they would pray for their mother. Their prayers were to be centered on that dear mother alone. They im- portuned God day and might for her. He did not keep them waiting long for their answer. Soon the mother was drawn into the fold through the power of prayer. And now, could God also reach their father, who had gone so far in sin'? Mother, son, and (laughter agreed that they would ask this of their God. It seemed hope- less, but had not God already worked wonders in answer to prayer? The mother was called away from home to be absent two weeks, but the three kept knocking at the door of mercy in behalf of the ungodly father In the mother's absence, suffice it to say, the father was saved and made a new creature by the power of God's mighty working through prevailing prayer. The mother was about to return. 0, what glad news awaited her com- ing! As she neared the house, the father hid behind the door. What a transformation in this man! His heart was now beating with tender love for her whose youthful hopes he had blighted by his life of debauchery. His heart was filled with praise to God, and not with curses; his face was glowing with the love of Jesus, and no longer was it bloated with whisky: his eyes were lighted up with heaven's hope, and not bleared and reddened by strong drink. One look at his face, and you would know that God had worked in his behalf. As the mother entered the home, he stepped from his hidingplaee, and clasped her to his bosom, hissing her for the first time in twenty years. Prayers and songs of praise go up from the family altar morning and evening now. To each in this home is truly given "the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Love has full sway where Satan once reigned with an iron hand. This is what prayer can do.—Their Niece. How Father Became a Christian FATHER was not a Christian; mother became one. She determined to hold family worship with the children. Father left the house night after night whenever mother took the Book. But one evening he said to himself, "What's the sense of my going off just because mother wants to play this fool game every night/ It's my house. I'll stay here and read the paper." So he buried himself behind his news- paper, while mother gathered the chil- dren to her knee, read a Bible story, and then with them knelt down and prayed. He paid no attention until his boy began to pray a simple, short prayer that ended: "Bless papa, and help him Our Aim—A Family Altar in every Seventh-day Adventist home! Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 19 to know the truth, and to keep the Sabbath. For Jesus' sake, Amen." Father got up and tiptoed to the door, but he had not closed it behind him before he heard his baby girl lisp: "An' bless papa, an' help him keep de troof." He wandered around outdoors until bedtime. The next day his mind was even more disturbed. At worship that evening he laid down his paper and listened; and when his boy be- gan to pray, that father slipped to his knees—for the first time in his life; but he was up before they saw him. The next day was Sabbath, and after doing his chores, the father put on his best clothes. In answer to his wife's inquiry, he replied: "Why mother, I thought I'd go to Sabbath school with you, if you don't mind." She didn't mind. For years thereafter that man held important positions, and did a great work for God until age retired him. And he told me this story himself.—"Pamrly Worship." Where the Old Man Used to Kneel I HEARD a story of two young men who were very wicked; yet their father was an earnest, consecrated Christian. He held family prayers every night, kneeling down by a little table that stood in a corner by the hearthstone; but the two young men did not care to bow with their father at that little old table. Finally the father died. He had prayed for his sons many times, and sometimes with tears in his eyes he had talked with them about their Saviour, but they did not care to hear him. Time went on, and in afteryears they decided, as they had gained in property, to remove the old house and build a larger one. They were both carpenters; so they undertook the job themselves. They took off the roof and the sides of the house. Then they began taking up the floor, plank by plank. When they got near the old hearthstone, ono of them stopped and looked at his brother. "Here's where father used to kneel and pray; there's where the little table stood, and the Bible was always on it," ho said. "Yes," his brother responded; "it seems to me that I can see the print of father's knees on that old plank now I" "I can't take up that plank; you take it up." "No, I can't; I wish you would." They looked into each other's eyes. The voice of their father seemed to speak to them, and the Spirit of God vitalized the voice, and right there where the old man had prayed a thou- sand times, the boys prayed that day, and asked the old, old question, "What must I do to be saved?" And the Spirit of God came down and revealed Jesus to their hearts; and before that plank was ever taken up, they gave their hearts to God.—Selected. A College Graduate Writes Home NOTE.—ThiS is part of a letter that was written by a college senior to his parents a few weeks before graduation. DEAR MOTHER AND DAD: My roommate is out for the evening and I am alone. Everything is rather quiet. This is my chance for a few words to you concerning several things about which I have been thinking the last few weeks. At this turn in school life one naturally thinks quite a bit about home, particularly on Friday evening. During the week we are kept so busy, especially we seniors, that we hardly have time for any retrospection on the days at home— "good old days." My college days are about over! I've had a wonderful time in every way. The present school year is the best I've ever experienced. Gradua- tion will soon be here. What a thrill, especially when one has the privilege of being graduated from a Christian college. I'm beginning to realize, in a more complete way, the wonderful op- portunity I've had in going to our own school from the first to the sixteenth grade. It's interesting to figure up the days I've spent in our own schools --a grand total of approximately 2,700 days! Just think of it! It has been only in recent days that I have begun to realize the extent of your sacrifices to make it possible for me to spend so many days and years in our own schools. More and more I have come to believe that your efforts in my behalf were more than ordinary. Never will I be able to repay you for them. If you were to ask me tonight what single thing has helped me more than any other in life I would say the home influences. I am particularly thinking of the family altar which you so faith- fully upheld day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. The picture of our family kneeling around the altar will never be forgotten. It has securely fastened itself upon my memory. I believe it will be as lasting as eternity itself. T also remember how you used to pray for � and � , who were away in the academy. Not many mornings went by without their being remem- bered in prayer. I felt then that should I go away to school later on, you would remember me also. The consciousness of this fact helped me much after I left home. I know tonight that the family altar has not been broken down in our home and that the prayers for us children are still being offered as they were when we were with you every day. Never before have I said anything to you about the influence of the family altar upon my life. Perhaps T would have said something before, but it was not until recently that fully realized its significance in my life. I want you to know that nothing has meant more to me than the in- fluence of the family altar. Many - times when I have been tempted to deviate from the paths of truth, the picture of the family altar appeared in my memory. The memory of father and mother praying for me helped to win the day. You won't have any land or money to give me when I leave home, but you have already given me something which is worth more than sections of land or banks of gold. For this—ydar prayers around the family altar—I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I must conclude right now or I shall be late for vespers—the best meeting at the college. Write soon! God bless you and keep you. Come and see your "little boy" be graduated. YOUR LOVING SON. 9g � 9g. A Revelation From God IN conversation with Professor S. F. B. Morse, the inventor of the tele- graph, George W. Hervey asked him this question: "Professor Morse, when you were making your experiments yonder in your rooms in the university, did you ever come to a stand, not knowing what to do next?" "Oh, yes; more than once." "And at such times, what did you do next?" "I may answer you in confidence, sir," said the professor, "but it is a matter of which the public knows nothing. I prayed for more light." "And the light generally came?" "Yes. And may I tell you that when flattering honors came to me from America and Europe on account of the invention which bears my name, I never felt I deserved them. I had made a valuable application of elec- tricity, not because I was superior to other men, but solely because God, who meant it for mankind, must re- veal it to someone, and was pleased to reveal it to me." In view of these facts, it is not surprising that the inventor's first message was, "What bath God wrought !"--,2eleoted. 9,4i Wait On To talk with God. No breath is lost— Talk on! To walk with God, No strength is lost— - Walk on! To watt on God, No time Is lost— Wait on! —Dnyanottamt (Indian Poet) 9g WHEN I was a boy, my mother was very poor, but she was never too poor to buy her boy a good book, and to this more than anything else I owe my success in life.—Clay. On December 18 rally your youth in consecrated, organized service! 20 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 Rally Day (Program for December 16) BY D. N. REINER OPENING SONG: No. 115 in "Gospel in Song." SCRIPTURE READING: Isa. 40 : 30, 31 ; Heb. 12:1, 2. PRAYER. SECRETARY'S REPORT. OPFERTORY. SPECIAL MUSIC. TALK: "Let Us Rally." DIALOGUE: "The Solution." LEADER'S REMARKS. Poem: "My Part! 'Just a Helper'!" CLOSING SONG: No. 235 in "Gospel in Song." BENEDICTION. Let Us Rally (Outline) As a Missionary Volunteer Society, we need to be up and doing. We are nearing the close of another year, and now is the time to lay new plans in order that we may make progress in every way in 1940. (Discuss plans.) What is the difference between an army and a mob? Answer—Organiza- tion. What are the high points in Gideon's success? 1. He was called by God. 2. He was willing to be lead. 3. He believed in organization. (Enlarge on plan and stress bands.) 4. He rallied his forces. 5. He shouted when God told him to shout. 0. He gave God the glory when vic- tory came. 7. Three hundred men consecrated and fully organized under divine leadership could do more than 32,000 who were unorganized. Other illustrations are Moses, and the sending of the twelve and the seventy. Every ship constructed is to be used in service for humanity. Every life called by God is called for service. True happiness comes to us when we truly serve. The Solution Setting.—Pastor of church in his study in deep thought. He talks to himself as follows: "The church surely has many prob- lems. The sending of the gospel to the ends of the earth is an overwhelm- ing task. it takes a lot of money. Calls are coming all the time. We seem to have a solution to this, how- ever, for our people are good givers. Then, there is the provision of going to our neighbors and friends to solicit their support in the Ingathering cam- paign. The church seems to have this problem well in hand; but what can we do to save our young people?" (Two children, age 7, enter. One speaks as follows:) "Elder Blank, we have come to you for help. We represent the children of our church. Our parents, our teacher, and others tell us to be good. We go to the Sabbath school and other meetings, but we have nothing to do. Isn't there something little hands and feet can do?" (There is a knock at the door and two Juniors, age If, enter. The two younger children step aside to permit the Juniors to speak.) "We trust we did not intrude, but we have come to you for help. We listen to your sermons on Sabbath morning and enjoy them very much, es- pecially the stories for the Juniors. You tell our fathers and mothers of the many things to be done before Jesus comes. Is there anything we can do to help finish this work? We are active and are wondering if you have any suggestions as to what we might do." (Another knock is heard at the door, and two senior young people walk m.) "Good morning, Elder Blank. I see you are busy, but could you spare us a few minutes?" MINISTER: "Certainly, what can I do for you?" FIRST YOUNG PERSON: "We represent the young people of our church, and have been delegated to call on you to see if you can approve of our plans. We plan to organize into work- ing bands for this coming year. We have in mind such bands as the Litera- ture and Correspondence Band, and others. We would gladly work under your general supervision, Some of our young people can sing and play instruments. These could organize into a Sunshine Band to visit the sick and the shut-ins. Naturally we will have a Prayer Band. Besides these, some of us are interested in the J.M.V. Progressive Class work. We would like to be big brothers and big sisters to our Juniors, and help them work out the various requirements. It would give them and us something to do, and at the same time prepare us for service. We further plan to have a Master Comrade class. Possibly you would like to join us in this. Many of our ministers are taking that work in order to be of greater service to the youth." (Minister rises and expresses his appreciation for their interest in the problems of the church. He further gives them his pledge'that something will be done. All callers leave, and the minister is again alone tin his study. He talks to himself as fol- lows :) "This has been an eye opener to me. I know what I will do. I will call the church board and lay some definite plans. These young people have found a solution to our most serious prob- lem." Leader's Remarks Am this point, let the leader sum- marize a bit and make an appeal for all to join as Missionary Volunteer members. Even those who may not be able to attend regularly should be enrolled. This would be the proper time to get hands organized; or, if an organ- ization has already been perfected, appeal to others to join. Every Mis- sionary Volunteer is to be a worker. Let application blanks be handed out. Take time to have them properly signed and filled out. Collect them be- fore the closing hymn. My Part! "Just a Helper"! THINK not n leader can alone achieve: Ile needs the help of others who believe The cause is just No worthy fight is won Without the "rank and file" to see a done. Great tasks demand that back of him who leads Stand many helpers, eager with their deeds. Men pledged to service, In a work well planned, Alert to follow Him who gives command. Forget not. It was said by Christ, om Lord: "The faithful. great and small, have like reward " The Spirit calls! He urges all to share In saving youth and childhood every- where It matters not where praises are be- stowed, It matters much that others share the load— Strong men, who gladly give their strength and hours,. Who sacrifice themselves and all their powers. —Joseph Oars. A RECENT representative census on how people would, or do, spend their leisure time showed choices in the fol- lowing order: Newspaper reading, radio, dancing, movies, care of home, church service, resting, beer garden, motoring, story reading, card play- ing.—Watchman. lit "IF I have strength, I owe the service of the strong; If melody I have, I owe the world a song; If I can stand when all around my post are falling, If I can run with speed when needy hearts are calling, And If my torch can light the dark of any night, Then I must pay the debt I owe with living light.' No one can accomplish anything great in this world who is contented with little, who is confident that he was made for little things, or is satis- fied with what happens to come his way.---Chas. Wagner. VI � 40 "DON'T tamper with the winecup. He who avoids it is safe from the consequences. If you would avoid the suction, keep away from the whirl- pool." This December Week of Prayer may mean eternity lost or gained for your young peoplo!— Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 21 The Good Shepherd (Program for December 28) BY MARJORIE WEST MARSH INSTRUMENTAL PRELUDE: Christmas hymns, or "Ho Shall Feed His Flock," from Handel's "Messiah." OPENING SONO: "Come and Worship," No. 266 in "Christ in Song." PRAYER. OFFERTORY. REPORTS. SONG: "The Herald Angels Sing," No. 353. POEM: "A Shepherd Speaks." TALK: "A Singing Religion." SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23. SYMPOSIUM: "Pictures Prom the Shep- herd Psalm." (See Notes to Lead- ers.) ILLUSTRATED SONG: "The Lord Is My Shepherd," No. 666, SCRIPTURE: John 10:1-16. TALS• "The Shepherd Up to Date," p. 28. READING: "The Good Shepherd." DISCUSSION: "How Can We Follow the Teachings of the Good Shepherd I" (See Notes to Loaders.) SONG: "Saviour, Like a Shepherd," No. 729. BENEDICTION. Notes to Leaders At this Christmas season it is our hope that the old, old story of the Good Shepherd who came to this world to redeem His lost sheep, will have a new significance for each member of the society. Other Songs for Today.—From "Christ in Song:" "So May We," "That Song of Old," "Little Town of Beth- lehem," "The Ninety and Nine." From "Missionary Volunteer Songs:" "That Song of Old," "Little Town of Bethlehem," "A Stranger to Earth," "Silent Night! Holy Night!" Symposium: "Pictures From the Shepherd Psalm." This psalm of David is a series of pictures of a be- liever's life and confidences expressed through the symbolism of shepherd life, so well known to the people of Jesus' day. Assign the several state- ments in the twenty-third psalm to as many members, and request that each interpret the experience relating to the shepherd's life and make the application to the Good Shepherd and His sheep. You will find the follow- ing two books, which enlarge upon the twenty-third psalm, most helpful: "The Song of Our Syrian Guest," by William Allen Knight, The Pilgrim Press, Boston and Chicago, envelope edition, 35 tents (doubtless obtainable in your public library also) ; and, "The Shepherd and His Sheep," by J. Walter Rich (one of the Senior M.V. Reading Course books for 1940), your Book and Bible House. Discussion: "How Can We Follow the Teachings of the Good Shepherd?" —Plan a week or two before this for a Christmas Sharing Service to close the meeting. Discuss the problems given here, and others which will be of local 'interest. Make definite ar- rangements for the Christmas baskets, which will be distributed on Sunday probably, and perhaps you can join with the deaconesses of the church in preparing these baskets. See also illustrations given in the Junior program, pp. 28, 29. A Shepherd Speaks I WAS a shepherd caring for my sheep That wondrous night when Jesus came to earth ; I little thought, when darkness covered all, That I would witness such a holy birth. We sat around as usual and talked, And watched the stars and dreamed of other days, Not knowing that upon that starry sky A ne'er-forgotten scene would meet our gaze. An eerie stillness settled o'er the hills, A peaceful calm unbroken through the night; And as I now look back I can recall That yonder David's town seemed strangely bright. Then suddenly there came a brilliant light That turned the darkness into glowing day; And we were sore afraid, and tried to hide; Our lips were dumb ; we knew not what to say. 'Twas then the shining sky seemed filled with life; A tender voice fell softly on our ears. "Fear not." it said; "to you no harm shall come," And in that moment hope replaced our fears The story from that point is known so well : The guiding words, the hymn so strangely sweet; Our visit to yon stable near the inn; The virgin's song ; the Holy Child, asleep. And then the journey back with hearts aglow ; How happy were our thoughts, how bright the way ! We praised Jehovah, singing psalms of JOY For from night's depths emerged eternal day. I was a shepherd caring for my sheep That wondrous night when Jesus came to earth ; The only one remaining to relate The scenes attending such a holy birth, —George W. Wiseman. A Singing Religion IT has been said, with a great deal of truth, that Christ set the world sing- ing. When the Babe, the infant son of Mary, was born in the manger in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, His coming was heralded by the glad, sweet songs of the heavenly choir—angels singing to welcome the Child's coming to earth. Music caused the shepherds watching their sheep on the hillside to drop to their knees in worship and awe. To this day, the birthday of the Christ-child is celebrated by music and carols and song. The story of Jesus and His love has echoed down through the ages. Great religious re- yivals have been marked by the sing- ing of souls into the kingdom. It was Coleridge, the great English writer, who said, "Luther did as much for the Reformation with his hymns as with his translation of the Bible. The Wesleys left a wealth of beautiful musical selections." The story is told of a timid girl who had to stay overnight alone in a ' large house. She found herself listen- ing for things which might cause fear and alarm. At last she heard the whistling of someone going home late at night. She listened, wondering whether it was anything to cause her to be nervous. Then the thought came to her that no one who had evil in his heart or in his mind would be whistling the beautiful songs of the church. The girl dropped on her knees to give thanks for this assurance of safety. A singing home is almost certain to be a happy home. People who sing and who turn to music for comfort and joy are not quarrelsome, bickering, or faultfinding people. David was called "the sweet singer of Israel." He sang and played his harp as he tended his sheep on the hillside. Because David was so brave and loyal, and loved to sing, he was advanced from one position to an- other until he became king. He reigned from 1015 E.C. to around 975 We all love that psalm: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." It is a song. It was written by David and sung by him. It sings in our hearts whenever we think of it. He—the Good Shepherd—maketh us who trust Him to lie down in green pastures, and He leadeth us beside the still waters. We must follow our Guide, for then we shall have no need to worry about any harm's befalling us. In the great Mammoth Cave of Kentucky are caverns which open one into the other. There are places where there are deep abysses which drop far below into slimy reek chasms. There is nought in the great cave but darkness, except as artificial light is carried in. Every little while the word goes back to the party that is being ushered through, "Keep close to your guide!" That is what we must do if we would pass safely through the dangerous places in life. The shepherd in countries in which sheep are raised has an important task. He must go ahead, and find the feeding grounds where there aro no holes or eaves in the hillsides to hide jackals, wolves, tigers, or poisonous serpents. We, too, must beware of spiritual dangers as well as physical ones, and we can escape harm if we follow our Guide and make the Lord our shepherd. A good shepherd will give his life for his sheep. Our Good Shepherd gave His life for US, and we should never ly. eeaas.e showing our gratitude by being disloyal or unworthy of Him in any v We can sing hymns of praise in church and in Sabbath school, and we —Consequently, does it not merit special prayer and planning and follow-up on your part? 22 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 can mean in our hearts what we sing. Remember, •"fhe Lord my pasture shall prepare, And feed me with a shepherd's cure; Ws presence shall my wants supply, And guard me with a watchful eye; My noonday walks He will attend, And all my midnight hours defend." —Selected. The Good Shepherd In the time of Jesus and before this, there was no more honorable method of gaining a livelihood than by tending sheep. Sheep supplied most of the wants of a pastoral peo- ple; they were their chief possession and were a measure of their prosperity. As the Israelites gained in wealth and power, many of them were able to employ shepherds to care for their sheep, but even then large numbers preferred to look after their own sheep. During the wet season, the shepherds might let their sheep graze near by because of abundant grass. But 'when the weather became dry and hot, often they were forced to go far in order to find sufficient food. Sometimes, in order to save themselves from the long journey back and forth, these shepherds would build sheepfolds far out on the plains, into which the sheep could enter by a single door at night and be protected from wolves and robbers. Often a number of the shepherds would keep their sheep in the same fold, which was nothing but four walls without a roof. After the sheep were brought in for the night, one of the shepherds would remain on guard at the lone entrance, so that he could note the approach of a thief or a wild animal. The others would go to sleep. In the morning each shepherd would call his own sheep, which would know his voice and follow him, and he would know them by their markings and their names. No stranger could deeply° the sheep as to the master's voice, and none could lead them save by the shepherd's command. (Some persons have tried to call the sheep as does the shepherd, but it is said that only the sick sheep will follow a false shepherd.) On the hills of Palestine may still be found the shepherd reminiscent of Biblical days. He wears the Bedouin head veil, and his face is burned al- most black with continual exposure to sun and wind. A remarkable thing is that he never drives the sheep but merely calls to them. It is an interesting spectacle to see a number of flocks of trusty sheep brought by their several shepherds to be watered at a fountain. Each flock, in. obedience to the call of its own shepherd, lies down and awaits its turn. The shepherd of one flock calls his sheep in squads, draws water for them, pours it into the troughs, and, when the squad has drunk, orders it away by sounds which the sheep per- fectly understand, and calls up another squad. When the whole of one flock is watered, its shepherd signals to it, and the sheep rise and move leisurely away while another flock comes, in a similar manner, to the troughs, and so on until all the flocks are watered. The sheep never make any mistake as to who whistles to them or calls them. There was a difference between the true shepherd and the hired shepherd. The true shepherd owned his sheep. He would risk his life in order to protect them. When he saw robbers coming, he would not flee, but would stand his ground. When he heard the howling of the wolves, he would pre- pare his sling to drive them back. A shepherd would give his life for his sheep, not altogether in the sense of literally dying for them, although that might be necessary, but of giving weeks, months, and years for their care and protection. Many people today are willing to die for a good cause, but few are willing to live for it. It is the willingness to spend and be spent that marks the work of the true shepherd. On the contrary, the hired servant or- dinarily is interested only in his pay. He would not risk his life in order to save a single lamb. Jesus compares Himself to the good shepherd who will lay down his life for his sheep. The good shepherd takes a personal interest in all his sheep. He is not satisfied at night if even one tiny lamb has strayed from the rest of the flock. He is not more interested in one individual than in another individual. The good shep- herd stands at the doorway of the sheepfold. He is there to protect his sheep from wolves and robbers. He does not sleep, and he is always on guard until the last sheep has been led safely out to pasture in the morning. Jesus compares Himself also to the door of the sheepfold. Those who enter by this door show themselves to be honest and upright shepherds. Those who enter by any other means are thieves and robbers. Only through Him can men find truth and goodness and justice. If the false and selfish teachers of Jesus' day succeeded in making the sheep (the Israelites) fol- low them, the sheep would be follow- ing shepherds who were not able to lead them" to green fields and safe resting places. Jesus cares tenderly for us and wants nothing more than to lead us in paths of righteousness. He came to earth that we might understand the will of His Father and to lead us in ways of truth, unselfishness, and abun- dant living. He will be our Shepherd; we can follow Hirn safely. Today, more than ever before in the history of the world, there is a need for young men and young women who will follow the Good Shepherd into abundant life. How Can We Follow the Teach- . ings of the Good Shepherd AT CHRISTmAs TIME? 1. Do you think that Christmas is celebrated as it should be in your community? What suggestions could you suggest for its improvement? 2. What are some of the things the members of your society can do as a group to make Christmas a happier season for some other people? 3. What are some of the things the members of your society can do as individuals to make Christmas a hap- pier season for some other people? 4. What, in your opinion, are the best ways we have of showing our love for other people? I Two women were having an enjoy- able time at a very elaborate luncheon in a downtown hotel. When a friend spoke to them, one of them explained, "We're celebrating the baby's birth- day." "Baby's?" she queried, looking around. There was no child visible. "Oh," said the mother, "you didn't think T'd bring him, did you? Why, he doesn't know anything about it!" II "I haven't a single extra cent to spend for Christmas presents this ,year!" lamented one girl whose family was on relief. "What a Christmas this is going to be I" Her friend looked at her bitter face. She said quietly, "What kind of gifts did Jesus bring? Are you poor in spirit, too, Marcia?" Marcia stared at her friend. Slowly a flush spread over her face. "Why —He helped sick people. He remem- bered little children, didn't He? He went about doing good." Marcia thought things over after her friend left, and this is her Christ- mas list as it finally read: 1. Help elderly Mrs. Smith with her Christmas cooking. She can't see to measure very well. 2. String popcorn and cranberry balls for the children's tree. We can decorate a tree in the yard, and let the birds help eat the decorations! Let the children help in the stringing. 3. Do all the housework for mother (except cooking) on the day before Christmas. 4. Borrow from the library the book of carols that dad loves. We can sing them together. 5. Give up my desserts for this week and save the money for carfares to take the whole family to the Christ- mas Eve musical service. Mareia's Christmas presents cost her less than a dollar (saved from her lunches), and she was busier and hap- pier than she had been in months, for she gave of herself. Jesus Christ gave Himself for us. BECAUSE the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want— Rest (verse 2a) � Anointing (v. 5b) Refreshment (v. 2b) Abundance (v. 5c) Restoration (v. 3a) Goodness and mercy PiltoittielTteleon(TIV.35 4 )) A hoe atlast (V. WM Food (v. 5a) Excellent suggestions for the solution of the holiday-gift problem—page 15! Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 23 Facing the New Year (Program for December SO) BY L. A. SKINNER SONG: No. 168 in "Christ in Song." SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Peter 3:9-14. SONG: No. 2 in "Christ in Song." TALK: "New Year Resolutions." POEM: "Beginning." SYMPOSIUM on DISCUSSION: "Behold I Make All Things New." POEM: "Yonder Comes the Sun." THREE-MINUTE ORATION: "The Part- ing of the Ways." CONCLUSION: General response on the prospects of the new year. SONG: No. 26 in "Christ in Song." New Year Resolutions ALTHOUGH in one sense the first day of a new year is no more to God than any other day, yet He often puts into- the heart of His children at that time a desire to begin the new year with good resolves—perhaps with plans to carry out some worthy enterprise—and with purposes to de- part from the wrongs of the old year, and to live the new year with new determinations. In God's plan for His ancient peo- ple, He gave the command, "On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle." We have no tabernacle to set up as had the chil- dren of Israel, but we have a work of building to do, the importance of which all need to understand. "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building," said the apostle. If we will work with God in the building of this tabernacle, establishing it firmly on the broad principles of heaven, then it can truly be said of us, "We are laborers together with God." We are yet in the early part of the new year. Let this work of consecra- tion and progression be begun with- out delay. Let this first part of the new year be given to the work of pruning away the branches of selfish- ness. Let the mind turn with clear discernment to the work of examining critically our individual course of ac- tion. It is not our privilege to meas- ure the actions of others or criticize their failings. God has not made us the bearers of others' sins. It is with our own selves that we have to do. The more thorough the work of re- pentance and reform in our own lives, the less we shall see to criticize in others. We do wrong when we measure our- selves by the defects we see in others. God does not do so. He understands the circumstances of every life, and He measures the human being by the advantages that each one has had for perfecting a Christian character. He takes into consideration the opportu- nities which one has had for obtain- ing a knowledge of God and His truth. He who has a true estimation of the law of God will not compare his character with the character of oth- ers, or be led into having a pharisaical opinion of himself. Ho will judge Ms life by the holy law of God. When a certain lawyer came to Christ with the question, "What shall I do to in- herit eternal life?" Christ said to him, "What is written in the law? how readest thou/ And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." The lawyer recognized the two great principles which under- lie the law of God. Jesus said to him, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." It is for our own benefit and safety that God asks us to abandon the selfish and questionable projects and make thorough work in cleansing the soul temple of sin. In His instruction to His disciples, the Saviour shows how complete must be the work of eradication of evil. "If thy right eye offend thee," He declares, "pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell." The fourth chapter of Ephesians contains precious instruction for the children of God at this time. We are to make continual advancement in the perfecting of Christian character, that we may be no more "children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."—Mrs. E. G. White, in Youth's Instructor, Jan. 5, 1916. Beginning Er any day is a fresh beginning. Every morn is the world made new . You who are weary of sorrow and sinning, Here is a beautiful hope for you-- A hope for me, and a hope for you. All the past things are past and over. The tasks are done and the tears are shed. Yesterday's errors let yesterday cover. Yesterday's wounds, which smarted and bled, Are healed with the healing which night has shed. Yesterday now is a part of forever, Bound up in a sheaf which God holds tight, With glad days and sad days and bad days, which never Shall visit us more with their bloom or their blight. Their fullness of sunshine or soi row- ful night Let them go, since we cannot relieve them, Cannot undo, and cannot atone God in His mercy receive and rem giro them! Just the new days are our own- Today is ours, and today alone. Every day is a fresh beginning! listen, my soul, to the glad refrain And in spite of old sorrows and olden sinning, And puzzles forecasted and possible pain, Take heart with the day, and begin again. —Susan Coolidge- "Behold, I Make All Things New" New Earth—Rev. 21:1 When? Where? Who will inherit it? New Name—Rev. 2:17 Who receives it? What is its significance? What preparation is necessary? New Song—Rev. 14:3 Who sings it? What is the theme? Where is it sung? New Garments and New Bottles— Luke 5:36-38 With what parable is this con- nected? What special New Year's lesson do you draw from it? New Commandment—John 13:34 What made it new? What was it? Is it still new today? New Creature-2 COT. 5:17 To what does this refer? Does it apply now or at some future time? Is it a single experience or is it to be repeated? New Man—Col. 3:10 Who is it? What effect will be seen when it is received? New and Living Way—Heb. 10:20 Where does this way lead? From where? Who built the way? What did it cost? New Heart—Eze. 18:31 Why is it desirable? From whom does it comae? How is it received? All your Bible Year enrollees may complete their course if you encourage them continuously. 24 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 New Mercies—Lam. 3:22, 23 Name three of your most appreci- ated mercies during 1939. How often are they renewed? New Jerusalem—Rev. 21:2 Where will it be located? Who will dwell in it When shall it be established? What differences can you suggest between this and the present Jerusalem? New Covenant—Heb. 8:8 Why is a new one necessary? What happened to the old one? Who are the contracting parties in this covenant? When did this new covenant first become active? New Testament-1 Cor. 11:25 What was the occasion of this state- ment? What word is synonymous with "testament"? Does this mean the second division of the Bible? Yonder Comes the Sun! Tom, the bell, a year is dying! Mourn, but quickly dry your tears; Linger but a moment sighing In the graveyard of the years. Heap the brown earth high, and whisper, "Rest in peace, your day is done." Close the Bch gate; face tomorrow— Yonder comes the sun! Time sweeps on ! A thousand ages Flourished for their little day; Kings and potentates and sages Lived and reigned and had their sway; 'roll the bell, but ere the echoes Cease their clamor for the dead, Turn your face toward tomorrow— Life is all ahead! Chant ! A year is in the making! Sing! But make your anthems brief ; All around you men are waking From the sleep of unbelief. Let the old year lie forgotten; There is plenty to be done; Gird your loins for work tomorrow— Yonder comes the sun! --The Optimist. The Parting of the Ways AGAIN you stand at the parting of the ways, and again you must choose which road you will take. You can- not stay where you aro; nothing stands still in the whole range of God's universe. Sun, moon, and stars move onward; earth, with its winds and tides, moves; the days, the years, and the centuries move on; the generations are carried irresistibly for- ward, and every individual life is borne on by the mighty impulsion which guides all to some supreme eon- summation. In this universal sweep your life is bound up, and, struggle as you may, you cannot escape from it; indeed, to escape from it would be to separate yourself from God and become soli- tary in a darkness which no sun would ever lighten again. It is only for you to choose which path you will take; you may be borne onward to a larger, nobler, diviner life, or you may be swept onward to ever-increasing weak- ness, failure, and decline. In every experience there is a two- fold possibility, and it must leave you stronger or weaker; it cannot leave you as it found you. God forces no man to become good or evil, wise or foolish, strong or weak. He presents to every man, in every hour, the choice between the two. A moral purpose is cut into the very heart of the uni- verse, and written ineffaceably on every minute of time; every day is charged with power to make or de- btroy character, and you can no more escape the hourly test than you can resist the ravages of time or hide yourself from the search of death. If you refuse opportunity, neglect duty, waste the gifts of life, you must grow weaker, smaller, more and more unhappy, by the operation of a law as inexorable as that which holds the planets in their spheres; if, on the other hand, you take hold of life resolutely, spring to its tasks with strenuous and joyous energy, pour yourself into its opportunities, meet its duties valiantly, match your strength and purpose against its trials, temptations, and losses, then the same irresistible power that laid the foun- dations of the universe will build you up into strength, beauty, and useful- ness. You will be borne onward into an unfailing life of peace, rest, and joy. The door stands open again. Which way will you take?—Lyman Abbott. "IT is not what people eat, but what they digest, that makes them strong. It is not what they gain, but what they save, that makes them rich. It is not what they read, but what they re- member, that makes them learned. Tt is not what they profess, but what they practice, that makes them righteous." Time I iravu only just a minute, Only sixty seconds in it; Forced upon me—can't refuse It: Didn't seek it, didn't choose it ; But it's up to me to use it: I must suffer if I lose it, Give account if I abuse it : Just a tiny little minute, But eternity Is in it. —Walt "I SHALT, not pass this way again"-- The thought is full of sorrow The good I ought to do today I may not do tomorrow. If I this moment should Withhold The help I might be giving, Some soul may'clie, and I shall lose 'Pile sweetest joy of living. —Selected. Ig THE snare of dancing is the snare of sensualism. It stirs the animal blood. It is always skirting the verge of stirr- ing passion.—The Ornament. Officers' Notes (Continued from page 16) Bible Year NEVER was there a time when God's young people should turn to the sacred pages of the Bible as regularly and as frequently as now. These are days fraught with sudden changes and shifting standards in ideals of conduct. Young people everywhere are finding it difficult to distinguish between right and wrong. So many things come to us not tagged and labeled "black" or "white." Thus, we cannot reject the black and choose the white. Modern ideals and standards come in all colors without tags or labels to distinguish the right from the wrong. Thus our young people should go to the Bible for their "Thus said the Lord." This is the purpose of the Bible Year. Will you see to it that every young person in your society or church re- ceives a Morning Watch Calendar (in which is to be found pages for checking the reading of the Bible Year), and enrolls in the Bible Year army of 1940? Also, provide your young people with M.V. Leaflets 18, "Bible Study," 21/2 cents each; and 16 (or 17), "The Senior (or Junior) Bible Year," 60 � cents a hundred. � D. A. Ocns. Character HERE is a cascade pouring down from a height, its waters flashing, in the sun. Everyone that sees it re- joices in its splendid power, its beauty, and its steady current. But here comes a strong wind and dashes the cascade into spray. There is no cascade for the time—only a mass of distracted foam whirled along by the wind. But the wind goes down, and there is the cascade again, as beauti- ful, as strong, and as much admired as before. Thus it is with a fine character. It may be attacked by blasts of envy and ridicule and slander and hatred. It may seem for a time to be lost, to be blown quite away. But the storm dies down, and there is the fine character still flowing on as lovely, as strong and true, and as highly honored as before. Nothing can really harm a life that is lived with God.—Selected. � 9V � 9V I Choose Health THE country says beer's legal; But the stomach says it's bad. The advertisers "push" it; But It makes one sick and sad. So when I'm offered liquor, I'll quietly refuse it. For health is what I want the most. And drinking makes one lose it. —Author Unknown, A LIBRARY is a collection of friends. ---Lyman Abbott. Please hand this GAZETTE, and any others you may have, to the incoming M.V. Society officers! Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 25 The Junior and the Family Altar (Program for December 9) BY R. R. BIETz OPENING SONG: "Can He Count on You?" No. 49 in "Missionary Vol- unteer Songs." ANNOUNCEMENTS. OFFERING. PRAYER. SPECIAL MUSIC. BIBLE READING: "The Morning Watch." READING: "The Praying Engineer." POEM: "The Secret." SPECIAL MUSIC. TALK: "Praying for Others." DIALOGUE: "Family Worship." READING: "How Father Became a Christian," p. 18. QUESTION: "Have You Prayed Today?" CLOSING SONG: "Home, Sweet Home," No. 191. Notes to Superintendents At this time of year we do well to stimulate a renewed interest in the family altar, for there is nothing that is of greater help to the boys and girls in the home. The prayers of father and mother mean more to a boy or a girl than is often realized. Feel free to invite the parents to attend this Junior meeting. It will be helpful for them to hear this pro- gram. We read in the Word that "a little child shall lead them." This can be very true in connection with family worship. In some homes in which the family altar has been broken down for years, children have taken the lead, and, through their sugges- tions and pleading, the family wor- ship has again been renewed. It is Our hope and prayer that this material may be presented in such a way that broken-down family altars may be re- built. Surely the time is at hand when more than ordinary efforts should be put forth along this line. Too many boys and girls and young people are in the world today be- cause they have not had the influence of a praying father and mother. The "hedge" was not built around them. The Morning Watch ABRAHAM rose early to stand before the Lord. Gen. 19:27. Abraham rose early to sacrifice Isaac. Gen. 22:3. Jacob rose early to worship the Lord. Gen. 28:18. Moses rose early to give God's mes- sage to Pharaoh. Ex. 8:20. I Moses rose early to build an altar o God. Ex. 24:4. Moses rose early to meet. God at Sinai. Ex. 34:4. Joshua rose early to capture Jericho. Joshua 6:12. Joshua rose early to take Ai. Joshua 8:10. Gideon rose early to examine the fleece. Judges 6:38. Hannah and Elkanah rose early to worship God. 1 Sam. 1:19. Samuel rose early to meet Saul. 1 Sam. 15:12. David rose early to do as his father bade him. 1 Sam. 17:20. Israel rose early and found their ene- mies dead. 2 Kings 19:35. Job rose early to offer sacrifices for his children. Job 1:5. The Son of God rose early to go to a solitary place to pray. Mark 1:35. Jesus Christ rose early to go to the temple to teach. John 8:2. The people rose early to go to hear Him. Luke 21:38. The women rose early to go to 'the sepulcher. Mark 16:2. "The morning is the gate of the day, and should be well guarded with prayer. It is one end of the thread on which the day's actions are strung, and should be well knotted with devo- tion. If we felt more the majesty of life, we should be more careful of its mornings. He who rushes from his bed to his business and waiteth not to worship is as foolish as though he had not put on his clothes or cleansed his face, and as unwise as though he dashed into battle without arms or armor. Be it ours to bathe in the softly flowing river of com- munion with God, before the heat of the wilderness and the burden of the day begin to oppress us."--Pocket Testament League Quarterly. The Praying Engineer ONE winter, several years ago, there was a great deal of religious interest in a certain Western town, and among those who joined the church was Allie Forsyth, a little fellow twelve years of age. His mother was a widow, and they had moved, four years before, from their home in Vermont to this town in Wisconsin. On the evening of the Sabbath when he joined the church, Allie was sitting in the twilight with his mother. Presently she said to him: "Allie, tell me what led you to want to be a Christian. Was it your home teachings, your lessons in Sabbath school, the regular preaching of the pastor, or has it all come through the influence of the revival meetings?" Looking up into his mother's face, he replied, "Mamma, it was none of these. But do you remember when we were coming from St. Albans to live here that I wanted to go on the engine and ride with the engineer? You were afraid to let me, till the conductor, whom you knew well, told you that the engineer was a remark- able man, and that 1 would be just as safe on the engine with him as I would be in the parlor ear with you." His mother assured him that she remembered the circumstances very well. "Then," continued Attie, "you al- lowed me to ride on the engine, where I was to stay till you or the con- ductor came for me. When we were about ready to start from the station at which I first got on the engine, the engineer knelt down for just a little bit, and then got up and started his locomotive. "I asked him many questions about its different parts, and about the places and things which we passed by, and he was very patient in an- swering. Soon we stopped at another station, and again he knelt down again just a moment before we started. He did this often, and I tried to see what he was doing. Finally, after we had passed a good many stations, and the same thing had occurred at each, I made up my mind to ask him. He looked at me very earnestly, and said: `My little lad, do you pray?' "I replied, '0 yes, sir! I pray every morning and evening.' "'Well, my dear boy,' he said, 'God has allowed me to hold a very respon- sible place here. There are, perhaps, two hundred lives now on this train entrusted to my care. A little mis- take on my part, a little failure to do all my duty, a little neglect, a little inattention to signals, might send all or many of these two hun- dred souls into eternity. So at every station I kneel just a short while and- ask the Master to help me and to keep from all harm, until I reach the next station, the many lives He has put into my hands. All the years T have been on this engine He has helped me, and not a single human being of the thousands who have rid- den on my train has been harmed. I have never had an accident.' "I have never before mentioned what he said, but almost daily I have thought about him, and I resolved that I would be a Christian, too." For four years the life and words of this praying engineer were con- stantly present with this lad, and be- came at length the means of leading him into a Christian life."—Congre- gationalot. Ie thou artworn and hard beset with sorrows that thou wouldst forget. If thou wouldst read a lesson that will Thy heart from fainting and thy soul from sleep. Go to the woods and hills ! No tears Dim the sweet look that nature wears. —Longfellow. gunior Meetings What should you do if you are an outgoing society officer? See page 16 for suggestions., 26 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 The Secret I MET God in the morning When my day was at its best And His presence came like sunrise, With a glory in my breast. All day long Ills presence lingered, All day long He stayed with me, And we sailed in perfect calmness O'er a very troubled sea. Other ships were blown and battered, Other ships were sore distressed: But the winds that seemed to drive them Brought to us both peace and rest. Then I thought of other mornings, With a keen remorse of mind, When I, too. had loosed the moorings With the Presence left behind. So. I think I know the secret Learned from many a troubled way; You must seek Him in the morning If you want Him through the day. —Bishop Ralph Cushman. Praying for Others A MINISTER was praying at the bed- side of a dying woman. "Wait a moment," she said, as he started to rise from his knees. "I want to pray for you." And very tenderly she prayed, with her hand upon his head. "For ten years, ever since you be- came my pastor, I have offered that prayer for you every morning and every night," she told him. The minister went away with tears in his eyes and a strange warmth in his heart. He had known that this woman was sweet-spirited and true, but he had never guessed that lie had a place in her prayers day and night. "I wonder how many of my six hundred church members pray for me?" he asked himself. Not all of them, certainly; yet doubtless more of them prayed for him than he had dreamed. The thought was sweet and helpful to him. It gave him a vision such as came to the young man whose eyes were opened in the presence of Elisha, and who saw the mountain filled with chariots and horses of fire round about the prophet of God. There is strength for all faithful men and women in the prayers of those who love them. Many a young man has been restrained from sin by the thought that a mother is pray- ing for him. Many a daughter has found it easier to be faithful because she remembered the voice of her fa- ther as lie prayed for his children. Many persons when facing hard prob- lems have taken courage when they remembered that loving hearts were cherishing the thought of them, and that loving lips were speaking their names into the ear of God. Many a care-worn man, laboring under dis- couragement, would take new heart if he could only know how many persons remember him in their prayers.— Youth's Companion. Family Worship CoAnAcTERS : Father and mother (two senior young people) ; Dorothy, Eileen, and Duane (three Juniors). If possible have a family who conducts worship regularly to present this dialogue. PLACE: A dining room with a table partly set for breakfast. Dorothy is still setting the table. She puts on some silverware, etc. DOROTHY (singing or humming a Junior song. She stops in the middle of it and calls) : Duane, you are to take worship this morning. You haven't forgotten it, have you? DUANE (talking as he enters, and adjusting his tie): No, indeed, I haven't. I'm ready to start. (He walks over to a side table or desk to pick up the Bibles and the Morning Watch Calendar. Dorothy goes to the kitchen.) FATHER (entering): are we ready for worship' Let's see, this is your morning, isn't it, Duane? DUANE: That's right! Here's a Bible for you, father. Momma (entering): All right, Dorothy, let's have worship now. You can do the rest of the work after- wards. DOROTHY: Pll be right in, mother. DUANE (handing a slip of paper to Eileen): Here, Sis, I want you to read this after we have had our Morning Watch text this morning. Daddy, how about singing your favo- rite song? (All sing a stanza of "Lord, in the Morning.") DUANE: Dorothy, you have the text for this morning. What is it? (Dorothy reads the text. They all repeat it together, and then individ- ually until they can repeat it by mem- ory. Dorothy also refers them to the previous morning's text and they re- peat it again.) DUANE: Now, Eileen, if you will read that prayer which I gave you. EILEEN (reads): "Lord, take my heart, for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, un-Christ- like self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can blow through my soul," FATHER: What a wonderful prayer that is. Where did you find that, Duane? DUANE: I found it among my col- lection of poems. It has been help- ful to me so many times. FATHER: Dorothy, will you please lead us in prayer this morning. Is there anything or anyone for whom we should pray? MOTHER: Yes, let us especially re- member Widow Jones and her chil- dren. They are having a real testing time. They are such faithful folk. (They all kneel in prayer. Dorothy prays, and they close with the Lord's prayer.) FATHER: How about your leading out tomorrow, mother' Momma: Yes, I'll be glad to. I love to study these beautiful Morning Watch texts. They are helpful in meeting the problems of the day and in keeping us sweet. Have You Prayed Today? "HAvE you prayed today? Re- member, the car always starts harder when the battery is run down. "`Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.' "Better tarry awhile in the 'secret place.' Your work will go smoother and better for it." The Winding Road TEE mountain road is a winding road Leading up from the lowly plain, And though it swerve, Switch back/ and curve, Every mile brings an upward gain. The slow ascent makes an easy climb And it lightens the heavy load; There is wonder new In the changing view That appears at each turn of the road. The road of life, like a mountain road, Is often a winding way, With puzzling turns Until one learns It is surely ascending each day. The winding road is the lovelier road: Those who travel patiently Find work and leisure, Pain and pleasure And the friendliest company. —Eunice Cassidy Hendryw. IF I were to pray for a taste which should stand me in stead under every variety of circumstances, and be a source of happiness and cheerfulness to me through life and a shield against its ills, however things might go amiss and the world frown upon me, it would be a taste for reading.—Bir John Herschel. 93 � 93 Think—Thank "ONLY the thoughtless are ungrate- ful. If we think at all, we will cer- tainly be led to thank God for His goodness. Think and Thank are closely related." 914 � 94 THERE is no preservation and anti- septic, nothing that keeps one's heart young, like sympathy, like giving oneself with enthusiasm to some worthy thing or cause.—John Bur- roughs. 4414 "To books, like friends, we turn again and again." Use our own beautiful Morning Watch Calendar freely. (See suggestions on page 16.) Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 27 Rally Day (Program for December 16) BY D. N. REINER OPENING SONG: No. 115 in "Gospel in Song." SCRIPTURE READING: Tsa. 40:30, 31; Heb. 12:1, 2. PRAYER. SECRETARY'S REPORT. OFFERING. SPECIAL MUSIC. INTRODUCTION OF Tome BY SUPERIN- TENDENT. TALK: "The Backward Look." POEM: "Tree-Tall." TALK: "The Forward Look." POEM: "The Measure of a Man." TALK: "Let Us Rally." (See p. 20.) REMARKS BY SUPERINTENDENT. (See "Leader's Remarks," p. 20.) CLOSING SONG: No. 235 in "Gospel in Song." REPEAT J.M.V. PLEDGE TO CLOSE. Introduction of Topic Seim another year will be in the past, and we will have arrived at an- other milepost. Who knows how many more such mileposts we will pass? Naturally, we wonder how much we have accomplished during the past year, and begin to plan for bigger and better things in the future. It is very fitting that we give thought to some definite accomplishments. Why not do as Paul did, as recorded in Philippians 3:137 He tells us there that he was going to do one thing; but upon close study you will notice that this "one thing" was composed of two things. He was going to for- get some things of the past. Having settled the past, ho said he would look forward, determined to reach the goal of life. Our program is divided into two main parts, namely, "the backward look" and "the forward look." The Backward Look EVERY traveler enjoys climbing to a high peak so as to get a good view of the countryside. There you can look back over the road you have just covered. You can see the many inter- esting curves as well as the rough places. You can see where you had the most enjoyable experiences as well as possibly a few unpleasant ones. The unpleasant memories challenge one to do better. As Missionary Volunteers, we look back, and what do we see/ We see a few places where we didn't do our honest part. Pos- sibly we did not always keep a level eye. Yes, we even failed to walk softly in the sanctuary. These are some of the things to forget. Did Paul have anything to forget? Most certainly. He had to forget the day when he gave consent to the stoning of Stephen. He had to forget the cries of innocent children and the motherly pleas of the faithful mothers in Israel. A good way to look back is through the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Many a Christian has been greatly encouraged as he studied this portion of Scripture. Besides seeing the failures, we may also see where we have gained ground. We made progress through study in the various Progressive Classes. We gained victories during the Week of Prayer, and today we are stronger than ever before. As we sum up our blessings, we feel like bowing our heads and with grateful hearts giving God the glory. Tree-Taff I Loan the courage of a tree That lifts its crest on high, Though stifling thickets hedge it round And lower branches die. It knows there's room—such lots of room !— Between it and the sky. Then keep your faith, although at times Your world seems cramped and small. The tree was in a narrower space Before it grew so tall ; Girt round by shrubs of lustier growth. It had no view at all. So if you find your place in life Is little, make it high; Be like a tree that sets its will To live and not to die. You'll find there's room—oh, lots of room !— Between you and the sky. —Claribel Weeks Avery The Forward Look Now that we have looked back- ward to the past, let us take a for- ward look. No one can took back as Paul did and not be impressed with the long list of heroes and heroines as pictured in Hebrews 11. Every Junior has his hero. While the world selects its heroes from certain classes, let us get our heroes from the truly great. After Paul had looked back at the long list of godly men and women, he expressed his feelings as recorded in Hebrews 12:1, 2. 1. Ho speaks of the cloud of wit- nesses, not a few or a dozen or even scores, but a cloud of witnesses. 2. Paul suggests that we lay aside our sins. Sins are too heavy a load for one to carry along and expect to succeed in the race of life. 3. We are to run. Some people prepare and never run, while others run unprepared; but as good soldiers, let us be willing and prepared to run the race for God. 4. In order to succeed we must have a goal. Have you ever watched runners? They keep their eyes on the goal. So as Junior Missionary Volunteers, we must have a goal. Paul gives us this goal--"looking unto Jesus." Take one more look and what do you see? Many golden opportunities, groups of interested Juniors working on the Progressive Classes, getting ready for the Investiture service, a baptismal class by a lake or a river. "I'd like to think that here and there When I am gone, there shall remain A hapnier spot that might have not Existed had I tolled for gain; That someone's cheery voice and smile Shall prove that I had been worth while; That I had paid with something fine My debt to God for life divine." —Edgar A. Guest. The Measure of a Man 'Pm: test of a man is the fight he makes, The grit that he daily shows; The way that he stands on his feet, and takes Fate's numerous bumps and blows. The coward can smile when there's nought to fear, And nothing his progress bars; But it takes a man to stand up and cheer. When some other fellow stars. It isn't the victory, after all, But the fight that a human makes; The man, who, driven against the wall. Still stands erect and takes The blows of fate, with his head held high, Bleeding and bruised and pale, Is the man who'll win in the by and by. For he isn't afraid to fail. It's the bumps we take, and the jolts we get, And the shock that our courage stands. The hours of sorrow and vain regret. And the prize that escapes our hands. That test our mettle, and prove our worth ; It isn't the blows we deal. But the blows we take on this good old earth, Which prove that life is real. —Author Unknown. ' The Ways To every man there openeth A way, and ways, and a way, And the high soul climbs the high way, And the low soul gropes the low, And in between, on the misty flats The rest drift to and fro. But to every man there openeth A high way and a low, And every 'man decideth The way his soul shall go. • —John Owenhank Launching the Ship IT was on the Atlantic seaboard a number of years ago that a great crowd was gathered to launch one of the great ships of America. The most eminent were there, and the first lady of the land was to christen this Requisite program material for December 23: "The Shepherd and His Sheep," by J. Walter Rich. 28 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 great ship. The ceremony was ended, and the sailors were loosening the tackles and the blocks, and everyone stood breathless, waiting to see that mighty ship plow down the runway into the waters of the ocean. The crowd had not noticed a small boy make his way to the ropes. He was likewise breathlessly awaiting the thrill of seeing a ship launched for the first time. However, when every- thing was ready, and the last block was removed, the great ship remained motionless. It was then that this boy, disappointed, but feeling that the ship must be launched, rushed be- neath the ropes and pushed on the ship with all his might, The crowd laughed; but it seemed that just that little jar was what was needed to launch the ship. The boy stood there almost petrified while the crowd turned their laughter into cheers as the ship gracefully plowed down into the water. We may feel unnoticed and insig- nificant, but God expects us to go for- ward to our task. It may be some- times in advance of others and alone. We cannot wait for the crowd. Neither can we wait until we feel we can do great things; that time should never come, for the Lord has said, "Without Me, ye can do nothing." God wants simple faith and untiring effort, then He will supply the power. He wants us to forget ourselves, to think of others and the task, and to go forward at His command, for it may be that we aro to launch the ship. � K. L. GANT. 4t, � $.W Can You Do It? Do you know the joy of working With a hammer and a saw Making picture frames of beauty, Frames without a single flaw? Can you make a chair or table; Or a lovely cedar chest? Could you build yourself a cabin; Build it cozy as a nest? Does your handsaw run in circles When you want it to run straight, Do you spoil some costly lumber, And your work you simply hate? There's a wondrous joy in working If your tools all cut just right ; Then you take a real, live interest, And you work with all your might. There's a heap more satisfaction Using tables you have made, Than to buy them in the city Where a fancy price is paid. Just give me a good-sized tool chest, With its chisels and its planes; You will not then find me idle Even though it blows and rains. He who has a working knowledge Of a trade or some fine art. Need not even lack employment If he'll only do his part. You may send him o'er the country, He may cross the briny sea, But no matter where you send him, He will always useful be. Even though he is a stranger In a situation new, He will always he successful ; He's a man clear through and through. —Author Unknown. The Good Shepherd (Program for December 28) By MARJORIE WEST MARSH INSTRUMENTAL PRELUDE: Christmas hymns. OPENING SONG: "Little Town of Beth- lehem," No. 91 in "Missionary Vol- unteer Songs." PRAYER. OFFERTORY. (See Notes to Superin- tendents.) REPORTS. SONG: "That Song of Old." POEM: "A Shepherd Speaks," p. 21. TALK: "A Singing Religion," p. 21. SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23, repeated by all Juniors. SYMPOSIUM: "Pictures From the Shepherd Psalm." (See Notes to Leaders, p. 21, and other illustra- tions given herewith.) ILLUSTRATED SONG: "The Lord Is My Shepherd." (Have an artist illus- trate with colored crayons this song, No. 666 in "Christ in Song.") SCRIPTURE: John 16:1-16. (Memo- rize verse 11.) TALK: "The Shepherd Up to Date." SUPERINTENDENT'S TALK: "The Good Shepherd," p. 22. MEMORY GEM. (See Notes to Super- intendents.) CLOSING SONG: "Saviour, Like a Shepherd," No. 729 in "Christ in Song." PLEDGE FOR ALL JUNIORS. (See Notes to Superintendents.) Notes to Superintendents Christmas baskets may be filled by Juniors as well as by Seniors. How- ever, work out your plans in coopera- tion with the Senior M.V. Society and the deaconesses of the church, so that there will be no undue overlapping of effort. Offertory sentence.— "Whoso bears his brother's burden, Whose shares another's woe, Brings his frankincense to Jesus With the men of long ago." Memory Gem.—Write or letter on colored cards, and give one to each Junior: "Unless we remember the lowly, whose pleasures are few and small, We deserve not to be included in the Christmas joy at all. For it was they whom Jesus most lov- ingly sought to aid, And he'll have the brightest Christmas, who has some sacrifice made !" Pledge for all Juniors.— "What can I give Him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb ; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; Yet what I can. I give Him— Give Him my heart The Shepherd Up to Date I HAVE a picture of a shepherd taken in the North of England near Ambleside. The hills rise in the back- ground behind him. He has walked over them during the night, and it is growing light. His dog walks beside him. On his shoulders he is carrying a sheep—holding the front feet in his right hand and the hind feet in his left. And underneath the picture it says, "He layeth it on his shoulder." Two weeks ago I was driving through the desert, a few miles off the main highway this side of Bakers- field. Down the road came a burro with a bell tied around its neck and a pack on its back. Behind came a flock of sheep—fifteen hundred of them—with two or three men on horse- back and several on foot, and the proverbial dogs brought up the rear. And yet it wasn't quite the roar, either, for when we got a quarter of a mile beyond them, there was an automobile, a good, big, easy-riding automobile, with a man at the wheel driving slowly and stopping now and then to let the flock get out of the way. In the back of the car, there was an abundance of coats and blan- kets; and there, looking out upon the landscape from as nice and as soft a bed as anyone could wish, was a sheep. I didn't find out what was the matter with him—broken leg, perhaps, or something worse—but whatever it was, there he lay, and rode, comfort- able as you please. Times change. Old ways give place to new ones. But faithfulness, gentle- ness, kindness, are immortal.—Carl S. Patton, in "Two-Minute Stories." The Covenanter Children THE little children, too, had their difficult places in Scotland's hard fight for liberty. On one occasion, the peo- ple had been warned of the coming of the dragoons. The parents, not being able to take their children with them, and hoping the "bairns" would find pity, left them and fled to a hiding place. The children were sharply interrogated by the soldiers concerning their parents, but they gave no satisfaction. They were then led to a field and placed in front of the soldiers. This greatly terrified them, but they would reveal nothing. The officer commanded his men to take aim. Up went the guns; the sight was dreadful for the children; yet they would give no information. "Will it hurt much, Janet?" said a little boy, as he clasped the hand of his sister. "I dinna ken, Willie," re- plied the sister tenderly, "but I'm sure it will na last lang." "Fire!" shouted the officer. The terrible vol- ley flashed from every gun. The sol- diers had been told to shoot ever their heads, to frighten but not kill. The Needed, for December 23 society meeting:—"Song of Our Syrian Guest," by William Allen Knight. Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 29 officer, outmatched by the bravo chil. dren, led his men away. As they rode off, the children sang: -The Lord's my shepherd: I'll not want: lie makes am down to Ile In pastures green : Ile leadeth me The quiet waters by." —J. C. Mercator*, in "Sketches of the Covenanters." A Radiogram Answered A PRKSIIMICIAN youth from New Orleans was a naval wireless operator during the war. Early one morning, after a night on ditty, he snatched a few minutes for Ids "Quiet Hour" when no message was going over, and he was reading the twenty-third psalm. Suddenly the thought came to hint to send the psalm out over the water and see if any ship would take it up. He did, and as he sent the last word, sixteen ships answered a wireless "Amon."—Salooted. Made to Lie Down WREN the sheep is off its appetite, there is something wrong. Maybe you find it difficult to secure time for a morning watch. A Christian worker was lying in one of the large wards of the hospital. "How long have you been keret" The answer was, "Eight weeks. I was so busy that I could find no time for my own soul. I tried to help others; but I neglected my own soul. I had no time; then the Lord, in His great love, made me to lie down. lie brought me into the wilder- ness, but spoke comfortably to me. Should this simple message reach some child of God lying on a sickbed, let me tell you, as I pass on to you the gracious promise in Isaiah 90:31, that hours spent in a sickroom with the blessed Lord may be the most fruitful in our Christian life."—Selected. A tint child had difficulty mem. oriting the first verse of the twenty. third psalm and she finally got it this way: "The Lord is my shepherd: that's all I want." If wo know the Shepherd, that is all wo need or want. For this is life victorious, to know the Shepherd, who is meeting every need. The LORD Is my Shepherd. The Lord IS my Shepherd. The herd is 1.11 Shepherd. The Lord Is my Slit etiElto. —Robert C. McQuillan. IV � el "John 3:16" God so loved the world, that He gave His Only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not P-erish, but have E-verlasting I.ife. Of S READING is to the mind what excl.- vise is to the body.--8teet. Facing the New Year (Program for December .10) BY U. A. SKINNER Bones: Nos. 100, 97, 58 in "Mission. ary Volunteer Songs." scrorroas SYMPOSIUM: "Behold, I Make All Things New." Sporty: "The New Year's Treasure Ship." Poem: "A Gentle Hint." Amiewrie: "Happy New Year." CLOSING EXISReISES: General response from society regarding prospects and determinations for the New Year. "Behold, I Make All Things New" New Earth � Rev. 21:1 New Name � .. ......... ........ Lev. 2:17 New Song � .._ ........... ..... Rev. 14:3 Now Garments and New Bottles � Luke 5:3848 New Commandment � John 18:34 New Creature .. � 2 Cor. 5:17 � New Man ... Col. 3:10 New and Living Way .... Heb. 10:20 Now Heart � Ere. 18:31 New Mercies �Lam. 3:22, 23 New Jerusalem � Rev. 21:2 � New Covenant .. Heb. 8:8 New Tostattnent .... ........ 1 Cor. 11:25 The New Year's Treasure Ship "Pr's hard to think of any way to celebrate a holiday that comes so close to Christmas, isn't itt" Jack Newton said, as the group of boy and girl classmates stood on the snowy path that led from the church door to the street. "It was fine of Doctor Rich- ards to say that our class could prob. ably think of something better to do this New Year than any year before, but what is it going to bet" "Go calling,' Doris Richards re- torted, laughingly, "only that cuts us girls out. And what's the use of you boys coming to call when we see you every day in school?" "We might make good resolutions" Jack suggested, "but Doctor Richards told our class last Sabbath that he thought every day in the year ought to be a good-resolution day, not just New Year's." "I was remembering last Now Year's Day over in Japan," Bruce Richards said. "Father had a mis- sion, you know, just a little way out Tokyo, and so Doris and I had a fine chanc e � to see the celebration. Flags were flying everywhere in honor of the treasure ship that is supposed to sail into the harbor on New Year's Eve. It isn't a real ship, just a kind of story one, but the Japanese have unloaded it for years and years. It is supposed to bring them seme good gift that they didn't expect—prosper- ity, or courage, or patriotism, or something like that—to last them all the year." There was silence in the group for a moment, and then Doris, who had been listening with shining eyes, sud- denly clapped her hands. "I know what we can do," she exclaimed. "It's never been done before, and there's of time to plan for it, for we have a whole week." She rapidly un- folded the scheme for their celebra- tion of New Year's Day to the inter- ested boys and girls. "ht's splendid!" "We can work in New Year's calls and New Year's resolutions with it." "Let's begin tomorrow. We can meet at school during recess." The comments flew thick and fast as Doc- tor Richard's class, the banner class of the Sabbath school, went out into the street and finally scattered to go home. Hill Crest was trying to feel the holiday spirit in spite of the fact that fathers, and uncles, and older broth- ers had been called during many months preceding to follow the colors. Windows were bright with holly and laurel wreaths, and through half- drawn curtains there could be seen the green and glitter of still-standing Christmas trees. The boys whistled, and the girls held merry centerenees at the street corners. Tho meetings of Doctor Richards' clan overflowed the day- school recess hour. The class met at different homes, while the principal of the school was prevailed upon to give the boys the use of the manual- training room after school. Hammers and saws and needles and thimbles were busy. The leftover holiday rib- bons and bright paper that had wrapped packages were pressed and smoothed until they were fresh enough to use over again. Pens were busy in the work of writing letters and cards. Doctor Richards, the Hill Crest pas- tor, smiled as he looked out of the window of his study and saw the activities of his eager boys and girls. His little daughter, Doris, had taken him into her confidence, and ho had an inkling of what was going on. "I knew they wouldn't fail me," he said. "Boys and girls like those, working together, can accomplish any- thing." New Year's Eve none on the wings of a snow flurry. Just enough snow fell to make the roads beautiful and floe for sleighing. The weather cleared and the eve itself was glori- ous with an early winter's sunset, and clear, frosty air. Hill Crest left its eurtains up a little later than usual. lamps were not lit, for everyone 't-anted to look out and watch the rotors in the sky. The earth looked like a clean, white page on which were illuminated the beauties of the sunset. Suddenly, though, a strange spectacle was seen coining down the street. No one would have recognized Jack Newton's canoe, rigged up as it was with it sail made of sheeting, and Are you planning wholesome recreation and social life for the youth during the holiday season? 30 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 mounted on a pair of sledge runners. It was draped with white cloth, too, over which frost powder had been scattered, and from the bow flew the white flag of Japan with its big crim- son ball and rays in the center. Boys drew this odd craft, and in it stood two quaint figures. When Bruce and Doris had returned with their father from his missionary post in Japan, they had brought some old ceremonial costumes which had been given them. Bruce stood in the bow of the boat, wearing a long bro- caded robe over his reefer, and behind him was Doris with a bright kimona and sash covering her coat. These two had been chosen to man the craft, and Bruce held the Stars and Stripes high as they moved along. Following and crowding close to this treasure ship were the other boys and girls of the class, laughing, and their arms filled with packages. The New Year's treasure ship stopped first at Professor Newton's house, and Jack was delegated to present to his father, the school prin- cipal, a blank book that the girls had bound in soft, gray leather, and in which as many as possible of the school children had written. Jack's own New Year's resolve headed the list: "I am going to plug at mathe- matics all the year.—Your Son." Other good resolutions followed: "I am going to try not to be late for school for a term." "I shall try to have better marks in language." "I am going to pass next term." It seemed to Professor Newton that a midyear in school had never opened so auspiciously as the one that was bound up in his treasure book, "Thank you; good luck!" he called as the ship moved on down the street. It stopped next at the Old Sol- diers' Home. In the stress of select- ing and sending away a division of young men, these old veterans had been temporarily forgotten. Their home was almost as bare as a bar- racks, and the new year would open for them as only one march farther away from the old days of their glo- riously remembered service for their country. But the New Year's treas- ure ship unloaded at the door of the Old Soldiers' Home a comforting kind of cargo. The boys and girls had gone without sweets for a week at home, and had brought the packages of sugar that their mothers had given them in return for their sacrifices. Each mother had added a package of postum, and there was a tiny Ameri- can flag for each old veteran to wear in his buttonhole. "To make you remember for a whole year how proud our town is of you," Bruce told them. "And we're coming over again to see you as often as we can." It was the treasure of renewed friendship and patriotism that the ship left for the old soldiers. Everyone in Hill Crest knew how brave Mrs. Hildreth had been. She had given her two boys for the colors, and her husband had gone as an army surgeon. The builders of the New Year's ship had wondered, and puz- zled, and schemed to try and think of something to take the plucky little doctor's wife, who sat so many hours in the empty office, looking down the road that led to the railway station. "We haven't a thing for dear Mrs. Hildreth," Doris said. Bruce thought a moment. "The post office isn't closed yet," he exclaimed. "Draw us down that way, boys, and let's see if there's any mail for Mrs. Hildreth," It was wonderful luck, but there was mail for her. A fat letter with a foreign postmark found its way into the treasure ship and on into the anx- ious mother's hands. She could scarcely speak for joy. The letter told her that her loved ones were safe and thinking of her. "That was the best New Year's treasure of all—hope for Mrs. Hil- dreth—wasn't itI" Doris said, softly, as they moved on again. It was growing dusk now and the children and their treasure ship looked like figures from a story as they took their way through the white streets. They stopped at Billy Blake's house with a package of books. Billy had been lame for years, and although everyone loved him for his pluck in pain, and for his unfailing good cheer, the boys and girls sometimes forgot him in their more active work and play. But the package was made up of one Christmas book from each boy and girl in the class. They wero the books, too, that they would have liked to keep, and the best part of the gift was the note on top of the package. It read: "Dear Billy: One of us is coming every week for all the year to read these books out loud to you." It was not so much having "Pil- grim's Progress," and "Black Beauty," and "Beautiful Joe," with pictures that made Billy so happy, but the treasure that was his in knowing that his boy and girl neighbors were going to remember him during the coining year as they never had before. The Hill Crest grocery store was open. Mr. Jones, who kept it, had to work late because he was short of help, and sometimes he delivered after hours himself. "Mr. Jones, oh, Mr. Jones," the children shouted in the door to him. "We've got something for you." Jack handed the grocer, whom they had all known since they were too small to reach up to the counter, a legal-looking document that they had signed and sealed with a red star. He read it: "Resolved that all the boys and girls in our class are going to carry home our groceries after this and save Mr. Jones part of his work." No wonder the grocer's smile was very broad as he tucked into his desk the treasure that meant timesaving for ' him the coming year, and gave lolli- pops to each member of the New Year's ship's crew. "I am glad that we left father's surprise until the last," Doris said. "Let's leave the ship in Jack's barn now," Bruce suggested. "Doris and I will fold up these ceremonial togs and leave them in it until tomorrow, and then we can all go around to the study. "I know that the boys and girls, of my banner class feel that the new year will break for them in a happier way than ever before," said Doctor Richards. "We have much to learn from the customs of the Old World, and especially this year, when we ought to look for the kind of gifts the treasure ship brings—comfort, and hope, and help for those who need it." "For all the year, too," Doris said. And the boys and girls, in imagina- tion, could see their treasure ship an- chored somewhere near Hill Crest from one New Year's Day to the next—its cargo made up of the treas- ures of service, and neighborliness, and helm—Adapted. A Gentle Hint ALL over the country on New Year's day Good resolutions are given away, There are more than enough for every- one. You can have a good measure, a peck or a ton. Take a dozen, my kiddie and lass, But handle them gently; they're brittle as glass. If you care for them daily it will not be long Before they'll be growing quite hardy and strong; And when they are older they'll take care of you, For then they'll be habits, and good habits, too. —Anna ill. Pratt. Happy New Year Hs is strong who won't do wrong. All things whatsoever ye would that • men should do to you, do ye even so to them. Patience is the best remedy for every trouble. Perseverence is a golden virtue. You must live each day at your very best; The work of the world is done by few God asks that a part of it be done by you. Not failure, but low aim, is crime. Evil is wrought by want of thought, As well as want of heart. Whatever is worth doing at all is worth you naduostinlgivNe live up to your promises. Ever keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile. All victory belongs to the most persever- ing. Resolve, and thou art free. THE test of a good book is that it shall be known by its fruits in our, thinking and living—by what it does for us.—Anna Warner. Include in your Christmas-gift list many books from the Spirit of prophecy! These pages provide interesting and helpful material for church elders and conference workers in promoting foreign mission work. and may be used on the second Sabbath of each month when the church offering for missions is taken. Our Foreign Missions Vol. 26, No. 12 � The Church Officers' Gazette � 31 Our Seaworthy Mission Boats MONG the islands of the South Pacific, motor-driver boats, not large, but nevertheless sturdy, become invaluable in conducting our mission work. Missionary R. R. Frame and his wife, appointees to Papua, in visiting with Superintendent W. N. Lock the western section of this mis- sion field, describe the trip in their boat "Diari." This is a sample of many another unreported cruise, and from it we may get a glimpse of what confronts our courageous crews and workers as they pursue their labors for these islanders: "Early one bright morning we slipped out of Port Moresby harbor and turned the nose of the 'Diari' west. A light southeastern wind had sprung up, which we made use of with a sail, and soon we were leaving the port a good distance behind us. We planned to go direct to Orokolo, the home of Brother and Sister Ward Nolan, and we ex- pected to reach there sometime the next morning. Night came on, and the only sounds which reached our ears were the chug of the engine and the swish of the waves. The native cap- tain, his eyes on the compass and his hand on the helm, merited our confi- dence for a safe arrival at our jour- ney's end. Occasions such as this cause one to appreciate more the faithfulness of the native crew, who stand by, ready for any emergency. "Dawn came, and all eyes were cast landward. Yes, there was Orokolo! in• a short time we had reached the anchorage, and in record time from Port Moresby—twenty-three hours. The boat was soon pitching and strain- ing at its anchor, for there was now a good swell running, and a heavy surf was breaking on the beach. The na- tives on shore came out with a new twenty-foot whaleboat, but it was not easy going, and at times they disap- peared from sight in the trough of the waves. We hoarded the whaleboat, and took on board Brother and Sister Nolan's goods and personal effects. I have been on the beaches in Sydney and watched the surfboats there, and now I realize the thrill that the men in those boats get, for that morning we truly did some surfboat riding. Very soon we were being driven along sideways with waves breaking over us. One minute we were on the crest of a wave, and the next minute we were in the trough. When we finally reached the beach we were soaked, and all the goods in the boat likewise— flour, sugar, and eases were all drip- ping with salt water, which seems never to dry. This is not the first time that our missionaries at this sta- tion have had their belongings and supplies damaged, but they keep smiling. "We enjoyed a good breakfast pre- pared by Sister Nolan, and a few hours later we bade them farewell. It was necessary for us to go on into the delta while it was high water at the river bar. The bar was reached in about an hour, and after a good crossing we passed into the calm water of the river, which was very welcome after the rolling of the sea. The delta is a marvelous waterway of great rivers, navigable for many miles. We traveled for about three more hours, and dropped anchor at a large village. Here we stayed for the remainder of the day and part of the next. We bought from the natives of these vil- lages the much-desired sago for the missions in the cast. "Here we were privileged to meet three of our native teachers, and what a contrast they afforded to the natives —who give evidence of habitual chew- ing of the betel nut—who surrounded the 'Diari'1 I had often heard it said that it was quite easy to pick out an Adventist teacher in a group of na- tives, and now we realized how true these words were. The houses of the teachers were jest as dean and neat as they were themselves. Truly the gospel changes people. "At noon the following day we made our way back to the river bar and the sea, which was not to be so pleasant this time. We faced the bar, which was a foretaste of what was to come. Before we reached the open sea the ship was awash from stem to stern. Once more we sailed around to Oro- kolo to pick up mail, and once again Brother Nolan was drenched as he brought it out. The anchor was up again, another farewell was waved, and Brother and Sister Nolan were left in their isolation until another visit from the `Diari' a few months in the future. "Our course was set southeast, and we were running into the wind, which had increased in velocity in the last few hours; so we knew We were to have anything but an enjoyable trip to Port Moresby. "By the time darkness came, we had been rocked to all points of the compass, and everything was wet, in- cluding our bunks. They were the most comfortable that could be ex- pected on a night like this; so into them we crawled. Very little sleep Caine, for there was always the fear of being tossed onto the deck. Pastor Lock was kept busy with all hands on deck, for it was no easy job to keep the ship on her course. All through the night, which seemed an eternity, the little ship battled through the waves. "Daylight did not bring any respite, and the notorious southeastern wind kept up its reputation as a menace to shipping. That. afternoon at about four o'clock we came to an island, behind which we took refuge. The usual clanging of the anchor chains sounded as music in our ears. Here we had our first meal for over twenty- four hours, and we slept the sleep of the weary. "At about midnight the moon was shining brightly and we were feeling much refreshed. We decided to con- tinue our voyage. Another twelve hours saw us safe in Port Moresby harbor, and it was with pleasure that we set our feet on terra firma once again, after being at the mercy of the sea for so long a time. "We are thankful to God for His protection and His guiding hand over us, and we ask you to remember daily before Him those missionaries who 'go down to the sea in ships." Loyal Ones Found � • MISSIONARY V. E. HENDERSHOT, of Penang, Straits Settlements, tells of the good progress in that field, and records another baptism of five new believers in the beautiful Penang har- bor. He also mentions an American sister voyager who, on this occasion, spoke of the service as being the most impressive baptismal scene she had ever witnessed. "One of the candidates who was bap- tized, an Indian sister, has known the truth since 1931, when we first opened an effort here. She is highly re- spected by the Indian community, and is the mother of a large and prominent family. One son is a 'Queen's Scholar' and has finished at Oxford with honors. The last test in which she had to prove faithful was the taking off of her jewelry; and for the Indian women this is a great cross. Her addition to our numbers should strengthen our influence locally. "There were also two Battak young men from Sumatra who joined in this latest baptism. They have been study- ing for nearly a year, and have been tested in their new-found faith. "We thank God for guiding us in what we believe is the best method for reaching souls in these parts. We hold our public efforts in the church, 32 � The Church Officers' Gazette � December, 1939 and advertise them well. We start cottage meetings and keep them going even after baptism. In this way we feel certain that all new members are well established in the present truth, and are won to the message, not to an individual." Sending on Missionaries From Japan IT is encouraging to know that our Japan Union is supplying, from their none-too-large force of workers, ap- pointees to other needy fields. Super- intendent A. N. Nelson writes: "We are sending out a foreign- missionary colporteur to North China, thus making, outside of Japan proper, eight national workers in all. Japan's `foreign missionary list' is, therefore, as follows: Brother Ikeda, in evan- gelistic work in Sakhalin; Miss Nagai and Miss Yamagata, in educational work in Chosen; Brother Sugimoto, in eolporteur work in Chosen and Man- chukuo; Pastor Wachi in Formosa; Pastor Bautista and Pastor Ochai in Palau; and Brother Kanzaki in col- porteur• work in North China." They also have a new field of their own which they term, "South Seas." Of this field he says: "Pastor Oehai, his -wife and two children, have responded to Pastor J. 0. Bautista's urgent call for a Japanese family to join him in the South Seas. It was thought best to carry on the work here as an unor- ganized mission, with Pastor Ochai as leader and Pastor Bautista as sec- retary. I am sure that we shall see a good advance in our work in that field, as these two families unite their efforts for the salvation of the fifty thousand Japanese and the fifty thou- sand native peoples of those tropical islands." After Many Years A COLPORTEUR, Miss Jean Cormack, in South Africa, relates an interesting interview which she had miith a woman of some prominence, who, for some twenty-eight years, had in her pos- session one of our truth-filled volumes, although she did not know it. Miss Cormack writes: "During the conversation, she told me that she gave religious instruction in the schools, that she had previously attended the Church of England, and that now she belonged to the Plymouth Brethren. I found her to be quite open-minded with regard to the Sab- bath; in fact, I think that she has felt somewhat convicted for some time, as she confessed that she had thought of attending our camp meeting, but in the end had not done so. "On visiting her again last week, T was immediately invited in, and was overjoyed to learn that she had kept her first Sabbath after my visit, to the best of her ability. She feels con- vinced that the seventh-day Sabbath is right, but does not quite under- stand it all. One of our Bible work- ers is now studying with her. "During my visit, this woman handed me a leather-bound volume, and asked if it were one of our publications. It proved to be 'Bible Readings for the Home Circle,' which she said an uncle had given her when she was only eleven years of age. She stated that she had never read it, but had used the pictures occasionally for her classes. As she is now middle-aged, it brings to mind Sister White's statement that our books will remain unread in homes for twenty years, and then be taken down and studied. We spent one of the happiest mornings I can remember, and when we knelt in prayer, she thanked the Lord for having sent me to her." With Our India Medical Missionaries N. C. WILSON, president of the Southern Asia Division, gives us an interesting glimpse into the experi- ences of our medical institutions in India. He writes: "Dr. Douglas W. Semmens brought back from furlough recently a very fine X-ray machine, This is a gift to the Giffard Mission Hospital from medical friends in America. It will be a great blessing to our work at this hospital. Dr. Elizabeth J. Hiscox, who is associated with Doctor Sem- mens in Nuzvid, is experienced in X-ray work and will be able to take charge of this new department in a very efficient way. The Nuzvid hos- pital is developing encouragingly. It is an important institution for our work in Southern Asia. Not only does it minister health and healing to thou- sands of people each year, but we are happy to report that this institution means much to us in our soulsaving work in India. We have had people who have accepted the truth as a di- rect result of the work done at the hospital. The medical workers in Nuzvid are doing everything they can to so arrange their work that the in- fluence of the institution will be more and more soulsaving. "We are also doing all we can to develop the new medical work at Surat, where Dr. George A. Nelson and Dr. Adrian E. Clark are asso- ciated in service. Dr. Irwin S. Walker has boon with Doctor Nelson at Surat, but has recently been transferred to Burma. He will find a large and fruitful field in the Burma Union. "We have finally arranged for the purchase of a very desirable piece of property in Surat. Surat is an ancient center of wealth and culture. Doctor Nelson started his work in this place about two years ago, and from the very first his work has been self-sup- porting. We have, in one way or another, been able to supply the doc- tor with rather good equipment; and he, too, now has an X-ray machine. "During the last several months two of our experienced solicitors, L. C. Shepard and J. M. Hnatyshyn, have been collecting funds for the erection of buildings on the property recently purchased at Surat. They already have in hand quite a large sum of money, and they have two or three bona fide pledges. One of these pledges is for $15,000 and another is for $10,000. These brethren are con- tinuing their work of soliciting funds, and in a few months' time we hope to have the necessary amount of ap- proximately $50,000 for the required buildings. It is wonderful how God opens the way for us when we move forward in faith. We have seen God open the way for us many times dur- ing the last two years in connection with the new medical work at Surat." Where the Women Paint THIS experience occurred in Nigeria, West Africa, when our brethren wee prospecting for a site for a itiedical center. Missionary E. B. Colson tells us about it: "Not morn than 150 miles north- east of Aba, Nigeria, where we have about 10,000 Sabbathkeepers, and our strongest and largest work on the west coast of Africa, lies the 0g,oja Prov- ince, where some 300,000 inhabitants live. These people are quite akin to the Ibo people around Aba. These 300,000 natives are thought to be about the most backward people in Nigeria; in fact, so untouched are they by civilization, with its good and had influences, that the Nigerian medical authorities do not dare send in a native doctor. They advised us to investigate the possibilities of estab- lishing our medical center there. Brethren MeClements, Edmonds, and I spent two or three days among these people. "We came to a large country market place, where there were at least 3,000 people. Among these I saw only two women who had on any kind of European clothes. Many of these women were painted from head to foot with yellow, red, or brown ochre,. or bark paint. No missionary society has yet begun work among these peo- ple. Schools are practically unknown. "I trust that the way may open for us this coming winter to send three or four of our native teachers into this province. It would be well if we could find a European family with some knowledge of dispensary work to go in among these people. If I were a missionary, I would choose just such a place as this, and build up the work from the very foundation. The be- ginning might be a bit slow, but so much greater would be the final har- vest. "In each country of the west coast there are localities like this where the natives are practically untouched by the influence of missions or civiliza- tion." � MISSION BOARD.