VOL. 42, NO. 1-50
VOL. XLII. BERNE, INDIANA, JANUARY 6, 1927 No. 1
Notes and Comments
In Norway there exists a pe- culiar ratlike creature, called the Lemming. These little creatures increase rapidly at certain pe- riods and then migrate in mass toward the sea where they are swallowed up and destroyed, leaving oidy a few individuals who did not join the migration to continue the race. Observers say this migration to destruction takes place about once every 28 years and recently such a migra- tion took place. Nature has some curious ways of balancing itself, but this seems to be one of the most remarkable of its manifes- tations. There are those who seriously maintain that sun spots are responsible f or the abnormal increase of these creatures and their suicide in mass. Well, we suppose, one guess may be as good as another in this case.
Alarmists are just now throw- ing fits because some one in Con- gress declares that in the Con- ference that led to limitations of several of the world’s largest na- vies the United States had the wool pulled over its eyes and finds itself in the third place. It seems that Japan has outstripped us in the building of certain types of vessels. We suspect that the professional military man has as much to do with this state of alarm as any one. lie is always hunting for occasions for increas- ing the military strength of the country and excuses for justify- ing the occasion. It was of peo- ple of this class upon whom w# must place the guilt for the late war and if another war comes to curse the earth with its horrors it will not be the fault of the people of Japan, or any other na- tion, but of the professional war makers who form but a small pro- portion of any population.
Secretary Mellon has given or- ders that commercial Alcohol is no more to be denatured with poisons to prevent its passage into bootleg channels, holding that it is not necessary to trap citizens, who endeavor to break the law, with deadly poisons. He
should remember that all alcohol is a deadly poison and if he is so anxious to protect those who take a chance with poison there should be considerably more en- ergv displayed in preventing any of the stulI getting out of con- trol for beverage purposes. T he whole trouble with the liquor question lies in the hands of the authorities who will not enforce the law which they are pledged to support. In the whole story of political corruption there is no Chapter that discloses such braz- en corruption and official ineffi- ciencv as the one that deals with the enforcement of our prohibi- tion laws. With our officials lukewarm or out-and-out cor- rupt and many of our citizens de- fiant of the law the boot-legger seems to be having clear sailing.
An extremely fertile valley 70 miles long and 30 miles w ide has just been located on the Island of Mindanao by army men from Manilla. The inhabitants had never seen a white person and were of the simple kind who would trade their valuables for a few beads. One wonders how long it is going to be before the whites vv ill deprive these simple Mannbos and appropriate the wealth nature has given them to themselves. Nature people are never safe from being robbed or exploited so long as they have anything that may be of value to the whites. It is our hope that the missionaries will be early in locating among these people, for the only real friends the uncivil- ized races have to protect them from the whites are the mission- aries.
The brassiest piece of elo- quence that ever came on the air was heard on New-year’s Eve when the Mayor of Philadelphia, in the exercises that marked the close of the Sesqui-Centennial de- clared it to have been an event of greatest spiritual import. Per- haps the thousands who were lured to Philadelphia in the ex- pectation of participating in a great patriotic event only to find nothing there but an empty shell, will not be keyed up to appreci-
ate the spiritual end of the Ex- position. It is certain that the thousands of Christian people of the city who washed their hands of the entire business because it defied the laws of God and man m the name of patriotism, are far from being keen about the spir- itual ends that the much photo- graphed mayor seeks to empha- size.
A few politicians will make millions because the exposition was located on ther lands that lied been improved at the ex- pense of the people who will now have to pay $5,000,000.00 or more of the expositions debt. This fact, however, the speech-making tnavor ignored in order to wax eloquent on the thousands of comfortable homes that will rise on the site of the Sesqui. We don’t wish him any ill luck, but if the site is so Eden-like we hope he will find occasion some time to live a summer over this mosqui- to infested, misty and unhealthy swamp. We doubt whether it would be in him to stick out such a summer.
Apart from the Christian doc- trine of immortality it is interes- ting to note that in our day men of science arc not as often regard- ed as being out-and-out disbe- lievers in the existence of the soul and its immortal destiny as they once were. An interesting light on this subject is thrown by the Philadelphia Evening Ledger in an Editorial Comment that goes on to say :
“Dr. Heber D. Curtis, a Pitts- burgh astronomer, asks science to prove that the soul lives for- ever. Addressing the American Astronomical Society, a division of the American Association for for the Advancement of Science, he pointed out the indestructible factors in the world, with energy, matter, space and time continu- ing, with nothing lost. And he asked; ‘Are we ourselves the only manifestation that comes to an end, stops, ceases, is annihi- lated at three-score years and ten ?’ ”
W hat we crudely call “spirit’’ of man, says Dr. Curtis, makes new compounds, plays with the
laws of chemical action, guides the forces of the atom, changes the face of the earth, gives life to new forms, a creative spirit which reasonably cannot cease to be.
If we accept Dr. Curtis’ the- sis that the soul, mind or spirit of man cannot be an exception in this infinite world, we have re- moved the artificial barrier which has long existed between science and religion. The scientist and the theologian use the same methods when they leave the charted roads of fact. Hypoth- eses and faith are the resources with which they venture out into the unknown. Scientists have had little to say about immortal- ity ; but if science seeks to find what is beyond life as we now know it, it may find its concep- tions of the known manifestations of life clarified and exalted.
MISSIONARY H. J. KLIE- WER ON FURLOUGH
405 9th Ave., Upland Calif.
Dec. 21st, 1926 Dear Readers of the Mennonite:
Instead of writing from our mission station near Hammon, ( )kla., 1 am writing this time from Upland, Calif., where my wife and son are making their home and where I have come from the Bible Institute 'in Los Angeles to spend the holiday va- cation. As you perhaps all know, we are out on furlough, mostly on account of the poor health of my dear wife, but also on account of us both needing a spiritual up- lift after having confined our- selves to the work among our Cheyenne Indians in Okla. for the past twenty-eight years. Very likely it would have been better for us personally as well as for our mission work, if such a va- cation could have been taken a number of years sooner. We arc- glad for this opportunity. The wonderful California Timate and the Christian association here are doing us much good physically and spiritually. If it is God’s will that we shall serve him longer on our mission field among the Indians, we plan to return next summer.
2
THE MENNONITE
January 6
Tile health of my dear wife is slowly improving. The length of in v stay in the Institute depends largely on our ability to meet the financial needs.
Perhaps a few remarks from the Institute would interest some of the readers. As is well known, the purpose of the Institute is to train Christian workers for all the various branches of church activities, especially in home and foreign missions, Thus the in- fluence of the Institute has be- come world wide and there are students here from many nation- alities. The Bible is the main text book, even in teaching such branches as psychology, public speaking, philosophy, etc. Very much stress is laid on the fun- damental teachings of the Word.
have thus far found nothing that a good Mennonite could not heartily endorse, though in some things we are not as radical as the Institute and especially some of its students. Our church has always stood firm on the funda- mental doctrines of the Bible, but perhaps it needs the warning now as do most other denomi- nations, not to become too “mod- ern". The many devotional ex- ercises and prayer meetings in small and large groups are very helpful to the students. Also the many good lectures that are de- livered by visiting missionaries and church workers. At present the great Scotch evangelist, John McNiell, is holding evangelistic meetings in the Church of the Open Door, a little later Dr. Campbell Morgan will do like- wise. So we often have seasons of refreshing. For practical work the students nearly all teach S. S. Classes, or help in C. It. or church work. My privilege has been to teach a doctrine class in our I.. A. Mission among the many assignments during the wcik are also those on the shop and car barn teams. These go out daily in groups of from 6 to X and hold gospel meetings either hiring the noon hour or some other convenient time. At the shops the attendance and atten- tion is usually quite good. But the barns seem to be some of the most difficult places for holding religious meetings. The men sit tnos Iv around tables and play cards and even talk quite loud while the services or going on. Some read papers and others pre- tend to do so. but are really listen- ing to the Word. They nearly al- ways accept a tract and sometimes ask for a copy of the Gospel of John. Sometimes there is oppor- tunity for personal interviews. It was surprising to me that so many white people, even such who have grown up in Christian homes,
show much less respect toward ( iod's word that do the heathen Indians. Still there are conver- sions • even among these men which proves the power of the gospel. In doing personal work it is interesting to meet so many types of people and learn of the different opinions they have about themselves, God, Christ, salvation, etc. (hie of the most frequent excuses they give for not accepting Christ as their per- sonal Saviour is, that there are so many hypocrites in the church. That may be a poor excuse, but it should nevertheless he a warn- ing to all of us. ( )ne suggestion 1 wish to drop here, namely that we should all do more personal work Not only in heathen lands, but also in our largest cities there are many groping in darkness and bound by the fetters of sin. The only remedy is Christ. Are we I I is witnesses wherever we are ?
Christmas will be very unusual for us this year. Our family will not be together, but we will en- joy other Christian fellowship, that we have missed so long. In- stead of cold weather and snow we see the green trees and the blooming flowers, even the des- erts and mountains are getting green now. This is certainly' a world of change and the older we get the more we long for that perfect home above, w here chang- e never come.
Wishing you all God’s richest blessings during the coming holi- days and throughout the year, we remain, sincerely yours,
H. J. and C. Kliewer
CORRESPONDENCE
Wadsworth, Ohio. Among the activities of the Wadsworth Mennonite church during the summer and autumn of 1926, the repairing of the church is the most notable. 1'his work was accomplished through the efforts of our pastor, Rev. L. L. Miller, and is appreciated by all who are interested in improvement and preservation of beautiful architec- ture. The ladies of the Fidelity- Class are purchasing shrubbery to beautify the church lawn.
A successful Daily Vacation Bible School was conducted in he nasement of the church. For- ty-five pupils w-ere enrolled. Rev. Miller supervised the school and Rev. Hoeis of Baptist Seminary, Fort Orange, N. Y., was the prin- cipal. At the close of the school a fine demonstration program was i en in the church. Rev. Louis of Akron and Rev. Freeman of the First Baptist church in Bar- berton, addressed this meeting.
The Interracial and Good Will
Service Dec. 5th, was the most inspiring and impressive service of the year. Rev. Ftter of the Lutheran church spoke on the general theme: "The Influence of Christianity in Europe and the Orient’’. The meeting was closed by the nationalities represented singing the song: "We’ve a Story to Tell the Nations”, and the ben- ediction by Rev. Ftter. The min- isters of Medina Co. sponsored a November city-wide and coun- tv-vvide “Go to Church” cam- paign. It was met with great suc- cess. Many of the churches were crowded, and all of them report- ed an increased attendance.
The Children’s Day program was directed by Mrs. Carl Mor- gan. It was given in such a quiet and orderly manner that it was indeed very attractive.
On Sunday morning before Christmas the Children’s Christ- mas play was given. It was nicely directed by Miss Fannie Houseworth. A number of other exercises by the younger classes added much to the program. On Sunday evening the church choir rendered beautifully to an appre- ciative audience a cantata: “The Chimes of the Holy City”. Wm. Overholt, director; Mrs. Wm. Overholt, pianist.
A happy new year to the read- ers of the Mennonite.
Mrs. W. B. Schaub, Corr.
Women’s Work
TAMINGFU, CHIHLI
Nov. 9, 1926.
To the Women’s Missionary Societies :
Dear Sisters—
In November, 1923, there was written to the Women’s Mission Societies of our Conference a let- ter by our Chairman and Secre- tary in the name of the China Workers’ Conference “thanking the Societies for collecting money for building in China and call- ing their attention especially to the need ot the Lohrentz and Voth houses”. We wish now to thank the societies for what you have done for us and to encour- age you to "he not weary in well doing”.
In the "Mennonite” of Sept. 16, we notice in the report of the business meeting held at Berne, Aug. 26th, the decision to finish the China Building Fund. This is to he done "as a thank offer- ing for the blessings received dur- ing the Conference”. According to all reports the Lord showered rich blessings upon that Confer- ence and we rejoice with you for it all. We are glad of the practi- cal way in which you wish to show your gratitude. To make
the task before you lighter let us tell you some of the practical re- sults of your labors.
Building on our house was be- gun last year on the last day of August (1925). The weather was favorable so the work could pro- ceed uninterruptedly till Christ- mas and after that because of cold weather a few men only con- tinued on interior work until Chinese New-year. Although it was not completed we moved in at that time and the next day, Feb. 13th, entertained about 500 Christian and heathen Chinese who enjoyed visiting our new house as part of their New-year’s festivities. We gave them pea- nuts and Chinese sweetmeats and tea and were glad that the floors were not oiled yet.
The woodwork and painting of the house was done as dust storms and war permitted dur- ing the spring. Two nights dur- ing the fighting the fifty girls of the boarding school sought refuge in the basement of our house from explosive shells, and we our- selves spent three nights and the greater part of two days in the basement.
This last summer we did not go to the mountains and were a hundred times thankful for our comfortable home. We were glad for the cool sleeping porch, the good protection from rains, for the cleanliness of wooden floors, and all things that helped to make our work easier during the hot months.
Our sincere hope is that this home may be used to glorify God and help to keep us and any who may live here after us more fit for the work in His Kingdom. We have lived in many different rooms and houses since coming to China seven years ago, most of them on Chinese order, small, with brick floors and damp walls. As our work developed and the number of Chinese coming to our house increased it became increa- singly difficult to work that way. We, therefore, appreciate the new home doubly. For the children’s Akes, too, we are glad for a com- fortable home in which they are more protected from the diseases and dangers by which we are sur- r- winded.
Thanking you all heartily and wishing you the Lord's blessing in your further endeavors, wre re- main,
Your co-laborers,
W. C. and Matilda Voth.
The secret of a Chr stian’s happy life is in himself. It is not where we are, but what we are, that determines pleasure or pain. It is not what we possess, but what we have become.
1926.
THE MENNONITE
A religious weekly journal, English organ of the Mennonite General Conference of North America. Devoted to the interests of the Mennonite church and the cause of Christ in general. Published every Thursday (except 4th of July and Christmas weeks) by the Mennonite Book Concern, Berne, Ind.
Rev. S. M. Grubb Editor
2956 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Subscription in advance $1.50
Foreign $2.00
All business communications and remit- tances are to be sent to the MENNONITE BOOK CONCERN, BERNE, Ind.
All contributions and communications for the columns ot this paper, and exchanges are to be sent to REV. S. M. GRUBB, 2956 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Entered at the post-office at Berne, In- diana, as second-class mail matter.
Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for m Section 1103, Act Oc- tober 3, 1917, authorized January 22, 1919.
EDITORIAL
With the New Year the ten- sion between the United States and its neighbor Mexico has reached an acute stage that may at any moment result in on open break. Mexico insists upon ex- ercising her sovereign rights with regard to property and the Ro- man Catholic Church. The United States is involved chiefly because capitalists, who have gone into Mexico to exploit the country want the U. S. to stand behind them with its moral and military support in their defiance of Mexican law. Because the Roman Catholic supremacy must bow before the Government of Mexico Catholics have already appealed to the President in large numbers, notable through the Knights of Columbus, to inter- fere.
Some see in the situation the possibility of a war between the two countries. In that event citi- zens of the United States, rich and poor, will be called upon to go into Mexico, either to kill or get killed, that exploiters may continue collecting unreasonable profits on their investments. Should the voice of the Knights of Columbus prevail it will then mean that Protestants and Cath- olics will be called upon to shed blood that the Roman Catholic church may continue to exercise a higher political power over Mexico than the Mexican people themselves possess. There is ab- solutely no reason for any condi- tion but one of peace to exist be- tween the U. S. and Mexico. A resort to war at any time is with- out excuse and to go to that end in order that American dollars and the Catholic priesthood shall prevail in a country with which we have nothing to do is
THE MENNONITE
unreasonable to the highest de- gree. Before the tension increases the numerous churches and de- nominations that have been pass- ing beautifully sounding peace resolutions should make them- selves heard so clearly that Wash- ington certainly will know that the religious people of the United States are against any more that may lead to a use of force against our sister republic south of the Rio Grande.
Have any of our readers heard of any New-year resolutions be- ing made? If they have, by this time, no doubt some of them have already been broken. Good resolutions sound well, but an old proverb says : “The way to hell is paved with good intentions.”
Now, a resolution is important. We must have behind it an aim and a determination before we can get anywhere. As a wise old saw once said: “Some people aim at nothing and hit it every time they shoot.” Without a goal, without determination or without a purpose nothing will be accom- plished. We associate resolutions with determination that aim at accomplishing something worth while. Let us therefore not dis- credit honest resolutions but at the same time let us give the prop- er consideration to consistency and so realize that the next and perhaps the more important step after taking a resolution is keep- ing everlastingly at it. The whole thing resolves itself down to say- ing what we are going to do and then doing what we said we would do.
About the first of the year most of our congregations hold meet- ings for the transaction of their annual business. Every Chris- tian who is really interested in the affairs of the church will be sure to be present and assist in the prayerful consideration of the Lord’s business in that part of the Kingdom in which he or she has a place.
Much of the congregational business seems like routine. They do the same thing every year, elect officers, appoint committees and consider improvements to the church property. To an outsid- er this may mean little but to the interested party it means much because the effectiveness and effi- ciency of the whole church is involved. There are also things not exactly within the scope of the work of the congregation that should not he slighted. For ex- ample, Do our congregations give careful deliberation to the ap- peals made to them by our last General Conference? Are our educational institutions given the
sympathetic rnnsifleratinn they
deserve? Does the congregation assume a responsible part in the benevolences conducted by the church? And what kind of in- terest is the church showing in its publications? The latter con- sideration involves several things such as, the appointing of a de- pendable correspondent whose business it shall be to keep the papers informed concerning what’s doing in the church, the increase of subscriptions to the church papers until it is certain that a Men- nonite paper is in every family connected with the church and available to every individual in the family who is old enough to read. It might he well also, at such a time to call attention to the English and German Year Books which may he consulted when information about the church is desired.
CORRESPONDENCE
Altoona, Pa. Dear readers of the Mennonite: We are very
happy to tell you how the Lord has blessed us during the year, and especially this last quarter. Our Thanksgiving service was a real time of praise to God for His goodness. Many people told how how God has worked definitely in their lives to His glory. We sent out 13 baskets to the poor and needy. A shipment of cookies were received from Bluffton and these were greatly appreciated by those to whom we gave them. The Christmas services were well attended and closed with a splen- did Christmas program by the children and young people of the Sunday school. We are looking forward to a great year of activ- ity and blessing.
L. H. Glass,
510 21st Ave., Altoona
Bedford County Mission Church. Dear readers of the Mennonite: We are very grate-
ful to God for His goodness to us. We have been able to hold services regularly, even though the weather has been had. Our people have been faithful to the work and we are looking unto Him to lead us into greater heights of blessing. In visiting among the people I found a num- ber of families who are in great need of clothing of all kinds. Many of our people are very poor and any gifts of clothes or shoes would he appreciated. We had splendid Christmas exercises at both the Napier and Mann’s Choice churches and also gave out a treat to the members of the Sunday schools. We are looking to the Lord for the coming year
you to pray with us that He will perform it.
A. E. Wolf, pastor,
SPURGEON ON EVOLU- TION IN 1865
In a sermon, given in 1865, C. H. Spurgeon, in call’ng atten- tion to evolution, andlo the state- ments of men, said: "Evil tidings will also come to us concerning spiritual matters, and babes in grace will be greatly alarmed. Every now and then there cometh a messenger in breathless haste, who tells us that sages have dis- covered that the Bible is fiction. Years ago we were al astonished to find that people had been dig- ging down into the earth, and had brought up loads of very hard stones, with which Reve- lation was to be slain, like Stephen by the Jews. Revelation has lived on wonderfully well and flourish- ed amazingly, notwithstand:ng all that. Another very judicious naturalist afterwards discovered — and, oh. what consternation there was ! — that we had all snrung from monkeys, and that all livine creatures were the re- sult of successive developments from infusorial atoms. Some- how or other, the Gospel has managed to survive even this tre- mendous blow. Not many months ago a learned quarryman dug up a jaw-hone and a bushel or two of pointed flints, the undoubt- ed property of primeval men who lived, according to report, ages before Adam; now this discovery was to silence forever the teach- ings of inspiration. Those flints were invincible and deadly weap- ons! But the religion of Jesus i so full of life, that her deadliest foes cannot make an end of her.
“Voltaire, you remember, had a printing-press at Geneva, some years ago, with which he printed n prophecy that Christianity would not survive the century of which he thought hmself the hr’ght and shining light; that very press is now printing copies of the Bible in Geneva. (1865). A few weeks ago we were in- formed ethnologically that ne- groes were nearly allied to apes, and that the Scripture statement that God has made of one blood all nations that dwell upon the face of the earth was clearly con- trary to fact; but, my brethren, this grand old Book stil man- age® to survive, and I think the most of us who know its value can say we are not afraid of evil tidings which prophesy the over- throw of its authority, for it will see all its foes withered like grass, and yet not one of its jots or tittles shall pass away”. —
4
January 6
THE MENNONITE
YOUNG PEOPLE’S DEPARTMENT
YOUNG PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE
OF THE GENERAL CON- FERENCE
A. R. KEISER — Chairman Dalton, O.
ANNA G. STAUFFER 6S4 E. 79th St., Los Angeles, Cal.
H. T. UNRUH Halstead, Kansas.
A. J. NEUENSCHWANDER 2342 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
‘‘But this one thing I do, forget- ting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Phil. 3: 13.
REACHING FORWARD
New-year is the traditional time to make resolutions, to take stock account in respect to the successes and failures of the past year. But when the year is young it is also a good time to “reach forth unto those things which are before.”
Youth symbolizes hopefulness, and perhaps never before has the future looked more hopeful than it does at this the beginning of this New Year. This is true be- cause the leaders of tomorrow are always the Youth of today, and the Young People of our Mennonite Church as well as of every other denomination are a better educated, more aggressive, and clearer thinking group than of which no other age could boast. The Young People of to- day are facing problems critical- ly, reverently but not superfi- cially. Jesus Christ is being held up as the touch-stone and stand- ard for all phases and activities of life. That requires courage and often brings condemnation in its train but dare we not do that for our Lord and Master?
It is with such thoughts in mind that we are instituting this Young People’s Department into our Mennonite. These two pages shall be the medium for expres- sion of Mennonite Youth and for- ward-looking ideas of those who are young in spirit. This De- partment is yours. Members of the above committee are merely your servants through whom your articles and thoughts will appear.
May the Lord bless this ven- ture and may we together help Him so that it may succeed.
BE STRONG
Be strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle — face it; 'tis God's gift.
Be strong!
Say not, "The days are evil. Who’s to blame?”
And fold the hands and aquiesce — oh, shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name.
Be strong!
It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not — fight on! Tomorrow conies the song.
Maltbie D. Babcock.
OUR PLANS
The ideal very seldom becomes the reality, but the reality is quite often patterned after the ideal. The committee in charge of this department has an ideal in mind, as to how near the real- ity will coincide with it will re- main to be seen.
It is our aim to have each of our six District Conferences rep- resented in the committee and then to unify our Young People’s work and become better acquaint- ed with one another. In the col- umns of these two pages we will aim to have weekly ; a poem, edi- torials, one article from each dis- trict written by a leader of to- morrow, a missionary article fresh from the field, the C. E. Topics interestingly written, and possibly from time to time some S. S. and C. E. Methods and Ac- tivities. But this venture can succeed only as you consider it a privilege to contribute volun- tarily or when asked. To us the torch is given. Be ours to hold it high !
TAKING IT UPON OURSELVES
There is no service so gladly, cheerfully given as that which we volunteer to do. Any coercion to work is irksome; but given an op- portunity to exercise their free will, the majority of persons are willing to serve even to the ex- tent of a sacrifice.
Many of the finest deeds in his- tory are those that were per- formed voluntarily to meet a need for which it seemed no one else felt responsible, or to per- form which no one had been ap- pointed. Such deeds invariably re- quire more or less sacrifice, and the greater the sacrifice, the high- er we value the service. How- ever, the finest volunteer work is that of which the world knows very little, or nothing. In such service the doer knew beforehand that there would be no public rec-
ognition or support, and possibly he knew that there would be mis- understanding or even criticism, yet he felt impelled to make the sacrifice and to do his best work. Which is the more noble service, that which has public recogni- tion, or that which, in spite of all disadvantages and discourage- ment, is performed just as faith- fully as the other? There is he- ro-stuff in the volunteer.
The missionary is a volunteer. He has of his free will chosen to serve the Lord wherever and however He may direct. He has counted the cost and gladly paid the price and made the sacrifice, regardless of rewards or praise that may come to him. Thus is the Lord’s work performed even to the uttermost parts of the earth. There are missionary vol- unteers at home who give their life in prayer for the service and the servants in faraway lands.
All these have taken it upon themselves to serve where they saw a need, not counting the cost too great. We may carry this thought to the “here and now”. There is a need for young men — and young women-volunteers who will give their service to build up this Young People’s De- partment. No matter how small, nor how commonplace, the ser- vice, if it is done in a spirit pleas- ing to Him, He will remember it and accept it as done to Him.
Oh, that many of our young people would take it upon them- selves to build up this Young People’s Department, to the hon- or and glory of our Lord, and to the best service of our fellow- man. — A. G. S.
QUESTIONING YOUTH
No doubt it is true that a fool can ask more questions than a wise man can answer, yet I shall take the risk to put in writing some of the questions that have reached my ears from the lips of a group of fairly representative Mennonite Youth.
To me it seems that the in- crease in questions is a sign of the increased dissatisfaction with the conditions as they are, and perhaps a promise of a brighter future. But for the present be that as is may ; the fact remains that these questions are askec by serious minded Mennonite youth. Who knows what unuttered ques- tionings lie in these same minds!
The very first question per- haps is that which asks : Does
the Mennonite church have a fu- ture? This query takes many forms. Do we have anything dis- tinctive to contribute to the world? What do we stand for that is not included in the faiths of our contemporary denomina- tions? It there an excuse for our further existence as an individu- al organization?
This naturally leads to the question of church unity. Why all our separated groups? If this is not ideal, what is being done to alter this condition? Can we as young people do anything to further church unity among the Mennonite groups and finally among all denominations?
By this time some one will have said that the Mennonites have something distinctive to off- er the world, meaning the peace policy. What is this policy some one immediately asks? What does non-resistance mean? Granted that the Mennonite church in its 400 years of history made a won- derful contribution to the world, what is her program now? Then if as we too often take for grant- ed, we have a peace program, what are we doing to share this with others? Can we as Men- nonite youth really do anything in this endeavor?
To the writer it seems that we as young people need increased activity in three lines if the pre- ceding questions are to be an- swered ; if we are to continue as vital religious forces ; if we are to be Christians in any true sense of the word.
In the first place we need a re- thinking (if we have done any at all) of what religion really is; what place it is to fill in our lives, and does. All the questions of doubt, and honest inquiry must be faced and fought through. Paul suggests that we must work out our own salvation, that is, really make it such in our own lives. It is my belief that here is the crux of our whole problem. We have our organizations but there is no fire. We do not ex- perience the fact that religion is a vital force, is a way of life, not merely something tacked on. We teach school, work in the store, or farm and on Sunday go to Church. Until we have the con- ception that we are here to bring in the Kingdom first of all our programs will be dead and our organizations lifeless. Our entire life is either religiously lived or none of it is. This idea I realize is vaguely stated, perhaps mis- leading. This is so because it is
1926.
THE MENNONITE
5
not worked out clearly enough in my own mind. Yet I maintain that our intelligence and faith must together fearlessly.
The second need is a result of the lack of the preceding as any other need will perhaps be. We as young people have our respect- ive so-called non-religious occu- pations or professions, school teaching, business and farming. We must put our time and effort into preparation for that work lest we fall by the wayside. Con- sequently the best trained of our number are generally lost to ac- tive, “concerned”, persistent work in our young people’s organiza- tions. Perhaps this can not, ought not be changed. But if that be true then all our efforts are not far from vain. I think there is need for a change and with that change a plan to bind together all our number whether in our home churches or scat- tered elsewhere.
The third and perhaps the one most easily accomplished (?) is that of uniting the Mennonite youth perhaps at the time of the All-Mennonite and General Con- ferences for a real Mennonite youths’ convention. The word convention brings to mind so many different concepts that a word of explanation is nec- essary. By convention I mean not the ordinary kind with lec- tures, music, and talks. The kind that will alone meet this need is that given mostly to discussions of questions that are real ques- tions to youth, and these discuss- ed by the youth themselves un- der the leadership of capable sym- pathetic, openminded elders. With the new organization of the Young People’s Committee this might be possible of achievement by next conference time.
Raymond Hilty
THE LURE OF INDIA
Seven and eight years ago when we prepared for the foreign field, — it was with a feeling that we HAD to come if we would be true to the best we knew. But now it is the love of Christ, and the love of these people which makes us happy to stay here, and glad to return after furlough is over if God so leads. The door by which we entered was Christ’s command, “Go ye.” But the daz- zling splendor of the treasury of the possibilities we see here holds us. Law has been replaced by- love.
Never have I so marveled as the last several weeks at what appears to be the Wide Open Door in Phulj har and Deori.
Previously we had heart rending times when it seemed that much of the seed sown sent forth ten- der sprouts only to be scorched by persecutions or choked by dis- appointments. But not so this fall. Now for the first time has one missionary been free at Bas- na Station to put his best into the pastoral care of the 400 bap- tised converts of the compound, and to carefully direct the Indi- an preachers, teachers and co- workers. Another missionary is set apart to attend to the local church of 50 others, and the lo- cal compound needs. What do we find? The hearts of the peo- ple in the district are much like a prepared seedbed somewhat neglected. It only requires the proper attention, and heart cheer- ing results come forth.
The seemingly insuperable ob- stacles were supposed ill health, language, homeland needs, and a house to live in, in these jungly parts. But these have cleared from off the pathway, and we are beholding the treasure.
Village after village have I vis- ited where Christians were re- ported to be cold, turning to Hin- duism, steeped in sin and back- sliding. Over and over again have I asked : “Do you still want to be considered Christian?” They have answered to a man, “Yes!” “Will you be willing to be regu- larly taught, and to learn?” Again the unanimous reply, “Yes”. In those villages where the Christians have been regular- ly worked, all the results one would expect and look for are coming forth. Those villages which have been most faithfully worked, the Christians in such show the most steadfast faith. The results are largely according to what we are putting into the work.
And the old story holds. The work among the low caste con- verts is bringing from all sides serious thinking, devout, high caste Hindu inquirers, — “Tell us of your faith,” “We want to learn of your Saviour” I have started a notebook listing the names of all such high caste inquirers. If the rate by which they come con- tinues,' I will have by the end of the season a most precious prayer book with the names of many who are near the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour.
What then are the high points on our horizon ? The glory of this new kingdom is bathed in the flood light of Jesus Christ the sun of righteousness. Proph- esy is not of the future. Proph- esy is now being fulfilled. “But in the latter days it shall come to pass that the mountain of Jeho-
vah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and it shall be exhalted above the hills ; and the people shall FLOW unto it. And many na- tions shall go and say, come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” “But unto you that fear My name shall the sun of righteousness arise with heal- ing on its wings.”
India indeed has its beauty. Missionary work has its haunt- ing charms. When horizons slip away, undreamt worlds of splen- dor open up. There is a lure and a passion in this work of our Lord in India which grips the heart. These cast their spell over one. It is not safe to linger ; one may never leave.
Samuel T. Moyer
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR MEETING
January 16th, 1927.
A. J. Neuenschwander
“How To Develop Our Devo- tional Life” Scripture: Psalm 40: 1-8.
M., Jan. 10. By prayer. Luke 11: 1-13.
T., Jan. 11. By Bible-study. Ps. 119:97-104.
W., Jan. 12 By meditation. Ps. 1 :
1-6.
T.,Jan. 13. Bv worship. Ps. 100: 1-5.
F., Jan. 14. By others’ experience. Acts 18:24-28.
S., Jan, 15. By service. Acts 20: 17-35.
The Scripture Lesson Brought Down to Date.
The devotional life grows slow- ly. The Psalmist experienced a need of patience.
Deep and hard experiences oft- en are the best points of contact with God, and trials may serve to bring us closer to our Father.
The devotional life needs and wants expression. A hearty sea- son of song to open the meeting helps to tune our hearts to God’s message.
We cannot measure God’s thoughts with our finite minds. This ought to challenge us to honor and revere our Father.
Outward adherence and empty lip service do not count with God. With our entire being we must serve the Lord, to grow' in His Grace.
The Prayer Thought
Someone has well said : “Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire ut- tered or unexpressed.” Still in our prayer thought we ought to
strive to cultivate that higher, and sweeter fellowship with God with care and deliberation. The devotional life can be developed only by careful and constant com- munion with our heavenly Fa- ther. The fruits of a developed devotional life are sincere en- joyment in a period of quiet Bible reading, in ready obedience to the Spirit’s guidance, willing- ness to serve in any capacity where we may be called.
The Topic Form.
1. Have you ever asked your pastor for a list of helpful books to develop the devotional life? Present this list. If possible have some of the books at the meeting ready to loan out.
2. Have you ever asked those members of your Society who keep the Quiet Hour, how it helps them to develop their de- votional life? Two or three might report at the meeting.
3. What outstanding qualities have you noticed in great Church leaders?
4. What is the relative value of prayer and service in develop- ing the devotional life?
Devotional Life.
Have you ever noticed how re- markably the Christian Endeav- or pledge is contructed to help in developing the devotional life? If you have a pledge in the room, repeat it slowly, pausing at the end of each phrase, so that the full meaning in this respect might impress itself upon the members of the society. A deep devotional life is the main spring in every Christian’s life. Dis- couragements and opposition may come, but if a strong im- pulse is present nothing will be able to divert you from your task. Prayer is the vital need in a sweet devotional life. Prayer makes the vital contact between God and man, and hence the de- votional life will have an avenue for expression.
Illustration
In the Methodist Church, there are many mighty men of God. One that has impressed me great- ly by his books and life is, Wil- liam F. McDow'ell, Bishop of the Washington area. In his devo- tional book, “In the School of Christ”, he shows a familiarity with the teachings of Christ that is refreshing. The book leads one into a closer relationship with the task of Christ for His followers. Yet in his life Bishop McDowell shows a manysided- ne$s that is only natural for his devotional life. He has helped in every large movement in the Christian Church. His devotion- al jife has fitted him for his wide field of service.
6
THE MENNON11E
January 6
AN APPRECIATION OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF REV. JOHN OBERHOLTZER
(Address given at the Celebra- tion of the 200th Anniversary of the Mennonite Settlement in Mil- ford, Bucks County, Pa. Held in the West Swamp Church, Mil- ford Square, Penna., Nov. 28, 1926. By Silas M. Grubb.)
(Continued.)
The first vision of which we will speak came to him while still in the folds of the Old Church. Mennonites are said to be peculiar always but one of the peculiarities of the Franconia Con- ference was that it thought it could do the Lord’s business with less accuracy and care than men undertake to use in their private business. They kept no records, they had no written constitution. Disorder and misunderstandings are sure to rise in a body that thinks it can get along without a working constitution. It means to us today that because well meaning brethren thought rec- ords and regulations need not be written on paper we are with- out historical data concerning one of the most important periods of the Mennonite church in Ameri- ca. How, pray, are we to know what happened and how things were done 80 years ago when • nothing but vague tradition re- mains? Oberholtzer’s dream was of a conference governed by law, not law intended to be a task- master, but law that would an- sure that everything be done de- cently and in order. The very suggestion of a constitution gave offense to the brethren and the fact that he published a prospect- us of a proposed Constitution and distributed it among the breth- ren was regarded as a heresy worthy of the penalty of excom- munication. I now turn to my library today and examine the rec- ords and regulations of many Mennonite congregations and con- ferences. They are no more something to be shunned as if they were of the devil, for every- one now knows that these things are absolutely essential.
Then, being a teacher, knowing the limitations that ignorance places upon body, mind and soul, it was quite natural that he should dream of higher education in the church. I have in my library a copy of Hunzinger’s essay on edu- cation in the Mennonite church in Germany, and this copy be- longed to Father Oberholtzer. It is filled with his notations. One would surely be greatly disap- pointed if the publication of this work were not among the first that he printed. You older ones of my hearers, when you dig through the dust of your attics
will probably come across a long forgotten copy of this book turn- ed from the press here in Milford Square. The interest of Ober- holtzer in the Wadsworth school was natural, of course. In its short career it contributed more than anything else I know to the progress of our denomination. The germ of the Wadsworth school found its birth in the fer- tile brain of John Oberholtzer.
Oberholtzer knew the power of the press. His appeals could only reach a worth-while constit- uency as they had a wide circu- lation. This had to be done through the press. He was also a discerning man and realized that the reading matter of his time was good, bad and indiffer- ent and he hoped to place the good where it might be preferred to the harmful. The printing of BOTSCHAFTER was an under- taking worthy of the man of faith. With little or no capital and with an equipment that was more of the kind that an amateur school boy would use than one fit for hard regular work he undertook the publication of his bi-monthly. It more than served the purpose of supplying good reading matter for Christian homes, it opened for him and his 'cause a wide cir- cle of acquaintanceship. Soon we find him in friendly contact with Mennonites of whom he scarcely heard before. Mennon- ites in Ohio, in Illinois, in Iowa, in Canada and in Europe. In one of his issues we learn that he had come into information that the Government of Germany was pre- paring to make it hard for Men- nonites because of their non-re- sistant teaching and that they were looking for a refuge from expected persecution, elsewhere. He invited them all to come to America, telling them that there is plenty of room for all and he seemed to swell with a spirit of patriotism when he told them that America is the land of the Free and that religious persecution need not be feared.
Resides the printing of the Bot- schafter he undertook the print- ing of a number of books of im- port to Mennonite people. There was the Catechism, practically the same as it is today. It had been used in Europe for a long while but was practically un- known to American Mennonites until his time. Then he essayed to print a volume in defense of Daniel Hoch who was passing through practically the same ex- periences with his Canadian brethren that Oberholtzer had to pass through in the Franconia Conference. The big undertak- ing was the printing of a volume the title of which was ERFAH- RUNGS-LEHRE by Gottfried Arnhold. In fact the undertak-
ing was too big for him to handle and it broke the printing business. The BOTSCHAFTER had to suspend for lack of funds. It ap- peared as though the Milford Square Press was to die for good, but only for a while. The breth- ren came to the rescue and or- ganized a stock company with stocks at ten dollars per share. He was then enabled to continue. The Botschafter was resurected and given the name of Volks- blatt. It was a larger sheet and well patronized by advertisers. Perhaps at this day the kind of advertising that he accepted would meet with disapproval and might mean trouble with the Government for I noticed that small private stills were advertis- ed for the use of thrifty house- keepers who wished to make their own whiskey. This con- cession to the thirst of his time was however offset by several strong temperance articles. So, after all, we learn, he was consid- erably in advance of his time, for temperance was an unpopular subject, even among Mennonites. They could expel a brother for not wearing a coat of the approv- ed fashion but he could make whiskey to his heart’s content and drink it all, so far as they were concerned. Even a minister of that time who did not furnish his harvest hands with an abundance of good whiskey lost his standing in the community. I wonder what our Conference would do with the minister who treated his guests to a “wee nippy” or took an occasional “horn” him- self?
As we read the papers that were printed and sent abroad from his little shop we get a glimpse of the man, his manner of life his friends and his con- cern about the affairs of the church. It was a great day for him when he could tell his read- ers of the arrival of a Mennonite paper from Germany the MEN- NQNITISCHE B L A E T T ER which continued as a standard of Mennoniteism until a year ago when it had to suspend because hard times in Germany and a lack of funds. After this there was much to learn and tell. Rev. Mann- hardt’s scholarly articles and those of his colleague, Rev. Roo- sen were an education to the young printer. There was also a wider revelation when, through this paper, he learned of the Men- nonite Society for the Propaga- tion of the Gospel in the Colonies of the Netherlands. The Society had begun its missions on the Is- land of Java. In one of his arti- cles he mentioned the fact that a young man in Canada had of- fered himself for the missionfield. It was with elation that he gave notice of this the first Mennonite
on this side of the water offering himself as a volunteer. After this the reports of the Dutch mission- ary society became regular items of news. He was happy to report the first five candidates baptized by Missionary Janz and when the report had to be made later than they had lapsed his heart must have been deeply moved.
The man of vision saw the time approaching when Mennonites must make their visions come true and have laborers of their own on the foreign field. Here in this congregation he organiz- ed what I believe to have been the first Mennonite mission so- ciety in America. As I read the list of members who signed its constitution I discover names that may have been forgotten long ago but they are the names of men and women with whom he shared his vision and missionary interest has always been keen in this congregation because it caught the inspiration that came from Oberholtzer. They did their part toward realization and what they could not accomplish, be- cause of the bigness of the task, they left for us to continue. We must receive that heritage, en- large it, and carry its message to the ends of the earth.
The climax of all the visions that came to this resourceful pas- tor was the dream of a union of all Mennonite bodies, not for numbers alone, but for more ef- fective work in the kingdom of • God. Many a man, unjustly dis- credited, as he was, by a large body of his brethren, would have dispaired to suggest a union of brethren so intolerant as to hold it an unpardonable offence for one to wear even a collar that did not fit into the approved pat- tern. But he saw beyond col- lars, beyond shad-belly coats, beyond caps and bonnets, and rec- ognized a power that if united and organized, would accomplish great things to the glory of God. So he set to work and the breth- ren he had been corresponding with in Iowa and Illinois and Ohio joined with him in the ef- fort to realize his dream. The first General Conference then came into being. Not much of a conference one would say when beside the Pennsylvania churches represented *by himself and Enos Laux, there were only a few other congregations in attendance through delegates. With the country in civil war, with travel slow and tedious and with men of another type and environment to meet the wonder is that there was so much harmony, from the beginning.
The Eastern District Confer- ence was never destined to cover much territory. It comprised a handful of congregations in which
THE MENNONITE
it was possible for him to be per- sonally acquainted with every member of the churches belong- ing to it. Because of the limited number of people identified with it the success of the venture had to rise and fall with the personal- ity of John Oberholtzer. We must not think that things went along smooth as a summer’s day in this little Eastern conference. Storm after storm shook it to its foundations, but, like the sturdy oak on the hill side, it survived them all and continued to flour- ish. However, the throes of the birth agony continued long and hard. Scarcely had the first gath- ering been called than there were signs of breakers ahead.
It is of the nature of every re- form movement that it must be composed of dissatisfied people These dissatisfactions arise from various causes and the party of reform often has little in common save the fact that they are not satisfied with things as they have been going and they want a new start. Each is bound to feel that the new start should be in accord with his peculiar ideas. Then, from the beginning the possibil- ity of farther conflict is in pros- pect. This was particularly true in the Eastern Conference, or East Pennsylvania Mennonite Conference as they called them- selves. First came the conflict with the Hunsicker faction whose liberality went farther than most of the rest wanted to go. Here already the troublesome secret society question came to the fore- ground, although I believe this misrht have been settled amicably had there not been an intense personal element entering. It was too much to expect that at that early date there should have manifested itself an idealism that could sink personalities and work harmoniously for the good of the cause. At this date we are in a position to realize what was for- ever lost through the haste of the brethren. The group of churches that went the Hunsicker way were soon lost to other denomina- tions or passed out of existence altogether. Next came the divi- sion under William Gehman which party for a long time was spoken of in common parlance as the “Number Threes”, ours be- ing the “Number Twos”. This division was caused by a tenden- cy toward emotionalism entirely unknown in the Mennonite church. Emotionalism of the kind that appealed to many was in the air. Our fathers could not adapt themselves to it and so there came another division that in many instances separated fam- ilies as well as the church. Again came the difficulty with the John- son people. Like in the Hun- sicker division, personalities were
the reason and the question of foot washing as an ordinance of the church the excuse. Now, af- ter all these years, when we see the Spirit of God blessing the activities of those with whom our fathers could not get along, we should be gratified to note that in our General Conference there are churches that stand for the things that Hunsicker, that Geh- man. that Johnson stood for. We have Liberal churches, we have churches that go in for revivals and we have churches that find a blessing in continuing the or- dinance of foot washing in the congregation. Why, we ask could there not have been the same attitude to these things then as now? I am not going to answer that question because I did not live in those days and I am living in a later day when our outlook is broader and we have become mellow with experience I must say this for Father Ober- holtzer, however, he was not the aggressor, the personalities at the bottom of most of these difficul- ties did not center about him. But he was democratic enough to go with the majority.
(To be concluded.)
“ROOM FOR JESUS”
Room for Jesus, can it be Bethlehem could find no place For the Christ of Galilee Saviour of a fallen race?
Does He yet inquire in vain For a place His head to lay?
Can I still His plea disdain Let Him turn from me away?
i
Enter in, O Heav’n-ly Guest,
Make my heart Thy dwelling fair;
Then am I forever blest
With my Saviour’s presence there.
I, with Christ, am one today; Weak-ness I, but strength is He Will He ever with me stay?
Yea, thro’ all eternity.
Chorus:
O, My Master, Thou wilt find Room within ,my heart for Thee And I know Thou, ever kind.
Wilt make room in Thine for me.
There is nothing more wonder- ful about the life of Christ than the sublime leisure of it.
THE S. S. LESSON
Jan. 9
The Christian’s Use of the Bible
Deut. 6:4-9; II Tim. 3:14-17
Golden Text: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. 119:106.
When Moses revealed the law of God to Israel it was, first, by word of mouth that those who heard might know, and, second, written, so that future genera- tions should receive and know the revelation coming through
Him. This has always been the way the Bible has come to us. First it was the spoken Word, learned at the mother’s knee, and in the intimacy of the family circle. With this came the in- struction we received in the house of God and from such other teach- ers unto whose care God has in- trusted us. Then, it was the written word — the Bible — which it is the duty of every Christian to learn and know. With this two- fold source of truth there is no excuse for ignorance of God’s Word for any one born and brought up in a Christian land. The most sacred heritage any generation receives is the Word, which it is its duty to pass on to the generation following. All truth must be preserved, but the most important truth is that which, through God’s revealed word, has to do with our eternal salvation.
The traditional method of pre- serving the truth belonged to an age when the knowledge of writ- ing was not so generally known, but, now that reading and writ- ing are universally known, it is the privilege of all of God’s chil- dren to possess a fuller knowl- edge. To neglect this privilege is to do so at the peril of losing the multitude of blessings that the Word reveals.
In giving the Word certain def- inite things were demanded of the people by Moses. First, they were to lay it upon their hearts. This is the place where all the chil- dren of God shall keep it. To have it upon the heart means to know it, to treasure it and to obey it. Secondly, they were to teach it to their children. Noth- ing better can be given to them. To give it to them is to lead them into the way of eternal life. Not to give it to them is to have a responsible part in the losing of their souls. Thirdly, the Word was to be a continual subject of conversation. There is nothing better to talk about. It is the message that God has given us to bring to all men. It is suited for all occasions and for all kinds of company. It is the one thing that enables men to meet life’s problems successfully. One who knows the Word and speaks of it continually speaks the lan- guage of the Kingdom of God, thus confessing before the world His heavenly citizenship. Fig- uratively, the hands, the frontlets between the eyes and the gates of the house were to have the Word written upon them. This meant more than a mere profes- sion to Israel. It indicated that the Word should control the whole person, the hands, the countenance and the possessions.
One who knows the Word and loves and obeys it will show it in his entire life. His very looks will indicate that he is a child of God. What his hands do will be from an impulse of the heart that indicate a consecration to God and even his personal property will have the mark: “Holiness
unto the Lord”, which indicates that all he has is accepted, as having been entrusted unto him as a steward of God, using it on- ly as “unto the Lord”.
In the lesson’s passage from the New Testament we note that I imothy, an old and seasoned stu- dent of the Word, is enjoined to continue in the things which he had learned. The remarkable thing about the Bible is that it is an unending source of spiritual food upon which one is to feed so long as he lives. To the be- ginner the Word is a marvelous revelation from God and to the wise and experienced student of the Word it continues to be a fresh and never-failing source of instruction, inspiration and bless- ing. The wonderful thing about Timothy was that he had known the Scriptures from a child. This accounts for the fact that he be- came such a power for God. No one can hope to be a mighty fac- tor in God’s plans who is ignor- ant of the Word. Such a person will never come to the point where he is past being a student of Scripture. Indeed, he will find that the more he learns the more there will be for him to learn. In the study of the Word there is more than just the letter to learn. Knowing the letter he will be all the more able to delve deeper and deeper into its rich and unending treasures.
Paul’s comment on inspired Scripture is that it is profitable for the most important things in the Christian’s life. It is profit- able for doctrine or teaching, un- folding more and more into per- fect fullness the will of God. It is profitable for reproof and cor- rection, and, since we are such weak and erring creatures, it would be impossible for us to continue in the Christian life without its leading and inspira- tion. As a source of instruction nothing is to be compared to the Bible and nothing can take its place. The child, the mature per- son, the wise, the simple and those of both high and low de- gree have no other place to turn for the rule of their lives and faith.
Right doing and right being are the highway to right thinking.
It is better to be true and thor- ough than to be fast.
I
The Ladies’ Glee Club gave a pro- gram in Grace church, Pandora, O., on the night of Dec. 21.
Prof. J. F. Balzer of Northfield, Minn., College, formerly of Bethel College, was operated upon for chron- ic appendicitis last week.
The South church, Buhler, Kansas, recently enjoyed a treat in the form of an illustrated lecture given by Pro- fessor D. H. Richert, of Bethel Col- lege.
The combined choirs of the First Mennonite church of Newton, Kan., and Bethel College, rendered Dudley Buck’s ‘‘The Coming of the King”, in the Newton City Auditorjuin, which was filled to capacity and many peo- ple were turned away at the door.
At the latest meeting of the Bethel College corporation it was decided to discontinue the academy after the close of the current year. Present enrollmei t and prospective enrollments make this step necessary. Another resolution declared it imperative that Bethel College should continue to remain an accredited senior college. The resolu- tion was adopted to encourage the continuance of the present endowment campaign.
THE MENNONITE JOTTINGS
was sewed and at the sale a group of men bought it, for $75.50 and turned the quilt over to the pastor’s family for a Christmas gift.
The Mennonite Year Book is ready for distribution and should be in every Mennonite home. The informtaion contained in this work is useful to every church member and can be ob- tained nowhere else.
Dean Whitmer of Witmarsum Semi- nary delivered the address at the ded- ication of the new building at Free- man, S. Dak. On the Sunday follow- ing he preached in Bethany church, when an offering was lifted for the Seminary.
A Short Bible Course at the Okla- homa Bible Academy, Meno, Okla., is planned again for four weeks from Jan. 17th to Feb. 11th. Instruction will be given in the following: Leviti- cus and Numbers; the Gospel of John; Revelation; Mennonite History; Bible Geography; S. S. Teachers’ Course. Several outside speakers will attend.
The annual sale of useful articles conducted by Grace Church, Pandora, Ohio, netted $380.30. The Dorcas So- ciety took in $141.50 and the Senior Society $238.80. The main source of income for the girls was the friend- ship quilt with its 484 names. It had already brought 10c per name when it
The choirs of both the First and Sec- ond churches of Philadelphia followed their annual custom and went carol singing on Christmas Eve. Their vis- its were greatly appreciated by the shut-ins and others whom they vis- ited.
On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24th, a ‘‘White Gifts for the King” program was given by the Sunday school of the Zion Mennonite church of Don- nellson, Iowa. The program includ- ed a pageant which brought home the truth to every one that “it is more blessed to give than to receive”. Fol- lowing the program the white gifts were brought to the manger. On Sun- day, Dec. 26, the choir rendered the Christmas cantata, “Peace on Earth" by Heysen. It was splendidly given and well attended.
The historic church at Wadsworth, Ohio, reports the greatest financial year of its existence. The total re- ceipts in pledges and cash contribu- tions for all purposes amounts to near- ly $6,000.00. This is largely due to the fact that some of the business men contributed toward the repair work of the church this summer, and partly due to the fact that more contributions came from the members than any time in the history of the church, due to in- crease in membership in the past few
The sympathy of every reader of the Mennonite will go out to our Brother David Toews, chairman of the Cana- dian Mennonite Board of Coloniza- tion. On the night of Dec. 13, while six inches of snow lay on the ground, a fire destroyed the house and all the property of Brother Toews causing se- rious injury to every one in the house and the death of one of his children. Brother Toews is suffering from a badly burned arm and frozen feet and the other members of the family are suffering from burns, cuts and frozen limbs.
January 6, 1927
grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren. They are members of the Eden Men- nonite church, Schwenksville, Pa. Mr. Updegraf is a direct descendant of John William Opdengraf, whose fa- ther was a brother to the three Op- dengrafs who came to Germantown in 1683. John William Opdengraf came to Germantown in 1753 and finding that a Reformed or Calvinist church had been organized in Reading, located there. The grandfather was induced to unite with the Reformed church at Coblenz by offering him a government job. The Updegrafs were renamed by Rev. N. B. Grubb, who had been a life-long friend to the groom.
Harrison Updegraf and wife cele- brated their golden wedding Sunday, Dec. 26, with their 10 children, 32
According to its latest report the number of graduates of Witmarsum now totals 29. Of these thirteen are pastors of churches, six are foreign missionaries, five are teachers and four of the five are teachers in our church schools, two are continuing their stud- ies, one is training to become a grad- uate nurse, one is a home maker and one does not have a definite work at this time. In addition to these twenty- nine there are approximately twenty who have spent from one to two years as students at the seminary who are in active service somewhat similar to the twenty-nine who have graduated. The Seminary is about able to meet its expenses but needs an endowment that will assure its future. It should also be better housed. A recent gift to the seminary was a 30-acre plot of ground valued at $3,000.00, given on the annuity plan.
The Mennonite Year Book and Almanac
Scripture Text Calendar
For 1927
The Year Book contains in addition to the usual interesting his-
torical and biographical matter, a record of the activities of the Church. A very complete Chronicle of the past year. Sunday School daily readings and C. E. Topics.
Prices : Single copy, postpaid, 20 cents ; per dozen, postpaid, $2.
DAILY TALKS WITH GOD
The Scripture Text Calendar has been prepared with such care and contains such a fund of Scriptural information that it is more than a convenience — it is a real necessity in every home. The in- fluence it has on the young in teaching great truths and inculcating the right view of life should appeal to every parent to have one in the homa.
A Calendar of daily devotions for family worship. Block has 365 leaves, one for every day in the year, printed on both sides. The block is fastened to a back with a relief embossed Biblical picture. (Published an- nually in fall for the following year.)
An Art Gallery of the World’s Most Famous Sacred Paintings, German or English, same price.
Prices; Single Copies, 30c; 5 — $1.40; 12 — $3.00; 25 — $5.75; 50 — $10.00.
Price, postpaid, 60c,
MENNONITE BOOK CONCERN. BERNE, IND.
cnnonitr
* Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ
VOL. XLII.
BERNE, INDIANA, JANUARY 13, 1927
No. 2
Notes and Comments
The Administrative Commit- tee of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America notes with profound satisfaction the following important utter- ances bearing on the policy of the United States with reference to enlarged expenditure for naval armament :
1. In his message to Congress on December 7, 1926, President Coolidge stated that the proposed expenditure of $680,000,000 for the coming fiscal year for the Army and Navy provides “the most adequate defensive force ’ our country “has ever supported in time of peace” ; and that “as a whole, our military power is suf- ficient”.
2. On December 8, 1926, in his message regarding the Budget, the President stated further that “no provision is made in the es- timate for the Navy Department for commencing the construction of the remaining three of the eight light cruisers” already authorized, because “this coun- try is now engaged in negotia- tions to broaden our existing treaties with the Great Powers which deal with the elimination of competition in naval arma- ments”; and that “it would be unfortunate at this time and not in keeping with our attitude to- ward these negotiations to com- mence the construction of these three cruisers”.
3. The Honorable Charles Evans Hughes said, when Sec- retary of State, that “so far as we can see into the future, the United States is not in the slight- est danger from aggression; — in no single power and in no pos- sible combination of powers lies any menace to our security."
4f And the Honorable Frank B. Kellogg, in a message publish- ed December 24, 1926, affirmed that “one of the greatest ob- stacles to such understanding and sympathy (between nations) is brought about by competitive ar- maments on land and sea. His- tory has shown that this com- petition is one of the conditions most pregnant in provoking fear followed by armed hostility.” Moreover, outstanding leaders in
many lands have recently made numerous significant declarations along the same lines, stating among other things, that “the next step should be a general agreement for the reduction and limitation of armaments.”
5. And, finally, in his Omaha address in 1925, President Cool- idge declared that “our country has definitely relinquished the old standards of dealing with other countries by terror and force and is definitely committed to the new standard of dealing with them through friendship and understanding.” And in his sesquicentennial address, at Trenton, on December 29, 1926, the President reaffirmed his con- victions when he said, “I do not believe we can advance the pol- icy of peace by a return to the policy of competitive armaments.”
Therefore be it resolved by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America :
FIRST; That it inform the President and Congress that it whole-heartedly supports him in his opposition to enlarged naval expenditures for the building of additional cruisers at this time.
SECOND : That it commends the policy announced by Presi- dent Coolidge for broadening the application of the spirit and prin- ciple of the limitation of arma- ment formulated at the Washing- ton Conference, and earnestly hopes that Congress will cooper- ate with the President in every possible way in bringing the na- tions into conference to carry out this policy.
The Rev. Dr. S. Parkes Cad- man has been elected chairman of the “Share with Others” Committee, promoting the ideal of giving in connection with National Thrift Week, January 17 to 23. In addition, according to an announcement by John A. Goodell, executive secretary of the National Thrift Committee in New York, both Dr. Cadman and the Rev. Dr. Daniel A. Po- ling, pastor of the Marble Col- legiate Church, New York, have announced their intention of dis- cussing the tithe, as a part of the thrift ideal, in at least one of their radio sermons.
This year will mark the tenth anniversary of National Thrift Week. Plans have been made for an intensive nation-wide cam- paign, beginning on January 17. the birthday of Benjamin Frank- lin, the apostle of thrift, to be conducted through the medium of the radio, advertising, page- ants, speeches and national con- tests. The Federal Council of Churches, the Post Office De- partment and the Savings Divi- sion of the United States Trea- sury have allowed their names to be used in connection with the list of forty-seven national or- ganizations supporting the move- ment, which is sponsored by the Young Men’s Christian Associa- tion.
Among these organizations also are the American Bankers’ Association, American Library Association, American Red Cross, Boy and Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, United States Chamber of Commerce, Jewish Welfare Board, Federal Council of Churches, General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Kiwanis and the Y. W. C. A.
Adolph Lewisohn, New York banker-philanthropist, is chair- man of the campaign.
who know very little of the dif- ficult Icelandic language, and the vital necessity at the moment is to gain the interest and coopera- tion t>f the members of the Church of Iceland in work among their own children. The ministers of the Church of Ice- land agree with the tremendous importance of, and the great ne- cessity for progressive Sunday school work in their land, and deplore their inability to fur- ther same. The British Com- mittee will keep in touch with the Danish Committee concerning this needy field.
Rev. Enrique With, President of the Danish Sunday Commit- tee, reports a most interesting tour with another Danish clergy- man to Iceland. This tour was arranged by the British Com- mittee of the World’s Sunday School Association, under the special direction of James Kelly, Honorary Secretary. Both visit- ors were most cordially received by ministers of all denomina- tions. The difficulties facing the establishment of Sunday school work in Iceland on anything like a satisfactory basis are very great, though not insuperable. The formation of the country it- self is an obstacle to Sunday school work, as the great dis- tances over icy mountains pro- hibit in winter-time any regu- larity in attendance. The work which’ is actually being carried on at the present moment is practically all in the hands of foreigners — principally Danish —
Organized Sunday school work on the Continent of Europe is under the direct supervision of the British Committee of the World’s Sunday School Associa- tion, with James Kelly as Hon- orary Chairman. The Sunday school missionary in Norway is Chr. Svensen, who gives cheer- ing reports of the advancement of Sunday school work in his country, but at the same time tells of the great need for more workers. In the northern district of Norway, there is as yet none to carry on Sunday School work. That district, while large and diffi- cult to work in, is a wide door of opportunity, and, provided the right man to tackle the work should be found, the results in the bringing of the children of that large district under the in- fluence of the Sunday School, would be well nigh incalculable. In the Bergen District Mr. Chr. Jakobsen has been open- ing up new ground for Sunday School work, but he, too, finds his great difficulty is obtaining teachers. In the southern dis- trict of Norway there is much evangelistic work among adults, but no Sunday Schools. Mr. Ja- kobsen hopes to be able to carry through the enrollment of va- rious young people, and to inau- gurate a Sunday School in this district, at an early date.
In Oslo recently, a great meet- ing for Sunday School children was held at Calmeyergatens Mis- sion House — the largest hall in Norway — when 2,500 children and teachers assembled together for a united rally, and three speakers
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THE MENNONITE
gave short interesting addresses to the children. Thereafter a spe- cial meeting for teachers and friends was held, when 300 peo- ple attended, and the difficulties and problems of Sunday School work were discussed, and much mutual help obtained. Mr. Sven- sen has traveled extensively over various areas; he has visited sev- eral of the larger cities for the purpose of conferring with Sun- day School teachers on various aspects of their work, and he has also been endeavoring to raise funds for the more efficient carry- ing out of the work.
MIDDLE DISTRICT CON- FERENCE — STEWARD- SHIP DAY * ™ '
Sunday, February 6, 1927.
The Evangelization Committee of the Middle District Conference has set aside Sunday, February 6. 1927 as Stewardship Day in the Conference. All pastors of the Conference are asked to observe this Sunday, or if not suitable, some other as near to it as possi- ble, by laying stress on the prac- tice of stewardship.
The Committee also suggests to the pastors the presentation of a series of sermons, possibly throughout February, on this sub- ject. An important theme such as this could well stand such an emphasis.
Attention is called to the fact that the Sunday school lesson on this Sunday will be on this sub- ject. In the 1927 Mennonite Year Book and Almanac an arti- cle by Bto. P. H. Richert also treats of this theme. The Com- mittee also plans to furnish short- ly some suggestive material.
The Evangelization Com.
per A. S. Rosenberger.
COOPERATION FOR PEACE
IN PACIFIST CHURCHES
Mennonite, Friends and Church of the Brethren met to consider joint work for peace in a conference held December 29 and 30, 1926, at Elizabethtown CoHege, Elizabethtown, Pa.
A telegram to President Cool- idge encouraging him in his stand for peace as expressed by his Trenton speech and by his opposition to appropriations for more cruisers, and urging the solution of the difficulties with Mexico by reason rather than force; approval of the Findings of the Carlock Conference of last summer as the basis of the joint work of the Pacifist Churches; and hope that a large and wide- ly representative Conference be held in the summer of 1927, were the actions taken by the Confer- ence.
Paul Jones, a bishop of the Episcopal Church and secretary
of the Fellowship of Reconcilia- tion, was the speaker at the opening meeting on Wednesday evening, December 29. “Paci- fism at work” was the subject of his talk, and he described the work being done by members of the Fellowship of Reconciliation in Europe. He attended the Gen- eral Conference of the Fellow- ship of Reconciliation, at Ober- ammergau, in Bavaria, last sum- mer. About 175 delegates from 25 nations described the work for disarmament in Denmark, for demilitarization of the frontier between Sweden and Norway, for reconciliation between the hostile Germans, Czechs and Magyars in Czechoslovakia. French and German groups of the Fellowship of Reconciliation are exchanging visits and speak- ers, cementing the friendliness between their countries. Bulga- rians and Roumanians, Bulga- rians and Jugoslavs, are promot- ing understanding and removing fear.
This work is being done be- cause the Fellowship of Recon- ciliation, feeling that as Chris- tians they can take no part in war, feel also that they must do what they can to bring healing and reconciliation to every point of human relations where fric- tion may cause hatred and war.
Dr. Alfred C. Garrett opened the session on Thursday morn- ing with an interesting discus- sion of the teachings of Jesus and the prevention of war. Showing that Jesus commands all men to love their enemies, and that His Kingdom is not of this world, else would His servants fight, he examined the difficult texts which are used to confute the claim that Jesus taught pacifism. The scourge of small cords is not re- corded to have been used against the men in the Temple; when Jesus says that He comes to bring, not peace, but a sword, the . Revised Version uses dis- sension instead of sword, and if the word is sword it is quite as likely to be used against the Christian as by him. The entire example of Jesus’ life, in a land suffering from military despot- ism and eager to revolt; shows that He opposed violence on both spiritual and practical grounds. His method was the method of victorious love.
Earnest Christians of all de- nominations desire peace, and a policy for peace on the part of their government. Dr. Robert Bagnell, chairman of the Inter- national Relations Committee of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, declared that they may not be absolute pacifists, but they want peace and are ready to work for peace. They want in- ternational cooperation, through
the World Court and the League of Nations, they want the United States to treat Mexico and the little Central American neighbors fairly, they want our country to be generous about the debts, and they think that we will find it good business as well as gene- rosity to reduce the debts in ex- change for general reduction of armaments and the outlawry of war.
The work of the Brethren Mennonites and Friends was re- ported at the afternoon session. 1 he Brethren are arranging peace oratorical contests in their colleges, and a group of able younger men are devoting them- selves to studying the question of peace and war, preparing themselves for greater service for peace. The Mennonite Sun- day schools are teaching all their young people the peace principles of the Church, and the reasons for them. Friends are endeavor- ing to spread the message of peace at county fairs, by a news service and through a speakers’ bureau. All three have done or are doing relief work, which pro- motes friendship and gratitude between nations.
The Continuation Committee report indicated that progress has been made in getting regular peace lessons into the Sunday school material of the three de- nominations, and the Interna- tional Lesson Committee has been asked to include at least one peace lesson a year in its Les- son Series.
Danger spots in the world were reviewed by Frederick J. Libby at the final meeting Thurs- day evening. In spite of much that may cause war, he feels that, through the League of Na- tions there is hope to end the world of war. But the League needs the United States in it, and it needs more “steam”, a more determined will to peace, to ena- ble it to prevent war between great nations. It was demonstrat- ed, a year ago, in the trouble be- tween Greece and Bulgaria, that it can prevent war between small nations. There are enough Breth- ren, Friends and Mennonites in the United States to rid the world of war, if they all really cared and really worked to bring the Kingdom of God on earth.
On that note the conference adjourned.
Richard R. Wood,
Chairman, Continuation Com.
The Berne, Ind., church held its annual business meeting on New- year’s Day. The chief item of business was the election of deacon.
A series of cottage prayer meetings have been held in Berne. Indiana, in preparation for the annual Union Evangelistic meetings to be held un- der the direction of Evangelist Rader.
CORRESPONDENCE
•
Zion Mennonite Church, Don- nellson, Iowa, Dec. 27. — Greet- ings to Editor and readers of The Mennonite. Another Christmas season with its joy and happiness has passed into history. Only a few more days till the close of the year, and duty calls me to write once more in 1926.
We look back over the passed days with thankful hearts for the many blessings received spir- itually and materially. We must confess the Lord has dealt kind- ly with us, more so than we de- serve. The health of the commu- nity has been good, no death in our congregations the past year.
Spiritually He gave us much, and we are able to report of more visitors than formerly. Prof. Paul Whitmer was with us May 30th and preached morning and eve- ning, both sermons were very in- spiring and helpful. June 1st, Prof. Whitmer and about 80 members of our congregation at- tended the annual Get-together Picnic at Noble, and enjoyed the fine program which had been ar- ranged for the occasion.
June 20, we enjoyed a visit from Rev. C. E. Krehbiel (Sec. of Gen. Conf.) who served us morning and evening. We feel very grateful to the visiting min- isters who so kindly served us with a special message. The Sun- day school as usual held their annual Children Day in June, a short but interesting program being given. Also another fine program was given at the close of the Daily Vacation Bible School on July 2, the program, consisting of Bible verses, songs, stories and other numbers, gave an idea of the work that was ac- complished during the four weeks of school, although the weather being quite warm, the program was well rendered, enjoyed and complimented upon as the best ever, considering the short time in school. July 10th and 11th were Rally Days for the C. E. socie- ties _ in Iowa, when Christian Endeavorers from Pulaski, Way- land, Noble and Donnellson held a conference in our church. Ques- tions and problems of C. E. work, and a special task for the year were discussed. As the program has been reported in a former letter, we will not say any mot-e, only that the conference was both very enjoyable and profit- able.
While our pastor and wife were away attending Conference, our young people had charge of the Sunday services. August 13, the Sunday school gave a pro- gram of short talks, readings and special music. August 22, the
(Continued on page 3.)
1927.
the mennonite
3
THE MENNONITE
A religious weekly journal, English organ of the Mennonite General Conference of North America. Devoted to the interests of the Mennonite church and the cause of Christ in general. Published every Thursday (except 4th of July and Christmas weeks) by the Mennonite Book Concern, Berne, Ind.
Rev. S. M. Grubb Editor
2956 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Subscription in advance $1.50
Foreign $2.00
All business communications and remit- tances are to be sent to the MENNONITE BOOK CONCERN, BERNE, Ind.
All contributions and communications for the columns of this paper, and exchanges are to be sent to REV. S. M. GRUBB, 2956 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Entered at the post-office at Berne, In- diana, as second-class mail matter.
Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for m Section 1103, Act Oc- tober 3, 1917, authorized January 22, 1919.
EDITORIAL
The readers of The Mennonite will take note that reports from our various congregations indi- cate very busy weeks that mark the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. Christmas music, Christmas programs, Bi- ble Conferences, Congregational meetings and weeks of special services, offer enough for spe- cial consideration on the part of most members to keep them actively occupied. It is a healthy sign when we see the church functioning in so many directions, but we should not get into a state of mind that feels that entering into the extra services that mark this season is sufficient for the entire year. Fat months are sure to be followed by lean ones and it remains for the faithful member to demonstrate that his interest in the Lord’s work is not merely seasonal and that it is of the Everlastingly keeping-at-it kind.
An abundance of material com- pels us to withold some timely articles until there is sufficient space to print them. This is not a slight to those who have fur- nished us with able articles but a necessity that has been imposed upon us. We would not have our contributors however, feel that they need not continue their ef- forts on behalf of The Mennon- ite. Though for the time we are somewhat crowded we still need all the material that our people can supply, for the make-up of a really Mennonite paper should always be in Mennonite hands.
A study of the age factor in marriage, as reported to the Journal of Social Hygiene, sets forth the following interesting conclusions. Marriages seem most
likely to be successful if the groom is about 29 and the bride about 24. If the groom is under 24 and the bride under 21, the chances for happiness are much less. If either party is under nine- teen is from 10 to 20 times as risky as marriages at the prefer- red age. The data for this study was secured from records of the Domestic Relations Court and the Marriage License Bureau.
We are inclined to think, in the face of these figures, that some- thing more important than age at marriage enters as a factor into a happy marriage. The important things are: Do those entering this solemn contract have a proper conception of the mar- riage state? Are they prepared by proper home training to enter it properly? Do either parties rea- lize that a mutual understanding of one another and a readiness to adapt themselves to one another is essential to a happy marriage? and, Do they appreciate the fact that marriage, being a holy es- tate, must have behind it, if real happiness is to be attained, that Christian character that inspires great ideals and promotes an un- selfish desire to share the hard burdens of life as well as to en- joy its pleasures? Only that mar- riage state that we know our Lord can bless can be the one that is truly happy.
Women’s Work
AVON, s. D.
I shall try to give a report of our Mission Sewing Society. Our meetings have been a great bless- ing to all who have taken part in this work to help these poor people in India.
We meet once a month and generally on the first Thursday. Our meetings always open with singing, Scripture reading and prayer and also close with song and prayer.
We have sewed for the Lepers’ Asylum in India for two years. The past year we have sewed 133 garments. Instead of sewing men’s leper jackets we sent the amount these jackets would cost, which amounted to $22.00. This money was used for the India Hospital Fund.
We have a collection at every meeting. Averaging up the amounts, the collections amount to about $9.00 at every meeting. In all, the collections amount to $160.78. The money we used to purchase goods was $80.00. W e sent $23.00 to the China Build- ing Fund.
On Thanksgiving Day we had a fancy work sale, at which a light lunch was also served. We also had a short program. A re- port of our society was given,
also a report of the teacher we are supporting in India. The amount made was $145.00, which was sent to different places. $42.00 to the teacher in India. $35.00 to the China Building Fund, $35.00 to the India Hos- pital Fund, and $30.00 to Mis- sionaries Petter in Montana.
We had our business meeting the first Thursday in December. This coming year we will sew for the Girls’ Home in India. We are anxiously looking forward to begin our work for the coming year. Trusting the Lord will help us.
Sec.
CORRESPONDEN CE
(Continued from Page 2)
Senior, Intermediate and Junior C. E. societies gave a joint pro- gram. August 29 the five young people who attended the Bluff- ton Retreat gave their reports on the various subjects:
“Life of Jesus”, by Anne Kreh- biel.
“Mennonite Teachings", by Rob- ert Krebill.
“Young People’s I asks , Leota Rings.
“Christian Way of Life’ , Lloyd Krebill.
“Young People’s Day at the Con- ference”, by Goldie Krebill.
The reports were very interest- ing and helpful.
September 5th and 19th we had the rare privilege to have with us Missionary Ed. Kaufman, who served us both Sundays, telling us of the wonderful work that has been accomplished in our Mission in China. There is still much to be done, yet it is encour- aging to know that the work is bringing forth fruit regardless of the political turmoil that is rag- ing in China. How true are the words of Paul, “Let us not be weary in well doing ; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”
October 10th, baptismal ser- vice was observed in our church, when six young people (three girls and three boys) were re- ceived into the church upon their profession of faith in Jesus Christ their Saviour. The follow- ing Sunday, October 17, we cel- ebrated the Lord’s Supper, when the six young people for the first time together with the other members partook of the Holy Sacrament.
In the evening, the Interme- diate C. E. society gave a mis- sion play entitled “Missionary Arithmetic” to an appreciative audience. An offering of $30.14 was received for Missions.
October 24 to 31, our congre- gation had a Mountain Top ex- perience, when Rev. Lester Hos- tetler was in our midst and gave his series of lectures on “Young
People’s Problems”. The general theme was “The Things Which We All Need.” The ten dis- courses on various subjects were evangelistic, educational and in spirational and were all well re- ceived. On the last Sunday of the scries, October 31, we cele- brated the 75th anniversary of our church, when we had the pleasure to have with us former ministers, Rev. P. P. Hilty and Rev. Elmer Basinger.
November 9th, we had the pleasant opportunity to listen to Dr. J. E. Hartzler give an address on his trip abroad. The general theme, “New Palaces for Old”, was listened to by a large appre- ciative audience.
On Armistice Day, November 11th, the third annual Father and Son Banquet was held, at which time another delightful and prof- itable program was given. These gatherings are always looked for- ward to with great anticipation. Mr. Eli Saltzman presided as toastmaster, and in his amiable manner kept things lively in pre- senting the various numbers on the program. The main address was given by Rev. Schrag of Wayland.
On Thanksgiving morning, the four churches joined in a union service, held in the Evangelical church, Rev. D. H. Middents, the Presbyterian minister, preaching the sermon. An offering was re- ceived for the Graham Hospital at Keokuk. In the evening, we held our annual Children Mis- sion Sale, in the basement of our church, owing to the threatening weather many could not attend.
Our Sunday school observed Christmas Eve in an unusual and interesting way this year, that of “White Gift Christmas”, instead of the children receiving gifts from the tree, each class brought its gift in money to be sent to some needy children that have no Christmas to make them happy. The main feature of the program was a pageant, 1 he King’s Tribute” (which was in keeping with Christmas giving) and was rendered in a very pleas- ing way. On Sunday evening, a Christmas Cantata, ‘ Peace on Earth”, was presented by a cho- rus of 28 voices to an appreciat- ive audience, who was inspired and thrilled as it listened to the solos, duets and other numbers. And thus came to a close the last Sunday in the old year.
In closing, let me repeat the words of J. M. Buckley: Let the new year be a year of freedom from sin, a year of service, a year of trust in God, and it will be a happv year from first to last. It may be the hardest year we have known, but it will be the -hap- piest”, is my New-year s greet- ing to all. Corr.
THE MENNONITE
YOUNG PEOPLE’S DEPARTMENT
YOUNG PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL CON- FERENCE
A. R. KEISER — Chairman Dalton, O.
ANNA G. STAUFFER 654 E. 79th St., Los Angeles, Cal.
H. T. UNRUH Halstead, Kansas.
A. J. NEUENSCHWANDER 2342 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
"But this one thing I do, forget- ting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before." Phil. 3: 13.
LESSONS ON PRAYER
Lord, teach us to pray.” Lk. 11:1
January being- the first month in our calendar, should be the time of the year to emphasize good beginnings and how could we better begin a new year than by much and sincere prayer.
It would have been a matter for surprise if among the mani- fold subjects concerning which Jesus taught, prayer had not oc- cupied a prominent place. Ac- cordingly He taught often con- cerning the necessity and nature of prayer. But one day after Je- sus had been praying His disci- ples came to Him and begged of Him, “Lord teach us to pray’’. He then gave them what is usu- ally called the “Lord’s Prayer” which should perhaps be called the "Disciple’s Prayer” because it is a model for young and im- mature Christians containing all the content of an ideal prayer.
The circumstances under which this prayer was given teaches us two things. In the first place that Jesus prayed often and much of the time in secret. It also teaches us that His social or public prayers must have been very impressive. The disciples were thrilled and Spirit-filled by it and desired some of His pow- er and fervency. Oh, that we might also earnestly, honestly ask, “Lord, teach us to pray”. David Livingston once praved, “Oh God, help me to paint this dark continent (Africa) white”. As a result of that prayer a pow- er broke loose that before had been pent, and all because a man’s prayer was backed by his life and this opened a way for the Divine Purpose.
"Truly my soul waiteth upon God, from Him cometh my salva- tion.” Thus testifies the Psalmist who has experienced the power and nearness of God. Some time ago Mr. Babson sent six ques- tions to fifty of our foremost business leaders asking them concerning their personal trust in God, their belief in prayer, etc.
Most of them returned an un- qualified “Yes” to all the ques- tions, many of them added that they pray daily and several said “very fervently”.
But that our prayers may reach God there is an absolute requirement that there, in the at- titude of prayer, our lives may be purified in His presence. In Mil- ton’s "Grace Abounding” he pic- tures a narrow pathway to the Heavenly Land as having room only for body and soul and not for body, soul and sin. “Oh Holy Spirit, cast out every sin, and en- ter Thou in”.
‘‘More things are wrought by prayer Than this world dreams of. There- fore let thy voice
Rise 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 hands of prayer,
Both for themselves and those who call them friend?” — Tennyson.
A CONVERSATION
After stepping into an elevator in a hotel in Los Angeles, I no- ticed a friend enter just as the door closed. In place of the usual (and superfluous) greeting “Go- ing up !” he asked, “Do you have your ticket for heaven?” I re- plied, “Yes.” “What did you pay for it?” “Nothing. Someone paid it for me, in full.” “Htn, you must have a good understanding with Someone !” Then my friend had reached his floor and stepped off the elevator. Nothing more had been said, but to me it was a most remarkable conversation. The words exchanged have rung in my ears and echoed in my heart these many days, and I have had a sweet contentment in the thought that my entrance in- to heaven is assured. No need for anxiety, only gratitude. Jesus paid it all, and I owe Him all I am, and have, and all I can ever get. That does not begin to re- pay Him, but He is pleased to receive the deepest gratitude and love of my heart. Have you se- cured your ticket to heaven? — A. G. S.
Pearls from Our Mission Co- Laborers
A GLIMPSE OF CHINESE LIFE
If you go along the streets of any village in this section of China about the middle of the forenoon or afternoon, you will find the people at meals. Some stand in the doorway and some squat by the roadside. The chil-
dren are with them, even the lit- tle ones, whose chubby little fin- gers hold bowl in one hand and struggle successfully with chop- sticks in the other. The most common items of food that you will find are boiled millet and black bread. Sharks’ fins, birds’ nests, ancient eggs and such del- icacies will not be found here be- cause they are poor people. Not poor as you call it in America, but poor as 90 per cent, of the Chi- nese are poor. So poor that they must eat the cheapest they can and wear the cheapest they can, not for one day a week or for a few months or for a few years un- til their fortune turns, but day after day, year after year, for a lifetime. The economic situation is such in China that before birth and even for generations ahead, the great mass of the people are foreordained to a life of poverty.
But they smack their lips over the boiled millet and black bread because they appreciate it. It is food and they are hungry and they lay all cares aside and eat what they have while they have it with relish. Then I think of my own little boy, who can hard- ly be induced to finish a dish of porridge even though it be cov- ered with milk and sugar and who thinks he needs butter and jam to make a piece of white bread palatable. Then I realize we of the west have developed an artificial craving for luxuries that takes away from us the ability to appreciate the necessities.
I slept on a Chinese bed the other night, solid brick construc- tion, and in the morning I felt worse than the night before. But the Chinese can sleep in almost any situation. I saw one lying on a board and so oblivious to the world it took three lusty yells to bring him back.
We need to learn to appreciate life, pven bread and porridge and beds and lamps and stoves and wooden floors and' windows and roads and sidewalks. But all of these together are not worth the ability to read and write that we all have, or the knowledge that we can trust each other and put faith even in a stranger’s word. More important yet than these is the knowledge that God is Love. Just try to order your life for a day on the basis that your fellow men cannot be trusted and that God and spirits are to be feared, and you will begin to appreciate the benefits of a Christian civili- zation.
We here are engaged with your help in introducing into China those ideas of God, for- giveness of sin, trust and love,
which are the fundamental needs of China. S. F. Pannabecker.
SQUARING LIFE WITH OUR CONVICTIONS
In one of the post-Milwaukee pamphlets which was handed to us at the close of that memorable conference, appears the above statement and under it this quota- tion from G. A. Studdert-Kenne- dy : “If a person hasn’t anything for which he would gladly die, then he’s not living, he is merely postponing death.”
The statement caught and held my attention. You notice it says squaring life with our convic- tions, not our convictions with life. According to Studdert- Kennedy, I believe many of us would be “merely postponing death.” The great people of all ages have been those who lived for something for which life would have been, and in many cases was, gladly sacrificed. And in most cases the reason they were so consecrated to their tasks was that they were trying to square life with their convic- tions. Many of the founders of our own .denomination were com- pelled to choose between life and convictions and they invariably chose the latter.
Have we convictions for which we could die if squaring the world with them would call for that? Or are our convictions so indefinite and obscure that no one, not even we ourselves, could tell what they were or when we were relinquishing them?
In our Endeavor Society at Bluffton we have been trying to face some of the problems con- cerning which we as Mennonite Young People should have work- able convictions. We have held open forums on such topics as Peace; The Mennonite Church’s Reason for Existence ; and on Interdenominational Relations. We have discovered that we real- ly were a little more interested in such things than we thought when we began but we have also discovered that we are very ig- norant and proportionately lack- ing in workable convictions.
I believe the main reason we are lacking in convictions is that we are lacking in knowledge. How can we have any beliefs as to how Jesus would meet pres- ent situations when we do not know the situations which are to be met? Is it any wonder that we walk about complacently, gloating over the 400-year-old achievements of our ancestors, if we do not know that there are awaiting us greater tasks than our forefathers ever dream *4
1927.
THE MENNONITE
5
At least, I hope it is because we are ignorant. I have enough faith in Mennonite young peo- ple to believe that we will rally to the need when we realize that we have been raised in an atmos- phere which has been more or less permeated with things the world so sadly needs today — peace and simplicity. Echoes from various district conferences have brought similar exhorta- tions to bestir ourselves and start squaring the world with our convictions — especially our peace convictions. I believe they will be heeded.
As I stated before, I think ig- norance is one of the first stum- bling blocks to be removed. Ig- norance of present day conditions and the reasons for those con- ditions ; ignorance of existing machinery for remedying them ; and even ignorance of Jesus’ methods of handling similar dif- ficulties.
So for- our first step toward squaring life with our convic- tions I would suggest what Kir- by Page suggested to the Mil- waukee delegates: “Be intellig- ent.” Read newspapers and cur- rent magazines. Get in touch with some source such as the Fellowship of Reconciliation which distributes literature con- cerning social, international, and inter-racial problems, free to those who are interested. Study the life of Jesus in view of solv- ing the problems we face in the way He would do it. And think things through for yourself as much as possible! Attendance at one of our summer retreats will help you in this.
Privilege imposes obligation. With a heritage like ours we dare not sit back and let the world work out its own salva- tion. We will be the losers if we do — for ultimately the world will come to the beliefs which we have professed for so long. We must wake up and fulfill our duty, and “blessed are they who start out to use the resources of God. for they shall experience God!”
Jesus leads in the quest for the kingdom of God on earth. Can we do less than follow?
Rluffton, O. Vivian Musselman.
NOTES FROM UPLAND, CALIFORNIA
General Notes
On Sunday afternoon, Decem- ber 26th, the Upland Mennonite church had the pleasure of a vis- it from the Ladies’ Glee Club of the Los Angeles Bible Institute. It is the opinion of many that this organization is one of the finest of its kind in the West. In 1926 this Glee Club won the an- nual Southern California Eistedd- tod contest, competing against
the best that the colleges and Universities of the Southland had to offer. Two numbers which have a great spiritual message and which the girls render to per- fection are, “Did you think to pray?” and “Lead Kindly Light”. It is impossible to describe the beauty and perfection with which these selections were rendered. The Bible Institute girls are do- ing a splendid service carrying the Gospel message in song.
The men of the Upland Men- nonite church, young and old, are organizing a Men’s JJrotherhood. A temporary organization has been effected, with Willard Dett- weiler, Chairman, and Herbert Brandt, Secretary. A committee was appointed for the purpose of formulating a constitution. Wholehearted interest in this project is manifested by the men. At a dinner given by the boys of the high school and Jun- ior College group, this project was first officially proposed. The boys planned the entire meal, made and served it, including the baking of some delicious pump- kin pie. Approximately seventy- five men and boys were present at this first gathering. It is hope-* that this organization will arouse more intimate relationship among the men and boys, and stimulate their interest in the church life, and also promote the spiritual welfare of the congregation in general.
Sunday School Notes
On Saturday, December 25th, the Sunday school rendered its Christmas program. A “White Christmas” was the order of the day. Two hundred and fifty dol- lars, in round numbers, was giv- en by the various classes. This money was designated for va- rious purposes. A boys’ class gave twelve dollars toward the purchase of a bicycle for a Chi- nese preacher to relieve him of the necessity of walking twenty- eight miles every Sunday in or- der to reach the villages which he serves. Other sums were des- ignated for the support of or- phans and widows in India, the migration of Mennonites from Russia to Canada, and for the local poor. The work of the dec- orating committee deserves par- ticular commendation. Using the usual evergreen (Christmas) tree, together with live oak as a basis, a silver spray was put over it, and the effect was indescribably beautiful. At the extreme right of the platform glowed a white cross, while at the left the tree glimmered under pure white lights. Those who served on the committee were Mr. Henry Schmutz. chairman, Mrs. Stella Ledig, Miss Frieda Toews, Mr. John Horsch, and Mr. Levi Hirschler.
•
Christian Endeavor Notes
November 18 to 20 the Chris- tian Endeavor societies, Senior, Intermediate and Junior, enter- tained the San Bernardino Coun- ty, California, Christian Endeav- or Convention in the local Men- nonite church. Three hundred and fifty delegates were in at- tendance, San Bernardino coun- ty enjoys the distinction of being the largest county, in geographic- al area, in the United States. In size it compares with the State of Kansas. The Convention was ini- tiated with a “Fellowship Ban- quet” on Friday evening. A fea- ture of the program was the ad- dresses of the Presidents of the County organizations, who have served since 1900. Saturday morning was given over to De- partmental meetings, and in the afternoon the County Juniors rendered a splendid program. After an enjoyable “steak-bake”, the delegates again assembled in the auditorium of the church to listen to an inspiring message given by Dr. Chas. B. Evans of the Corona, Calif., Congregation- al church. The convention ser- mon was preached by Rev. M. Horsch, pastor of the local church, on the theme. “The Pre- eminent Christ”. This was also the theme of the convention. All local arrangements were in charge of a committee from the Mennon- ite Christian Endeavor societies under the leadership of Mr. Dave Dahlem.
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR MEETING
January 23, 1927 “How Can We Train for Service?”
Scripture: Acts 18:24-28; Luke 9:1-6, 10.
A. J. Neuenschwander
M., Jan. 17. Learn of Jesus. Eph. 4 : 20-32.
T., Jan. 18. Trained by service. Matt. 10:1-15.
W., Jan. 19. Opportunities seiz- ed. John 13:1-17.
T.,*Jan. 20. Timothy Paul’s ap- prentice. Acts 16:1-5.
F., Jan. 21. Full consecration. TI Cor. 8 :5.
S., Jan. 22. Listen to God. Isa. 6:1-9.
The Scripture Brought Down to Date
Service in Christ’s Kingdom, depends on accurate knowledge of the Scripture.
Full consecration to one cause makes for readiness in service.
Men in secular occupations have the opportunity to know the Word of God accurately.
Healing was as definite a part of the commission of the disci- ples as teaching. Why has this been so neglected today?
Readiness to do our best is ac- ceptable to Christ, for we learn
by doing.
Jesus expected His disciples to return and report. Doesn’t Christ expect us to report?
Prayer Thought
Our high and sincere desire ought to be “rooted and ground- ed” in the Word, so as to be able to meet every situation. The best guide to help us understand the Scripture is the Holy Spirit. The Father is anxious to send this Spirit to all who ask. The Christian Endeavor Organization has helped many to train for ser- vice. Sincere thanks to God for the founder, for Endeavor is in place.
The Topic Forum
1. What agencies for training for service did Apollos have?
2. Wherein did the preparation consist that Jesus gave to His disciples?
3. How do the opportunities to prepare for service today com- pare with those of the New Tes- tament times?
4. What callings may be term- ed as definitely Christian in na- ture?
5. What points should come into consideration when one faces the issue of Life Service?
Training for Service
We often get into a perverted notion of thinking that one can be of service to Christ only when one gives all his time and effort for His cause. Too many think that the Foreign Mission field or the ministry are the only two outstanding fields of Christian service. We know of a friend who was afraid and unwilling to sing the song, “I’ll go where you want me to go”, simply because of the fear of being called to the Foreign Field. Later the friend learned that God had a mighty field of service in this country. If we faithfully train for service, we will naturally grow into the field where we are best fitted, and there will be no hesitation to fol- low God’s leading. To some it will be a business career with a generous portion of Church, Sun- day School or Christian Endeav- or work added, to enrich the life, while to others it may be to go into distinct Christian work. But if in each case the individual fol- lows God’s leading sincerely, joy and happiness will crown their life of service.
Illustration
In “Makers of Freedom”, Eddy and Page, I read the heroic effort of John W’esley to serve his Master as he understood it. I was deeply impressed by the wonderful manner in which God prepared Wesley for his life cf service. His classical studies, as well as his meetings with the “holy club”, prepared him for the remarkable service he has ren- dered to the Christian Church.
t
6
AN APPRECIATION OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF REV.
JOHN OBERHOLTZER
(Address given at the Celebra- tion of the 200th Anniversary of the Mennonite Settlement in Mil- ford, Bucks County, Pa. Held in the West Swamp Church, Mil- ford Square, Penna., Nov. 28, 1926. By Silas M. Grubb.)
(Concluded.
As one thumbs the files of the Botschafter and the Volksblatt we learn something of the numer- ous journeys that Oberholtzer made. Once it was to Canada, then it was to Iowa, then to Ohio, then to the center of this State. We are hardly in a position to appreciate the meanings of these journeys in our day of almost uni- versal travel. The matter of fi- nance offered serious problems then, time was consumed and ac- commodations were not comfort- able. I recall on one occasion when Rev. Moses Gottshall re- turned from a visit to Ephraim Hunsberger in Wadsworth, Ohio, he said publicly: “Denk yuscht mol dra, ich bin fimf hunert mile awteck fun Hame gewest”. To- day wife and children would hard- ly know that you were away from home were you to take such a trip. Oberholtzer’s visits to Can- ada were for the encouragement of the brethren in Ontario who had trials similar to those through which he had to go. His visit to Central Pennsylvania was a preaching tour to Juniata and Perry counties. He stopped at the Richfield church and preach- ed. This is in Juniata County. It is significant that in these later years the Richfield church in Jun- iata County has again come into close relation through fraternal visits from these brethren. While visiting there some years ago I met persons who had a distinct recollection of Oberholtzer’s visit many years before. But distan- ces then were greater than now and it was hard to continue close relations. We have every rea- son to believe that this friendly relation will continue between the Juniata brethren and the Eastern District Conference.
Another thing about John Oberholtzer. He loved children. His was the sad experience of hav- gin his son disappear as though the earth had swallowed him up and no one to this day has been able to solve the mystery. (I might say in passing Davy as- sisted his father at printing and once branched out in a venture of his own, the printing of a secular paper to which he gave the name of “Yankee Doodle”. The ven- ture was short lived. I once had copies of this paper but have lost them, much to my regret.) His ia-
THE MEN
terest in children made him my good friend. I recall once having found his glasses which he had lost and as a reward received a dime from him. After this I found them several times when they were not so thoroughly lost as before — and collected the usural reward.
After a long and busy life John Oberholtzer had the rare privi- lege of being permitted to remain here and bask in the warm sun- shine of life’s afternoon. We came to know him affectionately as “Der alter John”. It was a title of endearment, for he was not only old in years, but old in the friendships he had made. One of the characteristic bits of his writing that remains is a letter written on his 80th birthday to Father Krehbiel of Cleveland Ohio, who celebrated his 80th birthday on the same date. This letter was thought sufficiently characteristic of the man to be published in the proceedings of the General Conference that marked its 50th Anniversary.
I began with a word from the Apostle Paul. I see many sug- gested experiences of St. Paul that were common to John Ober- holtzer. Like the mighty Apos- tle he became a cast-off from his people for the Gospel’s sake, to be slandered and persecuted by them though his heart bled for their love. His written contri- butions to the literature of the kingdom were many, he traveled far to carry the message of his Lord and he cheerfully wore him- self out in following the course of duty. I am sure that in the evening of his life he too could say with the Apostle: “I have fought a good fight, I have finish- ed my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of right- eousness which the Lord, the just Judge, shall give me in that day and not to me only but to all those who love His appearance.”
THE S. S. LESSON .
January 23
“Prayer in the Christian Life.”
Mk. 1:35; 14:32-36; Matt. 6:9-13.
Golden Text: “Ask and it shall be given unto you ; seek and ye shall find ; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Matt. 7 :7.
Our lesson gives us several examples of the prayers of our Lord. We cannot know Him in- timately until we make a study of His prayers. His prayer hab- its and what He has to say about prayer. The promise of answer to prayers is assured to those who ask in His name. No one can ask in His name who does not pray for the things He would bless and pray in the way He di- rects.
First, let us note the prayer
NON1 1 E
habit of our Lord. It was His habit to attend services regular- ly in the House of God, where prayer was made. This was an example to us. Beginning in childhood, He continued this habit to the end of His life. After all is said about the importance of private prayer, and there is much to be said about it, the fact remains that God expects His people to assemble in public prayer and worship. The decline in morals and of the Christian family of our time, as well as of regular Biblf study, is to be traced to the neglect of the house of God and a neglect of God’s house is a sure indication of the lack of the spirit of prayer that should dominate every child of God. External conditions in the house of God did not inter- fere with the Master’s regularity. Many people expect that condi- tions there must be to their lik- ing. It should always be the place to which we go expecting visions from God and fellowship with His people.
Jesus also prayed privately often. He set His blessing on this kind of prayer when He commanded us to go into our closets and pray secretly. Our relation must, if anything at all, be an intimate one. There can be no real intimacy without a private and personal relation. This does by no means discredit the worth of public prayer, for it will be noticed that he who is diligent in his private prayers will also be regular in his public attendance in the House of God.
We have in our lesson an ac- count of our Lord going to prayer early in the morning. He began the day right, as all of us should, for a day begun in the spirit of prayer will continue to be a day of prayer. We also note that our Lord prayed at night. There is no set time for prayer when one’s whole life is in tune with God and seeks to be in con- tinual communication with Him. As we depend upon God for our daily needs, so we should keep in continual communication with Him.
In the account of Christ’s last night upon earth, we have a full description of His prayer at that time. He prayed and sang with His disciples before entering the garden and then, in the supreme crisis of His life, He poured out His soul to God. He prayed for His disciples as well as for Him- self. Prayer is a blessing we can give others the benefit of, and since the prayer of the righteous availeth much, it is our particular duty to give others the benefit of that availing prayer.
As we read of our Lord, we note that His whole life was a — prayer — life: What — a beautiful
January 13
example ! Pray without ceasing !
In what Jesus has to say about prayer, we have a guide to our own prayer life. Prayer should be frequent, regular, persistent, for others as well as for ourselves, in the spirit of humility and in the name of Jesus.
God will hear the cry for mer- cy that comes from any sinner. But when we pray, it must be with a surrendered life. One who continues in sin cannot expect that the Father will look upon him with favor. Like Jesus, our entire attitude must be that of “not my will, but Thine !”
The Lord’s prayer is the last example given for our study in this lesson. We call it the Lord’s Prayer. Better call it Our Prayer, for He taught it to us for our guidance. An analysis of this prayer indicates the recognition of the sovereignty of our Father God. It shows a desire to bring Him honor. It anticipates a per- fect obedience to His will on earth as in heaven. It recognizes Him as the Giver of every gift and looks to Him to supply it. It confesses sin and craves par- don as well as recognizing for- giveness as a duty and it looks to Him for strength to meet and overcome the temptations that are sure to assail through mind and body.
DEATHS
Moser — Mrs. Lydia Schumacher Moser, wife of Noah Moser, and daughter of the late, Rev. Peter Schumacher, died suddenly at her home, north of Bluffton, on Novem- ber 17, 1926. She was 62 years, 6 months, and 19 days old. She is sur- vived by her husband, seven sons and three daughters. One son, Homer, and one daughter, Mrs. Nettie Martin, are missionaries under the Presbyterian Board and located in Brazil. Her many friends in the church and with- out feel her loss distinctly. The fu- neral services held in the First Men- nonite church on the 21st was very largely attended.
Yoder — Florence Yoder, daughter of Christian and Louisa Yoder, was born in Illinois, Nov. 17, 1898, and died Nov. 20, 1926, aged 28 years and three days. Florence was a devout Chris- tian and very conscientious, and as long as her health made it possible, very much interested in the things of the church. She leaves to mourn her departure, her mother, Mrs. Louisa Mosiman Yoder, her father having died, also in the month of November, 1911.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Emergency Relief Commission, December, 1926.
For Russia: Bergthal ch., Pawnee Rock, Kans., $30.63; Mrs. Menno Eicher, Berne, Ind., $10.00; Catharine Roth, West Swamp Congr., Quaker- town, Pa., $10.00; P. H. Penner, New- ton, Kans., $22.00; Mina Warkentin, Newton, Kan., $135.00; Deer Creek Ch., Deer Creek, Okla., $20.88; Deer
1927.
7
THE MENNONITE
Creek Children’s Class, Deer Creek, Okla., $8.50.
For Germany* Arthur P. Wiebe, Beatrice, Nebr., $15.00; Anonymous, Newton, Kans., $20.00; Anonymous, Newton, Kans., $20.00.
General Fund. Grace Menn. Ch., Pandora, O., $204.69; Emmaus Ch., Whitewater, Kans., $65.25; Menn. Ch., Escondido, Calif., $5.65; First Menn. Ch., Upland, Calif., $12.12; San Mar- cos Ch., Paso Robles, Calif., $8.80; West Zioq Ch., Moundridge, Kans., ,$30.00; Ebenezer Ch., Gotebo (Mt. View), Okla., $18.80; Tabor Menn. Ch., Goessel, Kans., $9.16; Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Goertz, Marion Jet., S. D., $3.20; Bergthal Ch., Pawnee Rock, Kans., $148.48; Regier Bros., Elbing, Kans., $125.00.
For Siberia; Bergfelder Ch., Moun- tain Lake, Minn., $11.87; S. S., Bethel Ch., Inman, Kans., $38.02.
For Canada: First Menn. Ch., Mt. Lake, Minn., $29.25; S. Krehbiel, Mc- Pherson, Kans., $5.00; Christian Ch., Moundridge, Kans., $41.00; San Mar- cos Ch., Paso Robles, Cailf., $17.40; John Wiebe, Jr., Beatrice, Nebr., $25; Alexanderwohl Ch., Goessel, Kan., $24.00; Brudertal Ch., Hillsboro, Kans., $34.80; Peter M. Krehbiel, Mound- ridge, Kans., $50; Solomon P. Krehbiel, Moundridge, Kans., $25; Anonymous, Newton, Kans., $2.10 (Int. returned); Joseph G. Tschetter, Freeman, S. D., $15.00; Maria Tschetter, Freeman, S. D., $12.00; Emanuels Ch., Aberdeen, Idaho, $72.54; Mrs. Tobias Voran, Hesston, Kans., $5.00; Bethel Sew. Soc., Wawaka, Tex., $125.00; Anony- mous, Newton, Kans., $10.00; Im- manuels Ch., Los Angeles, Calif., $33.- 93.
For Mexico: Brudertal Ch., Hills- boro, Kans., $23.32; Immanuel Ch., Los Angeles, Calif., $30.00; Sichar Ch., Cordell, Okla., $9.67.
Near East Relief (Armenia and Syrian Orphan Home) : P. B. Am-
stutz, Bluffton, Ohio, $1.00; Salem S. S., Marion, S. D., $35.00; Bethania Ch.„ Freeman, S. D., $23.22; Faculty and Students of Freeman College, Freeman, S. D., $13.13; C. W. Claas- sen, Newton, Kans., $25.00; Menn. Ch., Butterfield, Minn., $4.78; Tabor S. S., Goessel, Kans., $10.00; Chris- tian Endeavor Soc., Zion Menn. Ch., Donnelson, Iowa, $27.65; B. H. Frie- sen, Goessel, Kans., $5.00.
For Rev. Dav. Toews: Anonymous, Newton, Kans., $100.00; Mrs. John Regier, Newton, Kans., $25.00; P. J. Schmidt, Newton, Kans., $5.00; John P. Regier, Newton, Kans., $1.00; Mrs. Helen Harder, Whitewater, Kans., $10.00; J. F. Moyer, Newton, Kans., $1.00; C. P. Wfedel, Moundridge, Kans., $5.00; Peter H. Wedel, Mound- ridge, Kans., $5.00; Rev. B. Regier, Newton, Kans., $50.00; Peter M. Krehbiel, Moundridge, Kans., $50.00; John J. Klassen, Inman, Kans., $5.00; Buhler Menn. Ch., Buhler, Kans., $40.- 61; A. P. Froese, Buhler, Kans., $4.00; Mrs. Sara Hiebert, Newton, Kans., $5; B. H. Friesen, Goessel, Kans., $5.00; Laura J. Smith, Bluffton, Ohio, $20.00; A. J. Neuenschwander, Philadelphia, Pa., $5.00; C. C. Sprunger, Berne, Ind., $5.00.
Licht dem Osten, Bible Concord- ance: $6.00 from J. A. Harder, Winni-
peg, Manitoba.
Bal., Dec. 1, 1926 $ 11.64
Received for Russia 237.01
For Germany 55.00
For Gen. Fund 631.15
For Siberia 49.89
For Canada 527.02
For Mexico 62.99
For Near East Relief — Ar-
menia and Syria Orphan
Home — 144.78
For Rev. Dav. Doews and
family 341.61
For Russian Bible Concord- ance — 6.00
Total $2,067.09
Paid out during month 2,030.38
Bal. Jan. 1, 1927 36.71
Gratefully acknowledged,
C. F. Claassen, Treas.
FOREIGN MISSION RECEIPTS FOR DECEMBER, 1926.
Swiss Ch., Alsen, N. Dak., $89.71; Menn. Ch., Arena, N. Dak., $17.21; West Zion Ch., Moundridge, Kansas, $453.00; Bethlehem Ch., Bloomfield, Mont., $66.03; Hoffnungsau Ch., In- man, Kan., $1,218.00; Goessel Menn. Ch., Goessel, Kan., $113.00; Marie Bocse, Newton, Kan,, $25.00; fr.end, Newton, Kan., $10.00; Ladies’ Aid Society, Donne’.lson, Iowa, $5.00; Mary Burkhalter, Berne, Ind., $30; J. W. Krehbiel, Moundridge, Kan., $30.00; First Menn. Ch., Philadel- phia, Pa., $15.00; Ladies’ Mission Society, Aberdeen, Ida., $20.00; Ser- vice S. S. Class, Reedley, Calif., $60; Intermed. C. E. Society, Reedley, Calif., $30.00; J. A. Becker & fam- ily,' Aberdeen, Ida., $50.00; Menn. Ch., Colfax, Wash., $483.50; Beth- lehem S. S., Bloomfield, Mont., $35; West Zion Jrs., Moundridge, Kan., $40.00; P. J. Dyck, Buhler, Kansas, $50.00; Second Menn. Ch., Philadel- phia, Pa., $8.00; Menno Ch., Wato- va( Okla. $13.00; New Huttertal Y. P. Society, Bridgewater, S. Dak., $3000; birthday collection, Meno, Okla., $17.65; Menn. immigrants, Sheldon farm, Hanley, Sask., $10.00; Herold Ch., Bessie, Okla., $21.10; Deer Creek Juniors, Deer Creek, Okla., $9.35; Bethany Y. P. Society, Quakertown, PaT $12.50; eighty-five year old mission friend, Marion, Kan., $85; Bergtal Ch., Corn, Okla., $19; B. W. Harder, Whitewater, Kan., $10.00; Ladies’ Aid, Pretty Prairie, Kan., $10.00; Joseph D. Gering, Mar- ion, S. Dak., $5.00; Bethany Ch., Quakertown, Pa., $18.56; Anna Wie- be, Aberdeen, Ida., $30.00; Mattie A. Krehbiel, Clarence Center, N. Y., $20.00; New Huttertal Ch., Freeman, S. Dak., $51.00; St. John S. S„ Pandora, Ohio, $115.00; Isaac A. Sommer, legacy, Berne, Ind., $1,- 546.02; interest, Newton, Kansas, $481.50; Bethel College Menn. Wom- en’s Bible Class, Newton, Kan., $30; Grace Menn. Ch., Pandora, Ohio, $204.70; Menn. S. S., Halstead, Kan., $40.96; West Zion S. S., Moundridge, Kan, $80.00; First Menn. Ch., Hal- stead, Kan., $74.94; Brudertal Ch., Hillsboro, Kan., $346.35; Menn. Ch., Inman, Kan., $15.58; A. M. Ch., Mil- ford, Nebr., $29.15; Zoar Ch., Wald- heim, Sa&k., $283.00; Eden Ch., Ino- la Okla., $28.20; Einsiedel Ch., Han- ston," Kan., $8.85; Menn. Ch., Mun- ich, N. Dak., $40.13; Grace Menn.
Ch., Pandora, Ohio, $48.35; Bethel
Ch., Perryton, Tex., $39.48; Menn.
Ch., Burrton, Kan., $13.00; members Alexanderwohl Ch., Goessel, Kan., $15.00; Menn. Ch., Wadsworth, O., $6.94; Nordstern Ch., Drake, Sask., $300.00; Hoffnungsau C. E. Soc., Inman, Kan., $17.00; Menn. Ch., Es- condido, CaliL $18.80; Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Adrian. Escondido, Calif., $35; First Menn. Ch., Upland, Calif., $48 - 85: Friendship S. S. class, Upland,
Calif., $15; Menn. Ch. and S. S., Pratum, Oreg., $80.00; Menn. Ch.,
Buhler, Kan., $28.89; Barbara Hofer, Freeman, S. Dak., $25.00; John Wie- be, Beatrice, Nebr., $100.00; San Marcos Ch., Paso Robles( Calif., $100.00; Zoar Ladies' Aid, Langham, Sask., $75.00; Zoar Ch., Langham, Sask., $126.00; Zoar Y, G. Sew. Circle, Langham, Sask., $100.00; H. C. Harder, Whitewater, Kan., $30.00;
B. W. Harder, Whitewater, Kan., $35.00; Einsiedel C. E. Soc., Han- ston, Kan., $30.00; Emmaus S. S. Class, Whitewater, Kan., $36.25; Intermed. C. E. Soc., Donnellson, la., $3000; Ebenezer S. S., Bluffton, O., $400.00; Second Menn. S. S., Beatrice, Nebr., $140.00; Freshman and Sophomore Classes B. C., Menn. Ch., Newton, Kan.. $24.22; Bethel College Menn. Ch., children. Newton, Kan., $107.26; Ebenezer Ch., Bluff- ton, Ohio, $300.00; F.rst Menn. Ch., Shatter, Calif., $38.10; Home Mission Board, $100.00; First Menn. Ch., Paso Robles, Calif., $31.64; Bethel Ch., Dolton, S. Dak., $20.65. Berg- tal Ch., Pawnee Rock, Kan., $65.83; Ebenezer Ch., Gotebo. Okla., $16.65; Menn. Ch., Pulaski, Iowa, $13.90; Bethel, Gleaners’ S. S. Class, For- tuna, Mo., $1500; West Zion C. E. Soc., Moundridge, Kan., $21.35; Zion
C. E. Soc., Polk Staton, Dallas, Ore., $15.00; Zion Ch., Dallas, Ore., $29.71; Menn. Ch., Arlington, Kan, $16.00; Menn. Ch., Hillsboro, Kan., $48.75; P. C. Goering, Moundridge, Kan., $20.00; Brudertal S. S., Hills- boro, Kan.. $69.64; from Berne, Ind., First Menn. Ch., $4,517.52, Mission Boxes, $16.45; Sr. C. E. Soc., $31.10; Int. on Immigrant Loan, $47.81; Children, $618.86; Male Choir, $106.- 10; Menn. Ch.. Summerfield, IH., $75.00; St. John Ch.,. Pandora, Ohio, $444.22; First Menn. Ch., Geary, Okla., $54.50; Bethesda C. E. Soc., Henderson, Nebr.. $30.00; St. John Intermed. C. E. Soc.. Pandora, O., $20.00; Menn. S. S., Deer Creek, Okla., $76.50; Sichar Ch., Cordell, Okla.’ $31.96; Mrs. J. H. Tschantz, Dalton, O., $35.00; Gnadenberg Ch., Whitewater, Kan.. $37.00; First Mennonite C. E. Society, Phil- adelphia, Pa., $15.00; Jacob Thies- sen, Whitewater, Kan., $20.00; Anna Abrahams, Goessel, Kan., $30 00; P.
B. Amstutz and S. S. Class. Bluffton, O., $60.00; Zion S. S., Souderton, Pa., $500.00; Friedensberg Ch., Avon, S. Dak., $35.00; First Menn. S. S. Class, Berne. Ind., $14.48; First Menn. Sr. C. E. Soc., Berne, Ind., $15.25; Menn. Ch., Menno, Wash., $80.18; Menn. immigrants, Whitewa- ter, Man., $8.00; First Menn. Ch., Bluffton, O., $270.00; Grace, “King's Daughters’ S. S. Class", Pandora, O., $30.00; Bergfeld Ch., Mt. Lake, Minn., $47.80. First Menn. Friend- ship S. S. Class, Upland, Calif., $30; Jos. C. Graber, Pretty Prairie, Kan., $25.00; Bethesda Ch., Henderson, Nebr., $127.53; Jacob Klaassen, Laird, Sask., $50.00; friend. Elbing, Kan., $100.00; P. Penner, Halstead, Kan., $5.00; J. N. Buller, Halstead, Kan.’ $7.00; Menn. Ch., Hutchinson, Kan., $31.66; St. John Primary S. S. Pandora, O., $30.00; St. John Pri- mary S. S., Pandora, O., $30.00; Jr.
C. E. Soc., First Menn. Ch., Aber- deen, Ida., $15.00; Nordstern C. E. Soc., Drake, Sask., $35.00; First Menn. Wanderers’ Welcome Class, Upland, Calif., $30.00; Mrs. D. Ger- ig, East Freedom, Pa., $35. 00; First Menn. S. S., Reedley, Calif., $30.00; Garden Tp. Ch., Moundridge, Kan., $23.09; Emmanuel Ch., Noble, la., $517.00; Salem C. E. Soc., Dalton,
O., $100.00; Menn. S. S., Hillsboro, Kan.. $228.83; Sister Hillegonda’s S. S. Class, Newton, Kan., $7.00; Berg- tal C. E. Soc., Pawnee Rock, Kan., $25.00; Elisabeth Voran, Littlefield, Texas, $15.00; Johannestal S. S., Hillsboro, Kan., $70.58; Menn. “Bu- sy Bees", Donnellson, Iowa, $110.00; Salem Ch., Dalton, Ohio. $262.40; Menn. Ch., Wayland, Iowa, $253.70; Menn. Ch., Noble, Iowa. $181.00; Eicher Ch., Noble Iowa* $75.00; Sa- lem S. S., Dalton, Ohio. $105.61; Menn. S. S„ Flatland, Pa., $10.00; Salem Ch., Marion, S. Dak., $500; Eastern Dist, S. S., Union & C. E. Asso., $38.35; Christian Ch., Mound- ridge, Kan., $44.08; Menn. C. E. Soc., Pratum, Ore., $30.00; Herman Jan'zen, Plymouth, Nebr., $100.00; C. J. Voran, Kingman, Kan, $15.00; Herold Ch., Bessie, Okla., $16.46; Home Mission Board, $100.00; Em- manuel S. S., Noble, Iowa, $24.50; Bethel College, Men. Ch., Newton, Kan., $98 83; Jr. C. E. Soc., Bethel College Menn. Ch., Newton, Kansas, • $30.00; p, p. Jantzen, Paso Robles, Calif., $30.00; Sisters, Bergtal Ch., Plum Coulee, Man., $70.75; Gnaden- berg Ch., Whitewater, Kan., $88 00; Swiss Ch., Whitewater, Kan., $40.36; Friedenstal Ch., Tampa, Kan., $60.83; Bergtal Ch., Pawnee Rock, Kan., $87.16; Eden S. S., Moundridge, Kan- sas, $222.65; Bethel S. S., Wolf Point, Mont., $12.14; The Ladies’ Ex. Com. of Sew. Soc., (receipted by Mrs. J. G. R.), $502.50. Total, $21,- 360.99.
Bal. in bank, Dec. 1, 1926....$ 2.05
Gifts for General Fund 18,424.49
Gifts for orphans, teachers,
etc 1,521.10
Gifts for China Station. 63.35
Gifts for India Station 182.35
Gifts for China Building
Fund 38.50
Gifts for Tamingfu School
Fund 434.70
Interest and rents 481.50
Gifts for Sundries _ 215.00
Total ..$21,360.99
Bal. and total receipts 21,363.04
Paid on orders during mo 2,802.31
Paid on debt during mo 13,700.00
Paid on notes receivable 3,000.00
Total $19,502.31
Bal. in bank Jan. 1, 1927 $ 1,860.73
It is with a feeling of heartfelt
gratitude that the Mission Board, all mission friends and the workers in our different mission fields take note of the many gifts which have come in- to the Mission Treasury during the last two months. May God richly re- ward all who helped along in this work.
Our missionaries are often compell- ed to be very saving in order to make ends meet and at times must bring sacrifice, for instance, furloughs that are due this spring cannot be grant- ed on account of the shortage in the treasury.
The question sometimes arises: Could not we, who are at home and enjoying so many blessings which our missionaries are deprived of also be rtiore saving, deny ourselves certain things and thus help to keep the trea- sury free of debt?
May the heavenly Father bless our mission work during the coming year, also the dear mission friends who so nobly support this work by their prayers and gifts, is our earnest wish and prayer.
J. G. Regier, Treasurer,
Newton, Kansa.s
8
January 13, 1927
THE MENNONITE JOTTINGS
The Sixth Annual International Con- ference of Vacation School workers is announced to meet at the Hotel Sherman, Chicago, 111., Feb. 9.
Prof. G. A. Lehman, formerly di- rector of music in Bluffton College, and now an instructor in the John Finley Williamson Choir School at Dayton, Ohio, was a visitor at Bluff- ton over the holidays.
Dr. Roselle Biederman of Bluffton, Ohio, is connected with Berea College, Ky., in the capacity of physician and physical director. She greeted old friends jwhile visiting her old home during the mid-winter vacation.
The annual S. S. Convention of the Mountain Lake, Minn., churches was held in the Bethel Mennonite church on December 26 and was well attend- ed. Three sessions were held. Rev. . J. C. Peters was the leader.. Various problems of the Sunday school were taken up and the discussions were quite interesting.
The Immanuel Mennonite church, Los Angeles, Calif., is preparing for a series of evangelistic services, to be- gin on January 9, 1927. Rev. W. S. Gottshall of Marion, South Dakota, is to be the preacher. Among the prep- arations new going on are the cot- tage prayer meetings in the homes of various members of the congregation, and in other homes in the district. Pray with us that these meetings may result in great spiritual blessings for the congregation as well as for the district around the church.
Rev. Arthur Rosenberger of Pan- dora Ohio, was a visitor at Berne, ndiana, last week.
At the yearly meeting of the East Swamp, Pa., congregation, held last week, Clayton Bleam was elected a trustee, J. Walter Landis was elect- ed superintendent of the Sunday school, and Elwood Rosenberger as- sistant superintendent.
Twenty-seven Mennonite families have purchased land on the south side of the Arkansas river between Deer- field and Larkin. The tracts are am- ply irrigated and suitable for raising a variety of products. A new Men- nonite church is in prospect for the use of those locating on the lands.
Last month a conference of the new- ly immigrated Russian Mennonites was held in Rosthern, Sask., and mat- ters relating to immigration and col- onization were discussed. These breth- ren have secured large tracts of land on credit and have had the Canadian Pacific R. R. invest one million and a half dollars on their behalf but they believe the outlook for the future to be good and are actively at work in developing their holdings and meet- ing their obligations.
The first party of Canadian Men- nonites to start for Paraguay, South America, left New York in Decem- ber and consisted of 81 imen, 95 wom- en and 38 children. These are of the conservative type of Russian Mennon- ite settlers, who, because of the Can- adian supervision of their schools, be- came irritated and left the country. They are not to be confused with the
more numerous bodies of Mennonites who have been located in Canada since the early '70’s and are contin- ually receiving additions through im- migration from Russia.
The C. E. society of the Presby- terian church of McPherson, Kansas, was a visitor to the society of the Hoffnungsau, Kansas, society on De- cember 6. A very interesting program was rendered.
The new officers of the Salem Sun- day school, Sonnenberg, Ohio, are: Supt., Merle Gerber; Ass’t. Supt., D. J. Moser; Treas., Clayton Tschantz; Chorister, Clinton Sprunger; Pianist, Molly Badertscher; Committee, Mrs. Amos Sprunger, E. E. Kirchhofer and Rudy Studer.
The rendition of the Christmas cantata, “Noel”, in the West Zion church, Moundridge, Kansas, was ex- ceptionally good!. Large numbers were forced to stand throughout the pro- gram. This was the seventh year that the chorus presented the cantata un- der the direction of Nelson W. Kreh- biel.
With the beginning of the year it developed in the Sunday school of the Second church, Philadelphia, that Mrs. Emma Rees had not missed a ses- sion of the school for twenty-three years and Howard Spoeral has a rec- ord of twenty-two years of perfect at- tendance. With the assistance of the Sunday school and several of the or- ganized classes, it is planned to make certain improvements in the building that will tend to greater efficiency.
The two new trustees elected at the last annual meeting were the Breth- ren Walter Traubel and John Par- kinson. After a service of sixteen years, Raymond Moyer relinquished the office of treasurer and Edgar Young was elected in his. stead.
Missionary Sam. J. Goering and Mrs. Goering are in Sioux Falls un- dergoing medical treatment. They ex- pect to remain in Sioux Falls about three months.
The annual Bible Week at Bethel College for this school year is plan- ned for January 26th to February 2d. Dr. E. E. S. Johnson of Hartford Seminary wull give a series of Eng- lish addresses on the Reformation pe- riod, showing also the development of the Anabaptist movement. He will will also give a series of German ad- dresses in which he will give the ob- servations that he made while he was studying in Germany. He spent fif- teen years in Germany, extending his period of stay through the World War. President J. W. Kliewer of Bethel College will lead in five periods of Bible study. The Letter to the Phil- ippians will be discussed. This se- ries will be conducted1 in German. Be- sides the above series of subjects, a number of individual themes will be discussed in English: The Missionary Program of the Church; The Wom- en’s Society in the Church; Why a Young People’s Retreat?; The Pas- tor and the Young People; What thr Young People Expect of Their Pastor; The Teaching of Religion in the Day School; Christian Stewardship.
Scripture Text Calendar
The Mennonite Year Book and Almanac
For 1927
The Scripture Text Calendar has been prepared with such care and contains such a fund of Scriptural information that it is more than a convenience — it is a real necessity in every home. The in- fluence it has on the young in teaching great truths and inculcating the right view of life should appeal to every parent to have one in the homa.
An Art Gallery of the World’s Most Famous Sacred Paintings, German or English, same price.
Prices; Single Copies, 30c; 5 — $1.40; 12 — $3.00; 25 — $5.75; 50 — $10.00. ,
1927
The Year Book contains in addition to the usual interesting his- torical and biographical matter, a record of the activities of the Church. A very complete Chronicle of the past year. Sunday School daily readings and C. E. Topics.
Prices : Single copy, postpaid, 20 cents ; per dozen, postpaid, $2.
r
MENNONITE BOOK CONCERN. BERNE. IND.
* Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ !
VOL. XLII.
BERNE, INDIANA, JANUARY 20, 1927
No. 3
A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOMES OF OUR MEN- NONITE FORE- FATHERS
C. Henry Smith, Ph. D.
Switzerland.
In the course of a tour through Europe the past summer it was my pleasure to spend six weeks visiting a number of Mennonite communities in Switzerland, along the Rhine, and in Holland — the original homes, either direct or indirect of all the Mennonites of Europe and America. I shall attempt in this and following ar- ticles to give the reader my im- pressions gathered on the way. It is not my purpose to speak to the specialist in Mennonite his- tory, but rather to the layman who is interested in his fellow Mennonites of other lands as well as other times. This shall be merely an account of a pilgrim- age, therefore, and not a serious attempt at an exhaustive treatise on Mennoniteism. I shall at- tempt merely to describe the ad- ventures of a casual visitor to places of interest to American Mennonites, and tell what I saw and heard, and what happened to me on the way, against such his- torical background as may help to put meaning into these obser- vations.
Since the Eddy party of which I was a member, closed its tour at Geneva, my first visit was to the nearby Mennonite commu- nity in the Emmenthal, in the can- ton of Bern — the original home of practically all the Mennonites of America east of the Missis- sippi. The valley of the Emme in the northern part of the can- ton, was once the home of nu- merous small Mennonite groups in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries ; but religious persecu- tion and economic pressure in course of time drove most of them out into other more promising lands. Today there is left only one congregation of some three hundred members scattered about the (Country side in the region of Langnau, a city of some five thousand, in the outskirts of which this remnant of a once
large population has a small and modest meeting house.
Arriving in Langnau one beau- tiful Saturday evening in late August, I put up for the night at the “Lion House”, the best hotel in the town. When I learned from Pastor Kipfer that the Men- nonite services the next day would not be held until two o’- clock in the afternoon, I decided to spend the morning in explor- ing the town. Langnau is beau- tifully located on the Iflis, a small branch of the Emme, near the foothills of the Bernese Alps. From an elevation back of the Mennonite meeting house one gets a splendid view of the snow capped peaks to the west, as well as of numerous small villages up and down the valley whose names have a familiar sound to the stu- dent of Mennonite history, inclu- ding the village of Bowil the sup- posed home at one time of Jacob Amman, the founder of the Am- ish branch of the denomination. Whether the little clusters of houses which on the map are call- ed Neuenschwand and Habegg are the original homes of the fore- bears of “Speedy” Neuenschwan- der and Joe Habegger or not I am not sure, but I have a suspi- cion that there is some connec- tion. Brauchbuehl, a little far- ther down the valley, would seem to have some relation to Baker Brechbuehl in Langnau, as well as the Brackbills of Lancaster county. In the course of my
ramblings along the winding streets of the city that Sunday morfiing I met many familiar m.mes on the sign boards and on the store windows. One of the prosperous stores belonged to Hans Eshleman ; D. Broenneman ran a livery stable, while a man by the name of Moser was the proprietor of a garage which ad- vertised Michelin tires ; C. Hos- tetler announced on numerous bill boards throughout the city that he sold non-alcoholic wines. The evening before while stand- ing in a small grocery store I heard a customer ask for a cer- tain brand of tobacco. “Sie muessen beim Mosiman luigi” re- plied the proprietor, “hinnen em Loewe Hus.”
The Swiss are a friendly peo- ple. Although a perfect stranger, I was greeted everywhere on the streets, by old men and women, young people, and even by little children standing in the doorways with a word I did not at first understand — a word sounding something like “grease”; but which I later learned to be “grues- sen” (greeting). I had already met with a surprising, though agreeable case of Swiss courtesy to strangers that morning at the Lion House. Among the guests at the tavern for the night were two young Swiss military offi- cers. These I met in the morn- ing in the breakfast room. They had just finished their breakfast as I entered, and were about
ready to leave. I was hardly seated when one of them arose, walked to a near by table, picked up his sword and buckled it about his, put on his cap; then turning toward me, a perfect stranger and foreigner, whom he had never seen until that minute, clicked his heels, raised his hand in a mili- tary salute, made a profound bow and walked out. I was complete- ly taken by surprise and was at loss to know how to respond to such courtesy ; but soon recover- ed sufficiently to smile at the thought of how differently an American second lieutenant would have acted under similar circumstances.
My visit to the church that af- ternoon was a disappointment. The young people, responding evidently to that urgent call of the wild which plays such an im- portant role in all of the youth movements of Europe today, had all gone to the woods for a ser- vice of their own ; thus leaving the church services to the older men and women. Judging from appearances entirely, I gained the impression that the membership of this congregation, unlike that of most of the congregations in Holland and northern Germany, is composed not of the most pro- minent business and professional men and women of the commu- nity, but rather of the ordinary folks, the small dairymen and over-worked farmers of the coun- try-side, and the day-laborers of
Combined Parsonage and Meeting House, Langnau, Switzerland.
3
THE MENNONITE
the city. There seem to be no men of prominence among them. Centuries of persecution, the con- stant drain of their most vigor- ous stock to the Palatinate and America, a rural life of isolation in the surrounding hills and val- leys, perpetual struggle with a barren soil on hillside farms to eke out an existence, a spirit of self depreciation engendered and fostered by the traditions of an oppressed people, untrained and inefficient leadership — all these factors have doomed the Emmen- thal Mennonites for centuries to a position of great humility among their fellow countrymen of the dominating state church. Numeri- cally they have hardly held their own through the years ; and the wonder is that any remain at all. Rjev. Kipfer says they are now slightly increasing, however.
For nearly four centuries the scattered Mennonite groups here about have kept up their worship in private homes; the present meeting house, the first to be erected in Emmenthal, being built in the eighties of the past century. At first the need of se- crecy, then later poverty, but fi- nally a spirit of extreme conser- vatism had prevented them dur- ing all that time from worship- ping in public meeting houses. The present building is a two story structure, the upper story being used for worship, while the lower is devoted to living quar- ters for the pastor, thus in a way departing as little as possible from the old custom of holding their meetings for public worship in a private home. The interior of the upper story is plainly though neatly finished in the un- painted wood of the near by for- est. The two rows of benches, one for the men and the other for the women, are home made, with seats that are hard and nar- row. and backs that are straight.
A plain pulpit near the entrance and a small reed organ near by complete the furnishing.
Elder Kipfer is a sincere, pious and devoted old soul, but with little training for his work, and with a preparation that may have sufficed in earlier times, but which is entirely inadequate to meet the demands of the new day. He be- longs to a generation of leaders common to some parts of south Germany and to certain groups in America as well which has served its day fairly well, but which now must give way to a type of leader- ship better trained and equipped to cope with the problems of this rapidly changing age. He is also the editor of a small religious weekly called the “Freie Zeuge”, formerly known as the “Zions Pilger” which is meant largely for circulation among the Swiss
Mennonites but which has little of a distinctive Mennonite character, ft evidently is not designed to de- velop among its readers a spirit of distinct denominational loyal- ty-
I was disappointed, too, to find that in this cradle of the Ameri- can Mennonite church, and in a region so rich in Mennonite his- tory so little should be known of that history. Kipfer himself, who is not of original simon pure Mennonite stock, is not well versed in Mennonite lore and evi- dently not greatly interested. But what the Mennonite pastor does not know about the past of his own people, his neighbor the Re- formed pastor, Ernst Mueller, does.
(To be concluded.)
Women’s Work
“As the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and re- turneth not thither, but watereth the earth.... so shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth.” Isaiah 55: 10-11.
“So,” says the God of grace, “My Gospel shall descend, Almighty to effect The purpose I intend;
Millions of souls shall feel its power
And bear it on to millions more.”
WISDOM FOR THE WISE
From the lips of D. L. Moody: We cannot over-estimate the importance of a thorough famil- iarity with the Bible. I try to lose no opportunity of urging people by every means in my power to the constant study of this wonderful Book. People are running to religious meetings and they think the meetings are going to do the work. But if these don’t bring you into clos- er contact with the Word of God, the whole impression will be gone in three months. The more you love the Scriptures, the firm- er will be your faith.
Do you ask: “How can I get in love with the Bible?” Arouse yourself to the study of it, ask God’s assistance, and He will as- suredly help you.
If we feed on the Word, it will be easy then to speak to others; and not only that, but we shall be growing in grace all the while, and others will take notice of our walk and conversation. So few grow, because so few study.
Study the Bible carefully and prayerfully.
When the Holy Spirit touches the eyes of your understanding and you see Christ shining
through the pages of the Bible, it becomes a new book to you.
Master the Bible
Where is to be found the world’s best literature — the great masterpieces of the English lan- guage? In the Holy Scriptures.
Who does not know that the best attorneys in the world are constantly quoting the Bible in the courts, the best poets perpe- tually enshrining it in verse, the best artists always looking to it for inspiration, and the best writ- ers turning to it for examples of style? The Bible is the only book in the world that answers the question: “How shall a man be just with God?”
Believers study it in order to be more fruitful. There is no ad- vance in holy living for any one who neglects the Word of God. Nothing is more necessary to the sustaining and strengthening of the vital principles in us than a habitual feeding upon the Scrip- tures. Let us compare Scripture with Scripture, enter into the spirit of it, pray much over it, get illumination from the spirit upon it, and above all, enbody it in life and practice — that is, make the Word of God a part of yourselves. Then we may ex- pect spiritual progress.
Note the command in II Tim- othy 2: 15: “Study to show thy- self approved .unto God, a work- man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
A Wonder Book
The Bible, which is the Sunday school teacher’s text-book, is the most wonderful book in all the world. One who has carefullv studied it and loves its teachings says it has:
1. An origin — that is myste- rious.
2. An existence — that is mirac- ulous.
3. A unity — that is marvelous.
4. A depth — that is matchless
5. An influence — that is mighty.
6. A fulfillment — that is mani- fest.
7. A proof — that is matitrable.
— Otterbein Teacher.
Reading the Bible Daily
The Commission on Evangel- ism of the Federal Council of Churches is promoting a cam- paign whereby multitudes over the country will join in a simul- taneous Bible-reading revival Luke’s Gospel will be read' dur- ing January and the book of Acts during February. “The ob- jective of this campaign is to bring millions of people into contact with God’s Word-for the development of spiritual strength
January 20
and fervor. Let us read careful- ly, studiously, intent on acquir- ing a better understanding of Christ's teachings and a fuller ap- preciation of the heroism with which the leaders of the early Church carried His message to needy humanity.”
The Bible
“This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its pre- cepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It con- tains light to direct you, food to support you. and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pi- lot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Paradise is restored, Lleaven opened, and the gates of hell dis- closed. Christ is its Grand Sub- ject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slow- ly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glo- ry, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remem- bered for ever. It involves the highest responsibility, will re- ward the greatest labor, and con- demn all who trifle with its sa- cred contents.”
God’s Testimony
For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven. Ps. 119:89.
The grass withereth, the flow- er fadeth, but the Word of our God shall stand for ever. Isaiah 40:8.
All Scripture is given by in- spiration of God, and is profit- able for doctrine, for reproof, -for correction, for instruction in righteousness. II Tim. 3:16.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:21.
Heaven and earth shall pass away : but My words shall not pass away. Luke 21 :33.
The Scripture cannot be brok- en. John 10:35.
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye re- ceived it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually work- eth also in you that believe. I Thess. 2:13.
(To be continued)
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1927.
THE MENNONITE
A religious weekly journal, English organ of the Mennonite General Conference of North America. Devoted to the interests of the Mennonite church and the cause of Christ in general. Published every Thursday (except 4th of July and Christmas weeks) by the Mennonite Book Concern, Berne, Ind.
Rev. S. M. Grubb Editor
2956 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Subscription in advance $1.50
Foreign $2.00
All business communications and remit- tances are to be sent to the MENNONITE BOOK CONCERN, BERNE, Ind.
All contributions and communications for the columns of this paper, and exchanges are to be sent to REV. S. M. GRUBB, 2956 N. 12th St., Philadelphia', Pa.
Entered at the post-office at Berne, In- diana, as second-class mail matter.
Acceptance lor mailing at special rate of postage provided for m Section 1103, Act Oc- tober 3, 1917, authorized January 22, 1919.
EDITORIAL
The Mennonite endeavors to bring as much of the church news to its readers as is possible to collect. This involves not only the diligence of the editor, but also the interest of the churches and their various members. As our churches are scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Canada to Texas, we have a large field to cover and are anx- ious to do it as well as possible. There is a peculiar relation that binds us into one large church family, and so our interests reach into every corner where Men- nonites are located. It is the hope of the editor that news may come from every quarter of the church. Some readers find peculiar inter- est in special departments. No doubt the young people will re- joice in the recognition given to them in two full pages. Some Sunday school teachers tell -us that they depend upon our les- son exposition for help in pre- paring for their classes. The women’s organization find a val- uable source of information in the Women’s Work columns, in- formation for which, by the way, will hereafter be supplied by Miss Luella Krehbiel of Clarence Cen- ter, N. Y. Every one should be interested in missions and so The Mennonite aims to give the full- est missionary information con- cerning the mission interests of our church. But when all is said about the features of interest in our paper, we must agree that the sections that furnish news, such as our Jottings and the Cor- respondences, are the ones most desired. It is an American habit to look over the papers for news rather than for long articles on special subjects. We carry this habit to our religious papers. Special articles are of the great- est worth and always meet with appreciation and we feel that it
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is the duty of those who are in a position to furnish them to keep the columns of The Mennonite well filled with them. People of the future will look to such ar- ticles to discover just what we represent in the religious thought of our times, and our people to- day need to keep in close touch with the thought of the church as expressed in our denominational paper. The pity of it is that those to whom we naturally look for expression through the columns of the pa- per are often so unwilling to give the people of our church the ben- efit of their talents. We hold that a message that is worth anything at all is worth the larg- est possible circulation. Let the editor receive more items of news from all quarters and let the teachers, pastors, and think- ers realize their responsibility, and we promise a continually improving paper. This is the time when most congregations hold their annual business meetings and at such times in many con- gregations correspondents are se- lected to furnish regular informa- tion concerning their work. We hope for a larger interest in this matter and ask that each congre- gation insist that the persons se- lected for this work will do it faithfully and regularly.
CORRESPONDENCE
Salem Mennonite Church, Dal- ton, Ohio, Jan. 4, 1927. — Happy New Year greetings to all the readers! With Mother Earth mantled with a goodly blanket of snow and almost daily more add- ed to it, we feel like saying with Tennyson: “Ring out, wild bells, across the snow. . . .Ring out the false, ring in the true !” The false is that which seems and is not, and the true that which is whether it seems or not. Life, among a multitude of things, is ever a struggle against things that seem and are not. Psalm ninety teaches us what is eter- nally true and our grave respon- sibility to that eternal Truth as against all the transient false- hoods. It is because of this that that psalm is probably read more on New-year’s Day than any oth- er portion of Scripture.
The past year has been one of steady and harmonious labors in our congregation with all its aux- iliaries. The annual report at the business meeting showed a col- lection of about $4,000 for all pur- poses (present membership about 200) of which a total of about $1,600 went to home and foreign Missions and education. We can say the congregation and its aux- iliaries are in a flourishing con- dition. The pastor, A. R. Keiser, — was unanimously re-elected for
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the ensuing year, which speaks well of the esteem in which he stands with his congregation and the harmony that is prevailing And well it may, for the years of turbulent experience it has pass- ed through should have taught it the unforgetable lesson of for- bearance, the burying of petty preference in personalities, and so forth. May we never forget it!
During the last quarter of the past year we were favored with three outstanding visits; one by Mr. O. F. Gilliom of Berne, who told us graphically about his ex- periences and observations while attending the World C. E. Con- vention in London last summer and about his trip through the Continent. Two weeks ago last Sunday we were favored with a visit by Missionary Alfred Ila- begger of Montana, who told us vividly about the work among the Cheyenne Indians there. The evening before, he gave an illus- trated lecture at Dalton.
And the day before New-year, we had the privilege of listening to the gripping story of Mission- ary E. Kaufman about the mis- sion work in China, with its dif- ficulties in that land of political chaos and awakening atheism, but also of the great hope the work gives in its results among the youth.
In November, a Peace Orator- ical Contest, which was carried out throughout the churches of Ohio, was also participated in by nine contestants of our high school members — all girls, The orations were so well rendered that it was difficult for the judges to decide. Miss Martha, daugh- ter of our deacon, D. J. Moser carried off first honors, and she came out second winner in the county contest at Wooster.
N. G. Fankhauser, Corr.
Bethany Church, Quakertown, Pa. — The joyful season of Christ- mas and New-year is past, and we have entered upon another year of service and labor in the Lord’s vineyard. May He grant us grace for greater faithfulness and may we find much joy in His service in the church and its va- rious departments.
In anticipation of the Christ- mas celebration this Sunday school prepared a program of singing, recitations and class exercises, which was rendered on Monday evening, December 27 The service was a simple one and the old familiar carols, accom- panied by the pipe organ and three violins, played by Prof. Russel Boorse and two boys, were sung in a very effective manner. The pastor also made a brief address. The festival was also made the aim to complete the budget of $300.00 to be made
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up for the Harvey Bauman fund, to build a bungalow on the mis- sion field in India, as proposed by the Eastern Conference. $150.00 was contributed on Christmas, 1925, and the balance, and some more, this year. The Young Peo- ple’s Society and others, all inter- connected with the Sunday school, also contributed to this budget.
The pastor preached a fine Christmas sermon on Sunday, December 26, and on January 9 his sermon, in a clear and force- ful manner, outlined the congre- gational activities and privileges for the ensuing year. Brother Daniel W. Landis of Philadel- phia gave us a message on Jan- uary 2, as also at West Swamp and Flatland, the pastor . being somewhat indisposed.
The annual business meeting of the congregation was held on January 4, when the usual rou- tine of business was transacted. Rev. S. M. Rosenberger, the pas- tor, opened the meeting with Scripture and prayer, and presid- ed. The trustees’ report showed the financial condition to be very good. In spite of heavy extra ex- penses, all obligations had been met and left a substantial bal- ance in the treasury. The spir- itual condition was also reported to be healthy and encouraging. There was no addition of num- bers the past year, and no special catechetical instruction. The pas- tor is desirous of organizing a class and hopes there may be such that are ready to come.
Bro. A. G. Moyer, the superin- tendent, reported the Sunday school in splendid condition, the attendance good and teachers faithful. The enrollment is a few over one hundred. Bro. Moyer was re-elected superintendent, Miss Verna Landis, assistant secretary, all other officers being re-elected.
Harrison Trumbower was elected a trustee for three years, and all other officers of the con- gregation whose time had expir- ed, were re-elected.
The annual Year Book of the Swamp charge was authorized to be printed. These booklets con- tain notes of all the activities of the congregations of the charge, officers of all the organizations, financial statements and church membership lists.
It was also decided to issue a monthly leaflet in conjunction with West Swamp and Flatland in the interest of charge, similar to that which was issued in the charge a number of years ago.
One of the future events will be the anniversary of the Adult Bible Class. A committee is at work in preparation for it.
Corr.
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THE MENNONITE
January 20
YOUNG PEOPLE’S DEPARTMENT
YOUNG PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OP THE GENERAL CON- FERENCE
A. R. REISER — Chairman Dalton, O.
ANNA G. STAUFFER 654 E. 79th St., Los Angeles, Cal.
H. T. UNRUH Halstead, Kansas.
A. J. NEUENSCHWANDER 2342 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pa.
"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Ps. 37 :25.
GOD’S CONSTANT MERCY
A sower sowed his seed, with doubts and fears;
“I dare not hope,” he said, "for fruit- ful ears:
Poor hath the harvest been in other years.”
Yet ere the August moon had waxen old,
Fair stood his field, a waving sea of gold,
He reaped a hundredfold!
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In a dark place one dropped a kindly word;
“So weak my voice,” he sighed, “per- chance none heard,
Or if they did, no answering impulse stirred.”
Yet in an hour his fortunes were at stake :
One put a life in peril for his sake, Because that word he spake!
“Little I have to give, O Lord,” one cried.
‘‘A wayward heart that oft hath Thee denied;
Couldst Thou with such a gift be satis- fied?”
Yet when the soul had ceased Us mournful plaint,
God took the love that seemed so poor and faint
And from it made a saint!
— The Sunday Magazine
CRUSADING YOUTH
A little more than a century ago the Established Church of England was shocked at the en- thusiasm that John Wesley was manifesting in the name of relig- ion. The spiritual life of the Church must have been quite low and the venerable Anglican Bish- ops evidently did not want that little spark diffused in what they called “aimless exertions”. We rejoice that the Church of today is inviting enthusiasm of the right kind. Definite efforts are made to enlist in the project of the Church and the youth of the land. The leaders know that if the youth is interested in the cause and work of the Church, they can count on their enthus- iasm, True, youth does not al- ways move along in an even ten- or, but if youth is in earnest they will be willing to temper their ready action with the experience
of age and then real progress will be made. A great crusade that had its inception, and found en- thusiasm for its prosecution, in the Church, is the temperance cause. Years ago many Church- es thought that the temperance cause was without the pale of the Church, but saner judgment won out and today the Church is the main source of support for the crusade. What we hope for is that youth might recognize the seriousness of the situation and add the freshness of their enthu- siasm to drive the drink evil from this fair land of ours. — A. J. N.
POLL ON RELIGION
The country wide poll on re- ligion which is being carried on by two hundred of our daily news papers is creating considerable in- terest. A newspaper poll is never a very accurate index of the real situation and yet where it is hon- estly carried through it does give us at least the pulse of interest.
In one of the larger dailies of the Middle West whose readers are to be found in a large city and the surrounding territory 4500 cast votes in this poll of religion. This number does seemingly not represent a cross- section of that territory because seven out of ten announce them- selves as church members. Con- sequently it appears that church- members availed themselves of the privilege more than did the non-church-goers, just like in a wet and dry straw vote the wets can usually be depended on while the drys are less in evidence.
A number of conclusions can be drawn from the poll results. In the first place, those calling themselves church members are seemingly also believers in the doctrines included in the poll by the same percentage. A num- ber of those calling themselves church members were honeSt enough to admit that they do not attend church regularly. It is of great interest to note that the great majority prefer to live in a religious community, 80% say they had a religious training in childhood and yet only 25% are willing to have family worship in the home for their children. That there is a great need for re- ligious education in the home, Sunday school and public school is quite evident.
But as a whole, the interest taken in this religious census throughout our whole country does show that people are greatly concerned about religion and that in itself is a healthful sign.
Pearls from Our Mission Co- Laborers
VISITATION WORK IN CHICAGO
Visitation work in the city may be very interesting but, at times, it may also become very tiresome.
I just now remember one day when I was doing religious cen- sus taking, it was a very windy, rather cold March day. If you have never lived in Chicago you may perhaps not quite appreciate this, for the wind here often is very strong, so that you have dif- ficulty in going against it, and has a tendency, at times, to come, all of a sudden, from all direc- tions; due, perhaps, to the way it circles around the 'numerous buildings, making it necessary to hold to your hat with both hands for a few moments.
This particular day I had been out all forenoon calling at the homes in our community. Cen- sus taking makes it necessary to say very much the same things over and over and over again. I started out again immediately af- ter lunch, and by the middle of the afternoon, with stair climb- ing, holding almost constantly on to my hat, (which was a rather wide-brimmed one, and the Chi- cago wind loves to play with that kind), and repeating scores of times the same message I was getting very tired, both physical- ly and mentally, and besides I had come across some very un- friendly people, which evidently helped to add weariness. I prom- ised myself that I would work to the end of that block and then go home. Tired and weary I mount- ed the stairs to the next house, rang the bell, and waited ; when lo ! the friendliest woman came to the door. When I explained my mission, she immediately in- vited me into the house, she was much interested and was so nice and friendly to me. I enjoyed my visit with her so much, that rested and refreshed, I worked for the rest of the afternoon.
That woman perhaps never knew just what a help and bless- ing she was to me that afternoon. How little we usually realize how much a kind word and a friendly attitude can do to help people. It is after all the little things which make up life day by day that tend to mar or make it.
Often while visiting certain people you feel that soon they will be won for Christ, and then you keep on visiting them for weeks, and months and finally years have gone by and still they
have not become Christians, and sometimes a person begins to wonder if, after all, the time spent for them is perhaps wasted.
However, when we think of others whom we have visited and to whom we have brought the Gospel, who finally realized their lost condition and came to Jesus Christ for cleansing and have ac- cepted Him as their Saviour and have made Him Lord in their lives, then we know that no word spoken in sincerity for our Lord and Saviour is ever in vain.
How our heart rejoices when we see these faithful ones grow- ing in grace, and in the knowl- edge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. When we hear their earnest prayers, and know their sincere desire to see others brought to a saving knowledge of our Christ, then our heart is glad and rejoices and we feel like saying with the Psalmist “The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad,” and we know that we need never be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Yours in Christ,
Catherine Niswander.
YOUR INFLUENCE IN 1927
How often we meet people who seen to be the personification of our ideal. It is at those times we think that if we could be just like that man or woman we would surely be above reproach from our associates. But no matter how hard we wish it, we shall never be just like that other per- son. Why should we be? Every in- dividual is different, in some respects, from every other; we were made to be different. Each one of us has to live his own life and the attitude we take towards it is going to determine our character, reputation or influence.
Sometimes we console ourselves with the thought that when we grow a little older we are going to be differ- ent. If we do things now by which we would blush to be remembered, we must drop them immediately and act differently because in a few years we shall still be the same person we are now; either we shall have grown a little or shall have degenerated in char- acter. In other words we are either builders or destroyers. In this high- ly socialized age it is theoretically and practically impossible to be one or the other without affecting those about us either favorably or unfavorably.
All of us want to be builders. Why do we ever fail? Would it not be much better if our path were one of continued progress, unbroken by any side tracks?
Sometimes we lose sight of our per- spective of real life. We forget to put first things first. In our ardor to do great things we overlook the little tasks that must be performed faith- fully. After all, the little things count for a great deal. If you think you have a heavy load to carry, you can still find time to smile upon a little child or speak a kind word to someone
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1927.
when such an opportunity offers itself. We young people think we are so hard pressed on every side for our time and strength that we rush about at a fear- ful pace. When we look at Jesus we see that He had a great deal of work to do. The multitudes thronged about Him. Yet He found time to “depart into a desert place to pray and rest.” That made it possible for Him to be in public the calm teacher, physician and friend that He was. What was the secret of his serenity? He did His thinking and fought His battles alone with the Father. The time He spent thus was well repaid. So is ours if we only try it.
At the bottom of our hearts we en- joy having some one looking up to us or at least to have a certain amount of prestige. If only every one of us could realize that the very obstacles which confront our daily path are put there as a means of perfecting our character, we could progress much faster providing we face them square- ly-
We live in a busy crowded world, but in the inner recesses of our mind we can extend to all men love and cheerfulness. When is it that we are really happiest? Is it when some sel- fish desire is gratified? No, it is when we lose ourselves in doing something for a worthy cause or in sharing an- other’s burdens. It is only when we forget self that we can grow bigger and stronger. If we wish to influence those about us we must also pay the price. Influence and power in Christ’s kingdom mean power to serve. We ought never to let one opportunity to do something that may bring another nearer to Christ slip by unheeded In the coming year we shall be challenged anew by the many problems our generation must solve. As a prepara- tion to (meet them let us “build more stately mansions” by exercising love and faith and radiating cheer and kind- ness.
Let us always keep in mind the goal of Life to relieve the monotony of toil and to give us dignity and courage. We pray for world fellow- ship. Let us make our lives testify that we are all His children. There- fore we must listen and speak to the Father often and live, and laugh much.
A Humble Follower
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR MEETING
January 30th, 1927.
A. J. Neuenschwander
“How Show Loyalty to Our Church.” (Denominational Day, Beginning Christian Endeavor Week.) Romans 12; 3-13.
M., Jan. 24. By church attend- ance. Ps. 84; 1-12.
T., Jan. 25. Loyal service. I Tim. 4: 9-16.
W., Jan. 26. Christian humility. I Pet. 5 : 1-7.
T., Jan. 27. Helpers of missions. Phil. 4: 10-19.
F., Jan. 28. Abounding benevol- ence. Rom. 12: 13.
S., Jan. 29. Co-operation. I Cor. 3: 1-10.
The Scripture Brought Down to Date
The Church of Jesus Christ is in principle the most democratic organization on earth.
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Are we in our churches follow- ing out this principle?
Loyalty is shown by members of a church when they willingly perform whatever tasks for which they are fitted.
The Church of Jesus Christ ought to be the source of love and consideration one for anoth- er. Exclusive cliques and groups have no place in the true Church.
Faithfulness under adverse cir- cumstances shows the true state of our loyalty.
Prayer Thought
First, let us get very close to the Master, to feel the warm heart throbs of His love for men. Second, let us seek to carry out with charity, the plans and pro- gram of our denomination, as we feel it given to us by Christ. Third, let us seek to so hold forth our denominational prin- ciples that we might make our contribution to the sum of Chris- tian thought and endeavor.
The Topic Forum
1. When and under what cir- cumstances did the Mennonite denomination come into exist- ence?
2. Can you name three or four of the sixteenth century leaders?
3. What are the outstanding points of distinction of the Men- nonite Church from other de- nominations?
4. Why are you a Mennonite? Simply because you were born into the Church or do you truly agree with the principles of our denomination?
5. What ought to be done so that our denomination ‘would grow more rapidly?
6. Can you name and briefly outline the life of the man that led the way in forming the Gen- eral Conference? See “The Men- nonite” dated December 26th January 6th and 13th.
Loyalty to Our Church
A Church that is built on the teachings of Christ, without any philosophical or ecclesiastical ap- pendages ought to be simple and basic enough to challenge the loyalty of any believer. Our Church is such a Church, and al- though small in numbers, she has been a pioneer in many ways. Our Mennonite forefathers have advocated separation of Church and State, the priesthood of be- lievers, adult baptism on confes- sion of faith, and non-resistance long before any other denomina- tion was ready to agree to these tenets. These principles are be- ing recognized more and more today among other denomina- tions.
How can we show loyalty to our Church? By faithfully carry- ing out the principles laid down by our forefathers. This can be done by lectures and addresses,
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articles in the press. Our leaders ought to write more articles for religious journals that do not confine themselves to one denom- ination. We ought to have a tract system somewhat similar to the Friends. In our Christian Endeavor and Sunday School Con- ventions and the Retreats, the various phases of our denomina- tional life and contribution ought to be discussed.
Illustration
In Krehbiel’s “History of the General Conference”, one need only turn to the chapters that deal with the beginning of the General Conference, the building of the School at Wadsworth, and the opening of our first Mission Field; and sufficient heroism and loyalty will be found to inspire the Mennonite Youth of today to go and do likewise.
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR NOTES
The Senior Christian Endeavor So- ciety of the Immanuel Mennonite church of Los Angeles, Calif., was organized about a year ago, and keeps right on growing. Some who come quite a distance to attend the morning ser- vice, stay in the vicinity of the church to be able to attend the C. E. meeting and evening service, as the trip back and forth to their homes would al- most entail a hardship. The meetings are held in the main auditorium of the church and at the close of the pro- gram the Junior and Intermediate So- cieties come in for the evening ser- vice, which follows immediately.
Our Junior Society was started long before the Senior Society was organ- ized. and it has always been very pop- ular with the little people. It meets in the basement of the church, under the leadership of Miss Burkhalter.
Some of the boys and girls having outgrown the Junior Society, it seemed necessary to organize an Intermediate Society, especially since a number of young people of Intermediate age in the Sunday School had asked for some organization of their own. They are faithful in attendance, eager to take part, and very enthusiastic for their society. Their meetings are held in the Workers’ Home adjoining the church, in the fine, large room recent- ly prepared and equipped for such pur- poses. They have a committee which prepares their own programs under the supervision of their leader, Mr. Ru- dolph Schmidt. Occasionally the Jun- iors and Intermediates take turns in furnishing a song for the evening ser- vice.
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOTES
A Teacher Training Class, which was organized last fall in the Imman- uel Mennonite Sunday School, Los Angeles, is studying Oliver’s "Prep- aration for Teaching”. They have a room for their special use, which is equipped with a wide panel running along two walls, on which are dis- played announcements, posters, maga- zine clippings, pictures, and so on. that may be of interest to the class. A stationary blackboard, various large maps, and a table for reference ma- terial, illustrative objects and curios, all help to give the room the appear- ance of a Teacher’s workshop. It is needless to say that the class is en- thusiastic Mr. H. B. Dirks is the
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teacher.
A recent addition to the Sunday School activities is the Sunday School Workers’ Conference which meets once a month. Two features of special in- terest in the program are the previews of the lessons for the coming month, given by different teachers, and a topic on methods of teaching, psychology, or any other subject of special interest to teachers.
A feature of special interest in the Christmas preparation, and of much value we believe, was the making of a booklet containing the words and mu- sic of six of the favorite Christinas songs and carols, which the Primary Department was studying. The work was done partly by hand and partly with the typewriter and the mimeo- graph. The children were delighted to receive these booklets and took them to their homes. Thus these songs were sung and played in many homes where no other Christian music could be found.
JOHN 3:16
John 3:16 is consecrated theol- ogy. Harry Morehouse preached seven sermons from it on seven consecutive evenings. Luther
called it the "little Bible.” It is the "proposition." of the whole inspired treatise, and has more of God in it than the whole universe besides. We found in it, in a recent medi- tation, an arsenal for the defense and confirmation of the faith.