Olive Trees 1919 - Rparchives.org

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2ECH.4.: 11-14. REV. n :3, 4
VOL. XXXIII JANUARY, 1919 No.
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions, of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Chvirch of North
America in the interest of Mission
Work
C O N T I N U E D
A P P E A L
FOR SYRIAN AND ARMENIAN RELIEF
The appeal of a month ago by the Corresponding Secretary of the
Board of Foreign Missions fpr Syrian and Armenian relief should be emphasized
again. No one can overstate the need of these countries. Their
situation is desperate. The question is how many will survive the present
conditions, and the number who will die will be lessened just as the relief
is increased. So the response should be generous, and should be prompt.
The expected sailin'g of our missionaries in a few days on a government
transport as a relief ship increases our opportunity and should increase
our gifts. Let our missionaries be well supplied. To send them out from
our abundance with empty hands would be to belie their message of Christian
love, and almost to mock the needs of those to whom they go; but to
send them with full hands would be to say in action louder than words that
our Christian faith is real, and our love is true.
Send contributions to Mr. Joseph M. Steele, Treasurer, i6oo Arch
Street, Philadelpiiia, Pa.
Subscription iprice
®ne Dollar a l^ear
.rf'
POSTAGE FREE TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
COIVTEIVTS
Editorials - 265
Some Men who have Helped
China Politically 269
J, French Carithers - 271
Character of the Armenians
One of the Least of These
News from the Field
Women's Department
27+
276
280
285

A Monthly Missionary Journal
O U V E T R E E S
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THE INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 213 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
^-" EDITORS
REV. McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D. D.
REV. ROBERT ANDREW BLAIR, M. A,
Address all Communications to <
REV- M. M. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Plaqe -^^e- - Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable Address : Metheny, Philadelphia
Entered as second-class matter January 6, igi6, at the post office at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
_;/ •
PITTSBURGH
President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Kentucky Avenue, Pittsburgh.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Wallape, 108 Lafayette Avenue, N. S., Pittsbuzgh, Pa.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Esletr, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321 Lehigh Avenue, Pittsburgh,' Pa.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study,, Mrs. E. A. Crooks, 69 Oak Street, Newcastle, Pa.
Sunt, of Children's Bands, Miss Mary McWilliams, 2328 Maple Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Harris, 1312 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Thank Oflfering Secretary, Mrs. J. K. Tibby, Ridge Avenue, Crafton, Pa.
Temperance Secretary, Mrs. W. R. Porljer, 218 Burgess Street, N. S., Pittsburgh.
COLORADO
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, 911 Sfenth Street, Greeley, Colo.
Vice President, Mrs. James Carson, Dejiv^r, Colo.
Secretary ,Mr3. S. B. McClelland, Greeleyi Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. R. S. Orr, Greeley, Col«^.
KANSAS
President, Mrs. J. M. Wylie, 2510 W. 46th Street, Rosedale, Kan.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. F. E. Allen, Superior, Neb.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElfeenny, Sterimg, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. T. B. Boyle, 701 Clay Street, Topeka, Kan.
iLLlNOIS
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. 8th Street, Bloomington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Sparta,illl.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta, HI., R. D. No. 2.
Correspondkig Secretary, Mrs. W, 0. Fergjuson, Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. R. Davis, Princeton, Ind'.

E. M. SOMMERVILLE, D.D. MRS. R. M. SOMMERVILLE
DR. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVE TREES" and editedIt for 29 years.
OLIVE TREBS
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXII JANUARY. 1919 No. 12
EDITORIALS
Our Missionaries Returning.
The way seems to be opening up
sooner and more favorably than we
had expected for the return of our
missionaries to their fields in the
Levant. The American Government
is preparing to send a relief party at
the earliest possible date to the destitute
countries of the Near East. A
Government transport carrying workers
and supplies is to be sent just as
soon as it is possible for it to be prepared.
This expedition is to be under
the charge of the missionary leaders
of the country interested in the work
in these lands. Dr. J. L. Barton, of
the American Board, is the leader.
To our secretary. Dr. Wilson, he has
offered to take all our returning missionaries
free of charge on this vessel,
to allow them to go to their own mission
stations at once, and to supplement
the relief funds with which our
own church can supply them with additional
suppHes and money from the
general funds. The only requirement
is that for a year their main
efforts will be directed toward the
work of relief. This requirement is
not unwelcome, for this would necessarily
be a large part of their work
anyhow for some time to come, and
it would contribute immeasurably to
the effectiveness of their work later.
Besides, in such circumstances the
Christian method is to give relief
first anyway. Christ himself firstfed
the multitudes, then preached to them
the Gospel of the Kingdom.
It was at first intended that this
expedition should start almost at once,
even before the close of the year, but
it has been found necessary to delay
its departure for probably a month.
This will be more favorable for our
own missionaries, for while our secretary
communicated with all of them
in this country at once and found
them all willing to be ready to go at
a very early date, yet the longer time
to prepare will be very acceptable to
them. It is hoped that all of them
may go on this vessel.
this seems, to be a very favorable
opportunity. Going under Government
protection they will have additional
security, and starting with the
first expedition to leave our country
directly for the East they will be at
their work at a far earlier time than
we had expected. This will be a great
account, for all those who are informed
as to conditions in these countries
emphasize the importance of

266 OLIVE TREES
time in renewing and enlarging our
missionary enterprises there. It should
be a matter, not of months, but of
weeks, we are urgently told. Also, for
our missionaries to have Government
aid distributed through their hands
will be of great help to them in their
work, both at the present and in the
future. Altogether this appears to
be a very fortunate opportunity, and
we have reason to thank God and go
forward.
'P T* •¥• ^
Zionism.
One of the incidental results of the
war which is of interest to us is the
new impulse which has been given to
the movement which is called Zionism,
and which has for its object the
establishing of an independent Jewish
nation in the ancient home of Israel
in Palestine. This movement concerns
us also somewhat because if it
is successful it will necesarily affect
in a measure the whole religious life
of the Near East. This project has
long been in the minds of many Jewish
leaders the world around, but it
has lately received fresh impulse because
it seems that the war is to rid
this country of the rule of the Turks,
and thereby open the way for the
establishment of such a nation; and
also because the Allied Governments
have apparently given their approval
to the plan. The British Government
has officially endorsed the project, and
speaking of it Lord Ilobert Cecil,
British Under Secretary for Foreign
Affairs, said, this "was much more
than the recognition of a nationality;
it was the rebirth of a nation."
As an expression of this movement,
and apparently a preparation for its
accomplishment, the foundation of a
Jewish University was laid in the
city of Jerusalem on the 24th of last
July. This was done amidst impressive
scenes and in the presence of the
official representatives of Great Britain,
France and Italy. Also, marking
the progress of the same movement, a
congress of representatives of the
Jewish people recently was held in
Philadelphia, which was described as
the greatest concourse of Jewish
people in recent times, and which endorsed
this project. Also this congress
as one of its acts appointed a
committee to attend the Peace Conference
to be held in Paris, to represent
the claims of the Jewish people
throughout the world, and also the
hopes of the Zionist movement.
There are many Christian people
who look upon this movement as a
fulfillment of prophesy, and regard it
as of great significance in the progress
of the Kingdom. Those especially who
accept that interpretation of Scripture
identified with the pre-millenial
doctrine, a part of which theory is
that a temporal kingdom will be set up
in Jerusalem, think they see in this a
fulfillment of their expectations. It
is to be confessed, however, that frora
all the signs that are now apparent
the Zionist movement holds more of
peril than of promise so far as the
spread of Christianity is concerned.
The new university, for illustration,
will be filledwith teachers more devoted
to rationalism and socialism
than to Christianity, or even the pure
morality of ancient Israel. There will
be there disciples of Spinosa and of
Karl Marx, but none of Jesus Christ.
Besides, the spirit of the Jews is not
at all humble nor are they in the mood
to be teachable. They boastfully claim
that they have been the religious leaders
of the world through all the centuries,
and that when they are again
centered in Palestine that "the law
shall go forth from Jerusalem," and
"Judaism shall supersede Christianity
as the religion of the world." What
God may yet do for these people who
are the seed of Abraham according to
the flesh we do not know, but now at
least neither Christianity nor the
cause of true enlightenment has anything
to expect from the movement of
Zionism nor the University at Jerusalem.

IE MEN WHO HAVE HELPED
CHINA POLITICALLY.
(At our request the Rev. D. Raymond
Taggart is preparing a series of short
biographies under the above title, which
Which will appear during the year. Mr.
'I'aggart is especially qualifled to write these
articles because of his acquaintance with
China and things Chinese and because of
his interest in her political history. They
q^e closely related to history of Christian
iflissions in the great Empire.—Editor.)
The old say­
OLIVE TREES 267
world upside down have come hither
also." The Tai Ping or great peace
rebellion, for so its name means, could
never have occurred but for its relationship
to Christianity. Dr. W. A.
P. Martin says:
"A rebellion that succeeds is never
forgotten, having for its monument
the state or dynasty to which it gives
birth. All others are consigned to
the limbo of
ing that "the
abortions. To
history of a
this law of destiny
n9,tion is made
up of the biographies
of her
great men,"
the move-
m e n t headed
by Kossuth in
Hungary, and
might be restated;the
came so near
that which
story of a political
unbinding our
crisis
own sheafs of
safely passed is
arrows, are no
the biography
exceptions.
of some one
Nor is that of
man. This
the Tai Pings,
paper and any
which after
others that
rolling its sanguinary
flood
may follow will
take up the
over morethan
half the provinces
of China,
stories of some
of the foreign
and threatening
to over­
super-men that
have helped
throw her ancient
paganism
China in some
of her political
crises. Perhaps
no other nation
has ever had
to depend so
much on foreign
aid and
REV. D. RAYM OND TAGGART
along with her
Tartar rulers,
was suppressed
by foreign intervention.
Yet
it deserves to
be remembcrcd
counsel.
The Tai Ping Rebellion and Chinese
Gordon.
if only for the peculiar spirit by
which its leaders were animated."
Hung Siu Chuen, the leader of the
A Chinese, once asked when the revolution, was a stone rejected of the
revolution of 1911 began, replied "The builders, for he failed in the provincial
examinations in Canton. That
day that Robert Morrison (first missionary
to China) landed in Canton."
he afterwards almost attained to the
"These men that have turned the

268 OLIVE TREES
head of the corner can scarcely be
explained by natural causes, and he
would have said that it was the doing
of the Lord, wondrous to all. It was
when he was about twenty years of
age, in 1835, or thereabout while taking
these provincial examinations,
that he came in contact with a native
evangelist, a follower of Robert Morrison,
who gave him the tracts and
the Bible that shaped his destiny. The
seed required time to germinate, for
he was not conscious of deep impressions.
He went home, impaired in health,
to brood over his scholastic failures.
Through his month of sickness he
claimed to have had supernatural
revelations, and to have been washed
from the impurities of his nature, to
have had a new heart given to him,
and to have been introduced into the
majestic presence of one who exhorted
him to lead a virtuous life and
to exterminate demons. He often saw
a man of middle age, whom he called
his elder brother, who instructed him
in matters of virtue, and a change in
his outward life seems to have occurred
during this sickness.
But it was not until six years later
that he understood the visions. In
1843, after the first opium war, his
friend Le, browsing over the foreign
books in Hung's library, found the
religious tract. Hung was astonished
to find in them the key to his revelations.
The venerable old man whom
he had seen on the highest throne was
the Heavenly Father; the one who
had instructed him was Jesus, and the
devils to be exterminated were the
idols. He felt, that he had been 'divinely
commissioned, and he was not
disobedient to his vision.
Hung, Le, and a third person,
Fung-yun-san, seemed to have had extraordinary
powers of persuasion, for
thousands joined themselves to the
"Society of God-worshippers!" In
1848, Hung went to Canton that he
might have expounded to him the way
of God more perfectly, and received
two months' instruction under an
American Baptist missionary, Mr.
Roberts. But he failed to receive baptism,
perhaps because he made that
oft-repeated blunder of the over-zealous
convert, applying for a position
as evangelist when applying for baptism.
Or it is possible that he was
not orthodox on the great crucial
question of the manner of baptism;
for had not he and Le already baptized
each other
The popularity of these new teachers
in the interior provinces soon
stirred up opposition, whether from
Alexander, the coppersmith; or Demetrius,
the silversmith, or others financially
interested, no one seems to
know. Fung-yun-san and another
were cast into prison; where the latter
died. Fung was being deported by
two policemen, but agreed with his
adversaries quickly while they were
on the way, by converting both of
them. Like the Philippian jailer, they,
too, were baptized. Trance revelations,
prophesyings were common in
their meetings, but their import
would indicate that some of them at
least were not from a good source.
But they helped their morale in meeting
the opposition.
Persecution forged them into a
political organization, and Hung at
once organized them into an army
under strict discipline. Their first
object was to punish those who had
said all manner of evil against them.
But so victorious were they that the
movement did not stop there. The
cave of Adullam became the refuge of
the discontented and of all the robber
bands of the country. These all received
the rite of baptism, washing
the chest with a wet towel to signify
the cleansing of the heart. This army
was so victorious that province after
province was added to their domain,
their capital was established at Nankin.
The imperial forces were defeated,
and for thirteen years, 1852-
65, the outcome was uncertain. Foreign
governments at the time were
having their difficulties with the Emperor,
and often were on the verge of

treating with the Tai Pings as the
de facto government of China. Dr.
Martin suggests that the great mistake
of the Tai Pings was in not recognizing
that the foreign merchants
in China were the ones who cast the
deciding vote, and in not taking control
of the coast cities where these
men were doing business.
But the interest of any social movement
is not so much in the territory
overrun as it is in the ideals for which
it stands; here the Tai Ping Rebellion
was an anomaly. The leader, believing
himself to be divinely commissioned,
proclaimed himself head of
the "Peaceful Heavenly Kingdom, Son
of Heaven," and spoke "familiarly of
Jesus Christ as his elder brother. He
compared himself to Moses, whose
work was to receive communications
from God, to exterminate the Canaanites,
and with them idolatry, the
Canaanites, in his case being the
Manchus. The ten Commandments
were considered of great importance,
and the Sabbath (Saturday) observed
with public worship and vociferous
preaching, urging men to obey God,
and to be faithful to His vicegerent,
the new Emperor, and fight bravely
to establish the "heavenly dynasty."
The army often knelt in prayer before
the battle, and fought with a zeal
worthy of their faith. They were
lenient to those who submitted without
opposition, but slaughtered without
mercy men, women and children
of those towns resisting them.
Some of their hymns might be substituted
with advantage for some now
in use in Christian churches. They
continued the civil service examinations,
but substituted the Bible for
the works of Confucius, choosing texts
from it for the essay competitions.
Was it any wonder that such a movement
spreading rapidly over the empire
should have led many missionaries
to think that the longed-for-day
had come
But the hope was of short duration.
Success was too much for the leaders.
Many of them fell in battle. Those
OLIVE TREES 269
who survived became arrogant. Hung
claimed that his revelations superseded
those of the Bible. He lived in
polygamy, as did many of his followers.
The throne of iniquity, robbery
and violence could not retain divine
fellowship or blessing either.
Rev. Roberts, Hung's teacher, was
invited to take an office, and accepted
over the protests of his consul. He
did not find the place congenial, and
soon went back to his work at Canton.
The Kingdom of God cometh not by
observation but is like leaven, or a
grain of mustard seed.
Two things kept the Tai Ping Rebellion
from finalsuccess. Lord Elgin,
England's Ambassador, would have
recognized this as the de facto government
of China, but the French
Ambassador opposed, since he considered
it a protestant movement. Then
the gentry of Shanghai raised a large
sum of money to protect their city,
and engaged an American, Gen. Frederick
Ward, to train an army to defend
the city. Ward was a seaman,
with military talents, and the firstto
demonstrate the possibility of training
Chinese soldiers to use Western
methods. The army was composed of
Chinese, Americans, English, Germans,
French, Spaniards, Italians,
Poles and Greeks. So successful was
it that it came to be known as the
"Ever-Victorious Army."
When Ward was killed, Colonel
Forrester, next in command, declined
the position, and Burgevine, also an
American, came into the place. He
was a descendant of one of Napoleon's
marshals, and seems to have
had hopes of the empire for himseU.
Fortunately, he disagreed with Li
Hung Chang, who at that time was
Governor-General of the Kiang provinces.
The command was then given
to "Chinese" Gordon, but Burgevine
continued to be a source of trouble;
now fighting on the side of the iai
Pings, now surrendering for safety to
Gordon, now betraying Gordon, now
suggesting to Gordon that the two ot
them take the country for their own

270 OLIVE TREES
advantage, until he was deported by
the American consul to save him from
a worse fate. But he returned still
hunting trouble, and was accidentally
drowned by a Chinese rocking his
boat—on purpose. All the foreign
diplomats were unanimous that the
accident was excusable, whether unavoidable
or not.
Gordon was the man who was to
build on Ward's foundation, and enter
into his labors. Not that Gordon
needed that glory to make his name
illustrious; for, though only thirty
years old, he had already fought with
credit at Sebastopol, and was still to
do immortal work in the Soudan in
suppressing slavery, and as an explorer
in Palestine, so that his work
in China seems but an incident in
his busy and useful life. Though he
eclipsed Ward, the latter was not forgotten
by the grateful Chinese, who
erected a memorial temple for his
spirit at Sungkiang, dedicating it by
offering incense and roast pigs to said
ghost.
During sixteen months under Gordon,
the "Ever-Victorious Army" had
taken four cities and a dozen minor
strongholds, fought innumerable combats,
and put fifteentimes their own
numbers out of the fighting, and left
the rebellion now confined to its capital
city well under the control of the
Imperial forces. Space will not permit
of many details.
Twice during the sixteen months
Gordon was on the verge of resigning
his charge. At the surrender- of
Wokong, four thousand prisoners
were taken, among them many chief
men. It was a regular thing for the
captives to join the army they had
been fighting, and the Imperial General
Ching received fifteen hundred of
these captives for recruits, promising
Gordon that they should receive good
treatment. With characteristic perfidy,
Ching beheaded five of the leaders.
This so incensed Gordon that he
went to Shanghai to resign his command,
but learning that Burgevine
had left the city with three hundred
of the European rabble to join the
rebels he dared not leave the country
to their mercy.
Likewise at the surrender of Soochow,
Li Hung Chang murdered six
of the leaders, after faithfully promising
Gordon that their lives would
be spared. This time Gordon armed
himself and went to avenge the lives
of his captives in person, but Li had
hidden out. In recognition of Gordon's
exploit at Soochow, the Government
at Peking conferred a medal and
some $17,000, but Gordon replied:
"Major Gordon receives the approbation
of His Majesty, the Emperor,
with every gratification, but regrets
most sincerely that owing to circumstances
that have occurred since the
capture of Soochow he is unable to
receive any mark of His Majesty, the
Emperor's, recognition, and therefore
respectfully begs His Majesty to receive
his thanks for his intended kindness,
and to allow him to decline the
same."
After a period of inactivity, the
Victorious Army again entered active
service, completing the subjugation
of the "Long-haired Rebels." The Chinese
Emperor made Gordon a Ti Tu,
Commander-in-Chief, the highest military
title, and conferred the rare
Imperial decorations of the Yellow
Jacket and the Peacock's Feather.
But the Tai Ping Rebellion was not
without results. The cost was appalling;
hundreds of miles of blackened
walls and heaps of ruins, depopulated
towns and uncultivated lands, thirteen
years of anxiety, and fifty million
human lives. But the Manchus
had begun to fall, though it required
fifty years to complete their dethronement.
Idols, too, had lost much of
their prestige by failing to protect
themselves, and the people who had
worshipped them. It showed the Chinese
the necessity of Christian conduct
as well as profession, to win the
favor of Christian nations, and it had
given outside nations an opportunity
to demonstrate their willingness to
help China.

J. FRENCH CARITHERS
We, the Forum of the R. P. Sem-
J^ary, composing ihe student body,
^^sire to express in a public way our
ipitimation and appreciation of John
I'j'ench Carithers, whose presence
j^^S been removed from us by the
h^nds of a loving and all-wise God.
graduating from Geneva College in
l^i|.2, he sailed for Syria that fall
uii^er appointment of our Foreign
Mission Board and taught in the boys'
scJipol at Mersine for three and onehalf
years. Desiring to fit himself
fo|i a more responsible position in the
work of the Kingdom he returned to
America and entered the seminary in
September, 1917. ,
Hp was the only member enrolling
injfiat year's class.
flis knowledge of Arabic, gained on
the jnission field, made him proficient
in llis grasp of Hebrew; this, together
witH his breadth of information, maturity
of judgment and logical mind,
ma^e him specially qualified for his
chQgen vocation, the gospel ministry.
A diligent student and vitally interested
in the work of the Church, he
wap identified with Christian activity
aloiig many lines. He was president
of the Iowa Young People's Presbyterial,
taught classes in the Sabbath
schools of the First Allegheny congregation
and Spring Garden Mission,
and was planning to conduct a study
during the winter of "The Lure of
Africa" in connection with the Covenanter
young people of the North
Side, Pittsburgh.
To us, his life and labors seemed
to be but opening upon the golden
prospects of the morning of life's possibilities,
but to the Infinite Wisdom
his course was complete, his work
finished. His desk at the Seminary
is unoccupied, his seat is empty, and
we hope and pray that the mute appeal
of this vacant chair will be eloquent
every calling home in the every youth throughout congregation of Covenanter the Church and faith
in
OLIVE TREES 271
FRENCH CARITHERS
and training to the standards of Zion.
We are passing through a great
world struggle, and in the overthrow
of that form of sin' and oppression
represented by Germany, the Covenanter
Church has been honored in
the way her young men have responded
to the Nation's call, serving
under arms and in the great industrial
world. We now face a higher call
from a greater Commander, to a more
glorious service and in a crisis period
of Christian progress. Will not many
of our young men catch this vision
and hear this call and rise and offer
themselves willingly to fillup this
gap
This soldier of the Cross has fallen
in an hour when it seemed there was
not one to spare, but we bow to the
will of the Head of the Church, believing
that all is well and hoping that
more may be accomplished in French's
death than he could have accomplished
in his life.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out
to his parents and relatives, assuring
them of our mutual loss in this mysterious
providence.

272 OLIVE TREES
A MEMORIAL GIFT FROM THE
AGED PEOPLES' HOME
Olive Trees,
Philadelphia, Pa.
We, the friends and members of
the Aged Peoples' Home, wish to place
on record in a way which will help on
the cause of Christ our appreciation
of the beautiful life which the late J.
French Carithers lived among us. We
feel that what would please him best
would be a gift to the Syrian Mission,
which was so dear to his heart. We
therefore gladly make this contribution
of $24.50 to the cause to which
it was his desire to give his life, and
our prayer is that it may be blessied
to the conversion of many souls in
that far-off land.
Friends in prayer meeting, of which
he was a member, have added to this
sum $15.50, and another friend, Mrs.
John T. Morton, has contributed $60,
with the specification that it be used
for the relief of the starving Armenians.
This makes a total of $100,
which we offer as a memorial to him.
Mrs. John A. Russell,
A COVENANT.
Matron.
The following Covenant entered
into by the missionaries in China
shows the spirit in which they are
looking at their work and their need
for the proper equipment. May God's
richest blessing rest upon them all
and may the Holy Spirit be enabled
to work through them all His will.
"We, the undersigned, do solemnly
pledge ourselves to devote at least one
hour each day to prayer and Bible
study, in preparation for the coming
conference of foreign and native
workers.
Further, we covenant together to
pray definitely for the following
things:
1. That God may lead us to know
the innermost depths of our hearts
as they are known to Him.
2. That God may help us each one
to see the weakness and inefficiency
of our own work rather than that of
others.
3. That we may be willing to confess
our faults to one another and also
to the Chinese; if the Holy Spirit so
directs.
4. That we may be filledwith love
for our fellow-workers—both foreign,
and Chinese.
5. That God may send upon the
Chinese Christians a conviction of
sin and a willingness to confess the
same.
6. That both they aiid we may be
filled with a passion for souls.
7. That the Holy Spirit may be
present in power at the coming Conference
to guide and direct in plans
for winning this fieldfor Christ."
V/ill not all the Church at home
unite in the same prayer, not only for
those in China, but for all our workers
at home and abroad, in all lines of
A NOTABLE CONFERENCE.
work
It was held on December 17th, in
the conference room of the Committee
of Reference and Counsel at 25 Madison
avenue. New York City. The
suggestion for such a conference came
from the Executive Committee of Foreign
Missions of the Presbyterian
Church in the United States, with
headquarters in Nashville, Tenn. The
suggestion found a ready response
from many others. It developed in
the following form:
"Meeting as the world war ends
with victory to the forces fightingfor
freedom, and feeling that if peace is
to be permanent and the war is to be
followed by an era of good-will that
shall hasten the realization of human
brotherhood, it must be through the
world-wide dissemination and practice
of the teachings of Jesus, we recommend
that this Executive Committee
of Foreign Missions through our
Chairman, Rev. James I. Vance, invite
the Foreign Mission Boards of North
America, the Y. M. C. A., and the Y.
W. C. A., to plan for a simultaneous
missionary drive to be conducted by

all the Protestant evangelical churches
of North America, to raise a sufficient
fund for the equipment and support of
all their foreign mission work, and to
recruit a sufficient force of evangelists,
teachers, doctors and nurses to
go to the front, that the non-Christian
world may be immediately evangelized
and Christian education, medical and
sanitary work, and social service may
be adequately done in un-Christian
lands.
In order that this may be initiated
at once, we ask for the appointment of
delegates to meet in New York, December
17th, to confer and report to
the annual conference of Foreign Mission
Boards in January."
The conference was held as proposed,
with Dr. James I. Vance, the
prime mover in the project, in the
chair. The attendance and representation
were good. From the very
beginning, until the close, there was a
manifest presence of the Holy Spirit
in the prayers and deliberations. A
unity of desire and spirit prevailed,
without attempt to force mechanical
unity of organization.
After a season of waiting upon God,
three brief and notable addresses were
made by the chairman. Dr. Vance, Dr,
Robert E. Speer and President Campbell
White, of Wooster College, Ohio,
These addresses were requested for
publication and will doubtless be
found soon in some of our religious
periodicals. It is not possible to convey
here the burden and spirit of
them. The large part of the day was
given to hearing reports of efforts on
the part of different agencies to meet
the pressing needs in the world situation
and in discussing conditions and
suggestions. Dr. Foulkes outlined
the "New Era Movement" of the Presbyterian
Church of North America;
Dr. Tailor described the great "Forward
Movement" of the Methodist
OLIVE TREES 273
Episcopal Church; kindred activities
among the Baptists, Disciples and
others were described. In substance,
it is an effort to deepen the spiritual
life of professing Christians in every
congregation by faithful attention to
private prayer, family religion, the
mid-week prayer-meeting and other
avenues of grace, and give expression
to new life in stewardship of time,
money and service. In other words,
an effort to prepare the people for the
needs of the hour in every phase of
the Kingdom situation, setting the
needs before them in whole and in
detail, and then relating the people
and the needs. The dominant thought
of the conference was the urgency of
such work and the importance of cooperation
by all Protestant Christian
communions, through their existing
organized agencies for the attainment
of the end.
The issue of the Conference is expressed
in the adopted resolutions
which are as follows:
Moved, That it be the sense of this
meeting, that there should be a united
campaign in behalf of the missionary
and benevolent work of the evangelical
churches of North America, as
represented by their organized national
boards or agencies and such .|ffiliated
interdenominational agencies
as it may be found wise to include
after further conference.
Moved, That the Chair appoint a
committee of fifteen, of which the
Chair shalKbe one, for the purpose of
preparing a plan to be submitted to
the Home Missions Council and the
Foreign Missions Conference in January,
1919.
Moved, That this committee be requested
to arrange if possible for a
Joint Meeting of the Home Missions
Council and the Foreign Missions
Conference and such other agencies as
would naturally be involved when a
plan as presented by this committee
and as revised by the conferences may
be submitted for finalapproval.
Arthur A. Samson.

274 OLIVE TREES
CHARACTER OF
THE ARMENIANS
(The following is an extract from an
appeal for Syrian and Armenian relief
issued by the Philadelphia Committee, and
which is of interest as indicating the high
personal qualities of these persecuted people.
The appeal of this committee to the
President of the United States is also given.
—Editor.)
The Armenians are widely distributed
through the present Turkish
empire. They are very successful in
business, and also in the professions
and the handicrafts, and they are
enterprising cultivators of the soil.
They are far the most important
factor, then, in the reclamation of the
Near East. In the current number
of The World's Work, Mr. Morgenthau,
recently our Ambassador to
Turkey, says of them:
Character of the People by
Morgenthau and Others.
"For ages they have constituted the
most civilized and most industrious
race in the eastern section of the Ottoman
empire. From their mountains
they have spread over the Sultan's
dominions and form a considerable
element in the population of all the
large cities. Everywhere they are
kfflown for their industry, their intelligence
and their decent, orderly lives.
They are so superior to the Turks intellectually
and morally that much of
the business and industry had passed
into their hands. With the Greeks the
Armenians constitute the economic
strength of the empire. . . . These
Christians fought, both as officers and
soldiers, in the ItaHan and Balkan
wars, winning high praise from the
Turkish generals for their valor and
skill."
In regard to their fightingcapacity
Sir Edwin Pears, for forty years an
English lawyer in Constantinople,
says in chapter xii of "Turkey and Its
People." "Wherever they have had
a fighting chance they proved their
courage." The highest possible confirmation
of these opinions is given by
General Allenby, commander of the
British army in Syria, who sent to
Boghos Nubar, president of the Armenian
National Delegation in Paris, a
telegram, saying: "I am proud to have
had under my command an Armenian
contingent which has fought so brilliantly,
and has taken a great part in
our victory." Sir Edwin says further
:
"In some respects the Armenians
are the most interesting people in Asia
Minor. They are physically a fine
race. The men are usually tall, wellbuilt
and powerful. The women have
a healthy look about them, which suggests
good motherhood. They are
ancient people of the same Indo-
European race as ourselves, speaking
an allied language. During long centuries
they held their own against
Persians, Arabs, Turks and Koords.
In the economic struggle for life
against alien races they and the Jews
have managed to hold their own; but
unlike the Jews, a large proportion
of them have remained tillers of the
soil. In commerce they are successful
not only in Turkey, but in Russia,
France, England and India.
Though subject to persecution for
centuries under Moslem rule they
have always, though sometimes after
long and arduous struggle, managed
to make their race respected. Notwithstanding
a long series of massacres,
in one of the latest of which,
that under Abdul Hamid in 1894-97,
probably at least 250,000 of them
were killed or died from exposure, the
race has continued to increase. It is
prolific and comparatively free from
the deadly maladies of immorality,
which, unless checked, will exterminate
the Turkish race.
"They are thriving merchants in
India and Persia, make splendid agricultural
colonists in the United States,
where there are already three or four
considerable towns almost exclusively
composed of them, and are found in
almost every country in Europe,
. I believe the Armenian race to

e the most artistic in Turkey. . .
. They have great mental capacity.
The Greeks may excel them in quickness
of perception and vivacity, but
the Armenian has a steadiness, a
thoughtfulness and a canniness about
him which is of value. Armenians
and Greeks have furnished the brain
of the Turkish empire through the
last two centuries."
Unexpected Evidence in Favor of the
Armenians.
The Rev. George H. Hepworth was
sent to Armenia after the massacres
of 1894-96, by the New York Herald,
which had been rather friendly to the
Turkish Government, and was not
in the least partial to the Armenians.
He made his trip personally conducted
by three aides-de-camp of the
Sultan, but .his testimony was that
"The Turk is extremely jealous of
the Armenian, jealous of his mental
superiority, of his thrift and business
enterprise. He has, therefore, resorted
to oppression, and his steady purpose
has been, and is now, to keep his victims
poor. . . . The Turk has
conquered the Armenian by force of
arms, but the Armenian has the better
of the Turk by force of brains."
In view of the responsibility of the
German Government for the Armenian
deportations and massacres of
the present war, German testimony
to the superiority of the Armenians
is important. A German teacher m
the German technical school in Aleppo,
who resigned his appointment
as a protest against the Armenian
atrocities in 1915, records his judgment
in an open letter to the Reichstag.
(This letter of Dr. Martin Niepage
was printed by the Swiss Committe
for Armenian Relief at Basle.)
He says: ^ ., ...
"The Young Turk is afraid of the
Christian nationalities — Armenians,
Syrians and Greeks—on account ot
their cultural and economic superiority,
and he sees in their religion a hindrance
to Turkifying them by peaceful
means. They must, therefore, be
OLIVE TREES 275
exterminated or converted to Islam
by force. . . . The Turks, the
least gifted of the races living in Turkey,
are themselves only a minority
of the population, and are still far
be'dnd the Arabs in culture. . . .
Of all our pupils the pure Turks are
the most unwilling, and the least talented."
Strong German Testimony.,
A
German memorial, which could
only be printed privately, and which
is quoted by A. J. Toynbee in his
pamphlet on Turkey, says:
"The extermination of the Armenian
population means not only the
loss of from 10 to 25 per cent, of the
total population of Anatolia, but,
what is most serious, the elimination
of those elements of the population
which are the most highly developed
economically and have the greatest
capacity for civilization."
Dr. Paul Rohrbach, now or recently
of the German Colonial Office, and a
prolific writer in the interest of Pan-
Germanism, said in a lecture just before
the war: "Our ulterior object in
this is to strengthen the Turkish empire
internally with the aid of German
science, education and training,
and for this work the Armenians are
indispensable." Of an incident of the
Armenian massacres of 1909, Dr.
Rohrbach says in his book on tne
Bagdad Railway: "The first thing
the Turkish peasants did, was to destroy
all the steam plows and nearly
all the threshing machines (there
were over a hundred of them), which
the Armenian villagers had imported
for the cultivation of the Cilician
^^T'report of the American Consul
at Aleppo, August, 1915, said of the
attempted extermination of the Arme
"''S 90 per cent, of the commerce
of the interior is in the hands of the
Armenians the country is facmg runu
There will not be left m tne
places evacuated a single tanner,
Soulder, blacksmith, tailor, carpen-

276
OLIVE
TREES
ter, clay worker, weaver, shoemaker,
jeweler, pharmacist, doctor, lawyer,
or any of the professional people or
tradesmen, with very few exceptions."
Recommendation of the Armenian
Relief Committee.
The Armenian Relief Committee of
Philadelphia respectfully submits to
the-President of the United States the
following conclusions, which it has
reached:
I. Justice demands that the Turkish
officials primarily responsible for
the deportations and massacres of
Armenians in this war suffer punishment.
II. That the Turkish Government
be required to surrender Constantinople
and remove to Konia, and that
its jurisdiction be limited to that part
of Asia Minor west of Armenia, possibly
reaching the Sea of Marmora,
but neither the Bosphorus nor the
Dardanelles, and that an agent of the
Allied Governments and the United
States of America reside in Konia
with powers similar to those of British
residents at the Courts of the
Native Prince of India, for the purpose
of protecting the Christian and
Jewish subjects of the Konia Government,
and restraining this Government
from the grosser forms of injustice
and oppression.
III. That an independent Sovereign
State of Armenia be created, extending
east to the Caspian Sea, north
to the Black Sea and the Caucasus,
west to the Kizil Irmak, and thence
to the Mediterranean, and south to a
line running approximately east from
a point on the Mediterranean south
of Alexandretta, the northwestern
corner of Persia being obtained by
purchase.
IV. That the organization of this
State, and its protection by armed
force during its infancy be assumed,
with the consent of the Allies, by the
United States of America, the nation
least interested politically and most
interested philanthropically in the
Near East, citizens of which have
lived many years in this region and
are pre-eminently qualified to direct
the work of relief, resuscitation and
reorganization.
V. That as the United States has
made loans to Belgium and Servia,
it make a loan for a long period at a
nominal rate of interest to the State
of Armenia, for the purpose of bringing
back the survivors of the departed
and other Armenians who desire to
make their homes in their ancestral
country, to erect houses, to provide
agricultural implements, and to construct
such roads and bridges as are
absolutely essential to the agricultural
and commercial development of the
country.
ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE.
I was glad to findin my desk when
I returned to the Mission this little
note I had left there:
"Dear Miss McFarland.
"I am sorry I was bad. I will try
to be good.
Cyrus L ."
It was written by our little Jewish
lad across the street one day after he
had been a little disobedient. He was
one of the victims of the dreadful epdemic
and we miss him very much
these days.
For over a year he had been a frequent
visitor. An accident on the
street that almost took his life was
the means of our getting in touch with
him when Miss Forsjrth visited him in
the hospital and won the gratitude of
the family.
Later when a visitor here expressed
surprise that he was so well and
strong he looked up and said in a positive
tone, "God took care of me." In
Sabbath School when the teacher of
his class asked each one to tell of some
one whose trouble Jesus had taken
away, intending to review the Bible
stories of past Sabbaths, Cyrus was
the first to answer and said "My
trouble."
Miss Forsyth, writing me of his

death, said, "What a privilege we
have enjoyed in being allowed to teach
Cyrus this past year." My sister
wrote "How many hundred trips you
both took up ahd down stairs to admit
that little chap, but you had the
chance you needed, and how worth
while it all was."
When he was taunted by his playmates
because he came into our building
and was told he would "get a sickness
for coming," he called back to
them, "You will get a bad sickness
because you don't come."
Once he said, "The boys on the
street always bother me to tell them
stories," and when asked what he told
them said, "Oh, about Adam and Eve
and Elisha." All the Bible characters
he learned of were very real to him.
He was one of our most regular
readers, and called early in the morning
that he might be the one to put
the date on the page for that day. As
he wrote his name it was his own idea
to put a number showing how many
times he read. On August 28, when
he read for the 100th time I said we
will read something very good today,
and chose for him part of Rev., 21st
chap. So he wrote after his name,
"Today I read about the Heavenly
Home." We were always surprised
at his understanding of what he read
for he needed much help with unfamiliar
words. Later he wrote as his
verse for the day, "They shall see His
face."
In all he read during the summer
118 times. Almost the last day he
came in he read his favorite story of
the Garden of Eden. When Miss Forsyth
asked him who only could open
up the Way back to Paradise he
answered promptly "Jesus," and then
looked up and said with a bright face
"I wish every one loved Jesus."
My sister, who learned to know this
little lad during her stay here last
spring, writes, "What a terrible thing
it would have been if this true faith of
a dearest yet little hardened child to him, had because whose been broken they hearts knew were by those not as
OLIVE TREES 277
Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. But
the Lord, who had guarded his body
from the crushing wheels, was watching
over the precious soul, and when
he saw that danger threatened it He
reached down and took the little one
that believed in Him unto His own
House to be safe with him forever."
Among the many, many who are
left, whose ring at our door bell causes
frequent trips up and down the stairs,
there may be some whose time to
learn is short. We are glad to note
the interest they have in their Bible
readings, and their understanding
of what they read.
We are helped by letters from
friends who speak of their interest in
these people among whom we work,
and we would ask for their prayers
that we may not be allowed to fail in
using any of the opportunities that
are put in our way in teaching even
the least of these of their Saviour and
the Way of Salvation.
Efforts are always successes. It is
E. M. McFarland.
a greater thing to try without succeeding
than to succeed without trying.
In God's measurement of men, great
souls are often found in obscure
place, while pigmies pose on pedestals.
A BETTER WAY.
If grieving killed our grief
And brought a sweet relief.
From woe releasing,
I'd say, from dawn to dawn
Grieve on, and on, and on.
With tears unceasing.
Yet better cure for woe—
I've tried it and I know—
Is joyous thinking. ,
And so when things that smart
Strike deeply in my heart.
With cheer unshrinking
I think joy all the day.
And smile my tears away.
John Kendrick Bangs.
(C. 1918.)

278 OLIVE TREES
"BROAD-MINDED" RELIGION. periority of either Germany or England,
Of all persons who hinder the progress
and even of the comparative
of religious thought, possibly the righteousness and usefulness of Mr.
most effective is the man who is Bryan and Mr. Roosevelt. And yet
broad-minded without being deepminded.
It takes an exceptionally man for being a narrow-minded ass,
there he sits, pitying his poor clergy­
gifted man, one of unusual intellectual and saying, "One church, one religion,
powers and mentality rarely disciplined,
to be "broad" without spiritual —Atlantic Monthly.
one philosophy is as good as another.
deterioration. It has been well said
HINDUS REACHED THROUGH
that one's religion is like a river.
When a river breaks over its wellestablished
and ancient banks, unless Mr. F. S. Brockman, associate gen­
APPLIED CHRISTIANITY.
it is a stream remarkably deep, it will eral secretary of the Internatioiml
quickly degenerate into an odorous Y. M. C. A., tells in The Missionary
and malarial swamp. Obviously the Review of the World for October, a
best thing to do with ordinary rivers
is to keep them within their ancient
story of the first Y. M. C. A. secretaries
to accompany Indian troops:
bounds. An extraordinary religious "Then what happened Among
soul may break over the banks and Orientals the lowest man on earth is
hew out new channels successfully. a barber. In China the only man
The ordinary man, breaking over the
former restraints in an intense desire
to be "broad," usually accomplishes
nothing except his own spiritual stagnation
whose sons are not eligible for the
public examinations is the barber. At
first there was nothing for the secretaries
to do; but finally the hair of
and the annoyance of his the Indian soldiers began to grow and
neighbors.
needed cutting; and although they
For a spiritual genius like Phillips themselves were of the lowest class,
Brooks, to take only one example, one there was not one of them who was
can have nothing but admiration; for low enough to act as barber to
in breaking over the bounds of conventional
religion he did not abandon these university men, who were called
another. And then came the time of
them. He appreciated their value and 'sahib' by the Indians. They said:
sought merely to broaden the old 'This is the thin^ for us to do.' And
channel. But it is with a very different
feeling that one observes the bers. It was not long before those
they started around serving as bar­
genial gentleman who enlivens an soldiers began writing home, saying:
after-dinner smoke with the smiling 'When we left home there was no
and patronizing remark to the clergyman
present, "Well, I'm broad-minded souls; there was no Hindu priest on
Mohammedan who cared for our
enough to know that one church is as the boat; there were no Buddhists
good as another." Of course he is who looked after us; but these Christians,
they have been brothers to us;
broad—swamp-broad, and covered
with a rich intellectual scum which they have acted like they were servants
to us. There is nothing they
prevents his knowledge what arrant
nonsense he is uttering. He knows have not done for us. Put my daughter
or my son into the missionary
that one cigar is not as good as another;
that one bar is not the equal school. We want to know what the
of every other bar; that Henry James Christian religion is.'
and Robert Chambers are not equal
as novelists; that Beethoven and Irving
Berlin are not occupants of the
Each church should support two
pastors—one for the thousands at
same musical plane. He has very home, the other for the miUions
definite opinions as to the moral su­
abroad.—Jacob Chamberlain.

OLIVE TREES 279
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelpbia, Penna.
It is with much sadness that we
make mention of the death of Mr. J,
French Carithers on December 2. Mr!
Carithers passed away in a Pittsburgh
hospitla. Death came from an attack
of pneumonia. Our Mersine Mission
has lost a good and faithful worker
and the church and cause of Christ a
talented and consecrated young man.
"His ways are not our ways, neither
are His thoughts our thoughts."
* * * *
A very interesting letter has come
from our good friend. Rev. Samuel
Edgar, written from Tiberias, on the
shore of Galilee. Unfortunately Mr.
Edgar forgot to date his communication,
but from the contents of the
letter we know that it is of comparatively
recent date and we are sure it
will be of general interest. It follows:
• "It would have done our heart good
for three new moons to have seen
the remains of Turkish and German
equipment scattered all over the plains
of Jezreel. It was a delight as we
came along the way from Jerusalem
to see the havoc wrought by our victorious
army. The Germans and
that has gone over Palestine with
the rapidity of a torrent and the effectiveness
of a line of tanks. Hurrah!
We have been kept exceedingly busy.
Our little circle has been on the whole
in good health. You will be glad to
know we were all selected for important
places. Evangeline Metheny was
sent to a refugee camp as matron and
superintendent. The refugees have
now been sent home, since their villages
are no longer in dangerous territory.
She has been sent to Haifa, one
of our new centres. It is one of the
finest ports on the whole coast for
beauty of situation. Florence Mearne
was chosen as matron of the "Schueller
Institute," now known as the Syrian
Orphanage. The British asked
our Red Cross unit to take it over. It
is, perhaps, the best equipped in the
whole land, has a school for the blind
and all the important branches of industrial
work. • Captain Nichol is
superintendent of it. Livingstone
Metheny and I have important places,
are general roustabouts. Of course,
you know it takes big men for that,
Quite recently I have been Director
of the Employment and Relief Bu­
Turks were leaving for the north via reau. Then I was asked by the Colonel
Nazareth but ere they got far they
to come up with a sector of the
were met by (censored), who had unit to care for a cholera epidemic
gone around another way and thus
they were cut off. But why repeat
which the British found on taking
over a new place. We certainly found
these things, for you have the news awful conditions, but for the last
in detail far more than we have. But forty-eight hours no new cases. More
it was as good as an Irish wake to than half died of those brought to the
see the thousands of Turks being hospital. The place is mostly inhabited
by Jews. For beauty of scenery
brought into Jerusalem and the hundreds
of Germans, sometimes driving
I doubt if it is surpassed in Palestine,
their own trucks as they came. Now,
apart from some of the scenery. One
sir, praise the Lord that Palestine and
of the great wonders concerning the
Syria are promised a new day! Had
rumor yesterday that AUeppo had
great multitudes still found here-—
fallen, but this seems too swift to be
having rejected the Master and His
true, though I expect it will soon fall ! Jove they are still poor and miserable,
once that cavalry of ours gets there •^"blind and naked.

280
OLIVE
TREES
"Now I must close. With love to
you and all your good people."
* * * *
Mrs. A. J. McFarland wrote from
Geneva, Switzerland, on October 29.
The card received from her sister, to
which she refers was forwarded at
her request to her daughter, Miss
Margaret. Mrs. McFarland says:
"Have just time for a hurried note.
It is not long since I wrote you. I
am enclosing a card I received from
my sister in Latakia last Saturday
night. It is the only post of any kind
we have had from Turkey for some
weeks. Of course everything is interrupted,
and it is surprising how it
came through. It was written some
days after General Allenby's great
drive, but at least two weeks before
the British troops reached Latakia,
according to the newspapers. How
glad she and Mrs. Stewart would be
to see those autos whirling in. That
is, if the Turks left them there until
the British arrived. There is such a
thing as them being sent away first.
But I don't like to think of that. Mr
McFarland wrote me that he had tried
to get permission to go to them, but it
was impossible. Perhaps before you
will get this you will have later and
good word from them. It seems now
as if it cannot be very much longer
until I get away. I can hardly wait."
Doctors are such busy men that
letters from them should be doubly
appreciated, especially when they are
of such generous length as this one
from Dr. J. M. Wright, of the Canton
Hospital, and when Dr. Wright did
not use a typewriter. It was October
15 when he wrote:
"I thank you for your letter of information
in regard to the action of
Ssmod. This should have been acknowledged
sooner but I trust to your
good nature to forgive. I certainly
feel very grateful to the Board in
this matter and would like to thank
each one of you personally. I feel we
are acting in harmony with God's will
in this work.
"Within two weeks I, with two
others, have had the privilege of presenting
to the Governor, Hon. Woo
Ting Fong, and the Hon. Mr. Chui,
who represents San Yat Sin, the interests
of the hospital. This reminds
me that the Canton Hospital is more
widely known than any other hospital
and that it will meet with a sympathetic
hearing in China, the U. S. A.,
Britain and the British possessions.
Jesus Christ certainly touches many
people through this work. All of our
doctors and nurses are Christians—
eight doctors and thirty-two nurses.
"We have the medical students here
for clinics and lectures several times
a week. Our clinics are opened by
prayer. Some of our patients have
come to the Light. One patient from
the western border of Kwong Sai
professed to believe and was given
a letter to the nearest mission there.
Word has been received from the missionary
in charge there that this
former patient has been baptized and
that he has voluntarily begun to
preach among the people of his own
village, which is many miles from any
chapel or from any other person who
believes. We reach the whole Republic
from this hospital and I thank
God that He has placed me here. I
went to hear a political speech made
by the representative of San Yet Sen,
a short time ago. His subject was
"Salvation,"' and was discussed under
three heads: Christ the salvation of
the individual; Christ the salvation
of the nation; Christ the salvation of
the world.
"At our last mission meeting it was
voted to mention in the next letter to
the Board that our furlough would
ordinarily fall due next spring. With
the possibility that we would be on
furlough next year I applied to the
China Medical Board of the Rockefeller
Foundation in Peking, China,
for a Fellowship and have received
the reply that the Board in China

have recommended that this fellowship
be granted. I understand they
consult the Mission Board concerned
before the finalarrangements. This
means that I will probably receive
financial aid in a post-graduate medical
work if agreeable to my own Mission
Board. I understand that there
will be no obligation placed on the
Mission Board or on the recipient in
these fellowships.
"We expect Dr. Thompson in about
another month. At present I am in
charge of the nurses' training school
of the hospital.. We hope to find a
suitable person to take the work during
the near future. The hospital
daily turns applicants away who come
for the healing, as we have not enough
room to receive all who come.
"Our boy Paul is growing fast. He
goes on his bicycle to school daily
three miles away. The Baptists have
a school this year for their children.
This is the school to which we are
sending Paul.
"We enjoyed the company of Dr. J.
M. Taylor, of the M. E. Board of
Foreign Missions a short time ago.
His home is on Fifth avenue. New
York. He was greatly interested in
the hospital and if you have an opportunity,
inquire of him in regard
to the work here. It might be of interest
to you to hear of it from one
not connected with the work.
"We have just had a pleasant two
weeks' visit from Dr. and Mrs. Hoskins,
of Beyrout, Syria. They are a
fine couple and know all our own
people in Syria, and we feel we know
them as others know them. They
could not say enough kind words
about the late Miss Mattie Wyhe.
They say she was a rare person and
one of whom the Mission should be
proud. They take Olive Trees. At
the same time we had with us Dr. and
Mrs. Gamewell, of the Chinese Christian
Education Association. Dr. Gamewell
was the engineer in charge of
the Boxer fortification siege. at Peking during the
OtIVE TREES 281
We have just received a request
for twenty doctors for Red Cross
work in Siberia. If it were not that
^od has placed me here and that it is
so plainly my duty to stay here I
would be strongly desirous of taking
a part m this war. It certainly is a
great privilege that those enjoy who
are going to fightin it.
"I see it is time for me to get work
so must close for this time."
* * * #
Lq Ting, China. We are indebted
to Mrs. E. C. Mitchell for the news
from Lo Ting. She wrote on November
1st:
"An epidemic similar to grippe is
prevalent in Lo Ting. So many of
the pupils in the girls' school are afflicted
with it that the school has been
closed for several days.
"During the past week the death
of three plague rats in the girls'
school necessitated the moving of the
dormitory and part of the class rooms
into the foreigners' dwelling so we
are now living in concentrated form.
"Committees from the Tak Hing
and Lo Ting congregations are meeting
Lin Taan today to plan for an
evangelistic campaign in our district
this winter. This was the result of a
conference that was held at both Tak
Hing and Lo Ting this month.
"We enjoyed a visit from Revs. J.
K. and W. M. Robb last week at the
conference and their messages did us
all good. Mr. W. M. Robb stayed
over Sabbath with us and gave us a
helpful sermon Sabbath morning.
"Our fall communion was held last
Sabbath, October 27th, and there
were seventy-seven communicants.
Six men were baptized, four of whom
were from Suen Po and although that
district is infested by robbers the
people have not been robbed of their
interest in the gospel message. The
first convert from that district was
baptized last January. This man,

282 OLIVE TREES
who is a young school teacher, had
read, the most of the Bible and was
holding services in his scohool before
he joined the church. He reported
twenty more believers in that community,
but since they are twenty
miles from here and there are so
many robbers around them it was not
possible for them to leave home to
come to Lo Ting to be baptized at
this time.
It is a pleasure to have this fine
letter from Dr. Calvin McCarroll. We
are glad the friends in Cyprus have
decided to "take turns" for Olive
Trees, and hope nobody will think of
making a skip-stop on any account.
"Nicosia, Cyprus, Oct. 11, 1918.
"Dear Mrs. Wilson:—Your letter
received last week. Glad to know
you got my letter, as we did not know
if the letter was going through.
"Last spring we three men agreed
to take turns writing to OLiiE Trees
each month. My tum came in September,
but I was so busy all day and
tired at night that I let it slip and
lost my opportunity. As we were
living in hopes of getting a furlough
to spend next summer in America we
thought we could stand it to work on
through this summer without going
to the mountains. So we did, and it
has been the busiest season we have
ever had. The summer was not so
bad but the autumn has been very
trying—-hot and damp. Even today
it was 98 degrees in my office. Last
week school opened and I went down
to' 'help out,' but the second day I had
to give up and go to bed for nearly a
to take a vacation at the proper time.
My brother spent a month in Kyrenia,
also our kiddies, and Mr. Weir had
six weeks in the mountains, which he
seemed to enjoy, until one night some
one walked off with his best suit of
clothes and raincoat.
"Another thing that discouraged
me about writing was that our mail
boat, which ran regularly once a week
during four years of war, was at last
sunk near Alexandria and now our
mails are very irregular.
"From present appearances we
should soon be able to get in touch
with our missions on the coast. The
news is very encouraging these days.
"The school is in full swing, full
to overflowing, with both boarders
and day boys. If Syria opens up soon
we may be relieved of some of our
day boys. I believe there are about
55 boarders now, which is about all
we can comfortably accommodate.
Mr. Smith made the statement, in
an article in Christian Nation, that I
had transferred my work to Larnaca.
That is a mistake, my work is still in
Nicosia, and plenty of work, too, but
I go to Larnaca three days a week to
teach. This year Licentiate Dimitriades
also goes with me for the
same time and purpose. My family
is in Larnaca and the children all in
school.
"December is my next regular time
to write. Will try and get in on time.
"With best wishes for all the Mission
circle,
"Ever yours,
"C. McCarroll."
* * * *
We reported last month the muchdelayed
sailing for China of Dr. and
week, but am up and at it again. Mrs. Mrs. A. I. Robb on November Sth. We
McCarroll also took a few days off are glad to have a letter from Dr.
at the same time, because of influenza.
She is not teaching this year, and mailed from there. It was written
Robb as they were nearing Yokohama
as she does not feel able to do it. After November 26 with a postscript added
all we have decided that it pays better the next day. The letter follows:

"With a bright sky, smooth sea and
sparkling wavelets, we are bowling
along down the coast of Japan, with
her white mountain peaks showing on
the western skyline. It is a happy
crowd, and cameras and fieldglasses
are much in evidence on deck, and it
is about the firsttime there has been
use for either.
"It is now eighteen days since we
left our friends in Seattle, and tomorrow
we hope to be in Yokohama
after the stormiest passage I have
ever seen. We are four days overdue.
The iron stairs front and aft
leading from the lower to the middle
deck are somewhere in the Pacific
Ocean, having been broken loose and
swept away by gigantic waves. I
think 107 miles was our least run.
We are supposed to run 300, and have
done slightly better than that on every
fair day, of which there have been but
three.
"We are carrying a heavy cargo
of railroad iron and the ship has
been remarkably steady considering,
though she went to angles so extreme
the captain will not tell us how many
degrees. But we were kept in safety
and will be half way to our destination
in point of time by tomorrow.
Most of our time now will be in treaty
ports discharging cargo and taking on
coal.
"There are over a hundred passengers
and nearly all are Christian
workers of some kind—missionaries
and Y. M. C. A. men for Persia,
Egypt, India, Siam, the Philippines,
China, Japan and Russia. There are
twelve nationalities on board, and the
other night in the social hall we had
songs in eight languages.
"We have had a morning daily
service conducted by the Bishop of
Hong Kong, a daily Bible class at 2,
studying Jeremiah under the leadership
of Mrs. Danzer. Sabbath services
conducted by different persons,
and the Christian fellowship has been
very delightful. I have seldom seen a
OLIVE TREES 283
ship's party of as high character.
One of the U. P.'s is Miss Adair, a
schoolmate of Alice and Remo at
Cooper. Others of that party have
acquaintance with former Muskingum
men and women who went to
Egypt whom I once knew, all of which
has been very fine.
"We have no complaint to make on
either the cabins, food or attendance,
which have been as good as they could
manage under trying conditions, but
we will hope for other than a Japanese
finerfor our next trip, as they
have still something to learn except
in the matter of rates, which, as you
will know, are high enough, and after
going home in seventeen days, thirtyseven
days for return seems a bit
drawn out.
"We hope to reach Yokohama tomorrow
and to spend Thanksgiving
there and to reach Tak Hing the week
before Christmas, and be ready for
work after the holidays. We wish
you a Merry Christmas and glad New
Year.
"P. s.—November 27 —Reached
Yokohama at noon. A festival day m
celebration of the Allied peace. City
ablaze with flags and bunting. Old
Glory much in evidence. All shops
closed. Big parade this morning, said
to have been of remarkable beauty and
splendor. Streets crowded with the
largest and best dressed set of Japanese
I ever expect to see. Battleships
in harbor and destroyers covered with
flags Five airplanes overhead, dropping
beautiful paper parachutes on
the city. It is all very like Japan
"We had a splendid view of fuji
this morning as we came mto tne
harbor. It is covered with snow half
way to the base, and resplendent m
the sunlight. Expect to sail from
here Friday. Do not yet know how
we wfll spend the Thanksgiving Day^
but surely have much for which to
be thankful. Will be glad to s^
China again and also to hear iron
those we left behind.

284 OLIVE TREES
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J. S. Martin a id Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
College Hill, Beaver Falls, Pa.
WOMEN WORKERS OF THE
ORIENT.
Chapter IV.
Trail Makers.
1. What do you mean by trail makers
2. What great changes have taken
- place in women's employments
3. Why is it likely that this state of
affairs will continue
4. What change in the altitude of
the world in general towards
women who earn their own
bread
5. Used there to be much difference
between the European and the
Oriental attitude
6. Do any Oriental women engage in
business
7. What society has been organized
by Turkish women
8. What is its object
9. Who holds most business positions
in India
10. What is the feeling there in
regard to business in China
12. Who manages the women's department
of a certain bank in
Shanghai
13. Why was she chosen
14. Is the entrance of women into
business in Japan a thing of
the present or of the future
15. What brought this about
16. Give an account of Mrs. Hirooka.
17. When did women in the Orient
begin to teach
18. How many girls' schools and
pupils in Persia
19. What hinders their efficiency
20. What steps has the Turkish Government
taken to educate girls
21. What of the work of the British
in Egypt
22. Number of women engaged in
teaching in India.
23. Name fiveof their schools.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
What is the crying need
What new source of supply
Who is the head of the Madras
School for Widows
What of the Home for Widows at
Mukti
How has education been regarded
in China
Need for teachers
Whence is the chief supply
Give an account of the Indemnity
pupils.
What Oriental country has the
most teachers
What occupation is always open
Name some Oriental women writers
The most prominent
What periodicals
Name some Indian writers.
Chinese.
What of medicine in Mohammedan
countries
Nursing
Of law
Where did these changes originate
JUNIOR DEPARTMENT.
Jack and Janet in the Philippines.
Chapter IV.
With the Wild People in Northern
Luzon.
Dear Boys and Girls:—
We have been quite accustomed to
thinking the days of adventure are
past. However, there are still some
out-of-the-way corners of the earth
where civilization is still in the primitive
stage and adventures are not
wanting. Into these out-of-the-way
place goes the missionary with the
gospel message. To the nude savages
and the wild fiercetribes, he
takes the message of "Peace on earth,
good-will to men." He tells them of

OLIVE TREES 285
a God who loves them, of Jesus who
died that they might be saved and
bring new thoughts and ideals to
those whom the world passes by.
Some, there are, who hear him gladly.
The message comes to them as rain
to the dry, parched ground. They
drink and are refreshed and become
new creatures in Christ Jesus. Others
fight the incoming tide of religion and
civilization that follow the missionary's
efforts, and make things as difficult
as possible. The days of adventure
are not all over for one who
chooses a missionary career.
Jack and Janet had what we might
call a "bird's-eye view" of some of
the things that had been accompUshed
by faithful workers among the wilder
tribes of the Philippines. They saw
the schools. Sabbath schools, churches
and hospitals that "accompany and
flow from" the efforts of the missionary.
Each one has its place in the
work of .conversion that is to make a
new man of these wild savages.
The passing visitor gets merely
a glimpse of a school here with 25, 50
or 75 scholars; there a Sabbath school
or church service with so many in
attendance, and here a hospital that
treats a certain number of patients
and trains nurses. They miss the
poetry in all the bare facts. The missionary
sees the fruits of his labors
or of the labors of another who has
gone before. Here is a religion and
a measure of civilization where once
was only wildest savagery. Each
individual stands out separately with
his hopes and possibilities, his fears
and failures as he ventures along the
new and untried path which the missionary
points out. A path of which
his ancestors knew nothing and along
which few of his tribe have ever
walked.
To the missionary, the statistics
compiled for the information of the
people in the home land are not dry
bones as they seem to us sometimes.
Each figure means a living vital fact
behind it. In this village is a school
where there was none before, while
here they have a regular Sabbath
school and preaching service where
once was only a dense ignorance and
superstitution. The story of One who
died that many might live causes
many to be born again in the kingdom
of God and each one is the subject of
much prayer and hope and work. The
missionary values each new outpost
in the advancing tide of religion and
civilization more than gold or silver
and rejoices but as he surveys the
wilderness of superstition and darkness
that yet lies before him to be
conquered for Christ, he realizes that
the "Harvest truly is great but the
laborers are few."
Let us try as we journey with Jack
and Janet from one village to another
to see the work that is being accomplished,
to realize just what it all
means. Transform the mere statements
into souls that are saved or in
need of salvation and make each mission
station live in our mind as you
think of it not as a story but as a real
work being done in this day and this
hour for real people by those who
have gone from this country, from
homes and education and privileges
such as you have, to this far-away
corner of the earth. For these are
real and living facts about our neighbors
in the islands of the sea.
Mary A. McWilliams.
THANKSGIVING.
The autumn of 1918 will soon be
numbered with the past, but in the
annals of history it will stand forth
as one of the most important in modern
civilization. In it the greatest
battles have been fought, the greatest
victories won and the great truth of
the brotherhood of man re-established
upon the earth.
November llth is a day long to be
remembered by the peoples of the
Allied nations and America, where
early morning slumbers were disturbed
by the ringing of bells, blowing ot
whistles and firing of cannon, proclaiming
their double messag^-tbe
death of Autocracy and the dawn ol

286 OLIVE TREES
Democracy. Happy hearts that welcomed
this day! Sacrifices, heartaches
forgotten, only joy for the new
era!
But in the midst of our rejoicing
let us pause and ask to whom shall
we give thanks for this great victory
To the Food Commission To these
who labored unceasingly in raising
funds by War Savings Stamps and
Liberty Bonds To the United States
Government and all its officials To
the Red Cross and all other charitaT)le
organizations who did so much to
relieve the sufferings and brighten the
days of our soldiers To those who
made the little daily sacrifices which
were unknown to all save the Master
To the fathers and mothers who gave
that best gift—their own sons Yes,
most heartily should we show our
gratitude to all these for their part
in this great struggle. But, above all,
to Him who says "Come and behold
the works of the Lord, what desolations
He hath made in the earth. He
maketh wars to cease unto the end of
the earth; He breakest the bow, he
cutteth the spear in sunder. In fire
the chariot burns." Hear the words
of the prophet, "Not by might nor
by power, but by my Spirit, saith the
Lord."
On Thanksgiving Day we often
look back over the year that has
passed, and try to enumerate the
causes for thankfulness, and we flnd
them as the sand that is upon the seashore
for multitude. But this year
we have special reasons. God has
seen fit to use us as instruments in
carrying out His plans for Peace. Our
fields have brought forth abundantly;
our granaries are full to overflowing.
By them we have been enabled in a
measure to feed the hungry, clothe
the needy, and give comfort to the
distressed. "What shall I render to
the Lord for all his gifts to me"
The war has left a troubled, restless
world crying for peace of mind,
for settled governments, for abolition
of innumerable grievances, but there
is only One who can pour oil on the
troubled nations. Alas! they do not
know Him. He is standing by, waiting
anxiously to be recognized. This
is one of the ways in which we can
show our gratitude; we must introduce
to them our King, our Ruler, our
Defender, who is able and willing to
help them if they will but come to
Him, and as subjects acknowledge
Him as their Lord and King. The
command "Go ye into all the world
and preach the Gospel to every creature"
has been made easier to obey
than ever before; the world has
become so small, and all its parts
brought so close together by the telegraph,
the cable, the wireless, the
press, and by modern means of transportation.
Surely people will be more
wilhng than before to hear the voice
calling them from darkness into light.
We, too, must be awakened to the
needs of the world. What might not
another year see, should we organize
a band of mission workers possessed
of the zeaJ of the Red Cross and the
Y. M. C. A. as showed in this war
And should the Christian element of
the world pour out its wealth as it
has done in the flnancing of these
organizations for war purposes who
dare make a prediction as to the
results of a few years of consecrated
services
Sharon, Iowa.
(Mrs.) Jennie McClure,
A LETTER FROM PALESTINE.
Jerusalem, June 19, 1918.
"Up to the present I have not had
much time to think where I was and
you know I cannot thrill to order anyway.
Probably one of these days just
when circumstances are most prosaic
I shall wake up to the wonder of the
fact that I am here. I suppose the
strength of my belief in the Real
Presence of Christ in the world today,
keeps me from placing so much emphasis
as I-otherwise would on the
fact that his eyes once looked on these
hills and valleys. I feel so sure that
he is always with us, though unseen.
I have met some old friends

since coming here which doth much
rejoice my heart. I had thought, indeed,
that they were probably dead.
September 1st.
"I have been down to visit Jennie
(Mrs. Kennedy, in Alexandria). It
was on this wise. She wrote me some
time ago, saying that she was about
done, and that the doctors advised her
to go to Ireland or America. She was
vexed because she did not hear from
me. You know a despondent letter
from her is a rare thing. I asked
permission to go, and the Commission
granted it, but insisted on my going
with Major Waters, v/ho was on his
way home. I was pleased enough, for
you know I hate traveling alone, especially
here. We left here by motor
Wednesday afternoon with Colonel
Finley and drove to another of our
camps, where we had - dinner, and
then started on to where we were to
take the train. There was a berth
reserved for me, and in the one below
me was a Y. W. C. A. lady, who was
very pleasant. In the moming tea
was arranged for us and a motor. We
had a proper breakfast on the next
train, and lunch, too, for it was midafternoon
when we arrived. I went
around at once to look for Sam and
Jane. Niether of them was in, but
. presently he came and then sent me
around to the house to see Jennie. It
was the best fun to surprise her. She
said she' thought seeing me would
keep her from smashing. She was so
disappointed about not seeing me in
June, and had been going down ever
sinc6,
"You ought to see them working in
that Y. M. C. A. Sam puts on an
apron and rolls up his sleeves and
waits on the men like a grocer's assistant.
I felt proud of them both for
their self-forgetfulness. I am not ht
to black their boots.
"I was with them until Wednesday
morning and, in addition to the pleasure
the of joy some of a walks good and shampoo, drives, and I had 1
OLIVE TREES 287
bought me a volume of Verhaeren's
verse. The good selection of books,
both French and Enghsh, surprised
me.
"On Wednesday Major Waters,
Jennie and I started out for headquarters
down there. The improvements
since we were over that road twentyone
years ago are wonderful. Jennie
was going a part of the way only, to
stop with friends for a week's rest.
Captain Milliken, who was to be my
escort home, was at the station. He
had engaged me a room and lunch at
the Y. W., but Major Waters took me
over to Shepeard's for lunch, then I
went to my room at the Y. W., and
had a siesta until he came for me at
three to go driving and sightseeing.
We took my luggage, which was only
a big bag and a little one, so that we
could drive directly to the R. R. station
and have all the time possible for
sightseeing, before my train at 6.15.
"Captain Milliken—who, by the way,
was a great chum of my dear Sara
Cull, in our Latin School days—took
the best of care of me. He had got a
small compartment for me on the day
coach, so that I could lie down after
dinner and rest. Again the R. T. 0.
came to the rescue with a motor for
the transfer, and an order for tea m
the morning. This time I was alone
in my sleeping compartment, and was
even more comfortable than when
going.
"My commanding officer. Captain
Kelsey and Captain Hurd, of another
of our stations, met me at the station.
Captain Hurd took us to his
camp, until the motor came, and then
Captain Milhken came and tok a look
at our camp. ,
"Altogether it was a most pleasant
hohday. It was wonderful to see the
Kennedys again after all these years.
It made one think very seriously to
see Major Waters—a man with a wite
and four little children starting for
home the short way." (This was m
the active.) days when submarines were still

288 OLIVE TREES
YORK, N. Y., R. P. LADIES' MIS­
SIONARY SOCIETY'S YEARLY
REPORT.
Our Ladies' Missionary Society has
held twelve regular meetings, with an
average attendance of fourteen members.
We have on our membership
roll 25 members. The work of the
year has been quilting, making comforts
and sewing for the mission
boxes.
We sent a box of clothing to the
Southern Mission; seven comfortables
and some clothing to the Jewish Mission;
some comfortables to the soldiers
in France, also a barrel of fruit
to the Aged Peoples' Home, valued at
$15.00.
Mrs. Alexander Carson,
Secretary.
Treasurer's Report.
August 1, 1917.
Receipts.
Dues $28.60
Donations . 9.14
$37.74
Disbursements.
Fumace $10.00
Flowers 1.25
Ambulance Fund .. . 5.00
Collection Baskets .... 2.20
Barrel .15
Freight and Express 3.94
Batts and Cotton . . . 5.20
$27.74
Bal. in Treasury August 1,
1918 $10.00
Mrs. j. M. Copeland,
Treasurer.
CORRESPONDENTS.
Our hst of correspondents is not
yet complete. It is now too late to
get them for the December number.
May we not hope to have a full list
of names and addresses before the
15th of December, so that they can
be published in the January number.
We have no names from Pittsburgh
Presbyterial or from the Philadelphia
Society. Could we not also have one
correspondent from the Pacific coast
and one from Canada, thus making
the magazine what we desire it to be,
the organ of the whole church
Col.—Mrs. S. B. McClellan, Greeley
; Mrs. J. Boggs Dodds.
111.—Mrs. M. H. McMillan, Mrs.
Owen F. Thompson.
Iowa—Mrs. Russell Harsh, Miss
Pearl Dunlap.
Will the remaining societies please
send at once the names and addresses
of correspondents, either to Mrs. J. S.
Martin, Fifth avenue, Beaver Falls,
or Mrs. David Metheny, Druid Hill,
It is, I presume, understood that
each Presbyterial is annually to select
these correspondents.
When a man owns his M. dollar E. M. he
is reputable and happy. When the
dollar owns him he is despicable and
unhappy.
If you wish your neighbors to see
what God is like, let them see what
He can make you like.—Chas. Kingsley.
All true forward movement must
come from God, and only as I place
myself and keep myself in touch with
Him can I receive what will move me
SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 1919.
Some splendid clubs have already
been reported for Olive Trees for the
coming year. The Second Philadelphia
congregation leads the list with
thirty-three subscribers; Winchester
comes second with thirty; Pittsburgh
is third with twenty-four. Other
congregations, not so large, have correspondingly
creditable lists. The
responses to our appeal for an increased
number of readers has been
generous and prompt. We hope the
paper will be worthy of its readers.
What congregation will surpass
these clubs

F0REI6N MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRES. CHURCH IN 1917
Latakia, Syria.
Rev. Julius A. Kempf. .)
Rev. Jas. S. Stewart, D. D
Mrs. Julius A. Kempp. \ °" f">^lo"8J»
Mrs. j. S. Stewart [\ Rev. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar, with Red cross U Mrs. William M. Robb
Mrs. Samuel Edgar on furlough Miss Kate McBurney, M. D.,
J. M. Balph, M. D., on furlough.... Miss Mary R. Adams »
Miss Maggie B. Edgar
Miss M. Florence Mearns. ^ >* R^d'
Miss Rose A. Huston
Miss Ida M. Scott, M. D., I on furlough
' Cross in Palestine
Miss R, C. Adams
Miss Nkllie Annie J. a. Robinson, Brownlee, )^i'lioit »ai'»f
Mersirie, Asia Minor.
Rev. R. C. Adams
Miss Evadna M. Sterretioh furlough Mrs. Jesse C. Mitchel ..
Rev. Robt. E. Willson, )
Rev. Jesse C. Mitchel .
Mrs. Robt. E. Willson ] on fur-gh Mrs,
Rev. Andrew J. McFarland
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
John Peoples. M. D ,...
Mrs. John Peoples on furlough
Miss F. Elma French, on furlough .
Larnaca, Cypms.
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Mrs. Walter McCarroll, on furlough
Canton Medical Missionary {7nto%
Canton, South China.
James M. Wright, 'm. d
Mrs, James Uiiion M. Language Wright School, -i
Canton, South China.
Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. ...«
Miss Inez M, Smith, R. N t.
Miss Jean M. Barr
Mr. Wilbur Weir
Miss Lillian J. McCracken
Nicosia, Cyprusi
Lo Ting, via Canton, South Ckiitm.
Calvin McCarroll, M. D
Rev, Ernest C. Mitchell
Mrs, Calvin McCarroll
Mrs. Ernest C. Mitchell
Tak Hing Chau, West River,
E. J. M. Dickson, M. D .«
South China. Mrs, E. j. M. Dickson
.j-
Rev. a. I. Robb, D. D
-Miss Ella Margaret Stewart. ...-m
Mrs. A. I, Robb
Miss Jennie M. Dean
«•
Rbv.
HOME
J. K.
MISSIONARIES
RoBb,
OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHUROH IN 1917
Mrs. j. K. Robb on furlough
Southern Mission,
Iindian Mission, Apache, Okla.
Rbv, W. W. Cabithebs, D. D.,S'lip't-
Miss Inez Wicherham
Miss Ellen Wilson
Miss Iisene McMurtrey
Miss May Allen
Miss Mary McKnight, Teacher.
Mr. Clay Williams
Mr. Paul White
Mrs.
Miaaion of the Covenant, 800 Soutit 6tb St,
Philadelphia, Pa.
:tiss Annie Fobsyth
Miss Emma M. McFarland
'Volunteer Worker:
Miss Mary Gray
Miss Mazie Steele
Mim Anna Thompson
Dr. RAif h Duncan
Mk. Samuel Jackson )
Mx. Melville Pearce \ Altemati'ng
Mr. Mk. Will Edwik Stewart Anderson )
Knox Academy, Selma, Ala.
Rev. G. a. Edgab, D. D., Superintende
Miss Lola Weie, High School.
Miss M. Jean Shuman, High SchooL
Miss Ella M. Hays, Grammar SchooL
Miss Adeienne Fulton, Sixth Grad«.
S. Kingston, Fifth Grade.
Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade.
Miss Ruth Kynett, Third Grade.
Miss Maby Wilson, Second Grade.
Mrs. Ella Senegal, First Grade.
Mrs. G. M. Sims, Primary.
Mes. a. j. Parbish, Music.
Miss Maey E. Fowler, Girls' IndtutriaL
Peof. Theodore Lee, Boys' IndustriaL
Miss Sophia Kingston ) East
Miss Laura Mae Kingston f Selma
Mrs. Louise Kynett, Pleasant Grove.

Ilr. J. V/„ 'D••'(:'c'B
c/o E, . Hon:'.iia:i-7,
3it-!.ioljui^fil!i., -L',.;.
Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Presbyterian Church
President
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M. D., 617 N. 43d Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vice-President
J. C. McFEETERS, D. D., 1838 Wallace St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
R. J. BOLE, 170 Broadway, New York.
Corresponding' Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, D. D., 2517 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Recording Secretary
F. M. FOSTER, Ph. D., 305 W. 29th St., New York City.
Treasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transfortatibn Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES OF TREASURERS
Syrian MisMon, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection—
Mr. Joseph M. Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Bomestic Mission; Southern Mission ; Indian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widows' and Orphans' Fund; Literary, Students' Aid;
National Reform—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 411 Penn Building. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. D. C Ward, 7004 Lemihgton Ave., East End, Pittsburgh, Pa.
TELEPHONE: 785 MORNINGSIDE
W M . MGGLEjflN'S S O N
UNDEF^TflKER -RND EMBfVLMEF^
508 WEST 134t« STREET
ROBERT L. McCLEAN NBW YORK
JAMES S. TIBBY ^°v»„5ggg - Pittsbxirg, Pa^.
sells THfi following COVENANTER LITERATURE
PSALM BOOKS (old and new versions), TESTIMONY,
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, MINUTES OF SYNOD, CON­
FESSION OF FAITH, CATECHISMS, TALES OF
COVENANTERS, POETS and POETRY, ROMANISM
ANALYZED, HISTORY OF THE TRIAL, 1891
. Wft ITB FOR FRICBS —

NOTICB TO READKS.
When you finishreadini this mutzine place a i-cent itamp
on thia notice, mail the macaainc,- and it will ba placed in
the hands of our soldiers or sailors destined to proceed
overseas. No WnAFriHG—No Acdxbsb.
A. S. BuRLBSOH, Postmaster General.
ffiltti^ ® r 0 0
ZECH.4: 11-14 REV. 11 :3, 4
VOL. XXXIII FEBRUARY, 1919 No. 2
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the - Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Chiirch of North
America in the interest of Mission Work
A W O R K I N G FAITH.
"What will happen immediately or soon
from my ceasing to do that which is contrary
to the will of God, I db not and cannot know-
But 1 believe that from the fulfilment of the
will of God there can follow nothing butthat
which is good for me and for all men."
— Tolstoy.
Subscription price * ®ne Dollar a l^ear
POSTAGE FREE TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
Contents
Editorials - - - 289
Word from Latakia - / 291
French Carithers Memorial - 293
Questions for Christians - 298
News from the Field - 301
Women's Department 308
An Explanation - • 310
A Call ro the Women of the
Ref. Pres. Church of N. A. 311

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THE INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
EDITORS
REV. McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D. D.
REV. ROBERT ANDREW BLAIR, M. A,
Address all Communications to
REV- M. IVI. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Place - Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable Address : Metheny, Philadelphia
Entered as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post oflSce at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONABY SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH
President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Kentucky Avenue, Pittsburgh.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Wallace, 108 Lafayette Avenue, N. S., Pittsburgh, P».
Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Esler, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321 Lehigh Avenue, Pittaburgh, Pa.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study, Mrs. E. A. Crooks, 69 Oak Street, Newcastle, Pa.
Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Mary McWilliams, 2328 Maple Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Harris, 1312 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Thank Offering Secretary, Mrs. J. K. Tibby, Ridge Avenue, Crafton, Pa.
Temperance Secretary, Mrs. W. R. Porter, 218 Burgess Street, N. S., Pittsburgh.
COLORADO
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, 911 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colo.
Vice President, Mrs. James Carson, Denver, Colo.
Secretary ,Mrs. S. B. McClelland, Greeley, Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. R. S. Orr, Greeley, Colo.
KANSAS
President, Mrs. J. M. Wylie, 2510 W. 46th Street, Rosedale, Kan.
Eecording Secretary, Mrs. F. E. Allen, Superior, Neb.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElhenny, Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. T. B. Boyle, 701 Clay Street, Topeka, Kan.
ILLINOIS
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. Sth Street, Bloomington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Sparta, HI. ^ ^r «
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta, 111., R. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson, Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. R. Davis, Princeton, Ind.

R. M. sommerville, D.D. MRS. R. M. SOMMERVILLE
DK. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVB TREES" and editedit for 29 years.
OLIVE TRBBS
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXII FEBRUARY, 1919 No. 2
EDITORIALS
Syrian Relief.
The latest news which comes from
Syria emphasizes still more impressively
the pitiable need in which the
end of the war left that desolate country.
The letter of Mrs, Stewart, which
is published on a later page, contains
a pathetic picture of a people unable
even to find means to cover their bodies.
It is gratifying that our government
is responding in such a generous
spirit and in so prompt a fashion. Two
relief ships have already gone, and a
third, on which our missionaries expect
to sail, will be started just as
soon as it can be gotten ready. This
will probably be about the first of
February. Later, it is promised, other
transports will be sent, on which it
will be possible to send boxes and
barrels of old clothing and supplies
such as Mrs. Stewart asks. Meanwhile
money can be sent, which will
enable our missionaries to secure for
the poor people under their care such
supplies as the country affords; and
congregations and families can be getting
ready for the call for materials
when it comes.
:^ * * *
The Memorial to J. French .
Carithers.
Special attention is called to the
announcement of the Rev. J. D. Edgar,
Synod's Secretary of Young People's
Societies, of the plan to raise a fund
to provide a memorial to J. French
Carithers. The fact that his home
congregation immediately subscribed
$4000 for this fund, is testimony to
the esteem in which he was held by
those who knew him best. His wholesome
manhood, his sincere and devout
religious faith, his earnest zeal for his
chosen life work, together with his
most, likable personality, combined to
make his a character to appeal to the
young people of the church, and the
creation of a memorial to him in their
name will be a fittingtribute to him.
It will also further the cause to which
he had given his life. We hope the
proposal will win a ready response,
and meet with the complete success
which it deserves.

290 OLIVE TREES
Prohibition.
It is interesting to think of the different
feelings with which the different
groups of those who labor in one
way or another for the advancement
of Christ's Kingdom hailed the ratification
of the Prohibition Amendment.
Every agency laboring in behalf of
any reform or charity or evangelistic
effort or missionary cause recognized
the liquor traffic as an enemy and welcomed
its overthrow as a victory. To
none has it been more welcome than
to the missionaries. The sale of liquor
to the backward peoples across the
seas has been one of the reproaches
of Christian nations and one of the
great hindrances to the spread of the
Gospel. That America should now extirpate
the traffic from our land will
have a great moral effect the world
around. When the news of the ratification
came to the annual convention
of the representatives of missionary
boards during one of the sessions of
its recent meeting in New Haven,
Conn., at which the writer was in attendance,
the convention at once rose
to its feet with spontaneous enthusiasm
and applause, and sang the doxology
as a requiem for the liquor
traffic. Later the chairman in expressing
the attitude of the missionary
forces toward the banished traffic,
said, "Considering its world-wide significance
this may yet be viewed as
the greatest single moral victory since
the days of the Protestant Reformation."
This may be true; at least it
illustrates the attitude of the missionary
cause toward the liquor traffic.
* * * *
The Peace Conference.
As the desire of the missionary
forces for the ratification of the prohibition
amendment was intense and
unanimous, as indicated above, so
their interest in the Peace Conference
now meeting in Paris is deep and personal.
At the recent missionary conference
many speakers indicated the
importance to their various fieldsof
the decisions that shall there be made.
It touches the imagination to think of
how many peoples far removed from
each other are awaiting the decisions
with an interest born of very deep
concern. Indeed, when one thinks of
it, concerned as America is in the conference,
and prominent as is her place
there, it will probably affect our country
far less than some of the obscure
nations that are hardly considered in
the popular thought upon the subject.
One missionary, laboring in an outof-the-way
place among the mountains
of Macedonia, indicated in his
address the tragic significance to his
peoples, for good or ill, of the decisions
upon some of the minor points at
issue, which shall be made. One thing
is certain, that is, that however the
financial or political or diplomatic
leaders of our country may doubt the
value or question the expediency of
President Wilson's fourteen points,
the missionaries are for them to a
man, and they see in them the best
expression of righteousness and justice
among nations and the brightest
promise for the future of the world.
In hearing missionaries from these
small and backward nations speak,
and catching from them something of
their hope and expectation that their
peoples shall have the new opportunities
that seem about to be offered, one
feels like praying again that our President
and his colleagues shall stand
strongly, if they need to stand strongly,
for righteous settlements, and shall
not be baffled by difficulties of expediency,
or old world traditions that look
askance at the intrusion of a new
idealism into the field of world politics.
Approve or disapprove of President
Wilson as we may, it is certain
that the weaker nations of the world,
which cannot enforce their demands,
look to him as their great spokesman
and champion in a trust that is almost
pathetic; and in their name we cannot
but wish him well.
President!
God bless our

OLIVE TREES 291
W O R D FROM LATAKIA.
CONTAINING A TOUCHING APPEAL FOR HELP.
The following letter from Mrs.
James S. Stewart is the firstwritten
word to reach us from that field
concerning which we have been so
anxious. It contains welcome news of
the personal safety of the missionaries,
and also a touching indication
of the dire need of the people. Her
solicitous inquiry concerning the return
of Mrs. Balph reminds us of how
long they have been isolated from the
rest of the world and without news of
their friends. Mrs. Balph died on
April 2, 1917.
Latakia, Syria,
November 3, 1918.
Mrs. J. W. Richey,
My dear Sister:
You will hardly recognize my
scratch after all these months of
silence, also I have almost forgotten
how to hold a pen. My only writing
this last year has been the few lines
the censorship allowed me to send to
my dear husband far away in Konia.
Little James and I have been alone
for 1 year and 12 days. Although
there is an armistice for peace between
England and Turkey, it may be
weeks before the way is opened up
for his retum. You see Syria is delivered
from the hands of the "bloody
Turk," but James is away in Anatolia,
the only abiding place of the Turk
now.
The French torpedo destroyers
guard our coast now and they are the
only means of communication with
the outside world, as the land post
and telegraph has not been opened up
since the change. The commanders
and officers visit me often, and they
are very good to me; they have given
me a little tea, coffee and sugar, but
they cannot spare much from their
stores. We have had no white bread
for nearly four years, and no tea or
coffee for two years, and only enough
sugar (bought before the war) to
sprinkle sparingly on our boiled wheat
for breakfast. Have forgotten the
taste of butter or jams. Wish you
could send us a car load.
The government removed Miss
Edgar from the school and from the
American premises about a month
after James was taken away from us;
that left me to battle alone, although
they kept on doing things that could
be done quietly such as keeping the
books and paying the teachers. It
left her free to work among the sick
and poor, for which I had neither the
time or the strength to keep up with
all the other added duties. Anyway
we kept the schools open, thereby
saving the property and keeping
many from starvation and death. It
has been a lonely strange life for little
James and he may never recover from
the depressing effects. The last year
has been one long prolonged nightmare
; if it had not been for the constant
stress and push of the work I
could never have kept up, but by
being kept constantly on the go by so
many and varied duties it has helped
to deaden the sorrow and loneliness,
I think the Board will allow us a furlough
after eight years of sohd service
and four years of hard labor and
oppression.
James did tutoring in Konia for the
students of Roberts College and paid
his own way partly. He taught nine
hours a day last winter, from 8 A. M.
to 6 P. M., with an hour at noonpretty
close work for an old man.
Being kept thus busy helped him to
pass the time that he might have
spent fretting and repining if idle.
Is food expensive there Wheat

292 OLIVE TREES
reached as high as $13 to $14 a bushel
here; sugar $2 a pound; calico $1.25
a dra (27 inches), and muslin from
SOc. to $1 a dra. Everybody is in
rags. If one goes out on the street
he meets men, women and children
with clothing hanging from their hips
and shoulders all tattered and torn
into ribbons with the bare skin showing
through most any part of their
bodies. We have made up all the
boarding school bedding and linen to
cover the nakedness of the living and
wrap the bodies of the dead. Can't
keep a rag to wipe up the floor. Any
one who could get sheep's wool from
the butcher or from their beds spun
it into yarn and knitted or crocheted
shirts, skirts, jackets or shawls.
James wore a homespun and crocheted
jersey all last winter. I have a
jersey, also a shawl and petticoat, but
we could never wear it next our skin.
The clothes question has been a great
problem along with all our other problems.
But all this is nothing to be compared
to the great longing and desire
to see all our dear ones face to face
once more. Oh! what a glad day it
will be when the prison doors are
opened and we are free. Just now
the whole town is looking forward to
the return of our dear banished one.
He will be surprised to see "Old
Glory" floating high when he rides
into town. I raised the pole and
floated the flag as soon as word came
that Syria was no longer under the
Turkish rule. The American flag was
the flrst flagunfurled in Latakia after
the war. It was the last to go down
and the first to raise up, and I am
proud of it, for I did it against great
odds.
Give our love to all inquiring
friends. Do you know whether Dr.
and Mrs. Balph are coming back
soon We understand that the Misses
Meams and Metheny are in the Holy
Land some place, but we have not
heard from them.
// you could make this statement
public among our own Church people
it would be conferring a great benefit
and win the gratitude of. many naked
people. We make a strong appeal for
boxes or barrels of old clothing.
ANYTHING to cover the naked—1st,
to take away their shame and, 2d, to
protect and comfort their bodies. This
has been one of our hardest trials to
meet the demands with so little to fall
back on and no funds. Beds were
ripped open and the ticking made into
dresses and men's robes arid the
cotton spun and woven into undergarments.
Quilts opened up and the
covers used for ddresses and drawers
and coats. Old tablecloths given to
the poor to wrap their dead in, etc.
Anything and everything was used,
Miss Edgar even cut up the Turkish
flag and it was given out to make up
dresses for little girls. Window curtains
and couch covers were made
into dresses and coats. If you could
look into the school and see our children
it would make you both laugh
and cry. There is NOTHING, NOTH­
ING left. Anybody who has old coats,
pants, vests, waists, skirts, wraps or
undergarments hung away in their
attics let them get them out and send
them on a long journey. You know
the rest.
It's late and I am tired and nervous.
Love to all friends.
M. E. Stewart.
We are very sorry to have to say
that at present there is no way to do
the particular thing that Mrs. Stewart
requests in this letter; which is,
to send goods for clothing. The difficulty
is in transportation. Shipping
space is limited, and, of course, the
Government decided that the most
valuable things should go first. Accordingly,
as the transports are loaded
with the $2,000,000worthof fresh supplies
that are being taken, there is no
room for second-hand goods. The Salvation
Army of New York offered to

the Government a warehouse full of
second-hand material, but it could not
be taken at this time. However, it is
expected that as soon as arrangements
can be made, and before long,
it will be possible to send such materials
which will be invaluable to the
OLIVE- TREES 293
people there; and just as soon as this
is possible word will be sent to the
various congregations, together with
shipping directions, and then this relief
can be sent on its way. Send
nothing now; the Board has no place
to store it.
FRENCH CARITHERS IVIEMORIAL.
By J. D. EDGAR, Secretary of Young People's Societies.
"French Carithers is dead!" It
came like a thunderclap. He was so
full of promise. Upon him had been
lavished the care of a father and
mother. They spared no pains to educate
him. They and the whole
Church rejoiced when he offered his
services to the Foreign Mission Work
of the Church for three years. Fondest
hopes were realized when he returned
home announcing his purpose
to enter the Seminary and undertake
the work of the Gospel minister, and
return to Turkey to preach the Unsearchable
Riches to that people he
had learned to love. One-third of the
Seminary course was completed and
manfully he was "speeding round on
the second lap." He was running well,
with head up and shoulders back. But
the dreadful influenza siezed him and
soon there was no hope. He "did run
well," but suddenly the word was
passed along, "He is dead." "How are
the mighty fallen!" He was "Lovely
and pleasant in his life."
This strange Providence has come
with particular force to the Young
People of the Church.. He was one
of their number. Those who knew
him looked on him with pride and
prophesied as to his future. He was
President of the Iowa C. Y. P. U.,
and was planning for a splendid convention
for the coming summer. It
was to have been a joint convention
between teries C. Y. Iowa P. U. and He Kansas was to Presby­
preside.
But instead of his fine,strong face
and commanding voice, and his consecrated
gifts and pleasing personality
will be his shrouded chair.
Some of the young people have been
saying, "Why shall not this young
Giant-Soldier live on" Can we not
do something to perpetuate his name
And so the proposal came to me as
Secretary of Young Peoples' Work,
// you will lead us in the effort we
will raise money for a French Carithers
Memorial," After investigating
we found the plan seemed to meet
with general approval among the
Young People, so without waiting to
investigate further we will put the
proposal and plan before you.
Some have suggested an endovmient
provided for a man to labor in Turkey
in Mr. Carithers' place. Others, a
Memorial Building in the Mersina
Field where Mr. Carithers labored.
Others, that we raise the money for a
Memorial, and when the Foreign Mission
Board shall have canvassed the
new situation in Turkey we will better
be able to determine how it can best
be used to honor Christ. We can act
on the f dvice of the Pnard anrl in this
wav will be able with thp Memorial
to heln further pny new nians develoned
bv them for the New Turkey.
All want to pernptuate the memory of
this young soldier of the Cross, and
so far as we can learn are ready to
wait the best for the use advice of it. of the Board as to

294 OLIVE TREES
The plan for raising the money may
vary in each community. But we will
suggest the following plan and have
prepared subscription cards which we
will mail each society upon request.
The amount suggested to be raised
ranges from $15,000 to $20,000.
If the Societies will pledge themselves
to raise on an average of $250
for the fund there will be abundance.
Larger societies can do more and
smaller ones will not be able to do
that much. But let each society pledge
itself for something near that amount.
Send in your pledges at once, then go
to work raising the money.
In raising the money, you may be
able to get some from your Sabbath
School, individual subscriptions from
older people in the church, smaller
subscriptions from children, and let
each member of the Society and, in
fact, every young person in the congregation
have a part in it, even if it
is small.
While we would like to have it in
cash, so it would be available at once,
the societies may give those making
larger subscriptions time. We are
arranging for it in five annual payments,
so that the society which cannot
raise its $250 at once can pay
some each year with interest on
deferred pajrments at 6 per cent. Liberty
Bonds will be received in nayment.
Now may we hear from your
society making its pledge so we will
know how much to count on from
you. In some congregations you may
find a single individual who will give
the entire amount, so you will be
able to "go over the top" easily. Let
us as young peonle demonstrate what
we are able to do in putting a thing
like this over.
It may be some societies will prefer
to make their canvass before they
report their pledge. In this case make
the canvass as quickly as possible and
renort.
Now these suggestions are merely
to assist and any society which has a
better plan is under no obligation to
follow this. Nor are we trying to
force the matter upon any society.
But it is a movement started by the
young people themselves, and as Secretary
of Young People's work we
are leading in this at the request of
the young people. It is your movement,
and if you have any suggestions
further with regard to it we will be
glad to receive them.
Further for your encouragement
let me say that one of the young
people, a teacher, offered one hundred
and fifty dollars to start it.
When the matter was put before Mr.
Carrithers' home congregation they
were so interested that they undertook
it at once and at last report had
raised about $4000 toward it in a
week. Since then others have offered
sums toward it. Such an interest was
manifested that I could do nothing
else than go ahead. The fine spirit
manifested is very encouraging. We
anticipate the amount will be raised
without great effort. We desire that
it be voluntary. This is the first
movement of the young people of the
Church of any magnitude. Let us see
it through. We shall do it.
Send all pledges and cash to Rev.
J. D. Edgar, Olathe, Kansas. We will
give you credit through the pages of
the Christian Nation, if this can be
secured (I am sure it can) from week
to week. Arrangements will be made
with one of the treasurers to take care
of the money as it comes in. But if
you want credit immediately send to
above address of Young People's Secretary.
Watch Olive Trees and the Christian
Nation,
The glory of life is to love—not to
be loved; to give—not to get; to serve
—not to be served.
Human life is a mission, of which
the aim is service, the law sacrifice.
the strength fellowship with God.—
Bishop Westcott.

DIVINE PROVISION.
The following is a sermon which
had been prepared by J. French
Carithers before his death, to be used
in the regular course of students
preaching in the Seminary. We are
publishing it because it comes as a
last message from him, and also because
of the very touching interest it
has as indicating the lines of thought
along which'the Holy Spirit of God
was leading him in the closing days of
his life. The last passage of the sermon
seems almost a prophecy.
"And Abraham called the name of
that place Jehovah-jireh; as it is said
to this day, 'In the mount of the Lord
it shall be seen.' (Gen. 22:14.)
"The expression, Jehovah-jireh,
challenges our attention. Literally it
means, Jehovah sees. As God's nature
is revealed to us, we conceive of
him as a father, who is quick to see
the needs of his children, and who
makes loving provision to satisfy
these needs. For Jehovah to see is to
provide. The same expression is used
in the eighteenth verse, God will provide
for himself a lamb. 'Jehovahjireh'
was the name by which Abraham
remembered the scene of the supreme
test of his faith and obedience.
This was the truth which his experience
there impressed upon Abraham,
the Lord will provide.
"Let us recall the setting of this experience.
The Scripture narrative
gives us a sublime picture of the
events which called forth this expression
of Abraham's trust in God. He
receives a divine command to offer up
his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering
upon a mountain which God would
designate. In prompt obedience,
Abraham sets out early in the morning,
accompanied by Isaac and two
young men of his servants to transport
the materials necessary for the
sacrifice.
"On the third day they come within
OLIVE TREES 295
sight of the mountain which God had
appointed, most probably Mt. Moriah,
where the temple later stood. The
servants are left behind, while Abraham
and Isaac go on together. As
they toil on up the ascent, Isaac bearing
the load of wood on which the
burnt offering is to be consumed, the
youth innocently inquires, 'Behold the
fire and the wood, but where is the
lamb' For a moment Abraham's
heart must feel a keen anguish as he
looks on that loved form which his
own hands will soon bind to the altar
of sacrifice, but his answer breathes
the prayer and hope which has sustained
him all these days, "My son,
God will provide Himself a lamb for
a burn-offering.'
"At last everything is prepared.
Isaac has learned what God's will concerning
him is, and lies there, a willing
captive. The father's hand grasps
the knife, and his arm is upraised to
slay, when a voice from heaven commands
him to do the lad no harm.
Abraham's faith has been vindicated,
and his prayer is answered. God restores
his son to him, and directs his
attention to the ram which has been
provided as a substitute.
"One lesson has been impressed on
Abraham's mind in a way that he will
never forget. As one who believes
God and trusts in his promises, he can
only rely on Jehovah to provide for
him in the time of his greatest need.
He gives his testimony to this divine
provision by calling this mountain
top, Jehovah-jireh. There is typified
here the provision which God makes
for all His children, and, above all, the
provision for their salvation which
God has made in the gift of His own
dear Son, Jesus Christ.
"In the words of our text, then,
Abraham has given us the believers'
testimony to the divine provision.
Every believer is called upon to be a
witness. It may help us to bear more
consistent mony draw out recorded the and implications faithful here. witness of the if testi­
we

296 OLIVE TRSES
"1. It reveals the surrender of self,
"Sacrifice and submission to God's
will were not here displayed as something
new in Abraham's experience.
Far from it. Ever since he had left
the land of his fathers in obedience
to God's call he had exchanged present
material benefits for the hope of the
reward that God had promised. The
working out of that principle in his
life alone involved sacrifice. Mt.
Moriah is not what we imagine—an
unfortunate accident which disturbed
his sunshine at the last. No! it is
only the dark close of a dark day, the
latest step of that long ascent which
had begun in Ur of the Chaldees.
Sometimes self asserted itself in
Abraham. He showed himself only
human in lying about Sarah and in
marrying Hagar. But that was the,
final step that was needed to bring
about a complete surrender to God's
will—the only condition under which
he could appropriate the beautiful
provision in store for him. Through
this experience God brought Abraham
to the crest of a mountain peak, from
which he could look afar upon all
the future blessings of the covenant
promise and breathe these words of assurance
and hope, "The Lord will provide."
Through such trials God leads
His people to such a condition of submission
that He can bestow upon
them that which He has provided.
These blessings can have no value to
us. We cannot enjoy them, unless
we have the capacity to receive them.
Do not be discouraged, 0 Christian, if
you seem to be following the pathway
of obedience, and yet are called upon
to pass through the firesof affiiction.
God is preparing you to lay hold of
richer spiritual blessings than you
ever dreamed of.
"The greatest provision that God
gave this world was His Son, Jesus
Christ. What else than Divine grace
would enable us to appropriate the
crucified Lord as our Saviour Nothing
less will make us bow at His feet.
Jesus said, 'If any man will come
after Me, let him deny himself and
take up his cross and follow Me,'
"Here the question comes, what is
meant by denying oneself Well,
what did it mean in Abraham's life
It meant implicit obedience to God's
command. It was typified by his offering
the best he had to God. It was
more than his life. Abraham would
gladly have laid even his life on that
altar if God had willed that Isaac
should be the executioner. It was
more than the life of a dearly beloved
son. It seemed to Abraham that all
that provision that God had promised
him was bound up in Isaac. He was
the channel of blessing to the nations
yet to come. 'In Isaac shall thy seed
be called.' Can we conceive of a more
conclusive proof that Abraham had
renounced his reliance on self Would
it have surprised us if his faith had
staggered In that case he would not
have denied self, but he would have
denied God. So he offered the best
he had, because he realized it had been
part of God's provision and belonged
to Him. Surrender in our lives will
mean an obedient following.
"2. This testimony expresses sincere
gratitude.
"Abraham had every reason to be
grateful. He saw clearly now why
God had brought him through this
great trial, step by step, up to the
very point where he showed the completeness
of his sacrifice. Only the
angel voice arrested the hand tiiat a
moment later would have been bathed
in the life blood of Isaac, and directed
Abraham's attention to the ram in the
thicket, which God had provided and
which he accepted as a substitute.
This was sacrificed by Abraham as a
burnt-offering. Now, the burnt-offering,
as distinguished from others,
was wholly consumed, and the smoke
rising heavenward denoted complete
consecration to God. As Abraham
and Isaac gazed on that sacrifice, it
would point them to the victim of the
future, provided by the Father, whose
perfect consecration and entire self-

surrender would make up what was
lacking in them. There they beheld
the Lamb of God that taketh away the
sin of the world.
"As Abraham descended the mountain
his heart would be well-nigh
bursting with thankfulness that Isaac
had again been restored to him.
Isaac was the child of laughter. It
was not stilled in Abraham's house.
But underlying that would be the profound
gratitude that from God Himself
had come that which made complete
and acceptable his imperfect
obedience and consecration.
"Perhaps the most effective witness
to Christ's transforming power is
the eyidence of gratitude displayed
by His followers. How can the believer
be otherwise than joyful when
he sees the wonderful provision which
God has made for the sins of the
world. 'We were bound on the altar,
we were laid on the wood, and th§ fire
was ready for our consuming; but no
knife shall touch us now, for the sacrifice
is offered once for all. No fire
shall consume us, for He who suffered
in our stead has borne the heat of the
flame.' Thanks be unto God for His
unspeakable gift. When we can give
a reason for the hope that is in us,
our joy will implant in other lives the
longing to partake with us in that joy.
Our songs will rise in the darkness of
our trials and suffering as did the
psalms of Paul and Silas in the jail at
Philippi, and we shall have power to
turn people to righteousness.
"A small mission church had been
opened in a community where the majority
were antagonistic to the truth,
and some of those living near the
church circulated a petition to have
the place closed, as their outdoor
preaching and singing created too
much disturbance. They asked an influential
Jew to sign, thinking he
would be sure to do anything which
might gospel. and shout discourage But if they replied, the wish. preaching 'Let If I them could of sing the be
OLIVE TREES 297
sure as they are that Messiah has
come, you could not hinder me from
proclaiming it on the street and shouting
it on the house-tops.'
"Abraham was grateful because
God had manifested Himself to him
there. As it is said to this day, in the
mountain of the Lord it shall be seen,
or better. He shall be seen. This was
a mountain of agony and trial to
Abraham, but the name he gave it
does not remind others of that trial,
but commemorates God's deliverance.
You and I have bare and bold mountain
peaks of trial in our lives. How
are we going to name them If we
have learned the lesson that God intends
to teach us we will inscribe our
praise and gratitude in letters of light
that will illumine the pathway of life
for all who follow in our steps.
"3. This testimony exhibits the
assurance of unfailing provision.
" 'The Lord will provide.' Abraham
had been going forward on that principle
since he answered God's call to
leave his native land. He believed in
God's promise. He had experienced
God's goodness to him in times past.
It sustained him mightily in this
crisis. When Isaac innocently asked,
'Where is the lamb for the burat-offering'
Abraham replied, 'God will
provide it,' as it is said in the epistle
to the Hebrews, 'Accounting that God
was able to raise him up, even from
the dead, from whence also he received
him in a figure.' But from this
time 'Jehovah-jireh' would bear a
greater significance than it had ever
borne before to Abraham. Through
the type of the victim which was provided
in place of Isaac, Abraham
looked forward in prophetic vision tc
God's gift of a Saviour. Then, as if
to make it doubly sure, God repeated
His promise and confirmed it by an
oath. 'For when God made promise
to Abraham, because He could sware
which by that no by it greater. was two impossible immutable He sware for by things, God Himself, to in lie.

298 OLIVE TREES
we might have a strong consolation,
who have fledfor refuge to lay hold
on the hope set before us.'—Heb. 6:
13, 18. Now Abraham held this unwavering
assurance on the strength
of his faith in that which would be
fulfilled long centuries after his death.
Today we are living in the glorious
realization that this atonement is a
fact in the life and death of Jesus of
Nazareth. Should our testimony give
an uncertain sound in this day
when men are asking, 'Is the Lord's
hand waxed short"—Num. 11: 23.
Through this wonderful manifestation
God has shown a power that
ought to stifle every doubt. 'He that
spared not His own Son, but delivered
Him up for us all, how shall he not
with Him also freely give us all
things' It is the vision of the cross
with what it means of omnipotent
love which leads the believer to say,
'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not
want.' The many great and precious
promises of His word assure us that
we will not lack, even in the smallest
detail. 'My God shall supply all your
needs, according to His riches in glory
by Christ Jesus.' We can be assured
that in the extremity of trial and suffering
His presence will sustain us.
'Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death I will fear no
evil.' In the hour of death itself His
word assures us that He will provide
deliverance from its terror and power,
and give us the strength to say, '0,
death, where is thy sting, 0 grave
where is thy victory' And, oh, the
provision does not end there. Its benefits
extend to the life eternal, for
Jesus said, 'In My Father's House are
many mansions, I go to prepare a
place for you, that where I am there
ye may be also.'"
Happiness is not so much in what
comes, as in the way you take it.
We never know how small a thing
may become a benediction to a human
life.
QUESTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS.
Findley M. Wilson.
Has Christianity failed Or has
our religion failed Is our reUgion
Christianity Or a Christianity without
the power thereof If Christianity
means that "God sent his Son into
the world that the world through him
might be saved,'' then, what is the
matter Why have God's people
gotten on so poorly building an abiding
world order Has Christianity a
dynamo of unlimited power Then
why not connect all the wires of civilization
with the dyanmo and get
power to operate our world machinery
Does God mean mankind to enjoy
a life order That is, a life of
goodness—personal goodness and social,
goodness Then why has the
world been threatened with the chaos
of hell Has Christianity failed Or
have God's people failed Let it be
freely admitted: his people have failed
! But, why have they failed Because
of a gospel lacking power Or
from the non-employment of the powers
inhering in the gospel Jesus
Christ is the power of his gospel. Is
he able Can his gospel establish a
good order of life for mankind Has
the Church assumed his gospel, is
able merely to get souls safely out of
a perishing world into heaven That
the gospel is nothing but personal
"fire insurance" Or has the church
proceeded on the assumption that
Christ was telling the truth when he
said his gospel is able to set up a
heavenly order in this world Save
the world from perishing
What caused the war Made the
war inevitable Made it as certain
to come as that there is a God in
heaven Didn't the Church know that
this is God's world That Christ re-

deemed it That to reward him God
gave him to rule it Why did not the
church, in the last 100 years, tell the
world it must bow to the Lord Jesus
Christ Tell the "great powers" of
the world that all power is his Why
did the Church permit nations to suppose
they could sin with impunity
Why did war come What will keep
war from coming again Why do
Christians pray daily: "Thy kingdom
come; thy will be done in earth as it
is in heaven," and not accept as a
working program a full gospel which
will forthwith set them to work here
and now to seek that end Are we
citizens of the kingdom Are we soldiers
of the King Are we ready to
challenge the citadel of satan, that old
adversary of Christ Are we brave
enough to call on the devil to surrender
To abdicate To give the throne
to Christ Will Christians tell the
devil they cannot trust his word, and
can no longer enter into covenants
with him to partition and govern the
earth Are we mollies or marines
Are we pigmies playing war with
pop-guns Or are we giant artillery
men in the armies of Armageddon
Is the devil too big for us Or is
Christ not big enough Shall the
army of Allenby rise in the judgment
with this generation of Christians and
condemn it For Allenby assailed the
empire of despotism and broke his
hellish power! And, behold! a greater
than Allenby is here. Shall the patriots
of Pershing rise in the judgment
with this generation and condemn
it For they sprang forward
like tigers at Chateau-'Thierry; moved
like ah irresistible glacier through the
Argonne, cut the life artery of the foe.
and avenged Sedan! And, behold! a
greater than Pershing is here. Shall
the dauntless deliverers of sunny
Italy rise in the judgment with this
generation and condemn it For Diaz
led those daring defenders of democracy
against Austria in the most
gigantic And, behold! military a greater triumph than of history! Diaz OLIVE TREES 299
here. Shall the fearless and faithful
forces of Foch—^that veteran of wide
vision—rise in the judgment with thia
generation and condemn it For
Foch accepted hell's challenge for
world domination, campaigned for
world objectives, struck the bloody
beast of Berlin on all fronts, from the
straits of Dover to the plains of Bagdad—struck
him blow after blow—
until he overthrew his throne of fiendish
tyranny, and ushered in a new
day of Freedom! And, behold! a
greater Generalissimo than Foch is
here.
Can a general win battles without
a fighting army For fifty-sevengenerations
Christ has been issuing the
command of the Great Commission:
"Make disciples of all the nations.
Teach them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded." Can
God's people give any reasonable excuse
for not having done that Why
don't we begin and do it now Will
anything short of our utmost win
Or prove adequate to the world's
need Do Christians realize that the
supreme demand of this crisis hour of
all hours is life investment, and
wealth investment "The high calling
of God''—^what is it, but a call
to the colors of Christ To hold up to
a torn and bleeding world the Cross
and the Crown What more inspiring
crusade than to venture to invest
life and treasure in the world war of
the Kingdom of God How else can
we save the war already won
What can God mean by calling
Jesus Christ the "King of kings and
Lord of lords" Do we want a righteous
world order Then put the government
upon his shoulder. Do we
want the 1000 years of peace Then,
remember we, that "of the increase of
his government A-N-D of peace there
shall be no end." Do we believe the
kingdoms of this world are to become
the Kingdom of our Lord and of his
Christ Are we Kingdom men and
women Kingdom Church Is the Church of Christ a

300 OLIVE TREi^
APPEAL FOR MISSIONARIES.
At its meeting in New York, January
14, the Board decided to issue
this appeal for workers:
Young man to teach in Academy,
Cyprus.
Young man to teach in boys' school
in Mersina.
A nurse for hospital, Mersina.
A physician (man) for Latakia.
A nurse for hospital, Latakia.
Two agriculturists—one for Mersina
district, one for Latakia district.
A physician (man) for Tak Hing
(urgent).
A young man to teach in boys'
school in Lo Ting.
Nothing but the scarcity of ministers
at home keeps the Board from
appealing for two more ministers—
one for Mersina and one for Latakia.
Even this does not warrant us in failing
to state the great need and to call
attention .to the unprecedented opportunity
opening up in that land. We
leave it to the young ministers of the
Church to decide whether the Spirit
of God can best use them here or
there.
Findley M. Wilson,
REPORT OF Corresponding THE W. M, S. Secretary. OF THE
R. P. CONGREGATION,
WALTON, N. Y.
From January 1, 1918, to January 1,
1919.
During the year we held twelve
(12) regular and two (2) special
meetings. One meeting was held in
the church parlors, the others in the
different homes. Our average attendance
was ten (10).
In January, 1918, we sent to the
Southern Mission a box of pictures
and cards, which doubtless were received.
On May the 1st we sent flfteen
boys' blouses and five girls'
aprons to the Indian Mission. Our
next sewing was the piecing of blocks
for several comfortables, which, when
finished, were given to those in the
community who were in need of such
articles. We also purchased the material
for and made four long tablecloths
for the use of the society.
Secretary.
Treasurer's Report.
Receipts.
Bal., Jan. 1, 1918 $51.21
From dues 27.00
dues in advance 4.00
two members 2.40
interest .77
Mite collections 22.10
members for Aged People's
Home 53.00
Total $160.48
Disbursements.
To printing for 1918 $3.00
" salary native teacher in
China 30.00
" Material for work 9.38
" Postage on box to Indian
Mission 60
" Material for finishingcomcomfortables
9.11
" Aged Peoples' Home 53.00
" Money advanced 1.15
" Printing for 1919 2.75
" Miscellaneous .45
Total $109.39
Total received $160.48
Balance $51.09
(Signed) Treasurer.
So far as God is running this world
for us He is not running it for our
happiness but for our highest good.
Happiness belongs to the outward
and the passing, joy to the inward and
permanent.
Every man is worth just as much as
those things are worth about which
he busies himself.

OLIVE TREES 801
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
Mr. Alvin W. Smith, who this year
finishes his course in our Seminary,
has been appointed to go to our Mission
in Cyprus next fall. The Board
is deeply grateful to God for this
answer to many prayers on behalf of
Cyprus. We were beginning to wonder
if there would be no minister on
the Island next year. Now the Lord
has provided. Mr. Smith, youngest
son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Smith, of
Winchester, Kansas, graduated from
Geneva College June, 1916, and entered
the Seminary the autumn of the
same year. His interest in athletics,
his proficiency in music, his studious
habits and his more than usual ability
as a young preacher, give him peculiar
fitnessfor the work in Cyprus.
Mr. W. Wilbur Weir, whose threeyear
term will be fulfilled June of this
year, has agreed, if it be thought best,
to remain another year. This will insure
good team work in the academy.
The Board appeals for a young man
to teach, three-year term, in the academy.
He is needed even though Mr.
Weir remain.
Findley M. Wilson,
Corresponding Secretary.
* * * *
Now that the long silence has been
broken and news is filteringthrough
to us from the Syrian field we are
most eager to hear and know the
latest. There is something to tell this
month about each of our workers.
Since the last issue of Olive Trees a
letter has come from Mrs. James S.
Stewart, of Latakia, and three from
Miss Maggie B. Edgar. A cablegram
from Capt. Samuel Edgar and extracts
from his three last letters to
his wife, and a letter to his mother's
family from Dr. John Peoples are at
hand. Dr. Stewart has been released
from Konia and had stopped at Mer- \
sine en route to Latakia. He was
there when Dr. Peoples wrote but has
since reached home. Mrs. McFarland
writes from Geneva, Switzerland, enclosing
a letter she had received from
her sister, Miss Edgar, of Latakia.
Mrs, McFarland is well and expects
to return to Mersine and join Mr,
McFarland in his work there at the
earliest possible moment.
* * * *
Our other Syrian missionaries who
have been in America expect to return
to the fieldwith the Armenian and
Syrian Relief Expedition. Some of
the men of this expedition have
already gone on navy transports. The
remainder of the party, including
women and children, expect to leave
very soon now on a government transport
carrying with them large stores
of food, clothing, seeds, farming implements,
etc.—in short, everything
necessary for the reconstruction ol
the people from the soil up. Rev. R
E. Willson and family. Dr. Balph and
the Misses Sterrett and French expect
to go on this ship. The date of
sailing was fixedfor January 25th or
thereabouts. The Willson family have
all had influenza and the delay in sailing
gives them a chance for convalescence,
for which they are grateful.
* * * *
Rev. Samuel Edgar was transferred
about December 1 to Tripoli, and
made the commanding officer of the
work in that place. With the transfer
Mr. Edgar was advanced to the rank
of captain. We salute the gallant Captain
Edgar, being assured that wherever
he goes he will carry with him
the cheer and comfort of the Great
Commander, whose he is and whom
he so fittinglyserves. Extracts from
his recent letters follow:
"November 4th. Dr. Dodd has been

302 OLIVE TREES
ill for a week. Then Miss Hamilton,
the nurse, took iU, and I feared we
were to be delayed another week but
she is up and able for the trip. It is
what they call Spanish Flu, and it certainly
takes the strength away. Dr.
Dodd and the nurse were taken 110
miles on a truck to Jerusalem, he on
a stretcher. They were glad to be
where better care could be given.
"While in Beyrout a report reached
me that there was some danger of a
Turkish counter-attack at Latakia,
and I asked the French Admiral if he
would not send a torpedo boat, to be
on hand to take Mrs. Stewart and the
other American and British friends
on board if it should be necessary. He
very kindly did so and a telegram
came back the next day that there was
no danger of attack and that the torpedo
boat would remain there three
days or longer until conditions were
well settled. An Arab mayor had
been chosen and the Turks were entirely
out of Latakia and Alexandretta."
"November 11, Haifa. Great rejoicing
and demonstration over the
victory. Back to Haifa after a few
days at Jerusalem. On my return
imagine my surprise and joy to receive
the following telegrams: 'Rejoiced
to hear from you. Mrs. Stewart,
James and I are well. No pressing
needs. Will write you to Tripoli.
Greetings to Florence and Evangeline
where they are. Dr. Stewart in
Konia. Friends well. Send greetings.
Maggie B. Edgar,' and 'Your
telegram rejoiced our hearts. Hope
to meet soon. All weU. Sadick Fattal.'
My, these gave me a great joy and
made me want to go immediately."
"November 18, Haifa. Telegram
from Captain Nichol, of Tripoli, said
Edgar and Merely needed badly, but
we cannot get away for two reasons,
lack of transportataion and the
weather. I tried to wire Mersine this
week but the message came back saying
there was no connection yet."
"Had a helpful Sabbath. Went to
soldiers* service, but only the captain,
a soldier and myself—others all on
duty. In the evening Captain Hurd
came with me and we had about 25.
Then after that I went to the Australian
Flying Corps and preached. It
was great joy to get ministering to
men's hearts."
On November 29 Captain Edgar
and Captain Nicol were going to
Tripoli. After looking over the field
there, Captain Edgar planned to go
for a visit to Latakia. Captain Nicol"
is very anxious to have Miss Mearns
for an orphanage in the Tripoli district.
Not yet decided where it shall
be. She has proved herself most
capable. She is now mothering some
310 children. All of his letters complain
that Captain Edgar is not receiving
word from his friends on this
side. His new address is "Captain
Samuel Edgar, American Red Cross,'
Tripoli, Syria."
* -4: * *
This is the letter from Dr. John
Peoples. .It was received by his
mother in Philadelphia on January
17, 1919.
"Thanksgiving Season, November,
1918. Dear folks, I have not heard a
word from you or about you for two
years or more. There is now a possibility
of getting a few lines off on ah
English boat. We are still surviving,
through the Lord's goodness, but the
night has been long and black. Some
months ago I tried to communicate
with'you but have had no result. I
am very busy with English prisoners.
We are wondering where we will be
when the smoke has cleared away. The
weather is chilly and raining. Last
week for five minutes we had a heavy
hail storm. Much glass was broken.
This loss is irreparable, for we were
short of glass before. Dr. Stewart is
here but I am trying to get him off
on an English boat, which may leave
tomorrow. Thank the Lord the fighting
is over, at least for a time. May
it never be repeated. I must leave now
to meet a train load of English pris-

oners. There is much sickness. Goodbye
for the present. Lovingly, John
Peoples."
* * * *
Mrs. McFarland enclosed the following
letter when she wrote last
from Geneva, The letter is from her
sister, Miss Maggie B. Edgar, of Latakia,
and was written on October 30,
1918:
"I am sending this hasty letter by
a French warship to Cyprus, to be
posted to you there, so I hope you will
get it in good time. You maybe know
more than we do about affairs here.
We are no longer under Turkish rule,
and the change came so suddenly and
so silently as far as people here are
concerned that it is almost impossible
yet not to think we must be dreaming,
"We here have only a temporary
Arab government yet with a French
gunboat lying here to keep order, but
now that AUeppo has surrendered we
hope to have affairs settled in a little
while. We have no post or telegraph
yet, but sailing boats are plying between
here and Beirout and Tripoli,
and the French warships will take
letters to Cyprus for us. I hope before
what I have written to America gets
there td be able to send a cablegram.
We are well here, but I am weary,
ago. I was not uncomfortable, the
house was small but healthy and clean
with a nice little yard. It belonged to
Hanna, the mason. He died over a
year ago. His family were straitened
and were glad to rent it. My worst
trouble was that I was hindered about
OLIVE TREES 808
the teaching except work. in outside, I a could quiet do I way could nothing through send in no school the letters
or telegrams and be certain that
they would go further than the hands
of the censor. But I tried to look
after the brethren, counsel the teachers,
visited the sick and kept the account
books. I sent letters and telegrams
and had Mrs. Stewart to sign
them. I have much to be thankful
for.
"Now this month we have had a
very severe epidemic of grippe, a
good many deaths and nearly everybody
sick. I have escaped so far. We
had started school before it began,
and though it has been going onit
is small and irregular until people
get better. I would have closed up
altogether but you know people take
no precautions here anyway, and it
did not seem that it would make any
difference.
"I have written to you two or three
times since I last heard from you, but
think it doubtful-whether you would
get anything. I often think about
you and about James. Sometimes I
have wished we could have had him
here awhile. I have been unable to
get any communication with him, and
now of course we are cut off from
Turkey altogether. Mrs. Stewart
heard quite regularly from Dr. Stewart
until the week of the change, but
weary. I have had sc much to do of course, she can get nothing now.
these last six weeks, especially, I think She is most anxious to hear from
you maybe know this (I could not
write you freely) that at the 1st of
December I was ordered to leave the
school building and the school work.
Robert. Asks me to teU you if you
can write to him to do so. She
has had no word direct yet. If there
should not be open communication by
I lived in town in the firsthouse below the time you get this (but I think
where Mr. Haddad used to live. I
was there ten and a half months.
Came back here to school ten days
there will be) write to me to Mr.
McCarroll, and he will send over by
the boats. We were able always to
get money from the Beirout Press,
only there have been times when letters
did not come and did not go, nobody
could know why. The people
who were liable to military service
are the most relieved by this new
change, and also the change in the
six price down weeks of to less provisions. ago. than But, half Wheat oh, the the price has poverty. gone it was

804 OLIVE TREES
the poverty. So many have been
brought from comparative plenty to
the lowest state of poverty and
wretchedness.
"I have written very hastily, for
they say the boat is leaving this afternoon.
They come and go but there is
always one here. I have written Dr.
Wilson and Mr. Steele and I would
like to get a letter to cousin Sam if
possible. I don't know his whereabouts,
but if he is in Egypt I think
I can find him. Now I must stop.
Very dear love to you and hoping you
will be able soon to get back to your
husband. Your sister, Maggie B.
Edgar."
* * * *
"The present year has been in many
respects a very hard one for China. It
has been unique, both for the number,
and also the character of her troubles.
The statement is frequently made by
the Chinese themselves that never has
there been such a combination of difficulties
as has been seen in 1918. Not
only has there been retrogression
along many lines, but a retrogression
that has carried the country back beyond
where she was before the revolution
of 1911. During the Manchu
regime gambling was one of the usual
sources of revenue for governmental
purposes. The opium traffic was in
full blast. Everything was "wide
open." But with the overthrow of the
Manchu dynasty and the setting up of
the republic, a change was wrought
that was exceedingly encouraging in
appearance, at least. The opium
market was destroyed, even when the
traffic was supported by foreign influence
and money in many places.
GambUng was prohibited, and in a
Tak Hing, China, Miss Huston's
budget of news items from Tak Hing
got here two days after Olive Trees
went to press last month. It was
mailed in good time from the other
side but all mails are a little uncertain
yet. This is specially true of the
Pacific mails. However, the news is
welcome and stiU fresh to us. There way that really prohibited. There
is a letter from Rev. John Robb. His
letter gives, among other things, his
were many things that seemed to indicate
that at last a new era had dawned
view of the German situation. He on the Chinese people, and that they
writes, "Since there has been such were entering upon a better age than
a complete cave-in on the part of the China had ever known. People who
Kaiser and his hordes, I think it
likely that exchange will drop before
called in question the permanence of
the change were dubbed pessimists,
long to somewhere near its pre-war and regarded as lacking in faith. And
state. I wonder if anybody suspected
that there would be such a seemed to justify the high hopes of
for some years there was much that
complete and sudden breaking up of the more optimistic. The twin vices,
things in the Kaiser's domain. I gambling and opium smoking, disappeared
from public view. That both
thought it would be strange if there
were no internal troubles in Germany were indulged in privately seems
but never dreamed of such a spectacle fairly evident. But in a public way,
as that which is now presented there. prohibition really prohibited. But
Europe is in a terrible state. It looks political differences between the north
as though a lot of troops wiU be necessary
to keep the different countries ment from becoming stabilized. Be­
and south prevented the new govern­
from faUing into anarchy entirely. fore two years had passed under the
But wouldn't it have been a sight to Republican regime, another revolution
see the All-Highest hiking over to was under way. It was somewhat
Queen Wilhelmina for protection, abortive in its results, but served to
after aU his brag and bluster during keep the smouldering embers of discontent
and antagonism between
the last four years "
Mr. Robb further writes:
north and south from dying out. The

OLIVE TREES 805
need for money to keep the machinery
of government moving, became more
pressing as time went on. The President,
advised by men who had nothing
but their own welfare in mind,
decided to proclaim himself Emperor,
with disastrous results to both himself
and the country's tranquility. The
Manchus succeeded in restoring their
last Emperor to the throne for the
space of one week. Japan was periodically
making impossible demands ol
China. A larger military establishment
seemed a necessity, and large
sums of money were necessary to
create it. The financialaspect of the
situation seemed to be most prominent.
And, finally,the government in
several provinces decided to legalize
the gambling curse again. In Kwong
Tung this traffic was begun again on
July 1, 1917. And during the present
year the sale of opium has also been
legalized in certain cities. But the
use of it is becoming alarmingly prevalent
everywhere. The writer saw a
man smoking opium openly-in a native
passenger boat recently. He also saw
in the government telegraph office in
Tak Hing an opium smoking outfit
lying in full view of the public. Then,
aside from these matters of a governmental
character, the elements seem
to have arrayed themselves in antagonism
to the peace and tranquility of
the people of China. Another flood
during this last summer, and coming
so late as to seriously interfere with
the planting of the second rice crop,
was a real calamity. And now there
is danger of drought that will render
impossible the maturing of the crop
even in places where it was successfully
planted. Thus- a whole train of
calamities are being visited upon this
unfortunate country. Are they the
voice of God caUing to this people to
repent Surely it can be for no other
reaason that He is making their hardships
to increase both in number and
in bitterness. That faith in false gods
is being lost is evident in many quarters.
Make it your prayer, a,s we are
making it ours, that this great people
may heed the admonition, 'Look unto
me and be ye saved.' "
sfc ^ ^ ^
Miss Huston tells us:
"A short time ago Grandma Nip
was reported to be ill and in all probability
on her deathbed. But she surprised
us by coming out for the Conference
and Communion last week.
Her daughter told her about the meetings,
and she said, 'I haven't any
strength, but I must go to Communion.'
By frequent rests at the roadside,
she made the trip, a mile or more,
in half a day. Of course, according to
her faith, she was invited to stay in
the school, but she was so exhausted
by the trip that she got to church only
on Sabbath, missing the other three
or four days. She had a chapter to
add to her troubles this time. She
said, 'The flood came into my house
twice this summer. The water was
up to my neck and I didn't get a batb
for several days.' She evidently is satisfled
with long life, as she said, 'Why
doesn't the Heavenly Father take me
to heaven My life here has been
long enough, and I am so old and helpless
and useless.' The daughter has a
son who is a Christian, but she has
never shown any interest in the Doctrine,
except to beg help for her
mother from the Church. However,
as she included herself in my invitation
to the mother to stay in the
Women's School during the meetings,
we hope living among Christians for
a few days will have a good influence
on her."
* * * *
"Our women's meeting last Sabbath
afternoon was especially interesting
and helpful, because we had quite a
number of the Christian women from
the country with us, and all took part
in the meeting, even women seventy
years old, and younger women who do
not know a character, standing up before
the audience and telling of their
Christian experience. Some spoke of
their hardships and sorrows, and

306 OLIVE TREES
asked for our prayers, but each also
tiad something to be thankful for.
Their faces showed that their hearts
were lightened by the feUowship and
sympathy of the other Christian
women, and they went back to their
homes with new strength and courage
for living the Christ life."
:}: ^ :{: ;{£
The girls' school was closed for a
few days the last week in October, as
most of the pupils and teachers were
laid up with an epidemic of what is
called Shanghai fever, or influenza.
"The school is undergoing a season
of slander and villifying on account
of a former pupil who drifted into sin
and shame. The relatives say she
learned her wicked ways while at
school, and that all the pupils are
being trained to follow her footsteps.
The mother of one of our most promising
pupils came to take her daughter
home, but she refused to go, saying,
'I have always obeyed you in
everything, but I will not in this, because
I know you are wrong to listen
to what people say about the foreigners
and the school. I will not give up
my opportunity because of their vile
slander. It will not harm me nor the
school in the end, but will return to
defile their own mouths.' "
HEARD HERE AND THERE.
"When I came to church this morning,
the neighbors and folks along the
way slandered me, and told me not to
come to church, as it sure would cause
a drought. They said the gods were
angry and refused to send rain because
I left them to worship Jesus. I
said to them 'You needn't talk that
way to me, because it isn't true. The
True God manages the rain, and He is
withholding it because you are so
wicked and will not believe Him. I
could ask my Heavenly Father to send
rain tonight, and He would do it!
Thank the Heavenly Father !"--The
broken-legged man's mother.
"Children in the city learn to
gamble in a small way almost as soon
as they are big enough to get away
from their mothers. If they are sent
to market to buy vegetables or meat,
they will first go and gamble with the
money, either with a playmate or at
a gamlsling table. If they gain they
are that much better off, and if they
lose the family goes without 'soong,'
the young gambler perhaps getting a
scolding that doesn't have any effect.
China certainly will go to ruin if they
don't stop gambling. I tell you, out
of eleven boys, ten know how to
gamble, and many girls, too. But,
fortunately, there is not a girl in
school who knows how. One who recently
entered school had the smoking
habit, but we hid her pipe and
burned her tobacco, so she had to
quit. The pupils we have now are
certainly the best we have ever had,
and how I do love the wee ones!"—
Wan Wai Kit, teacher in Tak Hing
Girls' School.
:}: ^ :{: :}:
"Yes, the baby is a little better, but
the medicine you gave me for it was
not the right kind." "How do you
know it was not the - right kind "
"Why, I was afraid it was not suitable
medicine, so I took two winecups
of it myself before I gave any to the
baby, and it didn't do me any good, so
I knew it wasn't 'hop' the baby."
(She had been given a one-ounce
bottle.)
* * * *
Lo Ting, China. Mrs. E. C. Mitch
ell sends the news from Lo Ting,
Friends will be glad to know that her
rheumatism is very much better but
not quite gone:
"Communion was held at Ch'e Tsai,
November 3d. One man and two
babies were baptized. There were
twenty-two communicants, all of
whom were praising God for sparing
their lives whUe so many of their
neighbors succumbed to influenza and
pneumonia.

"The girls' school was closed for
ten days because of sickness among
pupils and teachers. Chung Oi Kei,
a graduate of the Tak Hing school
and one of our most valuable teachers,
developed pneumonia, and was very
serious from the first. She passed
from this world into the Heavenly
Home Tuesday evening, November
12th. She is greatly missed in the
church as well as in the school. The
epidemic of influenza is somewhat
abated in this community since we
have had rain and cooler weather.
"Mr. Mitchell spent last Wednesday
at Wai Tai and went to Sz Lun
Saturday to stay over Sabbath. For
several months two young men have
been preaching in these two cities and
are urgently calling for chapels to be
opened there. The necessary funda
for this work was raised by subscription
in the Lo Ting congregation.
"Nip Fuk Ts'uen and Hui Yan Teng
are our representatives in the evangelistic
party which at present is
touring the Tak Hing district, and
will work in the Lo Ting district later,
A letter from Mr. Nip last week
brought encouraging news as to the
success of the meetings.
"Two new classes for women have
been organized recently, one for
Christian women who are committing
Psalms, and the other for non-Christians
who are interested enough in
the gospel to commit verses of Scriptures.
Six new names have been
added to the inquirer's class.
"Thanksgiving service was held in
the chapel, and after the sermon an
opportunity was given for personal
testimony. Many responded with
hearts full of praise for the blessings
the Lord had bestowed upon them.
"A public reading room has been
opened in an old temple next door to
the girls' school, A Bible and four-
OLIVE TREES 807
teen popular religious and medical
books were presented to the library.
"Mr. Chiu, who was postmaster for
a number of years, moved to Canton
last week. We are sorry to lose him
because of his efficiency as a public
official, also his wife, who was a member
of a Bible class and their daughter,
who was a pupil in the kindergarten."
* * * *
Two days after the copy for news
department went to the printer, the
following was received from Mrs. M.
J. McFarland, of Belle Center, Ohio.
It makes the news from the circle in
the Levant complete, as we had already
heard from all but Mr. McFarland.
On January 21 Mrs. McFarland
writes: "I received a letter this
noon from my dear son, A. J., in Mersine
from his own hand. I thought
you would be glad to know this after
such a long silence. He said he was
not sure I would get it, but he sent it
by an English officer who, in exchange
of prisoners, was to embark
that day. He (the officer) had been
a prisoner of war since the fall of Kut
El Mar in Anril, 1916. He was not
sure he would be allowed to carry
letters out with him, but this one
got through all right. My son is stiU
looking for word that Isabel is coming
to him, but he thinks, perhaps, the
fact that so many soldiers are being
moved just now may hinder her. He
remarks how marvelous has been the
Lord's eroodness to us all, and to all
the world. May the world be impressed
with his goodness and power, and
attracted to His Anointed the desire
of aU nations. Schools in Tarsus have
kept right on fuller than before." The
whole Church will unite with us in
thanking Mrs. McFarland for sending
us this good news.
See that each hour's feelings and
thoughts and actions are pure and
true; Beecher. then wiU your life be such.—

308 OLIVE TREES
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J. S. Martin a id Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
CoUege HiU, Beaver Falls, Pa.
WORKING WOMEN OF THE
ORIENT.
Chapter IV.
Women Working Together.
By Mary E. Metheny.
1. What has joined women in service
2. What is said of the influence of
women in the revolutionary
movement in Persia
3. What was Russia's ultimatum to
Persia
4. What did these women do after
the revolution
5. What service did women do for
the Young Turk Party
6. What society have women organized
in Constantinople since the
revolution
7. What are its aims
8. What work has the Red Crescent
done
9. What advance is there in India
10. What stand did the women take
in regard to the attempt on the
life of the Viceroy
11. Do women have any part in municipal
affairs
12. How do they show their loyalty
to the British Government
13. What great change has taken
place in the matter of combined
effort
14. What attitude are both Hindu and
Mohammedan women taking
towards education
15. What was the object of a meeting
of women in Gujerat
16. What society was organized in
Bombay in 1903, and what was
its object
17. Do the women confine their membership
to their own sects
18. What is the Seva Sadan
19. What other Indian societies
20. What part did women take in the
revolution in China
21. The case of Dr. Chang.
22. What enterprise did school girls
undertake, and what came of
it
23. Give an account of the Anti-footbinding
Society.
24. Other meetings in Pekin and.
Canton and their objects.
25. The society for the suppression of
the opium trade.
26. What are the ten demands of the
Suffrage Society
27. Give an account of the Social Service
League of Changsha.
28. Work against tuberculosis and
29.
30,
31,
32,
33,
34,
35,
36
37
infant mortality.
Who initiated the Women's
League of Service, and for
what purpose
What change in the Y. W. C. A.
What virtue is born in the Japanese
What Red Cross work did their
women do in the Russo-Japanese
war
How long since thirty women organized
the Educational Society
What other societies among Japanese
women
Work of the W. C. T. U., and
when organized
What hope does this spirit of cooperation
hold forth
What effort should be put forth
by the Christian world
The chief business of the Christian
Church, is not to nurse itself, but to
evangelize the world.
The realization of God's presence
is the one sovereign remedy against
temptation,—Fenelon.

JUNIOR DEPARTMENT,
Jack and Janet in the Philippines.
Chapter V,
Panay and Negros.
OLIVE TREES 809
Dear Boys and Girls:
The work of the missionary consists
of much more than the preaching
of the gospel. He must live it,
and, more than that, he must teach
the natives how to live it. So missionary
work includes preaching,
teaching and medical work, domestic
science, manual training and many
other things. Industrial schools, day
schools and hospitals are needed as
well as Sabbath Schools and churches.
Generally speaking, only ministers,
doctors and teachers are sent out as
missionaries, and not always all three
to man one station. Thus it frequently
happens that a minister must
also be the doctor and teacher, while
a teacher will have to teach the gospel
as well as reading, writing and arithmetic
and prescribe simple remedies
in cases of sickness. All may have to
be lawyers and in otherwise act as
general emergency men, or women.
So it is plainly to be seen that to be
a missionary one must be an allaround
capable person. No one of inferior
abilities may hope to qualify.
The conditions under which the
pioneer missionary must live are such
as to dismay all but the spirit-filled
heart. In time he can build a comfortable
home for himself and see
schools, dormitories and hospitals surrounding
it. But he must personally
superintend the erecting of these. The
preacher must become also an architect.
In the out stations, a native
house usually suffices and these are
often primitive to the extreme.
There are never enough missionaries.
If we had sent men and money
to convert our neighbors as we have
had to do to make war against them,
we might have been spared the bloodshed
and suffering of the recent conflict.
However, each missionary tries
to multiply his work if he cannot
do two or three things at once, he
comes as near this as is humanly
possible. A central point is picked
out and the church, boys' and girls'
schools, hospital and missionary
homes are built. Then the workers
gradually reach out to the surrounding
villages. In some schools are established
with native teachers; at
other places preaching and dispensary
aid is given on the more or less frequent
itinerating tours taken in that
direction. Thus a regular group of
out-stations soon surround the central
one.
The missionaries must visit these
stations frequently. The roads are
seldom good. Sometimes a horse or
bicycle can be used but often the only
means of reaching them is on foot.
Riding a horse all day. over rough
mountain roads as in Syria, where
there is not much road mending done,
or walking a narrow, slippery, muddy
path between rice fieldsas in China
or the Philippines are slow and arduous
means of travel. Much time is
wasted and much energy lost because
of the poor transportation facilities.
This is only a hint of some of the
hardships of missionary life, yet
many endure them willingly, even
gladly, for the sake of him whose they
are and whom they serve. If the hardships
are great, the reward is correspondingly
great. Think of the joy
of a first communion after years of
labor. Think of the joy of teaching
others to walk in the "Jesus road."
Imagine the pleasure in seeing men
turn from their idols to the worship
of the living and true God, from
heathenism turn to the ways of Christianity
and civilization. It should inspire
us to dedicate our lives anew
to the service of God and we should
count nothing, too hard if we can
work with and for our Master.
Mary A. McWilliams.

310 OLiVE TREES
AN EXPLANATION.
Owing to a misunderstanding the
space which we expected to lead with
an article from the Kansas Presbyterial
wfll be used for an Editorial
explanation.
During the Conference in the
Beaver Falls Church at the last meeting
of Synod, the Editor responsible
for keeping this space filledasked that
each Presbyterial should select annually
two correspondents to prepare
an article for these columns. This
would provide an article for each of
the ten months for which we are supposed
to findmaterial—the July-August
number not having space for our
Department. Later the Editors wrote
to the officers of each Presbyterial
personally, asking them to select correspondents
and forward their names
to us. All the Presbyterials except
Kansas and Pittsburgh had their
names in before November, and the
first article, that from Colorado Presbyterial,
was published in that number.
Now the backwardness of Pittsburgh
arose from the fact that the
Executive was kept from meeting by
the prevailing epidemic until this
month, when they promptly sent in
the names of their correspondents,
and provided for alternates.
Kansas requires more explanation,
so I have left it tiU the last. The
Editor wrote to the Kansas Corresponding
Secretary and received a
prompt answer, naming Mrs. W. H.
Edgar. The Editor wrote again, asking
for the name of the second correspondent,
and asked that an article
might be ready for the February
number. This brought the following
reply: "The name of the second
member of the Com. of Kansas Pres.
is Mrs. J. K. Robb, Topeka, Kansas,
We are a little puzzled to know what
this Com. is for, and what it is doing,
and who is chairman. What is being
done about topics for-devotional exercises
The proposition from Kansas
Pres. was that one from each Presbyterial
be appointed to form one Committee,
and they would arrange for
topics. Does this take the place of
that proposition—Mrs. J. G. Mc­
Elhinney."
Then came a letter from Mrs,
Edgar, in which she said, "We understand
that I was elected by our Executive
to act on the committee to prepare
uniform devotional exercises for
use in all local societies. I understand
that I am to act as chairman of this
committee."
Now it became evident that we
were talking about entirely different
things, and it had escaped my notice
that the Kansas members used Committee
instead of Correspondents.
Naturally they could not understand
why I was asking for a second. Mrs.
Edgar, fearing that she was expected
also to supply us with an article, sent
one which she said might not be timeous,
as the circumstances under which
it had been written were changed.
She asked that in any case it should
be returned to her. I wrote at oiice
telling her that we had no intention
of adding to the duties connected with
her Committee work; as she had manifestly
not been appointed a correspondent,
it would be unfair to ask
anything of her in that line. We
asked that as no second member of
Committee was needed they would be
pleased to continue Mrs. Robb as Correspondent,
her turn to come in September.
The Kansas turn for February
of this year would have to be
omitted, as trying to fill it would disarrange
the whole system.
Now our reasons for asking to have
these correspondents appointed are
two: First, we are responsible for a
space that will contain 600 words,
more or less. Under the old method
the Editors had to write to some one
asking for an article to fiUthis space,
and some times we would have to
write to two or three before we could
secure an article, and run the risk of
getting no one in time. Seeond, we

wished to get these articles from the
whole Church, and not from a section,
and we felt that each Executive was
more likely than we to select the persons
best qualified to do the work.
So, in short, what we desire is this:
That each Presbyterial shall annually
appoint two correspondents to send
us an article of 600 words, we have
space for no more; the writer to select
her own subject, and have the
article in the hands of the Editors on
the 12th of the month previous to that
in which it is to appear. The table
will show what month that is, long
enough for the writer to have ample
time for preparation. The names of
the correspondents should be sent to
lis as soon as chosen.
The Presbyterials are to be taken
alphabetically, and when they have
been gone over once we begin again
with Colorado. The schedule appended,
will, I hope make all clear and
prevent future complications.
Schedule of Correspondents for
"Olive Trees."
Colorado.
Mrs
J. Boggs Dodds,
Illinois.
S. B. McClelland,
0. P. Thompson,
H. B. McMillan,
Iowa.
Mrs. R. Harsh •!.
Miss Pearl Dunlap,
Kansas.
Pittsburgh.
Mrs. J. F. P. MacKee,
John Peoples.
November.
April.
December.
May.
.January.
OLIVE TREES 811
June.
February *2.
September.
Mareh.
October *:',.
•1—Mrs. Harsh's place was taken this month by
Mrs. McClure.
*2—This space fllled by Editors, as explained
above.
• 3—Pittsburgh Presbytery also appointed Alternates.
Mary E. Metheny.
The ideal for a nation is to grow—
not in surface, but in height.—Paul
Richard.
You cannot run away from a weakness.;
you must sometime fight it out
or perish, and if that be so, why not
now and where you stand—Robert
Louis Stevenson.
In the September issue of Olive
Trees an announcement was made in
the Women's Department of a meeting
held during the last meeting ol
Synod of the women in attendance,
Recommendations from Colorado and
Kansas- Presbyterials were discussed.
The former about the advisability of
forming a Synodical Missionary Society
and the latter about uniform
topics for devotional study in all the
local societies of the Church.
Colorado Presbyterial was asked to
take the initiative, and through the
officers of this society, have issued a
call to the women of the Church,
which appears in this issue.
Mrs. W. A. Edgar, Lyons, Kansas,
is chairman of the Committee for
Preparing Uniform Topics. I was
appointed to represent Pittsburgh
Presbyterial in this committee. We
hope soon to be able to publish the
names of the full committee. It would
help your committee to have an expression
of the mind of societies regarding
this matter. We like to think
we can reach all societies through
Olive Trees and that all read Women's
Department.
Mrs. j. S. Martin.
A CALL TO THE WOMEN OF THE
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF NORTH
AMERICA.
The Reformed Presbyterian Women's
Missionary Association of Colorado
Presbytery hereby call representative
women from the missionary societies
of the Church to meet in Belle
Center, Ohio, some time between the
dates of June 4 and June 10, 1919,
to organize a Women's Synodical or
General Missionary Society.
This call is in response to the decision
of the women at a caUed meeting
during last Synod, in which the
following action was taken:
"The desire of the women present

312 OLIVE TREES
.seemed to be to co-operate with the
Colorado Presbyterial in their plan
for a conference in 1919 and look to
the Colorado Presbyterial to take tho
initiative."
Confidently expecting an enthusiastic
response to this call we will cooperate
with other Presbyterials in
planning for a great conference in
June, 1919.
Yours for a greater efficiency in
our missionary work,
Mrs. Myrta May Dodds, President,
457 S. Clarkson St., Denver.
Mrs. James Carson, Vice-President,
939 S. Corona St.
Mrs. Matilda McClelland, Secretary,
Greeley.
Mrs. Emily L. Orr, Treasurer,
Greeley.
LITTLE STORIES FROM JERUSALEM
The Baby in Her Arms.
Nivart was dandling the tiniest of
tiny girl babies. "Her mother is sick,"
she explained. "You see ArjaduUs is
only fivemonths old and there is another
baby coming, and with that and
the mother's fever, the milk is aU
spoiled for her. But she is good just
the same, the little sweetheart. (The
mother is a child herself, and the
father is only twenty.) We had to
marry our girls to our own men, regardless
of their youth, else the Arabs
took them. The Arabs were better to
us than the Turks. They would not
take a married woman by force. But,
oh, it is good to be here where one goes
to sleep at night without fear. They
took our men in one direction and us
in another, the Turks did. All that
long way, the three months that we
were walking, the older women tried
to protect the younger ones. The
pretty girls defaced themselves so that
the Turks would not look at them."
She gave ArjaduUs a little love-shake
and kissed her.
"You have children of your own," I
said.
"Three. Two starved to death, and
the Kurds cut the baby's throat on my
knee. We were in a wood"—her eyes
widened and darkened—"and the
Kurds came down upon us. After
they killed my baby in my arms and
other babies and other people I still sat
there, I alive and the others dead;
there, and there, and there," she
pointed as if she saw the corpses of
her friends around her. '"Then a
thought came to me; my baby was
dead. You will think me a strange
woman, but life is sweet. I took up
blood and earth from the ground and
smeared it over my face and breast.
There I sat with my mouth open and
the spittle running out so they would
think I was mad and leave me alone.
And so they did. I never cried for my
babies. I had no tears. And what
comes of tears I wish I could find
my
SUBSCRIPTIONS
husband."
ARE GROWING.
Some of the best things come by
accident. Last month we needed about
two inches more of material to fillup
the Olive Trees, and to supply the
matter something was written about
congregational clubs and subscriptions.
Three of the largest congregational
clubs were mentioned. Now
the Bible says it is well to be zealously
affected in a good cause, and some of
our friends were zealously affected.
Accordingly more than one congregation
decided to do better than the best
so far. Just as this is written the
Third Church of Philadelphia has
"come across" with a subscription list
of fifty members, and its best wishes
to any congregation that tries to excel
its record.
We are not writing this to seek to
start a rivalry; but emulation is good;
and we are glad to see the Olive
Trees going into as many families as
possible in the Covenanter Church.
Our subscription list this year promises
well to be the best that we have
had.

FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRES. GHURCH IN 1917
Latakia, Syria. Rev, Julius A. Kempp. .) , ,
Rev. Jas. S, Stewart, D. D
Mrs. Julius A, Kempp. pnturiougn.
MwB. J. S. Stewart
Rev. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar with Red crossin Mrs. William M, Robb
Mb8. Samuel Edgar on fudoS ^'^^ ^-^ McBurney, M. D.,
Miss Mary R, Adams.
J. M. Balph, M. D., on furlough.
Miss Rose A, Huston.
ffi!! ¥f^^^^ ^' ^^^^ ;,;•:;••• miss Ida M, Scott, M, d!,' i onfurioVgh
Miss M, Florence Mearns, So^*;^,- Miss Annie J, Robinson! Ui*°«' »«>'"
,, . ^ . ,,. ^"'"^ Miss Nellie A. Brownlee,
Mersme, Asia Mmor. rev. R. C. Adams ^
Miss Evadna M Sterretiod furlough mrs. R. C. Adams
£-- So!"^- 5- ^ILLSON, ) REV. Jesse C. Mitchel ..^
Mm, robt. E. Willson \ on lur gh Mitchel
Rev. Andrew J. McFaeland ^ ,,,,,.. ,r .
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary Unum,
John Peoples, M. D
Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples on furlough James M. Wright, "m. d
Miss F. Elma French, on furlough . Mrs. James M. Wright ce
Larnaca, Cyprus.
Union Language School,
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Canton, South China.
Mrs. Walter McCarroll, on furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. ' •......:
• • • oT
Miss Jean M. Barr
Mr, Wilbur Weir Miss Inez M. Smith, R. N.
Miss Lillian J. McCracken
Nicosia, Cyprus.
Lo Ting, via Canton, South ChiMS,
Calvin McCarroll, M. D
Mrs.
Tak
Calvin
Hing Chau,
McCarroll
West River, Rev. Ernest C. Mitchell
South China. Mrs. Ernest C. Mitchell
Rev. a. I. Robb, D. D.
E. J. M. Dickson, M. D.
Mrs, a, I, Robb Mrs, E, J, M. Dickson a»
Rev. J, K. Robb Miss Ella Margaret Stewart. .. .s
Mrs. j. K. Robb'ou furlough Miss Jennie M. Dean -
HOME MISSIONARIES OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN OHURGH IN 1917
Indian Mission, Apache, Okla.
Rbv. W. W. Carithers, D. D., Supt.
Miss Inez Wicherham
Miss Ellen Wilson
Mi8S Irene McMurtkhiy
Miss May Allen
Miss Mary McKnight, Teacher.
Mk. Clay Williams
Mr. Paul White
Misgion of the Covenant, 800 South Sth St.,
Fhiladelphia, Pa.
J ties Annie Forsyth
Hiss Emma M. McFarland
'Volunteer 'Workers.
Miss Maky Gray
Miss Mazie Steele
Mim Anna Thompson
Dn. Ralph Duncan
Mk. Samuel Jackson )
Mk. Will Edwin Mbltillk Stewart Anderson Pearce
y ) Alternating i
Southem Mission,
Knox Academ'y, Selma, Ala.
Rev. G. a. Edgar, D. D., SuperintendemL
Miss Lola Weir, High School.
Miss M. Jean Shuman, High School.
Miss Ella M. Hays, Grammar ScAooL
Miss Adrienne Fulton, Sixth Grade.
Mrs. S. Kingston, Fifth Grade.
Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade.
Miss Ruth Kynett, Third Grade.
Miss Mary Wilson, Second Grade.
Mrs. Ella Senegal, First Grade.
Mrs. G. M. Sims, Primary.
Mrs. a. j. Parrish, Mime.
Miss Mary E. Fowler, Girla' IndustriaL
Prof. Theodore Leb, Boys' InduetrieL
Miss Sophia Kingston j. East
Miss Laura Mae Kingston ) Selma
Mrs. Louise Kynett, Pleasant Grove.

.efori»ed ree..
Theological Seminary
Allegheny, a.
Board of Foreign Mission^ Reformed Presbyterian Church
'president
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M( D., 617 N. 43d Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vtfi-President
J. C. McFEETERS, D. D.i 1838 Wallace St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Second yice-President
R. J. BOLE, iyo Broadway, New York.
Corresjionding Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, D. D.,;:^J7 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Recording Secretary
F. M. FOSTER, Ph. D., 305 W. 29th St., New York City.
Treasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE, i6ao Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transfortation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.'
T
\
post office ADDliESSES OF TREASURERS
Syrian Mission, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection—
Mr. Joseph M. Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Domestic Mission ; Southern Mission \ Vndian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widows' and Orphans' Fund; Literary, Students' Aid;
National Reform—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 411 Penh Building. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. D. C. Watd, 7004 Lemington Ave., East End, Pittsburgh, Pa.
\ "
•\'.
\
TELEP HONE: "i 85 MORNINGSIDE
W M . McGUfe)f\N'S S O N
UNDERTf\KEF^,f\ND EMBfVLMER
508 west 134t« street
ROBERT L. McCLEAN N B W YORK
JAMES S. TIBBY Sf, ^ PENN
Pittsbvirg, Pa..
BIriLDING
SELLS THE FOLLOWIl-jG COVENANTER LITERATURE
PSALM BOOKS (old and new versions), TESTIMONY,
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE MINUTES OF SYNOD, CON­
FESSION OF FAITH,! CATECHISMS, TALES OF
COVENANTERS, POETB and POETRY, ROMANISM
ANALYZED, HISTORV OF THE TRIAL, 1891
-WKITB fOK PRICES-

NOTICI TO RiADBU.
When TOO finiihreadinf tbis maeazine place a i-ceal ttamp
on thil noAce. mail tba maiaxinc, and il will be placed in
Ihe OTerseas. hands o{ our aoldiers or sailor* destined to proceed
Ne WxAPriHa—No Asonac.
A. S. BuaLESON. Postmaster General.
( § i x M ^ m a
ZECH.4: 11-14. REV. 11 :3, 4
VOL. XXXIII MARCH 1919 No. 3
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of North
America in the interest of Mission Work
God send us men, alert and quick,
His lofty precepts to translate.
Until the laws of Christ become
The laws and habits of the State.
—F. J. Giltntn.
Subacription price
®ne Dollar a l^ear
POSTAGK FREB TO ALL ^ARTS OF THK WORLD
COMTBNTB
Editorials - - - 3i3
LeadihgC) China Into Diplomatic
Relations - - 316
The Jewish Mission
News frou the Field
Women's Department
331
322
333

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THE INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
EDITORS
REV. McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D. D.
REV. ROBERT ANDREW BLAIR, M. A,
Address all Communications to
REV. M. M. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Place - Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable Address : Metheny, Philadelphia
Entered as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post office at Philadelph
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY
SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH
President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Kentucky Avenuej^ Pittsburgh.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Wallace, 108 Lafayette Avenue, N. S., PitUbargh, Vm.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Esler, Wilkinsburgh, Pa. . . ^ „
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321 Lehigh Avenue, Pittgburgh, P».
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study, Mrs. E. A. Crooks, 69 Oak Street, Newcastie, Pa.
Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Mary McWilliams, 2828 Maple Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Harris, 1312 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Thank Offering Secretary, Mrs. J. K. Tibby, Ridge Avenue, Crafton, Pa.
Temperance Secretary, Mrs. W. R. Porter, 218 Burgess Street, N. S., Pittsburgh.
COLORADO
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, 911 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colo.
Vice President, Mrs. James Carson, Denver, Colo.
Secretary ,Mrs. S. B. McClelland, Greeley, Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. R. S. Orr, Greeley, Colo.
KANSAS
President, Mrs. J. M. Wylie, 2510 W. 46th Street, Rosedale, Kan.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. F. E. Allen, Superior, Neb.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElhenny, Sterhng, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. T. B. Boyle, 701 Clay Street, Topeka, Kan.
ILLINOIS
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 128 E. Sth Street, Bloomington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Sparta, Dl. „, „ „ „ „
Eecording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta, 111., R. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. 0. Ferguson, Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. E. Davis, Princeton, Ind.

R. M. SOMMEKVIIiLB, D.D. MRS. R. M. SOMMBEVILLH
DR. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVB TREES" and editedIt for 29 years.
OLIVB TRBBS
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXII MARCH, 1919 No. 3
EDITORIALS
A Union MovfiMENX
Preparation for a campaign of education
in home and foreign missionary
work is now under way, under
the direction of a committee appointed
by a meeting of the representatives
of the Home and Foreign
Mission Boards held last December in
the city of New York. This meeting
was called by the Secretary of the
Foreign Mission Board of the Southern
Presbyterian Church, and was
very fully attended by the representatives
of the Boards of other denominations.
It is planned to firstof all
to make a united survey of the needs
of both home and foreign fieldsand
'o gather, the information of these
surveys together in such a way that
it can readily be presented to the various
churches, then to follow this with
a series of conferences to be held at
different places throughout the country
to awaken interest in the movement
and the program to be presented;
then, finally, to make a united effort
to secure the support of the Protestant
Churches of America to the
program adequately to represent be presented the apphcation
that shall
of American Christian strength to
these great world needs.
This appears to be a perfectly sane
and very timely movement, and as it
does not involve projects of actual
union work, it is apparently free from
objection, and it is to be hoped we
may have a part in it and may get
good from it. Many of our congregations
gained help and inspiration
from the Laymen's Missionary Movement,
and there seems to be no reason
why we should not from this. It will
make itself heard later, but our various
congregations should be ready to
get the benefit from it.
* * * *
China and thi; Breweries
The following letter addressed to
Mrs. Stevenson, Vice-President of the
Philadelphia W. C. T. U., expresses
the attitude of our missionaries
towards the liquor traffic and the
fears they have of ite transfer to
China:
Dear Mrs! Stevenson:
The following appears in the Can-
.ton Times for December 14th: ,
"San Francisco, December 12.—A

314 OLIVE TREES
general exodus of brewers from the
United States to China is forecasted
in a statement by Rudolph Samet,
President of the California State
Brewers' Association. He said: "We
are looking to China as the best place
to locate. I am going to China in a
few days to arrange for the construction
of a $2,000,000 plant for one
brewery.
"Other brewers are making similar
arrangements.
"American Wireless."
I have been expecting something
like this but didn't think they would
come in such numbers. We must do
all we can to hinder and prevent the
culmination of such hell born plans
as the above. China has enough dirt
of her own without taking in what
other nations are throwing off.
Do everything and anything you
can to prevent the execution of these
plans through all of your channels of
publicty. I have been wondering if
such men could register as American
citizens while in China and engage
in business that if carried on in their
home country would make them criminals.
That you do all in your power to
save China from the devastating influence
of this awful traffic is the appeal
of all our missionaries.
Yours in haste,
E. J. M. DiCKSON.
China has been making a splendid
effort to overcome its native vice of
opium smoking and by its efforts has
won the sympathy of the Christian
world. That this traffic, so soon to be
banished from America, should be deliberately
preparing to settle down
there is pathetically unfortunate. Yet
what else could be expected There
is no law to prevent it, and those who
have thrived on the traffic in this
country are such strangers to conscience
that the fact that it would
debauch a race could not be expected
to deter them for a single moment if
only it promised to make them rich.
The solution of the problem which
naturally occurs to one's mind is to
hang them all when they get out of
this business next July, before they
can get into any other such enterprise
or carry their trade to another land,
but as there would possibly be objection
to this on the part of some moral
pacifists and others not fully informed,
probably the best thing would be
to take every possible means just now
to warn the Chinese of the great bane
of the traffic, and to strengthen the
officials in the effort which will certainly
be made to safeguard their own
land from the outlawed curse of
America.
* * * *
An Alphabet for China
It has ever been recognized that
one of the great hindrances to the
progress of the Gospel in China is the
almost universal illiteracy of the
common people. This has been true
not only because of their poverty and
distress but because of the great difficulty
in learning to read and write
their difficult language. An educated
man in China must be familiar with
from four to six thousand words, and
as each word is represented by a fixed
character, the task of learning them
is immense. It makes a literary education
impossible to one who cannot
devote his whole time to its cultivation.
Missionaries have recognized
this as a very real barrier in reaching
the lower castes and as throwing a
shadow over their hopes for the general
spread of distinctly Chinese education.
A method which is said to solve
the problem almost like a miracle has
recently been devised. To describe it
we can best quote from the words of
Mr. Delavan L. Pierson, Editor of
The Missionary Review of the World.
He says:
"A miracle that is now witnessed
all over China is made possible by the
invention of a system of phonetic
writing adopted a few years ago by
the Chinese Government Board of
Education. The system is composed
of some twenty-four initials, twelve
finals and three medial vowel sounds.

The symbols, which are eaaily learned,
resemble parts of Chinese characters,
and are written in vertical
columns. The symbols always have
the same sound and any word in the
language can thus be written by
means of an initial and a final with
or without a connecting vowel. "Teachers
can master the system in a few
hours and even people of no education
can learn to use it in a few days
or weeks.
"In many parts of North China
missionaries have seen this miracle
with their owm eyes in hundreds of
cases. A man walks into the London
Missionary Society Hospital at Psangtsangchow
for an operation. While
he lies on his cot recovering from the
disease, an evangelist teaches him to
read the Bible by means of a new
system of writing, and lo, in three
weeks' time this man, who was unable
to read a line when he entered
the hospital, walks out, not only cured
of his disease, but able to read with
ease anything in the Gospel that has
been given him to take home!
"An aged woman long past the
years when there seems any hope of
her ever being able to read, becomes
interested in Christianity and joins
an inquirer's class in the neighboring
mission station. Day by day a part
of the instruction consists in teaching
her to read this new system, and
a few weeks later when she returns
to her village home she is the wonder
and admiration of all, because she,
too, is able to read intelligently from
the little books which she has carried
back with her.
"Under the leadership of the China
Continuation Committee, pastors^ and
educators, as well as missionaries,
have unanimously recommended the
widespread teaching of the system
throughout the Church, and a simultaneous
drive for a literate Christian
constituency has been started and
leaders expect to make effective use
of this new system in teaching non-
Christians. By this means at last the
great masses of China's four hundred
OtiVE TllfifiS 816
million people, and not simply the
favored few, can be reached through
Christian literature. The significance
of these facts can hardly be
overstated at the present time, when
China is trying to reform her Government
and to take her place among
the great democracies of the world."
-I* 'P ^ -I-
Syrian Relief
It is never safe to put one's self in
the way of even the generous impulses
of the Covenanter Church.
When Mrs. Stewart's letter asking for
help of every kind for Syria was received,
we naturally began to make
it public. The letter, which was the
first that had come through from Latakia,
was published in the Christian
Nation and the Olive Trees, and was
also cireulated in private letters to
the various pastors of the Church.
About the same time it was discovered
that shipping facilities were so
limited that for the present goods
could not be sent, and so the appeal
was accompanied by a request not to
ship anything now, and the information
that shipping directions would
be sent later. This latter part of the
message, however, seems not to have
been taken so seriously as the first
part, and so our Corresponding Secretary
has been spending much of his
time lately in answering the letters of
those who want to ship their goods
at once. He is sending out an S. 0. S.
signal to save himself, for he finds
he is in danger of having to convert
his home into a storage house for
boxes to be sent to Syria. Nothing
could be finer than the spirit of this
response; but all goods must be held
for the present. They cannot now be
shipped, and the Board has no place
to store them. As soon as it is possible
to ship them directions will be
sent to all the congregations, and in
the meanwhile all that we can do is
to get ready to ship them when the
time comes.

816 OtiVE t&EfeS
LEADING () CHINA INTO DIPLOMATIC
RELATIONS
ANSON
BURLINGAME
By Rev. D. Raymond Taggart
This is the second of a series of articles
• by • Mr. Taggart on "Men Who Have
Helped China Politically."
If the shade of our beloved Washington
could return and find our representative
occupying one of the most
important seats in the Versailles conference,
he might sadly shake his
head and say, "America has come a
long way since my farewell warning
to avoid entangling European alliances."
But should his contemporary,
the Chinese Emperor, return and find
China represented there, what possible
action could sufficiently express
his surprise and protest How came
the Celestial to mingle with the barbarian
Well, the barbarian compelled
him to go the firstmile, and he
is .going the second partly at least of
his own accord.
The history of that firstmile is illustrated
by a Japanese fable. Once
upon a time the fish of the sea were
thrown into consternation by the appearance
of a new enemy—a man
with net and drag. Calling a council
to provide for their safety, one proposed
this, another that. The claim
said that for himself he had no fear;
he had only to close his shell to keep
out all enemies. Splash! came the
drag; the fish scattered, and he lay
snug until all was quiet. Then cautiously
peeping out, he saw scrawled
on the opposite wall: "This clam, two
cents," and he knew that he was
sold. But let us go farther back.
The intercourse of states was well
understood in ancient China, the empire
being divided into numerous
principalities, nominally vassal, but
really independent. On their consolidation
in B. C. 240, diplomacy became
a lost art. China became the
"Central Flowery Kingdom," actually
believing herself to occupy the centre
of the earth, and to be without peers.
Shut off from otner nations by high
mountains and seas, tliere was little
intercourse to disturb this blissful
ignorance until the first l^ortuguese
vessel landed in 1516. The international
relations of tne next three centuries
might be said to have been
exclusively commercial, if one can
stretch that word to cover pillage,
arson, rape, conquest, smuggling contraband
opium and kidnapping coolies,
as well as the legitimate practices
usually classed as commercial. Of
this constantly increasing commerce,
the Chinese officials took no notice.
Even in later year the Govemor of
Canton said: "The commissioned officers
of the Celestial Empire never
take cognizance of the trivial affairs
of trade. The some hundreds of thousands
of commercial duties yearly
coming from the said nation, concern
not the Celestial Empire to the extent
of a hair or a feather's down.
The possession or absence of them is
utterly unworthy of one careful
thought." While this is- largely camouflage,
nevertheless China's idea of
success is a man with a classical education,
and such they meant that it
should remain. China's real reasons
for deferring diplomatic . relations
with foreign nations then might have
been summed up in two large volumes,
volume 1, "What China did not know
about foreign nations" (favorable)
and volume 2, "What China did know
abput foreign nations" (unfavorable)
. In trying to subtract from the
contents of volume one, unfortunately,
the nations only added to the
table of contents of volume two.
Russia, having been defeated in
battle by the Chinese in 1689, was

the firstEuropean power to make a
treaty with China. The prolonged
negotiations took place between the
linesijii presence of both armies, with
two Catholic missionaries acting as
advisers and interpreters. Two copies
of the treaty were in Latin, one
in Russian, .and one in Chinese. After
reading them aloud, signing, sealing
and delivering them to each other, the
contracting parties rose together,
"and holding each, the copies of the
treaty of peace, swore in the name of
their masters to observe them faithfully,
taking Almighty God, the sovereign
Lord of all things, to witness
the sincerity of their intentions."
:Tn 1719,.Russia desiring a revisipn
of; fchistreaty, sent an embassy headed
by Ismailoff to Peking. Some of
the Russians had, taken their wives as
far as tihe frontier, but here they were
halted and sent back, the Chinese official
ungallantly saying, "We have
enough -women in Peking." (Euro-
; pean women were not admitted to
.Canton until about 1840.) At Peking
lihis embassy; met the vexed question
•vWhich was to be-the bone of contenition'between
China and her contem-
, p6bstinacy>was a commission sent
in 1834, headed by Lord Nipi«r. ~T*ie
ehoice was not (fortunate, for her put
too much emphasis on the lord and! too
little on the Napier. .But:even in-this
he cQuldrhardly be said to misrepresent
his-country, for such, is often, tlie
^attitude of the English toward their
subject races. ' Disregarding the usual
regulations about laiwjling in iMaeap,
and communication through the^ Hong
merchants. he notiified > them that he
"would reommufticate ^inamediately
withr the: viceroy in- the manner befitfci^
his Majesty's conwinissien andthe
honor -,of :the .British ^natioin." His

818 OLIVB TREBS
official papers were refused access to
the governor of the province, not having
the word "pin" (petition) as an
expression of abject inferiority, and
because as the governor reported to
the emperor, on the envelope, "there
was absurdly written the characters
Great English Nation."
Two of the communications that
passed during that long wrangle are
worthy of note. In one the Chinese
reminded Lord Napier of his shortcomings
in courtesy: "To sum up the
whole matter, the nation has its laws.
Even England has its laws. How
much more the Celestial Empire! How
flaming bright are its great laws and
ordinances! More terrible than the
awful thunderbolt! Under the whole
bright heaven, none dares to disobey
them. Under its shelter are the four
seas. Subject to its soothing care are
ten thousand kingdoms. The said barbarian
eye (Lord Napier) having
come over a sea of several myriads of
miles in extent to examine and have
superintendence of affairs, must be a
man thoroughly acquainted with the
principles of high dignity."
For boastful hyperbole this could
hardly be excelled but the Englishman
had the advantage of being last. Part
of his farewell message reads: "Govemor
Loo has the assurance to state
in the edict that 'the King (my
master) has always been reverently
obedient.' I must now request you
to declare that his Majesty, the King
of England, is a great and powerful
monarch, that he rules over an extent
of territoryin the four quarters of the
world more comprehensive in space
and infinitely more so in power than
the whole empire of China; that he
commands armies of bold and fierce
soldiers, who have conquered wherever
they went; and that he is possessed
of ships, where no native of
China has ever dared to show his face.
Let the governor then judge if such
a monarch will be 'reverently obedient'
to any one." Lord Napier then
retired to Macao, where he died ot
over-exposure. Perhaps he cooled off
too suddenly.
Mutual aggravations between England
and China, however did not die
with him, but culminated in 1840; inwar,
when the Chinese authorities destroyed
$8,000,000 of British opium
that was being forced on China, contray
to her laws. Words cannot suf.
ficiently condemn the occasion, or the
settlement of that war. Are they not
written in the Chronicles of the Judge
of all the earth But this was only
an incident in gunboat diplomacy. It
secured the opening of five ports for
foreign trade.
In talking of Chinese characteristics,
one often hears reference to the
Parable of the Camel's Nose, which
his owner allowed him to put under
the edge of the tent, only to find a
little later that the camel was occupying
the tent to his own exclusion.
This is not one of the tricks for which
"the heathen Chinese is peculiar." No
sooner was the British treaty of 1842
signed than further concessions were
demanded. But the Chinese understand
thoroughly how to counter the
camel's trick. Ambassador Reade
named it "passive resistance." Mr.
Smith has named it "flexible inflexibility."
I think it is universal in the
race. It is the power of outwardly
conceding everything, and at the san\e
time yielding nothing. Chinese High
Commissioner Yeh was a concentrated
form of this flexible inflexibility,
and was located at Canton as the
sole' medium for communication with
Peking, and his line was aiways
"busy." He actually wore out four
successive American ambassadors,
and no doubt an equal number from
each of the other powers with his pro^
crastinations. To every request for
an interview he pleaded pressing engagemente.
"Suffer me then to wait
for a little leisure, when I will make
selection of a propitious day, that we
may have a pleasant meeting." Frequently
patience failed, and tjieh there
would be a gunboat demonstration up

the river, leading to Peking, but each
time the flotilla was sent back with
instructions to confer with Yeh. Thua
for fifteenyears, Yeh held the powera
at bay with his flexible inflexibility.
In 1857 a minor incident concerning
British shipping was made the occasion
of hostilities in which Yeh waa
captured, and sent to Calcutta, where
he died soon after. His papers showed
that his conduct had been directed
from Peking, so that he was somewhat
exonerated.
Further attempts at negotiations
failing, the French and British destroyed
the forts and ascended the
Peiho to Teintsin, and were immediately
followed by the American and
Russian ambassadors, who had been
forbidden by their respective governments
to use violent measures. Peking
was frightened and sent commissioners
at once to revise the treaties. During
the negotiations Dr. Martin, a
missionary interpreter, presented the
Chinese commissioners with almanacs.
At the next meeting a commissioner
pointed Dr, Martin to the
tenth commandment, to lead them to
observe it in their intercourse with
the Chinese.
The British treaty was the last to
be signed^ as they demanded the most.
Lord Elgin's diary reads: "We went
on lighting and bullying, and getting
the poor commissioners to concede
one point after another till Friday,
the 25th. Though I had been forced
to act almost brutally, I am China's
friend in all this."
These treaties all provided that foreign
ambassadors should reside at
Peking, but when the ambassadors arrived
to exchange ratifications they
were assaulted by the Taku forts, and
driven off. Another naval demonstration
was necessary before Peking
showed any signs of treating foreign
nations on terms of equality.
When the J^merican minister went
to exchange ratifications he was told
he Which must he refi^jsed perform to do. the It prostration, was urged
OLIVB tktti m
that the British had consented to bow
on one knee, but Mr. Ward was a
Southerner, and replied, "I kneel only
to God and woman." The rejoinder
"The Emperor is the same as God"
failed to persuade the cavalier. He
had to retire to the mouth of the Peiho
to exchange ratifications.
The French and English secured
their ratifications on their own terms
in 1860 by driving the emperor and
his court in flight tothe north, and
-burning and pillaging the summer palace.
Thus diplomatic relations were
finally established. Trade would now
be officially protected.
The foreign ppwers had made the
mistake of believing the entire Chinese
nation recalcitrant in regard to
progress. There was in fact an element
who were almost as anxious fdr
progress as were the powers themselves,
but they.understood the temperment
of their fellow-countrymen
better, and knew just how fast they
might allow things to move without
precipitating an earthquake in which
the progressives would be the victims.
The Powers thought they were dealing
with the most rabid progressives.
It was fortunate that the first American
ambassador to Peking, Anson
Burlingame, was a man who saw, and
sympathized," ahd urged patience.
His father"v^jSiS a school teacher, a
Methodist exhorter, and a poor farmer,
but he had one seed to grow, for
which we must acknowledge him a
success. It was the commandment,
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,"
sown in the heart of his son.
It bore abundant fruit when he became
an ardent abolitionist; it bore
fruit again in 1856 when Burlingame
unmercifully bawled out Brooks in a
speech which afterwards became a
popular declamation, for his murderous
and cowardly attack on Senator
Sumner; and shall we say it bore fruit
a third time when he accepted the
challenge of Brooks to a duel, proposing
Niagara rifles Falls as as the weapon, place, which and

©LIVE
l^KSfftS>
Br6i0kS' declifted; -IM the great fruits
age. was int.what Burlingame did for-
Caiinia.
Ap^ifflted'! by Lincoln > ambassador
to-' Austro-fHungaryf he was not
ateeeptabM. because he had once ex'f
I^fessed synapathy for Kossuth (how
a word may change a career!), and
was isent to CMna. Arriving the last
olathe ministers, he was soon acknowledged
as first. He had four assets;
A'pleasing, personality, an unfailing
fu!nd of good manners, an ardent enthusiasm
and a passion fpr a square
deal. These were all translatable into
Chinese, and they were not behind
Ms colleagues in acknowledging his
leadership. His policies were, co-operation
among the powers, the integrity
of China,' faithful observance of
treaties by both sides, and patience in
pressing reforms on China. The details
of'his six years of work cannot
be given here. A few quotations will
sum them. up.
"He believed in the practical application
to the business of diplomaacy
of one of those commandmente upon
which hang all the law and prophets:
'Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.'
He secured first a hearing, then
attention, and at last conversion of
the most disdainful group of civilized
officials in Europe. His.-idea has become
the professed policy of the nations
during China's present turmoil.
Mr. Burlingame can properly be called
the father of the open-door principle."
(Pro'f. Williams, Yale.)
"As an example of the influence of
a single man attained over an alien
race, whose civilization is widely dif­
netism.'' (James G. Blaine.)
"If Burlingame's name be not for^
ever associated with an epochal ireadjiastment
of the world's civilizations,
th^n few names have missed.dmmi'ori.
taiity more narrowly." (Profi William
Garrott Brown.)
But bis work was not aH done in
CMna. When he declared-his intention
of returning home he offered to
China whatever service they.' might
desire in the courts of Europe. "Why;
not become our ambassador " was the^
hearty response. And tMs most extraordinary
proposal was later accepted.
Passing through Shanghai he
happened upon a newspaper severely
criticising his mercenary course in'
renouncing his American citizenship.
AUthe way across he feared Jest this
represented the attitude of his countrymen.
A great crowd was at the
dock in San Francisco, and he asked;
the firstnegro over the gang plank
what it meant, "Why the whole city
is here to welcome the new Chinese
minister, and the city authorities to
proffer him its hospitalities," was the
amazing reply. His stay here was a
constant ovation. He made our treaty
of 1868, which we have since almost
repudiated in excluding Chinese. In
England he gradually overcame the
prejudice built against him by English
merchants in China, and secured
a promise of patience in dealing with
China. He had similar succfess in
Paris and Berlin. His work came to
a sudden end through an attack ofpneumonia,
which caused Ms death at"
Sti Petersburg.
With the death of the advocate, the
ferent, whose religious belief is totally nations resumed their old policy in
opposite, whose language he could not China. John W. Foster says;, "The
read, nor write, nor speak, Mr. Burlingame's
career in China will always what might have been the later his
imagination may well speculate' upon
be regarded as an extraordinary tory of China if his life had beeif:
event, not.to be accounted for except spared to conclude his mission and to •
by- conceding to him a peculiar power return to Peking to exercise his uttusuaJ
personal influence upon the im­
of influencing those with whom he
came in contact; a power growing out perial court." Might' the world harvetbeeri
spared 1900 ithe spectacle '90's and of the the B6:!£^t of ual, sical—^which a.mysterious partly spiritual, we gift, designate and partly largely as intellect^ mag­
phy­
trouble gfabbings"of land-

OLIVE TREES 321
T H E JEWISH MISSION
MISS ANNIE FORSYTHE^MISS EMMA McFARLAND
At the last meeting of the Board of
the Jewish Mission it was recommended
that some items of the report
be sent you for publication. In doing
so we wish to make special acknowledgment
of gifts from the following
Missionary Societies: Stafford, Blanchard,
Oakdale, Bear Run and First
Church of Philadelphia; also. Sabbath
School -Classes of the First and
Third Churches in Philadelphia remembered
us in their gifts. From
the Guild House of the Third Church
were received two bookcases and a
supply of books, pictures and Bibles
and testaments. The Philadelphia
and Moore branches of the Needlework
Guild contributed over 140 garments.
These were at once distributed
among poor families and were
much appreciated.
Through the kindness of Miss
Boots, who is known to a number of
the people in our churches here, we
were saved the trouble and expense
of providing gifts for our children.
She kindly took the names of those
for whom we wished to receive gifts
and interested others in them and the
Saturday before Christmas brought
us over one hundred packages ready
for distribution. When they were delivered
in an auto we were afraid the
attention of the children would be
attracted and their curiosity aroused,
but just at that time the street was
very quiet and no word went abroad
of the arrival of what looked like
Christmas gifts. We were indeed
grateful for this special Providence
in our favor.
A box manufacturer kindly contributed
100 candy boxes for use at our
entertainment. Gifts of toys and
candy were sent from Wanamaker's.
The Sabbath School room of the Old
for Pine our Street use for Church our Annual was again Entertain­
given
ment. The program consisted of Bible
exercises and the children took interest
in preparing for it.
We wish to express our appreciation
of the help given in the work
here by Mr. Henderson, of the First
Church, whose death occurred a few
weeks ago.
We sent recently from our Sabbath
School the sum of $8.50 for the Armenians,
and are again raising money
for this purpose. The children contribute
not only at Sabbath School
but whenever they happen to have
the money.
The interest in Bible reading still
continues. The regular readers report
that their teachers say they are
the "best readers" in their rooms in
school. A second child, whose name
occurs frequently in the daily record
book, died of pneumonia recently. We
are glad to remember she had so much
of God's Word in her mind, and
understood it so well.
The passage which is read, and the
favorite verse in it, is marked, and
each child is surprised as she looks
over her Bible to discover how often
she comes across the marked passages.
We value every opportunity to explain
God's Word to our friends here.
Now as I write boys and girls are
stopping on their way from school
"to read." Their homes give no opportunity
for them to learn of the
holy Scriptures, "which are able to
make them wise unto salvation
through faith," so we ask God's blessing
on every word they read here.
We wish to thank all, whether individuals
or societies, who have remembered
us and the work here. Special
mention should be made of the
blessings granted to us, in the health
that doors giyen have before to the come us, workers, to and our in prayers. in the the answers open

822 OLIVE TREES
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THlpI WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
On February 16th, Sabbath morning,
at dawn, our missionaries to the
Levant sailed away from New York
as members of the Armenian and
Syrian Relief Expedition. They went
aboard Saturday as the Ship Leviatnan
awaited orders to sail. Our New
York and Philadelphia churches all
knew before the hours of worship on
Sabbath that their brave brethren
were on the deep, returning to their
work. Earnest prayers went up to
God for them. Strange that the vessel
on which they sailed was the proud
Vaterland belonging formerly to Germany,
whose lawlessness and atrocity
have for four years kept our missionaries
from their fieldsof labor. Judged
by the splendid service of this vessel
in recent months—carrying soldiers
and supplies and missionaries—^the
building of the Vaterland (now the
Leviathan) was one of the best things
Germany did for the world in many
a day.
Our missionaries were summoned
to report in New York February 5th-
8th. The expedition was expected to
sail Monday, the 10th. Accordingly
the Board was called to meet our
workers in New York, Saturday, the
Sth. Miss French, detained by the
serious illness of her sister in a
Kansas City Hospital, did not reach
there until Monday evening the 10th.
Dr. J. M. Balph, Miss Sterrett and
Mr. Willson and family were all in
New York by Friday the 7th. The
members of the Board, Mr. Kempf,
and Miss Brownlee, had a delightful
time of. prayer and fellowship with
them. A particular object of conference
was to insure that the missionaries
and the Board should be of one
mind on the subject of laying out the
Latakia. work districte now centering Never to be inaugurated heretofore Mersina has in and the it
been possible even to plan, much less
develop, the work without hinderances
of every kind by the Turkish
Government. Two considerations now
lead to the unanimous belief that
plans should be made to meet the
need, the entire need, of the districts;
freedom of action and the ravished
and appalling condition of the people.
They are retuming stripped of everything
but life—some of them half
dead—^to a land bare beyond our conception.
Hence, we conclude now is
the time to lay the foundations of a
Christian life for the people. The
work of our missionaries for some
time will be largely relief work. But
as soon as these workers can confer
with those on the fields we request
them to submit to us a program adequate
to the situation sufficient to
meet the need, all the need, of the
people, that this program may be submitted
to the Church in the belief
that the Church will accept the responsibility
and set itself as soon as
possible to meet that need. The Board
had some thought a few weeks ago of
asking a delegation of ite members
to accompany the party with a view
to securing the facts to laying out
such a plan. Possible delays in transportation,
both ways over the sea
and from point to point in the fields,
led to the abandonment of this
thought. It is now hoped that the
missionaries after being reunited may
reach their conclusion and submit to
the Board such a program in time for
the Board to present it to Snyod.
Meanwhile, the Lord carry our
brethren safely to their places of
labor, where their hearts have been
all these months, and give to them
and their brave co-workers in Mer­
to is sina devise profitable and liberal Latakia to direct things the and wisdom for the Him courage which who

says: "All authority hath been given
unto me in heaven and on earth. Go
ye therefore—and lo, I am with you
always."
Findley M. Wilson,
Corresponding Secretary.
The following news dispateh relative
to the Relief Expedition appeared
in PMladelphia papers, Monday, February
10th:
"New York, Feb. 16.—Sailing as
an 'argosy of life and hope' to the
4,000,000 destitute people of the Holy
Land and other regions of the Near
East, the steamship Leviathan left
this port today for France vdth the
largest contingent of missionaries,
doctors and relief workers ever sent
overseas at one time on such a mission.
They will reach Constantinople,
their destination, about March 15 in
another vessel sailing from Brest.
"The party, comprising 250 members,
chiefly women, has been preceded
by equipment for fifteen hospitals,
food, clothing and portable
buildings, sixty motor trucks and
other material donated by the American
Red Cross and the American
committee for relief in the Near East.
The supplies are valued at more than
$3,500,000.
"A number of men workers, who
sailed on three previous ships, are
already engaged in the relief of thousands
of starving Syrians, Armenians
and Persians. All American religious
creeds are represented.
"Dr. George L. White, president of
Anatolia College at Marsovan, Turkey,
leader of the missionary section,
who was driven out of Turkey in 1916
after eight of his professors had been
slain and the young women members
of the victims' families taken captives
into Turkish harems, said the present
expedition was under the protection
of the French and British governments."
* * .* *
There has been much interest in
the fact that Rev. Samuel Edgar, our
Syrian missionary, now serving under
OtIVE TREES 823
the Red Cross in Tripoli, Palestine,
had paid a visit to his former station
at Latakia and had seen the brave
women who have held the fort there,
but it is fineto have Mr. Edgar's own
account of his trip. He wrote on
December 24:
"SIX DAYS IN THE SADDLE WITH
AUSTRALIAN SCOUTS."
"You must not think for a moment
that this is to be a bushwhacker's
story, or a mountain chase through
the wild parts of Australia, for it is
simply to tell of a three dajs' ride to
Latakia. I am the farthest north of
our Red Cross unit, and from the time
I was transferred to Haifa and assured
that later I would be farther
north I have constantly looked for the
glad day that would find me on old
scenes again, and in that place sacred
to us all because of precious lives that
have served there, and for our own
living interests that have held us close
to Syria all these years and kept it
ever uppermost in all our intercessions.
So it was glad news when I
received a wire from Jerusalem, telling
me to report to our commanding
officer in Beirut. With another of
our workers we made a fine trip in a
small steamer that runs between
Tripoli and Haifa. My associate was
to take charge of an orphanage in
the Lebanons, so our ways parted in
Beirut. However, we had the joy of
being with the American Community
for their Thanksgiving dinner and
hearing the address of the day given
by one of our own unit. Major Nicol.
It was as some said a real Thanksgiving
for the previous feast day of 1917
had found them with suitcases all
ready to go at the Turk's command,
and his commands those days were
not easy. However, the Lord had
cared for them and- they were not
molested.
"On arriving in Beirut, our first
inquiry was for a steamer for Latakia.
Did want to be with theni for
Thanksgiving, but soon had to sur-

824 OLIVE TREES
render this precious thought and be
with them in spirit only. On arriving
here again, we began our inquiries
for steamers, but was assured
tiiere was nothing certain and very
little hope. Yes, I could have passage
right away to Alexandretta, but not
caring for this I sought other -wayif.
Could find no horses to rent for the
trip as the Turks left few pack animals
in the country. So the thought
ficcurred to me that possibly I could
borrow an army horse; at least we
could inquire. So I was soon in contact
with the Australian Commander,
General Grant, and a big man, too.
He was most cordial and ready to help
out in any good work. So he gave
me a horse and also gave me two of
his most trusty scouts.
"You can believe me, it was with
great joy we started on that trip. It
seemed but right that I should begin
my saddle work again in Syria, where
I laid off; for you wiU remember that
it was from this city of Tripoli I was
delivered from the hands of the Turkish
authorities, that same power that
has made so many miserable hours
for mission stations and missionaries.
The trip on the map looks
short, but for one who did not enjoy
the luxury of a saddle for four years
(having only such tMngs as Fords
and their like), it becomes a long trip
and especially the last few hours.
Somehow you begin to think there
ought to be a new art of saddlemaking
that would make life more attractive.
But these thoughts fade away in
the greater joy of realized hopes. Our
first night we spent in Tartoos, where
about four years ago we had been
honored with a private guard and an
Irishman's hospitality. The latter is
still there, but the former in Egypt,
himself a prisoner; that is, if he still
lives. Poor Tartoos has suffered.
Houses smashed and wood torn from
them; people driven into the mountains
and, then, on return, to findall
they had destroyed or stolen. This
being true only of the Christian part
of the town.
"Our second day's trip was not so
pleasant, for soon the rain began to
beat down on us and continued to do
so lavishly, for it can still rain in
Syria. All the way to Jebley it poured
and brought to mind a similar experience
when Rev. McFarland and I
made a trip to say farewell to Miss
Wylie ere she started home on her last
furlough. Ere arriving at Jebley we
had a raging stream to cross, just as
we had expected, and our ammals'
were compelled to swim but my famous
scout companions, who had
fought Gallipoli through and chased
Johnnie Turk by night and day from
the Suez Canal to Aleppo, were littie
afraid of a rushing torrent and I was
ready to follow them, remembering
well the great object to be attained—
fellowship with those who held our
lines in the midst of all kinds of difficulties
in Latakia. A good night's
rest after we had wet feet dried and
warmed, and an Algerian trooper,
through the kindness of the French
Governor, to minister to our needs.
Early we were in the saddle for the
last lap. As the old city drew near,
all the old landmarks began to live
anew. At this turn four years ago
Dr. Stewart and I parted, and now
he was himself returning somewhere
from a similar banishment,
though his was under the flag of
the Turks. It was wholesome cheer
to have James Stewart, Jr., and several
of our workers, come out to
meet us. And then to be welcomed
by those for whom we had so often
prayed and for whose safety we had
fervently interceded was worth going
all the long journey. Miss Edgar has
stood the toil and care with cheerin;
faith, though often severely tried, and,
perhaps, no time more so than when
she was ordered to leave the school
and go to the city to live. This was
shortly after Dr. Stewart was compelled
to leave. This cut her off from
all direct contact with the school and
increased the responsibilities of Mrs.
Stewart, who already had enough on
both heart and mind. But gracious

OtiVE tRftfiS 825
was the Lord ahd sustained them prayers have been lodged for years,
through it all. It was joy to visit the lodged in the hearts of men and
Fattal home and greet the new baby, women and children whose lives you
Florence Ethel, that had joined the have helped to deepen and who because
of you found it easier to suffer
family circle in our absence. Mr.
Fattal had been home from army and die.
service since last June and it was joy "Then Wednesday we started back,
to have the family circle again complete.
we had another bit of work to do in
and, indeed, it was hard to leave. But
"Then followed three short days of this campaign and, with the living
fellowship and home news that all hope that Dr. Stewart would soon arrive,
we could easier depart, and this
were so hungry for. What stories
we heard of these years! What sorrows!
What suffering! What deaths! in Tartoos we had a telegram saying
hope was soon reahzed, for on arrival
As one tale of sorrow followed another,
you wanted to say, 'enough,' in heart we wanted to tum back, but
Dr, Stewart had arrived. Believe me,
and yet you wanted to ask about we had great things calling us and
another one that had just come to had to push on, hoping that ere lohg
mind. This home is empty, all gone. we can again go and hear Dr. Stewart
That family was driven to the desert tell us of how your prayers kept and
and no word since. The mother in enriched him.
that home was massacred and some "Our third day, from Tartoos to
of the family died of hunger and only Tripoli, was again generous with
one or two left. So the heart was rains, yet rains and all, moonlight
rent and the eyes bathed with tears breakfast in a dirty khan, wet feet,
as we thought of some whom we had tired back and limbs, all these things
received into the church, children we seemed little when we thought of the
had baptized, workers with whom we joy of heart to spend those hours with
had counseled and prayed and now your wokrers and servants; workers
they had given their lives for their who dared to brave all the dangers
Master and His cause. We were glad of the years, endure hardships, put
you had all at home helped these who up with inconveniences and serve the
had died to know Jesus Christ and people for whom they have given their
had prayed with them for that higher whole lives—to have this rich privilege
was blessing to our own souls,
life in Him.
"The Sabbath was a precious day. and we trust as you hear their own
Our Licentiate Khaleel, who spent the stories you may have a higher appreciation
of those whp serve Him in
years in the mountains ministering
as best he could under straitened circumstamces,
took the morning servness
of the love of the Christ.
Latakia and who declare the greatice.
His heart is in his work; he "And now we are busy here in national
service, caring for the weak
loves to preach the word, and delights
to be an ambassador of the Cross. In and the starving; clothing the naked,
the afternoon the writer preached in and this in reality, for you can find
English and administered the sacrament
to the new baby Florence Ethel, rag of any kind to cover them; col­
them on the streets here without a
in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sadick lecting the orphans and housing these
Fattal. Then we heard sad stories and making work for the women that
of Gunamia and Kessab and Suadea, they may be fed. Such is the service
but I shall leave these for others who
better tions, are and murder, more and than familiar oppression, I in can these of and places all and can the where robbery, tell separa­
you our
you
but all," shall are many
have
the help workers
sent
other us to
us
be things
to
there worthy
and
about will
we
of
trust
tell it. Latakia Theire you
you

826 OLIVB TRBBS
Another letter has come from Miss
Maggie B. Edgar, of Latakia. It was
written on December 3, 1918. Miss
Edgar says: "The schools here in
Latakia are at work and, as there is
better general health than when I
wrote last, the attendance has increased
quite steadily of late, though
it is still not so good as it has been
sometimes.
"Our licentiate, Mr. Khalil Awad,
is with us, and preaching every Sabbath.
We are glad to have him, and
his earnestness and zeal is encouraging.
We pray God will greatly
bless his service and make him a
power for good.
"The remnant of our poor Armenian
people are gathering to their
homes again. Very many have only
ruined homes to come to, and some
of the families who left them are entirely
gone. A number of them have
been coming to us for help. We do
what we can but at the present we
can only do very little of what they
need. Many of them have been able
to gather through hard work in the
summer, some food for winter, but
they are destitute of clothing and
bedding, and all such things are so
expensive now that they are quite
beyond their reach.
"We have little news from outside
yet. We will gladly welcome the tim^
when we can have regular mails and
papers from the home land."
Through the kindness of Dr. Balph
we are able to give further items from
a letter received from Miss Edgar.
It, too, was written some time in
December, presumably about the date
of the other letter quoted above. She
tells Dr. Balph, "As far as I know
your household goods are all right.
Have tried to look after them a little.
I don't know what the moths, etc.;
may have done. In the hospital things
have been gone over several times
and only a few things are left of the
School hospital going ance now. on and outfit. and a There mid-week there The has is schools been a service good a here Sabbath attend­
a\\ are the
time, so the Light has not been
entirely put-out.
"Our people generally are well. We
seem a very small remnant since so
many have been taken away in one
way or another. Of our Armenian
people taken from here we have little
knowledge. Of the two or three left
in Zoar we have not heard since July.
Probably not many of the others are
left. The remnant of the Gunamia
people have returned to near their
homes and have gotten orders for the
people to get back their property.
Most of their houses are in ruins and
except for twb families, none of them
have anything to start on. There are
about 120 left; there were originally
about 300 or 400.
"Of your house in Gunamia only
the walls are standing."
* * * *
Mersine, Asia Minor. It is good to
know that there are prospects for
Mrs. A. J. McFarland's immediate retum
to Mersine. She writes from
Geneva, Switzerland, on January 28,
"Friday of last week I received a telegram
from the Embassy at Paris telling
me to make immediate application
to Berne for vise to France, and
that the Legation at Berne had been
requested to grant it immediately. Dr.
Chambers received one next morning
from Dr. Barton, through our Embassy,
telling him to bring his 'party'
to Paris. So we are getting ready
and expect to leave here day after
tomorrow. Dr. Chambers surmised
that we are to travel with the Commission,
but whether or no, we will at
least be together, and so I will have
good company all the way to Mersine.
I will try and let you know
by cable when we leave France. We
have no definite plans now until we
reach Paris and see what they want
us to do. But I expect this will, maybe,
be the last time I will write you from
here."
J. received Mrs. McFarland, McFarland from at her Mersine. husband. encloses He Rev. a wrote letter A.

it December 21st. We are glad to
quote from it as follows:
"It is long since I addressed you. I
have had nothing from you since
yours of October 19, which came more
than a month ago. But now the English
have opened an army post and
are kindly accepting civil letters also,
so I will try one to you at the old address,
in the hope that it will go
through promptly and perhaps reach
you there or somewhere. Until the
armistice talk began I had strong
hope you would be here for Thanksgiving,
but when the war all stopped
so suddenly and threw the whole
world into such confusion, again 1
gave up hope of seeing you before
Christmas. Now it looks about as
doubtful as ever that I will have you
with me anyways soon. But the Lord
knows best and will carry out his
most wise and gracious plan for us
and I try hard to cultivate patience,
though it is more and more difficult
in view of so many returning to their
homes after a long absence. Dr.
Stewart was here ten days but had a
line from him at Beirut that he expected
to reach home on Wednesday
of this week. Sam is in Red Cross
work in Tripoli. Dr. Badeer and
the Rajapians are home. The latter
were at Nabula a while and- were
taken prisoners.
"Am real well and enjoy seeing the
English and French at work here repatriating
exiles and war prisoners
and enforcing order. English came
a month ago but French only this
week, and-the firststeamer for prisoners
about a week ago. Have an
officers' mess in our girls' dormitory
and Miss Sterrett's kitchen. Doctor
eats with them, as he has abandoned
his work to help the English. In fact,
he has been almost inaccessible for
any but Turkish, German or English
officers and Turkish soldiers for all
these months since you left. Dr. Haas
has clinic ing note, of a about - week daily from 400 150 before-breakfast Turkish pay and patients." besides liras, is bank tak­
free
OLIVE TREES 327
Larnaca, Cyprus. Extracts from a
letter of Rev. Walter McCarroll, dated
December 4, 1918:
"When the telegram announcing
the signing of the armistice by the
Germans came through just at 6 P. M.
we certainly did some shouting in the
school—had an impromptu service in
the school-room. Next day we had a
vacation and the day after that a
Field Excursion.
"Again on Thanksgiving Day we
closed school and held a service in the
church. The church was packed and
practically all the English community
honored us with their presence. We
had some good hearty singing and I
preached from Isa. 12: 4, 5, 'Give
thanks unto Jehovah; call upon his
name, declare his doings among the
peoples, make mention that his name
is exalted. Sing unto Jehovah, for he
has done excellent things: let this be
known in all the earth.' The American
flag was very much in evidence,
both in the church and in the school
dining-room, when we ate our
Thanksgiving dinner.
"My brother's family is in Larnaca
again, and, as last year, my brother
comes down on Monday evening and
returns again on Thursday afternon.
Evangelist Dimitriades also
comes down and assists in teaching
the Bible classes.
"We have some sixty boarders and
over one hundred and forty day-bbys.
The girls' school, too, is running
again on a small scale.
"In October the Spanish influenza
visited our school as well as the rest
of the island, but we did not close nor
did we have any serious cases. Another
epidemic of the same disease
has broken out again but this time
with more serious results apparently.
A couple of the native teachers have
had rather bad turns, but all in the
mission circles at present writing are
well.
left London Government "A today delegation and in the lay order claims of before the to native of the proceed Cyprus British Greeks for to

828 OLIVE TREES
union with Greece. If such a political
change should take place, I am
afraid it would affect the work of the
school and mission in Cyprus. We
have not yet bought the atMetic field
for which Mr. Steele sent the money,
thinking it wiser to wait until we see
the probable fate of Cyprus."
In another letter of January 3 Mr.
McCarroll further writes:
"We closed school for the first term
on December 23. After a week of
examinations we had a football match
with the English school at Nicosia on
our grounds at Larnaca on the afternoon
of the 20th. We had the players
and masters of the two teams to
dinner in the evening, and after
dinner had a literary meeting, consisting
of reading essays, and a debate
on the question, 'Is a lie ever
justifiable' On the morning of the
21st we had an inter-school hockey
mateh, and in the aftemoon of the
same day a concert in aid of the relief
work in Syria, the proceeds of which
netted thirty pounds (£30).
"On the 23d the boarding department
closed for vacation. This ended
the first term of the school year 1918-
19, which was marked by the largest
attendance and the largest income of
any term in the history of the school.
We have the satisfaction of believing
that the steadily growing popularity
of the school is due to the solid work
and the self-sacrificing devotion of
the masters who have given themselves
untiringly to the school.
"My brother's family returned to
Nicosia on the 24th and spent the
holidays in their own home.
"On the 25th the resident masters
met in my room in the afternoon with
a few others for a friendly cup of tea
and some singing, closing with a
word of prayer for the Divine blessing.
In the evening Mr. Weir and 1
attended a dinner in the 'Grand'
Hotel, given by Judge Stewart, President
of the District Court, to the
men of the Wireless Station. Weir
helped to drive away dull care with
a song or two, and the writer was
given an opportunity to tell of the
meaning of Christmas and how the
sacrificial spirit of the Christ had
been revealed on an unprecedented
scale in the mighty conflict just closed.
We recalled the transformation ol
Scrooge through the revelation to his
inner heart of the real meaning ol
Christmas-tide.
"On the 26th and 27th and 28th we
had preparatory services and on the
last Sabbath of the year we kept the.
feast of the Lord's Supper. Some
twenty-eight took their places at the
Lord's table. One name was added
to the roll.
"On New Year's Day Mr. Weir and
I were 'at home' to any that might
care to call on us of our own people.
A godly number came to see us.
"This week-end I shall spend in
Kyrenia and next week shall have
(D. V.) preparatory services in Nicosia
for the Lord's Supper."
* * * *
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll has sent a
fine letter for Olive Trees from Larnaca.
She writes on November 29,
1918:
"In the firstplace let me say as we
look back upon the work since our
last writing there seems nothing of
much importance to make known to
you, so kindly forgive if I write of
events—accounts of which you have
already received from" the better
writers in our field of labor. The
foremost thought in all of our minda
today is, that peace has come into the
world. Oh! such a glorious peace
after such turmoil among all nations.
It seems too good to be true and we
can scarcely realize that hostilities
have ceased, yet we realize that it was
only when our Lord stepped forth
and said 'Peace' that there was a
great calm. As the Psalmist of old
said, 'In the day that I called Thou
didst encourage me with strength,'
surely with so many prayers of God's
children ascending daily to the Throne
of Grace, that this war should cease
and the cause of truth and righteousness
should prevail, that God has

OUliVg: TRfEfBS^*
aaswered; Ify.^ encouraging with
stren^feh'thie: arnfties of the Allies andthey>!havre
come, forth out of the fires
vi'^Orious^and, let' us hope; purified.
Our' prayers now are that thte- cause
ofithe^Lord will ^increase' and multiply
througsh

830 OLIVB TRBBS
Cyprus, as we hear that the restricr
tions are to be raised, which such a
short time ago prevented any men of
military age leaving the United States.
It is absolutely necessary that some
minister should be secured for Walter's
place, as he has been out in this
climate long enough and needs a thorough
change. The Doctor, also, since
his illness of 'Spanish Fever' shortly
after the beginning of this school
term, feels in need of a rest in the
homeland, as he seems to have considerable
headache and gets tired very
easily, which probably is a 'trailer'
of the fever. Mr. Weir should get
home if possible, and certainly prefers
doing so if matters could be arranged
satisfactorily, and it goes
without saying that the rest of our
circle, which are the children and
myself, are anxiously looking forward
to a change which would be beneficial,
which would be a rest with, my father
in the homeland. However, we will
await God's time and planning, and
whatever course is best for God's
work here, that we shall follow. We
hear we are to have regular mails
now and we rejoice in this bit of good
news, as it is so heartrending to
wait for several weeks in succession
without any word from home. I fear
my attempt at letter writing has been
rather unsatisfactory but at least it
can help fill up your waste paper
basket and I may be able to write a
better one in the future. In closing.
we ask your prayers^ and the prayers
of the entire Church, for the work pf
Cyprus, and that we missionaries may
be true ambassadors of Christ, and
carry on with greater zeal the work in
this part of His vineyard."
In the midst of his many cares and
duties, Mr. Wilbur Weir, teacher in
the American Academy at Larnaca,
has found time to write us. It -wiU
be remembered that Mr. Weir has signified
his willingness to continue another
year in the school work in
Cyprus, although his furlough is due
this spring. He says:
"One might think that a speck of
land like Cyprus, almost shut off from
the rest of the world, would escape
the Spanish influenza, but we have
not been so fortunate. At about the
same time that all public gatherings
were prohibited at home, our building
was more of a hospital than it was
a school. The fever held on until
almost everyone had taken his turn.
On one day, the worst that we expe*
rienced, there were thirty students
and two teachers in bed.. These were
all boarders and were in the-school
building. In addition to this number,
many day students were ill at the
same time. Fortunately, the fever
spread in such a systematic way that
only two or three of our teachers
were absent at any particular time;
Thus we were able to continue without
closing the school. Rev. McCarroll
and I have special reason for
thanksgiving, since we are the only
teachers who have escaped thus far.
There have been no deaths among our
student body and I think none was
seriously ill; The disease usually kept
one in bed about three days. It h^
spread , to the villages now and is
proving much more fatal. A school
boy told me last week that in his village
one hundred were sick and ten
had died, Since there is a lack of
proper dare, we fear that among the
village population the percentage of
deaths will be Mgh. ,
"Cyprus also had a part to play in
the great peace celebration. Word
came to our school on the evening of
November 11 that the armistice had
been signed. • The message reach«i
Mr. McCarroll during the supper
hour. Needless to say, the npise that
came from the dining-room was heard
blocks away. The voice of students
and teachers of seven nationalities
seemed to compete in. one great l^st
of strength. One young man who has
some oratorial ambitions, stood upon
his chair and, with body and outstretched
arms, hailed the day when
Cyprus will be given to Greece, and
Greece will become once more a mighty
nation. After supper we all gathered

in the study rooni, and after singing
numerous psalm - selections, listened
to short talks by some of the teachers
and by a few members of the senior
class. What the end of the war with
an allied victory means to the great
majority of people here was well expressed
by an Armenian who remarked,
'This is our emancipation
day.' We had no school for two days.
One was given as a special vacation
and on the following day we had our
regular term excursion into the country.,
"Not many changes have taken
place since the fightingceased. The
British soldiers are with us yet. A
few people have gotten away to England
or Syria, but the way is not yet
open for many to leave. Just what
effect the return of normal conditions
will have on bur work here is difficult
to foretell, but granting that many
will leave we should still have a prosperous'
school for we are at present
overcrowded. Surely a greater liberty
has come to Eastern people. With
this change the work of the missionary,takes
on greater importance. If
the people at home are brought to
realize this they will answer the
urgent calls for workers in Syria and
Cyprus. We need helpers out here
and we need them now. Let us pray
that all who have greater opportunities
as a result oi the return of peace
will Tiot fail.';' l
Tak Hing. TMs interesting letter
from Dr. A, I. Robb, under date of
December 23, has just arrived, and
although tlie news department has
been made up and sent_to the printer,
we feel the general interest in the
arrival in China of Dr. Robb and
family warrants our publishing it,
even if not in its proper order of the
news.. He writes from Tak Hing a
letter addressed to the Corresponding
Secretary:
"Dear Brother:
last in "You safety we are will and back be health. glad to our to fieldof know We reached that laboi:, at
OLIVE TREES 881
Hong Kong on the moming of the
14th, after a journey of 36 days
across the Pacific, which in this instance
was very unpacific. We had
almost unceasing storms for the first
two weeks and came into Japan five
days behind schedule, and with our
ship considerably battered up. Two
outside stairways gone overboard, and
the rest so bent and twisted that they
had to be replaced. The hoisting
winch for handling the anchors, bolted
down with 20 11/2-inch bolts (I counted
them) was moved about an inch
from its base, and we learned after
reaching port that our front compartment
had sixteen feet of water in it.
Some of us read a part of the 107th
Psalm with more of realization and
more of gratitude than we had ever
done.
"It required many days in the different
ports of Japan to discharge the
immense cargo of iron and timber and
cotton and soda ash that we had carried
over, and those so disposed had
good opportunities to see the sights of
Japan. They all returned to the ship
with lightened purses ($10 a night for
rooms in hotels) and second editions
of the "flu," which was rife in Japan,
and has also been in China, but in a
very much milder form than we were
treated to in Seattle.
'^We had smooth sea and nice
weather for the most part, after
reaching Japan, and the weather has
been delightful since our arrival here,
the thermometer ranging from 70 at
night to 85 in the afternoon. Shirt
sleeves and open windows have been
the order. Ripe tomatoes and crisp
lettuce, grown from Colorado seeds
sent in advance, have been on our
table daily. .
"We have been busy unpacking and
getting settled, and ^ have seen the
other missionaries but littie as yet.
They all seem to have something to
keep them busy. Not so busy, however,
far 'fit' on the as met but morning one us that can on all the of judge, the our river adults arrival, the bank new who at and mis- were 4.30 so

382 OLIVE TREES
sionaries' study of this reluctant the fast Empress boats will be on the
tongue has not in the least impaired
their fluencywith the mother tongue.
The general health seems to be good,
and all the work of the mission running.
The girls' school, and women's
Pacific run again, and we will rejoice
in being able to send letters in Jess
than 60 days, as has been the case
with much of the last year's correspondence."
school and boys' school are all in session.
The training school, students
and teachers, have been engaged in
an evangelistic tour for some weeks,
and were not here when we arrived.
MRS. HATTIE MORRIS.
The Ladies' Missionary Society of
La Junta Congregation desires to record
our appreciation of the life and
They came in at the last of the week
for the Sabbath and report good opportunities
and some very definite ex­
worthy example bf Mrs. Hattie
periences of God's particular care. Morris, who died December 22, 1917.
They go again today or tomorrow and
our hearts go with them. I wish the
She was a lovable woman in her
strong natural gifts and saintly character.
Her child-like trust was beau­
church at home had time to pray for
these men who in this work are the
tiful. She loved her Bible—^feeding
church's point of personal contact
with the people in darkness.
upon it daily, and delighted to converse
on ite precious promises. She
"We note some changes. Four of
the missionaries who were here when talked of her Saviour as her lo-ving
we left are now absent, three in the friend. Her idea of commending
home land, and the other gone to her Christ to others was by example
long home, with her pilgrimage journey
ended. A plain granite slab overflowing.
rather than precept, her loving heart
marks the spot where she rests beside
the other four who were laid language of Jacob, "Let me go for the
We think of her going away in the
away more than half a score of years day breaketh." The eternal day had
ago, to wait, 'neath the palm trees' dawned on her,
shade, the great day when 'they that "She was beautiful and lovely when
sleep in the dust shall awake.'
with us here below.
"There are five new faces here, four
of whom have reached the Celestial
kingdom since our departure for the
But a. far more radiant beauty now
sMnes about her brow;
Ear hath not heard such music as
home land. It is a safe guess that
now thrills her with delight;
whether they say it or not, they tliink
there are many and large exceptions
Eye hath not seen such beauties as
have opened to her sight."
to the general application of the term
Mrs. Adda F. Thompson,
Celestial to things in this land. Sights,
sounds and smells would seem to
Miss Clara Hill,
largely be classified under another and
Committee.
very different term, certainly as low
as of the earth, earthy.
If you have so much business to
"Communion was announced yesterday
for the 19th of January. The pray, depend upon it you have more
attend to that you have no time to
annual mission meeting will begin on
the 20th, and we expect to have all the
Lo Ting and Canton friends with us
then, and it is an event to look forward
business on hand than God ever intended
you should have.—Dwight L.
Prosperity is not without many
to.
fears and distastes; and adversity is
"The Hong Kong papers give us not without comfort and hopes.—
the cheering news that after February
Bacon.

OtIVE TREES 8S8
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J. S. Martin a id Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
College Hill, Beaver Falls, Pa.
WORKING WOMEN OF THE 28
ORIENT.
29.
Chapter VI.
30.
The Call for Leaders.
1. Can the men of the Orient be 31.
Leaders for the women
2. Can the women of the West 32.
3. Whence must come the highest 33.
leadership 34.
4. How can we get -this
5. When is the time to shape char- 35.
acter
6. What must be given after the 36.
middle school
7. When and by whom was the Con- 37.
stantinople College founded 38.
8. When did it become a College
9. What was the firstChristian Col- 39.
lege for women founded in
Asia 40.
10. Give an account of its founding.
11. Was it a success 41.
12. Why was another needed 42.
13. How was the Madras College
founded, and how is it ministered
14. How long did the firstbuilding
suffice
15. Describe the new site, and tell
how it was obtained.
16. Describe the opening of the College.
17. How were sufficient funds secured
during the war
18. What honora,ble recognition was
given
19. Give some account of the College
Life.
20. Character of the studies.
21. What was the first College in
China for girls
22. Its beginnings and work
23. Why was a second needed
24. Its first home
25. An account of its firstand second
26. 27. The years. work College of life. its Y. W. C. A.
What need of Christian native
leadership
What beginning in the far south
of China
What College is to open in Tokyo,
and when
Why is it necessary to provide
funds for this
What special schools are needed
What advantage in Union
What advantages are there for
Mission work today
Why do we need trained Bible
women
Can Western women do this
work
How can we help
Would it not be better to wait
till the war is over
What is, or should be, the aim of
this warfare
What constructive work should
we do
Why should we keep on giving
What is it that must be built up
anew
-P •¥• ^ T*
Jack JUNIOR and Janet DEPARTMENT.
in the Philippines.
Chapter VI.
Tourin^^ the Eastern Visayas
Mindanao.
and
Dear Boys and Girls:—
There are several different topics
suggested in this last chapter that we
might profitably discuss but let us
turn to that suggestion of the writer's
that "The people are fine when they
are really Christians," Let us then
think of the "Call of the Philippines."
Think of some of the facts given
here. "There are three missionaries
in Bohol for the three hundred thousand
inhabitants." Two missionaries
on the northern coast of the
large island of Mindanao. In that

334 OLiVB TRBBS
district there is a congregation of 100
members without a pastor. At the
other end of the Island is a congregation
of 700 members and no pastor,
and many other places where pastors
are needed. At Oaoquista there are
no American missionaries yet we are
told "The religious interest is wonderful."
It makes one think of Paul's vision
of the Man of Macedonia calling,
"Come over and help us." What
would a pastor here think of trying
to minister to 300,000 people Dr.
Graham's only helpers are his wife
and a lady worker.
The boys and girls need education
in domestic science, manual training
and agirculture. They need to be
taught the dignity of labor. That
good farmers are more needed than
lawyers and the calling just as honorable.
The girls are learning to be
nurses and school teachers and will
help their own people.
More than all else, though, the
people need to know God and the
Bible. For years the knowledge of
both was forbidden except as the
priest chose to give it to them. They
cannot get the knowledge now all at
once. Some day they will have pastors
from among their own people
but it will take time to educate and
train the young men and boys. In
order that they may get the necessary
education and training they
must have the best of teachers and
ministers to help them. They look
to America for this help. Shall they
look in vain
We had to give our sons and
brothers to fight their fellowmen to
kill or, perhaps, be killed. Shall we
not then be willing to see them go to
help their fellowmen To save others
as well as their own souls
We have given much money in the
last year, whether grudgingly or willingly,
God knows. However, many
of us have discovered that we could
give more than we had imagined possible.
Shall we nPt then continue to
practice the same economy and give
more to the Lord's work in the future
The people of the Philippines are
not starving for literal bread nor are
they clad in rags, as Mrs. Stewart
says the Armenians are, yet their
souls are starving for the bread of
life and they need to exchange their
filthy rags of self-righteousness foi
the robe of Christ's righteousness.
Shall we pay less heed to this call
than to the other In one case the
body only is in danger but in the
other, many souls may be lost if we do
not heed the call that sounds in our
ears. "Come over and help us."
We all have something to give—
ourselves, our money, or our prayers.
Prayer each one can, and should, give,
and may the Lord show you which of
the other gifts should be laid at his
feet.
Mary A. McWilliams.
MOTHERS OF DEMOCRACY,
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mrs. Jas. F. MacKee, the appointed
correspondent for this month's issue
of the Olive Trees, sends us this article,
which was read at the Covenanter
Auxiliary of the Red Cross recently,
in the Eighth Street Church
of Pittsburgh, and was suggested for
the Olive Trees :
To General Pershing
And the American Expeditionary
Forces Somewhere in France.
Joyous Greetings Frorn the Mothers
of America!
"The secret consciousness
Of duty well performed—the public
voice
Of praise that honors virtue, and rewards
it;
All these are yours.''
American manhood—which before
the war might be likened to a sleeping
Giant—unconscious of His power
—rose as one man, and under the
Leadership of our beloved Pershing—

has confirmed our Universal Democracy,
and won for America a place in
the hearts of the Allied Nations, that
naught but the Brotherhood of a
common purpose, could have made
possible.
"How wonderful is VICTORY
but how dear."
Victory has never been won without
sacrifice, and Death, the great
Leveler, has stalked through the
ranks of our brave boys, taking toll
of our loved ones. The golden stars
are gleaming—mute reminders of
those who have helped to make the
"World Safe for Democracy."
Victory is ours—Ours—and our
brave Allies—and all the lives offered
for the Eternal Principle of Right
shall vibrate through the Ages—
adorning the pages of History—inspiring
to lofty sentiments and nobler
living, those who still wait>—
"That golden key-
That opens the palace of Eternity."
After all. Time is but the vestibule'
of Eternity^ therefore let us not
sorrow for our Martyred Heroes, but
rather thank God for the loyal and
unselfish devotion of the youth of our
land—^whose brilliant daring and
sturdy courage will again make radiant
the pages of American history.
We cannot measure the height or
depth of the gift of these precious
lives.
To the "Greatest Mother on Earth"
—who with untiring zeal has shared
the rigorsof warfare with our boys,
binding their wounded and broken
bodies—cheering and encouraging
the weary and disheartened—smiling
and' wonderful—a constant reminder
of that other dear mother across the
sea—brave women of the Red Cross
—American Motherhood loves you
for your tender ministrations and devotion
to her boys.
How unsearchable are the ways of
Providence, that we should receive
to
in
ember
the
light the
cheerless
up glorious the
days
dark news
of
brown of
grim
Victory— days.
Nov­
OLIVE TREES 835
Peace—"Peace on Earth" comes onlv
by "Good Will to Men."
Thanking God for His infinite
goodness in the Gift of Peace to all
the World, we pray that the New
Year may bring you home safe and
well to the loved ones that wait your
coming.
Mothers of Democracy
of the United States of America.
At a special Victory meeting of the
Mothers of Democracy, the above
message was unanimously approved
and ordered forwarded with all haste
to our dear ones and their noble commander.
"All Hail to the Chief" into
whose keeping has been entrusted the
Mothers' Loan; a loan which will mature
when you bring back to heart
and home our loved ones.
Yours in high esteem,
(Signed)
Isabel N. Newmyer,
Executive Secretary,
Mothers of Democracy.
T" T* ^ •!»
The Annual Conference of the Student
Volunteer Union of Western
Pennsylvania was held at Geneva
College, February 14, 15, 16. Eleven
schools were represented, including
one university, three seminaries and
seven colleges.
Among the leaders of the Conference
were Rev. J. H. Boyd, of Egypt;
Miss Hawes, of CMna; Mrs. W. M.
Dager, of Africa; Rev. Hunter, of
India; Dr. F. M. Wilson, of our Foreign
Mission Board; Rev. Detweiler,
of Japan, and Mr. B. C. Millikin, Educational
Secretary of the Presbyterian
Board, who was a member of the
Red Cross Expedition to Palestine,
of which it will be remembered Rev.
Edgar, Miss Evangeline Metheny
and others of our acquaintance were
also members. Mr. Millikin's account
of conditions and the means used to
change them was most interesting.
Each sneaker, with but one exception,
dwelt at length upon the effect
of As the one war listened in his to or the her speakers mission field. one

886 OLIVE TREES
felt that one was listening to men
and women with a message. The
personal contact with leaders of
world-wide vision made each delegate
feel a personal responsibility.
Secretaries representing the Foreign
Mission Boards of the Reformed
Presbyterian and Methodist denominations
were present; also the State
Secretary of the Y. M. C. A.
The Conference adjourned to meet
at Pittsburgh University in 1920.
Geneva College feels that the privilege
of entertaining the conference
this year will be the mans of awakening
a new interest in world needs
among the students.
(Signed)
Alice Patton,
Secretary.
* * * *
REMEMBER OUR RETURNING
MISSIONARIES.
In a few days at the outside our
missionaries will be on the Atlantic
on their way to take up their interrupted
work. At last accounts it
seemed most probable that they
would sail on Tuesday, the 18th, on
the "Leviathan," formerly the namesake
of William Hohenzollern. It
would be a striking Providence if this
should be the vessel to carry those
whose work it will be to repair some
of the damage caused by the owner
of that name.
Let us remember this company in
our prayers. The circumstances
differ in different cases: that of Miss
French is peculiarly painful, as she
leaves a sister seriously ill.
The words of the 79th Psalm are
applicable at this time in the lands
to which they go, but let us not despair.
In God's good time all His
promises will be fulfilled.
* * * *
ERROR.
By an unfortunate omission the
types in the February number have
made the compilers of the list of correspondents
appear like anti-suffragettes,
by the omission of the Afrs.
before the names of the women. Will
each subscriber take her pencil and
insert the ditto marks before all the
names except that of Miss Pearl
Dunlap
LITTLE STORIES FROM JERUSALEM
The Widow in Black.
*"Hanum." A gawky boy with the
first black down on his lip stoodiri
front of me on the narrow sidewalk
of a Jerusalem street. "It is Vahan,"
he said.
Gone the dust, the heat, the cosmopolite
crowd of Jerusalem. I was
high on a seaward-looking peak of the
Amanus in the far, far days before
July, 1914. A row of poplars rustled
in the afternoon breeze from the Mediterranean.
I saw myself, as one sees
another person, dismounting from my
horse on a lawn snowy with daisies
and a woman and her children running
out to meet me. "Where are
your father and mother and the other
children" I asked.
"My father, long life to you, is dead,
and my brother is far behind the lines,
but my mother and sisters are here."
"Bring them to see me."
Next day they came—the -widow in
black. She kissed my hands, sobbing.
"Oh, the good days, Hanum, the old
days that can never come back. They
say that some time we may go back.to
our village. But the dead do not come
back. You will be calling my husband
to do this service and that for you,
but he will not answer. When I see
you, the bad years of exile and death
are gone, and I think I am back in my
village, with all my beloved, in the
coolness and the quiet and the peace,
with the children playing in the village
streets and the men coming up
from the town in the evening. How
often I have washed my husband's'
feet when he came in footsore. Now
he has gone on the longest journey,
and his feet will never o^o over our
mountain roads aerain. Nanum, when
will peace come"
(*Lady or Madam).

F0REI6N MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOO OF THE REFORMED PRES. CHURCH
Latakia, Syria. F.EV. JULIUS A. Kempf. .)
RKV. Jas. S. Stewart, D. D
Mrs. Julius A. Kempf . f On fudou'h
Mes. J. S. Stewart
.'.' ^^^- William M. Robb
Rbv. Samual Edgar * wuh Red cross'in'' Mrs. V\'illiam M. Robb
Mrs Samtipt Phpar' n /"l"""*!, ^^^S Katb McBurney, M. D.,
rM.I'ASX. .°"'^^ °'^.'.' .... ^,^'' MARY R. ADAMS.' .'
ilr,^r,'^x.^^rJ,'c> i^J „
Miss Rose A. Huston
M !!^^ ^;^ ;;;v; • missIda m.scott,m. d., lon furiough
Miss M. Florence; Mearns, ^Z%^^t- Miss Annie J. RobinsonI *'''"^°-' '«^'"
w . . . ,,. ^"'"'' Miss Nellie A. Brownlee
Mersme, Asia Minor. rev, r C. Adams .^
Miss EVADNA M STERRETT MRS. R. C. ADAMS
Rev. Robt. E. Willson,
rev. Jesse C. Mitchel
MM. Robt. E. Willson
Mks j^sse c. Mitchel
Rev. Andrew J. McFarland
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary Unim,
John Peoples, M.D
Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples On furlough J.a.mes M, Wright,'m. D
Miss F. Elma French Mrs. James M. Wright »«
Larnaca, Cyprus.
Union Language School,
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Canton, South China.
Mrs. Walter McCARROLL.On furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. .. ..^
Mr. Wilbur Weir Miss Inez M. Smith, R. N ^
Nicosia, Cyprus.
Miss Jean M. Barr
Calvin McCarroll, M. D
Miss Lillian j . McCracken
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll
Z,o Ting, via Canton, South Cfewt*.
Tak Hing Chau, West River, Rev. Ernest G. Mitchell
South China Mks. Ernest C. MiTCHELi
Rev. A. i. Robb, D. D E. J. M. Dickson, M. D ^
Mrs. a. I. Robb Mrs. E. J. M. Dickson ,.
Rbv. J. K. Robb Miss Ella Margaret Stewart .„
Mrs', j. K. Robb'ou furlough
Miss Jennie M. Dean
HOME MISSIONARIES OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN OHURCH
Indian Mission, Apache, Okla, Southem Mission, Selma, Ala.
Rev. W. W. Carithers, Superintendent. Rev. G. A. Edgar, D. D., Superintendent
Miss Inez Wickerham
Miss Lola Weir, High School
Miss Ellen Wilson
Miss Mary Reynolds, High School
Miss Irene McMurtry
Miss Ella Hays, Grammar School
Miss Mae Allen
Miss Mary Wilson, Sixth Gra.de
Miss Laura Weir, Fifth Grade
Mission of the Covenant, 800 South Sth St., Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade
Philadelphia, Pa.
Miss Ruth Kynett, Third Grade
'IBS Annib Forsyth
Miss Eulalia Howard, Second Grade
Misa Emma M. McFarland
Mrs. E. 0. Senegal, Firat Grade
. Mrs. G. M. Sims, Pritnary Department
Volunteer Worker:
^^^^ ^^^^ ^ Fowler, Girls' Indus, Dept.
MlS8 Ma«y Gkay
Prof. Theod'rb Lee, Bo-ys' Indus, Dept.
MiH Ai^l Thompson
^'^^ Sophia Kingston, Prin'l Little KnoK
Db. Ralph Duncan
Mrs. Louise Kynett, Prin'l Pleasant Grove
Mk. Samuil Jackson
Mk. Mb. Edwin Will Mbltillb JhwrABi Amdbrson Pbabcb
)
\AlUmcting )
Mrs. Estelle Lightning, Asst, GirWIis^
.^ dustrial Earnest Dept, Brooks, East Selma

Melville Oareon,
ft« P*
Seminary,'
Pittsburg, Pa.
Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Presbyterian Church
President
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M. D., 617 N. 43d Street, Philadelpbia, Pa.
Vice-President
J. C. McFEETERS, D. D., 1838 Wallace St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
R. J. BOLE, 170 Broadway, New York.
Corresfonding Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, D. D., 2517 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Recording Secretary
F. M. FOSTER, Ph. D., 305 W. 29th St., New York City.
Treasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE, 1600 Atch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transportation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES OF TREASURERS
Syrian Mission, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection—
Mr. Joseph M. Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Domestic Mission; Southern Mission ; Indian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widows' and Orphans' Fnnd; Literary, Students' Aid;
National Reform—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 411 Penn Building. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. D. C Ward, 7004 Lemington Ave., East End, Pittsburgb, Pa.
TELEPHONE: 78S MORNINGSIDE
W M . MGGbE>f\N'S S O N
UNDERTf\KER -FIND EMBfVLMER
508 WEST 134Tn STREET
ROBERT L. McCLEAN N B W YORK
J A M E S S. TIBBY IViiSSSS - Pittsburg, P«l.
sells the following covenanter literature
PSALM BOOKS (old and new versions), TESTIMONY,
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, MINUTES OF SYNOD, CON­
FESSION OF FAITH, CATECHISMS, TALES OF
COVENANTERS, POETS and POETRY, ROMANISM
ANALYZED, HISTORY OF THE TRIAL, 1891
VIR ITB roM miomm—— ^

i § i X M ^ X U B
ZECH.4: n-14 REV. 11 ;3, 4
VOL. XXXIII APRIL, 1919 No. 4
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
•
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of North
\America in the interest of Mission
Work
Thisis morning time. Thedayof opportunity
has come; the day for preparation to meet
conditions and obligations such as the sun has
never yet shone upon. Our fathers filled their
places >yith credit, but they occupied no place
like ours; they did their work well, but they
faced no suqh opportunities as these that now
loom
up.
/, C McFeeters, D. D. (See page 338)
.
Subscription price
®ne DoUar a IPear
POSTAGE FREE TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
CoJvTEjvrs
"Editorials -. , - 3i7
Watchman, What of the Night 338
The Widening Horizon OF Women
IN Non-Christian Lands . 340
An Appeal for Prayers - 345
News from the Field - 347
Women's, Department 357

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THE INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
EDITORS
REV. McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D. D.
REV. ROBERT ANDREW BLAIR, M. A.
Address all Communications to
REV. M. M. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Place - Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable Address : Metheny, Philadelphia
Entered as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post ofi&ce at Philadelphi
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH
President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Kentucky Avenue, Pittsburgh.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Wallace, 108 Lafayette Avenue, N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Esler, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
OorreBponding Secretary, Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321 Lehigh Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Avenue, Willdnsburgh, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study, Mrs. E. A. Crooks, 69 Oak Street, Newcastle, Pa.
Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Mary McWilliams, 2328 Maple Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Han-is, 1312 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Thank Offering Secretary, Mrs. J. K. Tibby, Ridge Avenue, Crafton, Pa.
Temperance Secretary, Mrs. W. R.-Porter, 218 Burgess Street, N. S., Pittsburgh.
COLORADO
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, 911 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colo.
Vice President, Mrs. James Carson, Denver, Colo.
Secretary ,Mrs. S. B. McClelland, Greeley, Colo.
Treasurer, Mr». R. S. Orr, Greeley, Colo.
KANSAS
President, Mrs. J. M. Wylie, 2510 W. 46th Street, Rosedale, Kan.
Riscording Secretary, Mrs. F. E. Allen, Superior, Neb.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElhenny, Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. T. B. Boyle, 701 Clay Street, Topeka, Kan.
ILLINOIS
P»e»ident, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. Sth Street, Bloomington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Sparta, Dl.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta, 111., R. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. 0. Ferguson, Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. R. Davis, Princeton, Ind.

R. M. SOMMERVILLE, D.D. MUS. R. M. SOMMERVILLE
DR. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVE TREES" and editedIt for 29 years.
OLIVE TREES
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXII APRIL, 1919 No. 4
EDITORIALS
We are sorry to find Olive Trees
late in going to press this month, for
this will necessarily mean that it will
be late in reaching its readers. Just
now when word is coming through
from Syria many are eager to hear
as soon as possible from our missionaries
there, and some will be disappointed
that the paper is late. The
delay was caused by the absence of
the editor just at the time when the
material should haye been sent to
the printer, and this absence could
not be avoided. The writer has had
the very sad duty of helping to lay
to rest an aged and very much loved
father whom God had suddenly called
to himself. Under such circumstances
we are sure the delay will be pardoned.
Just recently, also, the editor has
been elected to the position of assistant
editor of the publications of the
American Sunday School Union,
wh^chshas its headquarters in Philadelphia
and whose Sabbath School
helps and young people's paper are
circulated over this country and in
some foreign lands, and has accepted
the position. This will involve giving
up his pi'esent pastorate, which is
done with great regret, but will not,
ve trust, prevent the editing of
'Olive Trees," at least for the presjnt,
and we hope it may continue to
serve the cause as in the past.
This issue contains some materials
of very special interest. Dr. McFeeters,
whose contribution will occupy
the place usually given to further editorial
comment, discusses the meaning
to the Church of the present
crisis; Miss Burton's address, which
is well worth Very careful reading,
points out one of the very significant
features of the missionary movement
of the present time; the News From
the Field contains some further very
interesting word from Syria; including
the firstletter to be received since
the armistice was signed, in response
to one from America.
We are seeing wonderful things
these days and none more important
than those that effect the missionary
fields. That Olive Trees may help
to make the Church conscious of these
conditions and to awaken a spirit of
consecration to meet them is our hope
as the paper goes out from month to
month.

388 OLIVE TREES
Watchman, What of the Night The Morning
By J. C. McFEETERS, D.,D.
Cometh.
A fearful night of distress and
disorder has settled down upon the
world. The hours seem long; when
will the day dawn Many troubled
voices are calling out of the darkness,
"Watchman, what of the night"
If the query be answered, the
answer must come from the people of
God. "The secret of the Lord is with
them that fear Him." The wise will
study their own times and know what
they ought to do. They will study
the book of providence and the Book
of Inspiration, and walk in the light,
even when it is night. With the aid
of the prophets we ought to be able
to discover our place in God's worldplan.
Present world-conditions seem to
indicate that we have emerged from
the desperate battle of Armageddon.
This part of prophecy, we have reason
to believe, has been translated
into history. I'wo reasons lead us to
this conclusion. One: The worldwar
answers to the prediction recorded
in the 16th chapter of Revelation
as face answers to face in a
mirror. Two: The after-conditions
as described in the 17th and 18th
chapters are in evidence.
T'ae world-war answers to the prediction.
"The spirits of devils go
forth unto the kings of the earth, and
of the whole world, to gather them to
the battle of the great day of God
Almighty." That was God's great
day; His day of controversy with the
nations, especially the nations most
highly favored with the Gospel. Long
had He appealed to them in pea'^eful
terms, saying, "Let my Son rule."
They refused. At times He enforced
His appeal with judgments that shook
their thrones. They still refused. At
last He said to His Son, "Thou shalt
break them with a rod of iron: Thou
shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's
vessel,'' He has dashed them.
Europe is strewn with fragments of
mighty empires, and the fragments
are crimsoned with the blood of millions
of earth's bravest sons.
The after-conditions testify. A
league of nations appears, and a new
system of world-dominion is in process
of formation. "The ten horns
are ten kings, which have received
no: kingdom as yet. These have one
mind,, and shall give their power
and strength unto the beast." "Ten
kings;" an expression that signifies
universality of national government,
"No kingdom as yet;" the system of
government now attempted has never
had a precedent; there is a pooling of
world-power; this will succeed for a
time; and our nation, with all its precaution,
will be drawn into the pool.
The overthrow of all despotism is
included in the programme. These
kings shall "hate the harlot," Babylon,
the city of Nebuchadnezzar, autocrat,
symbol of government with the mailed
fist,despotism with all its illegitimate
brood, of which Romanism is
the most powerful and cruel.
Armageddon, according to indications,
is past. The horrible storm is
over. We are now in its wake; the
world is tossed in the swell and rage
of the waters; almost lost amid the
miry breakers and blood-stained
surges.
The night is followed by the morning
light. A new day has dawned
on the world. New conditions have
arisen; new forces are in operation;
new visions electrify the human
heart; progress is on the wing'; the
rejuvenation of the earth is the order
of the day. The past is behind, never
to be recalled, scarcely to be remembered.
Old things are passing away;

all things riiust become new. Despotic
governments are in the ashheap;
Christless governments, even
though democratic, must be consigned
to the junk-yard.
This is morning time. The day of
opportunity has eome; the day for
preparation to meet conditions and
obligations such as the sun has never
yet shone upon. Our fathers filled
theii- places with credit; but they
occupied no place like ours; they did
their work well; but they faced no
such responsibilities as these that
now loom up.
Are we awake Do we.discern the
times in which we live Do we grasp
the significance of the age Are we
using the present time to the utmost
advantage The tranquil season may
not be long; "one hour," the seer
says; a prophetic term for an indefinite
time; perhaps a few years; it
may be very few.
In the moming of the new day the
Covenanter Church should make two
very important discoveries: her available
power, and her obligatory work.
The Church's available power, maximum
power, all the power she has; is
it not all for the Lord Jesus Christ
Have we a true conception of the
Church's power The war taught an
important lesson regarding available
power. What a mighty nation this,
when stirred to do mighty deeds!
When all are in the service, with all
they have, to the utihost of their ability,
in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, the momentum and achievements
will be beyond conception.
And the discovery of the work!
The great need of the hour is a wise
programme that will call for every
ounce of power the Church possesses,
and an objective that will inspire
every heart. Set before the people a
plan of work worthy of their ambition,
and the forces and resoarces will
be quickly mobilized and in operation.
We are favored with the moming;
but the fair season may not last long.
"Now is the acceptable time; now is
the day of salvation." And what
OtlVlS TUBS 8 83d
shall we do while it is day Let each
be consecrated anew by the blood of
Jesus Christ. Enter into the larger
life; win the friendsnip of Jesus, and
get His innermost thoughts; cherish
the Word of God, that it may strike
deep roots into the heart; apprehend
God's plan for your life, and tnrow
all your powers into it; become the
incarnation of'Jesus, that He may do
His greater worjcs through you; take
time to see the visions of God and
His kingdom; accept service as your
chief joy, and sacrifice as your highest
recompense.
Keep high ideals constantly before
the young; show them the marvelous
possibilities of life; inspire them to
yearn for obligations of greatest
magnitude. Get this into your heart,
that we have on hand the task of preparing
a generation that in all prohibility
will lift our broken world out
of its chaos into the millennium. 0,
be ambitious for the young people!
We need a generation without one
weak soul in their ranks; the feeble
among them being as David; and the
house, of David as God, as the angel
of the Lord.
TWO CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS
According to the will of the late
James Campbell, of the Content Congregation,
the sum of $2000 is to be
given to our Mission in China. He
and his wife had decided to make this
gift before her death, which occurred
some eight months ago. It had been
invested in Victory bonds for the furtherance
of the Allies' cause. It will
be immediately added to our Foreign
Missionary Fund.
In these days when calls are being
made and responded to so nobly for
helping those who are in bodily destitution,
it is refreshing to see how the
Lord of the harvest is moving his
servants to make financial provision
for reaching the spiritually destitute.
Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have given
an example which is worthy of emulation
by those who have been made
stewards of God's wealth.—H. G. Mc.

S40 OLIVE TREES
The Widening Horizon of Women
Lands-
By Margare t E. Burton.
The following is the substance of an address
which was heard with exceptional interest
at the recent Missionary Conference
at New Haven, Conn., and kindly furnished
to the Olive Trees for publication. It deals
with one of the most prominent features of
missionary work at the present time. We
in Christian lands feel that one of the signiiicant
movements of our time is the extending
of the right of suffrage to women,
with the larger opportunities which it implies,
but do we realize that probably one
of the most important movements of our day
ir. the liberation of the womanhood of the
•world. A few Miss weeks Burton ago, describes when I was this in movement.—Ed.
in Chicago, the telephone rang,
my
home
and when I answered it the voice of
one of my Chinese friends, a student
at the University of Chicago, came
over the wires. "I wonder if you
would care to go to the University
Convocation," she said, "I have some
tickets for it." It was a rather busy
day and I hesitated for a moment—
then a sudden thought struck me, and
I asked "Is something going to happen
to you at this convocation" "Oh—
I'm going to have a piece of paper
given to me," she laughed. I told her
afterward that I should never have
forgiven her if she had let that convocation
go by without letting me
know abbut it. That afternoon will
always be a red letter one in my
memory, for I had an experience that
none of you had ever had, and that no
one who was not at that convocation
ever can have. I saw a Ph. D. degree
conferred upon a Chinese woman.for
the first time in history.
Is a larger life opening before the
women of non-Christian lands What
happened at the University of Chicago
that afternoon is but one of
many illustrations one might give to
indicate how immeasurably larger life
may be for the woman of the Orient
today than it was for her mother.
It is larger in its horizons. Horizons
were being very rapidly pushed
in Non-Christian
out when I was in the Orient ten
years ago. Women, who a very few
years before that, had never gone,
even in imagination, beyond the boundaries
of the towns or cities in which
they lived, scarcely beyond the .four
walls of their houses, were manifesting
a most vivid interest in the life of
other countries. When I visited girls'
schools the thing that the girls were
always most eager to know about
was what girls in America "did, and
what their schools were lilce. And
the older women fiocked to hear talks
about women of other lands. Women's
magazines were published, all of them
with many articles about women of
the West. Already the moving-picture
had begun to come—with its picturing;
often most unfortunate picturing—of
life on the other side of
the ocean. Ten years ago horizons
were enlarging almost every day, for
the women of non-Christian lands.
But now! A world war has done
to many and many of these women
what it has done for us. It has made
us all vividly aware of the rest of the
world. During the past months some
of the finest young Chinese men who
have been studying in our colleges
have beeh leaving the colleges and
sailing for France. Why Because
much of the work over in France
which has made the war 'possible has
been done by a great company of Chinese
working-men. And these men
have wives, mothers, daughters and
sisters over in China, whose thoughts
have followed them to far-away
Europe. Messages have been coming
back to them; the men theimselves
will soon be coming back. Many of
these men have been writing home
about the things they have seen, ahd
the experiences they have had—or if
they could not write, getting someone
to write for them. And it is not only
battle, murder and sudden death, that
they have been seeing, and it is not

only of these things which they have
been writing. A friend who has
spent two of these war years in India
tells me that those men have sent
word, back of the homes in which
they have been billeted, of the women
with whom they have come in contact,
of the things these women were
able to do. Many and many of those
men, she says, are coming back with
a very different ideal for women and
women's life. They are convinced
that women must be educated. ^ They
want their wives to be companionable
as well as serviceable.
Moreover, the call to work for their
men who have gone overseas has
broken down many a wall over which
thfe women of India have hitherto not
been able to see. Women have broken
purdah to do Red Cross work. Hindus,.
Mohammedans, Parsees and Chris-:
tians have come together, many of
them for the fi-rsttime, to, work for
the armies. High caste Indian women
have rolled bandages day after day,
side by side with British and American
women. And as they have worked
they have thought and talked of Belgium
and France, and other far-away
countries.
To many a one of these women of
India, some far-away land may henceT
forth seem more truly hers than .the
land of her birth. Part of its hallowed
soil is hers. One of India-'s
women poets, Sarojini Naidu, has
voiced the cry of many a woman of
her couritry:
"Gathered like pearls in their alien graves,
silent they sleep by the Persian waves.
Scattered like shells on Egyptian sands.
They lie with pale brows and brave, broken'
hands;
They are scattered like blossoms, mown
down by chance.
O'er the blood brown meadows of Flanders
and France."
The horizons of the woman of India
will never again be narrow enough
to shiit out the lands where her best
loved lives. might who One took have speak might nurses' laid of go the on down training, women indefinitely. their who of Japan, young gave One
OLIVE TREES 341
months of service in the hospitals of
France and who, when they came
back, were welcomed with public
honors by their governments, and
decorated by the Emperor. But there
is no need. We do not require multiplicity
of illustration to convince
us that the terrible hand of war has
touched the lives of the women of the
whole world, including those of non-
Christian lands, so deeply, so poignantly,
that the old narrow horizons
can never again close in upon them.
With the enlargement of horizon
has come inevitably the enlargement
of ambitions. Women who knew no
world beyond the four walls of their
own homes knew no ambitions. Today
thousands of these women know
pretty definitely of the life of women
of other lands—of their education,
their freedom, their occupations, and
never again will thev be content with
things as they used to be. A missionary
from China tells of a pageant
which she recently attended,
wirtten and represented by the teachers
and students of a government
normal school in East China. The
pageant represented the development
of women. First came the primitive
women, decked in leaves. Then came
representatives of antiquity, looking
as if they had stepped out of the
pages of old Chinese history books.
The women of the middle ages were
there, too—and then the women of
today. The women who wrote that
pageant were discerning observers of
their own time, for it was a very
motley sroup—^the woraen of today.
Some of them were still hobbling on
bound feet, some of them still slaves,
some of them Buddhist and Taoist
nuns, others were school girls and
teachers, with unbound feet, and
ea«rer. alert faces; some of them the
bewildered little society butterfiies, in
stranp-e pathetic costumes, smoking,
rambling, trying to follow what they
think to be Western custom. But this
nageant undertook to be more than
historical; it dared to attempt to
prophecy, too. The last group rep-

342 OLIVE Trees
resented the Chinese women of tomorrow,
and, perhaps, that was the
most significant group of all. It was
made up not only of women nurses
and doctors, but of women postmen
on bicycles, women newspaper editors,
women soldiers, women aviators',
women judges and senators!
It is a day of larger, sometimes
..somewhat startling, ambitions; some
of them wise, some of them otherwise;
some of them selfish, many of them
very unselfish; but all of them larger.
My friend from India tells what
the letters from the men at the front
have done to the women of India—^to
the high caste, secluded, conservative
women. Everywhere that she went
during a trip covering practically the
entire country she found them coming
out from their zenanas and their
seclusion, almost frantically eager to
Irarn f bout the things the women of
those other countries know about; to
be able to do the things those women
were nble to do. She tells of a visit
to a city in South India which I visited
ten years ago, where,* at that
time, it was practically impossible for
any missionary or Western woman to
gain any access to the upper class
women. The moment my friend arrived
she received invitations to visit
and address four "somaj es" or societies
of these women—organized because
of their newly-aroused ambitions.
She told me that she had never
before addressed audiences where so
many people were packed into so
small a compass; but that in spite of
the fact that the women must have
been very uncomfortable, and although
all she said had to be interpreted
to them, she had never had
such breathless attention paid to her.
When she had finished the women
crowded about her and begged her to
stay and teach them. "'We want to
know what those women you have told
us about know," they said, "we want
to learn to do what they can do." And
she has been haunted ever since by the
naive answer they gave when she told
them that important work made it
necessary for her to leave that night:
"What could he more important than
to teach us the things we need so
miich to know"
Perhaps there is no more convincing
evidence of the new opportunities
for study which are opening up
before the women of non-Christian
countries than the presence in the colleges
of this country of several hundreds
of them. That the people of
non-Christian countries will permit
their daughters to go to school at all
is a great thing. But that they will
permit them to travel thousands of
miles away, to remain for years from
the shelter and protection of their
homes, surrounded by the influences
of the customs and ideals of countries
so different from their own, and often
make great sacrifices in order that
women may have a higher education
than can be secured at home—that is
truly miraculous. Nor is it only certain
especially progressive parents
who plan these things for their
daughters. It is in many cases the
government itself that has these ambitions
for women, and makes the fulfillment
of them possible. We all
know that the Chinese government
has sent 30 girls to this country on
indemnity fund scholarships, and
plans to send 20 more. It was the
interest of that government in her
research work that made it possible
for my little Chinese friend to get her
Ph. D. the other day. She has been
bere for eight years at government
expense. Japan has sent a number
of wOmen—one or two at a time—^f or
similar special study. The Turkish
government at the time the war broke
out was nlanning to send five Mohammedan
girls to take teachers' training
in America. Truly it is a day of
lar,ger onportunities for the women
of non-Christian lands.
There is another way in which life
is larger for the women of non-Christian
countries today of which one
dares not fail to speak. Larger opportunities
bring not only larger responsibilities
but also larger dangers.

Dr. Mary Carleton put the situation
very tersely but very accurately when
she said of China, "The doors of ignorance
and custom which we have
so longed God to open, are open nbw,
all open. I would go even farther
and say that there are no walls at all.
They have been torn down altogether,
and pouring out from their darkened
homes are myriads of young women
and girls demanding amusement, entertainment
and knowledge. It is not
a good thing to have homes totally
without doors."
A friend from Japan writes: "The
women of Japan are not waiting for
our conscious leadership. They have
already been watching us, and taking
over bodily the things in our modern
life that stand out most conspicuously
to them. The "New Woman" and the
"Blue Stocking" societies are already
there saturated with European free
love ideas and propaganda. Ellen Key
is a favorite author. A recent French
book advocating the abrogation of
marriage laws under wartime necessity
will be one of the firstto be translated
into Japanese and scattered not
only among the radicals, but among
the young school girls who are keenly
interested in our social problems."
Larger life—a larger world—mean
inevitably not alone larger opportunities
but larger dangers. 'The old
life can never return. Into this larger
life, fraught with new and great dan-.
gers, the women of non-Christian
countries cannot but go.
And, therefore, life is larger to
them in its need of wise and strong
leadership. Talk with anyone who
knows these women, talk with them
themselves, and ask them wherein the
solution of their problem is to be
found, and the answer is always that
the fundamental need is ' for right
leadership. Where is that leadership
to be found Not among the men of
OblVB TRESS 34S.
the Orient. They can do much by
their attitude to help or to hinder,
but the leadership of women can
never come from them. Nor can the
needed leaders come from among
women of a wholly different heritage
and environment. We cannot be their
leaders. Who, then, can be their leaders
into this large, bewildering, dazzling
life into which they are entering
There is only one answer. The
leaders so greatly needed must come
from among themselves, must be the
educated women of their own people.
What a missionary of India recently
said might be said of practically all
the non-Christian lands, "No longer
may we regard India as a fieldmerely
for giving of our best in any walk
of life. It has become a fieldfor cooperation,
especially on the part of
educated women." And the words of
a thoughtful educated woman of India
will express the attitude of ^any
women of other non-Christian laricfi':
"What we need is friends, who will
come out and settle among us, learn
our language, study our conditions,
and then teach us to lead our own
people."
Arid in that sentence is summed up,
I think, the challenge of this hour tc
the women of Christian countries.
Neither we, nor our missionaries, nor
any other women of the West can be
the leaders in non-Christian countries
today. But we can do an immeasurably
greater thing. We can help to
raise up the leaders. We can determine
the character of the leadership.
We can develop in this supreme
hour of opportunity women of India,
Africa, China, Japan, trained to lead,
and to lead Christward. One of my
friends, who is in China, says that
being among the women of China today
is like watching a great spiritual
pageant on the adventure of going
from darkness to light. 'Whether or
not this entrance into larger life shall
indeed be an entrance into the life of
the Light of the World depends upon
the leader of the pilgrimage. And the
leaders depend upon us.

m OLIVE TREES
AN
APPRECIATION
The Women's Missionary Society
and the Sabbath School of the Second
Church of the Covenanters, Philadelphia,
desire to pay loving tribute to
the memory of Miss Mary A. Sterrett,'
one of our most active members, who
has been called to higher service.
Miss Sterrett was treasurer of our
society, and was always present at
the meetings, except when providentially
hindered. She had the true
missionary spirit, giving freely of her
time and means to the cause so dear
to her heart.
In the Sabbath School she was
faithful and devoted and her class
mourns her deeply. She worked earnestly
for the Horrie Department, distributing
quarterlies arid papers, and
gathering the mon^y'that has so materially
aided our fund for the Mission
in Syria.
"All my springs are in thee." "The
Kingdom of God first1" This was her
slogan. She chose to servd the King's
messengers. No errand too ha,rd, no
service too lowly, if only the King's
business might be forwarded. Now
with gladness great she has entered
the palace of the King.
In her removal we hear an urgent
call from the King and Head of the
Church, to gird ourselves for broader,
better service. "Whatsoever thy hand
findeth to do, do it with thy might."
Mrs. Thomas B. Fenwick,
Dr. Susan W. Wiggins,
Miss Jane Peoples,
Chairman.
REPORT OF THE MISSIONARY
SOCIETY OF OLATHE
During the year we held nine regular
meetings, though hindered from
having meetings the latter part of the
year on account of the influenza epidemic.
Six of these meetings were
all-day meetings. There was an average
attendance of sixteen. A great
interest has been shown by helping in
Red Cross work and sewing for
needy in our vicinity. A complete
afghan was knit by the society. One
barrel was packed for the Southern
mission. A number of baby quilts
were taqked for the Belgians and
other quilts made and finished. Two
names were added to our roll. We
miss one of our, active members who
has gone. to her reward. One has
gone to another fieldof labor.
Belle W. McGee,
Secretary Prb Tem.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Carried forward $81.72
Received for Thank Offering 76.37
Received for Thank Offering for
1919 3.50
Received for Admission Fee .25
Received for quilt 5.00
Dues ., 41.78
Donations 33.60
Total $242.22
Disbursements.
Material for Southern Missionary,
box-.. $0.50
Olive Teb^is- 1.00
Presbyterial Contingent Fund 3.80
Miss Huston's salary : 82.47
Southern Mission car 9.50
Expense for quilt material 10.74
Aged People's Home 10.00
For needy 7.23
Support of girl or two teachers for
1917 40.00
Support of girl or two teachers for
1918 40.00
Total $205.24
Balance 36.98
Mrs. j. W. McGee, Treasurer.
We are put into this world to make
it better, and we must be about our
business.—S. C. Armstrong.
Expediency is the principle of man;
principle is the expediency of God.—
W. Fearon Holliday.
In the sirioke from a cheap cigarette
a boy's most precious chances for life
often fioat away beyond recall.

OLIVE TREES 845
An Appeal for Prayers
By the Committee of Reference and Counsel of the Foreign Missions Conference
of North America.
We stand in the presence of critical
decision. After four and a half years
of war, marked by unprecedented suffering
and appalling losses of life, we
have come at last to the days when
the conditions of peace are being formulated.
Issues of incalculable importance
are at stake in thd negotiations
of the Paris Peace Conference.
These decisions fix the future policies
of Christian nations. They likewise
affect the welfare of millions of people
in non-Christian lands. They involve
the major portion of the human race
in agreernents whose binding force
reaches far into the future arid affects
every sphere and relationship of life,
whether political, industrial, commercial,
social or religious. The decisions
of the Peace Conference b'ear an, intimated
and determining relati6n especially
to the future of vast populations
which have been the object of our foreign
missionary effort. ShaU'political
conditions within these areas- be
marked by Christian prihciples of
justice and service, or shall they- subserve
selfish and unworthy ends
Shall religious freedom and missionary
liberty be established or shall they
suffer limitations Shall reasonable
and genuine missionary activities be
safeguarded and extettded or shall
they be hampered and reduced. Shall
conditions be established which make
easier and more effective every effort
to uplift the race or shall they besuch
as to contradict the Gospel of the
Christ we seek to carry to all the
world
Unquestionably the difficulties are
great. In spite of high intent and unselfish
motives, how difficult to define
the right pathway! How may divided
opinions at Paris be reconciled How
shall the wide differences in racial
vie'wpoints and national attitudes be
bridged And should unworthy moti-ves
enter in, how greatly will the
diflSculties be increased 5 The whole
problem of Christianizing our international
relations is now brought to
the front. Those who at this critical
moment have come into most intimate
touch with the actual situation, declare
that our supreme confidence
must lie in the mighty power of the
Spirit of God. His wisdom alone will
suffice. Only His skiU can fashion
the decisions of the Nations to subserve
the infinite possibilities of coming
days. No power but His can adequately
rule and over-rule.
Let our appeal; therefore, be unto
Him in these days of crisis and farreaching
decisions. It is the peculiar
function of the Spirit of God to impart
wisdom unto those who know
and fear Him—-and let us thank God
for the God-fearing men who are
members of the Peace Conference.
Nor is the power of the Spirit of God
limited to those who know and fear
Him. He who said to Cyrus, "I have
called thee though thou hast not
kriown me," is able to lead those who
are strangers to Him so that they
shall build better than they know. He
who is able to tum the hearts of kings
as the rivers of water are turned may,
throughout supplication, order all the
decisions of the peace delegates for
the advancement of the Kingdom of
God.
To this end we issue this appeal for
prayer, asking that the Christian
public of the United States and
Canada and also our missionaries
abroad give themselves to such regular
and occasional, individual intercession
as may be possible until the
peace negotiations ^hall have been
completed; that they remember these
great needs at the family altar and at
all public services; and that the noon
hour of each day.be used as a momentary
reminder of this great obligation
to prayer and as an opportunity
for such intercession.
Wm. I. Chamberl.'Vin,
Chairman.
Fennell P. Turner, Secretary.

846 OLIVE T.REES
THE MESSAGE OF PEACE.
Julia Ward Howe.
Bid the din of battle cease.
Folded be the wings of fire.
Let your courage conquer peace.
Every gentle heart's desire.
Let the crimson fiood retreat.
Blended in the arc of love.
Let the fiagsof nations meet.
Bind the raven, loose the dove.
At the altar that we raise
King and kaiser may bow down;
Warrior knights above their bays
Wear the sacred olive crown.
Blinding passion is subdufed.
Men discern their common birth,
God hath made of kiridred blood
All the peoples of the earth.
Hi

dttVE tkEES 84;
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelp hia, Penna.
Relief Expedition Crossing France
Our thoaghts have been with our
Levant missionaries very often since
they left New York on the 16th of
February, and it is a joy to hear of
the progress of their journey. Rev.
R. E. Willson wrote two letters. The
first aboard the S. S. Leviathan was
written February 21st and; mailed
from Brest:
"You will know long before this o!f course
that we got off on the 'big ship.' Quite an
experience, to be sure, to cross in this floating
palace, and all seem to be enjoying the
experience. We have had a rather remarkable
passage, I think, for this time of the
year. Sunshine almost every day and no
storm at all so far, and the sea- 'Smooth
enough so we can all enjoy three good meals
a, day. Helen had a slight cold when we
started and this has kept her upset, and
perhaps predisposed her a little to seasickness.
She is better today. We were all
except Helen vaccinated and innoculated
against typhoid Monday. This gave us some
sore arms for one day, but it seehis'now to
have passed away. 'We have all kept piretty
well and have enjoyed the fine weather and
fine trip. Dr. Balph and Miss Sterrett and
Miss French ace all on .duty every day at
meal time.
"Classes were organized in Turkish,' Armenian,
Arabic and Greek. These with other
meetings occupied the time pretty fully. It
has passed quickly and it seems hardly possible
that we have only one day of this part
of our voyage left. We are due in Brest
early Sabbath morning. None of the party
seem to know yet what the route will be
from there. ''We walk by faith,. not by
sight.' We feel sure the Lord will open up
some way for us, and we trust we .iiiay soon
now be back at our stations. There is. still
hope for a transport from Brest to Constantinople."
Saturday evening.—"We are due in Brest
tomorrow morning. A wireless this eyening
informs us that a complete American hospital
train has been secured to take the
entire party immediately from Etrest to
Marsailles, both sage evening, Mr. "We Brest ends. and WiUson are February all Sabbath making the Have are sends Red well." had progress 25th: moming another Cross a vety slowly. co-operat^g letter and pteasaat it Tuesday Landed was pas­
at a
busy day. The committee succeeded in securmg
an Americah hospital train to take
the wnole party to Marsailles. The baggage
was put aboard and the train got underway
a'bout ten o'clock Sabbath night. We have
been in the train ever since except about ten
minutes this morning when they were stopping
for water and allowed the party to getout
for a few minutes to get some fresh air.
You will understand, of course, that we have
Leen held up a great deal for the other
traffic. It is now a little after six o'clock
Tuesday evening and we are still sonde distance
from Lyons. We hope to get into
Marsailles tomorrow morning, but that all
depends on how much we are held up."
"It was expected that the party would
get passage on a British transport which
was scheduled to leave Marsailles today. We"
do not know at this time whether the transport
will wait for the party or not. These
last three days have been rather hard on
the children, yet it has not been so bad at
all. Bruce and Grace both have a little cold.
Ohly part of the cars are heated; We have
regular army grub on the train and this is
a little too heavy for the youngsters. I
think they will be all right when they can
get some food that is a little more suitable
to their years. The rest of our party all
seem to be standing it firstrate. Our own
libtle missionary group are all well. I think
I will have to add a line when we reach
Marsailles and when we findout what provision
will be made for our Mediterranean
trip."
^ * * * *
Mrs. MacFarland Returns to Mersina.
Mrs. A. J. McFarland, who has
been in Switzerland for so lohg, sailed
from Marsailles the same day our
other friends left New York, February
16th, after a wait of ten days in
that city. She expected to go by way of
Egypt, and should be with her husband
by this time, as she anticipated
reaching him by March 1st. We can
imagine something of the joy of their
reunion ing anxiously He 1919: wrote letter from from he is reading Mersine, awaiting Mr. McFarland in February her the return. follow­
how 6,

OtiVB
TRESS
"Correspondence is still quite a one-sided
affair with us, as we have received nothing
direct from the States yet, but I suppose 1
ought to. keep 'casting bread upon the waters'
in th6 hope that we will get some return
some day. Have just received through
my wife in Switzerland the report of the
action of the Board in reference to our coming
home in the near future. This very generous
action has had an unfortunate effect
in disturbing ovir plans decidedly; as I have
no intention whatever of taking a furlough
before it would be regularly due according
to custom which will be next year, 1920.
Therefore I have been looking very eagerly
for the return of my wife who seems just
as eager to return, but; is much perplexed
in view of the expressed will of the Board
to the contrary. I feel sure there is no intention
on the part of the members of the
Board to compel any .of us to retum for a
rest this year if we feel called to remain at
our posts. There is not the least question
in my mind as to my duty to stay right
where I am for at least another year. Conditions
of travel in this part of the world do
not promise any relief for- me before that
time, even if the man Was ready to come
and take my place as soon as he arrived.
I may not be of very much use to our people
here, but they, would feel quite deserted in
the midst of the 'woods' if I left them now
or in the near future. I accordingly telegraphed
to my wife to come on to Mersine,
believing the Board would approve when
they got my point View. I opened both our
schools here as soon as the way was clear
and have been doing the best I could to keep
them going iri the hope that my wife would
soon be along to asiist me. Am still holding
on and the^schools are going nicely with
better than tlie normal .attendance, but I
very much need rny wife's assistance just as
soon as she can get here, especially in the
girls' school. All our women also are longing
for the presence of an American woman
in our mission circle again as is natural. I
am trusting the Lord to manage the affair
and feel quite confident He will bring on
my helpmeet soon and give us the health
and strength to keep things going until the
others can return and get hold of their
work again.
"I took a little vacation at the holidays
and had a very enjoyable visits at Latakia,
Beiruit, Tripoli and Alexandrette, as the
trawler on which I returned stopped long
enough at the last three places to give me
at company their most of others him all day hearing Latakia 23d the Covenanter chaplain or by Psalm. good next so a Rev. the at and rousing day work each. conducting American At worshipped S. style, he Tripoli Edgar a Had sermon has tour opening church a the had and nice of to with service hand inspection the soldiers with communion
went at a pleasure Beiruit,
singing Scotch
with and Red of al­
Cross captain. He expected to be 1*ansferred
to Latakia the firstof this month for
similar work. Fourid Dr. Kennedy back at
his post in Alexandretta and his work well
under way, only like me, he awaits the return
of his wife who had not been able to
find transportation yet, as troop transports
would not accept women civilians, and nothing
else is available yet. Was glad to get.
back to my lonely home and work, as the
sight of these friends at work gave me new
incentive to keep' at it."
An Appealing Letter from
Dr. Peoples.
We would be glad to think the
friends at Mersine are receiving mail
as directly and as promptly as we have
been getting the letters they haye recently
maiied to us. This one from
Dr. Peoples was written on February
8d and reached Philadelphia, March
12:
"Pour years have passed and what years
they have been! We can truly say with the
Apostle and most literally, too, 'without were
fightings, within were fears,' but thank the '
Lord We have been- relieved from at least a
great part of the burden. At the present
time it is not possible to say from how much
we have been relieved,- for there are certain
signs and symptoms which to some of us are
ominous. We are being protected by both
British and French troops. The French
troops are, however, Armenians in French
uniforms. We are waiting and wondering as
to what the outcome of all this Will be. We
know this, however, that this whole, business
is the Lord's business and He will bring it
out all right in his own good time.
"Brother Edgar, sent us up a Nation, the
first one we have seen for long enough. It
makes one glad to see that the Covenanter
Church has turned out of her young men
and young women iiito the front lines. I
am sure they will give a good account of
themselves, but the, thought hais come to
me—what about this other war that has
been waging, and is still waging, and will
continue to wage long after the Peace Congress
has finishedits work The call has
been out for volunteers for long years, but
where are the recruits! What a help beyond
words would a good American nurse have
been to me through these long hard years!
True, I had one girl, .partly trained, who
according to her capabilities has stood by
me until a few months ago when she left
the head pital very and tially) hospital. one, nurse, sick in trained America O-N-E men, matron, I nurse, many would partially with housekeeper of who 100 like them (and beds to had see dying and all only to the full act all men, par­
hos­
the of as

O L I V E
TRJSB^
rest of it combined. All this in the midst
Dr. Wright's Furlough.
of fear, anxiety and insults and troubles
from all sides. These are the conditions Canton, China. Dr. Wright and
under which we haye been working out here, his family have secured passage on
and the half has not been told and never
can be told, for one has to pass through it
the Empress of Japan, leaving Hong
Kong on May 7th. It has been difficult
to get a cabin as shipping is so
to have any conception of what it has been.
"I am longing to get some word from my
•crowded. Dr. Wright has just been
folks, for I have had no word since they
granteid a fellowship of $1000 for
left Switzerland. This is surely enough for
the first dose after four years, so I will
school work at home from the China
quit."
Medical Board of the Rockefeller
3fS Sfc sfc ^
Foundation. He hopes, if the Board
Rev. Samuel Edgar Back to
Latakia.
approves, to take up work in New
York Polyclinic.
The following cablegram was received
4: * 4s :|s
March 16th:
Tak Hing, China. With the con­
Fort Said, March 14, 1919.
currence of the mission in China the
Board has granted the Rev. J. K. Robb
"Transferred to Latakia. S. Edgar."
leave of absence from the field the
This was preceded by a letter from coming summer to visit his family iri
Captain Edgar, written from Tripoli, America. The care and education of
on January llth. He says:
their children present one of the most
"With reference to our return to our perplexing problems in the lives of
mission field and our relationship to the missionaries. Separations incident
American Red Cross, Palestine Unit. As to
the latter it was generally recognized that
thereto are pathetic. By returning to
China alone Mr. Robb saved expense
we had contracted for one year. In the end to the Church. Since his retum he
of the year we received a letter from Major has been nearly all the time at the
Trowbridge asking that we continue in the station center. Ordinarily the workers
service, owing to the tremendous need in
are at the coast two months each
northern Syria. We are therefore continuing
summer. During his present term
our service, but without a stayed con­
Mr. Robb has spent three summer
tract as to time. It is possible that I shall months in Tak Hing that in the usual
be transferred to our fieldat Latakia. I order he might have claimed for rest
have been keeping this constantly before me. at the coast. And he now asks for
It will depend on several conditions, the six months to come home, two of
time of giving up our work and as to wheth which are due him for the regular
er we can do more for the field by remaining
summer holiday. Mr. Robb defrays
in the Red Cross or resigning. Condi­
tions in Latakia; that is, immediately
his own expense of travehng. He expects
to leave for America not later
around Latakia, are not very bad, but the than early May. This may bring him
Armenian villages of Gunamia, Kessab and in time for Synod.
all the Valley of Suadea are in dire distress.
* * * *
It is now contemplated to remove
me from Tripoli to this quarter, and by remaining
with the Red Cross we will have
the funds at Latiakia for these needy conditions.
Through the kindness of her father,
Mr. E. A. Barr, of Pittsburgh, we
have an interesting letter from our
youngest missionary. Miss Jean M.
My resignation would cut off this Barr, now a student at the Canton
supply of funds. So We are planning for Language School. She wrote from
the present to remain with the Red Cross. Tak Hing during her first visit there
If it should so be that Dr. Stewart go home for Mission Meeting and dates her
on furlough we would then consider the necessity
of taking up the work, unless Dr.
letter January 21, 1919:
Miss Barr's First Letter.
Balph is able to return, feeling that Misa
Edgar should not be left alone. We understand
"Dear Folks—Well, here we are at Tak
that Miss Mearns cannot give up
her school plans." present year, but nosition she will until notify the end -you of as the
to

O L I V E
tREEii
Hing and two days of mission meeting are
over. Last week was rather hectic. There
seemed to be so many things to do at the
last minute. I led chapel Monday moming.
We have a community prayer meeting every
Tuesday afternoon and an eight o'clock class
every Tuesday morning. Wednesday was a
very full day. I had classes from 8 to 1
and other from 4 to 5. Dr. Niles' Chinese
daughter was visiting her and she had a
Chinese feast and invited' us all and three
of the Chinese teachers. All the food was
brought in from the 'delicatessen,' for she
didn't trust Dr. Niles' cook to do it, I guess.
Doing foreign cooking does spoil them a little,
and she has been doing it for sixteen
years or more. At a feast like that there is
rice; then the things that go with it are
called 'soong.' For soong we had fish with
chestnut dressing, pork, chicken, duck, goose,
pigeon, bean cake, sour bones and green peas
in the pod. I forgot to say we had soup
first. We ended up with tea and fruit.
While I am not an expert in the use of chopsticks,
I can manage a meal fairly well artd
am in no danger of having to go away hungry.
"That same evening, in a neighbor's
house, we had our first lecture on Chinese
history. Before we left there another neighbor
invited us to go to their house for dinner
the next day. That was the evening before
we were to start up here and we did not
want to go very badly, but could not well
get out of it, so went and had a nice time.
"As a result I got to bed at midnight
and was awake the next morning at 5.30
and up soon after. We learned late on
Thursday evening that Mrs. Wright could
not get enough flrst-class accommodations
: in the river steamer and that four of us
would have to go into a second class cabin.
There is precious little difference between
the bed of the river. On second thought 1
believe there are only two corners fastened,
the ends furthest away from the shore. On
the shore is a frame on which two people
sit, and between them is a sort of paddle
wheel. Attached to the corners of the net
near the shore are,ropes that are also fastened
to the other end of the net. The
passing of the steamer stirs up the fish and
they swim toward shore. Then the two people
up in their little crow's nest begin to
turn their wheel, working it with their feet,
and winding up the rope. Pretty soon the
net comes up above the surface of the water
stretched out almost stright.
"Another interesting thing was the graduation
poles in the villages. They are from
forty to sixty feet high and stand for certain
degrees and honors acquired in Chinese
higher education. Each pole has a number
of cross pieces denoting the degree or
number of degrees attained. They sometimes
stand in front of a man's house. Sometimes
they are before the village temple. A
village with some poles is much respected.
"On the way up we read and sewed and
knitted and sang and talked and ate and so
the day passed. There was a full moon that
night, "but it was pretty cloudy. However.
the combination of cloud and moonlight was
voi-y beautiful. We were up the next moraing
when it was just beginning to get dayni.ght.
At that point the river was much
narrower than when we had last seen it
the night before, and the hills came right
down to the shore. The water was very
smooth and pretty clear and the refiection
of the hills,in it was beautiful in the half
light of early morning. It reminded me so
much of the morning we wakened and found
ourselves in the foot hills of the Rockies.
"We reached Tak Hing about 7.30. The
steamer is only a shallow draft, but as there
them. They are all on the same deck, and is no wharf or landing, the steamer anchored
about the only difference is the kind of bed
out in the channel and we have to
provided. For the firstt'me T slept on bed go ashore in little boats. Mr. Adams and
boards. That is what the Chinese themselves
Mr. Mitchel came out to meet us, and some
use; they have no snrings and there of the other men and the women and chil­
is no bedding provided. We were just as dren were on the shore waiting for us. Dr.
glad to have our own. Even the first-class McBurney and Rev. William Robb came out
linen is not very inviting looking.
in a little boat and called themselves our
"We were a great looking lot as we escort.
started at 7.30 last Fridav moming, with
a man from the boat and old Mr. Tuck, the
"Safely landed and introduced to everybody,
we gathered up our stuff and went tc
coolie, to help carry our stuff. I had my our various lodging places. We had just
bag and a box, camera, steamer rug, knit,
ting bag, sweater, umbrella and pocketbook.
things fastened comers ter. Helta very shine. beautiful, Then addition, others The hot there we to The to with we nor day see. got for strong had were scenery had very was ropes into not For just a ever fine bamboo cold, big long instance, the about from up for so jug and mountain along after rnany traveling, poles each as of no ^ much, drinking the big leaving of bright driven interesting the fish country. river and, neither four sun­
into wa­
net
is
been in a little while when we discovered
that the Lo Ting boat was coming, so went
before laid with talked down C. After son." "Here "January Mitchell this the to a breakfast Continued I meet while. endeth should aside servants, came 30.—I them. that take up we in then it reading never our for Then it had would up went breakfast next. Chinese thought Mr. again. of be up-stairs the over and firstles­
with worship when Mrs. a week and us. E. I

"Mission meeting is over, a record meeting,
twice as long as any one beforeit,, lasting
for eight days, not including Sabbath,
and including several evening sessions.
"To go back to where I left off—the first
Sabbath we were here was communion. So
there was church Saturday at 11 A. M., in
Chinese, of course. In the afternoon tiiey
had a reception for the two new missionaries!
I think I will wait to give particulars
until I get bome to Corona. I had heard
that churches in China had 'a middle wall
or partition,' but it was queer to see it. On
Saturday afternoon it was 'broken down,'
but was replaced for Sabbath day. That
is one hard thing here; families cannot sit
in church together, cannot even go to the
communion table together. The men must
stay on their side and the women on theirs.
There were four tables on the women's
side. Miss Huston went to the second with
her school girls, but the rest of the foreigners
waited and all went to the last
table together, makin.g it a foreign teble.
Even those who understand the Chinese
were hungry for English, so they took our
being there, we, language students, as an
excuse for a table talk in English. Rev.
J. K. Robb explained to the congregation
that some of the new missionaries were
just studying Chinese and understood very
little and that he was going to talk to us
for a little in English. Then he gave us a
splendid talk on Psalm 121: 4, 'He that
keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.'
There was an evening Chinese service, but I
did nnt go, for the days had been pretty
strenuous and I was tired. After church
nearly every one came to our house and we
had a good sing. There are some very good
singers in the mission.
"You may remember reading in Olive
Trees about old Grandmother Nip. Miss
Huston wrote some very interesting stories
about her. She died the morning of the
first Sabbath we were here. The funeral
services were held Tuesday afternoon at one
o'clock. I went down with Miss Huston.
Maybe some day I can find words to describe
it all and my feelings, but I don't
have them now. The house the old lady
lived it—^it wouldn't be fitfor animals at
home in cold weather. The roof is supported
by brick pillars, and the walls between
the pillars are made of closely woven
bamboo branches, not so close that the wind
cannot get through, and the rain, too, when
it rough cold serves dow space was tains sticks—her tion poles. rains and ground, two of between and the pile What hard. is little rooms, double bumpy. oi the fuel not dried was the narrow The only supply. divided purpose even bamboo. behind floor An grass opening boards smoothed by is of with that The a just aside door In wobbly and a in house partition one the few and one from off, bamboo comer damp little parti­
win­
wall con­
but the I
OLIVE TREES 351
dd not know, but what was in front is a
picture I will remember for a long time.
The room is long and narrow with the door
about the middle of one long side. In one
end was the pile of dried grass; in front of
that, right on the ground was the casket,
in itself a beautiful thing made of sandalwood
and polished until all the , beautiful
grain of the wood was clearly brought out.
It was sealed with a strip of red cloth and
on top was pasted a very crude sketch of a
woman done with brush and ink on yellow
paper. In front of the casket were two or
three benches, really saw horses. At the
back was a little table and standing by it
were Rev. J. K. and Dr. A. I. Robb and a
Chinese preacher. At the other end was a
group of Christian women, filling in between
us on the benches and thees women was a
motley collection of children, wide-eyed,
open-mouthed. Around the door outside
were more children and behind them gro-wn
people. It was so interesting to watch the
faces of those who pressed close, curious
to see and hear what the foreigners were
doing there in that poor house, perhaps
wondering why there should be so much fuss
over the death of a poor old woman who was
too old to be of any use any longer. Some
just stupidly gaped; some were frankly
curious and stared, but in a few faces there
was real interest and feeling. Above the
fussing of the children inside and the chatter
of the crowd outside could be heard the
voice of Dr. A. I. Robb as he led in prayer
and the voice of Rev. J. K. Robb as he made
a few remarks. Then they sang a Psalm
and thPt Was all.. We had only been back
to the house a few minutes when we heard
the Chinese band, and looking out we saw
old Nip being carried to the cemetery, accomnanied
by the usual noise. What a
strange mixture of the old and new, of
lig-ht and darkness, of Christianity and
heathf-nism. There was a pathos about it—
an old. old woman living in poverty and
cold and hunger. But theer was a triumph
in it, too, for one who had been an idol worshipper
until she was an old woman was
being given a Christian burial. Oh, it is
wonderful this place and wonderful to be
here! . .
"I am staying a few days after mission
mepting for a little visit with the Mitchels
and for a rest. This is Thursday and we
f-re going down to Canton next Monday.
Some time after that I will try to write a
Lo news March omit: time n-ood Ting, you long items issue, have letter China. had * came but to to * make wait are The too * With for up * too late followinsr
love, this for newsy for the one. Jean. long our to

352 OLIVE TREES
Winter Communion of the Lo Ting
congregation will be conducted on the
16th of February. It will be preceded
by a week of evangelistic services
You can help these meetings by your
prayers.
On the last Sabbath of the year, the
treasurer of the Lo Ting Church announced
that the congregation ha
agreed to meet its own expenses next
year. This makes Lo Ting the first
Covenanter congregation in China tc
become self-supporting.
Mr. Mitchell was at Shuen Po for
a few days the middle of December.
He found some very earnest students
of the Bible and four were baptized.
making in all nine Christians in that
community. They have been meeting
in a school to study the Bible, but are
planning to provide a chapel for theinselves
in the near future.
Dr. Wright and Mr. Mitchell, as
members of the Niew Field Committee,
left December 30th for Nanning,
the capital city in the province north
of us. They expect to return in time
for the annual Mission meeting at
Tak Hing, January 20th.
The Canton Times prints the following:
"San Francisco, December
12. A general exodus of brewers from
the United States to China is forecasted
in a statement by Rojdolph
Samet. president of the Califomia
State Brewers' Association. He said:
"We are looking to China as the best
place to locate. I am going to China
in a few days to arrange for the
construction of a $2,000,000 plant
for one brewery. Other brewers
are makinar similar arrangements.—
American Wireless."
An epidemic of booze predicted for
China! Think of it! This man Samet
is merely starting the scheme with a
$2,000,000 plant, "others are making
similr arrangements." What cari
you do to prevent this curse from
coming to China
During the month of November
Cheung Tak Chau, senior elder of the
Lo King congregation, was killed as a
result of a fall from the roof of his
house.
We are indebted to Mrs. E. C.
Mitchell for the above, and for these
items following. She writes that they
have gotten into their new house and
like it fine,but, as she says, the mosquitoes
do, too, so they are trying to
get it screened as soon as possible. It
is not quite finished. Workmen seem
to be quite as hard to get in Criina as
they are in the good old U. S. A.
The following conversation took
place between a heathen and a Christian
woman in the Lo Ting Chapel a
short time ago: Said the Christian
woman, "Come again to the chapel
and hear more of the gospel and you
will be blessed."
"Oh, I haven't time. I am very
poor and have to take my vegetables
to the market every day."
"Then you certainly need the Heavenly
Father's blessing to help you
sell your vegetables. My mother was
poor, too, and depended on selling
vegetables for a living. She was a
Christian and came to the Chapel tc
pray before going to market. When
she prayed first she always sold all
she had and at a good price. Several
times she thought she didn't have time
to pray first and went direct to the
market. On these days she always
brought back some produce unsold
God will surely bless you, too, if you
will come and believe on Him."
This was the testimony of a poor
unread Chinese woman who tries daily
to live what she believes, and upon
hearing it the heathen woman promised
to come back and hear more of
the God who was interested in our
every-day affairs.
Some of the older girls in the Tak
Hing Girls' School have appealed to
the Mission asking them to make it
unlawful in the native church for a

tlVE tREES B68
Christian father and mother to marry
their children into non-Christian
homes. The young ladies use Scripture
freely in supporting their contention.
The appeal is publisned in
Covenanter Bi-Monthly for March.
Dr. McBurney's translation of
Eliot's Handbook for Young' Christions
is now being published in instalments
in tne Covenanter Jtii-MonthLy,
the family paper of our Chinese
Church.
Rev. W. J. McKnight!s Catechism
on Christian Civil Government is
being circulated among the Chinese
Covenanters.
The Lo Ting contingency, with the
exception of Miss Dean, returned
home January Slst, after two weeks'
absence at lak Hing. The trip up
the river was made in less time than
usual, only two and a half days. It
was tne coldest trip most of us have
ever experienced.
The annual mission meeting was
opened January 20th and closed the
28th. It was one of the best as well
as one of the longest meetings in the
history of the mission.
The new Field Committee reported
their visit to Nanning, the capital of
Kwong Si province, and were instructed
by the mission to visit Yunnan,
a very needy fieldin West China.
The committee is planning to make
this trip before Dr. Wright leaves on
furlough early in May.
Miss Dean is taking advantage of
the holidays, which are thrust upon
us at Chinese New Year's time, for
visiting friends in Canton.
The Catholics are planning to open
a free girls' school only one block
away from our girls' school. They
have made great efforts to win our
pupils. At.present all stand firmly
for the Jesus Doctrine school. You
must pray that none of them be led
astray, also that new pupils may come
here to be taught the true way of salvation
rather than be entrapped into
an institution where error is taught
for truth.
Ch'an King Wa, the eight-year-old
girl, who wept so hard last year because
we advised her to wait until
older before coming into the Church,
has continued to give remarkable evidence
of being one of Christ's chosen
ones. A short timq ago her teacher
asked how many had remembered to
pray that moming. Some others had
not. Poor King Wa was in great distress
because she was among the
latter. Hesitating just a moment she
raised her hand and said: "Please,
teacher, excuse me from reading book
a few minutes so I cari pray." Permission
being given ..she bowed her
head, folded her hands and spent five
minutes in eamest prayer. No one
thought it strange, either, as the atmosphere
is always favorable to stopping
work any time for prayer about
whatever concerns either teacher or
pupils.
The new dwelling house beside the
chapel opened its doors for occupants
January 31st. It is built of mud
brick and the ground fioor is cement.
Some Chinese tell us it is nice inside
but "not good, to look at" outside.
However, they agree that a coat of
plaster will help the outward appearance
and this will be done as soon as
the walls are sufficiently dry. One
redeeming feature about mud brick
building is that it costs orily about a
third as much as a firebrick.
Larnaca, Cyprus. Rev. Walter
McCarroll has also written from Larnaca.
This is probably the last letter
for some time from Mr. McCarroll,
as his present intention is to leave
Cyprus for his long-delayed furlough
some time in April. He writes:
"Just a few lines to keep you posted on
how things are going. I wrote you last

^54 btlVE tRSE8
about a month ago from Nicosia when on
my way to Kyrenia. Am afraid you have
had nothing from Cyprus for the OLIVE
Trees since that. I expected to have had
my annual report ready ere this, but have
not seemed to find time for it. I have to
do so much teaching myself that othei
things that do not appear so pressing get
crowded out.
"The first Sabbath in January I spent in
Kyrenia with the brethren there where J
had a restful few days. On Tuesday, January
7th, I inarried a young couple, evangelical
Cypriotes, though not members of
our church. The groom was once a member,
but took up with the ideas of other
teachers such as perfectionism, feet washing,
and that all other churches are sects,
Babylon, etc., and so withdrew from oui
communion. I think, however, he is gradually
shedding these acquired and heretical
ideas and may return to fellowship. The
bride was formerly a servant in the home
of Miss Athill, a nurse who is on pension
and came to Kyrenia a few years ago to
do Christian work on her own. She estab-^
lished a small maternity home and has done
what she could. This little maid servant
under her teaching professed conversion and
withdrew from the Greek Orthodox Church,
and has now married an evangelical, and it
is their professed desire to set up an evangelical
home.
"The Kyrenia Hospital is managed by two
devoted Christian women, one of whom is a
sister of the above-mentioned Miss Athill
The Christian Bervice rendered by these
eamest women drew forth the fulminations
of the Greek bishop of Kyrenia against
them and their work. The bishop is new to
his office and he must show his zeal.
"On January 12th I conducted communion
services in Nicosia. The usual preparatory
services were held during the week. A
young man who is a Turk has been attending
our services for the past three years or
more and has often asked to become a member.
He again presented himself and so we
have decided to baptize him at an early
date. Pray for him that this may prove to
be a genuine work of grace.
A Letter For Readers of "Olive
Trees."
Nicosia, Cyprus. Dr. Calvin Mc­
Carroll, on January 26, writes from
Nicosia:
"Dear Friends: Just a few lines, lest you
heavy best have middle and forget To tumbling to mention taken rain that of keep December that we place the one down are the machinery or we still two the waters when must here unusual river we go running. came and bed, back had events doing rumbling which such to that our the is a
dry about ten months out of the twelve, rose
higher and higher, overflowed the banks
and swept away trees, hedges, stone walls
and entered the houses to a depth of three
or four feet, and left several inches of mud
on the drawing room carpets. Much water
entered Nicosia and did a great deal of
damage, but most of the water was turned
aside by the moat and wall which surrounds
the to-wn. Also several bridges and ten
miles of railway were washed away. A
steel girder weighing 20 tons was carried
800 feet and a special track had to be built
to get it back again. Fortunately there was
no damage to the mission premises in Nicosia,
although we had several trees blown
down in Larnaca, and the tiles on the church
and other buildings were doing flyingstunts.
It was the worst storm we have had within
the memory of the oldest inhabitants. However,
the results were not all evil, as, like
the Nile, it left a rich deposit of soil, carried
down from the mountain, containing
a considerable amount of iron.
The second item of unusual interest was
the military funeral of the late High Commissioner,
Sir John Clausen, who died on
the last day of the year and was buried on
N6w Year's Day. After the "services in the
church the remains were placed on a gun
carriage, draped with the Union Jack, and
drawn by Scotch soldiers, accompanied by
the bagpipes and preceded by soldiers and
the native police, foot and mounted, and
surrounded on all sides by thousands of
people. During this time a big gun at
Government House was fired at intervals.
After the services at the grave the troops
fired several volleys with their rifles and the
buglers sounded the last post, etc, And
thus Sir John was laid away to await the
trump of the resurrection morn which will
call us all to give an account of the deeds
done in the body.
Our Christmas vacation was spent by
myself and family in Nicosia. Mr. Weir
had a few days with us and my brother also
came and held preparatory and communion
services. Although there were no additions
to the church on this occasion, still it was
a time of spiritual quickening and reviving.
And in this connection I would ask for your
prayers for two or three of our young men
who apparently have reached the parting of
the ways that they be kept in the right way.
The Spanish grip in its peregrinations
has not missed Cyprus and has caused the
death of many. Fortunately none of our
time all are the laborer day iously people We School back death , we there, but were ill. have -will in hard opened Mr. of Mersine, all understand died, our at Dimitriades deeply two the friend it although again; weeks rest Mr. grieved and why, Carithers. of and that ago some one but I and is, hearing time have were not the fellow Some now. here half rest ser­
are of

as last term. You will nrobably wonder
how I can carry on medical work and be
away three days every week—well, so do I;
still it's a fact. All of which goes to show
that we are undermanned and as a corollary,
one or two of you young men might
take the opportunity (and in my opinion
it is an opportunity and a splendid one) to
help- the church, help the mission, help the
people of Cyprus and relieve the missionaries.
Also it is a rare opportunity to help
yourself, to continue your education by
travel and observation, to broaden your view
and enlarge your horizoi.. Your mission
needs you! All here in good health at
present." "On the other hand, three of our young
men who joined the church a couple of years
ago have turned back to the world and now
neglect the means of grace. Pray for these
young men that they may be convicted, converted
and restored to the right way.
"School reopened on January 15th and
practically all of the boys are back again
and we are all kept busy. Evangelist Dimitriades
comes down with my brother ana
spends three davs each week teaching Bible
classes. He is instant in season and out
of season in pressing the claims of Christ.
Four or fiveboys are taking a deep interest
in spiritual things and we are very hopeful
of one or two of them at least. One of
them is a nephew of Evangelist Dimitriades
and a very promising young man.
"In Nicosia a young man who had gone
to Salonica as a muleteer met with the
Greek Evangelical pastor there and was
converted. He now comes regularly to our
services and for the present is earnest and
enthusiastic in his devotion.
"Cyprus, in common with the rest of the
world, has suffered from, the scourge of
Spanish influenza, but fortunately no deaths
have occurred among the pupils of the
school."
The First Return Letter From
Syria.
It is an interesting fact that a reply
has been received to a letter sent out
to Syria shortly after the signing of
the armistice. It is fineto think that
we are once more in communication
with the friends there. The letter
came to the Corresponding Secretary
of the Foreign Mission Board from
Dr. James S. Stewart, of Latakia,
Syria, and will be read vrith pleasure.
The we You were date can is to scarcely February receive imagine last 11. week how your glad
OLIVE TREES 355
letters of November 13 and 14, 1918,
the latter being signed by yourself
and Dr. McFeeters as a committee of
the Board. During the interruption
of our correspondence for two terrible
years, not a doubt crossed our minds
as to the fidelityof the Board to its
Missionaries, or as to its anxiety for
the interests entrusted to them. My
own experience has been that I have
felt myself strengthened and upborne,
in a peculiar manner, upon the wings
of prayer, having the firm conviction
that prayer was being made without
ceasing unto God for us. This conviction
has been justified and made
doubly sure by the sympathetic and
cordial communication of the Committee
of the Board.
It is too soon yet to write freely of
all that has occurred or of the conditions
actually existing in this country.
Turkey is still regarded as being in a
state of war with the Entente Powers,
and all mail has yet to pa^s
through the censor's hands. Beginning
with September last we have received
five copies of The Christian
Nation, but none of the OuVE Trees.
Very few letters have come to hand,
and we have had no direct word from
our soldier boy in France.
For the present I can only hint at
the terrible experiences connected
with the deportation of our Armenian
friends. At some future time some
one may be able to write out the full
story.
In Latakia our religious services
have not been interrupted at all, and
the two schools have never failed to
provide teaching for all who chose to
attend. It was difficult to meet these
conditions, because of the conscription
which threatened to take away
almost all our teachers; also the fact
that ours were the only Christian
schools in town, and hence the attendance
was very large at times; besides,
the writer was in banishment at
Konia for a year, and Miss Edgar
prohibited from taking any active
part in the work.
Mrs. M. E. Stewart mainly deserves

356 t»LlVE TREfi^
the credit for directing the schools,
carrying on the necessary or possible
correspondence, and keeping the general
mission machinery in motion,
during the longest year that we have
ever experienced.
Since my return home on December
18th we have had an uplifting season
of communion, being assisted by Rev.
McFarland. Four young people joined
the church, 'one being our youngest
boy, James Cargill.
The war is, indeed, over as you say,
and the cloud is lifted, but the barriers
are not yet gone, nor the field
open as never before, but we look for
brighter days to come.
Hoping that this may reach you
unmutilated by the censor, and that
it may escape the waste basket of the
Editor of Oli'V^ Trees, and so become
a convincing proof that we are still
active, expectant and hopeful, I remain
faithfully yours,
James S. Stewart.
A GREAT THING FOR THE
LUMBERJACKS.
There is romance and reality in the
picture of life among the lumberjacks
of the Northwest as described by Rev,
Thomas D. Whittles, of Forest Farm,
Minnesota, in The Missionary Review
of the World for November. Here is
a sample of what they need:
"Who nays your way" asked a
lumberjack of Rev. H. I. Chatterton^
a Washington camp missionary. "You
can't give all your time to us fellows
and support yourself." The missionary
explained how the Presbyterian
Board of Home Missions was sending
men into the camps that the lumberjacks
might have the Gospel and be
encouraged in right living. "Do you
mean to say that the Christians back
East are interested in workingmen
they have never seen and are spending
money to help them I thought that
they were all high-browed money getters
who only thought of themselves."
The perverted philosophy received
another jolt and the trend of sentiment
was lifted.
To many campmen the past is dead
and the home with its relationships
has passed from their lives—^theirs is
the life of the unattached. Memory
reminds them, but they send no linking
message., Failure has made many
ashamed to write and the long silence
lengthens. But on one Mother's Day
the preacher centered his thoughts on
home and mother and at the close; of
the meeting distributed writing materials
and asked the boys to write. A
score responded, some writing for the
first time since they had left the home
treei Jack McCall, our missionary in
Montana, induced a lad to write home
after a three years' silence. The lad
was reluctant, fearing that his family
had cast him off as he had cast them
off. When the missionary again visited
that camp the youngster was
beaming: "See here. Pilot!" he said.
"Here's a letter from home and it's
aia:ned by every one of the family!
Say, but ain't this family life a great
thing, though" And back East a
whole family thought the Logging
Camp Mission a great thing.
THE LESSON OF A FUNERAL.
Newell Dwight HilUs went to a
mansion on a New York avenue to
conduct a funeral. The master of the
house was neariy seventy years of
age. Beside him was the coffin of his
dead daughter. On the other side
was his chum, his closest friend. Suddenly
he broke into speech, and cried
to his friend, "There is nothing in
these things. You and I have been
living for a good time and success.
We have got everything we could during
the week. We have played poker
on Saturday nights and spent Sundays
in our automobile, in driving and
social pleasures. We have put the
club and the bank first, and my son
has disgraced me with his shameless
marriage, and now my daughter is
dead. I tell you, Fred, there is only
one place to bring up a family, and
that is the Church."

dtlVE TREES 857
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J. S. Martin a id Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
College Hill, Beaver Falls, Pa.
FROM THE MERSINE MISSION
ARIES. EN ROUTE.
Leviathan, Feb. 19, 1919.
"There are a hundred and forty-five
members of the Relief party on board,
and about thirty have gone on before
with the provision ships. In addition,
there are, perhaps, sixty girls going
to France for Y. M. C. A. work. The
time is taken up with meetings, lectures,
language lessons, exercises,
etc., so I am not getting much writing
done.
"There is a good band on board.
that plays every afternoon, and an orchestra
plays at noon meal. There
are plenty of good singers in the
party, so there is no lack of music.
"If the sea has been rough I hardly
know it, the boat rolls so little. Since
we left New York we have had very
mild weather, I sit on deck without
a wrap while we take our Turkish
lessori.
"Evadna M. Sterrett."
U; S. S. Leviathan, Feb. 22, 1919.
"The ship is quivering considerably,
but, perhaps, you can read what
I write. Everybody seems busy tonight
getting letters ready to leave on
the steamer. We are to reach Brest
in the morning, as nearly as we can
find out, about 9 o'clock. A wireless
came from Brest that a complete hospital
train will be waiting to take us
on to Marseilles, where We are to
get our steamer for Constantinople.
Farther than Constantinople we have
no plans.
"We have had a very good voyage.
A few were seasick, but not many got
down in bed. I have missed but two
meals, and I missed them because I
slept too late in the morning.
"This is a wonderful ship It is 954
feet long, 100 feet beam a^d draws 40
feet of water. The maximum speed
is 24 knots. It can carry 8750 tons
of coal. Its decks are numbered alphabetically
from A to I.
"There are many nice people on
board; they are all so friendly. Those
in charge of affairs seem to have high
ideals, arid are anxious that the members
of the expedition conform to
rules.
"1 must quit now and get some mail
off to other friends. I hope we can
soon get mail from the homeland.
There is a possibility of our getting
mail if addressed in care of the American
Mission, Mersine, Asia Minor.
"I hope you are all well and happy.
F. Elma French."
LETTER FROM FRENCH
CARITHERS.
This paper was pr^ejpared for the
Allegheny Mission Band and was sent
by Miss McWilliams to be used in the
Junior Department that more could
receive the benefit of his message.
Although dead, he still lives.
Dear Boys and Giris:
It is a splendid thing for you to get
better acquainted with the boys and
girls that come to our mission schools,
They often ask about the boys and
girls in America—what they eat, what
games they play, what they do in
school and in their homes. Then they
say it must be very nice to be an
American child and live in the United
States. Perhaps when the war is over
you will be able to write some letters
to the boys and girls in our mission
schools at Mersine and Latakia. I am
sure they will be pleased to hear what
you are doing in your meetings.
Perhaps you would like to hear how
taey take care of babies in that country.
When the haby is born it is rubbed
all over with salt, and then wrapped
in yards and yrrds of cloth from
head to foot, so that it cannot movB
its arms and legs. These are called
its swaddling clothes. You remember

iti oiiVk TREkS
the Bible tells us that the Babe Jesus
was wrapped in swaddling clothes
and laid in a manger.
Many of the people among whom
we work belong to the Greek orthodox
church, and they think a baby ought
to be baptized before it is many days
oid. This baptism takes place in the
home, instead of in the church as we
have it. I was invited to see a baby
baptized, and perhaps you would like
to have me tell you what I saw.
When we came to the home, the
father met us at the door, and took
us into a large central room. Quite a
number of friends were sitting there,
and others kept coming in until the
room was filled. The people were
chatting together and having a good
time when the priest arrived who was
to baptize the baby. There was another
priest with him and a man who
leads the singing in their church. But
that was not all. Another man in
with a heavy load strapped to his
back, and carrying a little stand in his
hand. When they unfastened the
heavy thing from his back we saw
that it was a little copper tank. After
this man came a boy carrying a whole
armful of things. These were the fine
robes or long coats which the priests
put on when they are going through
the ceremony; a number of long
narrow candles, which were handed
around to the people; a large book, a
picture (of Christ, I think) and a
censor, a small brass cup, which is
swung at the end of a chain. The boy
put some incense in the censor and
started it to burning. Incense is a sort
of gum, and when it burns, it gives
off a sweet smell, which some people
like very much. The little copper
tank was set on its stand and filled
two-thirds full of water.
While all these preparations were
going on, the priests were chatting
and laughing with the people, and, I
am sory to say, they were smoking
part of the time. When everything
was ready, the godmother brought the
baby in and the service began. Now,
of course, you will want to know who
the godmother is. Well, she is usually
a near relative, an aunt or a
sister. Part of her duty is to hold
the baby and carry it around during
the baptismal service,' and put on its
nice new clothes after it has been baptized.
This godmother gave her little
godson a pretty gold piece of Turkish
money. Perhaps there are other
things a godmother is supposed to do
but that happens to be all I know
about it.
Tne priests and the singer opened
their books, stood around the table
and began to chant or sing, instead of
reading as we do. It seemed as though
one went on until he was out of
breath, or got tired, and then another
took it up while the first was resting.
It was all in the Greek language so I
did not understand a word of it. Sometimes
they- would walk around the
table, the priest would swing the
censor at the end of its long chain,
so that the smoke of the incense would
fly into the people's faces. Then the
people would bow and make the sign
of the cross on their breast with one
hand, while in the other they held the
lighted candles which had been passed
to them. Most of the time the people
were talking and laughing among
themselves, instead of sitting quietly
and listening as you children do in
your meetings.
, The priest then stirred the water in
the tank, dipped his hand in to see
that it was not too hot or cold for the
baby's tender skin. Then he took the
baby from the godmother and let it
down in the water until only its little
head was out of the water. Then he
dipped his hand in the water and
poured it over the baby's head three
times. The baby was better behaved
than the older people, for it made very
little noise or fuss all this time. When
the baby had been thoroughly dried
with a towel, the priest helped thQ
godmother dress it in its pretty white
clothes, which had been made especially
for this occasion. The people
all laughed when he tried to put on
the bonnet wrong side foremost and

the priest laughed, too. Then there
was some more singing, bowing
and walking around the table. This
brought the service to a close.
But before we went home, the
father passed around with a handful
of small Turkish money like our pennies,
nickels and dimes, and gave one
to each person who was there. I received
a little silver piece. He said
that was the custom on the island near
Greece where he had lived before he
came to Turkey.
Many of the people in Mersine are
very, very superstitious. They believe
that there is a bad spirit called
the "evil eye," and if it looks on their
baby it may become sick and die. They
think that any person, but especially
a blue-eyed person, may have the "evil
eye." To guard against it they fasten
a blue glass bead on a string around
the baby's neck. They think this "evil
eye" may give their cows a disease so
they put blue beads on their cows. I.
have seen several cows going down
the street with a string of blue beads
around their necks or on their horns.
When the children are fiveor six
years old they start to school. The
priest in their church wants them all
to go to his school, but many come to
the American school, because they
know they will be better taught. They
are very fond of stories and we find
that a very srood way to teach them
about the Bible is to tell them the
stories about the good men who lived
a long time ago, and especially about
Jesus, the Son of God, who died and
rose again from the dead and who is
living now at the right hand of God.
Now when you pray, do not forget to
pray that God will help these boys and
girls across the sea to understand the
Bible and will lead them to love Jesus
and take him as their Saviour.
French Carithers.
OLIVE TREES 359
"FORWARD," THE MOTTO FOR
THE "CALLED MEETING."
P. W. Wilson, New York correspondent
of the London Dg,ily News,
«ays that "Missions are an antidote to
imperialism. * * * Everywhere
the world needs healing and salvation."
We believe that this is true. Our
responsibilities multiply as we in a
larger measure realize that we have
a task undone. Thousands are waiting
for "healing and salvation" in the
foreign fieldsin the territory alloted
to the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
To reach all these, to widen our fields
and to help send forth more laborers,
and to support them more loyally by
our prayers and gifts, is one purpose
of the women of the church in planning
to come together at Synod time
to organize a Synodical or General W.
M. S.
From all over the church letters are
still coming with encouraging messages,
such as: "Many of the women
sav they hope to go to the meeting. I
am hoping that we will have a splendid
representation, and praying that we
will be used for a great work for our
Master. What a glorious opportunity
we women have."
Will every Presbyterial, through
its executive, if it does not have a
convention, appoirit any of its women
who can attend Synod and our "called
meeting" as its delegates Many
women are in attendance at each
Synod. Let us use these women to
organize and plan a unified program
for all of our women's missionary so-
One' of the interesting things we
plan to have on our program is, "The
Peace Table," with peace delegates
from Syria, Asia Minor. Cyprus and
our Indian, Southern and Jewish Missions.
Informal conferences will be held,
with special prayer, and to plan for
future work for the Prince of Peace.

860 OLIVE TREES
"Forward" will be our motto. Fray
that God's presonce, power and wisdom
msy te giv.^n for our new tasks.
Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, Pres. Colo.
Fresbyterial, 457 So. Clarkson
Denver, Colo.
Mrs. Tillie McClelland, Grcelov.
Cob.
Mr. W. A. Edgar sent us the following
names of the committee to have
in charge the preparation of uniform
topics for devotional study throughout
the missionary societies of the
Church:
Mrs. W. A. Edgar, chairman, Kansas
Presbyterial.
Mrs. J. S. Martin, Pittsburgh Presbyterial.
Mrs. W. 0. Ferguson, Illinois Presbyterial.
Mrs. H. G. Patterson, Iowa Presbyterial.
We hope to have a full list of topics
for our next issue.
Your editors would appreciate short
accounts of the different Presbyterial
meetings. The "Get-together" spirit
is in the air, and the women of our
church should fall in line.
Let us share our good things and
help in solving problems which confront
us in our work from time to
never be other than that which will interpret
the life, death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ.
Still it has been felt that a better approach
could be made, and to this problem.
Dr. Barton, the foreign secretary of the
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions, has brought the light of his
large vision and devout Christian faith. Not
by compromising with Islam; but by recognizing
that in some respects Christianty
has common ground with it, by making a wise
discrimination between the fundamental
truths of our faith and what are only ita
traditions and customs, by conceding that
some Christian truths should take precedence
of others in giving the message, and
by adopting the most acceptable methods
of work, Dr. Barton believes a better approach
can be made.
The book is the work of an authority. All
who are interested in either the history of
Islam, Foreign its Mission present situation, Year Book or for its 1919. future
prospects By Burton will -St. find John. this volume 150 pp., of 75 great cents. interest
Committee and profit.
Reference and Counsel, 25
Madison Avenue, New York.
This is the first issue of the Handbook
of Foreign Missions authorized by the Committee
of Reference and Counsel of the
Foreign Missions Conference of North
America. It is issued in response to a demand
for a handy, concise volume giving the
very latest information available in regard
to foreign missions. It will be an indispensable,
up-to-date compendium of information
on foreign missionary work for the use of
Board Secretaries, officers of Mission Boards,
Pastors, Leaders of Mission Study Classes,
Leaders of Local Women's Missionary Societies,
Student 'Volunteer, Laymen- enlisted
in the missionary movement, and all who are
in any way interested in the world progress
of missions. No one who desires to keep
abreast with the times and the growth of
the Kingdom of (Jod in the non-Christian
world can afford to be without this book!
One hundred and fifty pages full of the
time.
NEW BOOKS
The Approach to Islam.
By James L. Barton. 311 pp., $2.00 net,
postage 15 cents. The Pilgrim Press, Boston.
Leaders of Christian thought have begun
within recent years to question whether or
not the best approach was being made to the
Moslem world. Realizing that "East is East
most recent facts, statistics and information
and West is West" they have seen that our
relating Christianity to Foreign is Missions, a religion illustrated which expects
you and charts. to DO A things.—Japanese
volume which ought
by
Christianity might naturally be expected to
graphs
assume a somevvhat different form when, interpreted
again in the lives of Orientals.
to saying. be every library.
Some have thought of a reconciliation based
on mutual compromise between the two Win China to Christ and the most
p-reat faiths of Mohammed and Christ. powerful stronghold of Satan upon
Their suggestions of course have been rejected
by the missionary forces, because
earth will have fallen.—Mr. Wong.
truth
is a religion
is not a
of
compromise
facts whose
and
theology
Christianity
can

FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMEO PRES. CHURCH
Latakia, Syria. Rev. Julius A. Kempf, .)
Rev. Jas. S. Stewart, D.D
^^s. Julius A. Kempf . f o° furlou'h
Mrs. j. S. Stewart
^^v. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar with Red cross m *' Mrs. William M. Robb
Mr«5 /^J^'''''^ MiSS KATE McBURNEY, M. D.,
I M Ra^pS M n ^^ ^"^ Miss Mary R. Adams .... .
J. Miss M. Maggie Balph, B. M. Edgar D j^^^g^ Migg Ida ^^^^ M. ^_ Scott, ^^^^^^ M. 'd!,' i on' furiough
Miss M. Florence Mearns, cZTin%t- Miss Annie J. Robinson! f^i'^o^t sair,
,- . .,."„. *"'°* Miss Nellie A. Brownlee,
Mersine, Asm Mmor.
rev. r. c. Adams
Miss Evadna AI Sterrett
mrs. R. C. Adams
Rev. Robt. E. Willson, Kev. Jesse C. Mitchel ,
Mbs. Robt. E. Willson
jyi^s. Jesse C. Mitchel
Rev. Andrew J. McFarland ^ ,, ,. . „. . „ ,
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary Unim,
John Peoples, M. D
Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples On furlough James M, Wright, m. d
Miss F. Elma French Mrs. James M. Wright s«
Larnaca, Cyprus.
Union Language School,
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Canton, South China.
Mrs. Walter McCarroll, On furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. ...«
Mr. Wilbur Weir Miss Inez M. Smith, R. N =,
Nicosia, Cyprus.
Miss Jean M. Barr
Calvin McCarroll, M. D
Miss Lillian j . McCracken
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll
Lo Ting, via Canton, South Cktwrn,
Tak Hing Chau, West River, , Rev. Ernest C. Mitchell
South Chins. Mrs. Ernest C. Mitcheli
Rev. A. L RoBB, D. D E. J. M. Dickson, M. D .^
Mrs. a. L Robb Mrs. E. J. M. Dickson .;.
Rev. J. K. RoBB,
Miss Ella Margaret Stewart. ..^
Mrs", j. K.' ROBs'on furlough Miss Jennie M. Deak ^
HOME MISSIONARIES OF THE REFORMEO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Indian Mission, Apache, Okla. Southem Mission, Selnia, Ala.
Rev. W. W. Carithers, Superintendent. Rev. G. A. Edgar, D. D., Superinte^ndent
Miss Inez Wickerham
Miss Lola Weir, High School
Miss Ellen Wilson
Miss Mary Reynolds, High School
Miss Irene McMurtry
Miss Ella Hays, Grammar School
Miss Mae Allen
Miss Mary Wilson, Sixth Grade
Miss Laura Weir, Fifth Grade
Mission of the Covenant, 800 South Sth St., Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade
.Philadelphia, Pa.
jyjigg ruth Kynett, Third Grade
'iss Annie Forsyth
Miss Eulalia Howard, Second Grade
Miss Emma M. McFarland
Mes e. O. Senegal, First Grade
, Mrs. G. M. Sims, Primary Department
Volunteer Worxers.
^^^^ ^^^^ ^ Fowler, Girls' Indus. Dept.
Miss Mary Gray
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K ANNA THOMPSON MiSS SOPHIA KINGSTON Pri^l Little Kno»
Dr. Ralph Duncan
Mrs. Louise Kynett, Prtn'l Pleasant Grove
Mr. Samuel Jackson 1 Mrs. Estelle Lightning, Asst, GirW In'
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Mr. J- V. Dodds,
/o R. . Scninarv,
« r;» North Ave, a, s,
Pittsburgh, 3a. *
Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Presbyterian Church
President
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M. D., 617 N. 43d Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vice-President
J. C. McFEETERS, D. D., 1838 Wallace St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
R. J. BOLE, 170 Broadway, New York.
Corresponding Secretary
findley M. WILSON, D. D., 2517 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
-Recording Secretary
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Treasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transportation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.
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( § i X M ^ X t t B
ZECH.4; 11-14 REV. 11 :3, 4
VOL xxxni MAY, 1919 No.5
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Chiirch of North
America in the interest of Mission Work
A PROPHESY OF
TO-DAY
For I dipt into the future,
Far as human eye could see.
Saw the vision of the world.
And the wonder that would be
Till the war-drum throbb'd no longer,
^ And the battle-flags were furled
In the Parliament of man,
The Federation ofthe world.
—Teaaysoa,
SuD6cription price * '®ne Dollar a l^ear
POSTAGE FREE TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
C0NTBNT8
Definite Methods—Prayer 361 News from the Field
A Loi, Story of a Chinese Girl 363 Women's Department
Word FBOM Dr. Peoples - 365
368
379

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THE INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
EDITORS
REV. McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D. D.
REV. ROBERT ANDREW BLAIR, M. A,
Address all Communications to
REV. M. M. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Place - Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable Address : Metheuv, Philadelphia
Entered as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post office at Philadelphi
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH
President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Kentucky Avenue, Pittsburgh.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Wallace, 108 Lafayette Avenue, N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Esler, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321 Lehigh Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Treasurer, Mrs; W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study, Mrs. E. A. Crooks, 69 Oak Street, Newcabtie, Pa.
Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Mary McWilliams, 2328 Maple Avenue, Kttsburgfh, Pa.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Harris, 1312 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, Fa.
Thank Offering Secretary, Mrs. J. K. Tibby, Ridge Avenue, Crafton, Pa.
Temperance Secretary, Mrs. W. R. Porter, 218 Burgess Street, N, S., Pittsburgh.
COLORADO
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, 911 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colo.
Vice President, Mrs. James Cafson, Denver, Colo.
Secretary ,Mrs. S, B. McClelland, Greeley; Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. R. S. Orr, Greeley, Colo.
KANSAS
President, Mrs. J. M. Wylie, 2510 W. 46th Street, Rosedale, Kan.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. F. E. Allen, Superior, Neb.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs.\J. G. McElhenny, Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. T. B. Boyle, 701 Clay Street, Topeka, Kan.
ILLINOIS
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. Sth Street, Blobmington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Sparta, HI.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta, 111., R. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. 0. Ferguson, Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. R. Davis, Princeton, Ind.

R. M. sommerville, D.D. MRS. R. M. SOMMERVILLE
DR. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVB TREBS" and editedIt for 29 years.
OLIVB TREES
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXII MAY. 1919 No. 5
DEFINITE
M E T H O D S - P R A Y E R
By Cleo. F. Wallace, Stafifard, Kan.
The following paper was read at the convention
of the Women's Missionary Societies
of Kansas Presbytery at its recent
meeting at Topeka, Kan. It emphasizes
that which is the great need of today, and
every day.—Ed.
We reahze that there are new opportunities
in Missions since the war,
and our responsibility toward them
is both very great and very urgent.
Only the power of Christianity can
transform the homes df the East,
solve the industrial problem, obviate
the dangers of this time of transition,
help td open up opportunities for education
and new lines of occupation
and service, and bring the knowledge
of Jesus Christ to every people.
No Missionary Society can do its
best work without high ideals, good
organization, team work, and, most
of all, carefully constructed, operative
methods. ' Our most efficient service
doesn't "just grow." It is the result
of strenuous effort, and earnest, intelligent,
prayerful planning. We must
have definite methods.
In every battle, owirig to random
shooting, there is a great waste of
ammunition. It is said that one
bullet in a thousand hits the enemy,
and but one in ten thousand proves
fatal. There is the same waste in
missionary efforts, largely because
our missionary shot is fired without
definite aim.
Every Christian should be famihar
with the great scriptural foundations
-on which missionary operations rest.
Let us take Christ's missionary program
in Matt. 9: 36—10: 8 as a suggestive
outline.
First, we must comprehend the
need and realize our relation to that
need. The efficient wielding of the
"Sword of the Spirit," with the exception
of prayer, is the most powerful
weapon in promoting the cause of Missions.
But the "Sword of the Spirit"
unaccompanied by prayer availeth
little in the hand of the Christian
workef. We should study Missions
from every available source; from
magazines, books, leaflets and from
reports and letters of missionaries.
We can read our magazines to ourselves,
aloud to our famihes, pray
through them, then pass them on to

362 OLIVE TREES
some one else. The reading of a
single leaflet has been known to effect
the conversion and reformation ol
entire communities. A speaker had
finished his eloquent missionary appeal.
Eagerly the audience had followed
his every word. At the close
of the meeting they flocked around
him. "Oh," said one woman, as she
wrung the speaker's hand with ardent
appreciation, "If only I could speak
as you do! If only it were possible
for me to pass that wonderful ad-
"dress on to others!" "It is,'' said the
speaker with quiet grace. "For five
cents you can get it at the book
counter by the door as you go out."
A great deal can be accomplished
through the eye-gate. Deeper than
the impression made by what we hear
is the impression made by what we
see. Psychologists tell us that 85 per
cent, of all we know is learned through
our eyes. A story is told of a missionary
mother who was paying her bill
at the close of a summer conference.
That mother was not a woman of
wealth, yet she had two sons and two
daughters with her at the conference.
"How do you manage to do it" asked
her friend. "Well, it is not easy,"
was the answer, "but you will see that
I count that the strongest missionary
influence which I can bring to bear
on my boys and girls is to have them
see and come in contact with the
people I want them to be like. So all
during the year I save up all I can to
make it possible to have my children
at this conference, so that they may
see and know the great leaders of the
world." One of those sons is now a
missionary in China, and the indications
are that the other children will
be either foreign missionaries or missionary
leaders in the home land.
The most powerful dynamig of efficiency
is prayer, because it links us
up with the omnipotence of God. The
Apostle Paul regarded prayer as a
great avenue of service. To him it
was no half-hearted form, but a real
missionary labor. He used the phrase
"Laboring fervently for you in prayer,"
and classed those who prayed as
his real co-workers. "Ye also helping
together by prayer for us," and
"Strive together with me in your
prayers to God for me." In today's
acts of the apostles, prayer has the
same primal place. Pastor Ding Li
Mei, China's great man of prayer,
who has influenced more men to go
into the ministry and other forms of
Christian service than any other man
of modern times in Asia, was asked
by some one who marveled at the results
of his work, what his method
was. Pastor Ding answered simply,
"I have no method except prayer."
Prayer should have a definite time
a'nd place in our lives. We should not
give up because we find the pathway
of intercession beset with difficulties.
Remember Paul's terms "strive" and
"labor" vi^hich indicate that prayer
may require some effort. In this busy
age most of us seem to prefer to be
Marthas, busily engaged in active
work, rather than Marys, sitting at
the feet of Jesus, communing with
Him. Yet Mary "chose the better
part." Prayer is an absolute need
and no work can be truly successful
without it. The great hero of Protestantism,
Martin Luther, as he faced
the tremendous volume of work before
him said, "I am so busy now that
if I did not spend two or three hours
each day in prayer I could not get
through the day."
A missionary once said, "When I
first went to Africa the great rush of
duties and opportunities fairly overwhelmed
me. Early and late calls
came and knocks sounded at my door.
Every night I went to bed utterly exhausted.
In the morning when I
woke I thought, 'Surely the Lord
would rather I turned over and took
another nap to fit me for the many
ih power, so I resolved to get up an
hour earlier each day, and to spend
that hour in prayer. Through that
hour of prayer God has wrought
great things and now there are thousands
of Christians in our Mission

station, who do not know that Christians
anywhere ever attempt to face
the duties and opportunities of a day
without prayer."
Our prayers can secure additional
strength and power for our missionaries.
"In foreign lands they wondered
how their words that day had
OLIVE TREES 868
A
power; at home the workers two or
three had met to pray an hour."
It is well to have a prayer list, and
prayer groups should pray together
for special needs as they arise. Entire
dependence must be placed upon God
and He will accomplish the things
that human effort cannot perform.
LOI
The Story of a Chinese Girl and a Missionary Doctor.
The, following letter contains an account
of the experiences of a little leper girl in
China, and has been sent to us by one of
our missionaries there. If anything could
be more touching we do not know whatit
would be about, and yet the story is a cheerful
one, because Christ is in it.—Ed.
Lo Ting, February 20, 1919.
To the little Covenanter girls in
America.
Dear Friends:
I am a little leper girl and am about
14 years old. My father and mother
sold me when I was a very small child
and I did not know .just how old I
was. I was born in Kweichau, a long
ways from here, and my mother
named me A Loi. My father and
mother both smoked opium. My
mother cried a lot and was always
very sad. At one time there were
nine of us living in one small room
about ten feet square. We had no
beds but slept 'on grass on the mud
floor. The door of our house was
made of grass and the roof of bark.
All we.had to eat was com, except
sometimes a few vegetables. I can
remember taking care of my little
brother and he and I used to carry
water for our family. We would put
a bucket on a pole and put the pole
over our shoulders and carry it that
way. '
"There are lots of tigers in Kweichau,
and, they are always hungry.
One day when we were carrying the
water a tiger ran after us and caught
my little brother. He didn't wear any
clothes and the tiger bit him very,
A LOI
When the Missionary Doctor Found Her.
badly. I screamed so loud some men
ran and frightened the tiger away.
They took my brother home and my
mother took care of him so that he
got well after a long, long while.

864 OLIVE TREES
On another day when I was sitting
down holding my little brother on my
knee we saw my mother tie a rope
around her neck and tie it to a beam
and try to hang herself. We children
screamed and my father came in just
then and cut down the rope. My
mother got better but she cried for a
long, long time first.
My parents wanted more money to
buy opium so they decided to sell me.
A m-an came and said he would buy
me for a slave girl, so my father sold
me, and although my mother cried
very hard she felt it was the only
thing to do. The man who bought me
also bought a lot of other little girls,
and we traveled in sedan chairs and
boats until we were very near Lo
. Ting. I was sold four times, the last
time to a man who wasn't very nice.
This man used to get angry and beat
me. Then one day because my face
was getting very red and a dark looking
spot growing on it they decided I
had leprosy so they took all my clothes
, except one old torn suit and gave me
a broken bowl or two and turned me
out. When I left the house I stole one
small dish because I thought they
should have given me better things
since they were turning me out; and
at that time I didn't know it was
wrong to steal.
Then I came to Lo Ting and, for
three or four weeks I wandered
around the streets sleeping on the
roadside or in whatever spot I could
find where people wouldn't throw
stones at me. .Sometimes it rained
on me all night, and even when it
didn't I couldn't be sure of getting a
good night's sleep. I had to beg for a
living; but people were so afraid of
me they didn't dare give me much, so
I got very little to eat. - One day a
man came to me on the street and he
didn't seem to be afraid like most
people were, and he said, "Little girl,
I see you have leprosy. Why don't
you go to the hospital and get treated
There is a doctor there who
treats lepers and helps them to get
weU. You better go try him." And
right off I came. I reached the house
where the foreign doctor lived very
early in the morning and waited until
I could see him go to the hospital. Just
as I saw him coming some soldiers
near there saw me and said they
would beat me if I stood around there,
so I had to walk away. But the doctor
sent for me, and I went to the hospital
and got some medicine, . Some
people who saw me go in told me I
A LOI
As She 'is To-day.
was taking a big risk to eat foreign
medicine for it would certainly kill
me.
That night I tried to find a place
to sleep near the city wall but the soldiers
chased me away and people
threw stones at me and broke my
bowl. The next day I went back to

the hospital and they let me stay several
nights in ths hospital yard. Then
the neighbors began to scold and one
woman said she would burn me to
death if I stayed any longer. The
doctor then told me he would take me
up to a little house in his yard to live,
but he wanted me to be careful getting
me up there for fear neighbors
would see me going and perhaps
break in and do me some harm. So,
late at night, Taai So, who helps in
the hospital, and the doctor and I
started up. Some soldiers were near
by so the doctor went over and talked
to them so they wouldn't pay too much
attention to me, and Taai So and I
came up. I was very much excited
and tried to hide behind Taai So
all the way up, and when I got to
the little house I just laughed and
laughed. For three days and three
nights I slept nearly all the time. In
about a week people began to findout
I was in the house, but because my
face was not so dark they were not so
frightened and before longthesoldiers
and the little old lady who wanted to
burn me came and talked to me.
I haye lived here now nearly ten
months, and am very happy. Excepting
Sabbath, I make thread almost
every day. Every Tuesday at the hospital
there is a leper clinic and I go
down. A number of other lepers
comej too, and I often tell them some
Bible stories that I have learned, and
sometimes teach them verses. I never
heard of Jesus until I came here, but I
know Him now and He loves me and
I love Him, and I like to tell others
about Him. I know all about the
prodigal Son, and the rich man and
Lazarus, and the srood Samaritan, and
about Jesus healing ten lepers and
only one of them thanking Him, and
many others.
I am sending you two of my pictures.
In one I am dressed as I was
the day came. Then my clothes were
very with other Perhaps my ragged I am you broken dressed and can dishes see I in carried my the in new spot it. a clothes. basket on In my
OLIVE TREES 865
left cheek which is from leprosy, and
also that I have no eyebrows. Since
I have been getting treatment my eyebrows
have been growing again.
I very often pray to my Heavenly
Father that He will entirely heal me
so that I will not always be a leper
girl, and won't you please pray for
me, too Perhaps I will write to you
again some day.
Your loving little friend,
A Loi.
WORD FROM DR. PEOPLES.
The following letter is the firstaccount
we have received from our missionary. Dr.
John Peoples, of the trying experiences
through which we knew he was passing during
the tragic days of the great war.
Though the letter contains no word of
self-praise, because Dr. Peoples does not
know how to employ that, no one will read
the letter without feeling grateful that the
Lord's cause was represented by such a man
and such a Christian, and that the Lord
has brought him safely through.
We hope Dr. Peoples may soon be able to
come home for a much needed furlough.—
Ed.
Mersine, March 20, 1919.
Dear Dr. Willson.
Owing to certain conditions, not
the least of which has been the "Turkish
and German censorship, we have
been unable to let you know anything
as to what we have been trying to do
during the past four years; but now
I will try to give you some idea of the
work, at least as far as figures can
do it.
What it has really been to have
lived through these years only those
who have actually experienced them
can appreciate; not always because
of what really happened, but sometimes
because of the suspense and
fear as to what was likely to happen.
We saw and knew what had happened
to the French and British subjects
and to the native Christians. We
knew the way that property had been
seized with or without reason, and
of the way the people were treated
many times just for spite work or to
pay off some personal grudge.

366 OLIVE TRfiES
Insults and kicks were given to me
both publicly and privately, and the
worst of these were given me by socalled
"Christians" in military uniform.
Many of the things if they
had been said or done under ordinary
circumstances, would have brought
muscular Christianity forcibly into
action. It was, however, a time when
discretion was the wiser part. We
have to raise our "Ebenezer" for we
have been very mercifully dealt with
as compared with multitudes of others.
Many of the Americans throughout
the country have had their property
confiscated and in not a few
instances have been exiled themselves.
Even in Adana, about 45 miles from
here, the American doctor had his
hospital taken from him near the beginning
of the war, while I have been
allowed to remain in charge of the patients
put in our buildings by the government.
In December, 1914, at the suggestion
of Mr. Peet, of Constantinople,
I offered my own services, with the
hospital of 12 beds, for "Red Cross"
work and the firstpatients were admitted
on the 22d of March, 1915.
This work continued till the day before
Thanksgiving, on which date the
hospital was closed, the patients ordered
out, and the doors locked and
sealed by the Turkish civil authorities.
Incidentally the schools were
similarly closed the next day (Thanksgiving
Day.)
A number of reasons were given
for the closing of the hospital, the
most important of which I give below.
1. The hospital had no official
permit for existence.
Answer: My offer to do "Red
Cross Work'' had been accepted, and
official notification given by Enver
Pasha, Minister of War, to the local
provincial and city governments.
2. Hospital records were not kept
in the Turkish language.
Answer: No such suggestion or
requirement had ever been brought to
my notice. The records had not been
asked for or looked at, They had ng
knowledge as to whether I had kept
any records or not.
3. Monthly hospital reports had
not been made to the local sanitary
authori es.
Answer: No such suggestion or
requirement had ever been brought
to my notice. The local sanitary
doctor, with whom I have always
been on fairly friendly terms, told on
the quiet that such a regulation was
new to him.
4. They did not know the contents
of the compressed, tablets which
they saw in my pharmacy, and which
I was dealing out to the patients.
Answer: The said tablets were in
the original, plainly label containers
from such firms as Parke-Davis,
Sharp & Dohme, Burroughs, Welcome,
etc. Shortly after this the local
sanitary doctor was in my pharmacy
to see me in a friendly way, and said
that after the war he was going to get
tablets like I had, because the stated
drug was good and the dosage exact.
5. My pharmacist had no diploma.
Answer: This is true, but many
of their own recognized pharmacists
either have no diploma or having
gotten it through baksheesh (bribery).
In most of the pharmacies
belonging to their recognized pharmacists
the compounder is a small boy,
etc., etc., etc.
The whole performance was gotten
up for the special benefit of us foreigners.
I might say that it was the
chief sanitary inspector from the capital
of the province who came down
and did this business. A few days
previous to this he had kicked the
American doctor out of his hospital
at Adana.
During the time that the hospital
was open the Corps Commandant of
this region came to visit me and compared
my hospital with their own. By
his own confession the comparison
was very much in my favor.
Toward the end of February a
German major came to Mersine in
charge of the Turkish Commissary
Department for this region, He heard

of me and of the hospital. One day
he asked me iff I would be willing to
work the hospital for the Turkish
military if he could obtain permission
from this Corps Commandant. As I
felt sure that it was only a question
of time till the government would
come and open it, and probably without
any possible control by me, it
seemed wise to try to forestall any
such move, and, if possible, keep the
property in my own hands. I agreed,
and in the course of a few days he
had the necessary permission and the
civil authorities had no more to say
about it, although they still tried to.
On March 4, 1916, the civil authorities
removed the seals and retumed
the keys to me, and from that time
till the end of 1918 the hospital has
been doing a rushing business, with
the exception of a few weeks in the
late summer, 1916, during which time
it w^s closed for lack of medicines.
For these few weeks I went up to
the family in the mountains, but I had
not been up there many days before
word came that British prisoners
from Kut-ul-Amara were in Tarsus
on their way further north, and that
they were in pitiable conditions. So
I got on my horse again and went to
Tarsus to do what iittle I could to help
them. They were sad sights indeed.
One hundred and thirty-four of them
have been left in Tarsus awaiting the
Resurrection.
Beside the inside hospital work I
was called on to do a good deal of
military medical work outside, and
also I had the civil work.
Till February, 1918, I had succeeded
in keeping the authorities from
using any more of the property than
the hospital, but about that time 3000
half-dead Turkish soldiers, gathered
from the hospitals. and the forces
south of here were thrown on to Mersine.
There was no accommodation
or facilities for them. They were
human wrecks, partly covered with
rags, and completely covered with
travelers of every hue, size and sort
in the list. Of necessity, additional
hospital facilities were called for, and
OLIVE TREES 367
100 beds were put in my care in the
buildings usually occupied by our
girls' school. The chapel also was
filled with beds.
To attend to this work was my
pharmacist, a partially trained nurse
and myself, with a few helpers, who
did nothing in life but loaf and steal.
All the work which needed reading
or wjiting ability—giving out medicine,
giving the food, making innumerable
reports, etc., develoved on the
three first named. Besides this I had
a good deal to do witn the other two
hospitals which were opened for these
men.
Of these 3000 men 800 came nnder
my care in my hospital, and of that
number 371/2 peJ^ cent. died.
Practically, I have been a military
doctor through the war, treating, up
to the time of the Armistice, Turkish
and German soldiers and British
prisoners-of-war; and after the Armistice
for a time, British soldiers.
May the Lcrd grant that such need
or such demands will never come
again. It was not the amount of the
work, which was great enough, but it
was the circumstances and conditions
under which the work had to be done,
that made it trying.
From March 3, 191S, to January 1,
1918, 548 patients admitted, deaths
4 per cent.
From January 1, 1918, to December
31, 1918, 1436 patients admitted,
deaths 26.8 per cent.
Total patients treated, 1984, deaths
20.5 per cent.
When the hospital was firstopened
we had the firstthing in the morning
for the workers a prayer meeting and
the three of us would have talks with
the patients as opportunity permitted,
but later this Corps Commander gave
strict orders that the Christian religion
was to be kept out of the hospital.
However, the pharmacy has been a
place of much prayer and many pleadings,
often with tears, during these
years.
Yours in His service,
John Peoples.

OLIVE
TREES
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
SYRIA.
The transfer of the baggage from the
cars to the vessel was completed by 4 P.
It must be a great joy to our missionaries
in Syria and Asia Minor Since setting out on the Mediterranean, we
M., and we left Marseilles about 5 P. M.
that they are once more receiving letters
from this country. It is a source of today. We took a southerly course to
have had fine weather, with the exception
of much satisfaction to us that we are avoid the Straits of Messina, where a French
getting word from them. The Relief
Expedition had reached Constantinople
on March 5th, and we have letters
from Dr. Balph, Rev. R. E. Willson
and Miss Sterrett.
The Reief Expedition Reaches
constantinople.
whether we will go on to Constantinople by
Dr. Balph wrote on board the S. S. this boat or not, is not yet certain, but quite
Gloucester Castle on March 4:
probable. It is said that it will remain
several days at Salonica, but as mail must
"You no doubt will have word through
be
the American Committee for Relief in Near
Miss in today, Evadna we cannot M. Sterrett say. All writes our party a
are well."
East, of our safe arrival at Brest on the
23d ult. The voyage was in the main an
uneventful one, fairly good weather all the
way. We were seven days on the voyage.
It was about 10 A. M. Sabbath moming,
February 28d, when our ship anchored in
the harbor of Brest. In less than two hours
after all our company were landed and
were taken directly to the Naval Y. M. C. A.
hut near the landing stage. The baggage
was removed and taken to the railroad
sheds some distance away. Lunches were
fumished the entire party at the Y. M. C.
A., where the ladies and those not engaged
in helping with the baggage, spent the rest
of the day. An American Army hospital
train had been procured, and was in readiness
to carry the party to Marseilles. The
baggage was all transferred, and everything
in readiness for our departure by
9 P. M., when the company all went aboard
the train, which left Brest about 10.30 A. M.
This train consisted of about fifteencars,
with two kitchen cars in which the food was
prepared, one for the women and one for
the men. We were served three substantial
meals a day, such as are issued to the soldiers.
Each one was fumished with a plate,
spoon and mug, and- the rations issued to
them in their places. This consisted of
bacon, beef, bread, vegetables and coffee.
The progress of the train was very slow,
being only given right of way when regu­
then lar reached and taken trains the lying to Marseilles entire the were at the steamer not company wharf about being "Gloucester ready noon was run. to on immediately
sail. We the Castle," finally 26th,
vessel was blown up some time agp by a
mine. We passed within sight of Malta,
and are now south of Greece. Several islands
are in view today, and some of the
distant mountains are covered with snow,
from which the wind is blowing very coldly.
We expect to arrive at Salonica tomorrow;
sectional letter, which she began while
still on the "Gloucester Castle," in the
Dardanelles, March 7th. She describes
many interesting features of
their trip:
Dear Mrs. Wilson:
It is just about a month since we saw you
in New York. The mode of travel has certainly
been unique, inasmuch as we have
traveled so much of the way, as our soldiers
have traveled, except that we have
endured no hardships.
The firstlap of the journey by the Leviathan
was most comfortable—large cabins
and a steady boat. Although the sea was
rough at times, one scarcely realized it. I
cannot begin to tell you of the many entertaining
happenings—rather doings. There
were lectures, concerts and language
studies—Arabic, Turkish and Armenian;
also French, In order to facilitate the making
of acquaintances, each member of the
unit was invited to wear a label, i. e., the
name written on paper and pinned on the
breast. Some even pinned them ,pn their
backs as well. Like so many school children
we went about reading one another's
names.
Then there was a "tag night,'' when each
one was given a number and then called
upon to tell how many names he or she had
written and to findout whether the proper
person had been given the corresponding
name, the person whose name was called

stepjied forward. I believe seventy-one is
th'e highest number any one had correct.
Miss Margaret White, the daughter of
the leader o four party. Dr. White, of Marsovan,
won the prize. Notwithstanding the
effort, there are many whose names and
faces I cannot associate—I don't think any
one else can either. In such a large party
who could! There are always groups who
become better acquainted with those immediately
connected than with others.
On our arrival at Brest (which unfortunately
was on Sabbath), we left the Leviathan,
and after a wait of most of the day
at the American Red Cross rooms, we
boarded the special American Red Cross
Hospital train, which was brought from
Bordeaux for our especial accommodation,
and it brought us on to Marseilles. Owing
to the number of times we had to be shunted
for the passing of regular trains, we did
not reach Marseilles until Wednesday the
26th. It was somewhat of an experience to
travel like our soldiers do (except that we
were not wounded). One orderly came
around with granite plates, followed by a
second who gave us cups or bowls. Spoons,
knives and forks were passed when needed.
Next came the bread cut in pieces—fair
slices carried in a bag about the size of
an ordinary pillow case. For breakfast we
always had fried bacon and coffee, and I
thinlc everybody Hked it. I know I did. At
noon and in the evening we had a stew of
.^ome sort, which the soldiers who served us
called "slumgulion." Once this was made
with what the English call "bully beef." The
bread thev call "punk." One evening we
had roast beef. At one of the meals we always
had pudding of some sort. Always
good. We had coffee every meal. I wish we
might have had a photo of us all seated on
the lower berth of the tiers of three, waiting
for our rations. There were twelve tiers in
each car, thus allowing thirtv-six persons to
a car. Grace and Helen Willson occupied
one berth. Baby Grace had been vaccinated
while on the Leviathan, and by the time
we were fairlv under way in France she had
a pretty sore leg. giving her several degrees
of fever. She is all over it now and as
hanny as ever.
The ladies were assigned to five cars and
the men to two. Quite a number of the men
took turns in riding in the baggage car to
watch that it would not be stolen.
O L I V E T R E E S 369
a fair sea of mud to pass through. They
looked happy, for they were homeward
bound.
The British Red Cross Ambulance ship
brought us on from .Marseilles, and we were
treated royally all the way to Constantinople.
We stopped in Salonika a day and a half.
A large British launch took us ashore and
the "Gloucester Castle" fumished a lunch
to take with us, and we had a day of sightseeing.
Those of us who chose to visit the
American Mission were kindly furnished
with tea, which was a valuable addition to
our meal, as we had been wamed not to
drink the water. They set tables out on
the house top, and we were just close to a
part of the wall of the original Thessalonica.
The missionaries, Revs. Brewster
and Cooper, and their families, remained at
their station during the war and endured
some hardships. That part of Macedonia
is under Greece.
Prinkopo is an island (one of the Prince
Island group) in the Sea of Marmora. It
is where General Townsend was interned. It
is a beautiful spot, and our hotels are just
. near the shore. Miss French and I are in
a room together. We are such a large party
that accommodations could not be found for
us all in Constantinople. We are in sight,
but it takes over an hour to make the trip.
There are eight English soldiers here and
about five hundred German prisoners. I
forgot to say that about 140 of us are in
three or fpur hotels here,-and the others at
different mission homes and institutions in
Stamboul-Constantinople.
It seems that the needs in the Caucasus
are terrible and typhus raging, a thousand
dying daily. The firstunit of nurses to go
there are to be volunteers, and I am anxious
to see who will volunteer.
The firstparty of our unit to start today,
Monday, March 10th, for Marsovan.
We do not know whether we can go by
steamer to our place or not. If not, the
plan now is to send us Thursday by train
(box cars which are the cleanest). Mr.
Wilson and Dr. Balph went to Constantinople
today on business. We reached here
Saturday night, having arrived in oCnstantinople
that morning.
* * * *
Rev. R. E. Willson's letter is from
Constantinople, and is dated March
hospitably tained of work. table doughnut and hard soldiers with I baggage, must in and their was There place coming our and while retum heavy the full evemng. We are poor was a American the cup were two and packs to crowded boys waited whole of Brest pianos They going. served coffee, on Red all time. for their to are in were to day tell the The Cross both a doing backs, coming sandwich,
long It you transfer writing at rained enter­
good with noon hall how had
11: and We will time. of for Constantinople The us are the I have all will Corona We glad rest thus had thank have to of far has that report safely, the Saturday to God on been get joumey. word our for that it and having trip, His greased by we I moming We abundant cable and presume have quite arrived up trast reached by a again. rest, care this you and Him

370 O L I V E T R E E S
anchored outside the harbor about 8 o'clock.
The necessary formalities were got through
and we got to the dock a little after noon.
The committee here had made what arrangements
they could ori short notice, and
distributed the large party around for
places of shelter here and there as they
could. The largest group, about 150, were
sent to this island, where we have found
very comfortable quarters in hotels. This
is the largest of the Princess Islands, and
is callea Prinkipo. It is used a great deal
by the people of Constantinople as a summering
place. It was somewhere in this
neighborhood that the allied Commissioners
vere to meet the representatives of the Bolsheviki
to try to arrive at some solution of
the Russian problem. I do not know whether
or not they ever met. We have not seen
any such assembly since we came. The
islands are about ten miles from the city
proper. There are steamers which run to
the city from here in the morning and retum
in the evening. The trip takes about
an hour and a half each way.
We are very uncertain yet as to how we
will complete our journey. They tell us that
steamers down the coast are very irregular
and uncertain. The present plan so far as
we can learn is to try and send a party to
Konia, Adana and Aleppo by rail on a special
medical train. The water route would
be much preferable, we think, and are hopeful
that something may yet turn up that
we may go that way. The American Consulate
in Galata section of Constantinople has
been made the headquarters of the A. C. R.
N. E. here. The committee will, I am sure,
try to get the workers placed just as soon
as possible. I tried yesterday to telegraph
to Mersine. Mr. Fowle at the American
Bible House received yesterday moming a
letter from Mr. McFarland dated January
1st. The letter was mostly business, but
he spoke of relief being badly needed. The
city had ceased to sell bread by ticket, and
so the poor had to pay three times as much
for bread as they did all through the war.
More recent reports from that vicinity since
the French and British occupation seem to
indicate a rather disturbed situation, but
we really do not know just what the conditions
are. I was greatly in hopes that I
v/ould be able to communicate from here
with Mr. McFarland.
We have all kept remarkably well. Mrs.
more letters for sine. postal nlan tion porarily of All Willson course, communication are and will in Consequently service through and comfortable detail we be. anxious work. the will from We when the children have now hope after here. It courtesy I we will is to very find stood we possible get now, write be do of poor on out the able but reach the to from that what trip facilities our to British we Mer­
well. send tem­
here sta­
our are
On November 7th, the day the false
report of the signing of the Armistice
reached Philadelphia, the Corresponding
Secretary of the Board of Fbreign
Missions addressed a letter to Mrs.
J. S. Stewart, with a half hope of it
reaching her. On February 25th Mrs.
Stewart replies, stating tiiat she has
the lettfer. It was a long time on the
way, but not so long as a letter from
Mersine, which reached here recently
after having started on its journey in
August of 1915. Here is Mrs. Stewart's
letter:
Latakia, Syria, Feb. 25, 1919.
Dear Mr. Wilson:
You will perceive that your letter dated
November 7th was a long time in reaching
me, but I will try and write a few lines in
appreciation of your kind thought for us,
and your sympathy for our distressing condition,
during all these long months and
years.
First, we were cut off from home and
friends and then from our source of supply.
Then we had to witness the distress and
suffering of those who were torn from our
midst—thirty-six souls being banished in one
day. Then the death of others and still
others away in hiding. For three years we
did not hear from our parents or our'families,
or our children. Then came the trouble
in our home like a "bolt from the blue," the
banishment of tl;e husband and father to
far away Konio, leaving James and myself
alone. Then Miss Edgar's removal from the
school and her school work. All these things
and many others, too numerous to mention
went far toward making these long months
seem like one terrible nightmare. But,
thank God, who preserved us through it all,
we are alive to tell the tale (when the
censor lets us).' We have heard from home
and from Charles in India, and just last
Saturday we received our firstletter from
Robei-t in France. Only Elizabeth remains
to be heard from.
Mr. Stewart was away from us one year
and two months—and oh, what a long sad
ye.ar it was. Although heart-broken and
most of the time weak in body, yet we were
enabled to "hold the fort" and keep things
together. I confess I was not able to do
my duty by the schools, but they were
schools and not empty buildings to be seized
home hard, done away by closed schools, Two the secretly hard Miss and (French months Turks. but her time. Edgar few and after or school As teachers. quietly Greek), Everything was all Mr. work. other removed Stewart she we still had that schools That was large from managed. could was taken were day her be a

like the keeping of accounts, paying the
teachers and guiding and advising them in
their work. As it is a poor wind that blows
nobody any good, she was thus left free to
work among the sick and the poor, which
she did' faithfully. Also she jvas not hindered
from doing the Sabbath day work in
the Sabbath School and prayer meeting.
All work of a public character through the
mails or the Government or the schools had
to be done by me and in my name. But that
is all done for now, and I have to take a
back seat and look after my new found
husband, cook his meals, etc., etc. Such is
life!
All the time we were constantly being
molested and annoyed in many ways by
different offlcials and pretty low ones in temporary
power. We never knew what a day
or an hour might bring forth. Just when
we would be congratulating ourselves that
all was serene and quiet, something new
and more aggravating than anything before
would spring up and cause trouble or
anxiety. The general atmosphere of mi.xed
sadness and worry, loneliness and feai
along with change of fooS and ways of living
and the sights beheld was very bad for
James just at his age. This was one of the
things that hurt most. We hope and pray
that he will forget it all when he gets among
young people of his own in kind and age.
We would dearly love to jgo home and see
all our loved ones and change the present
scene for a little while, but we see no
chance. The dangers and, expense of travel
as well as the uncertain1;y of getting passage
make us slow to decide or to make
plans.
Mr. Edgar isstill in the Red Cross work,
and Dr. Ralph is coming on the Relief Expedition,
so there is no one to take our
place. But time will work it all out. I feel
that this is a poor attempt to describe our
situation, but it must suffice for this time.
OLIVE TREES 871
March Sth. All were well. Was made
anxious for a little while by a letter
from her telling of the desire of the
Board to have her go to the States.
After earnest pleading the Lord gave
me the conviction that she would come
back to me here and we would hold on
here together until others would come
and get thoroughly hold of things
again. That can hardly be done
before the spring of 1920, which is
the time now we expect to ask for a
furlough."
* * * *
Miss Mearns Writes.
Through the kindness of a friend in
Philadelphia we can pass on a few
extracts from a personal letter of Miss
M. Florence Mearns. Except for occasional
mention in the letters of Captain
Edgar, we have had no word
from Miss Mearns since the Red
Cross work absorbed her, so these
lines will prove interesting as well as
explain why Miss Meams did not
write oftener. She wrote from the
Syrian Orphanage, Jerusalem, beginning
her letter November 13 but
found no time to complete it until
January 20th. Miss Mearns says, "I
have been here in the Orphanage since
July 20th, and such busy, happy days
as they have been. We were placed
here by the Red Cross to take the
places of the German sisters and helpers
who were deported about that
time. When we came we found only
about 150 or 175 children, but we
have increased the number to about
300. I sometimes feel like the old
'^ It Mrs. has been McFarland so long since Reaches we corresponded woman who lived in her shoe. We
with any of the Mersina.
American clan that we have have furnished clothes by the thousands,
and sheets and pillow cases.
forgotten how tb write. With kindest regards
It was
to Mrs.
good
Wilson
news that
and
left
yourself,
Mersine
and
on thanking March you 9, again 1919, for when your Rev. nice letter, A. J. too. The Commission brought along
I
McFarland remain, wrote us: "Just a line, , as about 2000 gray blankets to use in
a boat is in Yours to take most sincerely, it, to inform you relief work, and these are being used
of my joy in havin M. my E. STEWART. wife with to good advantage.
me again, after an absence of nearly "For about three months. Captain
two years. She, with Dr. and Mrs. Nicol, of Tripoli, was director, but
Chambers, arrived in Alexandretta
now Captain Chaffee, of New York.
is in charge. Captain Nichol has gone
to Beirut to take charge of the work
there. The Lebanon district, includ-

&72 OLIVE TREES
ing Tripoli and Latakia, are to be
taken care of by the Red Cross.
"Doesn't it seem almost unbelievable
that we are to have peace The
other evening we watched the shell fire she is much improved in health and
from the military camps round about is feeling "fine," under treatment
us. It all seemed rather symbolic.
One of the men said it is the birth of
a new era and the stars appear in the
sky.
"I wish you could peep in on our
family of about 350, including teachers,
servants, and children. Things
hum from six o'clock in the morning
until nine o'clock at night, when the
last youngster climbs into bed. We
have school for the younger children
as far as the eighth grade and the
older children are apprenticed to various
trades—some learning to be carpenters,
printers, potters, tailors, bakers
and dressmakers.
"We have instituted a court for the
trying of all cases of discipline, and it
is working admirably. The youngsters
are beginning to feel that it is a
good thing. At firstthey were afraid
of one anothers' judgment; they are
so desperately jealous of each other.
The judges really act as though they
carried a tremendous responsibility—
which is just what we wanted.
"They got the spirit of giving to
the people in the north, who are suffering
so much these days, until the
children and teachers gave almost $50.
Then the teachers gave an entertainment
and lots of the soldiers came
and Red Cross people, and that
brought about $75. It was fine to
watch the spirit grow. Some soldiers
camped near us got the spirit, and
gave a concert, which netted about
$40. The other day a little girl of
about ten years came into the office
and gave a half piastre, which is about
21/i cents. She was a refugee and a
forlorn-looking, ragged youngster
when she came to us. She said she
wanted to help other children."
3|C SfS f|£ 3{C
CHINA.
Lo Ting; China. A full budget
from Lo Ting this month, and Mrs.
Mitchell writes that we are indebted
to the ladies of the mission circle for
it. March 10 is the date of Mrs.
Mitchell's letter, and in it she says
from Dr. Dickson. Miss Stewart has
engaged passage on the S. S. China,
which sails July 10th. Rev. J. K.
Robb was at Lo Ting when the letter
was written, superintending the erection
of the new school building. Dr.
Wright and Rev. E. C. Mitchell had
planned a trip together to Yunnan,
but were delayed at the start, having
to wait until the French Consul wrote
to Peking to obtain permission for
them.
Special evangelistic meetings were held in
Lo Ting, beginning February Oth and ending
the i6th. Raintalmost every day interfered,
but in spite of this, meetings were
held every day in the chapel, and at night
on the street wherever a sheltered corner
could be found.
The week's meetings closed with communion
on Sabbath, the sixteenth. Three
women .were baptized.
A business meeting of the congregation
was held Saturday aftemoon, at which arrangements
were made for the raising of
money to make the congregation self-supporting
the coming year. A new board of
managers was also chosen for the hospital.
Six delegates were sent from this congregation
to Tak Hing, to attend the conference,
which is being held this.week. We
hope they will all get the vision and come
home full of enthusiasm for greater work.
The Girls' School opened Febmary 17th,
after the Chinese New Year's vacation.
Some pupils have not yet returned, as the
children of heathen parents must wait for
a lucky day before entering school.
Miss Cheung Sau Wa, the flrst graduate
of the Lo Ting Girls' Grammar School, has
entered the Government Normal School in
Canton.
Taam Pan Cheung, the daughter of one
of the wealthiest men in the Lo Ting district,
has been a pupil in our school for
several years. The foreign ladies have
often been invited to her home, but she has
always seemed uneasy and anxious to
change the subject when we began to talk
about Christ. This year she asked her

mother to allow her to be baptized. The request
was refused. During the new year.
holidays we were royally entertained in this
same home and Pan Cheung asked us to be
sure to talk the doctrine to her mother and
others before we left. Of course her request
was granted, and the Lord has laid
a special burden of prayer on our hearts
for this wealthy widow, that she may not
hinder her daughter from publicly confessing
Jesus Christ; also that she and her
whole household may come to the Lord. We •
realize the truth ^ of Matt. 19; 24, but we
rejoice in the promise of Matt. 19; 26.
Yung Mooi, another pupil in the Girls-
School, needs your prayers. She has come
to -love and fear the true God. Consequently
she refused to burn incense to the idols in
her home and village. Her father and
mother tried coaxing and scolding. When
both failed, her mother came to the chapel
to inquire if her daughter had secretly entered
the church. Even when she ' found
out that this was not the case she took the
child out of school, saying that they were
tired of hearing her preach about Jesus
Since then her father has compelled hei
to take part in idol festivities upon threal
of being cast out as a beggar. He also says
he is going to sell her to a house of ill-fame.
as he will get more money that way than
Of all the many superstitions in China.
if he sold her as an honorable wife. You
the belief in and fear of ghosts is one of
can help save her if you will. How many
the hardest to uproot. For a long time the
will join us in prayer to the One who has
room in which Chung Oi Kei. a former
nower to make the plans of men to come
teacher died, was much shunned by all pupils,
both Christian and non-^Christians
to naught
This, in spite of the fact that the room had
been thoroughly fumigated by Dr. Dickson.
had been used by Mrs. Mitchell, and was
later occupied by two other teachers whc
were brave enough to move in and trust the
Heavenly Father to keep them from "seeing
things at night," or from dying later in the
same way as Oi Kei had died (the common
ijelief in China.) Finally when people seem
ed to go in and out to visit these teachers
without fear and beeause circumstances
seemed to demand it. we decided to move one
teacher to another room and put two Christian
pupils in her place. We put the girl's
bed in the same corner from which we had
just removed the teacher's, which was also
the place where Oi Kei had died. Before
long a request came to let these pupils
move to another corner, as they weer afraid
of Oi Kei's spirit or ghost.
At first we were quite positive in our refusal,
saying there was nothinT for anyone
OLIVE tkEfeS 373
to
thought to the
fear,
girls, of
especially
a better reminding plan,
Christians.
them so went of their and
Later
talked posi­
we
tion before the non-Christians, and that this
was a splendid opportunity for them to witness
to the power of the Gospel. However
we said we would not compel them to sleep
in that corner, for if tfeey themselves had
not enough faith, their fear would hurt both
them and Christ. We asked them to pray
about it, and if they then still wished to
change their bed, we would not object. We
also prayed earnestly for them. Later in
the day we went down and said, "Well, girls,
do you still wish to move or are you satisfied
as it is" They smiled and with Chinese
brevity said, "Satisfied."
We thank God for their victory, as the
non-Christians said, many things to frighten
them. One of these girls. Po Kei, is supported
The "Beggar in school Dept.," by the of family the Lo of Ting W. Hospital,
is thriving. Sterling, At Kansas. present there are six
M.
Fullerton,
))oys and one girl who have come in from
j-iegging on the streets, and are now learning
to work. A few weeks ago one boy
i "graduated" from this department, and is
(.low in business for hiraself. This lad, like
most of the others, had no family, and was
a fine little fellow. He was a good worker
while he was at the hpspital, and when he
one day mentioned that he could make a
certain kind of food that the Chinese like,
some one suggested he go into the business
and make it to sell and he has done so
A little girl who was in for a few days
was later taken out by the old beggar man
with whom she lives, because the neighbors
declared she would some day be taken to
America. The girl is a very pretty child,
and every day or so some one comes to visit
a few minutes, and says she would be "no
one knows how" pleased to get back to live.
Each child as they come get a bath. It
is always hard to say wnen they had the
last one, but baths do not go with the beggar
business, for they are supposed to look
ragged ani I'iriy. Each onei.s covernd .v:rli
lice, and he gets treatment for this and a
new suit of clothes and a ha.rcuc and then
their old friends would hardly recognize
them.
Two boys came in yesterday and those
who had been in a while and had learned
to appreciate the feeling of being without
lice were so fastidious they wouldn't go near
the newcomers. They go to church on Sabbath,
and when they come back can tell
about all that was said. They are a fair
handful to manage, having grown up with
no restraint of any kind and been used to
talking all the vulgar language of the
streets. But they soon leam they are in a
all and new how what newcomers wrong. atmosphere, quickly funny to they see and and change, their tell it is them eagerness surprising and what's it to to some­
teach right see

374 LIVE TREES
Lo Ting, as probably all China, is infested
with beggars. The older ones are lazy now
and like to beg because they have done it
so long and wouldn't think of working. But
every eftort will be made to make that generation
of beggars in Lo Ting the last one
and to save now the boys and girls who are
learning to beg, because they have no parents
or family to support them, and no one
to Thursday teach them is to Children's work. Day at Lo Ting,
and they are delighted to have a meeting all
their own. Who wants to help these children
learn about Jesus You can do this
by sending your Sabbath School cards or
any other picture cards on which we write
verses of Scripture.
When studying the Sermon on the Mount
in our Bible Class, Mrs. Wong found it difficult
to understand Matt. 5: 44 to be taken
practically. That was ten months ago and
since then she has had many occasions for
thinking of this verse, and has learned to
use it in her daily life. Her people have opposed
her coming to the Chapel, but their
opposition did not keep her from receiving
baptism at our last communion. She did
not even resent their beating her with their
shoes, but prays so earnestly for them that
Some conversations heard in the kindergarten
they might
before
know
close
Jesus
of school
Christ
last
and be
year:
saved.
A Mooi, aged six.—"Ng Sin Shaang (Miss
Ng, teacher), I heard my grandma say that
she would not let me read book next year,
that she was having some pails made smaller
for me to carry water to water the garden.
If I am not willing to do this she says she
will sell me in Canton." Miss Ng, "That
certainly is too bad, A Mooi, but since you
have no plan you should pray the Heavenly
Father about it."
A Mooi is in school this year, a radiantly
Another day A Tsat announced to Miss
happy firstgrade pupil.
Ng that her mother wasill and could not
let her come to school next year. A Tsat.
"A Ma, (mother) wanted me to please ask
you to pray for her, that she might be better.
How do you pray, teacher, that she
might get well"
A later day she said, "I remembered to
pray and I am not afraid of not reading
book next year."
A The Tsat first is class in school to graduate this year. from the Lo
Ting Kindergarten is the joy of Miss
Leung's heart in their responsiveness and
preparation. Miss Leung is the firstgrade
teacher. Just ask her if the kindergarten
training pays.
Tak Hing, China. It is nice to feel
that we have acquaintances in Tak
Hing aside from our missionaries. If
we are ever fortunate enpugh to visit
the station there, have a ready-made
calling list. We will want to see
Barty, and the broken-legged man.
and his mother, and the Brownie, and
the man who no longer beats his wife,
and the wife, and the little girl Miss
Huston had to spank; a,nd all the girls
in the school, and the boys, too; and
their model janitor, whom we think
to be our broken-legged friend, recovered,
ir oor old Nip has gone to glory;
so we will not see her there. We are
thankful to the friends who make
these characters so real to us. Tak
Hing does not seem nearly so far
away when we know so many people
there. Here is some more news from
them:
Some of you must have been praying for
the man spoken of in December Olive Trees,
who refused to let his two girls come to
school, and who mistreated his wife. She
was asked if he would allow them to be in
school this year, and she feared not and
didn't dare ask him again, as she hadn't
forgotten the tantrum he had the last time.
However, she said she thought his heart
must be a little softer, and this was her
proof. He used to get very angry if he
even saw a Bible about the house, but recently
he scolded the little girl for being
careless with the Bible, and getting it torn
and soiled. During the week of special
evangialistic effort, special prayer was made
for him, though I have not heard of any one
speaking to him personally. A few days
later she came in with beaming face and
said her husband was willing for the girls
to come to school, and the thing that gave
her courage to ask him was the fact that
he remarked Sabbath moming that he
would have gone to church if it hadn't been
rammg so hard. It was the firsttime she
had ever heard him speak of the church
except to scold and persecute her, so she is
sure Sham the Sau Heavenly Hing, Father woman is hearing who taught our
last prayers year and in Wing changing Ts'uen, his heart. was born Truly in the
Fung IS faithful Tsuen that district, promised. in a Will town you some not
twenty-five contmue to miles pray northwest earnestly of for here, his but salvation
sold when ten or twelve years old, and very
was
seldom got to see her own people. Since
she became a Christian, she has been

anxious to go back and talk the doctrine tb
her few remaining relatives. So, a short
time ago she and a companion started out,
expecting if they were well received, to stay
a week. They stayed two weeks, and came
away amid earnest entreaties to stay longer
and to come again s'oon. Besides speaking
in two or three villages on the way where
they stayed all night, they spent a few days
in Tun Fa, then went on to perhaps the
largest town in the district, fifteenmiles beyond
Tun Fa, and about forty from Tak
Hing. At each of these places they had opportunity
to meet with hundreds of women,
not only in a public way, but personally,
and everywhere found them hungry for the
Gospel message. Seeing them giving out
tracts, men would come and ask for a
"newspaper," not knowing what the tracts
were, and she said, "Truly it was news to
them, for many of them had never heard of
Jesus."
Not many men heard the message from
them, as they were very proper, and did not
come into the room with the women, though
as many as could .get near the door listened
from the outside. At tviro places they
were invited into large clan homes, where
from one to two hundred men, women and
children listened to the doctrine.
In the two weeks, having traveled at least
eighty miles, they did not meet one Christian,
but on the other hand they did not
meet one person who was not willing to listen
to the Gospel, though one or two men
wanted to argue with them. The burden
of the many hundreds, yes, thousands of
unsaved We went souls to see in "The her native Brownie" district. the'other Hies
day. heavy He on hadn't Sau Hings' been to heart, church and for two it is Sabbaths,
hope some and day we feared to go and he was work sick. among And them. be­
her
sides, She we expects had friends to be in visiting school us this whom year we to
fit wanted herself to know for battle him. work, as she expects
to We spend found her him life carrying able to be the out, Word but of he Life immediately
to women led and us girls. into the house, which was
as spotlessly clean as it is possible for a
Chinese house with dirt floor to be. No
sooner were we seated on "saw horse" stools
than he went and got "the books" and asked
Dr. Robb to lead us in worship. We sang
the twenty-third Psalm, and though he can
speak only in a hoarse whisper, I am sure
"The Brownie" made more melody in his
heart than any of the rest of us, and his joy
and eagerness gave his face almost a glorified
look as he sang () his voiceless praise,
"And in God's house forevermore, my dwelling
place shallbe."
the Then dear Dr. old Robb man read repeated Matthew it word 5: for 1-12, word. and
O L I V E T R E E S 375
faster than Dr. Robb read, and though it
was with difficulty we could hear the whispered
words, we thought we had seldom, if
ever, heard the Word read with more feeling
and eloquence. As we left, he said, with
joy and longing in his words, "I think I
am soon going to the Heavenly Father."
A few weeks ago, as we

376 OLIVE TREES
ing these years that I have been a Christian,
I have noticed a gradual change in
myself, but not until my family and friends
remarked about it did I realize that God
had really changed my disposition and given
me a new heart. Next week my oldest
daughter must le'ave school to be married,
and it is the greatest mistake of my life,
not merely that I engaged her when a child,
but I did it in anger because she was not
;, boy. Then when my third daughter was
born, I was so angry that I sold her. When
i became a Christian I bought her back, because
I felt it was my Christian duty,
though r still did not love her. Now, I love
my girls just the same as my boy, much
to the amazement of my friends and neighbors.
I marvel at it myself. Truly the love
"A and power Doorkeeper of the Heavenly in the Father House are won­
of
derful." My God."
What a number of good Christian people
there are who would never in the world
make even passable janitors in the house of
God. They may have large stores of grace,
but not of the kind that enlightens their understanding
concerning the fitnessof things
about the Lord's holy place. Many a person
has a sincere desire to serve the Lord, and
has the capacity for serving Him in some
ways, who never appears to see that the floor
needs sweeping and mopping, and that a
coating of dust lies on the seats. Indeed, to
some it is not given to see that there is any
definite connection between the service of
God and keeping a chapel well cleaned. Why
sweep and mop a floor when the flrst meeting
held after such operations will see it
dirtied again Why take the trouble to
dust seats when the garments of the people
who sit on them will perform that service
Why clean the walks about the chapel, and
cut grass, when the walks will soon need
another cleaning, and the grass soon grow
again
And yet there is to be found occasionally
one who thinks that a chapel floor ought
+0 be kept clean; that the seats should be
dns+ed before being sat upon; and that
walks and grass ought to be kept in order.
The Tak Hins: congregation is to be x;ongratulated
on having secured such a man as
janitor of its chapel. He was formerly
written un as a "new creature in Christ-
Jesus." He flrst came in contact with the
Gospel throug'h having had a leg broken
when in conflict with another fellow of the
hnser sort about some ducks. He came to
worst the truly found really, months hospital new-born men the radically, this way in man for the of sons community has repairs, life. from of been He God. being has and promoted into Within been one while one changed,
recent to of there
oflnce of doorkeeper in the house of God.
One of our never-failing surprises in China
is, that we learn so little at the time of
many things that are going on right under
our noses. This man's . predecessor fell a
victim of the gambling dens that a benighted
and helpless government sanctions, and
from which large revenue is derived. He
suddenly disappeared, going, no one knew
where, leaving some debts behind him. This
was our firstsurprise. The next was the
congreQation's choice of a successor to the
departed. Still another has been the joyous
fact that the present incumbent has
in a very eminent sense made good. But recently
we have learned that he had accepted
the place with some reluctance, and out of
a sense of duty. And last of all, and most
delightful of all, he has surprised _ us by
proving himself not only a good janitor,
but as good a missionary as he is janitor.
He knows practically every person who
goes by the chapel door. He talks to one
and all who will give him the opportunity
He is humble, as the great apostle to the
Gentiles was, and for much the same reason
He is not learned in a book sense. He does
not profess to be so. But he has learned
much of the grace of God, and is not ashamfd
to be known as one who sorely needed
it. He magnifies his office, keeps the floors
clean, the seats Ten dusted, Lepers. the walks swept, the
grass
There
cut,
was
and
a
then
row in
in
the
season
back
and
yard,
out
and
of
we
season
looked
witnesses
out in
for
time
Christ.
to see the
How
cook
many
chasing
of
us in
four
our
or
own
five
spheres
lepers
of
away
usefulness
from the
are
gate
doing
where
the
they
will
had
of Christ,
trespassed
as is
in
this
search
humble,
of
devout,
something
earnest
to eat.
servant
Their
of
little
God
boats, seven
of them, had been down in front of the
chapel for a week, but in the hurry of the
closing days of the Chinese year, and the
work following mission meeting, no one had
gone to see them. I followed them out
across the 60 rods of sand to where tbe chill
winds swept down the river on their craft,
and talked with them.
One is a nephew of a former student here,
now deceased. Another was at Do Sing four
years ago when the soldiers killed the lepers
there, and was one of three who escaped
that massacre.
Six men and four women, some with
thirty years of suflfering and outcast life
behind them, hands and feet all eaten off,
and horribly scarred faces, telling the story
more eloquently than their shrill voices
could ever do; some only cast out from
their homes and family a couple of years.
took Him, I began me and up it to and was talk told found about me that a Jesus, good they deal and knew about they a

good deal about Him, but had supposed that
being lepers, they could not have any share
in blessings that came to other people. The
one had heard the gospel at Do Sing, but
had merited it after that experience. The
other, the student's nephew, had ceased to
pray when cast out.
They were supplied with books, and asked
for a, psalm book, as they wished to sing,
and - told to pray and worship every day.
They left the next morning for their regular
haunts down the river.
Last week they came back. Other members
of the mission were able to see them,
and last night word came to us that they
said" they all wanted to become Christians
and be baptized. We went down to see
them. They talked freely, and there was
joy in their faces. "Have you been praying"
"Yes." "Since when have you prayed"
"Since we were heer before." "Did
Jesus hear you" "We think He did." "How
flo you know" "Because our hearts are
much happier since we have prayed to
Jesus.''
We promised them no material help, but
told them to go on learning as they could,
and that next time they returned we would
see further, and that they could serve and
worship Jesus even now.
This morning the boats are gone, and we
know not when they will return, but we
know that He who healed ten lepers long ago
is watching over this ten, and that He has
already taken some of their burden.-
We were led, in our mission meeting this
year, to pledge ourselves to pray and labor
to bring Christ to men, and to ask that He
would seal our service by bringing a harvest
of fivehundred souls into the kingdom this
year. And the flrstto ask for the holy
seal Letter of baptism, From that Rev. they W. may M. Robb. bear the
name Readers of Jesus of Olive before Trees: men, are ten lepers,
outcast, Impressions indeed of of our men, recent but called mission by meeting
will into be the given light of by a others, living hope doubtless, that can but
His
love
make I wish even to add a leper my word. boat a All place the where members He
may were dwell. able to be present, and the fellowship
we enjoyed was very pleasant. We were
happy to welcome into our circle the Misses
Barr and McCracken, who made their initial
visit to Tak Hing. Our annual gathering
was a memorable one from many
vievirpoints, but chiefest of all was the willingness
to let the Lord Jesus Christ have
his way. The Holy Spirit was manifestly
our leader, and the vision we were permitted
to get of Our Lord and of His claims
upon our heart's allegiance was certainly
OLIVE TREES 877
calculated to inspire to loyalty in the days
to come, and to selfdenying effort in the
service of Christ.
Chinese New Year was on February 1st.
Our meeting closed January 28th, thus allowing
those from other places to reach
their place of abode in tinie to welcome the
throng of visitors who come at this season
to pay their compliments. Their debts of
other kinds they are supposed to pay be-
. fore the old year closes. Unfortunately the
New Year2 season was very rainy and the
number of visitors consequently few.
The Third National Evangelistic Week for
China was set for February 2d to 9th, inclusive,
and was observed with good results,
we believe. A daily prayer service was held
in which the tide of devotion increased
from day to day. The remark was made
that seldom, if ever, had we heard the
Chinese Christians praying as they did in
those meetings. Personal work in various
places was the order of the day following
the services. Opportunities were presented
for heart to heart talks with many persons
upon the subject of gravest importance.
Actual decisions for Christ were not many
in number, but some were interested hopefully.
Best of all, perhaps, many of the
Christians here found real joy in the work
of seeking men and wei trust have caught a
new vision of service.
The climax and culmination of our annual
meeting, as it seemed to many, came at its
close, when the following pledge was taken:
We pledge ourselves as humble servants
of Christ, to pray and labor to bring Christ
to meh, and pray that He will seal our service
by bringing at least fivehundred souls
to himself during the coming year.
May
Mrs.
it
R.
be
C.
that
Adams
the Evangelistic
sends this
Week
little
was
account the firstfruits of the Will Bible not all class who read at the this
unite Brovimie's in intercession house every for the Sabbath ingathering afternoon:
the entire harvest
of
Miss Brownlee and I have W. been M. ROBB. crossing
the river to the "Brownie's" house each Sabbath
afternoon to conduct a class. The children
come quite regularly and are much interested,
but the women findthe fieldsmore
attractive on sunshiny days. One little girl.
who is probably a slave, was crying when
we went last Sabbath. She had her carrying
pole in her hand, and as she did not
come to class, we suppose her mother made
her work instead. She had been quite interested
in learning her verse the Sabbath before.
How thankful we ought to be foi
church and school privileges!

378 O L I V E T R E E S
Mrs. A. I. Robb sends this eamest
appeal for more prayer for China:
Look here! Look here!! What share are
you having in the big drive in the China
mission this year
'
How many minutes are you spending each
day in earnest prayer for your workers
there, both foreign and Chinese
This is your opportunity for investment
in service. "Intercession is service. The
chief service of a lie on God's plan." "In
tercession is the power on earth that commands
the power o heaven. There is nc
other."
You will receive the returns of this investment
from the hand of the Master himself.
The life that can pray. "If ye abide
in me and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever
ye will and it shall be done unto you.'
"The supplication of a righteous man availeth
mueh in its working." "Beloved if our
heart condemn, us not, we have boldness toward
God; and whatsoever we ask, we receive
of
UNOCCUPIED
Him, because we
FIELDS
keep His Commandments,
and do the things that are
From pleasing 'Women's in His sight." 'Work.
Long ago the Forty-niners heard a tale of
gold so yellow
Stored away in stream and hillside in the
far-off sunny Westland;
Burned their hearts with eager longing,
cared they not if dire disaster.
Want, privation, pain and hunger waited
them upon the journey;
Left their homes and cheerful firesideson
the eager quest of riches.
Many gold fieldssince have called mendiamond
mines, sapphires and rubies.
Ocean depths where pearls lie buried. Hundreds
to the call responding
Follow still these siren voices to the lure
of wealth untold.
Once a call throughout the country brought
a vision fair, enticing,
Unclaimed lands the Government gave free
unto the firstpossessor.
Thronging multitudes rushed forward to the
border, glad, expectant.
Joined the waiting line where crowds were
, standing ready for the signal,
Enter in and take possession," clam'ring
for their future homesteads.
When their country calls, vast armies spring
up ready, march to battle.
Be it near or 'cross the ocean, press thev
forward, step unfalt'ring,
Might and right personified, all foll'wing
orders, marph in phalanx.
Mighty hosts, to right a wrong or succor
those oppressed.
Now the call comes from the Church of
Christ throughout the world resounding.
Leaders strong in work and prayer repeat
the clarion near and distant.
Fields unoccupied lie wasting in the world's
fast rip'nin'g harvest
With no reaper's -hand. outstretched where
waving golden grain stands waiting.
India's boundless realms have regions wide
as yet unsought, unentered.
Afric's jungles harbor depths unknown of
gloom, unpenetrated;
While "A thousand miles in China'' stands
without one single ray of
Light; whose people, knowing laughter, love
and song, yet sit in darkness
Dense, so dense they know not night is
'round them; knowing not the daylight.
Come! These lands are now thrown open.
Let who ventures take possession.
What! And is there no response And is it
true then, oh, ye Christians,
Is it but for wealth and selfish gain that ye
are strong and fearless
Is it but for fame and glory your courageous
feet march onward
Breaking off the yoke of bondage, righting
wrongs, abuse, oppression
Know ye not that souls more precious are
than gold that soon will perish
Brighter far than diamonds shine the stars
that deck the crowns of those who
Rescue, turn to righteousness, the souls for
whom our Christ has suffered.
Sweeter far than worldwide praise of all
your dauntless, brave endurance
Will the Master's plaudit sound, "Well done,
thou good and faithful servant."
Oh! ye men who hold the wealth of all the
world in grasp relentless.
Will ye always be content to view your
noble halls of learning,
Underneath whose lofty domes now sit the
youth of Christian nations.
Sated, filledwith Wisdom's lore until they
know not how to use it
Care ye not then for the millions who know
not one little word of
Christian faith and hope and prayer, or of
the love that passeth knowledge
Wil! ye then stand empty-handed when your
risen Lord and Master
"Cometh to make up His jewels"
Come! Oh, come! The time is here; we hear
the entrance signal given:
Yea, we watch for thronging hosts, a mighty
rush to take possession:
Then Still Chieng we the ing listen Rai. Kingdom strong, (Mrs, for the triumphant:
W, glorv will tread C) be come! Belle of hastened! armies E, Dodd, march­
then

OLIVE TREES 379
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J. S. Martin a id Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
College Hill, Beaver Falls, Pa.
ATTENTION!
Women's Missionary Societies!
Following is the tentative program
for our Conference. Because this
must be in the hands of the Editor of
Olive Trees before April, almost two
months before our Conference we
have not given the names of the
speakers already secured. We will
have all the names and publish the
complete program in the Christian
Nation in ample time for you to receive
it before Synod.
Prayer for power. Come with pencil
and notebook. Do your best to help
in publicity, co-operation and efficiciency.
Executive Colo. Presbyterial,
Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, Pres., 457
South Clarkson, Denver, Colo.
Mrs. S. B. McClelland, Sec.,-Greeley,
Colo.
H* ^ H* ^
Tentative Program for Conference to
Organize a Synodical Women's
Missionary Society.
BELLE CENTER, OHIO.
Thursday, June 5,1919, 2 P. M.
Motto: "Forward."
P. M.
2.00—Praise Service.
2.10—Devotionals, Belle Center.
2.20—Object of Meeting, Colorado
Presbyterial.
2.30—Paper, "Forward," Kansas
Presbyterial.
2.40—Paper, "A Glance Backward,"
Pittsburgh Presbyterial.
2.50—Praise Service.
2.55—Paper, "Women and Missions,"
Illinois Presbyterial.
3.05—Paper, "Does Organiz ation
Pay" Iowa Presbyterial.
2J5__Appointment of Temporary
Committees, N o m i n i ting
Constitution, Credentials, Finance,
"Standard of Excellence,"'
Plan of Work and
Study for 1919-20, Resolutions.
3.30—Offering.
3.35—Consecration Service.
4.00—Adjournment.
Committee Conference.
Friday Morning, June 6.
Motto: "In Union There is Strength."
A. M.
10.00—Praise Service.
10.15—Devotionals, Philadelphia.
10.30—Organization of Synodical.
Report of Committees.
Informal Conference.
11.45—Quiet Hour, "God's Presence
and Power," Missionary.
Friday Night, June 6.
Motto: "The .Field is the World." "
P. M.
7.30—Praise Service.
Devotional, New York.
7.45_"Peace Table."
Delegates from the Home
Fields:
Indian Mission.
Southern Mission.
Jewish Mission.
8.15—Praise to the Prince of Peace.
Psalm 72: 15-17. No. 191,
Delegates from the Foreign
Field:
Syria.
Asia Minor.
Cyprus.
China.
8.50—Peace Compact. Our Obhgations,
Rev. Findley M. Wilson,
Secretary
Missionary Board.
Offering.
Prayer.
Adjournment,
Foreign

880 OLIVE TREES
SOME KINDERGARTEN WORKERS OF LO TING
Mrs. Dickson Tells of them i the Accompanying Article
JUNIOR DEPARTMENT. up until she is 13 or 14 years old, and
then she will marry this boy. Many,
Dear Boys and Girls.
many little girls do not know who
I am going to send you two pictures their mothers are for they are sold
of kindergarten children taken in for a small price when they are babies
1917. They now have many more children
for at that time it was so new their sons' wives and so children are
to some one who wants them to be
that many people did not know about engaged when very little and do not
have the home-life with father and
it. In the picture with the six children
building the house, the little
mother and brothers and sisters that
girl
on the right comes from a very
wealthy family. You can see her little
braid sticking.out on the right side
of her head. Fdr while all little girls
wear their hair in one braid it is just
as likely to be at the side of her head
as at the back. You can also see that
all these little girls have their front
hair shaved off, and when they are
eight or ten years old they will let it
grow long. A little boy who is standing
next this little girl and the little
girl on the opposite side of the picture
with the long stick in her hand is to
be his wife some day. His mother
took her from her parents when she
was a small child and will bring her
you do at home. Happily this boy's
mother ife a Christian and so lets her
son and the little girl go to school and
the little girl is going to have a better
life than she would in many homes.
In the other picture of the children
staiiding in a circle, the tall girl in
white is one of the teachers and the
little boy who is standing third from
her right hand is our evangelist's little
boy. He is a dear little fellow and
talks the gospel just hke he hears his
mother and father talking it. When
he sees anyone begin to eat a meal
without giving thanks he always rebukes
them and asks them if they are
not a bit thankful to the heavenly

OLIVE TREES 381
father who gave them their food. He
urged his grandmother for a good
while to become a Christian and would
keep telling her she could never go to
heaven if she did not worship Jesus.
not wear hair ribbons. They wear a
piece of colored yarn wound tight
around the top of the braid and another
piece is tied at the end.
Florence L. Dickson.
RING AROUND 'TH ROSEY'
The grandmother has just lately become
interested in the gospel and we
are so glad for many prayers have
been offered for her.
If the little children in these pictures
should see you, can you guess
what would probably be their first
remark Well, it would very likely
be, "Why do you not comb your
hair" That is what they usually say
when they see any pictures of our
little friends at home. You, perhaps,
know that they all put oil on their
hair to make it lie very flat and it always
looks wet and shiny and they
'like that and people often and often
ask us why we do not comb our hair.
People often come in to call and say,
"Don't you do your hair up funny"
The girls always wear braids but do
THE OPENING VISION.
Many centuries ^ago the Master appealed
to his people, saying, "Lift up
your eyes, and look on the fields;for
they are white already to harvest."
He was able to look upon the vision.
but his people were not. He called
them to look, but they could not see.
Their vision was limited. Their hearts
were little stirred.. Through eighteen
centuries their eyes were closed to
the world in its need. Then, a few
eyes opened and caught the vision.
Their hearts were stirred to action.
The great work of carrying the
gospel to the ends of the earth was
begun; but in what meager way.
With but a small, measure of enthusiasm
and devotion to the task, the
people of God took up the work in

382 OLIVE TREES
the spirit of the command of their
Lord. Not yet had the vision of the
magnitude and the importance of the
work come to the people of God in a
way to enlist their efforts in his service.
Not yet was the spirit of his
command, "Go yet into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature,"
felt and responded to. A new
awakening must come before they can
realize and recognize the obligation
resting upon them. The World War
was needed. The Macedonian call had
been heard through all the centuries,
but neglected. Today, it sounds louder
than ever from all lands. The real
condition of the world is breaking
upon our vision. The cry of distress
that came from the hungry, and called
out the compassion of the Master,
is now reaching the ears of his followers
and moving them with compassion
as God places before their view
the hungry, the suffering, and the
perishing world. By the different
churches this is called, "The Period
of Reconstruction." She has need of
this in her thought of the world's
need, and in her attitude toward it.
She finds she must reconstruct her
spirit of consecration to the service
of the Master. She feels that of her
resources she must devote millions,
where formerly it was thousands.
God has magnified to her the vision
of the world's need. The letter written
by our missionary, Mrs. Stewart, of
Turkey, picturing, in some measure,
conditions as they exist in that single
field; the pubhshed report of conditions
in India, picturing "150,000,000
people wakening every morning hungry,
passing the day hungry, and going
to bed hungry," is set before the
people of God, that the vision of the
world's need might open to them, and
awaken them to a new consecration
to Christian service; for shall we not
send the "bread of life" as well as
nourishment for their bodies This
vision is needed that God's people
may stantly. the offered home, pray to When God more how for affliction earnestly His blessing. comes prayer and con­
into The is
vision of need is so clear. Under
such circumstances, prayer becomes
very importunate. In like way the
vision of the world, in its trouble and
distress, calls for earnest, importunate
prayer. God regards the' need
of humanity, in answer to prayer, and
through his people will minister blessing.
To this call, that comes in connection
with the opening vision, the
women of the church may respond.
The Covenanter Convocation, the
French Carithers Memorial, the
Thanksgiving Fund for the Christian
Amendment, and the proposed meeting
of the women of the church for
united organization and effort suggest
an opening vision of Christian
service.
Mrs. H. G. Foster.
* * * *
Mrs. R. M. Pearce arranged -the
program for the Women's Conference
during the Covenanter Convocation
held in the Eighth Street Church,
Pittsburgh, March 25th. The general
subject chosen was "Covenanter
Women, Before, During and After the
War."
Mrs. Pearce was unable to be present
and asked Mrs. J. S. Martin to
preside in her place. The main Sabbath
School room of the church was
filled, and much interest was manifested.
The subject was divided, as follows:
(a) In her household and everyday
duties.
(b) In her spiritual experience
and privileges.
(c) In her outlook on the world
and her relationship to it.
(d) In her appreciation of her
church and duty to it.
Between the talks earnest prayers
were offered. A brief synopsis of the
address is given to our readers.
(a) Only a few years have passed
since the Great War began, yet in
experiences we feel a life time has
been spent. Before the war we were
doubtless duties busy with and felt our social we church were obligations, doirtg work, all home and we

could and were satisfied with our gifts
to Christian work. When our boys
went from our homes to the country's
service, the Red Cross called for
workers and drive after drive came
in quick succession for funds to carry
on the war. We began to arrange
our home life. We found time for the
Red Cross. The urget request to conserve,
taught us simplicity and the
elimination of the non-essentials,
until the results surprised ourselves
and those having the matter in charge.
We often found ourselves when busy
with home cares or serving at Red
Cross, offering up petitions for the
safety of our boys. We venture the
assertion that mothers came more
nearly carrying out Paul's injunction,
"to pray without ceasing," than ever
before.
Our one objective was "Win the
War," and to that end every energy
was directed and great sacrifices
were made. We gave freely of our
means.
In the providence of God, we won
the victory. What now Have we
learned the value of the spare moments,
only to waste them again
Have we conserved that the hungry
might be fed, only to go back to selfindulgence
Have we practiced selfdenial
to give war funds, and now
that the war is over, go back to spending
all on self Shall we be less concerned
for the spiritual welfare of our
boys than for their physical, when
speedily exposed to dangers We
cannot, we must not, forget the lessons
the war has taught us in our
homes
Our sympathies have been broadened
and our acquaintances widened.
At the Red Cross we sat beside women
of bur communities whom before we
did not know. Perhaps an anxious
look leads you to ask, "Have you a
boy in the service," to be told, "Yes,
two of them, and one has just left
for France." Neighborhoods became
one and Shall big sorrow, not family the removed lessons and Mrs. a common j. remain all S. Martin. self interest pity.
OLIVE TREES 883
(b) In my short talk I endeavored
to show that while we Covenanter
women did pray and give time and
money before the war yet we did
these things in such a lukewarm unenthusiastic
manner. We were satisfied
with the minimum of effort, our own
affairs absorbed nearly all our time
in spite of the fact that the need was
so great, the call so persistent, and
the task set before us by the Master
so far from completion.
The war came and. we learned to
pray and give time and money and
give sons and daughters in a new
way. Some who only knew the dictionary
definition of sacrifice learned
its real meaning. We who had not
been particularly concerned that 200,-
000,000 he down evry night in mission
lands with hunger unsatisfied.
and that 33,000,000 of our fellowmen
are dying every year without Christ;
heard the cry of bleeding Armenia
and suffering Poland and ravished
Belgium.
The Red Cross asked for $100,000,-
000 and we subscribed $170,000,000,
Twenty years ago John R. Mott
asked for 50,000 men for the evangelization
of the world in this generation
and he was told he was asking
too much, but the war came and in
less than two .years 68,000 of our best
young men are gone from us to return
no more, they sleep in Flander's
Fields.
After the war—what Have we
not learned to pray more earnestly,
to give more enthusiastically, to
make more real sacrifi.ce. Our spiritual
privileges have been great, much
is expected of us. Let us drop forever
our complaints of "so many calls
for missions and other church work.
Being determined to win the war we
wanted as many calls as would assure
final victory, and wiien we are really
in earnest to win the world for Christ,
all count of calls will be lost in the
supremacy of bur desire to make His
world. Kingdom come Mrs. throughout T. H. Acheson. all the

384 OLIVE TREES
(c) Woman's outlook upon the
world—once so limited—has been
greatly enlarged by education and
the desperate necessities arising from
great events. In the recent world
conflict this lately developed force
has been an indispensable factor in
countless activities.
The world, too, upon which woman
now looks, is changed. The devastation
of war, destitution and socia*
unrest, a reaching out for a wider
liberty, and an unacknowledged longing
which Christ and his gospel alone
can satisfy, make irresistible appeals
for help.
When Nehemiah beheld Jerusalem
laid waste and her walls broken
down, he immediately called to his
companions, "Let us arise and build."
And so, each repairing the part nearest
his home, the work was completed.
We may not cross the seas to repair
the waste of war, but we can
build each over against her own
house. The needs of the world are
brought to us for our help through
the organizations of relief and reform
work, and through our church boards.
Give money, but give also service;
give self, if we would make response
adequate to the need.
In prayer and faith we vision our
goal—the kingdoms of this world become
the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Mrs. William Esler.
(e) The hope of the world hes in
obedience to the universal sovereignty
of the Prince of Peace, not merely
in individual but also in international
relationship. For two hundred and
fifty years and more God in His providence
has been educating a people
to proclaim this glorious truth. They
have always been few in number, but
their influence has been out of all
proportion to their numbers. The fact
that God has guarded their existence
for so long ijroves that He still has a
special mission for them to accomphsh.
The hour, has arrived for the
Covenanters to put their training into
action—to press home with untiring
energy and devotion the duty of our
country toward the sovereignty of
Christ. Our country must be converted
to loyalty and obedience to
Christ for her own sake and for the
sake of the world. This is the only
ideal which is comprehensive enough
to establish the foundations of civilization
and secure permanent peace
and prosperity to a distracted world.
This is the broader mission of the
Covenanter Church. It is for her to
make this truth the ideal of all her
home and foreign work. It should be
the heart-throb of her life.
Mrs. j. Boyd Tweed.
MRS. JENNIE ELLIOTT.
The Ladies' Missionary Society of
Eskridge, Kansas, wish to express
their esteem for the loved sister, Mrs.
Jennie Elliott, who was called home
in November, 1918. Our sister rests
from her labors, her work is done, but
her influence still goes on. Her example
is a call to service that should
not go unheeded. Her spirit of cheerfulness
and helpfulness will be an
abiding memory to all who knew her.
She was a faithful and energetic
worker in the Master's vineyard, and
even after the infirmities of age prevented
her bodily presence in our
meetings we felt the inspiration of
her spiritual presence. She loved to
ceived a gracious welcome to her
extend hospitality to the people of
God and the Lord's servants ever received
a gracious welcome to her
home. "Be ye also ready."
"Out of the chill and the shadow,.
Into the thrill and the shine.
Out of the dearth and the famine.
Into the fullness divine.
Out of the sigh and the silence.
Into the deep swelling song.
Out of the exile and bondage.
Into the home gathered throng."
Mrs. Jennie Young,
Mrs. Anna McKnight,
Mrs. Myrtle McDowell,
Committee.

FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOO OF THE REFORMEO PRES. CHURCH
Latakia, Syria. Rev. Julius A. Kemfp. . |
Rev. Jas. S. Stewart, D. D
^ks. Julius A. Kempp . f 0° fu^lou h
Mrs. j. S. Stewart
Rev. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar with Red crossin Mrs. William M. Robb
Mrs ^amttpt Fopab' r> /*1^'""* MiSS KaTE McBURNBY, M. D.,
J M Balh M n^ Oofurlough MiSS MARY R. ADAMS.
i;rfa'TS.i^I;' ^ ^ V • Miss Rose A. Huston
Mr!! ^ ^ ;^^ ••••'• ,V. IV; • Miss Ida M. Scott, M. D., I on furlough
Miss M. Florence Mearns. ,w.th^K,ed j^^^g ^^^^^ ^ Robinson! N^*""' «-'''>'
Mersine, Asiu Minor. ' "'" S^^ ^^^g^ AdaSI"'"'''''''^
^iffLT^'S.ST'^r'
MRS. R. c. Adam's •.•.•.•.•.•.•.::::::::
£»= 5ol^- • w J ^ REV. JESSE C. MITCHEL ,.
P^' xmLS- f S^n^^/tr ..rk ^RS. JESSE C. MiTCHEL „.
Rev. Andrew J. McFaEland ...
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary Unioit,
John Peoples, M. D
Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples On furlough James M. Wright, 'm. d
Miss F. Elma French Mrs. James M. Wright ,i*
Larnaca, Cyprus.
Union Language School,
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Canton, South China.
Mrs. Walter McCarroll, On furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. .. ^
Mr. Wilbur Weir Miss Inez M. Smith, R. N .,:
Nicosia, Cyprus.
Miss Jean M. Barr
Calvin McCarroll, M. D
,. Miss Lillian j. McCi^acken
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll.
l^ fing^ ^la Canton, Smith ChinM.
Tak Hing Chau, West River, Rev, Ernest C. Mitchell
South China Mrs. Ernest C. Mitchell-. -
Rev. A. L Robb, D. D E. J. M. Dickson, M. D ...^^
Mrs. a. t. Robb — Mrs. E. J. M. Dickson gj.
Rev. J. K. Robb, i Miss Ella Margaret Stewart. . .^s
Mrs. J. K. Robb on furlough...... .. Miss Jennie M. Dean
HOME MISSIONARIES OF THE REFORMEO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Indian Mission, Apache, Okla. . Southe'm Mission, Selma, Ala.
Rev. W. W. Caeithers, Superintendent, Rev. G. A. Edgar, D. D., Superintendent
Miss Inez Wickerham
Miss Lola Weie, High School
Miss Ellen WilSon
Miss Maey Reyijjolds, High School
Miss lEENE McMurtry
Miss Ella Hays, Grammar School
Miss Mae Allen
Miss Maey Wilson, Sixth Grade
Miss Lauea Weie, Fifth Grade
Mission of the Covenant^ 800 South 6th St., Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade
Philadelphia»^ Pa.
Miss Ruth Kynett, Third Grade
•'iss Annie Foesyt^
Miss Eulalia Howaed, Second Grade
MISS Emma M. McFaeland
Mes. E. 0. Senegal, First Grade
Volunteer Workers.
t^^' ^r.^- ^1^^, Primary Department
„ n, „ Miss Mi£RY E. Fowlee, Girls' Indus. Dept.
St KeI'^ele
P««^- Theod'i^ lee. Boys' Indus. Dept.^
Mibs Anna Thompson
Miss Sophia Kingston, Prin'l Little Knox
Dh. Ralph Duncan
Mes. LouiSe Kynett, Prin'l Pleasant Grdv0
Mr. Samuel Jackson ) Mrs. Estelle Lightning, Asst. Girls' In-
Mr. Melville Peabcb \Altemc.ttng duttrinl n,.^t
Mb. Will Stewart \ ,^ aMs.rmt uept.
Mr. EnwiN Anderson
Mrs. Earnest Brooks, East Selma

iJelville Careen,
R, P, Seminajy,'
Hortti Ave. :S. S.
Board of Foreign Missions Refornied Presbyterian Church
President
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M. D., 617 N. 43d Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vice-President
]. C. McFEETERS, D. D., 1838 Wallace St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
R. J. BOLE, 170 Broadway, New York.
Corresfonding Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, D. D., 2517 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Recording Secretary
F. M. FOSTER, Ph. D., 305 W. 29th St., New York City.
Treasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transportation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa..
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES OF TREASURERS
Syrian Missioii, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection—
Mr. Joseph M. Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Domestic Mission ; Southern Mission ; Indian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widows' and Orphans' Fund; Literary, Students' Aid;
National Reform—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 411 Penn Building. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. Agnes C Steele, 321 Lehigh Ave., East End, Pittsburgh, Pa.
TELEPHONE: 785 MORNINGSIDE
W M . M c G b & f \ N ' S S O N
UNDERTf\KER 'F\nD EMBf\LMEF^
508 WEST 134th STREET
ROBERT L. McCLEAN NE>W YORK
JAMES S. TIBBY ^^^^^^^l Pittsburg, Pat.
SELLS THE FOLLOWING COVENANTER LITERATURE
PSALM BOOKS (old and new versions); TESTIMONY,
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, MINUTES OF SYNOD, CON­
FESSION OF FAITH, CATECHISMS, TALES OF
COVENANTERS, POETS and POETRY, ROMANISM
ANALYZED, HISTORY OF THE TRIAL, 1891
WRITE FOR PRICES

ageag
ffiUu E m B
ZECH.4: 11-14- REV. 11 :3, 4-
VOL xxxni JUNE, 1919 No. 6
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of North
America in the interest of Mission Work
A PLEDGE, A PRAYER
AND A CALL TO THE CHURCH
@
Just before the adjournment of the recent annual
meetingof the mission in China, the following was
adopted and placed upon the minutes : " We pledge
ourselves, as humble servants of Christ, to pray
and labor to bring Christ to men, in the hope that he
will seal our service by bringing at least five hundred
souls to himself the coming year ; and we ask
the home church to join with us in this endeavor."
Sul0crtption price » ®ne 2)oUar a l^ear
POSTAGE FREE TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
Contents
Report of the Board of Foreign
Missions to the Synod of 191^. 385
News from the Field
Program for the Women's
Conference
400
408
J

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THE INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
EDITORS
REV. McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D. D.
REV. ROBERT ANDREW BLAIR, M. A,
Address all Communications to
REV- M. M. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Place - Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable Address : Metheny, Philadelphia
Entered as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post office at Philadelphia
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OP THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH
President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Kentucky Avenue, Pittsburgh.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Wallace, 108 Lafayette Avenue, N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Esler, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321 Lehigh Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study, Mrs. E. A. Crooks, 69 Oak Street, Newcastle, Pa.
Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Mary McWilliams, 2328 Maple Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Harris, 1312 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Thank Offering Secretary, Mrs. J. K. Tibby, Ridge Avenue, Crafton, Pa.
Temperance Secretary, Mrs. W. R. Porter, 218 Burgess Street, N. S., Pittaburgh.
COLORADO
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, 911 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colo.
Vice President, Mrs. James Carson, Denver, Colo.
Secretary ,Mrs. S. B. McClelland, Greeley, Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. R. S. Orr, Greeley, Colo.
KANSAS
President, Mrs. J. M. Wylie, 2510 W. 46th Street, Rosedale, Kan.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. F. E. Allen, Superior, Neb.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElhenny, Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. T. B. Boyle, 701 Clay Street, Topeka, Kan.
ILLINOIS
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. Sth Street, Bloomington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Sparta, 111.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta, 111., R. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson, Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. R. Davis, Princeton, Ind.

R. M. SOMMERVILLE, D.D. MRS. R. M. SOMMERVILLE
DR. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVE TREES" and editedit for 29 years.
OLIVE TREBS
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A. ,
VOL. XXXII JUNE. 1919 No. 6
REPORT OF T H E B O A R D OF FOREIGN
TO THE S Y N O D OF 1919
MISSIONS
The Board of Foreign Missions desires
to give thanks fo our reigning
Redeenier for another year of opportunity
for service and • fpr his gracious
care over the missionaries.
During all the frightful years of the
vsrar not one life has been lost. Some
have finished their course, but the
hazards of war on land and sea have
not taken toll of life among our mission
force.
Since last Synod Miss Jean M. Barr
and Miss Lillian L. McCracken have
gone to enter upon a service in China,
and Dr. A. I. Robb and Mrs. Robb
have returned to Tak Hing. Rev.
Samuel Edgar and Miss M. Florence
Mearns have continued in the service
of the American Red Cross. The
former, having been advanced to the
rank of captain, was transferred to
Syria, and a few months ago to our
own station in Latakia; the latter is
still in charge of the orphanage in
Jerusalem with almost 350 children
under her care. Dr. John Peoples
and Rev. A. J. McFarland in Mersina
and Mrs. J. S. Stewart and Miss
Maggie B. Edgar in Latakia held on
grimly and with heroic fortitude, performing
almost superhuman tasks..
Dr. James S. Stewart was interned at
Konia in October, 1917, "under the
false charge of making signals to the
British and French patrol ships."
There he remained until after the
signing of the armistice. On being
released he returned to Latakia December
18th, 1918. The armistice released
Mrs. A. J. McFarland, waiting
in Switzerland, and permitted her to
return to Mersina, where on March
5th she was reunited to her husband
The close of the struggle was also the
occasion of organizing in America the
expedition for Armenian and Syrian
relief. There being a demand for
persons understanding the language
and customs of the people, we were
able to have our missionaries, detained
in the home land, appointed
members of this expedition. This
provided for their return to their own
stations in the capacity of missionaries
of our own church and in addition
as representatives of the expedition,
thus insuring to them the
grant of supplies for relief work. Accordingly,
when the last detachment
left New York February 16th, Dr.

886 OLIVE TREES
Balph, Rev. R. E. Willson and Mrs.
Willson, with their three children.
Miss Evadna M. Sterrett and Miss F.
Elma French were members of the
party and enroute to the work from
which they had so long been separated.
They are believed to have
reached their destination in April.
The wife and children of Dr. Peoples
still remain in this country.
None of those who remained at
their posts during the long dark days
of isolation consent to come home for
rest until those going out have been
able to get the reins in their hands.
They ask the privilege of leaving on
furlough next year. Some ought to
come this summer.
This report need not be burdened
by any attempt to relate the labors
and privations undergone by our missionaries
during the war. For four
years we had nothing but the scantiest
tidings from them and no detailed
report of their work. The substance
of all received since the war has been
published to the church and as fuller
reports shall be permitted to come
through the mails, they too will be
given out. Dr. Stewart's report for
1919 is published in the June number
of Olive Trees. Even now this
much can be said, that during the entire
period of the war a most gratifying
amount of relief, evangelistic
and educational work has been done
in both the Mersina and Latakia districts.
At brief periods some of the
schools were closed. In general the
schools, the preaching, and the hospital
work at Mersina were carried on
practically all the time. Mr. McFarland's
work was at no time inter-^
rupted and Dr. Stewart's only for the
period of his interment at Konia. Dr.
Peoples had at all times opportunity
and liberty for medical work far beyond
his power to perform. Mrs.
Stewart stepped into the breach at
Latakia when her husband was taken
away; and Miss Edgar, although removed
from the mission compound,
was still fully employed all the time
in ministering to the poor and needy
and in carrying the accounts of the
educational department. It is amazing
how God's grace enabled these
women to do and endure.
Mention should also be made of the
heroism of our licentiate. "Although
he coOld not work in Latakia where
most needed," says Dr. Stewart, "yet
he was by no means idle. He had
quite a large audience each Sabbath
day in his own house, and had constant
opportunity of presenting the
truth to the Ansairia people."
Dr. Stewart reports that 88 communicants
have died in that district
"mostly on account of deportation."
The fate of 22 more was yet in doubt,
and 181 members, four of whom were
received into the church at a communion
held since his return, survive.
In noting their inability to
send any reports for the past three
years, he says it was unsafe to keep
the materials about them for fear of
being searched and condemned as
spies. But, "the great horror is past
and the people are breathing more
freely."
Six months ago and even at the
time of the sailing of the Relief Expedition,
it was hoped that sufficient
knowledge of the needs and possibilities
of these fields might be in the
possession of the Board to permit of
our submitting an outline of plans
for the future. For such facts we
must wait, even though impatiently,
in the confidence that Synod will want
the Board, when such information
comes to hand, to prepare and submit
to the church an adequate programme
of reconstruction and missionary advance
in Asia Minor and Syria. It
will, without doubt, call for the devising
of liberal things, and will be
a challenge to faith; and we are sure
the church, which has labored and
prayed for more than sixty years for
those lands groaning under Turkish
despotism and tyranny, will now
praise God who has broken the power
of the despot and let the oppressed go
free, by giving the men and the

money necessary to save their lives
and redeem their souls.
CYPRUS
The past year has been the most
successful in the history of the work
in Cyprus.' Despite the interruptions
caused by the influenza, an advance
is registered in all departments. The
income from the educational and medical
departments increased to such
an extent as to cover increased cost
of operation. Last June, at the most
successful commencement since the
founding of the academy, eight students
graduated and "the assembly
room did not begin to hold the people
that sought admission." Two of the
graduates were members of our own
church and are now working in the
school. A better school spirit is developing,
owing in part to class receptions,
literary meetings, and the
development of wholesome athletics.
Higher educational standards are
being realized and spiritual interests
are being more strongly emphasized.
Reference to the report of the Rev.
Walter McCarroll will show that
evangelist Dimitriades has done
splendid work in the academy, running
down from Nicosia weekly, to
teach Bible classes and hold meetings
and personal interviews among the
students. His zeal and skill in such
efforts are emphasized by Mr. Mc­
Carroll.
The usual communions have been
held, two at Larnaca and one at Nicosia,
and preaching was maintained
at all the stations.
Dr. Calvin McCarroll again this
year divided his time between the
teaching in Larnaca and the medical
work in Nicosia, three days each week
having been spent in Larnaca. Two
clinics weekly were held in Nicosia.
OLIVE TREES &81
There was more illness than usual on
the island, the influenza being particularly
bothersome. Dr. McCarroll
and Mrs. McCarroll, Mr. Weir and Mr.
Dimitriades were among the first
stricken. A return of the epidemic
"wept through the whole school—
students, teachers and all. Many of
our church members also wereill, but
there were no fatalities to record in
school or church, although the disease
was severe in Cyprus and. the
mortality heavy." Dr: McCarroll reports
his clinics well attended and the
cash receipts far in excess of any
previous record. In connection with
the medical work fewer portions of
Scripture have been given away, but
many more have been sold, "usually
one of the gospels or the Acts. We
hand one of the gospels to the patient
along with his medicine and add the
price to the price of the medicine.
Occasionally a patient objects and we
take the portion back. We have sold
several hundred portions this way
during the past year. And now our
stock being completely exhausted, the
people are asking for the little books."
The future developments of our
woi'k on the island may be conditioned
in no small measure by the
political settlements consequent on
the war. "What the future may have
in store for the island and for the
mission is hidden from our eyes,"
says the Rev. McCarroll, and, he continues,
"naturally we regard with
misgivings the prospects of any
change in the political status of the
island, but the work is His, in whose
. hands are the hearts of kings and
earthly rulers and we are satisfied
that His purposes will not fail of accomplishment."
The furlough of Rev. McCarroll
was due 2 years ago, and that of Dr.
McCarroll and family falls due this
year. They all expect to come home
this summer. Mr. Alvin W. Smith,
who is ready for ordination by his
Presbytery, class a graduate of 1917, of and are Geneva Mr. under Ernest College appointment V. Tweed, the

388 OLIVB TREES
to go out for three years. In order
not to leave the mission wholly in the
hands of these young men, entire
strangers to it, Mr. Weir has graciously
agreed to remain over another
year.
The reports of Rev. and Dr. Mc­
Carroll appear in the June number of
Olive Trees and the attention of
the Synod is called to them, as well
as to that of Dr. James S. Stewart.
CHINA
World disturbances have reached
China, scattering the spirit of unrest
among the people, and mission work
was somewhat hindered by political
conditions. In both districts of our
field there is need for more workers.
This need we hope will be a little more
fully met this year than last. The
reports of all departments in all stations
and outstations are encouraging,
nevertheless. All the missionaries
express regret that the political
conditions and the limited number
of workers prevented their stressing
the direct evangelistic work this
year. Plans are laid to increase this
work next year.
Splendid progress was made in all
the schools and the Theoligical Training
class, in the medical department
and in the ministry of the word. In
the absence of the Rev. and Mrs.
Kempf, the Rev. J. K. Robb had
charge of the Boys' School in Tak
Hing, and Miss Huston had the help
of Miss Brownlee in the Girls' and
Women's Schools; Miss Adams being
on furlough. The Rev. W. M. Robb
and Rev. J. K. Robb had charge of
the Theological Training class. Dr.
Kate W. McBurney, giving mere oversight
to the Gregg Memorial Hospital,
where the native helpers assumed
full resnonsibility, engaged in medical
evangelistic work and made wide
tours throughout the district. She
was accompanied by one or more
evangelistic helpers and was everywhere
received with welcome. Dr. A.
and I. Robb reports reached himself the fieldin in excellent December
health. He will prove a most welcome
addition to the force this present
year. Mr. and Mrs. Kempf and Miss
Adams attended the Bible Teachers'
Training School the past winter and
expect to return to 'Tak Hing in the
Autumn.
In Lo Ting the Misses Dean and
Stewart maintained their high standard
of work in the educational department
for girls and women. Miss
Stewart expects to come home on hei
first furlough this summer. Rev. E.
C. Mitchell has had charge of the
boys' school in addition to his many
other duties. He is the only foreign
minister in the district. The new
hospital, under Dr. Dickson, has done
splendidly, although some time will
be required to induce large numbers
of the people to become inpatients,
It requires for them a large courage
to entrust themselves night and day
to the care of foreigners. Much
larger numbers come for dispensary
treatment. Yet on the whole, the
success of the hospital is very encouraging,
and the native Board of
Trustees is showing a remarkable
willingness to work and resourcefulness
in the management of its affairs.
Dr. Dickson's residence has been finished;
a home for Mr. Mitchell and
one for the native preacher built; and
a new chapel for the congregation, the
old one having been remodeled for the
girls' school.
The new missionaries to China,
Rev. and Mrs. R. C. Adams, and Rev.
and Mrs. J. C. Mitchel, will soon be
ready for active service. They are
already working part time while they
complete their preliminary work on
the language. Miss Smith and Dr.
Wallace are spending a second year
in the Language School.
A good corps of committees is in
active service for the mission as a
whole. Beside the evangelistic, the
educational, the medical, there are
also the industrial and one on witness
bearing the has entire view and financialpolicy. larger another and on ultimately revision This last en- of

tire self support in all departments
just as soon as the work has been
sufficiently established. This would
leave the foreign workers free for
general oversight, and a larger supply
of both missionaries and money for
the opening up of new stations.
Following the action of last Synod
Dr. Wright worked all year at the
Canton Medical Missionary Union.
His report when printed will make
interesting reading, and the statistical
report indicates the wide open
door he has had for the employment
of his talents and • professional skill.
He and his family are now on their
way to this country on furlough.
Under permission of the Board and
the Mission the Rev. J. K. Robb is
coming at his own expense for a few
months visit with his family.
The reports of the workers are of a
high order and will well repay careful
reading and study. A sufficient number
of them will be printed in early
numbers of Olive Trees, to give
an adequate and comprehensive view
of the work as a whole. Without
going into further details this year,
we shall merely emphasize a few special
features of the work as a whole.
Touching the opening of a new center
in China Synod, last year, advised
that further and favorable consideration
be given to the subject. Accordingly
the Board asked the mission
to 'proceed with investigations.
Dr. J. M. Wright and Rev. E. C.
Mitchell made a trip to Nanning, and
correspondence was had by the mission's
committee with the China Continuation
Committee relative to the
needs of the province of Yunnan, said
to be now the most needy district in
OLIVE TREES 389
China. Satisfactory correspondence
was had also with a former missionary
of the Christian and Missionary
Alliance, now a Christian business
man located at Yunnanfu, Mr. G. B.
Carpenter. With such information
before it, the committee reported to
the mission at the annual meeting in
January. The mission gave careful
consideration to the question, and although
not yet ready to recommend
a new center for oirrchoice, proposes:
"First, that the Board authorize the
opening of a new field; and. Second,
that in case this request is granted,
further investigation on the part of
the mission be made before making
definite representations to the Board
as to location of the new field." The
Board is. inclined to approve of the
general proposal under the limitations
named in the second recommendation
of the mission, and hereby
asks for instructions from Synod.
In the absence of Dr. Wright on
furlough. Dr. Dickson was appointed
by the mission to take his place on the
investigating committee.
(Since this report .was printed definite
recommendations from the Mission
have been received. Their committee
had returned from an investigating
tour of southern Yunnan.
Their report was carefully considered
and unanimously adopted by both stations,
and recommends that this new
field be occupied at the earliest date
possible. This proposal and accompanying
papers are submitted to
Synod.)
Another item of interest deserving
mention is that the annual meeting
this year took time for conferences,
based on carefully prepared reports,
made after investigating the needs of
the specific departments of the mission's
work. This led to a prolonged
session, the meeting lasting from
January 20 to 28, and is generally believed
to have been a factor in making
this year's meeting one of the best of
the mission. It was resolved that
such conferences should be made a
permanent feature of the annual
meeting, and that the needs of each
department would thus be brought,
by carefully prepared surveys, before
the entire mission for consideration.
Particular attention was given this
year to the need of introducing industrial
features in the misionary program.
A report, giving evidence of
painstaking investigation of methods
eraployed in many mission fields, and

890 OLIVE TREES
setting forth the need in our own
field, seemingly beyond dispute,
closes with a series of resolutions
looking toward the introduction of
industrial work. The body of the
report contains these words: "The
need to Christianize the industrial
life is urgent and strategic. China
is much in need of an example, an
incarnation of Christian principles
lived out in society. China is
searching for models to follow. The
Chinese are imitators. There is also
a distinct need among the educational
class of our field. Physical exertion
is left out of their curriculum. Unless
something opens up to thera
along e'ducational lines they are in a
more helpless 'state than the unlearned.
If any are to advance, they
ought by all means to be educated."
Hence the imperative need for their
industrial training. China can not be
redeemed until the educated are led
to believe that it is both decent and
noble for them and their people to
work. The following resolution was
adopted by the mission: "First, that
some one person be appointed by the
mission to organize and develop industrial
work in our mission," and
the Rev. J. C. Mitchel, a graduate of
Manhattan Agricultural College, was
appointed. The second and third resolutions,
dealing with plans and proposing
the establishing of an industrial
school in some suitable center,
were recommitted for further investigation.
If Synod will give its approval,
the Board will endorse this
appointment, and issue an appeal for
some one qualified to take charge of
this work that Mr. Mitchel may as
soon as practicable give his time more
fully to the ministerial work.
We are certain of Synod's interest
in the work of the mission's committee
on witness bearing. There is a
determination to follow up the work
begun in 1913, when Rev. J. K. Robb
carried the Memorial on Christian
Civil Government to Peking, and presented
it to China's first president.
Yuan Shi Kiai. There is the greatest
need for throwing the salt of the gospel
into the springs of the social, industrial
and civic life. With the proposal
of American brewers to move
their business to China, missionaries
of all churches sprang to the opposition.
Our committee made its protest
to be heard. They are also fighting
the cigarette and lottery evils.
Christ's place in political life is being
pubhshed by means of literature ani}
public address. Openings for addresses
on this subject have been secured
in Canton, in the Canton Christian
College, the Union Theological
Seminary, and the Chan Kwong Girls'
School. Dr. A. I. Robb has been
asked to make a visit to Korea this
summer to investigate missior
schools and spend part of his time delivering
addresses on Christ's authority
in national life. Copies of Dr. J,
M. Coleman's book on "Social Ethics"
have been placed in Canton educational
libraries, with the editor of the
Chinese Recorder, in book stores and
in the hands of a few governmenl
officials, one of these being the Chief
Justice of the Canton Government,
The "Collapse of Christless- Civilizations,"
by Prof. R. C. Wyhe, is to be.
placed in the libraries of all English
speaking institutions in China. There
have been calls for literature along
the lines of the nation's relation to
Jesus Christ by missionaries of other
denominations. Chinese Christians
are also interested and are anxious to
read literature and listen to the message.
Then with all else there is the
constant effort to bring the faith and
conduct of our own Chinese Christians
up to the political standard of
the word of God.
The China Mission is also taking
definite steps to make the native selfsupporting.
In recent years there has
been a growing conviction that the
Chinese have been, to their hurt, allowed
to think that Christianity is the
foreigner's religion and not their
own; that the foreign religion should
be supported from without, and that
they, at most, are to favor it with the

patronage of accepting it, and helpin^g
to spread it merely as paid employees
of a foreign organization. The missionaries
have been gravely and prayerfully
studying this problera. They
have been reading such books as
"Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or
ours," (a book well worth reading by
all persons interested in raissions, and
especially by every minister), and
studying the methods of such men as
John Livingston Nevius, M. D., one of
the "Princely Men of the Heavenly
Kingdom." Paul planted the gospel
and set the new converts to the task
iraraediately of making it self supporting
that he might go on to plant
it in new fields. Dr. Nevius pursued
the same method in China. Thegeneral
view of our raission is summed
up in these sentences, taken from the
report of a special comraittee and
adopted by the misson at its annual
meeting this year: "We consider it
the duty of the Christian church to
take the gospel to every part of the
world free. But it is also the duty of
the Christian church to make it plain
to all who have the opportunity to
hear and accept the faith, that immediately
upon its acceptance it becomes
the costliest thing in the
world the Christian can possess. In
other words, it requires nothing less
than the convert's all. It is also true
that the worship of the true and living
God costs nothing more than
what the poorest mortal on the face
of the earth can put into it."
Then follow resolutions adopting
"the principle of self support in our
mission work" and making "its full
attainraent in all departraents our
definite aim;" and that "as a necessary
step toward the attainment of
this end we labor to interest, educate,
and enlist the Chinese church, placing
responsibility upon it as rapidly as
possible." Then follow definite plans
for putting this method into operation.
And to help the native church
lay aside its swaddling clothes and
learn to walk in its own strength, the
mission adopted "as a first step
OLIVE TREES 891
toward putting existing work on a
self-supporting basis, we suggest conferences
with the leading Christians
at each of our main stations, and the
working out with them of the most
efficient and progressive plans to
which we can secure their consent
and support, emphasizing the prior
iraportance of congregational and
evangelistic effort, and that workers
are responsible for a fieldrather than
a chapel." This does not mean that
we shall need less money from the
church at home. As the work develops
we shall need more. All salaries
of missionaries we still stand to
pay. New fields must be opened up
and the work in all parts put on a
permanent basis. Our missionaries
must continue in oversight for the
indefinite future. But if the plan
succeeds, the native church, the
chapels, the schools, will in all places,
main centers and outstations, be
speedily attaining self-support, except
for salaries of our missionaries
and expense of mission administration.
Both our congregations, Lo Ting
and Tak Hing, have voted to be selfsupporting
this year. They have
agreed to the organizing of tithing
societies among their members in all
parts of the field. The native doctors
at the Gregg Memorial Hospital have
done the same, and it will be recalled
that the Lo Ting Hospital was built
and equipped by the Chinese and they
have their own Board of Directors
to provide for its maintenance.
We commend this venture to the
church for careful study and earnest
prayers.
We raention but one more special
feature of the year's work in China,
the evangelistic. Though all agree
that it was not pressed as they would
have desired, the reports are replete
with interesting incidents and records
of successful sowing, and not a little
reaping. Dissatisfied with their successes,
the mission decided upon a
much larger effort for the coming
year. Each missionary has taken the

392 OLIVE TREES
evangelistic pledge appearing on the
cover of Olive Trees, and they ask
the church at home to unite with them
in this pledge.
One could wish to speak of Dr. Mc­
Burney's medico-evangelistic tours,
those of the Rev. W. M. and Rev. J,
K. Robb, and of Rev. E. C. Mitchell,
by which large areas were reached.
Let but one paragraph be caught up
out of Mr. Mitchell's report, then we
shall hear of the campaign covering
two months last Fall. Says" Mr.
Mitchell: "A new station seems to be
opening in Shuen Po, a market town
about twenty miles from Lo Ting. A
year ago a man came from there to
be baptized. In the Spring he intended
to bring others out to be baptized,
but on account of robber conditions
they could not leave home. Last
October he came with four other men
who received baptism and they told
me there were a number of men there
who wanted to be baptized. I visited
them in December with Lo Sin Shang.
They told me that I was the firstforeign
missionary that ever visited
there and perhaps the first foreigner.
We had a meeting while
there and four others were baptized,
making nine young men who have
been baptized in that one district
this year. They are now discussing
ways and means of opening a chapel.
I told them if they would furnish the
chapel, the mission would furnish the
preacher. Their last word almost
with me as I started away was that
we should pray for them that the
Lord would help them to get a
chapel."
When one comes to think of a general
evangelistic campaign the mind
turns instinctively to the. native
preachers and the Theological School
where they are trained. "Observation
justifies the statement," says Mr.
Robb, "that the Chinese if trained
can preach the gospel of glad tidings
to their own countrymen better than
those of another race can do it, and
the training of a native ministry
seems essential to the furtherance of
the work." Accordingly large dependence
was had on them for the
success of the campaign. After
weeks of planning and prayer, during
which sermons on the person and
work of the Holy. Spirit were being
preached for the refreshment and
quickening of the workers, both foreign
and native, the immediate steps
were taken. "Two conferences with
similar programs were held, one at
Tak Hing, the other at Lo Ting."
Following these "a representative
joint committee of the Chinese Christians
from Tak Hing and Lo Ting
met at an intermediate point, and
planned an evangelistic tour of two
months' duration during the late Fall,
covering the fivedistricts of our field.
The plan in general was to select two
of the best workers from each central
station, these four unitedly to
make a tour of the principal cities and
market towns of this field."
"In the tour of the territory, which
is about the area of the land our
Saviour trod, only the more iraportant
places could be touched, and these
only long enough to dispense a few
morsels of the bread of life to the
multitudes. In all some 30 cities and
market towns were reached, the latter
usually on market days, when
publicity was given to the cause, not
simply in the town itself, but to a
territory on every side of several
miles. The gospel was boldly
preached on the streets, in homes, in
ancestral halls, and even in the very
temples of the false gods and under
the shadow of the idols themselves.
About 200 public addresses were
given on gospel themes with very
many personal conversations, which
were oftentimes more effective than
the set speech. Perhaps the raost
effective method was the small group
which furnished one chief speaker,
others listening and commenting. In
addition several hundred gospels were
disposed of at a nominal price to insure
their reading."
"The distance covered if estimated,

in the terras of one raan, was about
2800 railes."
In bearing testiraony to the devotion
of our Chinese brethren, Mr.
Robb says: "One of the group who
found real joy in the service remarked
at the close of a particularly uplifting
evening: 'To do this work is better
than being an emperor.' "
To the joy which this account
brings our hearts, we must also add
the challenge brought by the fresh
discoveries of need made by such a
survey. More preachers and Bible
women from America are needed.
Rev. J. K. Robb tells us once raore
that the country work is suffering
from lack of attention even more than
last year; and the result of the itinerating
work says he, "has been to
reveal the crying need of many portions
of the fieldwhere the gospel
sound has never yet been heard."
And summing up the observations' of
the two months' tour. Rev. W. M.
Robb says: "Few women heard the
message, which fact is a distinct challenge
to those who alone can give to
the sisterhood of China the message
of divine love."
With profound sadness the Board
records the death of Mrs. Dickson, the
aged mother of Dr. E. J. M. Dickson,
Lo Ting, and of Mr. J. French Carithers.
who spent more than four
years in Mersina and was attending
the Seminary with a view to returning
more fully equipped to the mission
field. He was a young man of
sterling character and his gifts gave
nromise of a bright future. Under
leadership of the Rev. J. D. Edgar,
Synod's secretary of Young Peoples'
Societies, a Memorial Fund is being
raised for use in the fieldwhere Mr.
Carithers labored.
OLIVE TREES 393
tual us
Careful
to needs appeal
calculations
of for the an regular appropriation
as to
woVk
the
lead
ac­
of
$35,000 for China and a like araount
for the Levant.
In view of the extreme need in the
Syrian and Asia Minor fields we venture
to suggest that Synod direct the
Board, as soon as necessary information
is available, to lay plans before
the church for a reconstruction and
forward movement in the Near East
and appeal for the necessary contributions.
The Mission Study books are especially
attractive this year. The
Woman's Boards have published "A
Crusade for the Healing of the Nations,"
by Dr. Mary J, Allen, of India;
and for the Juniors, "Mook," true
tales of a Chinese boy and his friends,
by Mrs. Evelyn Worthley Sites, of
China.
The missionary education movement
has prepared two, touching the
foreign fieldand one on the horae
fi.eld: "New Life Currents in China,"
by Mary Ninde Gamewell gives special
attention to the development to
the Christian church in China; and
"Ministers of Mercy," by James H.
Franklin gives the' stories of ten outstanding
raedical raissionaries.For
suppleraental reading "Foreign
Magic," by Jean Carter Cochrari, is
suggested. It is "a series, of delightful
tales of Chinese folks."
The Home Mission study book is
"Christian Americanization: A Task
for the Churches," by Charles Alvin
Brooks. We also suggest "The Call
of a World Task," by J. Lovell Murray.
The statistical report is printed
herewith.
The term of membership on the
Board of R. C. Montgomery, D. D.,
S. A. S. Metheny. M. D., William G.
Carson and Joseph M. Steele has expired.
We appeal for new workers in
Synod should choose their
every department; for ministers, physicians,
•siif*CGSsors
nurses, teachers, Bible woraen
and agriculturists.
Dr. F. M. Foster and Findley M,
Wilson have been appointed to represent
Synod. open And before now,
the
vdth
Board
us, and the
on
whilst fieldslying
the
we
floor
behoW wide
of

394 OLIVE TREES
the heart-rending vision of a torn and
bleeding and ravaged world, dying
yet crying for Christ, who alone can
save, what shall our response be
Shall our faith and our vision prove
equal to our opportunities which
spell obligation Shall our courage
be adequate to the tasks our Lord assigns
Shall we falter and fail Or,
believing in the sufficiency of our God
and the power of His Christ, shall we
come up to help of the Lord against
the mighty Is not the day of
Christ's kingdom breaking Are not
century-long shadows beginning to
flee away Do present duties, mighty
and difficult, make us face the hidden
future still trembling Does menacing
blackness enshroud our pathway
Then let faith hear the words of our
Lord and Leader: "He that followeth
me shall not walk in darkness, but
shall have the light of life." (John
8:12). Then Christ was the world's
leader as it staggered through the
awful days of war! "These things
have I spoken unto you, that ye should
not be offended." (John 16:1). "But
these things have I told you, that
when the time shall come, ye may remember
that I told you of them."
(John 16:4). "Now I have told you
before it come to pass, that, when it
is come to pass, ye might believe."
(John 14:29). There is another
great word of his he means us to believe
even before we see it completely
fulfilled. It was a sure word of God
one hour before the devastating hail
of death descended upon a startled
world. It was none the less sure during
every dread hour of these frightful
years of attempted world assassination.
And, however long the
aftermath of unrest and sporadic
riot and revolution may continue, it
still remains his sure word of truth
and power—and Christ demands that
faith believe it—"Come, behold the
works of the Lord, what desolations
He hath made in the earth. He maketh
wars to cease unto the end of the
earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth
the spear in sunder; He burneth
the chariot in the fire. Be still
and know that I am God: I will be exalted
among the nations; I will be
exalted in the earth. The Lord of
hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is
our refuge." (Ps. 46:8-11). "Now, I
have told you before it come to pass,
that, when it is come to pass, ye
might believe." "Oh that men would
praise the Lord for his goodness, and
for his wonderful works to the children
of men." (Ps. 107:8). To withhold
praise until the eye of flesh can
see all accomplished and Christians
at rest from their finished labors is
unworthy of faith in our God—is
sheer practical atheism! In the light
of these words of God let the fortunes
of the kingdom of Christ on earth be
reviewed, and plans for its future
development be laid.
Respectfully submitted for the Board,
Findley M. Wilson,
Corresponding Secretary.
REPORT OF LATAKIA, SYRIA.
By Rev. James S. Stewart, D. D.
Our report at this time will necessarily
call for a brief reference to
the most important events that have
taken place in our fieldsince the beginning
of the world war. There is
perhans no phrase that more aptly
describes our position during this
period than "holding the fort." God
has enabled us to do this, but not
without heavy losses. After the enforced
departure of S. Edgar, and
that of his family, accompanied by
Miss Mearns, a little later, and the
death of Miss M. R. Wylie, there remained
only Miss Edgar and J. S.
Stewart, of the regular force; but
Mrs. Stewart had her opportunity
when her husband was banished, and
Miss Edgar was compelled to take a
private house and give up school
work. We received notice from the
Board that we were to leave the country
if. certain warships should visit
our shores, but they never came, and
we stayed on. Results have shown,

moreover, that it was much better to
reraain. We were needed here to comfort
and encourage the people, to care
for, the poor and the sick, and to
guard the property of the Missions
and the missionaries. When relations
were brokenoff between America and
Turkey, we had a chance to go by
rail via Constantinople, but decided
to stay and keep on working as long
it might be possible..
In general, the time of the war was
unfavorable for evangelistic work.
The stagnation of business, scarcity
of food. Government oppression, the
terrors of the military conscription,
the absence of the patriotic spirit, and
the general hopelessness, tended to
make life alKiost insupportable. The
supreme questions of life were how
to get enough to eat and how to escape
the draft. No one thought of
volunteering to • fight his country's
battles, except the Ansairia, who entered
the home force in order to
escape foreign duty.
The city of Latakia is the only
place where our work has continued
without interruption. There have
been the usual meetings on Sabbaths
and Thursdays, and the day schools
have been open as usual. For more
than a year there was no public
preaching, because your missionary
was in banishment at Konia, under
the false charge, of making signals
to the British and French patrol
ships; while our hcentiate was at his
mountain home on account of the conscription.
We have had, of course, no mission
doctor nor disjpenser of our owh, but
as long as we had any medicines
there were constant demands made
upon them for the benefit of our own
people and many others. About a
year ago the Government purchased
at a nominal price the remainder of
the drugs and the most of the hospital
bedsteads and bedding, to start
a municipal hospital, but we were
granted .the privilege of sending our
poor patients there free of charge.
Latakia has fared better than raany
OLIVE TREES 395
other places, yet the suffering from
disease, hunger and lack of clothing
has been very great. We have given
away all that we thought we could
spare of money, clothing, bedding,
medicines and food. We distributed
several hundred pounds sent us from
Beirut on account of the Red Cross
Society.
The worst calamity that has befallen
us was the deportation of the
Arraenians. It is useless as well as
impossible to describe the horrors attending
it. At first it seemed that the
Government had orders to spare the
Protestant Armenians, but a little
later they were cajled out and sent
off with the others. The Government
provided a few animals, without pack
saddles or ropes, to carry their baggage
and food. The people were
driven on foot, day after' day, until
they reached the^ Euphrates, where
they were embarked on flat-boatsor
rafts for Deir Zor. After their arrival
there we received many letters
from them, and answered their appeals
for help, but it finally became
known that raost of them had been
killed outright, or had di^d of want
and exposure. Our little Protestant
community of Latakia lost 36 members,
but perhaps six of them may
yet return. About the same time the
Armenians of the village of Gunairaia,
numbering perhaps 300 souls,
Were deported. These were not sent
so far away, but found a stopping
place at fiamath and the surrounding
villages. About one-half of them lived
to return at the close of the war, but
' a number have died since their return.
They were given but one day to prepare
for their journey, and so were
corapelled to leave most of their possessions
in the hands of their Moslem
neighbors. These did not vvish nor
expect that any of them would live
to return, and now that some have
returned though in a destitute condition
few are willing to give up any
part of the plunder. Their houses are
nearly all in ruins. Even Dr. Balph's
sumraer house has been robbed of fur-

896 OLIVE TREES
niture, doors, windows, fioors,partitions;
nothing remains except the
outer walls and the roof.
The large village of Kessab, on the
side of Mt. Cassius, which was under
the care of the American Board, lost
its thousands where we lost only hundreds.
Some 1600 have returned, and
are bravely trying to make a new
start in life. Their houses have not
been so much destroyed as those of
Gunaimia, but their Moslem neighbors
are just as much enraged at
their retum and are doing their utmost
to starve them out, and are even
threatening to kill them. S. Edgar
has just returne4 from a tour of investigation
in the above-mentioned
localities and Suadia, and reports
that the conditions are extremely disheartening.
We were not allowed to visit the
Suadia Station during tbe war to look
after the interests of the Mission
there. The whole Christian population
was removed, and about half of
them perished. Their houses were
robbed and their silk gardens were
neglected and destroyed, and the
school buildings and gardens belonging
to the Mission shared the same
fate. All our teachers and gardeners
were either drafted or baiiished.
At the beginning of the war the
Government forced down the market
value of gold and silver coins, thereby
causing great loss to the people. Then
paper currency, fiat monejr, v^^as issued
in abundance, which rapidly depreciated
in value, reaching at one
time one-eighth of its face value. It
ceased to be legal tender in this part
of the country at the time of the
occupation. Although all our village
schools were closed, we had to give
help to some of the discharged teachers.
The pay of those who were
teaching was reduced to the starvation
point but still we seemed to be
spending a lot of money. Prices of
food and clothing were high, and all
kinds of goods scarce. $4.50 would
have to be exchanged for a paper lira
Tiirkish, which was worth say 40
cents. Since forty to sixty American
dollars were required to buy a pair
of shoes, and two to three hundred to
buy a suit of clothes, it may easily be
inferred that the common people did
not buy much; nor have they any
prospect of doing so at this date.
We have thought it best not to resume
school work in Suadia and the
villages until we receive definite instructions
from the Board to do so.
The amount of our indebtedness;
which is considerable, may be known
from our financialreport to the treasurer.
The amount due the Beiruit
Mission treasurer, and the amount
borrowed by us at interest, should be
repaid as soon as possible.
Having no certain knowledge of future
conditions, in relation to misr
sionary operations, it is plainly impossible
to outline any plan for future
work. We are anxiously awaiting
developments.
We sent a brief report for the year
1915, but were not able to send any
for the past three years, or even to
keep the materials about us, for fear
of being searched and condemned as
spies. The great horror has passed
and people are breathing more freely,
but there is much yet to be desired.
(For interesting figures see Statistical
Report.)
REPORT FROM LARNACA,
CYPRUS
By Rev. Walter McCarroll.
Our last report did not get started
from heretill March 12, and it covered
a period of only nine months.,
but this time we have a full year of
activities to report and with a prospect
that it will reach you somewhat
more promptly than the last. Though
the year 1918 will go down in history
as a memorable one, yet there was
no event of unusual or extraordinary
significance, apparently, in Cyprus,
In spite of the absence of great hap-

penings in Cyprus it was a year
fraught with significance for Cyprus
as well as the rest of the world. The
work of the Mission has gbne on the
even tenor of its way during the past
year, and we have nothing of startling
import to record. There has. been
steady growth in the different departments
of work so far as tangible
things are concerned, but that there
has been perceptible improvement
spiritually would be, perhaps, too
much to say.
The. year was begun with the observance
of the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper after preparatory
services during the week. Some additional
features were introduced into
the school life and work, viz., a series
of class receptions and literary meetings,
which added zest and life to student
activities and helped to develop
social qualities and mental faculties.
The event of outstanding interest in
the Athletic Departraent was the annual
track and field meet between the
Academy and the English School, in
which the Academy carried off the
shield.
During the spring term a very necessary
addition to the school was built
in way of a kitchen, storeroom and
lavatory, which at the same time afforded
a little more room for classes
and other requirements.
During Easter vacation the writer
visited Kyrenia district, while others
of our circle went to the Carpass.
The closing exercises in June were
the most successful in the history of
the school. There was a graduating
class of eight members, whose work
during the year had been for the most
part of a high order. Two of this
class were members of our own
church and are now working in the
school. The Asserably room did not
begin to hold the people that sought
adraission.
Mr. Weir, during the summer vacation,
had a nasty turn of dengue
fever, as did also our French master,
but, fortunately, they were both able
t6 get away to the hills later on, which
OLIVE TREES 397
helped them to recuperate their
strength. The summer was an exceptionally
cool one, and those of us who
did not go to the hills did not suffer
unduly. The one startling and rather
depressing event of the summer was
the sinking of the "Kosseir," our one
hnk with tiie outside world, the
weekly mail steamer between Cyprus
and Egypt. It was torpedoed and
sunk towards the end of July, and we
have had no regular mail service from
that time till this.
The plans for the new school which
was to open in September included a
raise of 25 per cent, to 35 per cent, in
the school fee, owing to the steady
advance in the cost of hving. This
has resulted in an income sufficient
to cope with the heavily increased expenditure.
We made arrangements
for Evangelist Dimitriades to come
down each week along with the doctor
to help out with the Bible classes.
This arrangement has enabled us to
give greater emphasis to the spiritual
side of the school work. The brother
has shown a very commendable earnestness
and enthusiasm in dealing
with the boys personally, and he already
has sevei""al boys that appear to
be genuinely interested-'in spiritual
things.
During the month of October the
school was visited by the infiuenza
scourge, and it looked as if we had
established a hospital but, fortunately,
the visitation was a light one,
and there were no fatalities. A sec- '
ond epidemic later on in the town and
district carried off a large number,
but this time the school was more immune.
In spite of all such difficulties
the school work went steadily forward
till the close of the term at the
regular time.
The signing of the Armistice on
November llth caused, of course,
great rejoicing here as well as elsewhere.
The Greeks were especially
excited, because they thought that at
last their aspirations would be realized
and their hopes fulfilled, and they
would be united to "Mother Greece."

398 OLIVE TREES
Later we received letters from Syria
with the good news that our fellowworkers
there were alive and well.
School closed for the Christmas and
New Year vacation on December 21.
On the last Sabbath of the year we
observed the Sacrament of the Lord's
Supper after the usual preparatory
services. On the last day of the year
the High Commissioner of the island,
who had been suffering for months
previous, passed away. Once more
we were reminded that Death is no
respecter of persons, and that we all
move on steadily and inevitably to the
one appointed end—not merely to the
end of a year, or a life, but to the
"end of the age," and the "end of all
things."
The accompanying table of statistics
will show that there has been
steady progress in both the medical
and educational sides of the work.
As to the net results in the way of
conversions, and the deepening of the
spiritual life in our members we have
not so much to record. In fact, three
or four that we trusted and counted
on spiritually have sorely disappointed
us; but, on the other hand, several
others from whom we expected
nothing, have manifested a deep interest
in their soul's salvation and in
the work of the Lord. One of these
is a nephew of Evangelist Dimitriades,
and he gives evidence not only
of genuine conversion but of one day
becoming a worker in the Lord's vineyard.
The money for the purchase of the
athletic field,of which we wrote last
year, was very generously forwarded
by your treasurer during the summer,
but owing to the very uncertain
political situation and outlook, we
thought it best to delay action in the
matter.
The statistical table will show that
479 copies of the Scriptures have been
sold notdistril3uted,and that the financial
income from the school and medical
department has largely exceeded
that of any previous year.
What the future may have in store
for the Island and for the Mission is
hidden from our eyes. Naturally we
regard with misgivings the prospects
of any change in the political status of
the Island, but the work is His, in
whose hands are the hearts of kings
and all earthly rulers, and we are satisfied
that His purposes will not fail
of accomplishment.
As is known to you, the furlough of
the writer is now two years overdue,
while that of Dr. McCarroll falls due
this year. Mr. Weir's three-year
period expires this next summer, and
he is anxious to get back to his studies,
but he has generously agreed to
stay on for another year to hold the
fort during the absence of the older
missionaries. If po unforeseen obstacle
prevents, all the McCarrolls in
Cyprus will go home on furlough
sometime during the year. The dangers
of travel have been largely reraoved,
but many of the difficulties
still remain. We hope, however, by
the good hand of our God upon us to
be -permitted to see loved ones once
more.
It is with satisfaction that we have
learned of the appointment of Mr.
Alvin Smith to Cyprus, and that he
will come out this summer. We urge
also the appointment of another
three-year man to accompany Mr.
Smith that he may have a year's experience
before the departure of Mr.
Weir.
May it be our unceasing prayer to
the Lord of the harvest to thrust
forth more laborers into his harvest,
for the harvest truly is plenteous but
the laborers few.
Respectfully submitted,
for the Cyprus Mission.
We have also a very interesting report
from Dr. Cilvin McCarroll, which will
be printed next month.—Ed.
Qur corps of missionaries who sailed
from New York Feb. i6 for the Levant,
reached Mersina April 23d. All well.

O L I V E T R E E S ^9''
SUMMARY OP FOREIGN MISSION ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING
_^ APRIL 20, 1919.
CHINA MISSION.
Balance May 1, 1918 $5,265.27
Total Receipts from Cong-regations 18,060.24
" Sabbath Schools and Societies 2,752.18
" Individuals.... 1,256.92
" Miscellaneous Sources 4,205.97
$31,541.28
DISBURSEMENTS.
Salaries $19,197.50
Mission Expense 10,612.39
Travel 2,833.48
Disbursements in Excess 32,643.37 $1,102.09
Disbursements There also to the credit of this account $200.00 (Face Value) of Liberty Bonds. $32,643.37
Receipts LEVANT MISSIONS.
31,541.28
Balance May 1, 1918
Nothing
Total Receipts from Congregations $10,292.92
" Sabbath Schools and Societies 2,299.24
" "
" Individualls 1,436.12
" Miscellaneous Sources disbursements.
4,083.27
.,111.55
S-yria: Salaries -. . $3,510.00
Mission Expense
Asia Minor: Salaries
5,149.23
$4,650.00
$8,659.23
Mission Expense 1,374.64
Cifprus: Salaries $4,110.00
Mission Expense 3,942.95
- 6,024.64
8,052.95
22,736.82
Disbursements $22,736.82
Receipts 18,111.55
Disbursements in Excess $4,625.27
SPECIAL FUNDS
China: Balance May 1, 1918 $466.24
Receipts 4,712.46
. $5,178.70
Payments 3,655.72
Balance May 1, 1919 $1,522.98
S-ijria: Balance Mav 1- 1918 (Chiefly for Relief) $9,431.09
Receipts (Chiefly for Relief) 17,002.76
. 26,433.85
Cash Forwarded to Mission 7,082.15
Balance May 1, 1919 ^19,35L/70
In addition to the cash herein shown there is $250.00 (Face Value) of Liberty Bonds
to the credit of this account.
ASIA MINOR.
Balance May 1, 1918 $42.00 $72.00
Receipts No payments from this fund.
30.00
Cyprus: Balance May 1, 1918 $30.00
Receipts 800.00
$830.00
Payments Made to Missions 830.00

400 OLIVE TREES
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North FrankHn Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
The members of the Relief Expedition
have been detained far longer
than they like at Constantinople.
They were still on the island of Prinkipo,
about twelve miles from Constantinople,
on April Sth. Rev. R. E.
Willson writes on that date, "We
were quite hopeful that we would get
away this week. There was one
small steamer of the Messagieries line
which was routed for Smyrna, Mersine,
Alexandretta, Latakia and
Beiruit, and was expected to leave
here next Friday. In addition to
this they are trying to get a larger
steamer of the same line to take the
larger part of the group direct to
Beiruit. Yesterday, when the folks
went over to the city expecting to get
some good news, they learned that
both steamers had been diverted by
order of the military authorities to
go back to the Black Sea to Odessa,
where conditions seem to be very critical.
This leaves us again without
anything definite in sight, and every
one that has been recently over the
railroad inland advises against taking
the train. Some who came
through from Jerusalem this week
say that Turkish troops are moving
in the interior and whenever any
train comes to a stop, the soldiers
swarm on it. They brought reports
of great need in that section. They
estimate that a third of the population
had died of hunger and disease.
Dr. Stanley White, who is at the head
of the Syrian work is very anxious
to get his party down there and at
work. He himself is here in Constantinople
and is held up with the rest,
and is working hard to get them
started on. That gives us hope that
some proyision may be made soon."
SYRIA.
Captain Samuel Edgar Visits the Out-
Stations Surrounding Latakia. A
Description of the Destruction and
Desolation in Suadea, Kessab, Gunamia
and Antioch.
Suadea, Syria.
February 27, 1919.
Dear Bro. Wilson and Members of
the Board:
From the above heading you learn
that I have been transferred from
Tripoli farther north into the Latakia
district. Dr. Nelson took over
the work in Tripoli and this set me
free for a very needy field. Several
times had calls come to our Major in
Beiruit, asking for help for the returned
Armenian refugees of this district,
but no one was free that he
could send. Ever since opening the
Beiruit Center we have been laboring
short handed. I had been hoping for
this transfer for some time, so it was
with joy I came, having some idea of
the need, and glad the work in the
Tripoli field was going into the hands
of a man of experience and one who
knew the fieldbetter than I.
Glad to findthe workers in Latakia
all in good health and looking as
though they were really living again.
It was good to see Dr. Stewart in his
place again in good health after such
trying experiences.
After four days in Latakia arranging
business affairs, I started on a
journey partly marked out by the
orders of our Major in Beiruit. These
orders were to investigate the condition
of the returning Armenian Refugees
in this territory. This meant
a visit to Gunamia, Kessab, Suadea
and Antioch and later it may include
more. Having visited Gunamia and

OLIVE TREES 401
ara now in Suadea and having seen
the conditions of these centers in
which you are deeply interested I
thought I would send you what raight
serve as an official report.
As I write tonight I am in what's
left of the mission house in Suadea.
I am in the sitting-room of the caretaker.
My light is a small clay cup
filled with olive oil and from the edge
hangs a little bit of twisted cotton
which serves as a wick. I have a wee
dirty table for a desk and a school
bench, which serves as a Davenport.
There is a small "munkle," with about
the size of your two fistsof firein it,
and I wear my heavy army overcoat
and a fine chamois jacket, which was
given me for such occasions as this by
some of your noble workers at home.
The windows are broken and in many
cases gone entirely, and the wind
howls through the place as though
we were in the mountains. Around
the small fire sits seven • of the returned
refugees. Each one tells a
harrowing tale of experience in the
deportation days. The teacher's wife
is just telling how many times the
Moslems tried to have her sell their
girl of 12 years for 76 cents. They
assured her that it was better than
to have the child die yonder. But they
refused, saying that if we die she dies
with us. Many children were sold for
less than this and many taken without
price. Our old care-taker and
wife who have been here since our
early days are both gone. He was
shot here at the Orontes, returning
from Latakia, where he had gone to
report to Dr. Stewart the condition
of the place. Those who killed him
robbed him of the money he had for
the work and the workers. Whether
he was thrown into the Orontes or
left to the birds and beasts is not
known to his folks. He was a trusted
servant. Dr. Metheny. Henry Easson,
Dr. Moore, Miss Cunnigham, C.
A. Dodds, and Dr. J. B. Dodds all bore
testimony to his readiness to serve,
night or day. And those of us who
knew him in these recent years testify
that we trusted him with uncounted
gold and never worried about
it. His wife died in a tent away out
yonder beyond Aleppo; also their son,
Yacob. The last mentioned leaves a
wife and four children and nothing
but an empty house to provide for
them.
Your mission property here is in
very bad shap^. The houses have
been stripped entirely of their furniture
left here by Miss Cunningham
and Rev. Dodds. A few pieces may
be found scattered here and there.
All the books are gone. The beds
and bed clothing. Most of these were
taken by the Turkish officers and then
what they were unable to take with
them in the day of flight was appropriated
by the Fellaheen.
The windows are smashed, scarcely
a whole pane of glass is to be found.
Even the wooden shutters have been
torn off, carried away and used as
kindling. The gardens have been
neglected for the past two years, as
the Christian people were all deported
from here and sent to Antioch and
Aleppo and Tslab. Many of them
found their homes had fallen in their
absence and what had been left in
their hurried flight had been stolen.
You can readily imagine the poverty
and nakedness of the people now. One
pities especially the women and children
in their rags and hungry condition.
I am sleeping on a borrowed bed in
one of the school rooms. Its only
carpet is a nice level sheet of water
which I ara glad to say has not yel
reached ray bedside and I hone to get
away ere it increases. There are
plenty of fleas and an abundance of
li,ght and air for reasons given above.
There was one small bowl and one
spoon when I came and there were
ten of us to use them. The. bowl got
broken and a neighbor house was
compelled to hand over its only tin
cun for the sake of the visitor.
Now to return to Gunamia conditions.
I cannot describe my feelings.
Nor the condition of the village. Ira-

402 OLIVE TREES
mediately there came to me the vision
of 1914 when Miss Edgar and I spent
a Sabbath there. There was a flourishing
Sabbath School, two day
schools, one for girls and one for boys,
a weekly prayer meeting and a family
altar in many of the homes. Homes
of joy and rich faihily life were on
the plain. The sight that met us last
week was one of desolation and complete
destruction. Perhaps there are
two houses of our people which remain
standing. The house built by
Dr. Balph serving as a church and
school is depleted of its furniture and
comfortable summer outfit which was
so well and economically planned by
Mrs. Balph. Just the walls and roof
remain. What shall I say about the
people Ragged, weary, discouraged,
disappointed and weak from starvation
will partly describe them. About
100 of them are left and these are
scattered here and there, having no
place to lay their heads in their own
village. Our faithful evangelist and
teacher died in a nearby village shortly
after their return from bondage.
His wife and their little child in her
bosom were both in rags. He was
one of the boys trained by Miss Edgar
and one who gave great promise for
the future in the spread of the gospel.
He and Farah were both from Gunamia,
and both were zealous in the
Master's service and today both have
gone from us to the higher service.
Tartoos, where we had work for
many years, has suffered, too. It is
on the seashore. Its Christian population
were sent to the mountains and
on their return found their houses pillaged
and many of them destroyed.
Khaleel, the mission teacher for years,
was exiled to Aleppo for imprisonment.
He is now in his home again,
His wife died in the mountain village.
His oldest boy was sent as a soldier
into the heart of the Armenian country.
Nearly all of these people begin
housekeeping anew, which is no small
task, the and normal what as there is price. to are be You no had supplies can is four readily as times yet. see
where the Red Cross has its wide and
eyer open door for service in such
conditions.
Our plan is to help clothe the people
and provide them with beds, as mostly
all are sleeping on the bare floors
without even a cover save what remains
of their rags from exile days.
We hope, too, that we may equip them
with whatever is necessary for working
their gardens and helping the
tradesmen to their different employments,
hoping that in a short time
they can care for themselves and live
no more to fear or be subject to a
people that has ever despised them
and their religion.
In view of the above facts allow me
to present one or two things for your
immediate attention if they have not
already been cared for:
1. Immediate furloughs for those
who have been on the fieldduring
these years of the war. If not immediate,
as soon as possible.
2. New workers for Latakia and
Suadea, though for the latter my own
nersonal opinion is that it ought to
be transferred to the Irish Church
and connected with the Antioch
center.
3. Orders to repair the buildings
in both Latakia and Suadea, and
money for the same and all other necessary
work to be sent at once.
Yours sincerely in service.
* * * *
CYPRUS.
There are fi.fty-sixnative communicants
in the church at Cyprus.
Rev. Walter McCarroll and Dr. and
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll expect to
spend their furlough in the homeland
this summer. When he last
wrote Rev. Mr. McCarroll expressed
the hope that he might possibly reach
America in time for Synod. The
Doctor and his family are to come
later.
Mr. Alvin Smith, one of this year's
.graduates of the seminary, will leave
for hoped Cyprus that about another August young 1. It man is

teacher may be found to accompany
him.
Do you know that 209 boys were
enrolled in the American Academy in
Cyprus this year
* * * *
CHINA.
Lo Ting, China. Meetings for
women have been continued in both
the civil and military jails of Lo Ting
this year.
Lo Ting congregation has paid onetenth
of the salaries of the teachers
in the boys' and girls' schools and
about two-fifths of the running expenses
of the chapel which includes
the salary of the native preacher.
The Tak Hing station kindly loaned
the services of Rev. J. K. Robb to Lq
Ting for the raonth of March. He
was managing the conversion of the
old chapel into a three-story building
for the Girls' School.
Three non-Christian schools for
girls were opened the firstof the year
with free tuition. In spite of this our
Christian school has sixty-eight pupils
enrolled.
Miss Tsang, one of our school girls,
was married recently to Mr. Lei. Both
these young people are earnest Christians,
but his mother has forbidden
them to receive baptism. She lives
next door to our school and keeps a
house of ill fame. Pray for these
young people that they may remain
firm in their faith and win the mother
to Christ.
It is a strange custom, but, nevertheless,
true, that a girl in China may
have two mothers-in-law to serve.
Miss Wong, a school girl, fifteenyears
old, married a widower. She is expected
not only to serve her husband's
raother but also has many duties to
perform for his first wife's mother.
She must visit her before she does her
own raother and must hold herself
ready to do anything that a daughter
OLIVE TREES 403
could be asked to do in that home. If
she fails to do so the spirit of the first
wife will surely come back and cause
her much misery and an early death,
so says Chinese tradition.
Tak Hing, China. Three students
entered the Training School this term
for the first. Another came for one
week but as he proved to have tuberculosis
he had to go horae. The students
gave hira a nuraber of books
and urged, him to work among his
own people and friends as he was
able. They have prayed for him
every day since.
The firstyear men are findingtheir
own support entirely. They are furnished
a place to live and about two
dollars' worth of books each.
The students have formed themselves
into a self-governing body
under a certain oversight of others.
They have drafted a set of rules and
chosen one of their own number for
, class leader and enforcer of rules. One
of their rules is that the gospel must
be presented to every visitor. Another
is that all must gladly keep the rules.
They will be expected to preach
about six times to non-Christian audiences
during the present semester, or
about once in three weeks. This beside
their regular class work, prayer
meeting. Sabbath School classes and
a young people's society, which has
been started this spring and is securing
a considerable outside attendance.
Some people in the home Church
are praying for individuals here, and
their prayers are being answered.
Tse Chuk Saam, one of the students
in the Training School, asked at Chinese
prayer meeting the other night
for prayer for his wife and mother,
who are yet unbelievers.
•Who will join their prayers with
ours for these two women every day
Kong Saam Che was, perhaps, the
first woman to be baptized in Lin
Taan, one of the outstations half way
between Lo Ting and Tak Hing. She

404 OLIVE TREES
had heard the Gospel and believed
ten years ago in Lo Ting, but it was
not until two years ago that she could
enter the Church. But it was not
long until she had led another to
Christ. Last fall she entered the
Women's School in Tak Hing and was
a good student, but it was soon noticed
that she had a peculiar spot on
her face which the Chinese regard as
a precursor of leprosy, so it was decided
best for her not to be in school
this spring. It is hard to send a
woman home to face such a prospect,
but she seemed cheerful, and went
home armed with commandments,
tracts and some small books, determined
to do what Christian work she
could.
The "broken-legged man's" mother
was just in on her way to make a date
with Mrs. Robb to go vdth her to talk
the Doctrine to some of her friends,
and, incidentally, to get some help on
a page or two of a little four character
classic she has. She said, "I was
at the hospital for worship this morning,
and just as we finished, I heard
the bell in the Women's School so I
hurried up there, and had worship
with them, then I heard another bell,
and I went there, and sure enough
it was for worship, too. The Heavenly
Father certainly does bless me.
Three opportunities to worship Him
in one morning! Truly I delight to
worship God!"
The Girls' School in Tak Hing has
an enrollment of forty-five, and the
Women's School ten, with more expected
in each. One applicant for the
Girls' School is a little thirteen-yearold
girl from Do Sing, whose right
side has been helpless for about ten
years. She .has long been addicted to
wine drinking, and if her people
wouldn't give it to her she would slip
away to the store to get it, hopning
along on her one good foot. However
she said she would give up drinking
wine if they wonld let her come
down to school. She is in the hospital
for treatraent for awhile before she is
able to enter school. She is very
bright, active and independent and
can weave small baskets of bamboo.
Some of the Chinese have come to
feel a responsibility for their fellow-
Christians, who seem to have little interest
in the work of the Church, so
on last Sabbath evening they organized
a Christian Endeavor Society
for the men, to meet in the Boys'
School Building up street. They hope
to encourage and strengthen those
who are cold-hearted, and to promote
greater unity and evangelistic effort
in the work of the Church. About
fifty attended the first meeting,
among them ten non-Christians, who
signed up as associate members wishing
to learn the doctrine.
One of the Girls' School teachers
was asked what would be a good subject
for a talk at the Sabbath afternoon
women's meeting. She renlied,
"Oh, any subjeet will do, so it is 'close
to the world.' It is no use to talk to
women about the deep and mysterious
things of the Bible. If you want to
help them you must get down close to
them. Talk about something they
have experienced, then lead from that
to God." The woman at the well, Matthew,
the sorrowing sisters of Lazarus,
the sick and hungry crowds
came to mind, and we thought, truly,
it is Christ's own plan for winning
souls." Talk about something close to
the world, then lead from that to
God."
Many of the readers of Olive Trees
have long been praying for Lei Foon
Yung, a former pupil in the Girls'
School who became estranged on account
of some "heart trouble" and
other comnlications in connection
with one of the men teachers of the
school. You will be glad to hear that
she has been made willing to see and
acknowledge her fault and fellowship
of Christ in her life. She is teaching
a little school in her own town with-

out financialaid from the Church, and
will have to depend largely on her
parents to feed her, as the tuition so
far is barely enough to pay the rent
on the school room. Where she formerly
gave little or no time to teaching
the Bible, she now gives it first
place, and her personal work and testimony
is already bearing fruit in the
lives of others.
Blind Barty (Lei A Po) is very
happy and enthusiastic in his work in
Canton. In less than two months he
had learned to make brooms, and had
completed about twenty.
BLIND BARTY'S NEW VENTURE.
Communique, Tak Hing. Barty
has entered school in Canton! Now,
Barty, be it remembered, is short for
Bartimeus, the blind. He is now,
perhaps, nearer forty, than thirty
years of age. He it was whom Rev.
E. C. Mitchell discovered in the
streets of Do Sing, begging for a living.
He and his contemporaries proceeded
to introduce him into good society,
and he became a Christian. My
sister taught him to knit for a living,
and he did his knitting faithfully and
they furnished the money for the living.
But Barty found it out and was
not happy. He said, "I am knitting,
and you are paying me the money, but
no one is buying the goods." It was
little use to try to keep him in ignorance
for he found out somehow that
there was little sale for his wares. He
was later transferred to Tak Hing,
and as time went on it seemed harder
to findany real employment for him.
There was not yet a school for blind
men, and the young lady here who is
a graduate of the school for blind
girls in Canton, could not be employed
to teach him, as that would not be
good Chinese custom. So Miss Huston
buckled on her armor, and actually
learned the Braille system as it has
been adapted to the Chinese language,
and, behold, Barty had a teacher! To
his credit be it said he appUed himself
with great diligence, and learned
OLIVE TREES 405
it in a short time. Rev. Kempf offered
to allow him to enter the boys'
school and get what he could by absorption.
When this was proposed to
Barty, he replied that it was too far
to the boys' school, and that he was
quite satisfied to have Miss Huston
for teacher. He was made acquainted
with the fact that Miss Huston had
been appointed for rather different
work, and had voluntarily taken on
the work already accomplished, because
there was no one else to do it,
but that she could not take him for
private pupil for all time. This
seemed to spring a genuine surprise
on him, and he had nothing to offer.
He did go to the boys' school, but
seemed to feel it a special neglect that
no teacher was assigned to him, and
soon dropped out as his time was too
valuable to be wasted. He then seemed
to think he might be able to gather
something from the lectures given in
the theological class, and Dr. Robb
gladly gave him place. Seeing the
difficulties in which the man was
laboring. Dr. Robb made a move to
get a relief map of Palestine, and had
negotiated its purchase, but before it
arrived, Barty again became discouraged
and flew the track. Dr. Robb
asked if Barty was ill. It seemed that
he had dropped out of the class without
saying anything to any qne about
it. I found him in a corner of the
office reading one of the gospels that
Miss Huston had purchased for him
in Great Britain. He had never
thought of owing any explanation to
any one for suddenly dropping out of
class. He had no teacher, and could
not get enough to justify staying and
listening when he could not see what
was put on the board or other illustration.
The fact that his limitations
tended to madden him, is hot only an
indication of lack of grace and patience,
but seems as if it might be
taken as an indication of rather good
• degree of native ability, that needed
only something up against an adequate worth a wall. outlet while. Almost to We amount every seemed one to

406 OLIVE TREES
who could do so had tried to help the
brother and still there was a want. He
acknowledged, himself, that he had a
bit of a "disposition." We all had our
troubles with him at various times.
When Dr. Wright plead "failure,"
well, to say the least, it was some encouragement
to the rest.
He was then put on self-support.
He borrowed a month's rice money,
to begin on, and with one exception,
I believe that was his last borrowing.
Different people have been praying
for Barty, for we all love him, and
are sure that some way will be found
in which he can be used for the glory
of the Master. He is a bright enough
individual, and has a voice which can
be heard clearly all over the chapel,
without special effort on his part. He
uses very good Cantonese. He is a
reasonably good singer. Mrs. Wright
admitted him into her singing class
when she was teaching the medical
students, but he found some reason
() for dropping out, so that his musical
education is limited. He has
shown a rather unusual ability as an
evangelist when he was so minded
among the patients. He has a sense
of humor which is a usable asset. He
has done what no one about Tak Hing
seems to have suspected possible for
a blind man. He has become a merchant.
He had made for the purpose
a box, with various compartments,
covered with glass and that with
heavy wire netting, where his wares
could be displayed without danger of
disturbance by thieving fingers.This
he slung about his neck. He prepared
his own peanuts, melon seeds, olives
(salted) and other dainties. He heralded
his approach on the street by
playing the flutethat Dr. Wright purchased
for him when he first came.
He thus made a living without help
from the foreigners, except that he
had a rent-free room in the hospital.
And people still kept praying for
Barty. And new people were added,
and intercession was increased. Early
in the winter the fiuthrottled him and
he lay prostrate. Four weeks he was
absent from church. When he first
began self support, he was not at
church the first Sabbath, ahd that
evening he started out with his flute
and dainties. He admitted it was not
right, but he would have to starve if
he did not work on Sabbath. However,
when he found that he would
have to hunt other quarters, or outware"',
observe the Sabbath, he surrendered.
This was not ideal, but
better than the other. While he was
ill he had some leisure to think things
over, and things took on a new aspect,
and he got some answers to prayers
that he had perhaps never offered.
One day he asked the meaning of a
certain verse in scripture. He vpas
advised to not try to swallow it without
mastication, so took it a little at
a time, and the Spirit helped him, and
the meaning was much plainer. The
verse was Philippians III: 12. Taking
it a little at a time, he grasped
some of its meaning, and he especially
seemed to be gripped by "But I press
on," and "that I may lay hold on that
for which Christ saved me," as it
might be translated from the Chinese
version. From that time on the scales
seemed to be falling from his eyes.
One day he asked for an interview
and asked about the school for blind
men in Canton. I promised to write
and learn. When he found he could
learn to make brooms or hair brushes,
and thus pay his own expenses, he
realized that at last he was to have
the opportunity, as he said, "for
which he had been saved." It would
have been a simple matter to have
gathered funds enough to have cleared
up his debts, and paid his "water
feet" to Canton, but the hard-hearted
foreigners just allowed him to take
his time to get the money by his own
efforts, and so it looked a little as if
Barty might not be enrolled in Canton
this year. The Annual Mission Meeting
was pending in the near future,
and that would bring his beloved Lai
I Shang (Dr. Wright) to Tak Hing, a
splendid opportunity for him to get to
Canton. But still the foreigners made

no move to raise the all essential. The
debts were paid by Barty's own efforts.
Then some trays, vessels and
other usables were put up for sale,
and, lo! the deed was done! A blind
man put himself into a school where
every pupil is expected to pay his own
way! Now, you see where that puts
all these people in Tak Hing when
they ask for the inevitable "pong
chaw.'' Just say that pong chaw with
a long-drawn-out pessiraistic whine,
and you will see what brings the
wrinkles to people who hear that incessantly,
with no assurance that
there will be any let up even during
the sumraer vacation. Sometimes it
lets up when we go home on furlough.
Pong chaw raeans "help," and is used
not only legitimately, but very often
shamelessly by those who could pong
chaw theraselves. Enough of that.
Barty is off that list. ' He is now in
position to pong chaw himself, and
happy in doing it. But he still needs
your prayers. He is thinking along
the line of how he may serve his
Saviour, and your prayers raay be
used as a favoring breeze to impel his
craft in the right direction. It may
be that the Master is just waiting
your intercession to round up the
circle of environment that this physically
blind brother needs to open up
his spiritual vision, that he may become
the man for whom God has been
waiting all these years to do some very
special work for Him. The work is
here. As far as we raay judge, blindness
is his great hindrance to the usefulness
of this brother, and until recently
his spiritual blindness seemed
Don't get a helpraeet till you've got
raeat
the more
to help.
serious hindrance. He seems
to be having his awakening. Shall we
The fail bigger him the Shall work we the fail greater HIM the
joy in doing it.—Henry M. Stanley.
The lesson of the missionary is the
enchanter's wand.—Charles Darwin.
OLIVE TREES 407
WHY THEY ATE THE BABY'S
DOLL.
The following extracts from a letter are
reprinted from "Patchwork." Dr. Dray
here alluded to, is Dr. Arthur Dray, an
Englishman, who joined our Church in Mersine,
through the influence of Dr. David
Metheny. He came to this country and
'studied medicine and dentistry at the Medico-Chirurgical
College in Philadelphia. For
some years he was chief of dental clinics in
' the hospital of that institution. In 1911 he
returned to Syria to be Professor in the
Dental Department of the American College
at Beirut.
We often hear of people being so poor
that they have to sacrifice some household
pet, like a cat or dog, in order to ward off
starvation. But it remained for Professor
J. A. Patch (the son of the head of our
business) of Beirut, Syria, to describe a condition
of poverty unlike any known to us before.
Part of a recent letter from him
says:
"A New Zealand woman with six children
and a shiftless, half sick husband, living
in Schweir, were gradually approaching
the abyss of starvation over which so
many thousands were being plunged.
"Every available pieec of furniture had
been sold, the house and land mortgaged,
and upon my last visit to the house I found
that the mother, weakened by the lack of
nourishment, and her squalid, starving children
had been sleeping on a pile of old rags
on the damp earth floor.
"I was able to give her the good news
that a place had been provided for her in
Dr. Dray's hospice for poor children in
Brumana.
"That day they eked out their existence
with a scanty meal begged from neighbors
and friends, but the next morning they were
faced with the problem of how to walk the
six or seven miles to Brumana without a
breakfast.
"It was the little boy who came to the
rescue. 'Mama,' he said, 'we still have the
doll which the missionaries gave us years
ago and you know it is stuffed with bran.'
The doll was found, its precious stuffing reraoved,
mixed with water and salt, baked
We cannot serve God and mammon;
on a sheet of iron over a flreof sticks and
eaten
but we
with
can
a relish
serve
and
God
a prayer
with mammon.
of thanksgiving
to God. E. Speer. On this scanty meal the
—Robert
children and their mother toiled to their
haven of safety."

408 OLIVE TREES
PROGRAM FOR THE WOMEN'S
CONFERENCE.
Bellecenter, Ohio, June 5-6, 1919.
Thursday AfteIrnoon.
Motto: "Forward."
P. M.
2.00. Praise service.
2.10. Devotionals—Bellecenter.
2.20. Object of Meeting—Colorado
Presbyterial.
2.30. Paner, "Forward"—Miss M.
S. Mitchell, Topeka, Kan.
2.40. Paper, "A Glance Backward"
—Pittsburgh Presbyterial.
2.50. Praise service.
2.55. Paper, "Women and Missions"—Mrs.
W. 0. Ferguson,
Oakdale, 111.
3.05. Paper, "Does Organization
Pay "—Iowa Presbyterial.
3.15. Letters from Foreign Missionaries.
Appointment of
Committees, Constitution,
Nominating and Credendentials.
Offering.
Consecration Service.
Adjournment.
Committee Conferences.
Note—Costumes and curios will be
on exhibition from our Mission fi.elds.
Friday Forenoon, June 6.
"Unified Planning."
A. M.
10.00. Praise service.
10.15. Devotionals—Philadelphia.
10.30. Renorts of Committees:
Ororanization of Synodical
Women's Missionary Society.
Informal Conference.
11.50. Quiet Hour: "God's Presence
and Power"—New York.
Friday Night, June 6.
"The Field is the World."
P. M.
7.30. Praise service.
Devotionals—A Missionary.
7.45.
7.50.
Salute the Christian Flag.
"I pledge allegiance to my
flag and to my Saviour for
Whose Kingdom it stand*;
one brotherhood uniting all
mankind in service and
love."
Peace Table.
Delegates from Home Fields:
Indian Mission—
Miss Ines Wickersham,
Apache, Oka.
Southern Mission—
Miss Mary Fowler,
Selma, Ala.
Jewish Mission—
Miss Anna Forsythe,
Philadelphia, Pa.
8.20. Praise to the "Prince of
Peace." Psalm 72: 15-17;
No. 191.
Delegates from For. Fields:
Turkey—
Mrs. John Peoples,
Mersine, Asia Minor
Cyprus—
Mr. Walter McCarroll,
Larnaca, Cyprup
China—
Mrs. Julius Kempf,
Tak Hing Chan, China
Miss Mary Adams.
Tak Hing, West River,
China
8.50. "The Peace Compact"—Our
Obligations.
Rev. Findley M. Wilson, Sec
retary For. Mission Board.
"Campaign for Recruits.''
Offering.
Prayer.
Adjournment.
Bring note book. Come with plaas
and We prayers. may perform lowliest ministries
from loftiest motives.
Contentment is happiness. A quiet
mind makes one richer than a crown.
Fortitude may be known by silence
under pain: "Jesus held His peace,"

S t a t i s t i c a l R e p o r t o f t h e R e f o r m e d P r e s b y t e r i a n M i s s i o n i n C h i n a — 1 9 1 8 - 1 9 1 9
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FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMEO PRES. CHURCH
Latakia, Syria. Rev. Julius A. Kempp. .)
R-v. Jas. S. Stewart, D. D
^rs. Julius A pMPF. I On furiou h
Mrs. j. S. Stewart
Rev. William M. Rgbb
Rev. Samual Edgar, with Red crossin Mrs. William M. Robb
Mpa Qamitvi FnrAP r, /*^,"=""", MiSS KATE McBURNEY, M. D.,
y M I A^p« M n °" "''°"^^ MISS Mary R. Adams
.; ^-^J"^^^' ^-J/-' Miss Rose A. Huston
Miss Maggie B. Edgar
Miss Ida M- Scott, M. D., (On furiougb
MISS „ M. . FLORENCE ^ . ,,. MEARNS, cZT.nVi- ^ Miss MiSS Nellie ANNIE A. J. ROBINSON, Brownlee, W^'^°^' ««1''J
Mersme, Asia Mmor. jj^y jj q Adams
Miss Evadna M Sterreti
Mrs. R. C. Adams '.".".".".'.'.".'. *."."'.'. T
Rev. Robt. E. Willson, rev_ jessj, q Mitchel ,
Mes. Robt. E. Willson
j^ks. Jesse C. Mitchel
Rev. Andrew J. McFarland
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary Unim,
John Peoples, M.D
Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples On furlough James M. Wright, m. d.
Miss F. Elma French
Mrs. James M. Wright
Larnaca, Cyp'rus.
Union Language School,
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Canton, South China.
Mrs. Walter McCarroll, On furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D.
Mr. Wilbur Weir .,
Miss Inez M. Smith, R. N
Nicosia, Cyprus.
Miss Jean M. Barr
Calvin McCarroll, M. D
Miss Lillian j . McCracken
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll
lq Ting, via Canton, South Chir^^
Tak Hing Chau, West River, Rev. Ernest C. Mitchell
South Chino Mrs. Ernest C. Mitchell
Rev. a. I. Robb, D.D E. J. M. Dickson, M. D ,,
Mrs. a. I, Robb Mrs, E. J. M. Dickson ..
Rev. j. K. Robb,
Miss Ella Margaret Stewart
Mrs. j. K. Robb on furlough
Miss Jennie M. Dean
HOME MISSIONARIES OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN GHURCH
Indian Mission, Apache, Okla. Southern Mission, Selma, Ala.
Rev. W. W. Carithers, Superintendent. Rev. G. A. Edgar, D. D., Superintendent
Miss Inez Wickerham
Miss Lola Weir, High School
Miss ElletT Wilson
Miss Mary Reynolds, High School
Miss Irene McMurtry
Miss Ella Hays, Grammar School
Miss Mae Allen
Miss MAry Wilson, Sixth Grade
Miss Laura Weir, Fifth Grade
Mission of the Covenant, 800 South 5th St., Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade
Philadelphia, Fa.
jjigg jj^^jj kynett, Third Grade
'ISS Annie Forsyth
Miss Eulalia Howard, Second Grade
Miss Emma M. McFarland
^^s. E. O. Senegal, First Grade
Volunteer Workers.
^^^- ^; ^- l'^'^' Pri^^- Theod're Lee, Boys' Indus. Dept.
Miss Anna Thompson
^'ss Sophia Kingston, Prin'l Little Knox
Db. ^alph Duncan
Mrs. Louise Kynett, Prin'l Pleaaant Grove
Mr. Samuel Jackson ) Mrs. Estelle Lightning, Asst. GirW In-
Mk. Melville Pearce VAltemcttng j.,„t^-„7 n ^*
Mr. Will Stewart ) ,, di^tmal Dept.
Mr Edwin Anderson
Mrs. Earnest Brooks, East Selma

Mrs. Ot. A, McKde,
3430 Perrysville Av9.,
Observatory St.,
Pitteburgh,
Pa,
Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Presbyterian Church
President
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M. D., 6i7 N. 43d Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vice-Pesident
J. C. McFEETERS, D. D., 1838 Wallace St, Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
R. J. BOLE, 170 Broadway, New York
Corresponding Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, 2517 Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Recording Secretary
F. M. foster. Ph. D., 305 W. 29th St., New York City.
Treasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE i6oo Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transportation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES OF TREASURERS
Syrian Mission, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection—
Mr. Joseph M Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Domestic Mission; Southern Mission ; Indian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widows' and Orphans' Fund; Literary, Students' Aid;
National Reform—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 411 Penti Building. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. Agues C. Steele, 32l Lehigh Ave., East End, Pittsburgh, Pa.
TELEPHONE: 785 MORNINGSIDE
W M . M c G L & f \ N ' S S O N
UNDEF^Tf\KER •f\nD EMBf\LMER .
508 WEST 134t« STREET
ROBERT L. McCLEAN NE)W YORK
J A M E S S. TIBBY ^^^^^l - Pittsbvirg, Pbl.
SELLS THE FOLLOWING COVENANTER LITERATURE
PSALM BOOKS Colcl and new versions), TESTIMONY,
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, MINUTES OF SYNOD, CON­
FESSION OF FAIIH, CATECHISMS, TALES OF
COVENANTERS, POETS and POETRY, ROMANISM
ANALYZED, HISTORY OF THE TRIAL, 1891'
VJRITB F'OR PRICES

® i x m E m B
ZECH.4: 11-14 REV. II :S. 4
VOL. XXXIII JULY-AUGUST, 1919 No. 7
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of North
America in the interest of Mission Work
A NEW FIELD
ss
" No matter what the geographical ^or climatic
features may be or how difficult the occupation of
these districts may appear the millions of people
there ought not to be left without the gospel. It
seems to us that the Lord is calling the Covenanter
Church to work in this partof His vineyard, where
the fields are white unto the harvest and millions
have no opportunity to hear the gospel."
—From the report ol the Mission in China.
Subscrtption price
®ne Dollar a ipear
postage FREE TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
Contents
SynodandHerForeign Missions 409
Forward Movement of Our
Mission in China - - 410
Financial Needs of Latakia 414
News from the Field 4.17
Women's Department - 428

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OP FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THE INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
EDITORS
REV. McLEOD MILUGAN PEARCE, D. D.
REV. ROBERT ANDREW BLAIR, M. A,
Address all Communications to
REV- M. M. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Place ^^ - Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable Address : Metheny, Philadelphia
Entered as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post oflSce at Philadelph
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONABY SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH
President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Kentucky Avenue, Pittsburgh.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Wallace, 108 Lafayette Avenue, N. S., Fittsbmsh. ».
Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Esler, Wilkiiisburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321 Lehigh Avenue, Pittsburgh, P».
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Avenue, Wilkinsburgh, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study, Mrs. E. A. Crooks, 69 Oak Street, Newcastle, Pa.
Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Mary McWilliams, 2328 Maple Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Harris, 1312 Penn Avenue, Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Thank Offering Secretary, Mrs. J; K. Tibby, Ridge Avenue, Crafton, Pa.
Temperance Secretary, Mrs. W. R. Porterj 218 Burgess Street, N. S., Pittsburgh.
COLORADO
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, 911 Tenth Street, Greeley, Colo.
Vice President, Mrs. James Carson, Denver, Colo.
Secretary ,Mrs. S. B. McClelland, Greeley, Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. R. S. Orr, Greeley, Colo.
KANSAS
President, Mrs. J. M. Wylie, 2510 W. 46th Street, Rosedale, Kan.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. F. E. Allen, Superior, Neb.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElhenny, Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. T. B. Boyle, 701 Clay Street, Topeka, Kan.
ILLINOIS
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. 8tli Street, Bloomington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Spartaj 111.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, 3parta, 111., R. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson, Oakdale, Il|.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. R. Davis, Princeton, Ind.

R. M. SOMMERVILLE, D.D. MRS. R. M. SOMMERVILLE
DR. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVE TREES" and editedit for 29 years.
OLIVE TREBS
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXII JULY-AUGUST, 1919 No. 7
SYNOD AND HER FOREIGN
MISSIONS.
By J. C. McFeeters, D. D.
Synod listened with rapt attention
to the report on Foreign Missions,
read by tiieCorresponding Secretary.
The missions were virtually on exhibition
through the lucid and realistic
description which was given. "Behold
what God hath wrought," was
the substance of the report.
The war-storm having subsided, we
can now make a careful survey of our
Levant missions, and form an estimate
of what is required to resume
the work. The conditions are appalling;
desolation, starvation, extreme
misery everywhere.
The faithful servants of Jesus, who
have endured the strain and hazarded
their lives at the posts of duty, need
a long rest, and must have it. A fresh
company of workers is already on
the Tield; others are preparing-to go.
The task that confronts them is beyond
conception. The largest force
we ever put into the fieldis now necessary.
Reconstruction and expansion
of the work must be on a magnificent
of outlines sale. and The plans boldest will scarcely conception go
beyond what is proper in these days
of mighty movements. God's own
plan should be discovered and followed.
May the Holy Spirit inject into
the minds of the missionaries and the
Board the. mind of Christ on mission
work.
Progress in China has cheered the
home church. The people's investments
have yielded rich returns; the
investors are happy. The increase of
membership there has done much to
save the face of the Covenanter
Church. The Lord Jesus has placed
the seal-of His approval visibly upon
this work.
These missionaries have the Pauline
spirit. They forget the things
that are past, and reach toward the
things that are ahead. The past sets
no standard for the future. Having
entered into a covenant with the Lord
and with one another to labor and
pray for an increase of five hundred
in the coming year, they look for this
as an expression of His favor. We
will wait with confidence. Such faith
pleases God. Of course they are not
fixing a limit; rather let it be understood
as a minimum. The possibilities
of faith like this are beyond com-
.pujation. One short sermon may
convert to Jesus Christ above three

410 OLIVE TREES
thousand; Paul gets a ship load of
persons in a day.
Our foreign missions are fast being
gripped by the spirit of the forward
movement. Onward in the name of
the Lord is their motto. They enter
a new fi_eld,occupy a new centre, set
up a new candlestick, or in modern
language an electric light, to illuminate
the millions in another province.
The order of the day is expansion, increase
of forces, purpose and action
far exceeding the ordinary. The war
has aroused the world to a sense
of power and efficiency beyond all
former schemes or dreams.
Synod has shown a disposition to
co-ordinate the various departments
of the church's work. Success here
will remove many difficulties and discouragements.
All the work lined up,
all the forces moving abreast, a new
era of achievements will dawn. The
war was practically won when Foch
was placed in charge of the Allied
armies and all moved in harmony at
his command. The Covenanter forces,
forming a solid front for action, and
moving in harmony under the direction
of Synod, in the Name of the
Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the
Holy Spirit, will exhibit power and
enthusiasm, and win victories beyond
conception. May the Lord hasten it.
^ ^ ^ ^
THE FORWARD MOVEMENT OF
OUR MISSION IN CHINA.
The Synod is always deeply interested
in the Mission work of the
Church. The Synod of 1919 was no
exception to the rule. Direct communication
from Asia Minor and
Syria, after four years of but meagre
information, and reports of most encouraging
progress in China brought
great joy. The Mission in China
unanimously reported to Synod that
a larger share of responsibility for
spreading the gospel in our fieldthere
can now be laid upon the native
to already church. aries the training fully The having wisdom justified. of given native of "Self-support
our large workers mission­
place is'
and Native Evangelism'' is now the
watchword. Our foreign missionaries
must organize, train and direct.
They must share in the counsels of
administration. American workers
and American money must be used
for advance work, for laying new
foundations; the native Christians
must make the Christian religion
their religion, and assume its responsibilities—and
these are the same in
all lands and among all peoples. (See
in June Olive Trees that part of Annual
Report of Board which deals
with self-support.) This situation
brought the Mission in China to the
point of unanimously asking Synod
to authorize the opening of a new
centre. A proper "centre" in mission
work is a large city—preferably a
market city with large numbers of
people coming and going—where
training bases for native workers in
all departments of mission work can
be established.
With these considerations before it
Synod heartily, and we believe without
a dissenting voice, authorized the
opening of a new station centre in
Southem Yunnan Province. In this
connection we publish two papers of
most engaging interest. The information
they contain belongs rightly
to the entire church. The first is the
report of the Rev. E. C. Mitchell and
Dr. J. M. Wright, who, by appointment
of the mission made the tour of
investigation. This report was unanimously
adopted by the Tak Hing and
Lo Ti«g stations and transmitted to
the Board for Synod. The second is
a personal letter from Mr. Mitchell,
giving with greater detail and even
more interest an account of the trip.
* * * *
Report of Rev. E. C. Mitchell and Dr.
J.- M. Wright on New Field.
Lo Ting, via Canton, So. China.
April 25, 1919.
Report of the two members of the
Yunnan capital, New We went Field Province. where directly Committee the headquarters to Yunnan who visited Fu, of the all

the missions in Yunnan Province are
located. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter very
kindly entertained us in their home
during our stay and did all in their
power to assist us in securing information.
We visited representatives of all
the leading missions doing work in
Yunnan, Province, viz., Messrs. Allen
and Graham, of the C. I. M.; Mr,
Swift, of the Pentecostal Missionary
Union; Mr. Evans, of the English
United Methodist Mission, and Drs.
Thompson and Bradley, of the C. M.
S, We received a very hearty reception
from all these men and were assured
that they would be very glad to
see our mission open work in Yunnan
Fu.
Yunnan Fu has a population of
something like 100,000. All the abovementioned
missions are doing work
there and two of the missions now
have plans on foot to extend their
work. The larger cities in the northern
part of the province are also more
or less within the reach of these missions.
The greater part is almost untouched
as yet but the missions that
are there are planning for this part
of the province so that it does not
seem to us best to advise opening
work either in Yunnan Fu or any
part of the northern half of the province,
The southern part of the province,
however, is practically untouched by
the gospel and we have decided to
recommend that our church open mission
work in the section of the province
lying south of a line drawn a
little north of the 24th parallel of latitude
with Meng Tsz for the present
as the centre or distributing point,
with the objectives being Ko Chiu,
Linan, Shih Ping and other cities and
the large unexplored district in the
southwest.
Meng Tsz is not a large place but it
has been of importance because of its
being an intersecting point for the
caravan port banks road is and and being routes. has a French built a customs It through is hotel. now station, Meng a A treaty rail­
two Tsz
OLIVE TREES 411
to Ko Chiu, which connects those
places with the French railroad. This
railroad will be completed within a
year and it may be found later that
Ko Chiu will be the real centre. The
altitude of Meng Tsz is approximately
4500 feet, and is considered desirable
from a health standpoint, people going
there from Haiphong and the
coast for their summer vacation.
Ko Chiu is the real important city
in the southern half of the province
from a business standpoint, as it is
the centre of the greatest tin fieldsin
China. Tin has been mined here for
hundreds of years and still the supply
is practically untouched. There are
over sixty mines and thirty-five thousand
miners. One thousand pack
animals leave daily. All daily necessities
are imported. 23,700,000 catties
of charcoal are consumed a year
in smelting. The amount of tin exported
is 8 per cent, of the world's
supply, and 95 per cent, of all the exports
of Yunnan province. The city
has electric lights and is putting in a
system of water supply for the mines.
The missionaries in Yunnan Fu estimate
the population as large as Yunnan
Fu. Mr. Carpenter estimates the
size of the city and the population as
two hundred thousand or over. Men
from all parts of the province come
here for the mining season and go
home again.
Forty miles north of Ko Chiu is
Linanfu, said to be the wealthiest
city of the province and very aristocratic.
The population is approximately
the same as Yunnan Fu.
Linanfu is just completing the bargain
for a $30,000 electric light plant.
Thirty miles west of Linanfu is
Shih Ping, which Mr. Allen thought
to be as large as the other places.
Northwest of these cities are smaller
places such as Ami Chow and other
towns. To the west and south is a
large unexplored district. Situated
in this district is the home of Lung
several city Chai about reported Kwong. 80,000, cities, to East is of have chief. which of the a population Kai railroad Wha, are of a

412 OLIVE TREES
The population of this southern district
is composed of three classes of
people: First and most important
the Mandarin speaking Chinese; second,
the Tribes People or Aborigines,
of whom there are about sixty tribes
in the province, all living in the mountains;
and, third, a few Cantonese
speaking people. In the unexplored
district to the southwest the character
and number of the people are not
known.
In this district south of the line
mentioned above there has been a
little spasmodic work done by the P.
M. U. They have at present two
ladies at Ami Chow, two at Meng Tsz,
and a man and his wife at Kai Wha,
also a man and his wife at Szemao,
who are now working independently.
Somewhere in the southwest border
Dr. Dodd, of the Presbyterian Mission,
is working among the tribes
people.
All the missionaries advised us not
to put too much reliance on the work
that is being done by the P. M. U.
and independent missionaries, as they
could not be depended on to work
thoroughly any district or place. One
missionary called them the Grasshopper
mission, as they are one day
in one place and the next day in
another place.
The missionaries as well as Mr.
Carpenter also advised, inasmuch as
there is some anti-foreign feeling at
Ko Chiu, that medical work go first
and be given a prominent place. They,
also urged that older missionaries who
have had experience with work among
the Chinese be sent first. They also
suggested that the first months be
spent in Yunnan Fu in the study of
• the language.
In the opinion of the committee a great
opportunity is offered the Covenanter
Church in this field. The Continuation
Committee speaks as follows: "Missionaries
call attention to the fact that
there is no work in the whole southern
part of the province and one
says 'No matter what the geographical
or climatic features may be or
however difficult the occupation of ,
these districts may appear the millions
of people there ought not to be
left without the gospel.' " It seems
to us that the Lord is calling the Covenanter
Church to work in this part
of His vineyard, where the fieldsare
white unto the harvest and millions
have no opportunity to hear the
gospel. Therefore we strongly recommend
that the information at hand
be immediately sent to the Board that
action may be taken soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
E. C. Mitchell.
J. M. Wright.
* * * *
Personal Letter From Rev. E. C,
Mitchell, Who Visited Southern
Yunnan.
Lo Ting, via Canton, So. China.,
April 16, 1919.
Rev. F. M. Wilson, D. D.,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dear Brother:—
I returned from my trip to Yunnan
Fu last Friday afternoon, after being
away a little more than a month. I
wish to write particularly of my trip
to Yunnan Province and of the prospects
there for a new fieldas I see it.
Dr. Wright and I wrote out a report
of our trip, which I presented to
the Tak Hing station as I came
through there on my way home and
then presented it to the Lo Ting station
last Saturday evening. , Both stations,
after hearing the report and all
I had to say in connection with it,
adopted it unanimously and ordered
it sent to the Board. It would have
been better to have had this action
taken at a regular mission meeting,
of course, but since the matter seemed
to us to require haste we thought this
was a better way to do. It will be
impossible to hold a mission meeting
for several months without a great
deal of inconvenience, and we felt this
matter ought to get to the Board as
soon as possible. I sent the report
to Dr. Wright yesterday for him to
sign and send on to you. I also prepared
a>map to go with it to make
it more easily understood. You will
notice that I have marked the towns

in the southern half of the province
only as it is with that part of the
province that our report has to do.
We had a very interesting trip, as it
took us into country we had never
seen before. We enjoyed every bit
of it except a few days that we were
compelled to spend waiting on steamers.
It took us something over ten
days to get away from Hong Kong,
but after that we made very good
time. We had a steamer trip of fortyfi-ve
hours down the coast to Haiphong.
Then we had a train trip of
three days from there to Yunnan Fu.
The trains travel only in the day time
so that the passengers spend the night
at hotels. Two days were spent in
traveling through the mountains and
I think I can say that in some ways
it was the most wonderful trip I ever
had. The mountains are not so massive
as the Rocky Mountains in America,
but in some ways the scenery is
grander. After we passed through
Tongkin and crossed the border into
Yunnan it was a steady climb until
we reached an elevation of 2050
meters just about two hours before
we reached Yunnan Fu. Then we
came down a little, and when we
reached Yunnan Fu the altitude was
about 6000 feet.
All, or practically all, the mission
work that has been done in Yunnan
has been done in the northern part of
the province. The southem part has
been neglected. There are great towns
there, as you will see in our report, of
a hundred thousand or more where
there has never been any mission
work done. The one that interested
us most was the city of Ko'Chiu, the
centre of the great tin mining district.
There are over a hundred thousand
people there all the time and
during the tin mining season there
are perhaps twice that number. They
have no provision made for them for
hearing the gospel. Last year there
OLIVE TREES 413
never had before. This whole great
country is open for us. Until eight
years ago, when this railroad was
built from Haiphong to Yunnan Fu,
this province was the most inaccessible
of all the provinces of China.
It then took six months to go from
Shanghai up there.- Now it is one of
the most accessible and can be reached
in two days in comfort from Haiphong.
I also feel that it is important for
us to be moving if we are going to
was them. and it an there is It epidemic said is was a that good no of ten centre medical some thousand kind for help mission­
there, died, for now this open be ready and district • work to other take there. may missions not new The be work are war open likely so is very that over to
ary work for men come there from all
parts of the province and then go
home. If they could be brought in
touch with the gospel they could take
it home with them. A railroad will
be finishedwithin a year that will
bring this town into connection with
the French railroad, over which we
traveled, going up from Haiphong. In
that district you will see by our report
and the map there are other
large cities and tovims, so that there
is a great possibility for work there.
As one old missionary who has been
in Yunnan Fu for a good many years
said we will have plenty of elbow
room there.
The climate in Ko Chiu and Meng
Tsz is better than Yunnan Fu, as the
altitude is not so great. It does not
get so hot as it does in Tak Hing and
Lo Ting, and still it does not have the
inconveniences that are felt in the
higher altitude of Yunnan Fu.
I wish I could see you and tell you
all about it. It is hard to write very
.much in a letter. I hope you will see
Dr. Wright as early in the summer as
possible as he will be able to tell you
more about the place and prospects
for work than you can get by letter.
I came home very much impressed
with the desirability of our church
opening work in Meng Tsz, Ko Chiu
and the other places mentioned in our
report. This is an opportunity for
the Covenanter Church which she has

414 OLIVE TREES
long. There is also the great need
there that makes it necessary that we
should not delay any longer than possible.
To begin work there does not mean
that we should necessarily have a
large force to send at once. We can
send what we have and add to it as
time goes on. You will notice that
it is recommended in the report that
older missionaries who have had experience
with the Chinese go first
and open work. Two or three older
ones, in my opinion, would be plenty
to send from here and then after that
we could draw on new recruits sent
from America. This would not nec^
essarily cripple the work that we are
doing in South China. We are working
up self-support here now, and I
believe, we can use the money and the
men at our disposal to better advantage
if we had a larger fieldor if we
had a fieldin another part of China.
All the buildings that are put up in
Yunnan are of mud brick, so that the
building need not be so much of an
item. This is certainly the best chance
we could get, all things considered, in
all of China.
Someone said the other evening
when we were talking the matter over
that there would likely be a greater
call from Syria than ever before. I
hope that will be the case but I do
not think that should keep us back
from entering into this new work in
China. I have faith to believe the
Covenanter Church can do both. I
do not need to write of conditions at
home, though, for you know them
better than I. It is a little hard to
stop when I get to writing about this
new field for I have been thinking a
good deal about it this last few
months and especially since I have
been on this trip to Yunnan province.
I feel that a great opportunity has
come to the Covenanter Church and
hope we can enter in.
We are all in our usual health here.
There is a good deal of plague, one
old lady dying in our compound two
weeks ago. The Lord has graciously
preserved us, though, and has allowed
no harm to come nigh us.
I hope you will get our papers on
the new field before the meeting of
Synod but I am afraid they will be a
little late. I am sorry, for you will
want to get the matter before the
Church as soon as possible.
With kindest regards from both of
us to yourself and Mrs. Wilson, I am.
Sincerely yours,
E. C. Mitchell.
* * * *
THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF
LATAKIA.
During the hurry of the closing
hours of Synod the question was very
properly raised as to whether the
$85,000 asked for as an appropriation
to the Levant Mission provided for
an advance in the work. The Board's
representative replied that the Board
had asked in the request for appropriation
for merely what would be
required, as nearly as could then be
estimated, to maintain the present
basis of operation. Since Synod adjourned
a letter from the Mission in
Latakia has been received. They had
held a regular meeting May 6, after
Dr. Balph's return. After going carefully
over the needs they wrote what
substantiates the representation of
the Board to Synod, and what would
have been more nearly the exact information
the Synod was wanting.
First of all, the mission has incurred
a debt of between 14,000 and 15,000
dollars. This must be paid. Then to
quote from the Mission's letter: "The
wages of our native workers, which
have beeiv kept down to the lowest
limit, will need to be considerably increased
so that they may be able to
live without continual anxiety as to
ways and meajas."
"Prices of all commodities have increased
to two or three times what
they were before the war, so that the
funning expenses of the work will be
much more than heretofore."
"The buildings need very extensive
repairs, which cannot be carried out

OLIVE TREES 415
at present because materials, such as three days, and is thus given an opportunity
lumber, nails and other hardware,
for accomplishing a few of
cement, roofing tile, etc., are not to be the multitude of otner things which
had until shipping facilities are better are constantly piling up. Things
opened up." (When they are available
they will ceri;ainly cost much above
what they ever cost before in the history
went on fairly well until the enemy,
Spanish flu, began poisoning the air
with his germs. Mrs. McCarroll and
of the work.) "The furnishings myself were among the firstvictims,
and supplies of both schools have been
during the years of the war almost depleted,
having been used to help those
in great need, and must be wholly renewed
before work can begin."
Knowing that the entire Church is
interested in the needs of the Syrian
then Mr. Dimitriades (he had a second
attack as well), then it went
through the whole school—students,
teachers and all. Maiiy of our church
members also were ill, but, fortunately,
there were no fatalities to record,
either in school or the church, although
the disease has been severe
field we gladly give it out in this first
issue of the magazine since Synod.
We may assume that conditions in
Asia Minor are analogous.
Findley M. Wilson,
in Cyprus and the mortality hea-vy.
The clinics have been held regulariy
twice a week throughout the year,
missing only two or three, and that
Corresponding Secretary. for, various reasons, especially illness,
As the statistical report shows, the
* * * *
clinics have been well attended and
REPORT FROM NICOSIA, CYPRUS
the cash receipts far exceed any previous
By Calvin McCarroll, M. D. record. This is partly due to
the increased amount of illness and
also to increased amount of ready
In continuation of the work as reported
last year, we continued teach­
money among the -dllagers. The Governmentj
bought thousands of mules,
ing in the school at Larnaca and also also goats, potatoes and other products
for the Salonika forces, paying
carrying on the medical work in
Nicosia (a sort of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. cashj also many interpreters were
Hyde personality) until February, sent, at good wages, and thousands
when Mrs. McCarroll took a forced of muleteers. All this, including
rest in bed for a few weeks, the cause money sent by Cyprists in America,
being paratyphoid fever. After recovery
she resumed school work, and
caused a greater circulation of money
in Cyprus than has, probably, ever
been known here. On the other hand,
we carried on till the close of school,
the cost of living has correspondingly
then we removed to Nicosia, and devoted
our whole time to medical work,
increased and many who have not
shared in the prosperity find it
which, on account of the unusual
doubly hard to keep the spirit in its
amount of illness was continued all
through the summer, excepting for
temple of clay. Lately we have not
five or six days, when we just had to
been giving many tracts, but we are
run away from it all and stayed in a
selling portions of the Bible, usually
khan in the foothills. When school one of the Gospels or the Acts. We
reopened in the fall Mrs. McCarroll hand one of the gospels to the patient
did not feel fit for teaching but felt along with his medicine and add the
that household cares were suflacient price to the price of the medicine.
for her this year, so she did not take Occasionally a patient objects and we
up school work this year. However, take the portion back. We have sold
we devised another plan for partly several hundred portions in this way
making up for the shortage in teachers,
and that was by taking Mr. Dimitriades
along with me every week, and
during the past year, and now, our
stock being Completely exhausted, the
people are asking for the little books.
so my brother is partly relieved for

416 OtiVE 'fREES
One man used to come in every two
or three months and buy about two
dozen portions. I suppose he would
sell them at a profit. Anyway he was
doing colporteur work without pay
from the Mission.
The year has been one of much activity
and, we hope, of some progress.
We have great reason for gratitude to
the Heavenly Father for his care during
the trying years of war. We have
been kept from harm and abundantly
provided for, while only a few miles
away from us, on the mainland, was
want and suffering, the extent of
which will probably never be known.
And now we are anticipating with joy
and pleasure the reunion with our
dear ones in the homeland, in the not
distant future, if the One whose we
are and whom we serve so wills it.
Respectfully submitted by
Calvin McCarroll.
OBITUARY.
Mrs. R. j. Jamison.
For the second time this year the
Women's Missionary Society of the
Second Church of the Covenanters,
Philadelphia, has been called to mourn
the loss of one of its members, Mrs.
Maria Jamison, wife of Mr. Robert J.
Jamison.
Identified with the congregation
from its earliest years, an active
member of our missionary society and
the founder and inspiration of the
Ladies' Aid Society, she filled a large
place in our hearts.
She presented to the congregation
a splendid "Blue Banner" in silk and
gold, "For Christ's Crown and Covenant,"
to be displayed in the pulpit—
a constant challenge to our loyalty
to the King and Head of the Church,
and to our martyr fathers whose
blood courses in our veins.
We ask the comfort of the Holy
Spirit for her husband in his grief,
for her daughter, Mrs. Nettie Jamison,,
and for her son.
"Blessed are the dead which die in
the Lord."
Mattie J. Henry,
Jane Peoples.
MRS. MARY McKELVY.
The Ladies' Missionary Society of
the Reformed Presbyterian Church,
at Hetherton, Mich., has sustained a
great loss in the death of Mrs. Mary
McKelvy, one of its senior members,
who was called home on Friday, May
16, 1919. We miss her gentle presence
among us. She was for fifteen
years treasurer of this society.
Resolved (1) That we, realizing
the loss we have sustained, submit to
God's will in this providence.
(2) That we express an appreciation
of her cheerful Christian life.
(3) That we extend our sympathy
to her family, who mourn the loss of
a good mother.
(4) That a copy of these resolutions
be sent to the church papers and
also to her bereaved children.
Mrs. C. B. Jameson,
Mrs. D. B. Elsey,
Committee.
* * * *
MRS. THOMPSON.
Resolutions on the death of Mrs.
Thompson, of the Eskridge Ladies'
Missionary Society:
Inasmuch as it pleased our Heavenly
Father to call to her eternal rest
our sister in the Lord, be it resolved,
1. That we bow in hUmble submission
to His will, "Who doeth all things
well;"
2. That we recognize her true
Christian character and earnestness;
3. i'hat we extend sympathy to
her companion, her sister and aged
father, commending them to Him who
alone is able to comfort their hearts
by His grace.
By order of L. M. S.,
Mrs. Sylvia Dill,
Mrs. Mary Hay,
Committee.

dLIVE TREES 417
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
APPEAL FOR AN INDUSTRIAL
WORKER FOR THE MISSION
IN CHINA.
The Mission in China has decided
to introduce Industrial Training into
the scheme of service in Tak Hing
district. Synod and the Board have
approved the proposal. This branch
of the service has been placed in the
hands of the Rev. Jesse C. Mitchel.
Being a graduate of Manhattan Agricultural
College, Mr, Mitchel is qualified
for this work. But being also
educated for the ministry, it is not
the intention that he shall have charge
except temporarily. At the earliest
possible date the Board desires to
send a young man fully qualified to
take his place that Mr. Mitchel may
devote himself to preaching. Applicants
should address the Corresponding
Secretary. If a young man is to
go out this fall, there is no time to
lose. Here is an urgent call!
* * * *
Dr, J. M. Wright and family arrived
in San Francisco, June llth.
They went from there to spend a few
weeks with Mrs. Wright's mother, in
Albany, Oregon. Thereafter they will
visit at Denison, Kansas, the home of
Dr. Wright.
* * * *
Rev. Walter McCarroll landed in
New York Monday, June 2d. After
a few days with his family in Beaver
Falls he reached Synod Friday even-.
ing, June 6th. Strange to say for one
who has been so long in the service
of our church, this was his firstappearance
on the floorof the Synod.
He was gi-ven a most hearty welcome.
His missionary addresses to Synod
and to the Women's Organization
were June A telegram highly 21, tells appreciated.
:|s from that H: ^ Rev. Greeley, sN J. K. Col., Robb on
had reached there on his way home
from China. After the Sabbath spent
in Greeley he expected to arrive at his
home in "Topeka on Tuesday, the 24th.
* * * *
Captain Samuel Edgar, A, R. C,
arrived in New York on June SOth.
He spent a few days with friends in
Brookline, Mass., and reached the
home of the Corresponding Secretary
in Philadelphia on Saturday evening.
He addressed all three of our churches
in this city on Sabbath, July 6th. He
has a most thrilling story. Monday
he started for Greeley, Colorado, to
meet his wife and children. His address
is 1465 Tenth street. He hopes
to retum to Syria in the autumn.
* * * *
Miss Mary Adams is spending the
latter part of her furlough with her
family and friends in Sterling, Kan.,
while Rev. and Mrs, Kempf are staying
for a few weeks at Greeley, Col,
Mr, Kempf is supplying the pulpit
during the vacation of the Greeley
pastor.
* * * *
Mr, and Mrs, James M. Adams, of
Sterling, Kan,, parents of missionaries,
Mary R. and the Rev. R, C.
Adams, were at Synod this year. They
have eight children, and the eighth in
tum graduated this spring from a
Christian college. These parents are
dedicating their jewels to the Lord
Jesus Christ. One of the questions
uppermost in the counsels of Synod
this year was: How shall we lead
the young men and women of the
church to devote their lives to the
work of the Kingdom of God Olive
Trees would suggest that the secret
has been discovered in those homes
whence names appear come on the our third persons cover whose page.

418 OLIVE TREES
SYRIA.
begun to think we were in for another
Latakia, Syria. A very welcome winter of the war when one day,
letter from Miss Maggie B. Edgar, of October 2d, Mr. Sadik Fattal came in
Latakia. How we rejoice with them
that they again have a sense of security
and a freedom from great anxiety
that they carried so long! We give
Miss Edgar's letter in its entirety:
"Latakia, May 7, 1919.
"Dear Mrs. Wilson.
"I wrote Dr. Wilson last month. I
did not then know that you are the
on his way home to dinner, and said,
'Good news for you. Miss Edgar! The
British are in Damascus, Beirout has
surrendered, and telegrams are coming
to the government here demanding
the surrender of LatakiaI' Is it
any wonder that we doubted it Of
couse the whole town was excited over
the news. It did seem too good to be
conductor of the letters from the field. true. We still had some lingering
You see that is the result of four years doubts until a few days later when
without much news and most of it
without Olive Trees. How much we
have missed the little magazine! I
have been hoping that you would send
the French warships began to come
and the officers landed and visited us.
"Then came a telegram from Rev.
Edgar—I had known through my
it to us when the new year began. I sister, for some time, that he and Miss
happened on a copy of the January Mearns and Miss Metheny were somewhere
number, which came, I think, among
in Palestine asking about
some papers which Mrs. Hoskins sent our welfare. At the beginning of
me from Beirout. It was good to see December he was able to make us a
it again. Hope we may soon get it little visit. It seemed very wonderful
regularly. We are getting accustomed having been compelled to leave just at
now to feeling free again, but we have the beginning of the war, he should
not yet gotten over the joy and thankfulness
of it.
"I see in the Olive Trees a note
from my sister, written from Switzerland
on October 9, in which she
mentions having had a note from me
and thinks the British troops could
not yet have reached Latakia, and
says 'How glad she (Mrs. Stewart
and myself) would be to see those
autos whirling in.' But not an auto
nor a Britisher did we see. I think
we would have been glad!
"There was nothing dramatic about
the way the change came to us; sO
quietly and easily that days passed
before we could believe the news was
true. No news at all was allowed to
the people that could be kept from
them, but, of course, now and then
be the firstto get back to us. How
we did enjoy his visit!
"At that time we were anxious about
Dr. Stewart. There had been no word
from him since late in September.
Those were, perhaps, the most anxious
days of that long hard year for Mrs.
Stewart, not knowing what the Turks
might do to their prisoners in the
humiliation of defeat and loss. But
God was very merciful, and on the
day Captain Edgar left us Dr. Stewart
arrived safely, and again we had
occasion for rejoicing and thankfulness.
"A day or two after New Year, Mr.
McFarland came, giving us a pleasant
surprise and making us a ten days'
visit. We had a communion season
while he was here, the firstsince
some leaked through to us. When 1915. It was very profitable and
we heard that Jerusalem was taken
everyone thought the end was near at
hand; months passed and then we
pleasant and encouraging. We could
hardly have believed so large a number
of our people could be gathered
wondered we Damascus heard surely knew of deliverance there why Nablus, to they stop was then is were nothing them. near, we so slow, We north and thought had we for of white after had many have been gone the vacant throne, scattering to these worship places, some years. and quite about through sifting There a the number 'great
there were

tribulation' had reached their fullness
of joy. But it was with thankful
hearts we sat with our brethren left
to us and remembered our Saviour's
love and sacrifice.
"Since the middle of February Captain
Edgar has been with us at work
for the American Red Cross in this
district. How much he has brought
of cheer and help to all and the poor
down-trodden remnants of the Armeenians
' are beginning to take heart
of hope again, that they will be able
to get out of the very depths of poverty
a^d start anew. Also here in
Latakia those who were at their wit's
end as to how to get something to eat
and wear have had a share of the
R. C. assistance.
"Last week we welcomed Dr. Balph
back after his long absence. All
Lataki^ is glad to have him back
again and they gave him a great welcome.
All are sorry that he comes
alone, for Mrs. Balph was much loved
and her influence for good greatly felt.
People remark so often, 'How she
loved the people of Latakia,' and that
is very true, and there was almost no
one with whom Mrs. Balph came in
contact who did not receive from her
a mesaage of her Lord. Now she rejoices
with the Lord she so much
loved and truly served.
"O*- fellow-workers in Mersine will
be rejoicing these .days in that they
are all united again for work but they
will certainly miss the beloved young
associate who has been called to
higher and closer service for his Lord.
May there soon be another to take his
place. , . . f
"We are now into our last term oi
school for this year. I think we are
keeping up a better attendance than
at the close of last year. Miss Mearns
will be free from the R. C. work to
come to us in July. I shall be so glad
to have her with me here again. Her
experience of this year will doubtless
be I many have a great interruptions written help to this her and in for the future must midst close. work ol
OLIVE TREES 419
"With best regards to yourself and
Dr. Wilson,
"Yours in His work,
"Maggie B. Edgar."
* * * *
Dr. Balph also writes from Latakia
on the same date, May 7th, as Miss
Edgar. His letter follows:
"I arrived at Latakia, April 30th,
from Mersine, our company all having
reached that place after a trip of six
days by rail from Constantinople. We
found the brethren there well, and no
doubt you have had word from them
before this.
"I have deferred writing from here
to this time until I could get the lay
of things somewhat, and also because
there have been so many things
to take my time. Naturally much of
first week has gone in seeing people
and listening to what they had to say.
We had a mission meeting last night,
Dr. Stewart,.Miss Edgar and I present.
The matter of the future outlook
was discussed at length, and the
message of the Board to the Mission
in regard to future plans was presented.,
Also the request that an estimate
of value of property be made
out, with specifications of buildings,
property, etc.
"After talking matters over with
Dr. Stewart, I findthat the Mission
has not had any remittance from our
treasurer since June, 1917. The
American Press in Beirout has furnished
them with money, and the
amount now due the press is approximatively
1800 pounds sterling. They
have also borrowed here in Latakia
about 900 sterling, making the present
debt of the Mission about 2700
sterling. . , , ^ ,,
"Dr. Stewart has submitted to the
treasurer a financialreport embodying
these facts, and I only mention
them incidentally.
"Those who are here think that the
first thing to be done is to cancel the
debt against the Mission. The $5000
the that see, third would I brought of not that cover with debt, me, much and as naturally more you will than a

420 OLlVfe TREES
considerable amount of that must go
for current expenses, so that we will
need to have over 2000 sterling at
once to be able to pay off the debt,
and meet the running expenses. I do
not know what the treasurer, Mr.
Steele, may have paid to the Presbyterian
Board in the meantime to offset
the amount received from the
Press. But the fact is this amount of
debt remains.
"In view of this fact, and in view of
the unsettled condition of aflfairs in
this part of the country, and in view
of the fact that Dr, Stewart and family
expect to leave for America as
soon as they can get passage, and that
Miss Edgar should have a vacation
for several months of the summer at
some place where she can rest and
recuperate so that she may be able to
take up the work in the fall, it was
the unanimous opinion of all that no
new work should be undertaken this
year, and that the boarding schools
should not be carried on for the coming
year, with the exception of caring
for a few orphaned children that must
be looked after,
^
"Owing to the fact that all the buildings
are much out of repair, and that
materials cannot at present be procured,
and that almost all the bedding
and cots for use in the boarding
schools have been used for those who
lost all, and will have to be replaced,
and as such things cannot now be
purchased here, it seems to me that
for the next year we will have all that
can possibly be done to repair these
losses, and to get the buildings in
order for work later,
"It ia the mind of the Mission to
continue the day schools, and perhaps
a few boarding pupils as mentioned
above, until such time as things can
be put in order and the necessary
preparations made for beginning the
work in the regular way.
Captain Edgar has been here for
some time, visiting Gunamia, Kessab,
and the Suadea region, relieving as
far as possible the most urgent necessities
of those who have returned to
their homes. He is now, with James
Stewart, on a visit to Kessab, Suaded>
and Antioch. I understand he ex-^
pects to retum home in June, if possible,
that he may bring his family
out in the fall,
"Miss Edgar, the Secretary of the
Mission, was appointed to write you
the oflicial letter from the Mission
and will set all these things before
you more fully, A young man who
had formerly been teaching for the
Mission was asked a short time ago
to open the work again at Jendaria, a
school, and conduct the Sabbath services
there. It is also hoped to employ
a woman as Bible Reader, to do
visiting here in the city. If conditions
are favorable I think there will
be no doubt in regard to our being
able to open the most of the village
schools as soon as there is sufficient
force on the fieldto oversee the work.
"The French have charge here, and
good order exists, and everything is
being done that is possible for the
welfare of the country. If they remain
here, as it seems quite probable,
we hope for a better condition in the
near future. You can readily understand
that after the terrible ravages
of the war and disease that has prevailed
so largely it -will take time to
restore things to their nomial conditions,
"I expect to go to Beirout tomorrow
to try and get drugs to begin
work. As I belong to Syria, I did not
get anything from Constentinople,
but the committee there gave me a
letter to Beirout, stating that I was
entitled to what I needed from the
stores there, I do not know whether
they have what I will need but am
going down to see, I must also attend
to getting the paper that I
brought along cashed, and bring back
to Latakia the money that will be
needed here. I hope to be able to
return in one week,
"The beds, bedding and hospital
supplies were all bought at a nominal
price by the government, and we will
need to have all those things new before
we can open the hospital work
to any extent. But I hope to resume

egular medical work as soon as I
retura from Beirout, It is not likely
we will be able to have any hospital
work before the beginning of the
coming year.
"As soon after my return as possible,
I will try and make an estimate
of what is needed and write you in
regard to it. I have not had time yet
to look into the matter sufficiently to
write intelligibly of it; besides, I do
not kttow what help I may be able to
get from Beirout.
"The- weather here is fine,crops
only f^ir, not up to the average.
Plenty.of green food in market, but
prices are still high, although they
have declined very much from what
they were. It takes about ten cents'
worth' of bread for a person a day.
Rice is 15 cents a pound; meat dear.
There is very little of anything to be
had in the stores yet. There are many
things' that would be interesting to
you to4cnow, no doubt, but I have not
been4ierel&ng enough to write about
them. There is misery yet on every
side, although there has been a great
work done in the way of relief. Very
many of our people have fallen a prey
to death in its many forms,"
ASIA MINOR.
Mersine, Asia Minor. It is good to
know that after their long journey
and a wearisome wait, the Willson
family are at home in Mersine, Rev,
R, E. Wilson's fineletter tells about
the last stages of their trip, and how
they found the friends at Mersine,
and about their possessions left behind
so long ago:
"After our long wait we are at last
able to report arrival in Mersine, We
reached Mersine a week ago yesterday,
April 23d, and, perhaps, a short
account of the last stages of our journey
may be of interest.
"We were at Prinkipo and Constantinople
fl little over fiveweeks altogether.
On Monday, April 14th, in
OttVfi TREES 421
to consultation Commission steamer abandon and with the go was by idea the definitely train. leaders of going This decided of the in­
by
cluded those also who were bound for
Beirut and other parts of Syria. Two
or three diflferent times they thought
they had made definite arrangements
for steamer but as often something
would suddenly upsdt' all the plans.
The British military authorities had
refused to send through any more
special trains, but consented to put
on a limited number of cars on their
regular trains and rui^ them through
thus. Those to go were made up into
two groups, the first ;i*ncluding workers
for Hadgin, Alep^jo, Aintab, Marash,
Mardin and Mersine; the second,
workers Beirut and the section
south of Aleppo. We were thus included
in the first company so that
we went back to our quarters in Prinkipo
that night with the welcome
news that we were to move. We
packed that evening, and the next
morning took the ferry for Constantinople
. with bag and baggage. I
should have stated that these units
are all made up at Derindje, and
started out from there. Derindje is
a station on the Anatolian section of
the Bagdad Railway line and also a
seaport near the head of the Gulf of
Ismid. It is about ffl)miles from Constantinople.
The Germans had had a
large supply depot there, and had put
up large warehouses for the accommodation
of their goods. These warehouses
have been taken over by the
Committee for Relief, and are being
used by them as stores and base of
supplies. It was necessary for us to
get from Constantinople to Derindje
on the train. We left Prinkipo Tuesday
moming, expecting to go to Derindje
that same afternoon, but when
we got to Constantinople, -the powers
advised us to wait over until the
moming train. This also gave us
more opportunity for the transfer of
baggage, for we landed in Constantinople
on the European side and all the
baggage had to be ferried to Haidar
fact the Pasha, on greater the matter this which Asiatic part advice of is side. the transfer was day. railway As well took a matter given terminal us the for of

422 OLIVE TREES
"We spent that night at the Bible
House, and Wednesday morning took
the train in Haidar Pasha at 8.30 and
arrived in Derindje about 12.30.
Plans are often changed in this country.
It was our expectation when we
left Constantinople that we would go
on from Derindje that same evening,
but when we reached that place we
found that we could not start until
the next evening. The intervening
time was spent in making ready our
special palace cars for the trip. These
were of the variety commonly called
box cars, the supposed capacity
plainly inscribed on the outside of
each car, '8 horses or 40 men.' But
as arranged by the A. C. R. N. E. for
the accommodation of their workers
they w,ere not so bad. Our party was
made up of about thirty people. For
the comfort of these there were six
cars, four cars (Pullman) for the
passengers, and one car for baggage
and stores, and one cook car. Six
cots were placed in each car with as
much of the personal baggage as
could be stowed away. Some slept in
the cook car. With this equipment
we were quite ready for the journey.
We got under way Thursday evening
about 7 o'clock, and when after a time
we found our way to our cots we were
rocked and bumped to sleep. The
next day we were side-tracked at a
little station at 10.30 A, M., and were
there until 2.30 P, M. About 4 o'clock
we reached the city of Eski-chehir and
stayed there until about 7.30. We arrived
at Konia Saturday P, M. about
4 o'clock and had to lay over there
until Monday morning. Of course,
with our fine quarters we were able
to live right in our private cars. We
got away from Konia Monday moraing
about 8 o'clock and from there
on through the mountains it was a
grand trip, some of the finestscenery
to be found in this part of the country,
and some say as fine as can be
found anywhere. We were compelled
to lay up again at Bazanti from Monday
night about 10 o'clock until Tuesday
at 10 A. M, on account of some
work that was being done on the
tunnel. You are aware, of course,
that trains run right through now.
We entered the tunnel at 11.15 and,
got out at 11.50. From this point it
was down grade and our train made
fairly good time, aside from stops, and
arrived in Adana about 4 o'clock P,
M. Tuesday.
"At this point our party was to be
somewhat divided. Those for Hadgin
were to remain in Adana for the time;
our own car was to be sent on to
Mersine, and we to take two ladies
with us who were going to Tarsus.
This necessitated quite a good deal
shifting of baggage, and this occupied
the time Tuesday eve and part
of the night. We saw the AUeppo
contingent start on at 6 o'clock Wednesday
morning. Our own train left
Adana at 8 o'clock and we reached
Mersine at 11,15. Dr. Balph came
right through -with us. He was here
until Monday of this week, and then
took a French steamer for Latakia,
and if all went well he would reach
Latakia Wednesday morning.
We found the Mersine folks all well
and apparently glad to see re-inforcements,
Mrs, McFarland had reached
Mersine via Egypt, on March 4th,
four days before we arrived in Constantinople.
We have been very busy
since putting the house into living
conditions again after a vacancy of
over'five years. We found our goods
in remarkably good condition, considering
the long time away and the intervening
vicissitudes of -war. Some
few things were missing, -which was
only to be expected. We are, indeed,
very grateful for the Master's care
through the long joumey, and that
He has brought us at last safely home;
glad to be back again on the field and
in the work in the midst of such por^
tentious times. I had the privilege of
speaking agairi to the brethi'eri on
Sabbath morning—oh, no! not ,in
Arabic, not yet—I preached in English
and Bro. McFarland put it into
Arabic for the brethren.
"I will not attempt no-w to' say
much about general conditions. Letters
are still subject to censorship.

SuflBce to say, the British are here in
force. The railroad clear through is
completely under British control.
There is some talk of the French also
sending in some troops. In a very
few days, when we get a little better
rid up, I wish to write more fully."
CHINA.
Tak Hing, China. Miss Huston
sends the news items from Tak Hing
and encloses in her letter a copy of the
Chinese Covenanter Bi-Moiithly: It
contains some very interesting matter.
There is an article by two girls
from the Tak Hing school on this subject,
"Should Christians and Non-
Christians Marry" Then Tak Hing
church news, and notes from the
Boys' School, and the same from the
Girls' School. Also a column of news
from Lo Ting, and a Bible Study in
Mark, by Mr. Adams, and another
article on the "Qualifications of a
Minister," by Dr. Robb. We are sorry
not to give extracts from these. We
will willingly lend our copy to anybody
-who will read it. Miss Huston
vouches for the sheet, although
strangely she forgot to mention the
subscription price. Her news items
follow:
"A few weeks ago, a large fish was
caught near Tak Hing, which was a
great curiosity, because they had
never seen one of its kind before, and
also because bf its size, it being nine
or ten feet long. They called it an
alligator, but some of the foreigners
thought it was a porpoise. It was
kept for a few days before they killed
.it, and in the meantime, a number of
women who are strict vegetarians as
matter of religion, got together and
asked them to release it, which, of
course, they ref used to do, as they expected
to make considerable money
from Its sale for food. The vegetarians
then subscribed money to the
amount of $30 Chinese money and offered
it for the freedom of the.fi|sh,
but it was not suflficient. they believe
that some, spirit from some other
world had its abode in the fish, and
OLIVE TREES 423
if they could save its life, as a reward
of merit, their souls would be saved.
One of the foremost of the vegetarians
is a woman who knows much of
the Way of Life, and when some of
the Christians remonstrated with her,
and urged her to believe in Christ instead
of in such a foolish idea, she
replied, 'You have your plan for salvation
and I have mine. Take your
Jesus, I am willing to risk my plan.' "
* * * *
"Chue Hon Shang has rented a
building adjoining the chapel at Ma
Hui, in order to have a plape for the
women, as the chapel is a long narrow
building with no place proper for the
women, who; of course, are not allowed
to sit with the men. He. thought
of putting in a gallery and a stairway
so they could sit upstairs and
hear, but the men, so precious is the
dignity and self-esteem of their high
and .exalted selves, objected, because
it would put the women above them.
"However, the new plan will be
better in many ways, and the men
may soothe their tender feelings with
the thought that women are not exalted
above them as regards space,
at least. Mr. Chue has asked that
some of the women from the school
go out each week-end and hold meetings
for the. women, and he hopes in
the future to open a school for girls
and women."
Hi 4i * 4:
"Dr. Wright and family left for
America on May 3 on a boat that
takes forty days for the trip, the boat
they had engaged passage on having
been taken over by the govemment
for transporting soldiers."
* * * *
"Rev. J. K. Robb conducted communion
at Tung On, April 27, one
man being haptized, and others applying
for membership,"
4c H: 4: 4:
Lo Ting, China. Lo Ting has a
double budget for the July number,
. Olive Trees was a little in advance
last month, and the Annual Report
of the Board and a few other reports

424 OLIVE tREBS
crowded the News Department. We
aflfix dates to the items and, although
a bit tardy, they will be news none
the less.
"April 18. Lo Ting is having a
siege of bubohic plague earlier than
usual this spring. It is not prevalent
in the city but in many surrounding
villages. All the foreign population
have been vaccinated and go about
carrying moth balls and the odor of
kerosene on their clothes so the fleas
will keep at a proper distance. The
Chinese, too, have learned the benefit
of using plague vaccine and the hospital
is quite a popular place."
* * * *
"Rev, and Mrs, R, C, Adams, Rev,
William Robb and family, of Tak
Hing, were welcome visitors at Lo
Ting a few days last week. We wish
they could have stayed longer but
they all went home feeling sore. However,
we are sure that feeling would
soon wear off for the soreness* was
confined to one little spot on the left
arm where the serum to prevent
plague was injected,"
* * - * *
"P'ang Saam Mo, one of our Christian
workers, was stricken with bubonic
plague. Sabbath, March 30, and
after three days' suffering was called
to the heavenly home, Saam Mo
joined the Church in 1900, She could
neither read nor write, and as she was
fifty-three years of age, was considered
too old to learn. However, she
surprised evgrybody with her remarkable
memory. She committed
large portions of Sripture as well as
the Commandments and two small
books which tell the gospel story in
rhjrthmic forhi. When our Biblewoman
died in May, 1914, we did not
know where to get another to take
her place, and some of the Chinese
recommended Saam Mo as one who
could talk the doctrine even if she
could not read. She was glad to come
and give what help she could and has
lived at the chapel for almost five
years. She Urged those who could
read to buy books, and the women and
children were taught to memorize as
she had done. On Sabbath and Wednesday
mornings she was up earlier
than usual, ate rice, and started out
to invite people to meetings. We have
a small guest room, where Christian
women who come a distance or twelve
or fifteen miles to church can stay
over night. Saam Mo was a voluntary
host, and saw that the women
were comfortably fixed for the night
and also properly fed. Two weelcs before
she took sick she walked' five
miles in the rain to visit a sick woman
who had not been able to come to
church for a long time. A few raonths
ago a woman from a distantiyillage
came into the inquirer's class ahcJ said
she wanted to hear more of the Jesus
doctrine. When asked where she had
first heard the gospel she said she
came to the chapel so sad and weary
of life she did not care what became
of her, Saam Mo taught her to pray
and cast all her cares on the Lord,
She had done so and receive^ such
definite answers to her prayers she
was now very happy." ;
* * * * .1
The following items come to us
under the date of May 2: ,
"Don't forget to pray for Shuen Po,
where practically all the work has
been done by Chinese. Last year nine
men were baptized. Wan Chung Woh,
the firstChristian from that place, is
now engaged in selling books and
began at home. He is not only proving
his ability to distribute the Word
but has brought many to a decision
for Christ, He sent in the names of
nine more men who registered as inquirers,
making thirty in all,"
* * * * '.r _
"Mr, Mitchell visited Wai Taj and
Sz Lun last week. The IJvan^elists
at these places are encouraged in their
work. There are four Christians near
Wai Tai, and recently nine men have
applied for baptism. At Sz Lun three
have registered,"
j
"Lo King has been heard from
again. The CathoUcs tried to get a
foothold there, and wanted the building
which we have rented for chapel.

OLIVE TREES 425
We are glad the Christians have recovered
from Taamitis since Mr. you can help them by your prayers.
homes always to be true to Christ, .but
Taam has gone to Canton, and are Will you do so"
asking for a Covenanter' preacher to
* * * *
^gain take charge of the work." "Were you ever at a wedding where
* * * *
all the bride's relatives scolded her
"Last Sabbath was Joshua's Day because she did not cry In China, a
in the Lo Ting Girls' School, at least bride is supposed to Iearn how to wail
it was his plan we used to endeavor in a becoming () manner. Lun Haan
to put our C. E. Society on a truer —the pupil mentioned before, who
basis. For almost a year we had felt was betrothed without her knowledge
that many of our girls were not keeping
the active members' pledge; some ents that for several days she abso­
or consent—was so angry at her par­
because they themselves had grown lutely refused to eat, talk or wail. You
careless; but others because of the can scarcely imagine the consternation
and concern this caused in a Chi­
opposition of parents. After much
prayer we decided to start all over nese home,
again, taking Joshua 24: 15 as the "We teachers, American and Chinese,
were invited to the bride's home
subject of our decision meeting. This
was written on the blackboard -with for the parting feast, also to witness
red chalk, and was followed by the the arrival of the presents from the
two pledges—active and associate. groom to th& bride's parents and to
"The plea was for all who had it see the gaily decorated chair in which
in their power to do so not to fall the bride is carried to her new home.
back, but again to take the active When our coming was announced
members' pledge and to depend more the floodgates were opened and our
upon God to help them to live up to heart-broken girl bride wept such
it; but for those who could not keep tears of real anguish that not only we
the first we urged the associate members'
pledge. The way was also left to wail now plead with her to stop.
but also those who before begged her
open for any who wanted to give up Crouched in her mother's bed behind
their membership, as the old roll was a heavy curtain and supported by six
destroyed and each girl had voluntarily
to rise and publicly take the help her wail in regulation fashion,
giri friends who were supposed to
pledge of her choice before her name she rocked back and forth as she
was entered on the new roll.
poured out all the grief that had
"The Holy Spirit's presence was been pent up for days.
shown both by the strong manner in "Among other things we gave her
which many renewed their old pledge a Chinese Bible. It would have wrung
and by the tearful confession of one your heart to have heard her sobbing
that she had not the power to keep thanks for our concern for her soul
the pledge she had once taken so must and to see how she prized the book
choose the second best. The latter of books. She felt we were her only
was also taken by one whom we know true friends and clung to one of the
to be hindered at home. We are not Chinese teachers who had climbed up
through yet as some may have been so in the bed to try to comfort her. How
convicted of the sin of vowing and it went against the grain to urge her
not performing that they fear to take to submit to the inevitable and carry
either. Consequently another opportunity
-will be given next week since er! And yet what else could we do!
out the plan of her father and moth­
we know there are others who want We were glad to point her to Jesus,
to hard 8 o'clock. "We join, it meet is You for each cannot girls Sabbath appreciate from morning heathen how
who endure glad and read has of suflfering her promised His word wrongfully to every to keep pray day. those and to were Him who

426 OLIVE TREES
"Seeing that Lun Haan responded
to our pleas and gradually quieted
down the mother and sister brought
food and begged us to coax her to eat.
Knowing that she had taken no nourishment
for five days and that she
would be jolted in a chair over thirty
miles of rough road the next day we
added our entreaties to those of others.
She finallytook some food but
said she could not swallow solid food,
consequently, we were not surprised
to hear that she fainted and almost
fell out of the chair several times before
reaching her new home.
"Should girls be forced into marriage
Hundreds, yes, thousands of
girls in China are. Will the gospel
change such conditions We believe
it will. Do you If so, help us to
get it into the hearts and homes of the
Middle Kingdom"
Canton, China, This account of
Mr. Levine's visit comes from a student
of our mission at the Canton
Language School:
"Mr. Levine, an instructor in Animal
Husbandry in the Canton Christian
College, was with us for a few
days' visit. While he came as a visitor,
we were not slow to make use
of him. We arranged three meetings
for him to speak. He does not use
the Chinese language much, so Dr.
Robb and Miss Huston interpreted
for him, which they did exceedingly
well.
"The firstmeeting was for the Seminary,
boys' and girls' schools students.
They were much interested
and kept him answering questions for
quite awhile. In the evening a meeting
was arranged for the merchants
and city people. There were about
200 in a little room that could seat
but little more than half that number.
We were surprised at their interest
and the way they asked questions.
We hear that they were greatly
pleased with the meeting and one of
our teachers told us they are still talking
about it. The meeting was held a
week ago. He spoke again to the
girls' school, and, they, too, showed
their interest in farming by the way
they asked questions about how to
make their school gardens produce
more, how to take care of trees, how
to overcome rice worms, how to make
grapevines produce, etc. The next
day they were out in their school yard
washing a peach tree with soap-suds
so you see that it had been well taken
by them.
"Mr. Levine has spent much time
studying the Agricultural situation in
China, and is also a very interesting
talker. He spoke something of the
great wealth of China in agriculture
products, A year's production of eggs
would make a string of them 'that
would reach more than twelve times
around the world. The export of
chickens and eggs is greater than that
of any other nation. The exportation
of pork is not a small item,
"The Chinese were interested to
learn that the Chinese hog and
chicken were used to improve the
breeds of hogs and chickens of Europe
and the United States, While
the foreign hog has been so greatly
improved the Chinese is the same as
a hundred or more years ago,
"He spoke also of the wonderful
growth of vegetation. In America
there are about 150 varieties of trees
that may be used for lumber, wood,
e(tc., while in Ciiina there are 250 varieties.
A great many of our ornamental
shrubs and flowers are native
to China,
"Mr, Levine's work with us has
given us some suggestions and inspirations
in regard to helping the people
of this community. We are indeed
grateful for his stay with us and hope
that he will come back often, China
offers a great field for agricultural
students."
"Burglary in Arabia is punished by
tying the thief to a post and whipping
him to death. As a result, the crime
is almost unknown. A purse dropped
in the road will be turned in with contents
intact to the chief."

A RECITATION.
Don't waste your time in longing
For bright, impossible things;
Don't sit supinely yeaming
For the swiftness of angel's wings;
Don't spurn to be a rushlight
Because you are not a star;
But brighten some bit of darkness
By shining just where you are.
There is need of the tiniest candle
As well as the garish sun;
The humblest deed is ennobled
When it is worthily done;
You may never be called to brighten
The darkened regions afar;
So fill,for the day, your mission
By shining just where you are.
HISTORY TEACHES US VIRTUES
OF SIMPLICITY.
The great things of the worldmen,
or women, or mountains, or
ideas—are simple, declares Angelo
Patri in the July number of the New
Red Cross Magazine.
"They are easy to understand. They
are exactly what they say they are.
They do not pretend. They 'come
"The founders of America were
simple folk. They landed on a rock
that became the corner-stone of a
great nation. They gave it a simple
name—Plymouth Rock. Their dress
was very plain. You would know a
Pilgrim father and mother if you met
them anywhere today. And you
would take oflf your hat to them. * * *
"Too many things, too m,any plans,
choke up our lives. You know people
who are so busy taking care of their
things that they have no time to live.
Some folks do not know at the end of
the day whether the sky was blue or
gray,- They did not hear the songsparrow
although he sang bravely.
They did not glimpse the road border
of dusty mulleins and skyblue chicory
and ox-eye daisies. Too busy. Daily
they miss the salt and savour of the
earth. 'They have forgotten the simple,
beautiful things,"
OLIVE TREES 427
NEW CONCORD.
We have had eleven meetings the
last year, one to help clean the 6hurch;
The meetings for the most part have
been held at the homes of.the members.
We have sent a box of goods
to the Southern Mission; a barrel of
fruit to the Aged Peoples' Home, a
package of surgical dressings to the
National Surgical Company. Our
Mission Study book has been "Women
of the Orieni." The class was led by
Mrs. Coleman.
Our work is small but we hope for
the blessing of the Lord.
(Mrs.) Mary Wilson,
Secretary.
"My life is one long, daily, hourly
record of answered prayer. For physical
health, for mental overstrain, for
guidance, given marvelously, for
errors and dangers averted, for enmity
to the Gospel subdued, for food
provided at the exact hour needed, for
everything that goes to make up life
and my poor service, I can testify
with a full and often wonder-stricken
awe that I believe God answers prayer,
I know God answers prayer. I
have proved during long decades
while alone, as far as man's help and
presence are concerned, that God
answers prayer."—Mary Slessor of
Calabar. A sign-post means guidance. To
refuse to read it is dangerous to the
traveler. The Bible is God's sign-post
on man's road of life.
Because Christ has overcome the
world you can, in his strength. Pay
more attention to your inner life, and
less to outer diflficulties.
A horse has small chance in a race
with an auto, but he is sometimes useful
to pull an auto out of a hole. So
in life, the race is not always to the
swift.

428 OLIVE TREES
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J, S, Martin a id Mrs, M. E, Metheny,
College Hill, Beaver Falls, Pa,
THE NEW BOOK FOR MISSION
STUDY.
- The book selected by Synod's Committee
for study 1919-1920 is "A Crusade
of Compassion for the Healing
of the Nation." It is compiled by
Belle M. Brain and edited by Caroline
Atwater Mason. It can be had from
the "Central Committee on the United
Study of Foreign Missions," West
Medford, Mass. The price of the
paper copy is 35c. Most booksellers
will order it if asked. If bought
direct from the publisher by single
copy add 5c. for postage.
The object of the book is to show
the need of Medical Missions, and the
benefits aecured from them. Man'3
soul inust be reached through his
body, and Jesus in his missionary
work set the example of healing the
diseases of those with whom he came
in contact. I think we are safe in
saying that most of his audiences
were gathered by the desire of afflicted
ones or their friends for healing,
How often it has been the case in
the history of missions that the physician
has been a door-opener for the
evangelist and how much readier is a
patient to listen to the gospel when
it comes from one who has given him
relief from pain. And how often hasa
stay in a hospital where the Word
is read and taught daily been the
means of salvation of souls.
We hope to begin the notes on the
book in the September number of
Olive Trees.
Mary E. Metheny.
* * * -*
JUNIOR DEPARTMENT.
Dear Friends:
Within the- last few weeks they
have had a very wonderful time in
the girls' school Christian Endeavor
meetings. Only eight of the girls are
church members, but many of the
others are firm believers and are hindered
from joining by their parents,
or because they are yet too young.
During the last of January, just before
school stopped, several girls
cheated in their examinations. For
those Christian girls to do this made
Miss Dean and Miss Stewart and the
young Chinese teachers feel very
badly. They felt that it was very serious
and that simply to punish the
girls would do but little real good, so
after praying a great deal about it
decided that the best plan was to try
to get the girls to confess to the
school what wrong they had done, for
all the school knew about it, and they
knew that a Christian school stands
for high ideals. So just as soon as
school opened again and Miss Dean
and Miss Stewart had come back
from Mission Meeting in Tak Hing
they had a Christian Endeavor meeting,
at which this matter was talked
over and the girls were urged to
make things right with the Lord and
with the school, for they had sinned
against their Heavenly Father and
against their teachers and against
their schoolmates. What would you
have done if you had been one of
them Well, they all sat still and did
not say a word. So the teachers got
up and told of mistakes in their lives
and set a fine example to those scholars,
but the girls had nothing to say.
But they were doing some thinking
and the Holy Spirit was working very
definitely in their hearts just as he
does in ours when we let him. During
the following week, several of the
girls asked the teachers if there would
be another opportunity to " confess
their faults, and what do you think
happened at the next C. E. meeting
Not only the girls who cheated in
their examinations stood up and confessed
that they did so, but every girl
in the meeting got up and confessed

her sins. I think the devil must have
had the blues for a while then, for he
would feel badly to hear those girls
throwing him out of their lives. One
wee girl eight years old stood up with
tears in her eyes and said, "I burned
incense to idols.'' And several girls
said they had done the same, but these
little giris are not doing this because
they believe in it, but it is through
pressure at home. The wealthiest
girl in school, and one of the proudest
I ever knew, and one who has
given Miss Dean and Miss Stewart
great trouble on account of her pride
and her ability to lead others to do
whatever she wished stood upand said
she confessed to the sin of pride and
that she did not love people enough.
Those girls have a peace in their
hearts now that they had never
known before, and -with such an influence
in the school can you not see
how all the new little ones who come
in this year will learn the great difference
between the power of the
gospel of Christ and the. power of
heathenism. There are over eighty
in the school already and are you not
glad that Miss Dean and Miss Stewart
came out here to teach these children
the love of Jesus and show them
the road to heaven and that you inay
have the chance to meet them all there
some day
Now I am going to tell you one
more story about a confession. In
Hong Kong there is an orphanage
where they take in girl babies that
are thrown out. It has been there a
Ludwig.. Ohve Trees.. 12 Day B
long time and lots of these babies are
grown up now and are trained to be
teachers. Two of them are with us
now and are helping Miss Stewart
and Miss Dean in the girls' school
here. One of these girls is called Uet
Lei, She flnished her schooling last
year and came up with us last September,
She planned to join our
church in October, as she is a Christian.
Before the time came she and
Miss Dean had a number of talks
about joining the church and the giri
did not seem quite comfortable and
OLIVE TREES 429
at last she told Miss Dean that she
had cheated in her last Bible examination
and she had received fine
marks. She decided to write down to
the orphanage to the lady, Miss M.,
who taught her Bible, and confess
her fault. I saw Miss M. in January
and she told me her side of the story,
which I thought was most interesting.
She received this letter from Uet
Lei, telling her her mistake. She had
gone into Miss M.'s room and found
the examination questions and memorized
the answers. She had done so
well on the examination that Miss M.
had praised her to everyone. So while
Uet Lei had confessed her fault she
also asked Miss M. not to tell anyone
else. Miss M. wrote back that she
hoped Uet Lei would be willing for her
to tell, for she had praised her work
to the others, and it was but fair they
should now know that it was not
honest work. What would you have
done if you had been Uet Lei Well,
she wrote to Miss M. to tell them all,
and she did so. Then Miss M. asked
the other girls if any one of them had
any confessions to make. She thought
they ought to confess if they had, for
it was a very serious matter, and she
was sure they would not be happy
until they did. Uet Lei had told her
that eight or nine others had cheated^
too, but Miss M. did not tell them she
knew they had for she wanted them
to make a willing confession. I think
it was the next day after Miss M. read
Uet Lei's letter to the school that
three girls came to her room. They
did not say anything for quite a while
and at last one by one they went up
to her and said very quietly, "I cheated,
too." Then they all prayed together
just as they did in the girls'
school here after they had opened
their hearts freely and everyone was
happy. Miss M. prayed much.that the
other girls who had cheated would
also come freely and admit their mistake,
but several days passed before
they came, when six came toegther.
She did not know what they came for,
and after quite a -vvhile three came
over to her and said they had also

430 OLIVE TREES
cheated and then the other three, one
of them saying, "I watched the door
while the others looked at the paper."
You see even if she did not look at
the papers she was quite as guilty,
and is it not good that the Lord makes
us feel uncomfortable until we get
right with him for what an awful
thing it would be if we Could keep
doing wrong and it never bothered us
at all.
Just after this happened there were
some big revival meetings in Hong
Kong, and Miss M. went to them and
at once told the story of Uet Lei's
confession. After she sat down a
woman got up and told about what a
bad temper she had and that although
she was a Christian the devil was still
making use of her through her temper
and she feared her temper was keeping
her school girls out of the Kingdom
of Heaven. She said the devil
had tried to make her believe that if
she confesS!d her temper before them
they would only laugh at her but she
was going to do it anyway. And what
do you think happened Those girls
loved their teacher a hundred times
more than they ever did before. Now
what would have happened if Uet Lei
had not made her confession first
Perhaps God would have moved some
of the other girls later to confess but
as it is now Uet Lei let, God use her
to help a number of her schoolmates
to acknowledge their sins and get
peace in their hearts, it changed the
atmosphere of the whole school, and
it helped a number of people in the
revival meetings at Hong Kong and
its influence has not stopped yet. And
how glad Uet Lei is today that she
did not refuse to listen when God
spoke to her.
Before I close, I will ask you to
pray for the women and girls of
China. . Almost all of the women cannot
read and you can hardly imagine
the lack this is in their lives. They
sometimes ask us if America is as big
as Lo Ting, and the other day a little
old lady asked me if the Lo Ting
River started in America. This river
is v/nly a small stream at that but it is
the only water the little lady ever saw,
But when Jesus comes into their
hearts it makes all the diflference in
the world to them. This little old
lady lives in a shack of a house. It
was so nearly a wreck that no neighbor
would go into it during a storm
for fear it would fall in on them and
she says, "When there would be a
storm I just went to one corner of
the house, and said, 'Jesus, my heavenly
Father, you know that my house
can never stand this strong wind, a^id
I have no way of getting a better one,
so just do not let the wind blow so
hard, please. I have no one to help
me but you Jesus, and I know you
will not blow my house down,' and she
smiled and said, "And you know Jesus
always stopped the wind when I asked
him to,"
Do not forget to pray for your
brothers and sisters out here and do
not forget to thank God often that
your were born in America, where
you have many to love you and to
take care of you when you are sick
and that your parents did not throw
you away just because you are a girl,
for it is not because we deserve more
than Chinese babies that God is so
good to us.
With best wishes to you all, I am
Your friend, Florence L. Dickson.
* * • *
WOMAN'S MISSIONARY
CONFERENCE.
It was a great pleasure to have the
privilege of attending the Woman's
Missionary Conference during the recent
session of Synod. The first meeting
was held June 5 when one hundred
and ten women were present.
The keynote of the opening prayer
and praise service was more thorough
consecration to the Master's service.
The program as announced was carried
out with only one exception. Mrs.
Myrta Dodds stated the object of the
meeting. Miss Mitchell, of Kansas,
presented a bright outlook for a forward
movement by women. Mrs. R.
C. Wylie, of Pittsburgh, whose topic
was "A Glance Backward," showed
what thirty-five years of organized

effort has accomplished. The Illinois
Presbyterial was represented by Mrs.
W. 0. Furgeson, who presented an
impressive paper on womans" place
in the evangelization of the world.
Mrs. W. W. Reynolds, of Utica, Ohio,
who had recently visited our Southern
Mission, gave an instructive address
on the encouragements and the
needs of that field.
A very spiritual consecration service
was held, in which all who were
present manifested a desire to take
part. By appointment of Synod, Rev.
T. M. Slater brought fraternal greetings
to the conference. On the morning
of June 6 after devotional exercises
it was unanimously resolved to
organize a "Woman's Synodical Missionary
Society." A committee previously
appointed reported a draft of
a constitution -which was adopted.
The object of the society is declared to
be "to form into one the various Presbyterial
Societies, to develop the spirit
of consecration, to increase our missionary
zeal and to co-operate with
the Boards of the Church in Home
and Foreign Mission work." The organization
was completed by the election
of officers and superintendents as
follows: President, Mrs. Myrta
Dodds, Denver; Recording Secretary,
Mrs. T. H. Acheson, Pittsburgh; Corresponding
Secretary, Mrs. William
Hutchinson, Sterling, Kansas; Treasurer,
Mrs. W. 0. Ferguson, Oakdale,
Ilhnois; Vice Presidents, Mrs. J. M.
Coleman, Mrs. H. G. Patterson, Mrs.
J. Boyd Tweed, Mrs. Matilda McClelland
and Mrs. J. M. Wylie; Superintendents,
Foreign Missions, Mrs. F.
M. Wilson; Home Missions, Miss Lilhan
McKnight; Literature, Mrs. J. S.
Martin; Temperance, Mrs. Henry
Russell; Thank-Offering, Mrs. J. K.
Tibby; Young Women's Work, Mrs.
E. N. Harsh; Board for Planning
Work, Mrs. R. C. Wylie; Standard of
Efficiency, Mrs. James Carson.
its for and from gave On transforming women earnest soul-stirring the Friday Home to prayer night carry power and addresses, our and the Foreign to missionaries
gospel those more asking Fields needy with men
OLIVE TREES 4:!1
fields. The representatives of the
Home Field were Miss Wickerham,
who spoke for the Indian Mission;
Miss Lola Weir, for the Southern;
Miss Forsythe, for the Jewish. Tliose
speaking for the Foreign Field were
Mrs. Dr. Peoples, Asia Minor; Rev.
Walter McCarroll, Cyprus; Miss
Adams and Mrs. Kempf, China. Rev.
F M. Wilson, Correspondent Secretary
of the Foreign Mission Board
and Moderator of Synod, in his masterly
manner spoke on "Our Obligations."
Mrs. Dodds, our President, was appointed
to represent us on the floor
of Synod, and the members of Synod
listened with deep interest while she
in a most graceful manner announced
the formation of the new organization.
Synod adopted a resolution, expressing
approval of this new movement
by the women and referring
them to the Home and Foreign Boards
for information as to the matter of
co-operation in work.
We believe the women of our church
have caught the great vision of
Christ's kingdom and are willing to
do their part in advancing His cause.
Mrs. R. C. Wylie.
:!: * :; *
The new book for the Juniors is
"Mook," by Evelyn W. Sites. It can
be purchased at "the United Presbyterian
Book Rooms, Anderson street,
Pittsburgh, Pa. Paper, SOc.
Mary E. McWilliams.
* * * *
PITTSBURGH PRESBYTERIAL.
The Thirty-third Annual Convention
of the Woman's Missionary Society
of the Pittsburgh Presbytery
met in College Hill R. P. Church,
Beaver Falls, Pa., May 27 and 28.
About fifty delegates were present
and many visitors. Twenty-three societies
were represented. Mrs. W. J.
Ward, treasurer, reported total collections,
$4023.50; disbursements,
were Tibly, wood, Rose $5286.14. Caroline Point, made Jr., Kenneth Sloane, Hugh Mrs. was Junior made and Rosa John Waldo Donald life a J. Crooks, life Martin, members. memoer; Calder­
McGaw John of

432 OLIVE TREES
Eleven signified their intention of attending
the Women's Synodical Conference.
The book selected for mission
study is "A Crusade of Compassion
for the Healing of the Nations,"
compiled by Dr. Nelle J. Allen, of
India. "Mook, True Tales of a Chinese
Boy and His Friends," by Mrs.
Evelyn Worthley Sites, is recommended
for the Juniors. Devotional exercises
opened each session. Four of
our misison fieldswere represented.
Mrs. John Peoples who, with her
three children, was compelled to leave
Asia Minor on account of the war, related
the distressing conditions under
which she traveled to America. Mrs.
Julius A. Kempf gave a vivid portrayal
of the needs of the Chinese
women and children and the work in
progress. Rev. Julius A. Kempf presented
an encouraging history of our
Chinese Mission. A very interesting
letter was read from our faithful missionary
among the Indians. Dr, Carithers
said, "Our one request is that
you will with great earnestness present
the need of the Indian people
before God's throne and ask that out
of the bewilderment and darkness
they may be led into the Light." Rev,
A. J. Khouri described the work in
the Pittsburgh Syrian Mission as very
encouraging, both in the day school
and in the church. Mrs. Ella M.
George, Pennsylvania State President
of the W. C. T. U., addressed the
convention on "The Hills Beyond," relating
the noble work of women with
the help of God in bringing about National
Prohibition. Having the ratification
and prohibition our work is
not completed, enforcement of the law
is just begun. In the Children's Hour
Mrs. Walter McCarroll conducted a
Bible drifi, and Mrs. Norman Sterrett,
a praise service. The children
presented our missions in costume,
describing the needs. Mrs. J. K.
Tibley, Thank-Offering Secretary, had
charge cieties phia ducing President County, of Lieut. of Philadelphia the Christian who evening Ellsworth delivered service, Endeavor and Philadel­
Jackson, the intro­
So­
address
of the evening, presenting a profound
spiritual appeal for a greater
consecration. The financialresponse
was $1722.06, suflficient to pay the salary
of Miss Brownlee, of our -China
Mission, and the balance was given to
the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund and
the Pittsburgh Syrian Mission. The
entertainment afforded the delegates
was of the very best. The floraldecorations
were notably appropriate. The
convention adjourned with the determination
in every heart that this must
be made the best year in the history
of our Presbyterial.
^ "P ^ T"
A NEW SERIES OF POST-WAR
LEAFLETS.
Edited by J. Lovell Murray.
1. Christianity the Forerunner
of Democracy, by J. L.
Murray $0,05
2. Since India Went Over the
Top, by B. T. Badley 05
3. The New Era in the Near
East, by S. M. Zwemer.. ,10
4. China After the War, by E.
C. Lobenstine 10
5. Latin America's Place in
World Life, by S. G. Inman
05
6. Japan and Reconstruction,
by Enoch F. Bell 05
7. The Task of Tomorrow in
Africa, by J. M. Springer ,05
8. Looking Ahead in Malaysia,
by W, G. Shellabear 05
9. New Days for the Philippines,
by P. H. J. Lerrigo .05
10. Fields Still Unoccupied, by
S. M. Zwemer . .. 05
11. A Woman's Life and the
World's Work, by Mrs.
Helen B. Montgomery . , .05
12. Careers of International Service,
by J. L. Murray 10
A packet containing the complete
set will be mailed to any address upon
receipt of 70 cents. .
Address
Student 25 New Volunteer Madison York Avenue, City. Movement,

FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRES. CHURCH
Latakia, Syria. Rev. Julius A. Kempf. .)
Rev. Jas. S. Stewart, D. D
Mrs. Julius A. Kempp , f 0° tu"ou h
Mrs. j, S. Stewart
Rev. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar with Ved cross 'm''' Mrs. William M. Robb
MBq SJAMTn!-! Fnr ap' o /*'"""*, MiSS KATE McBURNEY, M. D.,
J M Bal^ M n ^"^ Miss JUary R. Adams.
mtoL'S^^ ' rT'J"
Miss Rose A. Huston
mJ!! ^ ^ ^ ^' ^^^^ «; IV:' Miss Ida M. Scott, M. D., lOn furion,h
Miss M. Florence Mearns, cZ'^^t^^ Miss Annie J. Robinson; U"'>°"t »*i''y
Mersine, Asia Minor. ^^l ^^"-gf A^aSs^T!!'!!'. '.".•.•.'.•.•.• J^
pif f^o^""^ w^T^T" MRS. R. C.Adams 1
K- §^»^- S- Willson, rev. Jesse C. Mitchel «
MRS. Robt. E. Willson j^^g j^ggg q mitchel *
Rev. Andrew J. McFarland ^x . o vy. xvni-u ,«
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary Union,
John Peoples, M. D
Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples On furlough James M. Wright, 'm. d
Miss F. Elma French Mrs. James M. Wright j,,
Larnaca, Cyprus.
Union Language School,
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Canton, South China.
Mrs. Walter McCarroll, On furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. ..^
Mr, Wilbur Weir Miss Inez M. Smith, R. N „>
Nicosia, Cyprus.
Miss Jkan M, Barr
Calvin McCarroll, M. D
Miss Lillian j. McCracken
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll
Lq Ting, via Canton, South Chine.
Tak Hing Chau, West River, Rev. Ernest C. Mitchell
South China. Mrs. Ernest C. Mitchell
Rev. a, I. Robb, D. D E. J. M. Dickson, M. D .«
Mrs. a. L Robb Mrs. E. J. M. Dickson j^
Rev. J. K. Robb
Miss Ella Margaret Stewart. . .-^
Mrs. j. K. Robb on furlough Miss Jennie M. Dean «
HOME MISSIONARIES OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN GHURCH
Indian Mission, Apache, OMa. Southem Mission, Selma, Ala.
Rev, W. W. CARiTHHais, Superintendent. Rev. G. A, Edgar, D. D., Superintendent
Miss Inez Wicki^rham
Miss Lola Weir, High School
Miss Ellen Wilson
Miss Mary Reynolds, High School
Miss Irene McMurtry
Miss Ella Hays, Grammar School
Miss Mae Allen
Miss Mary Wilson, Sixth Grade
Miss Laura Weir, Fifth Grade
Mission of the Covenant^ 800 South Sth St., Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade
Philadelphia, Pa.
jjigg ruth Kynett, Third Grade
'iss Annie Forstth
Miss Eulalia Howard, Second Grade
Miss Emma M. McFarland
Mks, E, O, Senegal, First Grade
Mrs. G, M. Sims, Primary Department
Volunteer Workers.
^^^^ ^^^ ^ pQ^^Ej^^ q^^^^, /^^ jp^p^
Misa Mary Gray
Prof, Theod're Lee, Bo^ys' I^ndus. Dept.
K K ISsON MISS SOPHIA KINGSTON Prin'l LUtle Kno,
Du. Kalph Duncan
Mrs. Louise Kynestt, Pnnl Pleasant Grovt
Mr. Samuel Jackson ) Mrs. Estelle Lightning, Asst. Girls' In-
Mr. Melville Pearcb )rAlt«mrting dustrial Dept.
Mr. Will Stewart ) ^ Earnest Brooks, East Selma
Mr. Edwin Akdbrson
'

•R, Pi
SemiBaiy,'
UtBburg, Pa.
Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Presbyterian Church
President ,
METHENY, M. D., 6i7 N. 43d Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vice-Pesident
iTERS, D. D., 1838 Wallace St, Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
• R. J. BOLE, 170 Broadway, New York
Corresfondifig Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, D. D., 2517 Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Recording Secretary
F. M. FOSTER, Ph.' D., 303 W. 29th St., New York City.
Treasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transforlation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES OF TREASURERS
Syrian Mission, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection—
Mr. Joseph M Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Domestic Mission; Southern Mission ; Indian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widows' and Orphans' Fund; Literary, Students' Aid;
National Reform—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 411 Penn Building. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. Agnes C Steele, 321 Lehigh Ave., East End, Pittsburgh, Pa.
EVANGELICAL AND NON-SECTARIAN
THE SDHMY
I The Teacher
SCfOOIi WOl^IiO •«, jJSj;
Superintendent
Heme
Each lesson has The Lesson Text in full from the American Standard Revised and
King James Versions and comments on the Daily Home Readings.
Under the treatment of each lesson will be found
The Lesson Approached
In Young: People's and Adult Classes
The Lesson Outlined
In Junior Classes
The Lesson Explained and Applied In Primary Classes
Through Otiental Eyes
Por the Superintendent
Illustrations from Life
In addition, each issue contains Editorials, Contributed Articles, Inspiration for Sunday-
School Workers, Good Reading for the Home, etc., making it an unsurpassed monthly help for
every Sunday-school worker.
Published monthlv, 48 pages and cover. Single copy. 80 cents per year: 20 cents for three months, or
7 cents for one month
J A MTo Eschools, S in S. c'ubz TIBBY of three or more ^%V^^l copies sent to one - address, 65 Pittsbvirg, cents each per year; Pa.. 34 cents
sells each for six the inonths; follov'ing 17 cents each for covenanter three months. Subscriptions literature may begin with any month. Sendto
American Sunday-School Union, •^h'iaderp"ha"*Pa*-
PSALM BOOKS Told r.nd new versions), TESTIMONY,
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, MINUTES OF SYNOD, CON­
FESSION OF FAITH, CATECHISMS, TALES OF
COVENANTERS, POETS and POETRY, ROMANISM
ANALYZED, HISTORY OF THE TRIAL, 1891
_ VIRITE FOR PRICES

( § i x \ t t Q ^ X U B
ZECH.4: 11-14. REV. n : 3,4-
VOL. XXXIII SEPTEMBER, 1919 No. 8
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of North
America in the interest of Mission Work
THE CALL OF
ISLAM
" The prodigal son among the non-Christian
religions, Islam, is yet a great way off, but his
steps are turning toward the Fathers' house. Too
long the Churches of the Orient and of the
Occident havfe had the spirit of the elder brother.
Let us go out to meet IVIoslems; they are waiting
for us to bridge the Chasm. Christ can only
do it through us when He does it in us. We
must first love the Turk before we can help
him."
—S. M. Zwemer, in Men and Misiions,
Subscription price
®ne Dollar a ipear
POSTAGE free to all parts of the world
Three Great Events
Second New York
Junior Society
COJVT
433
437
439
BJVTS
Noises in China
News from the Field
Women's Department
440
442
453

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal.
published by the board of FOEEIGN MISSIONS OP THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THE INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 21.5 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PENNA.
EDITOR,
McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D.D.
Address all Communications to
McLEOD M. PEARCB
215 Buckingham Place, Philadelphia, Pa.
CaWe Address : Metheny, Philadelphia.
Entered as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post offlce at Philadelpiiia,
Pennsyl-s'ania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH.
OFFICERS OF WOMEN'S MISSIONAEY
President, Mrs. II. A. Calderwood, 5510 SOCIETY Kentucky
OF KANSAS PRESBYTERY.
Ave., Pittsburyli.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. WaUace, inS Lafayette
Ave.. N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. William Esler, Willtinsburgh,
Pa.
Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321
Lehigh Ave.. Pittsburgh, I'a.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Ave.,
Willdnsburg, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study, Mra. E. A.
CroolfS. 09 Oali Street, Newcastle, Pa.
President, Mrs. W. A. Edgar, Sterling, Kan.
Vice President, Mrs. Jennie Toung, Eskridge, Kan.
2d Vice President, Mrs. Elmer RusseU, Dennison,
Kan.
Recording Secretary, Miss Mary McCrory, Dennison,
Kan.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J, G. McElhinney,
Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Boyle, 701 Clay St.,
Topeica, Kan.
OFFICERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS OP THE
Supt. of Children's Bnnds, Miss Mary McWilliams, WOMEN'S SYNODICAL MISSIONARY
2328 Maple Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.
SOCIETY.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Harris,
1312 Penn Ave.. Williinsburg, Pa
Thanlt Offering Secretary, Jlrs. J. K. Tibby, Ridge
Ave., Crafton, Pa-.
Temperance Secretary, Mrs. W. R. Porter, 218 Burgess
St., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
ILLINOIS.
President, Mrs. Myrta May Dodds, 457 S. Clarkson,
Denver, Colo.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. T. H. Acheson, 117 W.
Mclntyre Ave., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. M. Hutchison,
Sterling,. Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson, Oakdale, 111.
Presidimt, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. Sth St., Vice Presidents, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, Bloomington,
Bloomington. Ind.
Vice I'resident, Mrs. H. G. Poster, Sparta, 111.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta,
111., R. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson,
Oaitdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. R. Davis, Princeton, Ind.
Ind. ; Mrs. H. G. Paterson, Washington, Iowa;
Mrs. Boyd Tweed, Beaver Falls, Pa. ; Mrs. S. B.
McClelland, Greeley, Colo.; Mrs. J. M. WyUe,
Kansas City, Mo.
Superintendents ;
Foreign Missions, Mrs. F. M. Wilson, 2517 N.
Franklin St., Philadelphia, Pa.
IOWA.
Home Missions, Miss Lillie McKnight, Portland,
President, Mrs. H. G. Patterson, Morning Sun.
Vice President, Mrs. Knox Dunn, Wyman, Iowa.
Secretary, Mrs. Eetta Jones. Sharon, Iowa.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. Carrlcls, Wyman, Iowa.
Ore.
Literature—Mrs. J. S. Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa.
Temperance, Mrs. Henry Russell, Bloomington, Ind.
Thank Offering, Mrs. J. K. M. Tibby, Pittsburgli,
Corresponding Secretary, Miss Jennie Fergeson, Pa.
COLORADO.
President, Secretary,, Supt. Vice Treasurer, Hopltinton, Ave., President, Junior Denver, Mrs. Worlc, Iowa. Mrs. Colo. R. S. Myrta B. S. Miss James Orr, McClelland, M. Anna Greeley, Carson, Dodds, McClurljin, Greelev, Colo Denver, 457 ' S. Colo Sharon.
Clarlcson Young Juniors, Plan Standard wood, 119 South of W. Women's Work Ohio. Mrs. Corona, Mclntyre of Efficiency, T. Board, C. Work, Denver, Ave., Weir, Mrs. Mrs. N. Colo. Winchester, E. S., B. C. James Pittsburgh, M. Wylle, Harsh, Kan. Carson, Chairman, North-
Pa. 939

R. M. SOMMEEVILLE, D.D. MES. R. M. SOMMBRVILLB
DE. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVE TEEBS" and editedit for 29 yearB. ,
OLIVE TREES
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXII SEPTEMBER, 1919 No. 8
T H R E E GREAT EVENTS
By Samuel Edgar.
Many interesting events and happenings
were all around us recently
in Red Cross work that would make
interesting reading had we only Miss
Metheny's pen to record them for you.
However, though we have only our
own we shall give you some of these
things, hoping they may prove both
interesting and profitable.
Three extraordinary happenings
came before us recently on the mission
field that are of special importance
to you and to us. But before telling
you of these let me throw before you
a few of the very important things,
political and geographical, that we
must 6ver keep in mind as we study
the Near East and the Levant.
Who has not wished to visit Jerusalem,
the city of the great King
Who has not been thrilled as he has
listened or read of its sacred spots
and its peculiar people Now to visit
it today under its new British Governor,
who has a living interest in
the city and its people, gives an added
thrill. You all remember that under
General Allenby the British began a
series of attacks in November, 1917,
which brought them finallyinto possession
of Jerusalem, Damascus and
Aleppo, and all the seacoast as far as
Mersine; so that Palestine today is in
British hands. Eastern Syria, reaching
from Damascus up to Cilicia is
under Arab rule, yet guarded by British
"Tommies," while the coast line
north of-Haifa to Mersine is under
French control. What complications
are to arise from these in the future
remain hidden. Enough is in evidence,
however, to show that neither
Mohammedan or Christian is fully
satisfied with existing political conditions.
From Port Said on the Suez Canal
you may travel by railroad, touching
Ludd, Jerusalem, Haifa and Damascus
as far north as Aleppo; and a
little repair will make this possible
as far as Mersine. Indeed this may
be completed at the present hour. And
then through the great German tunnels
on to Constantinople. The same

434 OLIVE TREES
CAPTAIN SAMUEL EDGAR
American Red Cross
may be covered in automobile over
splendid macadamized roads, save the
sandy stop of the Sinai desert, and
Fords, without number, have even
covered this, too.
The Christian and Moslem alike
despise the thought of a Jewish state.
They refuse to accept Zionist rule, so
that immediate occupation by the
Zionists may not find smooth waters.
Millions of dollars behind Zionist interests
have little effect in smoothing
the ruffled feelings of these who maintain
that the Jew has no right to the
land.
Both in Palestine and Syria war
has left horrible conditions—poverty,
sickness, ruined villages, desolate
gardens and thousands of orphans;
Many of these know nothing about
their homes, villages, or relations.
The British Army has done wonderful
work in assisting British EeUef
Societies, and the American F.ed
Cross is caring for these conditions, a
work that extends from Jerusalem to
Aleppo. Soup kitchens, orphanages,
hospitals, and clothing factories have
been some of the means we have used
in reconstruction in the war-torn
areas.
A Sabbath in Gunamia.
Now to return to the three interesting
events of the mission field. That
was a great day in Gunamia, a Sabbath
day, and a high day for the
gospel, when amidst desolate walls
and ruined houses and broken families
Dr. Stewart again proclaimed to
an oppressed remnant of our brethren
the unsearchable riches of Christ.
What a contrast betwen that assembly
and the last one in 1915, before
the exile! So many families with not
one member left! Of those present
few had not left loved ones behind on
the desert. Wht haggard faces!
What an array of tatters! Remnants
there were of dresses that had been
picked up by the way and in some
cases borrowed from the dead; for no
one could afford to allow clothing to
be buried in those days. Yet in spite
of all this hearts went up to God in
deep gratitude as Dr. Stewart led
them in fervent prayer. What a song
of praise as stone echoed to stone
and heart tuned heart in that place of
blessed memory!
In the afternoon the wind whistled
through the empty window places

oiiVE TREES 435
with such a coldness that we found it
warmer to assemble outdoors. All
were present. Even some neighbors
from another village, Catholic in
faith, came for worship, and Dr.
Stewart left with them rich messages
of comfort and courage. We slept in
a Moslem home in Gunamia and the
owner of the house ate with us and
was always present as the blessing
was asked upon our daily bread. We
rode away on Monday glad for the
sacred privilege of a Sabbath with
those redeemed of God who had been
theirs; and when the steamer anchored
that morning and his arrival was
announced throngs assembled to do
him honor. Almost six years had
elapsed since he and Mrs. Balph were
given a farewell suen as is seldom
seen in Latakia, and now they did
him honor on his return—he who had
served them nigiit f.nd day. Tne
wharf was thronged and the housetops
were crowded witn women—
Moslem women mostiy—who gave
their Syrian trills in his honor. What
a procession was that from the wharf
SO torn and distressed; glad to leave
with them new hopes and comfort in
the gospel of Christ; glad that the
plan of enemies, who had planned
their annihilation, was made void by
Israel's keeper.
Welcome to Dr. Balph.
Another event that had been looked
forward to with great joy and anticipation
was the arrival of Dr. Balph.
For months the report that he had
left New York had created a new .ioy
and enthusiasm among rich and poor.
Christians and Moslems claim him as
RED CROSy SUPPLIES ARRIVING IN JERUSALE.'tl
to his very door! Children in rags
led the throngs, which every block
increased in size. Few war heroes
could draw such attention, and those
would be for the moment, but that
for Dr. Balph was from love and high
esteem.
Latakia.
The other event was our welcome
in Suadea and Kessab. Before reaching
the latter village we were met by
a special bodyguard of villagers armed
to the teeth. You see we were
carrying more than a thousand dol-

436 OLIVE TREES
lars, and the French Govemor of
Latakia had no special soldier-guard
to give us for the joumey; though on
a former trip the Governor of Antioch
insisted on giving me a guard of
three special horsemen, even when I
had no more than ten dollars to guard.
Kessab remembered what Dr. Balph
had done for them after the massacres
of 1909, and old men and
women, as well as the young, came
out to meet him, grateful for his
safety and his new day of service.
In Suadea the yard was thronged
with sick and those wanting clothes.
The latter increased in such numbers
that we actually had to drive them
away, as we had no clothing supply
on our hands.
We left the Stewart family in Latakia,
with Dr. Stewart again in
charge of the Boys' School, hoping to
come home on a furlough next year;
and Miss Edgar in charge of the
girls, also hoping for a furlough next
year. Dr. Balph's work in the clinic
and home calls was increasing daily.
When we think of those who have
held the fort in Latakia and Mersine
during the war-years we rejoice in
their safety and God-given strength
for the dark hours. When we look
forward and hear of Synod's plan for
the "Forward Movement*' at home
and abroad we say it is surely the
guidance of the spirit, for it will take
the enthusiasm of all at home' to
answer the call yonder. Pray for the
work and workers constantly that the
drive THE may MEASURE be effective OP and go PAITH forward
to The victory Bible for has souls very and little the to taking say on of
the new subject centers for of our raising King. money, but
much on the subject of giving and
using money. What we need is not
clever devices for extracting gifts, but
abiding principles for training givers.
We get an impression that God pours
out great measure to some and small
measure to others. God, indeed,
pours out but we hold the measure.
There was once a great spring to
which the people came for water.
Some brought tiny cups, others
brought buckets, others came with
barrels. Each went away with his
vessel full. Each decided the measure
of his.supply by the size of the vessel
with which he came, while the neverfailing
supply of the great spring continued
to flowon. We hold the measure.
God placed that measure in
human hands when He said, "According
unto thy faith be it unto thee."
That was the measure placed in the
hands of George Muller, Hudson Taylor,
Pastor Gossner, Theodore Fliedner,
Dwight L. Moody and many others
who accomplished such great services
for humanity and for Christ, and
raised such vast amounts of money
by means of prayer. 'Twas Carey who
said, "Expect great things from God;
attempt great things for God."
All missionary operations rest on
the scriptural foundation, the Great
Commission. Although most of us
will spend our lives in the land of our
birth we can literally encircle the
globe with our prayers. Prayer
makes a world-life possible to each of
us. "Each day," said an eamest
worker, "I think of the Lord's command,
'Go ye' and I ask myself, 'How
far did I go today My heart overflows
with thanksgiving that I am
not limited to a one-country life, but
that I can go to China, to Japan, to
Africa, into all the world each day in
prayer.'"
In conclusion I would say that as
we are searching .for, Vest methods.
let us not overlook, the ;niethod which
will Hft us each Q4t;,pf the little,
narrow confines of our q:wn life, into
fellowship with those w:hp, labor for
Christ's kingdom throughout the
world. Lord, teach us to pray.

SECOND NEW YORK.
April 9, 1919.
S^nce its organization, six years
ago, the Women's Missionary Society
of our church, following its annual
business meeting in April, has held
its annual social in May, and, accordingly,
this was given on May 3, 1918.
Our very efficient chairman. Miss
Ethel Torrens, and her committee had
arranged an advertising social for
this occasion. Members of the society
and Sabbath School came dressed
to represent, or acted out, various
articles widely advertised in magazines
and in the street cars of our
city. The audience guessed the article
represented. Shadow pictures and
games came after the refreshments
had been served, and notwithstanding
a severe rainstorm, an enjoyable evening
was spent by the goodly number
who attended the affair.
Our meeting on June 7th was held
in the interest of the Women's National
Prayer Battalion. We had no
outside speaker, but several of our
members contributed to make the
meeting both interesting and helpful.
An exceptionally large attendance on
this occasion, not only of our own
members, but of women from the congregation,
was most gratifying and
encouraging.
In the autumn it was thought wise
to change the regular meeting evening
from the firstFriday to the second
Wednesday of each month. On
these evenings Dr. Samson has lectured
from our mission study book
fot the year—"Ancient People at
Modern Tasks"—each talk dealing
with a different nation and its people.
Following this the society would hold
a short business meeting. _
As in times past, the Friendly Aid
Closet has been the means of bringing
comfort and pleasure to a number
of persons who have .beenill or in
trouble. Mrs. Arthur reports that
sons fund she contributed has for in secured our the one Aged congregation sixty dollar People's names each who Home of to have per­
the for
OLIVE TREES 437
the present year. This is an increase
of twenty-seven over the number who
had a part in this work last year.
Considerable moneys have passed
through the hands of our treasurer
for application to various forms of relief
work and other purposes during
the past year. These details are given
in full in Miss McClean's report.
Perhaps the greatest amount of
work actually done by our organization
has been through our Red Cross
Auxiliary, known as No. 292. Meetings
have been held every Wednesday
from 2till 8 P. M., and the quality of
the work, as well as the quantity furnished,
has received honorable mention
from headquarters more than
once. When the recent influenza epidemic
was at its worst during the late
autumn we received fiftyhospital bed
shirts to be made in a month's time.
December was an especially busy
month, several of our members giving
the entire day for three Wednesdays
in order to finish work on hand. .
Last summer we purchased a knitting
machine for sock making, but as
the demand for these articles ended
soon afterwards we had little occasion
to use it. At a recent business meeting
of the society it was unanimously
agreed to present the knitting machine
to Mr. Julius Kempf, who proposes
to take it with him on his return
to China for use in connection
with his work there.
The total number of finishedgarments
sent to the warehouse from the
sewing department of our auxiliary
since April, 1918, amounts to 767, and
the total number of knitted articles
comes to 973, making a grand total
for the year of 1740 pieces.
Since the organization of Auxiliary
292 in November, 1917, the number
of garments finishedand sent in from
both sewing and knitting departments
comes to 2637. This year we have
enrolled 102 names of those who have
renewed, or for the firsttime have
through become In the members our laying society. aside of the of our Red honored Cross,

438 OLIVE TREES
member, Mrs. Isa,jella Brock, due to
an accident last winter, we have been
compelled to dispense with the services
of one of our ablest and most
efficient workers. Mrs. Brock could
always be counted upon in the support
of Red Cross interests, and her
enforced absence has been a matter of
deep regret to us all. It is our earnest
hope that she may soon be with us
again.
On Friday evening, January 31,
1919, we had the pleasure of having
Mrs. Julius Kempf and Miss Mary
Adams, retumed missionaries from
China, with us at a social gathering.
These friends each gave a brief talk
relative to their work in the foreign
field, and also very kindly brought
with them a large number of Chinese
costumes, banners and various other
articles which were on exhibition during
the evening, and which proved interesting
and amusing to those who
inspected them. In appreciation of
their courtesy and kindness, the society
presented each of them with
twenty-five dollars to be used at their
discretion in connection with their
work.
We again take this opportunity of
urging all women of the congregation
vvho are not already members of the
Women's Missionary Society to join
our ranks for the work which must be
carried on.
Respectfully submitted,
Emma C. Linson,
Secretary.
* * * *
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Balance on hand April 1, 1918 $41..50
Receipts.
Dues and Contingent Fund.. 73.95
Ambulance Fund 2.00
Syrian and Armenian Relief
Fund 301.00
Red Cross Membership Dues 102.00
Red Cross Fund 152.01
Aged Peoples' Home Membership
Dues 60.00
Friendly Aid Closet 18.26
United War Work 55.25
Thank-O ffering Collection
Sabbath Alliance . . .. 127.55
Total amount . . •
Disbursements.
Socials
Missionary Activities
Ambulance Fund
Syrian and Armenian Relief
Fund
Red Cross Membership Dues.
Red Cross Fund
Aged Peoples' Home Membership
Dues
Friendly Aid Closet ....
United War Work
Thank-O ffering Collection
Sabbath Alliance
$933.52
$6.84
50.00
2.00
301.00
102.00
161.09
60.00
. 9.58
75.25
127.55
Total disbursements . . .$895.3]
Balance in treasury $38.21
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret L. McClean.
Treasurer
DENVER.
The firstthing that took our attention
was the Annual Meeting of the
Colorado Presbyterial, which was
held in our church on May 9 and 10.
These meetings were well attended
and instructive to our own members
and we trust to the visiting delegates
It was at this time that the idea of
the Synodical Women's Missionary
Society was launched. This idea had
been spoken of by other societies, but
there had never been any definite
action taken, but we hope now to soon
see our anticipations reahzed.
During the month of April, 1918,
the Work Committee made arrangements
to have our church open one
day of each week for Red Cross sewing.
This was continued until it was
closed on account of the "flu." In this
time there were 190 garments made,
besides 16 pairs of socks; and 4
sweaters knit. Considering the attendance
this makes a very good
record.
The room was again opened after
the firstof the year, and there was a
good amount of work done, and al-

though there were a few ladies from
the neighborh-^od came in the majority
of the work was accomplished by
our own members. Several of our
members were hindered from coming
at this time on account of sickness in
the homes.
History always names some person
or persons who were prominent
in any special work. So we would
mention the faithfulness of Mrs.
Oderfield, who did not miss more than
two days from the firstof the year
until the latter part of March, and the
room was open three days of the
w^ek. Aside from this sewing there
was an afghan made and sent to be
used in one of the ambulances provided
by our church. There were
also two comforters made and given
to the Sunshine Mission. Our Visiting
Committee has not been staying
at home all the time, for we have an
account of sixty-two cahs made by
them. Our Social Committee has also
furnished us some very pleasant social
occasions. Our Flower Committee
has endeavored to send flowersto all
our sick.
It was through the planning and
work of a committee from the L. M.
S. that we now have a piano in the
church, which adds to the enjoyment
of our social gatherings.
We have also endeavored to remember
those who are far from us
and yet have gone out as our representatives.
We sent a gift to Mrs.
A. J. McFarland in Switzerland, and
also to all the ladies of our Mission
force in China.
Five ladies have joined our Circle
in the year, but two have left the
bounds of the society and one has
been called to her Heavenly Home.
Although there has been a good bit
of sickness among our members, yei
God in His providence has not calledus
to part with but one, and she was
our oldest member.
Our Mission Study has been con­
the ducted When book we by compare has the been various our very lot members, interesting,
with women and
OL'IVE TREES 439
of other lands we have very much for
which to be thankful.
We have held twelve regular meetings,
with an average attendance of
eleven. Lunch has been served at
each meeting, and the money thus collected
is used to support a girl in
China.
TRE.ASURER'S REPORT.
Balance on hnd $15.55
Dues collected 33.40
Lunch Money collected . . 41.44
Thank-offering . . . . 19.23
Donations 7.85
$117.47
Disbursements.
Thank-Offering $19.23
Ambulance Fund 10.00
Lunch Money sent to China 32.22
Presbyterial Dues 1.20
Miscellaneous 34.97
$97.62
Balance on hand . $19.85
Mrs. E. F. Mitchell,
Treasurer.
JUNIOR SOCIETY,
Winchester, Kans.
At the close of 1918 we are glad to
give our report for the year: Number
of members, 46; decrease, 8; increase,
6. We meet Saturday afternoon
every two weeks. Devotionals are led
by a Junior, assisted by one of the
superintendents. We have held 20
meetings during the year, missing six
on account of "ban" being on.
There were 16 who read a portion
of Scripture every day. We work
through our different committees. We
have Prayer Meeting, Missionary, Social,
Flower, Sunshine, Birthday and
Information Committees. The Information
Committee has added great interest
to our meetings. We use the
Christian Endeavor topics and take
thirty-one copies of the Christian
Endeavor 'World, We held one allday
meeting, preparing 300 cards or
more to be sent to our boys and girls

440 OLIVE TREES
in China. We have given out a large
number of bouquets with Scripture
texts, also comfort powders, to the
sick and shut-ins. We have contests
between the boys and girls to see who
can recite the greatest number of
Scripture verses.
On September 5 our congregation
celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary,
and we Juniors gave a flag exercise
and song.
At the close of the year we brought
in our penny sacks, which amounted
to $39.71. One little boy had $5.58 in
his sack. Two of our former members
were called to higher service.'
Charles Glenn and Roberta McCrea
They were both faithful members of
our society, until at fourteen years of
age they joined the Young People's
Society, and proved faithful workers
until God called them to their heavenly
home.
"Be thou faithful unto death and I
will give thee a crown of life."
Helen Stewart,
Secretary.
Treasurer's Report.
Receipts,
Daily Offerings ;. $12.58
Birthday Offerings 5.96
Penny Sacks 39.71
Donations 11.75
Flowers 1.45
Miscellaneous 4.64
Total $76.09
Disbursements,
Support of Girl in Mission
School, Latakia $30.00
Dale Smith Memorial Fund,
Support of Boy in Rev.
Kempfs School, China 15.00
Syrian Relief 25.00
Bouquet of Flowers .... 1.45
Miscellaneous 4.64
Total $76.09
Margaret Curry, Treas.
Mrs. Weir, Supt.
Mrs. Houston, Asst. Supt.
NOISES IN CHINA.
There are a number of things that
are striking to the newcomer in
China. One of the most surprising
to me was the amount of noise. I
noticed it when we first went on the
boat at Vancouver, for most the crew
were Chinese. No matter what they
had to do it took a lot of loud talk
before anything was done.
The year before I came to China I
lived in New York City. The street
in front had a street car line with
cars every two blocks apart, a subway
was just being constructed, next
door was a firestation, directly across
the street was the Adams Express Co.
with its hundreds of trucks, a block
away was the elevated and a block
the other way were the railway lines
running into the Grand Central Station.
I thought that was noisy. Now
China does not have any of those
things but there are others just as
bad.
A person walking on the street is
supposed to give place to another that
is carrying a burden. But how are
you to know when to get out of the
way About a block down the street
you will hear some shouting, which
increases as it comes nearer. You will
know before it is anyways near that
you are supposed to stand aside. Now
where most of the transportation is
done in that fashion you may know
that this contributes its share. Then
there are the larger loads where two
or more men are woiking together.
In order to keep time they are continually
chanting and mostly in a very
loud voice.
Last year I was living in Canton
and was interested in seeing the hundreds
of small cargo boats on the
river. Most every one of those boats
could not start out on a journey without
shooting off a lot of fire-crackers
and pounding of gongs. The steamboats
are very fond of the siren whistles
and with no laws against their
use they contributed their part.
You have long ago heard of the custom
in the schools in China to study

out aloud. What you heard is true,
and maybe more. About a hundred
feet from my rqom was one of those
schools. They don't have the same
hours for study that we have, for the
sound would start about daylight and
keep up until about the time I went to
school and were at it again when I
came home. It is no wonder that so
many of the Chinese have coarse
voices from the way they yell in the
school room. That is what most of
them do, that is yell.
About the distance of two blocks
away was the hospital for the insane.
The noisest crowd was the nearest. I
just can't describe them. They did
not know when to stop. The doctor
in charge told me of one woman that
started to yelling and kept it up until
she yelled herself to death.
Every aftemoon the olive vender
came around. Tn order to let people
know that he was there he endeavored
to play on some sort of a blowing
instrument. It sounded more like a
pig squealing in your ear than anything
else that I know of. There are
so many of those kind of merchants
in China, and each one must have
some way to call the attention of the
pubhc to him. On the river all night
and day the boat stores are going
about calling out what they have to
sell.
One morning last spring one of the
girls was quite delighted for she had
heard the frogs the night before and
she said she most thought that she
was ba-^k in America. But the next
night the bull-frogs came out with
their croaking, which more than took
away the former joy. It is true that
we have the same kind at home but
you are not often living next door
to a pond full of them.
I was awakened one night by a
number of loud reports. For a few
days there had been talk of war
among some of the factions in Canton.
So when the reports continued
I decided that some Chinese gunbats
in the river nearby were firing into
the city. I really could not sleep over
it for some little time. In the morning
I at oijce began to inquire about
OLIVE TREES 441
it and learned that there was a wedding
nearby and that every little
while during the night they would
fire off some large fire-crackers.
It would be amusing for you to see
the way the farmers try to keep the
birds from their crops. They have
just finished harvesting a crop of
wheat in front of our house. For
nearly two weeks-before it was ready
to cut three or four old women were
employed to keep up a noise by yelling
and beating on tin pans to scare the
birds away.
Now this may seem rather queer
sort of stuff to write to you but I hope
that it will give you a little more information
about the people that are
your brothers and sisters. 'There is
also a reason back of most of their
noise and clamor. A good bit comes
from everyone looking out for himself
and with that, little regard for
the rights of others. Now in some
ways this is not true but so often it
is the ruling factor in their conduct.
THE WISE SPENDTHRIFT.
There is a spendthrift, who, though
prodigal.
Is wise. Not he who goes from
home astray
And wanders in far lands in sinful
way;
But he, who prodigal of self, like
Paul,
Gives labor, wisdom, love, devotion,
all.
To bring mankind unto the better
day.
He gives, though men love less, and
even say
The unkind word. He gives, though
others fall.
He gives and does not hold regretful
hand
Upon his gift. He gives, he loves,
he lifts.
He gives himself for souls, not land
and gold.
He gives to God as sowers to the land
Give seed; and, as wise men of old -
bought gifts,
^
Invests in that which fails not nor
grows old.
—Schuyler E. Sears.

442 OLIVE TllEfiS
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
Miss Ella Margaret Stewart, of our
Lo Ting station in South China, arrived
in San Francisco July 27th.
Miss Stewart comes home on furlough,
having been in China almost
seven years. She will stop at Battle
Creek, Mich., en route to her home in
New Concord, Ohio.
^ 9{: :^ :};
A card from Miss Edgar, of Latakia,
tells of the return from Dier
Zoar of two of their refugee girls.
One was a teacher in the girls' school
and the other a helper in the home of
Rev. S. Edgar. Both suffered greatly.
Miss Edgar clso told that Dr. Balph
had gone on a second trip to Kessab,
Suadea and Antioch. All the missionaries
at Latakia were in good health.
SYRIA
Latakia, Syria. In a letter of June
4th, Miss Maggie B. Edgar enclosed
a list of necessities for the refurnishing
of the boarding schools in Latakia.
It will be published in the Women's
Department of Olive Trees. It
may be interesting to those who wish
to help in the refurnishing to know
how the schools came to be so completely
depleted of their fittings. Miss
Edgar sends the explanation.
"In the fall of 1915 when our Armenian
people were taken away winter
was coming on and some of them
were very poorly provided for, journeying,
sleeping out at night and
travelling on frosty mornings, so we
helped them out of school supphes
Again, during the years that followed'
some of them and others in like condition
were continually wandering
back towards their homes Thev
woald arrive weary, hungry and almost
naked. If they had any supply
they were sure to have had it taken
from them by the way, for they were
a prey to every ill disposed person
they met. All of those who came we
clothed or partially clothed as long
as we had anything of our own in the
schools or hospital.
"Very many people living around
us were also reduced to the last extremity
and these we helped as we
could until we had used table covers,
couch covers, curtains, everything.'
Miss Edgar made provision in her
list for only twenty, as they hope
that all above that number that they
may take in will be able to provide
for themselves.
Hf H: ^ ^
In a letter of May 21st Mrs. J. S.
Stewart writes, "Please send us something
to read."
CHINA
Tak Hing, China. Miss Huston's
budget of news left Tak Hing on June
9th. Dr. Kate McBumey is a liberal
contributor this month and her account
of a trip to Fung Tsuen is most
interesting. After reading it one almost
feels as though they had been
there, too. Mrs. W. M. Robb also
sends an article and the other notes
are presumably by Miss Huston.
"All the schools are closing this
week for the summer. The river
threatened to come up high enough
to make it necessary to close two
weeks early, but we were thankful
when it began to recede. Some of the
day pupils missed a few days on account
of the flooded streets, out the
work was interrupted very little. In

all the schools we are thankful that
there has been no serious ihness during
the term and, while there have
been some unpleasant occurrences occasionally,
on the whole the term's
work has been very pleasant."
* * * *
"There has been a total enrohment
in the Girls' School of fifty,though
three of these were in only a week or
two. The attendance of the fortyseven
has been unusually good, many
of them not missing more than a day
or two. They need our prayers as
they go to their homes to live for
two months amid heathen ignorance,
superstition, idol worship, gambling
and other works of darkness. May
they not only be kept pure and true,
but may they be shining lights that
will guide others to the truth."
* * * *
"Of the girls in school fifteenare
members of the church, fifteenothers
are from Christian homes, or at least
have one or two other Christians in
the home, while the remainder, many
of whom are believers, go to heathen
homes."
•P T* ^ •*
"Ch'ue Hon Shang has rented the
building adjoining the chapel in Ma
Hui, to be used for work among the
women. Two women from the school
will be stationed there for the summer
and during the school year we hope
to have some of them go out for each
market day and Sabbaths. Mr. Chue
feels a great burden on his heart for
the salvation of the women, and we
ask your earnest prayers for this
work and for the women who go, that
they may be fully consecrated and
work in love.''
* * * *
"Three or four of the women expect
to stay in the school through the
summer and rais6 silkworms for the
benefit of the school. We have begun
the building of a much needed veranda
on that one the side Heavenly of the Father building will faith in
OLIVE TREES 443
bless our summer's work so that we
may pay for it with no outside help,
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. J. C,
Mitchel, we got some silkworm eggs
from Canton Christian College, from
moths that were tested and found
free from disease. These were hatched
and fed in the school, and the cocoons
were so much better than the
local ones that every cocoon was saved
for eggs, so that it will be a benefit to
the pubhc. We hope to have a fuller
account of our efforts in the silkworm
business."
* # * *
"A little daughter was born recently
into the family of one of our
deacons who already had three daughters
and would no doubt have given
a hearty welcome to a son. However,
the baby lived less than a week, and
the neighbors say the reason it died
was because the father carries the
keys of the up-street chapel."
^ ¥ •1' 'i'
"A Christian woman living a few
miles north of Tak Hing was thirty
or forty feet up in a tree cutting wood
when she feh to the ground, injuring
her so that ^she died in a short time.
Her husband is also a Christian and
they had both been in to communion
a few days before. Mr. Robb and a
number pf the Christians went out
and held a funeral service."
•P V ^ ^
"Before leaving for the home land
Rev. J. K. Robb held communions at
the different outstations and at Tak
Hing, all of which were full of interest
and profit."
* * * *
"At Tung On two or three men
were baptized. Mr. Tse Sz Man, the
preacher who was transferreid there
from Do Sing this year, seems to be
doing better work than formerly."
* * * *
"One woman was baptized at Ma
Hui. She is the mother of Chue Hon
Shang, who has prayed for her conversion
for years and, though she has
been a Christian for some time, she

444
OLIVE
TREES
has not been able to come to communion
to be baptized, as she is quite
old However, she was able to walk
to Ma Hui, a distance of about five
miles, where she was received mto
the church."
* * * *
"A number of years ago a woman
applied for church membership and
her case was referred to the home
church, as she was one of the wive
of a plural marriage. In due time
word came that the church sanctioned
receiving her into the church, but in
the meantime certain circumstances
connected with her daughter. Lei
Foon Yung, for whom some of you
have prayed for years, prevented. At
the recent communion at Do Sing, she
was baptized, largely as a result of
her daughter's change of heart and
new ideas of Christian service. A
blind man from Fung Tsuen was also
received into the church. He belongs
to the better class of people and is
anxious to learn to read by the Braille
system. A third man was also baptized."
* * * *
"The Do Sing people feel the need
of a chapel nearer the center of the
town, and are being urged to raise a
supplement of one or two hundred
dollars to a sum already at hand, for
the purchase of a suitable building.
They may not realize it, but your
prayers will be of more benefit to
them than financial help just now.
Will you not pray earnestly that they
may be enabled to claim the blessings
to be poured from the opened windows
of heaven"
"At the Tak Hing communion eight
were baptized, fivebeing pupils from
the Girls' School, one a woman from
the city, whose son and daughters are
Christians; one is washwoman for
one of the foreigners, and the other
an old lady from the country."
THIS IS MRS. W. M. ROBB'S
ARTICLE
"On Communion. Sabbath, May
18th, we missed from our number Siu
Sin Shaang and his wife. This man
is the one who is such a successful
school teacher in a little village about
three miles from here.
"After the service in the moming
we learned that their sixteen-year-old
daughter was very ill, and the father
had written a letter, sending it in
with -a messenger entreating our
prayers for her recovery.
"Dr. McBurney being away at Loting
at the time, the lady assistant at
the hospital and I left right away to
go to see the girl and give what help
we could.
"On Thursday I had been there and
knew that the children aU had the
measles. Shau Ying, the above-named
daughter, had then been sick ten
days and was sitting up in a chair,
though she had fever and was very
talkative and nervous. She waS so
weak that she could not walk without
the aid of a staff, but so long as she
was able to sit up was not considered
sick enough to go to bed.
• "On Sabbath when we arrived we
found her very much worse than she
had been Thursday, not having slept
for two nights and days, and was apparently
suffering from congestion of
the brain, resulting from the measles.
Nearly the first question we asked
was, 'Why don't you bring her to the
hospital for treatment' We found
that the father and mother would be
very glad to do so, but the girl was
engaged to be married, so they could
not do anything so radical as that
without consulting the husband-to-be,
and the mother-in-law. They are
heathen and are not pleased with anything
foreign, religion, medicine or
people. An uncle also is of the same
mind with them, so the girl must be
treated according as they say, not as
the father and mother wish. The
father seemed so distressed, too. He
said, 'She has already eaten a mistake.'
(taken the wrong medicine.)

OLIVE TREES 445
While we were there the physician
() in charge had learned of our
presence, so sent word asking for the
loan of my wedding ring that they
might boil it in water, then give her
the water to drink. They said that
was precisely the treatment she needed
at that stage. I was sure a drink
of hot water would not hurt her and
that the ring being boiled in it would
not change the water any, but upon
inquiry I found it to be connected
with some heathen superstition, so
my refusal was given without hesitancy.
"Since she was taking Chinese medi
icine they thought it better not to administer
the medicine we had with us,
but they allowed us to use some other
treatment to make her more comfortable.
We got her moved into a little
room by herself where she could be
quiet. She had been lying in a public
room which opened right out upon
the street. Our being there attracted
more than the ordinary crowd, I suppose,
but there were always people
about her bed, and when she would
talk in her delirium, a roar of laughter
would be heard. Then the girl
would sit up and probably say something
more. Sometimes she would be
quite rational. Once she made the
remark, '0 I think I must be the chief
of sinners because I have to be so
sick.' Another remark was, 'Call me
not Shau Ying; call me Shau Foo,'
which being interpreted is almost
identical in meaning with Ruth, first
chapter and verse twenty.
"Some would remark that she was
possessed with devils; others that her
'heart was hot,' but -when told that it
was her brain that had fever, it seemed
an entirely new thought to them.
The Chinese are so ignorant of the
anatomy of the human body.
"Siu Sin Shaang is well-known all
over the country, so everyone knew
of his daughter's illness, and some
of the Christians said that it would
be such a testimony to the nower of
Jesus Christ if only she could get weli
in answer to our prayers. As though
to test our faith, she grew steadily
worse, and became so delirious tTiat
she had to be bound. But thanks to
God in a few days she began to get
weh and on Tuesday, June 3rd, was
able to walk in to the hospital and get
some medicine of which she was in
great need, and which could not be
administered at home.
"She stayed two nights at the hospital
and is now back at home and her
mother says she is entirely well, and
how she does thank the Heavenly
Father for her recovery.
"Shau Ying has been teaching an
old grandmother the way of salvation,
At this communion she was baptized
and received into the church, although
Shau Ying was too ill to witness
the sacrament.
"Will we not pray that her sickness
and restoration to health may be
the means in God's hands of leading
many to the Lord Jesus May this
not be one of his all-wise plans of
'bringing Christ to men ' "
DR. McBURNEY WRITES:
"Near the corner of the compound
of the fixstdwelling house built by the
missionaries in Tak Hing was a tree
of the banyan family. It was a beautiful
tree and full of song birds when
we first saw it. Some of the branches
reached far over the compound wah.
They reached so far that by and by
they were falling off and crushing the
wall, which meant repairs, and even
danger in passing under the tree, for
it was not always in storm that they
fell. The white ants or some other
enemy had eaten into the tree and
weakened the fiber, and it went to
pieces.
"But this was a worshipped tree.
Incense was daily burned at its base
and even to the end the devotees were
faithful. Perhaps they had learned
to be all the morefaithful because the
foreign devils were living so close to
this shrine. These devotees are,
moreover, our nearest neighbors. Per-

446 OLIVE TREES
sonally they are friendly when we
meet, but they do not attend services
with any attempt at regularity. They
are not openly antagonistic to the
doctrine, as far as we know. Two or
three say they believe, and perhaps
we believe them insofar as believing
that this is the true doctrine, but they
do not evidence a saving knowledge
as yet. Some of them have been in
the hospital and in that way we get
to know them. They patronize the
boys' school to some extent, and the
parents of the pupils express their
satisfaction with the fact that their
boys are learning the doctrine and
that they believe.
"One of them carried my luggage
on a recent trip into the country and
we had a good opportunity to exchange
views. He said he had carried
for Dr. Robb for years when he
had occasion to make country trips,
and that the Mook Sz had told him
much about Jesus, and he in his heart
believed. At the firstthere was some
aged relative that hindered by threatening
to cut him off from his inheritance,
but that hindran-je was no longer.
His difficulty now was that he
could not read the Bible and therefore
did not know much about the
doctrine and could not learn for himself,
and had no time to come to meetings
to learn, etc., etc., etc. His purpose
was to wait till his son in the
school should become sufficiently educated
to teach him.
"When the old tree became a menace
and must be disposed of, they had
a man take it down, and it was a
dangerous task and they so considered
it. The branches were as large as a
good sized tree and the wood old and
very hard and heavy. At last in despair
the man had to bum the last of
it down, and it was an interesting
sight.
"After it was burned the neighbors
abked if we would be pleased if they
planted another tree in its place. We
could not justly object, as it was not
our ground, so the tree was planted
It is now a fine little tree of several
years' growth and is good to look at.
"Will every Covenanter who reads
this be willing to pray that everyone
who worships at this new-old shrine
may be sought and found by the Great
Shepherd of the lost sheep Pray for
tnis daily, or as often as you are led
of the Spirit, and some day you will
be glad to meet them and know that
you helped to rescue them from the
pit."
Lo Ting, China. Mr. Ernest
MitcheU is the reporter for Lo Ting.
Miss Stewart contributed the items
about the little unwelcome babies.
Mrs. Mitchell says, "We are glad to
have Dr. Wallace with us and the
Chinese women feel it is a great blessing
to have a woman doctor here."
* * * *
"The bubonic plague is not so bad
now but we still use precaution by
Vv'earing moth balls."
* * * *
"If all goes well we will spend our
summer vacation at Chefoo. It is
about the same latitude as Atlantic
City but we are not expecting to find
any other similarity in the two
places."
* * * *
"Dr. Dickson has written about the
news of his mother's illness and how
he had planned to go home, but a few
days before time for the steamer to
sail he received another message that
his mother was at rest. It was a
great disappointment to him not to
get home to see her again, but we are
all thankful he received the message
before starting instead of after reaching
America."
* * * *
"It is good to get news from our
Syrian mission again. Peace must
have meant more to our missionaries
there than we can realize at this distance.
It is too bad the peace terms
could not have been satisfactory to
all, but that could hardly be expected.

The Chinese are greatly disappointed
that Kiachow was not given back to
them directly instead of through Japan.
The have no confidence in the
Japs or their promises. A Chinese
told me this morning that Japan
would use this Kiachow affair as a
handle to get possession of more of
China's territory and they are not
going to stand for it but this whole
country will boycott Japan and in a
few years there will be no Japanese
natipn. I laughed at him and he was
not at all pleased."
* * * *
"Three communions were held du.ring
the month of May. At Lo Ting
there were sixty-three communicants
pnd seven adult baptisms. At Che
Tsai, twenty-one communicants and
one infant baptism, the little son of
the native evangelist, and at Lin Tan
eleven communicants and five adult
baptisms; also one man received by
certificate."
"Our force at Lo Ting now numbers
seven since Dr. Wallace has joined
us. She came up from Canton the
fifteenth of May and received a hearty
welcome from Chinese as weh as
foreigners. She has found plenty of
work, as do all willing workers in
such a place as this."
A MISSION BABY.
The following stories written by
Miss Stewart make our hearts ache
for the little ones in China; also increase
our desire for control of the
City Orphanage. Read the stories
and see how you feel.
"Kam Tin, one of our Christian
girls, came to the school matron with
tears in her eyes. She said someone
had put a baby girl out along the side
of the road. It cried almost all the
time. Some of the neighbors had
pitied it to the extent of feeding it
several times with rice water but none
of them wanted to take another girl
to raise. Kam Tin said her 'little
OLIVE TREfiS 447
mother'—^the common name for a
father's concubine—was willing to
care for it, but could not afford to buy
milk. She asked if we would furnish
the food if she managed it. We agreed
and she hurried home happy. After
breakfast she came back with the first
tin of milk and said the babe had died
while they were bathing it. Its death
was due to hunger and exposure, and
yet the mother only 'lost face' for a
little while. There is no law to prevent
such cruelty in China."
"Pik Wa, another Christian pupil,
and her cousin, A Yiiig, came to
school crying. The reaspn A Ying
had a baby sister born .that moming
and her mother had asked a neighbor
to take it to the local orphanage. The
.e-irls did not want to give it up, but
the mother had said she would not
raise any more girls when she already
had two. She wanted to save her
strength to bear sons I We considered
it a criminal act. The Chinese
said 'it was not good to see' as she
had both the leisure and the means
to care for aU the children God might
give her. The older girl said she had
wanted to send the second daughter—
now one of our brightest kindergarten
pupils—to the orphanage when
she was born but the father objected.
They said he would not have allowed
this third babe to have been taken if
he had been at home. Hearing this
and trusting that the mother would
later repent and want her child, we
sent to the orphanage and got the
then two days old babe.
"You may wonder why we did not
leave her there. I shall tell you.
Chinese orphanages are only babe exchanges.
No boys are ever on the
market, as even beggars undertake to
raise their own sons or the sons of
relatives. Girl babes are received
and kept until someone wants them.
A few are adopted as daughters;
many are raised by poor peonle for
future daughters-in-law; they think it
easier to do this than to pay out a
lump sum for a son's wife later; still

448 OLIVE TREES
more are taken out by the keepers of
houses of ill fame to raise for their
nefarious business. Those who are
left in the orphanage usually die of
starvation, as one wet nurse feeds two
babies. Knowing that our ( ) baby's
two sisters are exceptionally bright
and lovely children in every way, and
that there was a possibility of her
father being glad to have his little
daughter back when he returns and
hears about it, we (Stewart and
Dean) felt we would rather run the
risk of having to raise her than to
face the possibility of her growing up
in the red light district of Lo Ting.
"Mei Yan is now a week old. We
know not what the future holds, but
we ,are earnestly praying that the
mother may sooner or later see her
mistake and be glad we have saved
her babe for her. We have told the
sisters and cousins^pupils in our
school—to tell the mother what we
think and for what we are praying.
She was very angry when she first
heard we had the child. She scolded
the children for telling about its birth,
and raved at the neighbor who took it
to the orphanage for tefling the child's
real parents. She had told her to lie
about its.father's name. Now she is
trying to save her face by saying she
is glad we have it; we sent her back
a pretty stiff answer by- the woman
whom she sent to identify the babe.
We shall work the publicity method
as much as possible and trust God for
the resuh. Do not forget us and Mei
Yan in your prayers."
A TRIP TO FUNG TSUEN
By Dr. Kate McBurney.
Bartimeus II was baptized by Rev.
J. K. Robb at the recent communion
at Dosing. His surname is Woo, and
he comes from Fung Tsuen, where
there has been work done from time
to time. The village is on West River,
at some distance beyond Dosing
As he stood up to be baptized he did
not look hke a beggar, as he had on a
new suit of clothes, but that might be
the gift of some benevolent person,
so it was not conclusive. Looking
only at his back one could not well
discover evidences of promise, but he
seemed to be about thirty years of
age and, other things being equal, it
would look as if he might yet make
something better than a beggar, if the
way was opened.
After the service was over he was
asked if he had ever learned to read.
He did not even know there was such
a possibility. He would be glad to
have such an opportunity, and when
he learned that if there was room in
the institution he could even pay his
own tuition and board and learn a
trade at the same time he wished to
apply at once. He then asked us to go
to Fung Tsuen with him on Monday,
but this was not convenient, so he insisted
that we would go at some later
date.
Within the next five weeks seven
letters came insisting on our going to
Fung Tsuen. "Our women are like
dry, parched ground, that need the
showers to soften them. Your coming
will be like the refreshing rain." Several
important matters intervening
prevented the trip, but at last a time
came when it could be accomphshed.
The water is high in West River, so
the up boats are late in reaching us,
and it made it so that it was almost
ten o'clock at night when I arrived.
I did not know where Mr. Woo lived,
only that it was in the village. At the
top of the stone steps were the usual
news gatherers of the place out to see
who came on the steamer, the only
large one that stops there in the day
I asked them impartially if any of the
Sin Shangs could tell me where Mr,
Woo lived and one stepped out
promptly and volunteered to pilot me
to the place. This was soon reached
and there was a good welcome. As a
rule I would have handed a few pennies
to any coolie who would show me
such kindness, but in this case I would
as soon have offered money to a
foreigner as to the one who showed

OLIVE TREES 449
me the way. Perhaps I did not read
him aright, but that was my estimate
of him. He sat down in Mr. Woo's
houae with a lot of others who followed
us in and I actually lost sight
of him for a while, but later told Mr,
Woo of the Sin Shang who accompanied
me to the door, but I had lost
track of him without thanking him.
They pointed him out and I thanked
him, which he acknowledged graciously,
and that was the end of the transaction.
The man who had been wdth Mr.
Woo at Dosing, a Mr. Wong, was
there and he talked with me and Mr.
Woo disappeared. Presently I saw
a new mosquito net being brought
into the house by way of the front
door. Evidently preparations were
being made for the comfort of
someone. It seemed that Bartimeus
II was head of the house, and quite
able to look after the interests of his
guest. I found out a little about him
while he was out giving instructions,
and when he came back I asked him
where Mrs. Woo was. He said she
was preparing rice. I said, "You are
not so late as this eating rice, are
you" He said they had already eaten
but that she was preparing rice
for me. I assured him that I had
eaten heartily already and desired to
be excused from further indulgencQ
till morning. He was satisfied and
the lady of the house soon appeared
and was introduced. There is nothing
particular to be said at this point
as to her personality. She was a woman
and the wife of a blind man.
She was also the mother of a dear
little four-year-old daughter.
To prevent embarrassment I asked
them what time the down.boats usually
reached Fung Tsuen. They said
the one I came on would be down
about nine o'clock the next moming,
and that the Hong Kong boats did
not stop there. The Hong Kong boats
would give me till three in the afternoon,
and they thought that if a
foreigner was in sight it might be
an inducement for them to stop, but
usually only the Canton boat called at
Fung Tsuen.
This set the ball a-rolling and it
appeared that they had counted on a
longer visit. If I stayed two nights 1
must stay at least four, for I could get
no down boat on Saturday, so would
have to stay till Monday. I thought
that would settle it, but they said they
would be glad to have me stay a week
and had meant so when they invited
me. I had not been in their house ar
hour and could only guess at the gen
uineness of their invitation, but in
the end gave them the benefit of the
doubt, and promised to stay till Monday.
That was Thursday night.
It was too late for much in the way
of a beginning that night, but they
"gave water to wash my feet" and .;
washed them. After an informa!
meeting with the family and with
those who had gathered we retired
for the night. On the next moming
they asked what was good for a cough
and said the little girl had been coughing
for several weeks and nothing
they could get had helped her. I asked
if it was the child I heard screaming
out in the night. It was the same
I told them she had the epidemic
cough (whooping), and that it would
take a little time for her to get entirely
over it, but that she had symptoms of
another condition that could easily be
relieved and if they were willing I
would prepare sc me medicine for her.
As to the effectiveness of this remedy
in her case I will only say that it
might not be safe for the reputation
of my veracity to attempt to report
the results quantitatively or numerically.
Suffice it to say it certainly
proved a step in the establishment of
my ability as a diagnostician in the
estimation of that household, and the
child began to feel better and improved
right along.
With only three days at their disposal,
they soon showed that they
were determined to make the most of
it. Callers were many and some sent

460 OLIVE TREES
invitations for visits in their homes.
The time was well filled. There are
between ten and twenty members on
the Fung Tsuen rofl. They have had
a chapel there at various times, and
part of the time have had an evangelist.
They are now without either,
and are urgently cafling for a chapel
and a preacher. They were anxious
to know if I had any word of a chapel
for them. They had a recent letter
from one of the students here to look
up a chapel and let the church know
and he thought the church would
help them. Rev. W. M. Robb had told
me a little about this before I left and
said they were anxious that Fung
Tsuen would do a little more in the
way of self-support than they had
been doing, so I asked if they could
get the brethren together so we could
confer. They said the most of the
members were out in the country and
too far away to get together on such
short notice. One was "not in good
standing," in fact had been but recently
ejected from the church, so
there were only four in reach. One is
the recently appointed elder; one is
the deacon, one is the blind man and
the other is the man who brought the
blind man to Dosing. They were all
there on Friday for the little conference.
They said one man had promised
ten cents for the year, I asked if
he was a beggar. They said he worked
for a living. There are at present
twelve cents and four cash in a ten
cent silver piece. This means thai
man was promising the Lord one penny
a month, or about one cash in four
days, for the support of His house
Yes, I know that the poorest quality
of rice is now a third dearer than the
best was in time past. If God had
said, "Seek ye firstthe things of the
flesh, and all spiritual things shall be
added unto you," it would have made
our mission work infinitely easier.
I have nothing to report from the
conference as results. But I did try
to stir up their hearts to get together
and hold Christian prayer meetings
for their own spiritual growth in
grace and that they might become
such Christians as would recommend
the gospel to others. I told them how
in America we had in certain cases
held meetings in private homes until
such time as we could arrange for
something more suitable. After afl
this is not quite the same here. Only
one of the four could offer his house
for such a meeting. Even if one is
the head of his house, it might do
more to stir up antagonism than to
do without. Bartimeus II was the
only one who could offer his house and
he had been told he would be beaten
if he talked the doctrine. However,
as to that threat, he talked the doctrine
a great deal while I was there.
The other Christians say he is the
hottest hearted Christian in F. T. and
I am not inclined to dispute the point
with them. All in all we had a very
nice friendly meeting with the believers.
As the evening approached I found
that a night miceting had been announced
and that it was to be held
in the house of Woo. It had been
taken for granted and I was not consulted.
I got off from the comers
and goers long enough to collect my
thoughts a little so as not to come to
them with an empty vessel. The
house was soon filled. Soon there
was a commotion at the door and Mr
Wong said there were a lot who could
not get in, and asked if I would go
out and talk to them in the street.
In the face of all that has been done
for me that I might have eternal life,
I could not refuse this request. They
led the way across the street carrying
a table, a lamp and a teapot of boiled
water a;id a cup. Although the dialect
here was not quite the same as 1
am familiar with, they insisted that if
I talked Cantonese, they could under
stand. I ehminated all the Tak Hingisms
I could and tried to use the dictionary
language that my teachers
have tried to teach me for years, and
they seemed to understand it fairly

OLIVE TREES 451
well. All gave good attention but
some gave such serious attention that
I was constrained to ask if there were
any who were believing this doctrine,
One hand went up at once and I talked
directly to him for the next few
minutes, explaining more fully how
to begin to live a Christian life. He
showed most intense interest and
tiiere is some reason to believe that
the Light penetrated his soul. He is
a boatman. I do not know his name,
but I ask you, whoever will, to pray
for the boatman at Fung Tsuen who
said he believed. After the meeting
was over we went back into the house
and they asked me how many I
thought were present. The lamp was
a poor excuse and smoked badly, so
I could only guess. I thought there
might have been fifty. They said
there were three hundred and twenty.
During the next few days there
were a good number of women who
seemed at least willing to learn the
doctrine. At one of the meetings they
were invited to stay afterward to
plan for their instruction. They were
anxious to be taught but, of course,
expected the foreigners to put out
heart and send them a teacher. Of
course we cannot expect the women
to put out much money to learn a doctrine
which they have only begun to
believe might be true, but at the same
time they would not appreciate what
they got absolutely free. I told them
that as soon as there were a few who
truly desired to learn this doctrine
that if they would have a letter written
to me telling me that they would
give a woman her rice, that I would
try to find one who could teach them.
They could irrvite her for a week, a
month or longer, as they wished, and
she could "board round," and I
thought we could put out enough
money to pay her boat fare and other
incidentals. If they would do this it
would be a great step in advance.
Who will help pray for this
Saturday night there was a great
downpour of rain and a few were out,
and they were the Covenanters, so we
talked about church union. They had
heard of the movement in other pai^;s
and asked me if I thought it would be
good. I said I thought it certainly
would be a good thing for all the
churches to go together and make one
strong church, with one exception.
Then we had a conference on Covenanter
principles and they gave undivided
attention. Gideon came in
for a share of attention and they admitted
that there was no special cafl
for the three hundred to hunt up those
who had not chosen to go with them
on their urgent mission, and form a
church union. It would be a good
thing for the faint-hearted and those
who had leisure to lap the water, to
get together and form a union. "JThe
three hundred had a work to do that'
required a different kind of people to
do it, and God had chosen them to do
it. I was glad for the rain and for the
opportunity to talk with our own
members.
In calling in homes where they invited
me to go there were a number
of interesting and interested women.
Some of these came later to Barty H's
house. One day there were a dozen
or more and they were talking of
ways and means, and for a while my
attention was turned aside to talk
with one woman, and Barty II talked
to others at the same time. In a
short time I heard him saying to one
of the women who had seemed interested,
"You are false. Your words
are hypocritical. You are not truly
seeking to know the doctrine." This
and some more of hice import struck
me with some surprise and I listened,
but did not find out much about it
till the crowd was dispersed. Then
Barty II informed me that there was
one woman who had pretended to be
interested but who was only hoping
to be put in the women's school in
Tak Hing and get her rice free, and
have an easy time. I told him to not
fear, that that day was gone by. That
those who now attend the school have
to make good in some way or be sent
home, and that they now have work to

452 OLIVE TREES
do that counts and so do not get free
rice as they did in the days gone by.
Some of us have been wondering if
there is someone at home who would
volunteer to be a bureau for the exchange
of requests for prayer. Or
perhaps there could be one for each
mission, as the work would perhaps
be too much for one unless all one's
time could be given. Those who have
requests or thanksgivings could send
to this bureau and those who are willing
to have a share in it could write
for assignments. We all agree that
there is no phase of the work of the
Kingdom that is more important than
that of prayer, and yet we have no
organized system of concentrating,
but each does what he sees best or
what his "much other business" permits,
with here and there some praying
partners, or praying bands doing
more or less systematic work in this
line. It would seem that the time has
come (long ago) when we should have
a specialist on the job who could intelligently
direct at least a part of
this work. That part is the human
side of getting the interested people
in touch with the needs of the work
and of stirring up the interest of
those who are not as yet particularly
awake to their privileges. These latter
are not necessarily in a deep sleep,
In fact, many gave evidence in my
hearing, that they are quite awake tc
their slumbrous condition and would
gladly be stirred up. There are those
who realize that they do not get all
out of prayer that they should (who
does), and to such earnest ones this
might be indeed a means of grace to
themselves, as well as an asset to the
working forces of the Kingdom. - Perhaps
there could be a corner in each
of the church papers with some of
the things for which it could be expected
that all the church could well
join in prayer, and some of thanksgiving
of the same general scope. For
those who wish to enter more into detail
and who could make up their
minds to give some definite time each
day, or once a week, or whatever they
felt the call to,undertake, this could be
arranged with the bureau to the satisfaction
of all concerned. It would be
interesting to note the thanksgivings
come in with the answers to the petitions
and consequent erasures and the
adding of new request^. The^e could
perhaps be inserted in the papers,
thus saving labor to the bureau and at
the same time keeping up and stirring
up interest in the whole church.
K. McB.
OBITUARY.
Mrs. S. E. McElhinney.
A Minute prepared by Committee
of Ladies' Missionary Society of
Denver congregation on the death of
our Mother and Sister, Mrs. S. E.
McElhinney.
It is with sorrow that we have to
record the death of Mrs. S. E. Mc­
Elhinney, mother of Mrs, Samuel
Greer and Mrs. Albert Cubit. Her
death occurred l6ss than a year after
that of her husband. She will be
missed in the home, in the church and
in the Ladies' Missionary Society, but
her dear ones have the confidence of
a reunion in a better land where
there is no death or separation.
Mr. T. G. Hutcheson.
A Tribute of Respect from the
Ladies' Missionary Society of Denver
congregation on the death of our
Friend and Brother, Mr. T. G. Hutcheson.
On May 27, 1919, Mr. T. G. Hutcheson,
an Elder in the Denver congregation,
met with an accident which
caused his death a few hours later.
Although sudden we feel sure he
was ready to answer the summons.
To his wife and children we tender
our heartfelt sympathy and comhiend
them to the loving Heavenly Father
who alone can comfort and heal the
sorrowing hearts.
Mrs. E. H. Buck,
Mrs. Oderfield,
Miss M. Achison,
Committee,

OLIVE TREES 453
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J. S. Martin aid Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
College Hifl, Beaver Falls, Pa.
A CRUSADE OF COMPASSION
for the
HEALING OF THE NATIONS.
Chapter I.
1. What is the difference between
Nationalism and Internationalism
2. What place does the Church of
Christ take in the present
crisis
3. Is the conception of the followers
of Christ as an army a newone
4. In what does it differ from other
armies, and in what resemble
5. What is its objective
6. What constitutes the sacredness
of human life
7. Where do we find the commission
for medical missionaries
8. What does the term "heathen nations"
connote in this connection
.
9. What is the estimated number of
Moslems included
10. What force is there to supply the
needs of these
11. What proportion of the ailing in
some parts of India are without
medical aid
12. What are the prime causes of this
need
13. Is there not quite as loud a cafl
for aid all the time in this line
as there has been in connection
with the Great War
14. What is the treatment prescribed
by religious leaders in some ol
these countries for pneumonia
15. What is the cause of much blindness
16. What are some of their ways of
preventing disease
17. Is the service of the missionary
physician one of safety to himself
18. What testimony does Mrs. Bishop
bear to the need for medical
missionaries
19. What need for sanitary reform
20. What is the cause of little or nothing
being done in pre-natal or
post-natal cases ,
21. Give some examples of distances
to be gone to reach physicians,
22. Cause of epidemics.
23. Who first evolved the idea of a
medical school for women
24. Why was a buffalo in one instance
given the best room in preference
to the wife
25. What are some of the activities
of medical missionaries
26. When and by whom was St. Catherine's
Hospital of Amritsar
founded
27. What other institution by th3
same person
28. Give an account of the hospital
in Thibet
29. An account of the work of Miss
E. F. Mitchell.
30. In an ideal of any use unless made
practical
31. What temptation to be guarded
against
32. What is the proportion of missionary
physicians to those at
home
33. Who was the first missionary
physician, and when
34. What number was in the battalion
70 years ago, and how
scattered
35. Beginning of St. Stephen's Hospital
in Delhi
36. Whence came the impulse for
medical work
37. What of the organization of
Ladies' Medical Missionary
Society, and who made the appeal
38. With what result
39. Next appeal whence, by whom,
and result
40. Who was the first N. E. woman
physician
Mary E. Metheny.

454 OLIVE TREES
When Wah Yeon was a month old,
his father gave a big feast, and the
baby was named then. You remember
Mr. Carither's letter about the
christening he attended in Syria. This
feast might be called a christening
feast, I suppose.
Wah Yeon will receive more names
as he grows older, when he firstgoes
to school, when he gets married and
on other important occasions.
Girls do not receive so many names
after their first name (milk name it
is called) ; they receive another only
when they are married. Both boys
and girls have nicknames by w.iich
they are known to acquaintances, just
as they do here in America.
Jon Gee and Wah Yeon have many
cousins in China, and next month we
will see what kind of a school they
would have gone to had they stayed
in China.
Mary A. McWilliams.
Dear Boys and Girls:
This is not a picture of "Mook"
AN APPEAL.
We are living in the age of "Forward"
when he was a baby, but of Yee Yah
movements. The Church of
Yeon and his sister, Yee Jon Gee, a
real Chinese baby and his sister.
Christ, has, as never before, been
awakened to her opportunities and
Their father, Yee Lim, lives in Carnegie,
and Jon Gee and her mother
vast possibilities for service. Great
things are being undertaken along afl
lines of Christian activities. Christian
people in general are becoming
used to live in China a couple of years
agp, though one of the Chinese men more and more interested in the salvation
went back to China to be married.
When he brought his wife back he also
brought his cousin's wife and daughter,
who was four years old. So now
Jon Gee lives in Carnegie.
I wish that you could see her big
black eyes sparkle and watch her
smile. She likes America and thinks
it a very nice place.
Last February, on George Washington's
Birthday, baby brother was
born, and, therefore, his American
name wfll be George Washington Yee
Please notice that the family name,
of sinners, and the extension
of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. If
it took the war through which we
have so recently passed with all of its
horrors and bloodshed to awaken the
minds and conscience of the Christian
people to a full realization of
their duty to mankind, then truly our
brave and noble boys shall not have
died in vain. Too long had we been
"at ease in Zion," and too long had
our ears been deaf to the crying needs
of humanity. To be sure we had done
a little but how very few of us have
or surname, is Yee, and is put first, done all that we might have done.
just as in our directories, while the
Christian name comes afterwards.
Yon Gee's American name is Rose
Yee.
It was my privilege to be present
at a few of the sessions of the "Summer
School of Missions" which was
held at Winona Lake for ten days in

OLIV fi TREES 465
June. It was an inspiration just to
see the 600 delegates, representing
several denominations, and most of
whom were young women of high
school and coflege age, so deeply interested
in the study of missions. A
few days later at the "Older Girls'"
Conference I witnessed a fine sight.
At the close of the Sabbath service,
and which also closed the conference,
more than 100 girls stood up and consecrated
their lives to the Master's
service. Many expressed a desire to
serve in the foreign field. As I looked
upoii those girls I thought of our girls
in Knox Academy, and how much
such a conference might mean to
them if only it were possible for a
similar meeting to be held; for how
much do Christians, both old and
young, need the fellowship of one
another. How gratifying it is to
know that our Covenanter women
have taken a "forward" step in the
'organization of the "Woman's Synodical
Mission Conference." How
much this will mean, not only to the
missions of the church, but to the
church itself, and to each congregation.
It means that the women are
ready and willing to co-operate in
every line of church work. That they
are ready to undertake great things
for the Master, for there is mucii
hard work to be done. There are always
needs in a mission field, and
the Southern Mission is no exception.
I could name various things that
would greatly facilitate the v/ork in
the different departments of Knox
Academy, but this time you will forgive
me for being selfish enough to
present a few of the needs of my own
special department—"The Girls' Industrial
Work." Seventeen years ago
this work was inaugurated for the
purpose of training the girls for home
life, many of whom did not know the
meaning of home, and many of them
are today ignorant as to the duties
and responsibilities of home life. You
may want to know the kind of instruction
given. The girls are taught
household science, and sewing. They
are taught the sanitary method of
washing dishes, sweeping a floor,
dusting and cleaning in general. They
learn to bake bread, pies and cakes,
cook meats and vegetables, make jellies,
jam and pickles. They are instructed
in the art of laying a table
and serving guests. Tney learn to
make all of their own clothing from
the plainest garment to their graduating
dresses, and the majority of
the girls thoroughly enjoy their work.
This year we are hoping to give instruction
in home nursing, which will
require a good bed for our patients,
whom we trust will enjoy such a
state of health as not to require a
night nurse. We would be pleased
if some of our good friends would
present us with two or three good
adjustable dress forms for our sewing
department. Then we are in need of
three or four good first-class sewing
machines. Dishes such as plates and
bowls will be acceptable and last, for
this time, how very grateful we
would be if some one who counts his
or her money by dollars instead of
pennies would give us a good double
range for our domestic science
kitchen. It would save us many days
of worry when we look at the clock
and find the noon hour is very near
and hardly half enough food prepared
for. our boys and girls, with great,
big appetites, and which for many is
their first and only meal for the day.
I have faith that we are going- to
rret everything for which we have
asked. I'm sure the women will not
disappoint us, and I believe the men
wifl want to have a share in it, too,
so it's only fittingthat we send our
thanks along withour mesage.
Yours in the Master's service.
Mary E. Fowler.
Poverty never drives a man to
drink unless he wants to go, but drink
drives a man to poverty whether he
wants to p;o or not.
He liveth long who liveth well; all
else is life but flunar away; he liveth
longest who can tefl of true thinga
truly done each day.

456 OLIVE TREES
CARRYING ON AT THE END OF
THE WAR.
At length when the war's at an end
And we're just ourselves—you and
I,
And we gather our lives up to mend.
We, who've learned how to live and
to die:
Shall we think of the old ambition.
For riches, or how to grow wise,
When, like Lazarus freshly arisen,
We've the presence of Death in our
eyes
Shall we dream of our old life's passion—
To toil for our heart's desire,
Whose souls War has taken to
fashion
With molten death and with fire
These verses, written during the
war, by Eric P. Dawson, show that
even during the dark period of the
fighting with death on every side, he
had gained a nobler conception of
living. This should be the opinion
of everyone, whether fighting men or
those who remained at home, regarding
their experiences during the war.
With the signing of the Armistica
last November, many men began to
turn their minds toward the problems
which face the world at the end
of this terrific struggle. The world's
ideal of liberty was advanced in this
great war, but advanced standards
need more than the aid of cannon to
make the position permanent. The
work now is for reconstruction—a rebuilding
of the waste places—a nobler
and more difficult undertaking than
the conflict of the past four years has
been. It will demand more intellect
and power and will prove to be a
greater test of character. Many young
men, who before called to the colors,
were considered mere riff-raff, became
heroes under the fireof the enemies'
guns—men of whom every one
is proud now. Coningsby Dawson in
his book, "Carry On," says, "There's
no doubt that the call for sacrifice, and
perhaps the supreme sacrifice, transforms
men into a nobility of which
they themselves are unconscious." Is
there not some way of appealing to
these same young men, and many otheis,
as well—to help with tliese problems,
and build up their own characters
under the reigTi of peace
Once after a brief furlough spent
with his family in London, Mr. Dawson
remarked that during that time
away from the battlefi.eld he seemed
to have stepped back to a lower i^lane
and a kind of flabbiness was creeping
into his blood—the old selfish fear of
life and the love of comfort. These
two attitudes are common to many
people and work havoc with so many
good causes—causes which fail for
the lack of fearless unselfish workers.
People are so taken up with
the trivial things of caring for their
physical comfort that they forget to
look beyond them to the more important
matter of preserving and developing
their spiritual nature and of
working for the things which are
eternal. The statement, "No personal
aim should count beside the great
privilege which is ours to carry on
until the war is over," is also true
when spoken concerning the facing
of the problems of reconstruction.
Will this take courage Yes, courage
of the highest quality. Coningsby
Dawson wrote in one letter that,
though, many acts of bravery which
in other wars would have won Victorian
crosses went unrewarded in
the past war. "The stupendous terrors
of Armageddon requires less
courage than the uneventful terror of
the common place, for the big immediate
thing is so much easier to do
than the prosaic carrying on without
anxiety." Shall it be said that Christian
soldiers were not brave enough
to face their foe, particularly when
they remember the statement of Paul,
"I can do all things through Christ
which strengthened me" Ah! no!
Let their motto at all times be the
cry of the allied soldiers, "Carry On!
Carry On! Carry On!"
Pearl Dunlap.
Hopkinton, Iowa.

FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOO OF THE REFORMEO PRES. 0 HURCH
Latakia, Syria. Rev. Julius A. Kempf. • I „ , , ,.
Rev. Jas. S. Stewart. D. D
^rs. Julius A pMPF. f "n furiou n
Mrs. j. S. Stewart
^ev. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar wuh Red crossin Mrs. William M. Robb
J M.Balph,M.D., Miss ROSE A. Huston
JMISS MAGGIE B. II.DGAR ]y[jSg jp^ -^ SCOTT M D I 0° furlough
Miss M. Florence Mearns, cZ's\.%- Miss Annie J. Robinson! N^'^out saiTy
,, . . . -,. ^^"°® Miss Nellie A. Brownlee,
Mer^ne, Asm Minor. rev. R. C. Adams ^
MISS Evadna M Sterreti Mrs. R. C. Adams ^
REV. Robt. E. Willson, ^^y^ jesse c. • Mitchel .i
Mrs. Robt. E. Willson ^rs. Jesse C. Mitchel „
Rev. Andrew J. McFarland ^ ,
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary Unum,
John Peoples, M. D
Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples On furlough James M. Wright, m. d
Miss F. Elma French Mrs. James M. Wright o
Larnaca, Cyprus.
Union Language School,
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Canton, South China.
Mrs. Walter McCarroll,On furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. .. „^
Mr. Wilbur Weir Miss Inez M. Smith, R. N „,;
Nicosia, Cyprus. Miss Jean M. Barr •
Calvin McCarroll, M. D„
Miss Lillian j . McCracken
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll
2.0 Ting, via Canton, South China.
Tak Hing Chau, West River, Rev. Ernest C. Mitchell
South China. Mrs. Ernest C. Mitchell
Rev. A. L Robb, D. D E. J. M. Dickson, M. D .^
Mrs. A. I. Robb Mrs. E. J. M. Dickson • • •!*jy' .jt„
Rev. j. K. Robb,
Miss Ella Margaret Stewart
Mrs. j.
HOME
K. Robb
MISSIONARIES
on furlough
OF THE REFORMED
Miss Jennie
PRESBYTERIAN
M. Dean
CHURCH
Indian Mission, Apache, Okla. ' Southern Mission, Selma, Ala.
Rev. W. W. CARiTHEass, Superintendent. Rev. G. A. Edgak, D. D., Superintendent
Miss Inez Wickerham
Miss Lola Weik, High School
Miss Ellen Wilson
Miss Mary Reynolds, High School
Miss Irene McMurtry
Miss Ella Hays, Grammar School
Miss Mae Allen
Miss Mary Wilson, Sixth Grade
Miss Laura Weir, Fifth Grade
Mission of the Covenanl^ 800 Sontii Bth St., Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade
Philadelphia, Pa.
Miss jju^ii Kynett, Third Grade
riss Annie Forsyth
Miss Eulalia Howard, Second Grade
Miss Emma M. McFarland
Mrs. E. 0. Senegal, First Grade
Volunteer Workers. ^««- 9; ^- |^«' ^^^^^ Department
Miss Mary E. Fowler, Girls' Indus. Dept.
Si'pi siiyE'&.E ^r- j'''^'''^ ^'^' ^'^'' ^"^""- ^''"-
Miss Anna Thompson
^'^^ Sophia Kingston, Prin'l Little Knox
Dr. Ralph Duncan
^jLiiernc^^^ny
Mrs.
dustrial
Louise
Dept.
Kynett, Prin'l Pleasant Grov0
Mr. Samuel Jackson ) Mrs. Estelle Lightning, Asst. Girls' In-
Mr. Edwin Anderson
^^^' Earnest Brooks, East Selma
Mr. Melville Pearce \Altemrttng rf„.,^„-„j n««*
Mr. Will Stewart

Melville
Carson,
R. P, Seminary,'
Horth Ave, SI. S.
Pittpturg, pg • —
Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Presbyterian Church
President
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M. D., 6i7 N. 43d Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vice-Pesident
J. C. McFEETERS, D. D., 1838 Wallace St, Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
R. J. BOLE, 170 Broadway, New York
Corresfonding Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, D. D., 2517 Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Recording Secretary
F. M. FOSTER, Ph. D., 305 W. 29th St., New York City.
Treasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transportation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.
post office addresses of treasurers
Syrian Mission, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection—
Mr. Joseph M, Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Domestic Mission; Southern Mission; Indian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widows' and Orphans' Fund; Literary, Students' Aid;
National Reform—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 411 Penn Building, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. Agnes C Steele, 321 Lehigh Ave., East End, Pittsburgh, Pa.
EVANGELICAL AND NON-SECTARIAN
THE SOpflY SCpOOIi WORLD tor ]gggr;te„

M m t fee
ZECH.4: 11-14 REV.11 : 3, 4
VOL. XXXIU OCTOBER. 1919 No.9
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the §ynod oT the Reformed
Presbyterian Church of North
America in- the interest ot Mission
Work
DO YOU K N O W
That pitiful cries of the suffering and
dying are coming from our Syrian fields,
and that the work of our missionaries
must now
be largely the ministry of relief
If their work is to be effective, we
must put the means for relief into their
hands
Subscription iprlce s ®ne DoUar a l^ear
POSTAGE FREE TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD
Contents
Appeal for the Levant - +57
Jesus Praying in the Early
Morning - - "- 460
How Can Missionaries Help
China at this Critical time 463
News FROKf the Field -, 467
Women's Department - 476
J

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal.
PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD OP FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
NORTH AMERICA IN THB INTEREST OF ALL MISSION WORK,
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM
PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PENNA.
EDITOR,
McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D. D.
Address all Communications to
McLEOD M. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Place, Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable Address: Metheny, Philadelphia.
Entered] as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post office at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH.
OFFICERS OF WOMEN'S MISSIONARY
Preaident, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Kentucky SOCIETY OP KANSAS PRESBYTERY.
Ave., Pittsburgh.
First Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Wallace, 108 Lafayette
Ave., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. WUUam Esler, Wilkinsburgh,
Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. R. A. M. Steele, 321
Lehigh Ave., Pittaburgh, Pa.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Ave.,
Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Supt. of Literature and Mission Study, Mrs. E. A.
Crooks, 69 Oak Street, Newcastle, Pa.
President, Mrs. W. A. Edgar, Sterling, Kan.
Vice President, Mrs. Jennie Young, Eskridge, Kan.
2d Vice President, Mrs. Elmer Russell, Dennison,
Kan.
Recording Secretary, Miss Mary McCrory, Dennison,
Kan.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElhinney,
Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Boyle, 701 Clay St.,
Topeka, Kan.
OFFICERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS OP THB
Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Mary McWilliams, WOMEN'S SYNODICAL MISSIONARY
2328 Maple Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.
SOCIETY.
Asst. Supt. of Children's Bands, Miss Lottie Harris,
1312 Penn Ave., Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Thank Offering Secretary, Mrs. J. K. Tibby, Ridge
Ave.. Crafton, Pa.
Teinperance Secretary. Mrs. W. R. Porter, 218 Burgess
St., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
ILLINOIS.
President, Mrs. Myrta May Dodds, 457 S. Clarkson,
Denver, Colo.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. T. H. Acheson, 117 W.
Mclntyre Ave., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. M. Hutchison,
Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mra. W. O. Ferguson, Oakdale, HI.
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. 8th St., Vice Presidents, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, Bloomington,
Bloomington, Ini^
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Sparta, 111.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta,
111., R. D. No. 2.
Ind.; Mrs. H. G. Paterson, Washington, Iowa;
Mrs. Boyd Tweed, Beaver Falls, Pa. ; Mrs. S. B.
McClelland, Greeley, Colo.; Mrs. J. M. WyUe,
Kansas City, Mo.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson, Superintendents:
Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. R. Davis, Princeton, Ind.
IOWA.
President, Mra. H. G. Patterson, Morning Sun.
Vice President, Mrs. Knox Dunn, Wyman, Iowa.
Secretary, Mrs. Retta Jones, Sharon, Iowa.
•Treasurer, Mra. S. Carrick, Wyman, Iowa.
Foreign Missions, Mrs. P. M. Wilson, 2517 N.
Franklin St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Home Missions, Miss Lillie McKnight, Portland,
Ore.
Literature—Mrs. J. S. Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa.
Temperance, Mrs. Henry Russell, Bloomingtoa, Ind.
Thank Offering, Mrs. J. K. M. Tibby, Pittsburgh,
Corresponding Secretary, Miss Jennie Fergeson, Pa.
COLORADO.
President, Vice Treasurer, Secretary, Supt. Ave., Hopkinton, Preaident, Junior Denver, Mrs. Work, Iowa. Mrs. S, R. Colo. Myrta B. S. Miss James McClelland, Orr, M. Anna Greeley, Carson, Dodds, McClurkin, Greeley, Denver, Colo. 457 S. Colo. Sharon.
Clarkson Juniors, Plan Young Standard wood, 119 South of W. Women's Work Ohio. Mrs. Corona, Mclntyre of Efficiency, T. Board, C. Work, Denver, Ave-, Weir, Mrs. Mrs. N. Colo. Winchester, R. S., B. C. James Pittsburgh, M. WyUe,' Harsh, Kan. Carson, Chairman, Pa. North-
939

R. M. SOMMERVILLE, D.D. MRS. R. M, SOMMBRVIIiLB
DR. SOMMERVILLE founded "OLIVB TREES" and editedit for 29 years.
OLIVE TREES
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXIII OCTOBER, 1919 No. 9
APPEAL FOR T H E L E V A N T
The bulletin which is published on
a later page should receive the special
attention of everyone. It is an appeal
for the missions in the Levant.
Armenia and Syria comprise the
great sore spot of the world. All of
Europe feels the sad effects of the
great war, and many countries need
our help through the coming winter;
but none feel the effects so terribly as
these countries, and none need our
help so much as their people. Next
winter will see little children naked in
the "snows of Lebanon." People are
dying there from privation.
It is to be said also that the very
best way to aid them "is through our
own Syrian Mission. Contributions
need not even be specified for relief,
for our Board has agreed that all the
money which the Church will contribute
toward this work beyond that
which is needed for the necessary expenses
of the mission will be used in
relief. This makes our own missionaries
the very best channel through
which to distribute whatever money
additional to our usual missionary
contributions, the members of our
Church have to devote to this purpose.
In the past some have not
understood this; and it may be misunderstood
again. During the year the
American Committee for Syria;n and
Armenian Relief will make an appeal
for funds throughout our country.
The present writer in his work on the
publications of the American Sunday
School Union is doing his best to publish
their appeals in the most effective
way. The work of this committee is
in every way to be commended. There
is nothing questionable in all its work.
One difficulty, however, is that some
of our people have felt that money
given to this committee would be
used more directly for relief work
than if given to our regular missionary
work in Syria. Now this committee
must maintain its laborers
there whose salaries and expenses
must be paid just as the salaries and
expenses of our missionaries are; and
a portion of their money must go to
support laborers just as a portion of
ours goes to sustain our missionaries.
In fact we may look at it this way.
that our missionaries are sustained
there anyhow—that is our regular
missionary work—and all additional
money that we have to give, because

458 OLIVB TRBBS
of the present emergency, can go
wholly to relief, if given through
them. None of it will have to be used
to sustain new laborers sent there for
the purpose. Our missionaries are
devoting themselves to relief work
just now—necessarily so^—and they
are ready to receive and expend all
the money that the Church can contribute
to this cause; and besides,
given through them, it will greatly
further their work in sowing the good
seed of the gospel.
Last year we had this difficulty,
that so much money was designated
for relief that we had not enough to
sustain our workers. This is a mistake.
Nothing would be gained by
giving money for relief if we did not
have the workers there to distribute
it. Give your money to the Syrian
Mission, and trust the Board and the
missionaries that all expenses will be
kept to the minimum and the money
given for relief work will be the very
largest amount possible.
ARMENIAN CHILDREN—ORPHANS EVERY ONE OF THEM
READ CAREFULLY.
Directions for Shipping Goods to the,
Syrian Mission.
Goods should be packed in good
strong boxes, not barrels or bags. Put
the name and address of the sender on
the outside of the box. If boxes are
shipped by freight, mark them:
"For Samuel R. Boggs,
Model Mills Company,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Fairhill Station, P. R. R.
Charges Prepaid."
If boxes are shipped by express,
mark them:
"Samuel R. Boggs,
Model Mills Company,
Kensington Ave. and Ontario St.,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Charges Prepaid."
Also on the outside of each box
must be plainly marked:
2. 1. Tare Gross weight (empty (when packed). box).
3. Net weight.
4. Cubic feet of the box.
Send to Samuel R. Boggs, Model
Mills Co., Kensington avenue and
Ontario street, Philadelphia, Pa., a
letter stating contents of shipment
and its approximate value. Whefi
goods are shipped by freight, send
bill of lading with the letter.
If these directions are faithfully
carried out, goods will go through to
the fieldswithout delay. If they are
not carried out, goods will be subject
to long delays. Boxes should be made
of good strong boards, which will be
used for shelving and other purposes
on the field.
No ackno'Wledgment will be made
of the receipt of goods. If boxes are
not received in reasonable time after
the receipt of the sender's letter the
shipper will be notified. In absence of
an acknowledgment it is to be understood
been by the received. sender that the have goods

OLIVE TREES 45§
S t o p ! L o o k ! L i s t e n !
DO YOU KNOW
That a great emergrency confronts our Levant Missions
That while a balance was reported in the treasury at
last Synod, it was due to the inability to transmit funds
to the Levant for more tnan two years This balance
also included accurriulated funds for relief.
DO YOU KNOW
That now all this balance has been used to meet the
present emergencies arising from the war And tnat
in addition the treasurer was obliged to borrow to meet
the present needs
DO YOU KNOW
That pitiful cries of the suffer ing ard dying are coming
from our Syrian fields, and that the work of our missionaries
must now be largely the ministry of relief If
their work is to be effective, we must put the means for
relief into their hands
DO YOU KNOW
That the actual contributions of th© last year for the
Levant were $14,028.28 Special requests and interest
on endowments amounted to $4,083.27, and
DO YOU KNOW
That to meet the present emergencies, without expansion
of the work, there must be available from contributions
and interest on invested funds, not $18,111.55 as
received last year, but the full $35,OOO appropriated
by Synod Then
DO YOU KNOW
That the very best way by which to give relief to suffering
Syria, isto contribute to our own Church's missionary
work, which is now so largely a work of relief

460 OLIVE TREES
JESUS PRAYING IN THE EARLY
MORNING.
By T. H. Acheson, D. D.
* We earnestly hope the readers of Olive
Trees will read this article. Perhaps we
have never pxiblished anything more implortant."I.t
is ah aj)peal for prayer, which,
in its deep earnestness, must impress every
one who reads it. And ive need prayer so
•much. If only the followers of Christ
Icould pray! Read this article, and perhaps
it will lead you to pray more.—Ed.
In the gospel according to Mark
(1: 35) we read: "And in the morning,
rising up a great while before
day, he went out, and departed into
a solitary place, and there prayed."
•fhis incident is recorded in a few
words, which we may read in a moment
in our progress through the
chapter. Yet this fact was considered
sufficiently important by this
follower and historian of Jesus to be
recorded; and the Holy Spirit, who
guided Mark as he wrote, thought this
fact of sufficient importance to be
recorded for coming centuries.
Andrew Murray has a most helpful
little book entitled "Like Christ," and
bne chapter of this book is: "Like
Christ in His Praying." And it is
clearly true that Jesus is our example
in prayer. He is not only God, but
also man. He is not only a king, but
^Iso a subject. God is his Father. He
is a Son. He depended upon God. He
had faith. He prayed for help. And
we are to follow Jesus not only in
obedience, in submission, in consecration,
in service, in personal work,
but also in faith and in prayer. We
are to be like Christ in prayer.
I 1. Prayer was a prominent fact in
the life of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2.. Jesus here illustrates the value
ipf being alone with God in personal
prayer.
: 3. Jesus knew the necessity of
giving time to definite prayer.
There is an interesting passage in
this connection in First Corinthians
where Paul says: "That ye may give
yourselves unto prayer." The Greek
word means "to have leisure"; and
the thought is that you may have sufficient
time for prayer, for thoughtful
prayer.
But some one may say just here:
"Oh, well, I don't beheve in any
formal arrangements about the Christian
life and about prayer. Prayer is
not a matter of rules and regulations;
not something to be measured off by
the yard. It is a spontaneous thing.
I am too busy to be held down by any
such ideas. I must cook, and sweep,
and dust, and do a thousand other
things. My house doesn't run itself.
I can pray as I work. It is no formal
matter with me." Or the business
man says: "Why I must get down to
my.office! Things don't run themselves.
I am not a preacher. Prayer
is part of his business; but I have
very little time on a weekday to indulge
in long praying. I send up
many a petition during the day as I
work."
But, dear brother and sister, do we
not know that Jesus must have been
constantly offering such ejaculatory
prayers, as he went about his business
for God And yet he did not
substitute such petitions for his more
prolonged seasons of prayer. He engaged
in both. Jesus, our Master,
found both necessary. When the
child talks with the mother, can he
get the best results on the most important
matters, as both are busy
about the house True much is
learned thus, very much of great importance
; but is that the best method
of reaching clear and definite results
How do we eat Certainly we could
live, if we snatched a bite from the
sideboard each time we passed it with
broom or duster in hand, and we
could get along without setting any
table at all; but is that the best way
for yourself and your children How
do we get an education Certainly
we can get some book learning as we
move about the kitchen, if we have a

ook open on the shelf near by. We
could dp some studying as we work
in the garden, or as we ride on the
street car, or on the train; but, honestly,
is that the best way to get an
education
"Oh, well, I have not time for any
particular season of prayer each day.
I have to work. My time is not my
own. I must get down town at a certain
hour or lose my situation. My
work faces me from the time I set my
foot on the floorin the morning till I
close my eyes at night." Well, it is
true that some of us have more to do
than we can well do, and we feel
pushed all day long; but after all,
brother, sister, let us face the facts.
We findtime to eat, and time to dress,
and time to read the newspaper, and
time to talk; and we must find time
for salvation and time for spiritual
growth, and time for the Kingdom,
and time for death, and time for eternity;
and if we are going to economize
on .anything at all, let us not
begin on prayer, on our communion
with God.
Prayer takes time. No one can
pray aright without taking time. It
takes time to cook, and time to eat,
and time to dress, and time to read,
and time to talk, and time to live, and
you cannot pray in no time; and you
cannot write prayer merely on the
margins of your life and findenough
room. Prayer takes time, and we
must be willing to pay the price.
Bounds, whom we will quote once
or twice, tells us that Charles Simeon
devoted the time from four till eight
in the morning to God. Perhaps he
f^id not actually pray all this time. He
says that Wesley spent two hours
daily in prayer; that Luther at one
time spent three hours daily in prayer;
that Bishop Asbury proposed to
rise early as often as he could, to
spend two hours in prayer and meditation;
that Joseph Alleine prayed
from Havelock each gave day much four alone spent time till with the eight; to firsttwo prayer; God; that that and hours General Judson that of
OLIVE TREES 461
David Brainerd spent many hours in
prayer daily. "Oh, but these men
were preachers." General Havelock
was not a preacher. General Gordon,
into whose tent at one time in the
Soudan no message was to be brought
during a certain half hour in the
morning, was not a preacher. Daniel,
who found time to pray three times
a day, was one of the most prominent
rulers in Babylon. And the Lord
Jesus Christ, who was a preacher, was
about as busy a man as the world ever
saw. We need shorter prayers in
public; we need longer ones in private.
k. Jesus on the occasion of our
text suggests the value of prayer
early in the day.
He rose up a great while before
day, while the stars were yet in the
sky, and the streets were yet silent,
and his disciples were yet asleep, that
he might begin the day with God.
The morning is the best time for
about everything; the best time for
study, the best time for work, the best
time for prayer. In the book of Joshua
we read four times that Joshua rose
up early in the morning. He had
important work to do, and he wanted
to get a good start at it. Day by day
the manna came to the children of
Israel. There it was each morning.
and when the sun became hot it
melted. They had to go out after it
early. The man who came out at nine
o'clock got very poor manna or none
at all. The morning is the best time
for most things; and it certainly is the
best time for prayer and reading
God's Word. Then the body is rested.
The mind is refreshed and can work
clearly. The work of the day has not
yet begun. The temptations of the^
day have not come in. The morning
hour is the golden time for prayer.
"But I am too busy, can't you see
I go to bed late, and the work of the
household revolves around me, and I
would ily poring is not if I neglect a over spent mere the my theory Bible time work and but in and the praying-^ a condition my morning fam­
It

462 OLIVE TREES
that confronts me." Well, maybe
you can't. We are not saying that
you can pray an hour each day. But
now observe that Jesus who was
about as busy as you and I are, had
taught in the synagogue on the previous
day, had healed a man with a
demon, had healed Simon's wife's
mother, and in the evening he had
healed a great many people and had
talked with them, and then he rose
iip early the next morning, a great
while, before the day that he might
pray. And is it not true that if we
want to be good housekeepers, or
good students, or successful business
men, it is a splendid thing to get up
in the morning and get a good start
To return to the writer, Mr. Bounds,
again, he tells us that Luther said:
"If I fail to spend two hours in prayer
each morning, the devil gets the victory
through the day." General Havelock,
as we have seen, spent the first
two hours of each day alone with God.
McCheyne said that he ought to pray
before seeing any one; that often
when he slept long, or met with others
early, it was eleven or twelve o'clock
before he began secret prayer. This
he called a wretched system. "I feel,"
he said, it is far better to begin with
God—to see his face first,to get my
soul near him before it is near another."
And Bounds himself says:
"More time and early hours for
prayer would act like magic to revive
and invigorate many a decayed spiritual
life. More time and early hours
for prayer would be manifest in holy
living. A holy life would not be so ,
rare or so diflScult a thing if our devotions
were not so short and hurried."
Now here at the close let it not
be thought that any one can lay
down hard-and-fast rules for private
prayer. Christianity is not a matter
of rules and regulations, but rather
of principles. "Where the Spirit of
the Lord is, there is liberty." It is not
for any one to say how early you
should pray, nor how long you should
pray, nor how many pages of the
Bible you are to read every day. Circumstances
certainly alter cases. The
house wife may find it more difficult
to control her time than many others.
Great sympathy should be manifested
in this connection with the mother of
small children who interrupt so much
the regularity of work and rest.. Let
us ask ourselves this plain question:
Making all proper allowances for differences
of circumstances, is it not
true that if we do follow this example
of Jesus, and rise early for prayer,
and find a place where we can be alone
with God, and take enough time daily
to pray thoughtfully and leisurely, we
shall surely reap wonderful results
Is there any doubt of it Wouldn't
we get closer to God, know him better,
have much more of the Spirit's power,
be far more free from temptation,
make fewer mistakes in business, and
have more peace of mind Would
we not Isn't it worth the price
And isn't there much to pray for
Lift up your eyes and look on the
field. Pray for the coming of the
kingdom of Christ in its fullness; for
the gospel herald in all lands; for our
missions in China and in Syria; for
the blood-drenched nations of Europe;
for the starving in many lands; a
much more definite conception of the
kingdom of Jesus on the part of the
rulers and nations of the earth; for
the great Peace Council; for our
country's civil relation to Christ; for
our nation's right influence on the
world; for the Christianizing of all
right institutions; for the conversion
of the Christian pocketbook; for the
Church at large; for our ovra Covenanter
Church in this hour; for your
own congregation; for your unsaved
friends; for your friends in trouble;
for you own household; for your own
personal needs, and for a thousand
other things. Surely it is worth while
for us to pray early, and to pray
alone, and to pray indefinitely, and to
pray much! Never in the world's
history was there greater need for
prayer! What does prayer mean to
us Wh^t will it mean Pray on!

OLIVE TREES 463
H O W CAN MISSIONARIES HELP CHINA
THIS CRITICAL TIME
A T
By Dr. Wu Ting Fang.
The following is an address delivered by this distinguished Chinese statesman tc
a gathering of missionaries in China. It is of special interest as coming from him,,
and it illustrates the attitude of many of the most progressive of China's leaders toward
our missionaries and the faith they preach.—Ed.
It is both a pleasure and a privilege
to address the members of this Missionary
Conference, many of whom
have been actively engaged in promoting
the interests of this our province.
From personal acquaintance
with missionaries and their work, I
recognize the constructive influence
you exercise throughout the country.
At this transitional period when
China is emerging as a democracy and
is.struggling to attain a worthy place
within the family of modern nations,
the missionaries have exceptional opportunities
to serve China.
In my manifesto I pointed out the
successive steps which lead up to the
present deplorable political condition.
I am gratified to think this Missidn
Body, in response to my appeal, desires
to know how it can help China
at this critical time.
That missionaries should abstain
from interference in political affairs,
is an accepted axiom of all religious
societies operating in China. Yet, at
all times, 'political questions involve
moral issues. To accomplish the r^aj
objects of yoUi" work it is necessary
for you to secure and retain the confidence
of the Chinese. Missionaries
are hear to preach the doctrines of
righteousness; and it makes no difference,
whether that righteousness be
political, social, economic or personal.
To remain silent or to take a neutral
stand on any question of moral im-,
portance would impair your influence
as teachers of our people. If you concede
the justice of our cause then the
Constitutionalists should receive your
moral support. Moral support may
also be supplemented by ma;terial support.
In England and America v6ry
few people have suflicient knov/ledge
of Chinese affairs to form an accura,te'
opinion. The brief news items and
telegrams pubhshed in the papers are
often very meagre and sometimes
contradictory. News propaganda. is
also used to create prejudice against
the Constitutionalists. B.ut you are
in a position to acquaint yourselves
with the true facts. Upon first-hand
knowledge you may formulate' your
opinion. Then your letters to your
friends and relatives, articles to tt.o
rehgious journals and personal testi.-
mony when you return home on fur^
lough, may render valuable service tc
China.
There is another, way the missipn
aries may help China. You are all
aware that China in grappling with
the opium traffic voluntarily deprived ,
herself pf vast sums, and that, at a
time when her exchequer was depleted,
because the government, refused
to participate in the degradation
of her citizens. ' In the successful
fight to abolish opium China had the
approval of all right-minded men,
The Chinese, as a people, proved
themselves capable of making great
sacrifices for a rig|iteous cause. Now,
certain unscrupulous officials, with a
view of making huge profits, threaten
to force this vice upon t]ie people. The
missionaries can protest ^gainst this,
iniquity and thus help, China.to finally.'
rid itself of his danger., , '
Educationally, the, ^missionaries.
have evier been pioneers. The Chiircli
organizations, ^and, the mission .schools
are valuable, assefs to pur. country.
China has become a dem,p,cracy. We
desire to haye, ah enlighfehed and,
modern ,government. Of course we
are now in the experimental stage, ^p
we ,tu'r.n,. to the older republics fqr
guidanpfe.,,, "The missionaries should
give to the,young men of China the

464 OLIVE TRBES
most modern accepted principles of
government. A great mistake is sometimes
made by well-intentioned men
who believe China must painfully
duplicate the experiences of other
nations before she can be ready for
democracy. This is not true. China
can avoid many of the past mistakes
if her citizens are properly instructed.
Before our people can intelligently
participate in national affairs they
must be trained in local self-government.
A citizen cannot discharge his
duties as a citizen unless he understands
the organization and administration
of the government. Instruction
in civic duties should be given
in every mission school.
The work of public sanitation,
which must be kept under a system
of permanent inspection, should be
undertaken by government agencies.
China begins to realize the enormous
toll in human life, exacted as the price
of ignorance in these matters. The
elementary principles of sanitation
and hygiene are violated constantly in
our crowded cities. Ignorance of
proper preventive measures exposes
annually millions of our people to
dangerous epidemical diseases, many
of which, in the light of modern medical
science, are considered preventable.
China must organize against
disease by promoting a nation-wide
campaign of enlightenment. A noteworthy
feature of China's progress
is the establishment of the National
Medical Association of China, a purely
Chinese organization of nearly one
hundred Chinese physicians educated
in western medical science and who
are pledged to "expedite the spread of
modern medical science in China and
to arouse interest in public health
and preventive medicine among the
people."
The Rockefeller Foundation, through
the China Medical Board, has inaugurated
a movement which will do much
to stimulate medical work in China.
Its aims are to strengthen existing
medical schools, furnish better equipment
and support, and encourage the
most highly qualified men to devote
their entire attention to China's medical
needs. China welcomes this assistance.
You, missionaries, can have
a large part in this work.
Since the establishment of the Republic,
most of our people have become
impatient with old methods and
customs. They regard these as survivals
of a past dynasty totally unsuitable
for the new democracy. The
growing tendency is to adopt new
innovations. This is an inevitable
resultant of our political transformation.
But all change does not denote
progress. I deplore the indiscriminate
acceptance of western customs.
Our aim should be not only to make a
change, but to make a change for the
better. We must differentiate between
the true principles governing
the advancement of modern civilization
and the mere surface manifestations
attending this advancement.
Thorough investigation into the origin
and development of present methods
will enable us to intelligently introduce
more effective and efficient
methods. You may assist us to moderate
the somewhat too radical tendencies
now prevalent by encouraging
sane and practical ideas of social
betterment. A synthetical blending
of all the good can be conserved from'
the past with the best elements of
western civilization, should be the aim
of every true Chinese patriot and if
you will join with us in the Work,
your assistance will be welcomed and
appreciated.
China's greatest dangeir arises from
a disregard for law and authority.
Even spme of the highest officials
have'been guilty of lawlessness. The
whole country is visited with the calamitous
results of this oflficial lawlessness
and militarism. The missionaries
can teach their members and the students
of the schools that law makes
for the general welfare of the couritry
while lawlessness and arbitrary rule
can only promote the interest of a
few and in the end will bring ruin
upon the country. If you can inculcate
a proper respect for law and
order among the young children
placed in your charge, you will earn
the gratitude of the whole country.

THE IOWA AND KANSAS YOUNG
PEOPLE'S CONVENTION.
By Miss Lola Weir,
Winchester, Kans.
The Second Convention of the Covenanter
Young People's Union of the
Iowa and Kansas Presbyteries, met
in the new church of the Clarinda,
Iowa, Congregation, July 15-17, 1919.
During Monday and Tuesday one
hundred and six delegates gathered
from north, south, east and west.
Some slept in the highways and
hedges by the way, so you know they
came with a purpose to be and do
good,
In the prominent places on our
programs we found such verses and
mottoes as the following, which are
true indices of the whole spirit of the
convention:
"I beseech you, therefore, brethren
by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies, a living sacrifice,
hojy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service."
"Speak unto the children of Israel
that they go forward."
"I will place no value on anything
I have or may possess except in relation
to the Kingdom of Christ."—
David Livingston.
"Six hundred sons to war; four to
the ministry. Twenty-two congregations
need pastors at once. Think it
over!"
"Do you know that the Forward
Movement calls for one hundred consecrated
workers from the C. Y. P.
U.; and $1,250,000 in the next five
years, which means about $31 per
member each year—less than the
-price of a suit of clothes And,
Do you know what part in this
movement you are to play Thepurpose
of this convention is to help you
find out. If that be accomphshed, we
shall not have met in vain."
"Complete it we may. If we pay as
OLIVE TREES 465
-we opened The pray." President the convention of Iowa with C. Y. devQ-
P. U.
tionals Tuesday evening, making her
theme, "The outpouring of the Holy
Spirit is necessary before the power
of Pentecost comes." The President
of Kansas C. Y. P. U., Alvin W.
Smith, of Winchester, Kansas, then
put forth the object and purpose of
the convention. He called it a "Life-
Work and Prayer Conference."
One . of the most instructive features
of the convention was the Bible
Study lectures from the book of Revelations,
by Dr. R. J. G. McKnight,
each morning.
The program was so arranged that
we had a "Covenant," a "Forward
Movement," a "Stewardship," a "Mission"
and a "Vocational" Session.
Each subject was discussed by able
speakers from the young people and
ministers of the two Presbyteries.
Dr. J. M. Coleman gave two able addresses
on the "Value of the Covenant,"
and "Features of Witness
Work," which led up to the Forward
Movement discussion.
This Conference was conducted by
R'ev. J. ,G. McElhinney, assisted by
Rev. J. D. Edgar and Rev. H. 'G. Patterson.
The young people were made
to feel that the success of the movement
depends upon them. They were
tpld of a ford that was running on
reputation which sooner or later ran
down, and so would this movement
go, without the young people. They
are the motor and the Holy Spirit is
the spark. Every third young person
of the Covenanter Church belongs tc
the Kansas-Iowa Presbyteries, and
every fourth one to the Kansas Presbytery.
What responsibility!
A pastor from Western Kansas
used this illustration to his congregation:
"You who could not get
enough hands to gather in your harvest
this summer know something of
how the Lord feels when he sees his
harvest unreaped."
One of the most impressive services
of the convention was the memorial
the service ducted His pastor. service, by of the J. Rev. assisted French Sharon, E. L. by Carithers, McKnight, Ipwa, four Society. young con­
led

466 OLIVE TREES
ladies of the Sharon Society. Mr.
McKnight said the word that came to
him when he thought of this young
man's life was service. Miss Ola Mc­
Clurkin. spoke of French's vision of
service; Miss Irma Wilson, of his con^
secration of his life to that vision;
Miss Iva Allen, his supreme sacrifice
to the service; Miss Margaret Robb,
of the inspiration of such a life to us.
A touching message was read from
his parents at the close asking the
young people not to "break faith"
with French. This was followed by a
season of intercession led by Miss
Lola Weir, of our mission in Selma,
in which some twenty took part.
Mention was made later in the convention
of Alvin W. Smith, who was
a living example of one who had consecrated
himself to his Master's servicej
who had served this convention
so faithfully, and was soon going to
serve in the Island of Cyprus.
The climax of the convention came
when Rev. D. H. Elliott led the Dedication
Service. He had distributed
through the audience duplicate cards
to be signed by the young people. The
results of the conference as shown
from these cards show that the young
people are thinking. The card was
entitled "The Yielded Life." Seventyfive
subscribed to, "It is my earnest
purpose to enter into God's plan for
my life." My desire is if God so leads,
to enter college (31), to enter seminary
(1), to be a missionary (12), to
teach (17). Half of the card was
kept by the signer and half handed to
Mr. Elliott. He is using these cards
in his work over the Church now.
The social side of the convention
was well provided for by the Clarinda
people in a social evening, a recreation
hour one afternoon, a isight-seeing
trip one evening, and the hospitality
of their church and homes.
We left with a prayer that God
would take the impressions made and
store them up in the heart that they
may bring forth fruit in after life.
Vn.2^^ GRADUATING CLASS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY AT LARNACA AND THEIR TEACHERS
BackRow R^w-GradiltS'' Graduates :,«^'.^'°"'^."'°/i«^ ist, 2d, 3d, 4th, are'Greeks7t'ra'nd'6Vh • .Desmpules, Hashim, aTrSvTianr^^Th MoCarroll (W.), a VeV^jy^TtalUn^
MoCarroll (.C.). Weir, D_avidian.
(See Page 473.)

6LiVE fRfiES 467
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 251'7 North FrankUn Street,
Philadelp hia, Penna.
Our thpughts and prayers will
follow those of our missionaries
returning ^o their fieldsthis autumn.
After n^vich harassing delay, due to
the difficu^^ of getting the British
vise to their passports, Mr. Alvin
Smith and Mr. Ernest Tweed are expecting
to q^il from Philadelphia on
the S. S.

468 OLIVE TREEi
cannot answer questions regarding
this phase of the work. Please address
all inquiries to Mrs. Wylie at
above address.
This is Miss Edgar's hst:
Mattress covers of strong material
for 20 beds ready for filling with
cotton—for bedsteads 9 feet by 6 feet.
Material should be 42 inches wide by
86 inches long when cut ready for
making up.
Sheets for 20 beds, size 48 by 82
inches. Three changes—^that is 60
sheets.
Pillow covers 20 by 40 inches. 60
of them.
20 blankets, part wool, white preferred.
20 light weight quilts, or comforts,
same size as sheets.
40 covers for the heavy native comforts,
80 by 94 inches.
These with the sheets and pillow
covers should be good quality, medium
weight, unbleached muslin.
40 upper covers for native comforts,
size 70 by 80 inches, unbleached
lining muslin or cheese cloth.
60 night gowns, sizes 6 to 14 years,
Roller towels, face towels, dish
towels, any quantity.
Table linen, 80 inches wide.
Ginghams, print, and unbleached
muslin for underwear.
Made-up clothing, shirts and drawers
for girls and shirts for boys and
dresses for girls, all sizes from 6 to
14 years. The quantities here are for
one school. For the other they need
to be repeated, with the exception of
the made-up clothing. All the boys of
this class wear the native gown and
so I have asked for made-up shirts
only."
* * * *
We are glad to have another letter
from Miss Edgar. It was written
July 21, from Suk-el Gharb, Mt.
Lebanon. Miss Edgar enclosed an
mteresting program of the Inter-Mission
Conference which limit of space
makes us omit:
"This is my first visit to the Lebanon
in all the years I have been in
Syria. As I look from the window of
my room away down to the city of
Beirout lying in the sweltering heat,
and then to the expanse of the open
sea beyond, one of the beautiful views
of Syria, I wonder that I have never
been here until now. This summer
the need of rest and change, and an
invitation to a Missionary Conference
to be held here in the month of July,
just fell in with the wish of Miss
Mearns and myself to spend a little
while together, somewhere in the
mountains, so here we are.
"We, Dr. Stewart and I, left Latakia
in the morning about 9 o'clock
on the little steamer called a 'drifter,'
which comes to our port every Wednesday,
bringing the mail, and is our
only regular means of travel. It carries
any passengers who have gotten
permits from the government, and
who are willing to take things as they
find them, but there is no passenger
accommodation on them whatever.
This one was very full and also verydirty.
We took with us our steamer
chairs and what eatables we thought
we might need, knowing that we
would be on this little steamer-until 4
P. M. the next afternoon. We got a
place on the small upper deck, where
already eight or ten army officers had
their equipment, and a little later a
Syrian family, numbering eight or
nine persons, joined us, and gathering
our baggage about us we sat through
the most of two days and a night. In
the evening a sailor swung his hammock
just in front of us and slept
there, so that there was no room to
find relief from one position by stand-,
ing up much less by taking a walk.
However, we had good weather and a
smooth sea, and we arrived in good
time in Beirout very weary but otherwise
none the worse of our voyage.
The Conference was to begin on Wed-^
nesday,the 16th,so we passed the Sab-'-
bath in Beirout, and met some of ourfriends
of the Presbyterian Mission,
though most of them had already goneto
the mountains. Beirout is very
hot and very dusty at this time so we

O^LaVE TR'fiES 469
were glad to' leave the city ori Wednesday
morriirig.. We arrived at the
railway station, as we thought in good
time, about twenty minutes before the
train left, orily to find apparently
every plaee takeri, and all the floor
space iilled up with bags and baskets
until it seemed as if we surely must
stay behiridi Not only this, but at
every carriage door people were trying
to find room, and those who were
already inside pushing out those who
attempted to enter. Finally, however,
we found a place and once seated
could look calmly at the frantic efforts
of others trying to get theirs. There
is but the one train each day to
Damascus and all intervening stations
which accounts for the rush at the
station. It was pleasant to travel by
train again for the first time in five
years. A ride of a,bout two hours Up
the mountain brought us to Aleih,
where we left the train; were met by
Captain Scherer with a Red Cross
automobile, and in a few minutes
were landed at our hotel in Suk-el-
Gharb.
"The American Presbyterian Mission
has a finebuilding for their boys'
school here; The arrangements were
made and the invitations sent out by
the members of this mission. There
was a good response, and almost all
the larger, missions and some of the
smaller societies of Palestine and
Syria were represented. This Conference
was called at this time in view of
the new conditions in this land and
the. hoped-for new opportunity for
free and extended missionary effort
and also- in view of the problems
which confront every missionary society,
beginning work anew after the
war.
"I shall not in-this leter attempt to
give an account ofthe papers, and discussions
taken up in the meetings. A
copy of the: programme is enclosed
with this letter, and you will see that
it covers all the phases of work.carried
on in the various fields. A full
report will be printed and sent to each
Mission and to the Boards and Societies.
While naturally there was much
difference of opinion on some of the
subjects, the discussion and consultation
on such subject certainly helped
us, and on many of them there
was great unanimity and all were
strengtheried and encouraged to go
forward in the work of our common
Lord and Master with hope and cheer.
Dr. White gave many helpful suggestions,
the times of devotional service
were both pleasant and profitable and
the social features of the meetirtgs
were no less enjoyable ai^d streUgtheing.
I think every one present felt
repaid for any special effprt made to
attend.
"Miss Mearns met me here, and -^e
are staying on for a fe-vl^ weeks here
in the mountains. The weather is
quite warm even here, although it is
much better down in the plain.' We
miay go a little higher up after a few
days."
* * * *
Some extracts from a private letter
from Miss M. Florence Mearns, descriptive
of her work in the Syrian.
Orphanage of Jerusalem, are so interesting
that we have decided to pass
them on. She writes:
"You probably know through some
other source of the Red Cross work
and the Syrian Orphanage in Jerusalem.
It was a Germari missionary
institution founded away back in 1850
by a German minister named Ludwig
Schneller. It has grown from a very
small beginning until now there are
two large main buildings, a school for
the blind, a "kindergarten where forty
wee boys are housed and. twenty-fi.ve
more little girls and boys are gatheredin
for the day. Then there are houses
and lands for the use of the teachers
and a farm at the top of the hill and.
all around us. In fact we have ninetyone
acres here and about thirty-five
miles away is a farm of 1250 acres.
There is also an industrial school. We
have a pottery, carpenter shop, bake
shop, print shop, tailor shop, dressmaker
and the blind children make

470 OLiVfi ffifiES
brushes, brooms, baskets, wicker furniture,
hammocks, etc
We have a family of nearly 500—
420 of which are children. There
have been three American Red Cross
people here this year trying to hold
things together and get on a bit. We
tried to take the place of about twenty-five
Germans. Do you know if that
is the usual proportion I have been
matron and what not during the year.
Now the Near East Committee are
taking it over and I am very anxious
that those who come shall have the
missionary attitude and spirit as we
have tried to have. We have had the
flnest opportunity given to anyone to
touch the lives of the boys and girls
here. You may be sure we rejoiced
greatly when we found that it had
been a Christian Missionary Institution
before the war and that it could
be carried on as such even though the
Red Cross is not supposed to be anything
particular. Major Nichol was
sent north last October and another
man was sent to be associated with us
who were left. Fortunately, we were
allowed to select our associate, and
we chose one of a kindred spirit, so,
after all, we have had opportunity to
do something we wanted to do as far
as living and teaching Christ is concerned."
ASIA MINOR.
In reply to the request that our missionaries
who remained at work in
Mersine during the war would write
out some of their experiences during
those trying days, we have the following
letter from Rev. A. J. McFarland.
He writes from Hadjin, under date
of June 25th:
"Your request for some incidents
of our sojourn in Turkey during the
war has been prodding away at the
back of my brain for quite awhile but
without much visible result up to the
present as I could not seem to find
the time or inclination to write anything
but the regular letters home
and replies to tiose demanding immediate
rephes. We receive so little yet
also that it seemed like lost time to
write even what we jdid write home,
although by writing so many we had
the hope some would get through.
But in the bracing air of these grand
mountains and with not quite so many
irons in the fire as yet as I had at
Mersine I feel like I must make
another trial at responding to the
very natural desire of our friends for
some items from our experiences and
observations during these trying
years.
"And first of all we wish to thank
the Board for the very kind letter of
appreciation, although we must say it
made us feel very uncomfortable in
view of our keen sense of our unworthiness
of much of the generous
commendation it contained. Truly we
can say from the heart: 'Not to us,
0 Lord, not to us, but to thy Name be
glory.' We have seen the wonders of
the Lord .in the land of the living,
wonders like those of days of yore.
"The darkest days through which
we passed were the few days during
the winter solstice of 1917 when it
was supposed by the Turkish officials
that our country was about to declare
war on them or that it had already
done so.
"The local governor came to the
mission with some other officials and
the police and looked over all the
school rooms and asked especially to
see Dr. People's house, but on being
told that it was locked and that Dr.
Peoples was out on a sick call and
had the key with him they waited a
little while and then decided to go.
They did not ask to see any of the
other private residences then. When
Doctor returned and was told what
had occurred he went at once and
called on the governor and asked him
what they were planning to do with
us and our property. He replied that
they had no orders as yet to do anything
to us but they might want the
school rooms for a hospital. Later
the chief of police told Doctor in
reply to the same question as to what
they were going to do with us: 'Oh,

nothing with you, but that superintendent
(referring to me) is a bad
man. What has he been doing in his
relief work but helping our enemies,
the Greeks and Arabs It is espionage.'
Doctor explained to him that
whatever it seemed he was sure I had
none but the best of intentions in all
that I had been doing and that I made
no distinction as to sects or races in
receiving applicants. But he only
said: 'Well, let him beware and leave
the work of relief to ub. We are taking
care of the poor in a much better
way. For instance, I get 150 der
hams of bread daily for each member
of. my household at the controlled
price (which was about one-fourth or
one-fifth of the market price). Isn't
that sufficient' Doctor could only
Say 'Yes.that is enough if they, all get

472 OLIVE TREES
had lost the war and said so, and, pf
course, the Turks lost hope when the
Germans did.
"After we heard that Dr. Stewart
had been deported and the chief of
police expressed himself so frankly
as to his opinion of me and my effort
to keep some of his fellow-citizens
from starving, I yielded' to the entreaties
of several of my native
friends and kept my traveling bed
and other essentials for a hasty exit
in readines, but all the time with the
conviction that I would not need them.
A promise which was continually
coming to my mind those days was:
'And with mine eye upon thee set I
will direction sho-yv.' And I didn't
feel at all 'directed' at any time to
prepare for deportation.
"I will close with an incident of a
little different kind, although still
connected with the subject of prayer.
As two German sea-planes rose from
the water and flew past my window
one morning to bring over an officer
from a station near Alexandrette I
was moved to pray very fervently:
'Lord, destroy their machines but save
precious lives.' One of the planes
struck the roof of a house in descending
and was so badly broken that it
could not be brought back to be repaired,
the pilot escaping with only
a scratch or two, his officer asking
him, 'Do you always ahght that way'
and he promptly replying 'No, not
always.' The second plane returned
alone with the officer, but on taking
him back in the evening as it struck
the water the'waves were so strong
that it was submerged and lost also,
the officer and pilot being rescued in
a small boat that put out from the
shore for the purpose. So you see
there are other ways of bringing
down enemy planes than by machine
guns, and more humane ways, too."
CYPRUS.
Larnaca, Cyprus. There is an interesting
written Larnaca, from letter July the 10, from American 1919: Mr. Wilbur Academy, Weir
"You can imagine how my thoughts
go homeward these days. Rev. Mc­
Carroll is with you now. Dr. McCarroll
and family will sail for the good
old U. S. A. July 15. The time for
which I came out has expired. It
must be only natural that a sort of
heaviness comes over me when these
people who have carried the burden
of the work here for so many years
take their leave. But there is no real
sorrow as I remain in the school for
another year, for I love it. Such
an institution as this has all the attention
of a growing business concern
that finds it necessary to employ
more clerks, to enlarge its buildings,
to invest more capital; that can advertise
more extensively. I say it has
all these attractions and more important
still, that characteristic which
makes it so different from a business
Our school is growing. It is becoriiing
more useful. People are more inclined
to appreciate its work. Other
schools are being led to make improvements
in order to attract students
from us. The fear, haunting
the minds of the parents, that their
children will be led away from their
Christian faith, is slightly being overcome
as students return to their
homes reporting favorably. The majority
of our students apply the term
'Christian' to themselves. Our main
work is to change the word to a reality.
Surely this is the chief aim the
world over, but this struggle takes the
external form of a conflict between
Greek Orthodox beliefs and those of
Protestantism. A student, who finished
our school this year, told, me
how he explained our religion to the
people of his village. He told them
that instead of worshipping God,
Christ and the Saints by using images
and pictures, we worship in a spiritual
way. Most of the students get
this impression and many, as they
become better educated, leave off
numerous, ignorant. ever, on the and, part in forms There fact, of those that is a decided g,..danger, bind whose the tendency rainds more how­

awake, that they cast aside all religion
with their forms and fail to
acquire the spirit, just as some young
people at home, when they come to
judge for themselves cast aside religion
as useless, partly because their
parents emphasized forms at the expense
of spiritual life that is to be
enacted daily.
A short time ago, while visiting an
ancient Greek church in a village we
were observing, in one corner of the
building, a cross that is held very
sacred by the villages, when an old
woman entered with a sick child. She
was accompanied by a priest, who
came forward and, taking the cross,
held it over the child. He murmured
something, then made the sign
of the cross above the child and returned
the cross to its place. The
keeper of the church came forward
with a plate, on which the woman
placed some coins. These were given
at once to the priest and the three left
the building. Such mothers have
sons in our school, and such priests
are our enemies. It is comparatively
easy to influence young men to drop
such practices, but to lead them to
develop in themselves a spiritual life
that will replace such things is a task
and a privilege that should bring
more young men to the mission field.
OLIVB TRBES 473
decided as to his work next year. Is
it not natural that the writer is
scarcely able to wait from one mail
day to the next to learn for sure that
two young men (would they were
three) are coming out next year
CHINA.
Tak Hing, China. We have a few
news items from Tak Hing gleaned
from personal letters to the Corresponding
Secretary of thp Board:
"The women of the Women's School
are into the silk business and they are
being very successful. By tomorrow
they will have enough cocoons to be
worth more than twice the expense
they have been to this far. Their expense
is something like $60. They
expect to have enough money to pay
for the veranda which they have just
erected on their school. Miss Huston
and the women turned the whole
matter over to the Lord and asked
His blessing and they seem to have
gotten it."
* * * *
July 22d.—"Rev. W. M. Robbs,
Rev. J. C. Mitchels, Dr. McBurney,
Dr. Wallace and Miss Barr are at
Cheung Chau. Miss Huston and Miss
Dean are at Loh Fau, a mountain a
short distance from Canton. Rev. E.
C. Mitchell is by this,Hime at Chefoo.
Dr. Dicksons are still at Lo Ting,
The inclosed photo will give an idea and Misses Smith and M'cCracken are
of the type of young men that graduate
from our school. Those standinf C. Adams are still at Tak Hing and
at Canton. Dr. Robbs and Rev. R.
were students of the senior class last Miss Brownlee is still here. The last
year. The firstfour at the reader's of the month Dr. Robbs and the
left are Greeks. The next two are Adamses expect to start for Cheung
Syrians, then a Jew, an Italian and a Chau. This month has not been so
Greek. Two of them did not receive warm as was June. The nights h-^
diplomat, and one, a Syrian, who received
a diploma, is not in the pic­
sleeping."
been fineso that we have no trouble
ture.
* ^ :¥ *
"The teachers of the senior class "Dr. Dicksons have not left Lo Ting
are naturally those on which one must for the reason that some patients demanded
his attention, he felt, and he
count most. But please note that Rev.
McCarroll, who is third from the left, did not like to close up the hospital.
and the Syrian at his right, have already
from the fiive right, the left days. right, will us. The leave Dr. and Swiss McCarroll, the for at Armenian America the left third in is at un­
They
Wallace rather especially
may
precarious can women,
take
go up
a
later.
vacation
though for the Traveling foreigners
after
Chinese,
Dr.
is

474 OLIVE TREES
are probably quite safe enough. One "There is a change taking place in
of the largest river boats plying between
the civil governorship of this province
Wuchow and Canton was and it is accompanied by the usual
pirated the other day just two miles disorder. Our district is so overrun
out of Wuchow and robbed of some
$10,000. No lives lost, I beheve."
with robbers in some sections that it
is difficult to do very much traveling
* * H: • *
with any degree of safety."
Lo Ting, China. Mrs. E. C. Mitchell
is still the faithful news gatherer A personal letter from Rev. E. C.
and reporter from Lo Ting. This is Mitchell has so many encouraging
her latest budget:
things in it and news of some of the
"The chapel in Lo King, which has out-stations from which -we seldom
been closed for a year, on account of hear, that we are going to pass it
trouble with the native evangelist,
was reopened June 15th and Mr. Lo,
along as news—good news, too.
wrote from Lo Ting, July 1:
He
of Lo Ting, is now in charge of the
work in that vicinity. His wife is. a
splendid Biblewoman and we are hoping
"We are planning to start away on
our vacation perhaps the last of this
week; at least not later than the first
for great results at Lo King this of next week. We are going to try
year."
a new stunt this year, and go north
* * * *
for our vacation. We have always
"On June 22d a chapel was opened
at Shuen Po with Hui Yan Ting in
heard a good deal about Chefoo but
have never been there, so we are going
charge. There are ten members and
there this time. We think the
over thirty applicants for baptism, change to a cooler climate will be beneficial.
The coast steamers that run
They rented, repaired and furnished
this chapel at their own expense. up there are not running on regular
^ •!*

the first man was baptized. Now there
are ten Christians there and something
over thirty applicants for baptism.
They came in with a proposition
a month ago that they would furnish
the chapel if I would furnish a
preacher. I told them I would do go,
and they have rented a building, repaired
it and had their opening Sabbath
before last. It is a comfort to
have them willing to do that, I hope
they will be ready to pay for their
preacher and chapelkeeper some time
soon."
* * * *
"I have six outstations now that I
am trying to look after. This spring
it has been sort of a long distance
'look after' though. I have been
away so much and when I have been
at home I have been looking after the
building of the girls' school so that I
have not had time to do any country
work. I hope after we get back from
our vacation that I will have time to
do, more country work than I have
ever done. The school building is
pretty nearly done now."
* * * *
"I think I ought to tell you about
the skilled doctors we have in Lo
Ting. One of our Christians was so
unfortunate as to have her house fall
down on top of her and her husband
one night during a storm a little over
three weeks ago. Some of the timbers
killed her husband. It was
somewhat of a relief to her as he was
a bad character. Her back was hurt
so badly that the Chinese said it was
broken and they thought she was going
to die in a short time. They
brought her to the hospital and Drs.
Wallace and Dickson examined her
and found her backbone was cracked
and twp or three ribs broken. They
were doubtful whether she would get
well or not. Just a week later one
morning Dr. Wallace looked out of
the door and saw her going around the
OLIVE TREES 475
is street 19 now goin^ corner up to and above leave around the everywhere hospital. She to­
and
morrow. We tell them it isn't everybody
that can heal a broken back as
soon as they have done."
MY CREED.
I would be true.
For there are those who trust me;
I would be pure.
For there are those who care;
I would be strong.
For there is much to suffer;
I would be brave.
For there is much to dare;
I would be friend of all—the foe—the
friendless;
I would be giving and forget the
gift;
I would be humble.
For I know my weakness;
I would look up—and laugh—and
love—and lift.
—Selected.
$ ^ ^ ^
"OTHERS."
"Lord, help me live from day to day,
In such a self-forgetful way.
That even when I kneel to pray,
My prayer shall be for—others.
"Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true.
And know that all I'd do for You
Must needs be done for—others.
"Let 'self be crucified and slain,
And buried deep; and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again.
Unless to live f or^OTHERS.
"And when my work on earth is done.
And my new work in heaven's begun.
May I forget the crown I've won
While thinking still of—others.
"Others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for others
That I may live like Thee."
—Selected.
Some people mix their religion and
business and forget to shake it. Hence
business rises to the top.

476 OLIVE TREES
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J. S. Martin and Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
College Hill, Beaver Falls.Pa.
A CRUSADE OF COMPASSION
for the
HEALING OF THE NATIONS.
Chapter II.
To what rule are the inhabitants
of India subject
What kind of social conditions
should we expect
What prevents progress among
the Hindoos
What paradox in Brahmanism
On what two points are all Hindoos
agreed
How long was India subject to
Moslem rule
7. When did the Britsh conquer
8. How many Moslems in India
9. What is the state of education of
women in both these sects
10. What is the third great religion
11.
12.
13.
14.
15,
16,
17.
18,
19.
20,
21.
22,
23,
24
25
in India
Is there any difference between
the conditions in the two previously
mentioned
How long ago were medical missions
established in India
Women's Medical
Whence came the first call for
medical missions
What is the condition of the sick
in Zenanas
What are some of the treatments
The number of foreign women
physicians
Sketch a typical women's hospital.
How are the clinics conducted
Describe one of the larger.
Account of Dr. Parker's work.
What number of patients in a
single year
Give some of the difficulties of
treating them.
What is the strongest barrier
against sanitation
Is there any improvement in this
particular
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
26. Where is the school for nurses
27. When was the first class graduated
Is it possible for foreign women
to supply the need for trained
nurses and doctors
How many important schools and
where are they
What is their character
What influence have hospitals on
the people
An account of Miss Heath's
work.
What is done when plague appears
What preventive measures are
used
Testimony of Mohammedans.
Case of the old woman opposer.
36
37. Case of unthankful friends.
Mary E. Metheny.
THE FORWARD MOVEMENT
THE MISSION FIELD.
ON
There are, generally speaking.
three distinct lines of work being carried
on by our Church in her foreign
mission efforts—evangelical, medical
and educational. The ultimate aim of
all is, of course, the saving of souls,
Speaking of our work in China, these
three lines of work have all been endorsed
by the Foreign Board, and the
church's funds have been used in their
prosecution. There seems to be in
the minds of some of the Mission's
very best friends the idea that the
Church is to go on supporting this
work indefinitely, or until the entire
population of the territory assigned
to our Church shall have come under
gospel influence. That is not the
thought of the workers on the field,
nor is it the purpose of the Foreign
Board. The plan is, not to go on indefinitely
keeping up work already
under way, as well as opening up new
work, by the use of funds contributed

OLIVE TREES 477
by the home Church only, but by enlisting
the native churches in this
work as rapidly as they can be persuaded
to accept a share of the responsibility
that now rests on the
Covenanter Church. Your workers
freely confess to having made mistakes
in having accepted too readily
the plea of inability sometimes made
by the native Christians, and we now
see that our progress has been hindered
by our having been more credulous
than the facts warranted. But,
after all, we have finally begun to see
what we may call a distinctly forward
movement, and along lines that point
to a self-supporting and self-propagating
church in China. This year
our two organized congregations
have both taken a step in this direction
by becoming self-supporting.
This means that they are paying all
their running expenses, and that not
a cent of the home church's money is
being spent on them. Speaking for
the Tak Hing congregation, since the
writer does not have the figures of
the Lo Ting congregation in mind, it
is only fair to say that the Tak Hing
Church ought to have been doing this
for years, since her contributions
have been sufficient to have paid all
her expenses. And the native Christians
themselves are not to be made
altogether responsible for their failure
to take this step sooner. This
responsibility the missionaries must
share. But at the beginning of this
year our native Christians were persuaded
to take the step that made
them self-supporting so fat as the
finances are concerned.
And now, since this firststep has
been taken, we are planning,to make
these two churches self-propagating
as well as self-supporting. That is.
we hope and expect to see them begin
doing for their own people what the
Church in America has done for them,
"Freely ye have received, freely give,"
is, we hope, to be their motto. This
stage of development in our original
field in China, together with the fact
that the opening of a new fieldis being
planned, would indicate that the Forward
Movement is already in motion
in our China field.This movement was
started in China before Synod's Forward
Movement was definitely inaugurated.
May we not believe that the
Spirit was working at the same time
in the minds and hearts of His servants
on both sides of the sea, and
that in His mind the movement for
the whole Church was already begun
And is not this the confidence that we
have, that He who has begun this
work in us will guide us. in it, and
bless us in it, arid will make it in the
highest sense and degree successful
"According to your faith be it unto
you." And our faith will be shown
by our whole-hearted support of this
work wherever our field of service
may be. And he works best who
prays best. We.are not to work less
than we have been doing, but we
ought to pray more. The Forward
Movement must be, if it be really
successful, a forward movement in
Prayer.
Mrs. j. K. Robb.
A SHORT JOURNEY MADE LONG.
After our break with Germany and
Austria and Turkey's one-sided break,
we very reluctantly applied for per-
.mission to go to Constantinople. The
application was made in March, 1917,
and permission was received May 31,
1917. Mr. Carithers was not permitted
to make a start with us.
We were ordered to be in Tarsus
within two days, and as we had been
preparing for perhaps deportation or
something on that order we were
ready to journey Saturday morning,
the 2d of June. Miss Sterrett and the
children and I were accompanied by
Dr. Peoples to Tarsus.
Neither the civil nor military authorities
at Tarsus had received any
orders either to detain or let us proceed,
so we waited, for we knew that
a company of Americans was waiting
or rather being gathered at Alleppo
to • go to Constantinople en route to
Europe and America.

478 OLIVE TREES
Tuesday evening, the 5th of June,
the party of 54 Americans reached
Tarsus. Mrs. Christie, of St. Paul's
Institute, provided for all of them
and for us, too. We were told to be
ready to start by 4 o'clock in the
afternoon of June 6. We were in
the last wagon which pulled out about
five minutes of four. Eight open
wagons and nine covered wagons
were in our train. Because we had
the little children with us we had a
covered wagon in which to ride.
These seventeen wagons carried a
squad of ten Turkish soldiers and
their lieutenant and two gendarmes,
our guards, and seventeen wagonmen
and fifty-nine Americans with all our
baggage and bedding and food for the
journey, eighty persons and 154
pieces of baggage beside. How we
did long to be back in Mersine, and
the longing has not seemed to grow
less in the two years that have passed
since tha time.
It was a cold, hard ride, and baby
Sam did not enjoy cold solid food. For
when a baby boy has to change suddenly
from milk diet to solid food and
just when he is cutting teeth he generally
lets everyone know that things
are not going smoothly with him.
It is considered a 36-hour journey
but the time alloted to us was 24
hours. However 25 hours was the
best that we could do and were too
late to get our military examination
that evening. An empty warehouse
that had been occupied by goats the
night before gave plenty of room for
the night.
The commandant of Byzanti at that
time had been commandant of Mersine
a short time before. So willing to
show us favor, or rather show the
doctor favor, had secured a room at a
"hotel" for us. • Sam did not enjoy
that night or the next night on the
train.
The morning of June 8 we were
herded to the station. After all our
baggage had been inspected and
stamped and personal inspection had
been completed, a train of German
soldiers and equipment came in from
the north. The German officers were
so shocked at the rudeness of the
Americans watching them unload
that we were hustled back to the
warehouse.
In due time, i. e., about 9 o'clock in
the evening the train was made up
and our train was soon going towards
Konia. We were packed in pretty
closely but no one found any lice, only
a few b. b.'s and fleas. We had to
wait two days in Konia for a train to
Constantinople.
Mr. Carithers, under guard, caught
up with us Sabbath afternoon. Sabbath
evening we again boarded a train
this time. Constantinople was our
goal. We were in a third-class coach,
but had three classes in the one car.
First, under the seats, for babies and
small children; second, on the seats
for grown-ups, and third, in the aisle,
reserved for boys and young men.
Monday, whose train should we pass
but Enver Pasha's! He looked quite
lonely in his private car.
We were detained in Hydar Pasha
station, the end of the railroad on the
Asiatic side of the Bosphorus Tuesday
night and Wednesday morning.
In the afternoon we were ready to
cross by boat to the European side
and were there met by friends, who
shared with us all the time of our
stay in that wonderful yet miserable
and beautiful yet dirty and filthycity.
While there the price of food almost
doubled. For ten days the buyer tried
to fine one pound of rice for me to use
on our journey through southeastern
Europe, but no rice could be found.
The Americans and English who
were remaining in Constantinople
were very kind and made our forced
stay as pleasant as possible for us.
Exactly six weeks from the day we
landed in Stamboul we were permitted
to leave. While I was busy with
money and papers during my examination
in the station baby Sam went
to investigate things when I supposed
he was with a man who wanted to
carry him to the train shed. When

I reached the car I did not see the wee
boy. Mr. Fowle had forgotten him in
that big station! Mr. Carithers said
this thought passed through his mind,
"I'm responsible to Dr. Peoples and
what shall I be able to say to him if
Sam was lost in Constantinople."
We were traveling with a number
of consuls and they were by no means
pleased that we were told to stay in
their car until the Bulgarian frontier
was reached. There, another car was
provided. Most of the day I had been
sitting on suit cases in the little cor-.
ridor of the car. How good it was to
have a place to sit down and rest my
back and head.
At the station in Budapest, Mr.
Carithers missed the train; was trying
to get a little hot water to make
cocoa for the children. He said he
did not count on ten minutes meaning
ten minutes. He had just come
from a country where ten minutes
meant anything more than that
number.
At Innsbruck we again had to
bother the consuls and rode in their
car to Feldkirk. Here we had our last
examination before reaching neutral
territory, and this was our only examination
of baggage in all this part of
our journey.
I had Mr. Carither's trunk and rolls
and how I was to get his trunk open
I didn't know. Rev. Riggs, of Harpout,
was helping me and just about
the time the examiner was ready for
the closed trunk Mr. Riggs was very
busy with my key seeing if they would
help out, at least it looked that way.
I guess the exarniner was tired and he
hadn't found anything in the other
pieces he had examined. He asked if
there was any printed or written
paper in the trunk. I thought I was
telling the truth when I said "no, not
a single piece." He said to stop opening
the trunk and stamped it. I found
afterwards that Mr. Carithers had
forgotten and put in some printed
OLIVB TRBBS 479
also Buchs Saturday written in Switzerland. paper. afternoon It we was reached so refreshing
and restful to breathe the
air. Such a weight was lifted from
us.
The missionary part of the company
remained to give thanks to God
for his goodness and to spend the remainder
of the Sabbath quietly, and
then for supper we had meat and
potatoes and bread and cheese and
milk. What a meal that was. We
tasted meat one time, potatoes three
times and bread; how we wished to
taste bread. Of course we had a little
bread but quite often we didn't see
how we could manage to taste it, and
cheese and milk not at all in Constantinople.
Monday we went on to
Berne and were met by Mrs. McFarland,
who had found a room and
boarding for us at St. Legier sur
Vevey on Lake Geneva. Margaret
McFarland, Mr. Carithers and Miss
Sterrett came on to the coast the next
week to await the ship for America.
I felt the need of a rest and indeed
I hoped to remain in Switzerland,
hoping for the end of the war. However,
the high cost of living and the
fear of internal trouble in Switzerland
caused me to turn towards
United States.
August 21, 1917, Miss Harley and
Dr. Ruth Parmarlee, of Harpout,
Turkey, and George and Clyde Mc­
Carroll, of Cyprus, with the children
and I, began the last part of the journey.
We expected to come through
France, as the large company of
Americans had done two weeks before,
but we were too few to have
special attention and permission. We
had to spend twenty-four hours' military
quarantine in Pontarlier. Because
we had come from an enemy
country we were compelled to detour
to the southern part of France. Two
or two-and-a-half days should have
taken us across France, but it required
parts of fivedays. In ordinary
times a person could go from Geneva
to Paris and then direct to Boreau,
but and Dijon, then we Lyon, up went to St. Bordeau. south Germain, through Toulpuse Dole,

480 OLIVE TREES
We went on board ship Saturday,
August 25, but waited on board until
the following Tuesday night. We
began dropping down the river but
became fast on a sand bar, that meant
another twenty-four hours' wait for
high tide to get off.
As was usual at that time we came
out to the Atlantic without lighta
and with a guard. Wednesday evening
and night before reaching New
York we were in a terrific cyclone.
No one cared to take off any garment
that night, i By morning we had passed
through the storm zone and Saturday
afternoon passed Ambrose light.
We were met in New York by Mr,
Bole and Rev. Samson and were soon
on our way to Philadelphia. Three
months and six days had passed since
we had started from our home in
Mersine.
We had a hard journey but we had
been protected by the way and each
step seemed to open up before us as
we journeyed along. I had dreaded
this journey. I knew the doctor was
going to remain in Mersine. Typhus
was there in the hospital and Mr.
Carithers nursed a.boy in the boys'
school building, the first and second
stories of the house in which we live.
It seemed as if we were going into
danger deliberately and heard that
cholera had broken out in Constantinople.
We had prayed much and it had
been a great burden in prayer
whether we should remain or not.
About one week before we left Mersine
at worship in the morning as
these words were being spoken, "If
it is right for us to be separated, keep
the mother and children in peace and
safety," it seemed as if a hand rested
on my shoulder, but there was no
visible hand there; instead of dread
and fear came strength and peace and
the thought, "Don't be afraid, I will
go with you, come to me and through
me." He has cared for us and it has
been such a strength and help. He is
readv to fulfill His part, I must not be
afraid but trusfin Him.
Evadne S. Peoples.
REPORT OF THE MORNING SUN
SOCIETY.
We have held ten regular monthly
meetings and our called meetings
during the year. The meetings in
November and December were dispensed
with on account of the "Flu"
situation.
With an enrollment of 32 we have
had an average attendance of 16; increase
2, decrease 2, and deaths 2.
The Literature Committee has distributed
at home and sent to the
Southern Mission some 250 papers
and magazines. Also a great many
packages of literature have been sent
to the soldiers at Des Moines. Each
committee in its respective place has
served faithfully and well. Flowers
have been sent to the sick and shutins.
Some visits were made and
clothing provided for needy ones. Two
all-day meetings were held at the Red
Cross room and much work was accomplished
and a good social time was
had at each. Two barrels of clothing
and bedding have been packed by the
managers and sent to the Syrian Mission.
A church social was held at the
church, on the afternoon of December
27, also a social hour in connection
with the May meeting in the form of
a farewell reception for four of our
members.
God in His wisdom has seen fitto
visit our circle this year and remove
two of our much-loved members, Mrs.
Eliza Marshall, one of our oldest
and much-respected members, whose
words of advice and prayers were
always a comfort to all, and Mrs. W.
R. McElhinney, one of our most active
members, whom all regret to see passing
from us. Yet we bow in humble
submission to His Divine will, and
may we be able to follow in their footsteps
insofar as they follow Christ.
As we take up the work of another
year it is with the prayer that we
may be able to do more and better
work than we have been able to do
heretofore.
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. T. R. Huston,

FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMED PRES. GHURCH
Latakia, Syria. Rev. Julius A. Kempf. .)
Rev. Jas. S. Stewart, D. D
Mrs. Julius A. Kempp . f o° tu'io" ^
Mrs. j. S. Stewart
Rev. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar with Red crossin Mrs. William M. Robb
Mhh t^AMTTFT Fnr.Ap' r, /*'^""°\ MiSS KATE McBUBNEY, M. D.,
T M ra5 M n ""''""^^ Miss Mary R. Adams. ^
J.M.Balph,M.D.,..
Miss ROSE A. Huston
5i ^^^ • ;^ ,V-1V; • miss Ida M. Scott. M. D., I on furlough
Miss M. Florence Mearns, c.r^/;fi- Miss Annie J. Robinson! »^•'^°"* ^^''^
,. . . , ,,. *°"°® Miss Nellie A. Bro-wnlee,
Mersine, Asm Minor. re^. R. C. Adams ^
Kf^S'^''^^^^'''^' • • Mrs. R. C. Adams :^
£!!• 5n»!-S-SJ^Jf^^' REV. Jesse C. MITCHEL ^
MRS. ROBT. E. Willson M^g jesse c. Mitchel !
Rbv. Andrew J. McFarland
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary Uniofi,
John Peoples. M. D
Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples On furlough James M. Wright, "m. d.
Miss F. Elma French Mrs. James M. Wright .
LarTiaca, Cyprus.
Union Language School,
Rev. Walter McCarroll
Canton, South China.
Mrs. Walter McCarroll,On furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. .. .
Mr. Wilbur Weir Miss Inez M. Smith, R. N .^
Nicosia, Cyprus.
Miss Jean M. Barr
Calvin McCarroll, M. D
Miss Lillian j. McCracken
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll
lq Ting, via Canton, South Chine,
Tak Hing XJhau, West River, Rev. Ernest C. Mitchell
South Chi'na. IMrs. Ernest C. Mitchell
Rev. A.LRobb, D.D E. J. M. Dickson. M. D.... »
Mrs. a. I. Robb Mrs. E. J. M. Dickson -^
Rev. j. K. Robb,
Miss Ella Margaret Stewart. .. ..^
Mrs. j. K. Robb on furlough Miss Jennie M. Dean _
HOME MISSIONARIES OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Indian Mission, Apache, Okla. Southe'm Miasion, Selma, Ala.
Rev. W. W. Carithe313, Superintendent. Rev. G. A. Edgab, D. D., Superintendent
Miss Inez Wickerham
Miss Lola Weir, High School
Miss Ellen Wilson
Miss Mary Reynolds, High School
Miss Irene McMintXRY
Miss Ella Hays, Gramma/r School
Miss Mae Allen
Miss Mary Wilson, Sixth Grade
Miss Laura Weir, Fifth Grade
Miasion of the Covenant, 800 South Bth St, Mrs. M. I. Robb, Fourth Grade
Philadelphia, Pa.
Miss Ruth Kynbtt, Third Grade
TTiss Annie Forsyth
Miss Eulalia Howabd, Second Grade
Misa Emma M. McFarland
Mrs. E. O. Senegal, First Grade
Volunteer Workers. ^^^- t ^^ I'^'i' ^''^^^ Department
Miss Mary E. Fowler, Girls' Indus. Dept.
K SllLi S ^ f^""^- Theod're Lee, Boys' Indus. Dept.
Miss Anna Thompsou
^^ss Sophia Kingston, Prin'l Little Kno»
Dr. Ralph Duncan
Mrs. Louise Kynett, Prin'l Pleasant Grov0
Mb. Samukl Jackson ) Mrs. Estelle Lightning, Asst. Girla' /».
Ms. Melyille Pearce VAltemcUng w„»*«.„-„j n-.rv»
Mr, Mr. Edwin Will Stewart Anderson S. ,^ Mrs. ''^*'^ Earnest ^tf*- Brooks, East Selma

6V7. Worth A/c.13^5
Pittsburgh/^/^•*
Board of Foreign Missions Reformed Presbyterian Church
President
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M. D., 6i7 N. 43d Street, Philad'elphia, Pa.
ViCS" Pcsid^ ftt
J. C. McFEETERS, D. D,; 1838 Wallace St, Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
R. -J. BOLE, ij70 Broadway, New York
Corresfdnding Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, D. D., 2517 Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Recording Secretary
F. M- FOSTER, Ph. D.,365 W. 29th St., New York City.
Vreasurer
JOSEPH M. STEELE 1600 Atch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Transportation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.
p — — —
POST OFFICE ADDt^BSSES OF TREASURERS
Syrian Mission, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection^
Mr. Joseph M. Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Pliiladelphia, Pa.
Domestic Mission; Southern Mission ; .Indian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widow' and Orphans' Fund; Literary, S'tudents' Aid;
National Reform—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 415, Penn Building. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. Agnes C' Staple, 321 Lehigh Ave., East End, Pittsburgh, Pa.
ii >
. ''t.t
evangelical^''and non-sectarian
THE SUjiMY SCpOOli WORltD'orjgggfn'tenaent ,
Each lesgon has The Lesson Text! i4 full from the American Standard Revised and
King James Versions and comments on the fiaily Home Readings.
Under the treatment of each lessoii will be found
The Lesaon Approached f ,J In Young People's and Adult Classes
The Lesson Outlined ' ',• A In Junior Classes
The Lesson Explained and Applied, * In Primary Classea
Through.Oriental Byes J Por the Superintendent
Illustr«|tians from Life
In addition, each issue contains Editorials, Contributed Articles, Inspiration for Sunday-
School Workers, Good Reading for the Hotne, etc., making it an unsurpassed monthly help for
every Sunday-school worker.
Published monthly, 48 pages and cover. Single copy, Bo oents per year; so oents tor three months, or
7 cents tor one mohth. -
To schools, In clubs of three or more copies sent to one address, 65, cents each per year; 34 cents
Jeach A Mfor Esix S months; S. 17 cents TIBBY eaoh for three i^^^^n moriths. Subscriptions - may begin Pittsbxirg, with any month. Send Pa.. to
American Sunday-School SELLS THE FOLLOWING Union, COVENANTER '^itia^efp'hra"Vf.*'
LITERATURE
PSALM BOOKS (old and new versions), TESTIMONY,
BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, MINUTES OF SYNOD, CON­
FESSION OF FAITH. CATECHISMS, TALES OF
COVENANTERS, POETS and POETRY, ROMANISM
ANALYZED, HISTORY OF THE TRIAL, 1891
• write for prices

1
O J l t t i ^ E n t B
ZECH.4: 11-14
REV. 11 :S, 4^
VOL. XXXUl NOVEMBER, 1919 No. 10
A MONTHLY MlSSIoif ARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the Synod of the Reformed
Presbyterian;' Church of North
America in the interest oi Mission Work
T H E E M E R G E N C Y F U N D
We all need mare money to meet the
high cost of living! Do our missionaries
not need as much t Contribute to the very
utmost of your ability to the Emergency
Fund. We have long been praying that
the power of the Turk might be overthrown.
Will we handicap our missionaries
by withholding the means necessary
to their work.
—R.A.BLAIR.
SuD0cription Iprice
®ne H)olIar a l^ear
POSTAGE FREE TO ALL PARTS OF THE';W0RLD
Cojvrejvrs
; Turkey and the Powers . . 482
From the Mission of the
Covenant . . . . 483
Need in Lat-ika . . . 486
Joint Meetinq of Col'dq Presby'y
and Women's Presby'l Miss'n 491
News from the Field - 494
Women's Department - 499

O L I V E
T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal.
PUBLISHED BY THE BOAED OP FOEEIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE EEFOEMED PEESBYTEEIAN CHUECH OF
NOETH AMEEICA IN THE INTEEEST OF ALL MISSION WOEK,
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM
PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PENNA.
EDITOE,
McLEOD MILLIGAN PEARCE, D.D.
Address all Corn'munications to
McLEOD M. PEARCB
215 Buckingham Place, Philadelphia, Pa.
Oahle Address : Metheny, Philadelphia.
Entered as second-class inatter January 6, 1916, at the post offlce at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
PITTSBUEGH.
OPPICEES OF WOMEN'S MISSIONAEY
President, Mrs. James S. McGaw, 1615 Orchlee
St., Pittsburgh, N. S., Pa.
SOCIETY OP KANSAS PEESBYTEEY..
President, Mrs. W. A. Edgar, Lyons, Kan., E. P. D.
First Vice President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Vice President, Mrs. Jennie Young, Eskridge, Kan.
Kentucky Ave!, Pittsburgh, Pa.
2d Vice President, Mrs. Elmer Eussell, Dennison,
Second Vice President, Mrs. E. W. Eedpath, .3220
Fifth Ave., Beaver Palls, Pa.
Eecordinp Seeretary, Mrs. W. S. Eobb, 2321 Osgood
St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. William Esler, 32B
Franklin . Ave., Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Ave.,
Wilkinsburg, Pa.
ILLINOIS.
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. Sth St.,
Bloomington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H.'G. Foster, Sparta, 111.
President, Mrs. Myrta May Dodds, 457 S. Clarkson,
Denver, Colo.
Eecording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Pinley, Sparta, Eecording Secretary, Mrs. T. H. Aeheson, 117 W.
III., E. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson,
Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. E. Davis, Princeton, Ind.
IOWA.
President, Mrs. H. G. Patterson, Morning Sun.
Vice President, Mrs. Knox Dunn, Wyman, Iowa.
Secretary, Mrs. Eetta Jones, Sharon, Io-*a.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. Carrick, Wyman, Iowa.
Corresponding Secretary, Miss Jennie Fergeson,
Hopkinton, Iowa.
Supt. Junior Work, Miss Anna McClurkin, Sharon.
COLOEADO.
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds, 457 S. Clarkson
Ave., Denver,, Colo.
Vice President, Mrs. James Carson, Denver, Colo.
Secretary, Mrs. S. B. McClelland, Greeley, Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. E. S. Orr, Greeley, Colo.
Kan.
Eecording Secretary, Miss Mary McCrory, Dennison,
Kan.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElhinney,
Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. Margaret
Topeka, Kan.
OPPICEES AND SUPBEINTENDENTS OF THB
WOMEN'S SYNODICAL MISSIONAEY
SOCIETY.
Boyle, 701 Clay St.,
Mclntyre Ave., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. M. Hutchison,
Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson, Oakdale, 111.
Vice Presidents, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, Bloomington,
Ind.; Mrs. H. G. Paterson, Washington, Iowa;
,Mrs. Boyd Tweed, Beaver Falls, Pa.; Mrs. S. B.
McClelland, Greeley, Colo.; Mrs. J. M. Wylle,
Kansas City, Mo.
Superintendents :
Poreign Missions, Mrs. P. M. Wilson, 2517 N.
Franklin St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Home" Missions, Miss Lillie McKnight, Portland,
Ore.
Literature—Mrs. J. S. Martin, Beaver Palls, Pa.
Temperance, Mrs. Henry Eussell, Bloomington, Ind.'
Thank Offering, Mrs. J. K. M. Tibby, Pittsburgh,
Pa.
Young Women's Work, Mrs. E. M. Harsh, Northwood,
Ohio.
Juniors, Plan Standard 119 South of W. Work Mrs. Corona, Mclntyre of Efficiency, T. Board, C. Denver, Ave., Weir, Mrs. Mrs. N. Colo. Winchester, e: S., C. Jamea Pittsbnrgh, Wylie, Kan. Carson, Chairman, Pa. 939

R. M. SOMMEEVILLE, D.D. MES. R. M. SOMMEKVILLE
DR. SOMMEEVILLE founded "OLIVE TEEES" and editedit for 29 years.
OLIVE TREES
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXIII NOVEMBER, 1919 N*. 10
EDITORIALS
America and the Near East.
One of the great world problems of
today is what is to be done with those
nations that lie around the eastern
shores of the Mediterranean. Few
realize its importance, both for those
nations and for the world. From this
region arose the discords that brought
on the great war, and here lie the possible
seeds of another strife. One of
the things, too, that make the heart
sick because of the course affairs seem
to be taking at Washington is the fact
that America may not be in a position
to make her influence felt in that part
of the world where her influence will
be SO tragically needed. We are glad
to have an article from R'ev. Samuel
Edgar on this subject, which is of
very special interest and importance
just now.
The Need of the Levant.
Our Foreign Mission Funds are
heavily overdrawn. We have used up
all the available funds and are still
short about $25,000. One great reason
for this is the heavy depreciation in
the rate of exchange during the four
years of the war. Some of the money
we sent over brought only 12 piasters
for a Turkish lira, as against 125
before the war. Then the cost of living
has gone up enormously. Also
the Church contributions to the general
fund has not been as large these
last two years as before. The Board
feels that the very least we can do is
to make up the difference in exchange
to our missionaries. We were not
able to get the facts or to give them
to the Church during the war.
After consultation with Mr. Elliott
and Mr. Tibby, the Board and they
agreed that the best thing to do was
to seek to have the Church raise the
full amounts asked for both China
and the Levant, and besides raise an
Emergency Ftind for the Levant of
not less than $15,000.
The Board has asked Mr. Blair to
raise this Emergency Fund, and to
personally visit as many congregations
as possible before the end of the
year. Mr. Blair is already at work,
and is receiving a fineresponse.
The congregations that he cannot
reach, and they will be many, will be
reached by letter and we hope and
know that they will respond to 'the
utmost of their ability. It is Christ's
own call to us to help.

482 OLIVE TREES
T U R K E Y A N D T H E P O W E R S
To those interested in the Near
East and its questions every scrap of
news is eagerly read and digested.
For months we have all been wondering
as to the finalfate of Turkey and
as to the great decisions of the Allied
Powers concerning her future and
reconstruction, if future there be for
her. After learning that her delegation
to the Peace Conference was dismissed,
after a hearing, we have
anxiously awaited the next step in
developments.
All were amazed a fevv days ago
to read in the morning papers that a
new Cabinet had been formed in Constantinople,
and that Jamal Pasha, of
Palestine and Syria fame, was the
new Minister of War; and that a new
general with 300,000 soldiers was to
have headquarters at Konia. I say
amazed, for it had been announced
some months ago that this same Jamal
Pasha, and a few other murderers of
the Young Turk regime, had been sentenced
to death. Where are the Allies'
Where is France Where is Great
Britain Where is America the great
deliverer of the oppressed in this
strategic hour These burning questions
must often come to the minds of
those who love the Near East and
have prayed for its future. We have
read with deep interest, and it has
appeared in these columns before,
that Palestine is to be in Great Britain's
care, that France has claimed
Syria for its own, but we have yet to
read concerning Armenia's protector,
and Asia Minor's safety.
William T. Ellis, lecturer and newspaperman,
said in Philadelphia a few
evenings ago that not one of the fourteen
points agreed to by the Leao;ue
of Nations is being carried out in the
Near East. Italy wants a slice of
Asia Minor; Greece wants Smyrna
and a large piece of surrounding territory;
Britain takes Mesopotamia,
By Rev. Samuel Edgar.
and France claims Syria as hers,
while Armenia is shoved off on America,
as the other Allies pull out saying
to America, "Unless you take up her
cause and defend her from the Turk
and her surrounding neighbors and
enemies nothing will save the poor
refugees from annihilation." And in
reply to this there is a certain spirit
in America which says: "Bring home
our boys from the East; what do we
care about Armenia and the Near
East; we care not for their politics
nor their intrigue, let the whole affair
go to destruction." But who desires
to agree with any such a low principle
Rather do we not say, this letting
things go is America's peril.
A New York paper a few days ago
announced that a new general had
been appointed by the French to go
to Syria and take over entire control
of Syria while the British withdrew
all their forces. This will bring
French into control from Haifa up
into the Cilician plains, as she has
already control in Mersine, Tarsus
and Adana. Look at the Covenanter
mission map and see this stretch of
possession. But immediately arises
the question, "And what about the
remainder of Asia Minor" Can the
Allies be content to allow the Turk to
live after his treachery to Great Britain
and France in the war Can the
Christian peoples of the world stand
aside and see Armenia again being
made the buffer of Turk and Kurd
A thousand times NO.
There are two solutions of the situation
that are before thinking men
everywhere at present and some of
these have been presented to Washinofton
for consideration and action.
The firstsolution is, that there shall
be three mandates over the following
named places, Armenia, Anatolia and
Constantinople; and that all three be
under America. The second is that

OLIVE TREES 483
America take over the mandate for all
of Turkey. To the latter we hear the
loud cries of opposition caUing,
"Where shall we get the army to
occupy the whole land" This, according
to authority, is not the greatest
problem by any means. It is claimed
that an army of 10,000 men will
care for all interests from the Persian
border to the Bosphorus and the
Dardenelles. The great problem is
to get America to see that this is her
duty, and the Allies to throw in all
their influence and help to bring out
this chaos law and order, liberty and
a Christian sense of justice, such as
the Near East has never known or
experienced.
To allow the Turk footing again
anywhere as a ruling power would be
surely a crime to humanity and a wiping
out of every principle of all that
the boys fought and died for in
France, Palestine, and Mesopotamia.
Let the Church arise and with the
message and oracle of her King and
duty, and hold ^before them the great
principles of right, justice, and democracy,
until they shall hear and
act, and make of the Near East not a
political sop and a bone of contention
but a land that shall before God and
the world have a chance to en.ioy the
great blessings that flow from civilization—a
civilization that has its
roots in the teachings of the Christ.
FROM THE MISSION OF THE
COVENAJ^T.
By Miss Emma McFarland.
This time of year brings a succession
of Jewish hohdays—days of special
significance, the most solemn
being the Day of Atonement.
Our attention has been called to
articles in the Jewish papers ( printed
in both Yiddish and Enghsh, actually
ridiculing the observances of these
days. One of our friends when asked
"What will the old people think of
such articles" said, "They will cry."
But the young people trained in
American schools to think for themselves
can see nothing reasonable in
the prescribed ceremonies and say,
"If a God commands these I do noi;
believe in that God," and they become
atheists, with loss of all faith and reverence.
An entirely new group of ,ch.il,dreri
have come to us this summer^ We tell
them when they first come ho\y w;onderful
their history is and how little
they know of it, and they soon become
interested. They soon have quite a
knowledge of Bible stories and themselves
become teachers. One little
boy was afraid to come in, but finally
slipped in with the others, satisfying
his conscience by announcing that he
did not believe in Jesus. When asked
if he believed in God he said very
positively that he did, and one of our.
little girls said with much assurance,
"Well, Jesus was God's Son.'"'
We have a class of older girls interested
in the study of the Commandments.
This gives an opportunity to
teach them of Jesus' interpretation
of the Law.
All who come to us know that we
have but one thing to offer—the
teaching of the whole Bible. Every
day fi.ndsus more assured ourselves
of the inexhaustible material furnished
by the Word of God. We find
we need no other stories or illustrations
but those of the Old and New
Testaments.
We were interested last evening in
hearing ahd listening to a young
woman who is supervisor of storytelling
in the city libraries. She is
giving a course extending over several
months and says it would be her
choice to confine herself strictly to
Bible stories.
As teachers we could dispense ^yith
many of our schemes for holding the'
attention of restless children if we
knew the best way to present , the
Bible stories. If cla,sses of young
people could be formed in our
churches for training in this it would
surely be well worth while.
We have been encouraged by visits

484 OLIVE TRfetb
from a number of our ministers who
have been passing through our city.
We gratefully acknowledge a gift of
garments for the sewing school from
the L. M. S., of New Galilee, and a
gift of canned fruit from the L. M.
S., of Bear Run and Johnsonburg"
Congregation. . ,
Our prayer is that this winters
work may count for much in spreading
a knowledge of the Saviour among
these people, loved of the Lord—and
we earnestly ask that you join us m
this petition.
"ALOHA OE."
By Ernest V. Tweed.
Tomorrow wih find us abroad the
steamer Haverford in readiness for
the continuation of our journey,
which we so faithfully began last July
and which we have so patiently
waited for these many days. Because
of Government war regulations regarding
passports and visas of missionaries,
which have not as yet been
withdrawn, we have been unavoidably
delayed until this late date. And it
is only through the persistent and
faithful efforts of the Mission Board
that we are able to proceed at this
time.
However, our delay has not been
wholly in vain, for we have had many
profitable and joyful occasions during
the sojourn here in the East.
Although we are sons of the West I
believe that East can meet West when
it comes to extending the right hand
of fellowship. And I take this opportunity
of expressing my thanks and
my appreciation for the kindness, the
hospitality, and the generosity manifested
by our friends during the
delay. The friends at Walton and
Bovina Center, N. Y., are deserving
of special mention for their extended
reception, and the friends of Philadelphia
for the gracious farewell
party on the eve of our departure. It
has made the time seem only too short
and I am sure in the days to come it
will bring only the fondest of memo-
ERNEST V. TWEED
MISSIONARY TO CYPRUS
ries. It has given us renewed assurance
of your devotion and co-operation
in the work of the Kingdom.
Our mission in going to Cyprus is
a high privilege which we are to enjoy
and what little sacrifices we may be
called upon to bear at this time are
gladly and cheerfully borne. I myself
feel it a duty which I am only too glad
to perform, and I trust to be a
workman which needeth not to be
ashamed.
Only a short time ago our country
gave the call and many of us responded.
We gladly gave our services in
the cause of humanity. Some never
to return now that the conflict is
over. But those of us who have been
spared to see the dawn of peace, and
to hear the call as it peals more loud
and deep, are we going to be less courageous
in enlisting under the banner
of the Prince of Peace You will
never be conscripted, but you each
and every one, old and young, see the
opportunities and the needs. And in
this day of action what is going to be
your response

FAREWELL
By Alvin W. Smith.
As this is being written we are
some 3200 miles from our port of
sailing and tonight we £,re to see the
light of Fastnet on the Irish coast and
expect to land in Liverpool some time
Thursday. Coming to the close of the
first lap of the trip we hope that we
may proceed from London in a few
days.
The voyage across the Atlantic
has been refreshing and enjoyable
throughout. The Haverford, which
has been in service for twenty-two
years, and which played no small part
in the war, is quite slow but steady
and is one of the smoothest riding
boats afloat.
The weather was very warm at first
but since turning north we have
found it cool and brisk and, with but
one or two exceptions, all the passengers
seem greatly benefited by the
twelve days already spent on the sea.
To me the pleasure of this trip
has proven to be the overflowing of a
cup already full—as I reflect upon
the experience of the past few
months; the closing of the Seminary
course, the meeting of Synod with its
spiritual awakening and vision of
greater service for the Covenanter
Church, the three young people's conventions
at Clarinda, Rose Point and
Walton, and as I think of the opportunity
to become acquainted more intimately
with so many homes and congregations
of our people before going
out as another of their representatives
in the fi-eldsacross the sea.
Out here on the bosom of the deep,
isolated as we seem to be like a little
world in ourselves, we have no reason
to feel that we are alone. We are assured
in more ways than one that God
is near—on the sea just the same as
on the land—"for the sea is his and
he made it," and as one gazes upon it
by the hour in its vast expanse and
the majesty and power of its waves,
iiever at rest and with their endless
Variety of form in^ sh^^e, pn§ cannot
OLIVE TREES 485
REV. ALVIN W. SMITH
MISSIONARY TO CYPRUS
but say in a reverential admiration,
"What hath God wrought!"
What an honor it is to mortal man
that such a God has called man into
fellowship with himself and has revealed
unto him his own thoughts and
plans for this whole world.
Moreover it is because we know
him that there comes to us day by
day the feeling of the unbroken association
and presence of the friends
and dear ones back in the States by
whose love and prayers we are
strengthened and upheld.
Can we ever forget the kindness of
the pastors and people of the New
York, Walton and Bovina Center congregations,
who took us into their
homes during the two months' delay
or the farewell social of the three congregations
of Philadelphia, or that
circle of friends that gathered on the
boat and was led in prayer by Dr.
McFeeters and Dr. Wilson just before
we pulled off! By His grace may we
be able in the coming days to show
that these prayers are being answered,
that this trust has not been misplaced
and that this labor of love ]\as
not been in vain,

OLIVE
TREES
Truly the fieldof service is as wide
as the world—there is need and opportunity
for the presentation of the
gospel on every hand. (There being
no other Protestant minister on board
I was privileged to conduct a service
on each of the two Sabbaths.) There
are unsaved in every group—there is
a loosening up of proper training in
the home—and a surrender of scriptural
ideals in the sphere of the
church.
What a responsibility rests upon us
young people born and reared in
Christian homes in America with an
extraordinary heritage of early training
and preparation for service—
that we make good as leaders in the
Christian work of tomorrow, that we
.eize upon the wonderful opportunity
v/hich comes to us, by taking our respective
places in the support and
prosecution of the Forward Movement
Program, whose object is to
maintain and present a full gospel
message for the salvation of this
world by the acknowledged pre-eminence
of Jesus Christ in every sphere
of human life.
"HE'S MY
BROTHER."
I used to think him heathen.
Just because—well, don't you see,
He didn't speak "God's English,"
And he didn't look like me;
He had a burnt complexion
Which is heathen, goodness knows;
He ate a heathen's rations.
And he wore a heathen's clothes.
But there's a s'prising skinful.
In that bloke from far away:
He fightslike any Christian,
And I've caught the beggar pray;
He's kind to little kiddies,
And there's written in his eyes
The willingness to render
All a Christian's sacrifice.
Yes, you'd know him for a heathen
If you judged him by the hide;
But bless you, he's my brother.
For he's just like me inside.
Missionary Review of the World.
NEED IN LATAKIA.
The following letter from Dr. Balphtells
again of the great need in Syria. Though
delayed it will be read with interest. About
the time this letteris being read the dire need
of which he writes will be experienced in
Syria. If you have something to give, do it
now.
Latakia, Syria, July 19, 1919.
Rev. Findley M. Wilson, D. D.,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dear Doctor Wilson:
It is so difficult these days to get
writing done that I hope you will not
lay it to neglect on my part that I
have not written oftener. I have only
written you once, I believe, since my
arrival in Latakia, and that early in
May. During May and June I was
on the road about half of the time;
have covered all of the territory assigned
to this center for relief purposes,
extending as far north as
Suadea and Antioch, twice. Have
been in the city now for three weeks
consecutively, but find most every day
too short to get all done that I vdsh
to. There has been more medical
work than it has been possible for me
to attend to properly, besides those
things that are daily occurring unexpectedly
and that draw heavily on
one's time.
The general condition here in Latakia
has improved considerable, but
there is still much real want; there
are so many families that have been
left without anyone to provide for
their support. The number of widows
and orphans is large. War and disease
has left many without their natural
providers. In the Armenian villages,
from which the people were
deported, we find a condition of affairs
that beggars description. In
the villages in our field we have about
4000 Armenians and Greeks that were
deported and that have lost practically
all that they had.
In the most of the villages- the
houses were destroyed; in some they
are still standing but often without
doors and windows. The reason of
this was largely that the houses being

OLIVE TREES 487
built of stone with flatclay roofs, the
Turks in their neighborhood, in order
that they might steal the joists used
to support the roofs, were compelled
to break up the roofs, and often tear
down the walls, that they might get
the lumber free from the buildings.
The doors and windows also were torn
off and carried away. In some cases
the walls remain standing, but oftener
they have been mostly destroyed.
The stones remain, and the walls
could be built up without a very large
expense, but no lumber is to be had,
and even where trees large enough
to supply supports for the roofs can
be had the price is very high. In
Gunamia there were not more than
three houses left standing; two or
three have been rebuilt, but the majority
of our people there have no
places to dwell, and are. staying in the
villages near, and scarcely any of
them have any bedding or household
utensils. This condition of affairs is
endurable during the summer in this
country, but I see nothing ahead but
extreme suffering on the part of many
when winter comes on. There are
about 150 or more of the Gunamia
people in that neighborhood now and
not. twenty of them have a single
room in which to live. The help they
have received had only been sufficient
to secure them a little clothing for
summer wear, and some food to eat,
and not enough for that. There is
very little work that they can get to
do aside from trying to cultivate their
garderik Those that have some land
have not been able to sow it because
they had no animals with which to
plow. It is a case of setting people
down in a place to make a living with
nothing to work with.
With all the money that has been
sent in this country, the real want
has not been touched. It has been
only temporary relief that has been
given. I understand the amount of
money that has been given monthly
is to be almost entirely cut off soon
and that the principal help will be
that given to orphanages. If this rule
is followed it will be very hard on
those who are even now most of the
time at the point of starvation.
We have already written some time
ago that if there is any relief funds
in his hands to send it on at once so
that we can be able in time to do a
little of something for those whom
we are specially responsible in the
way of providing some things necessary
for their comfort before winter
sets in although I presume there is
not much if any left.
Our circle are all well. Dr. Stewart
and Miss Edgar are at Beyrout attending
a conference of missionaries.
Miss Mearns was also to be there. The
ladies are to spend at least part of
the vacation there.
We are having unusually warm
weather here, with much moisture,
that is very trying these days.
We are still under military government
here with no immediate prospect
of such a condition as will insure the
speedy resumption of trade, and a settled
condition of affairs. Prices are
very high, and many things cannot be
had at all. I wrote Dr. Metheny
about drugs. It would be a great
relief if we could get at least a moderate
supply sent out with Captain
Edgar.
We can hardly hope for material
necessary to enable us to do much
hospital work, soon, as we need so
much. I wrote Mr. Boggs fully about
our needs and need not repeat. With
the .a:ddition of a few blankets we
would have enough here for four
beds; should have enough for twelve
more. Only four cots and mattresses
were left from eighteen that we had.
We are waiting anxiously for word
from Synod. Hope you had a good
meeting. We trust Captain Edgar
reached home about the firstof this
month.
Very faithfully yours,
J. M. Balph.

488 OLIVe tRfifiS
W H A T W A S T H E SECRET OF THEIR SUCCESS
The marvelous progress of Missions
the first,second and third centuries,
when compared with the slow
progress of the 17th, 18th and 19th,
raises the question: What was the
secret of their success
The answer is difficult and complex,
with no one reason sufficient.
Nor, in such wide proposition, can
there be agreement, except in general
way.
Accepting for argument that Missions
are making slow progress, when
the vast resources of the Church in
membership, in wealth,- in education,
in transportation, in communication,
in dissemination of knowledge, are
considered, the solution may be aided
through the process of elimination.
I. God Has Not Changed. "What
He was the first,second and third centuries
He is now. "I am the Lord; I
change not." Nor do His purposes
undergo revision, addition or modification.
Furthermore, the sea of divine
love for a lost world has not
become less full; or diminished in
length or breadth. It is unfathomable.
It is as broad and deep and
high now as in the first,second and
third centuries.
II. Nor is the answer, The World
Has Less Need Now in any way satisfactory.
The early Church was face
to face with the whole world in
densest heathen darkness. It was in
moral desolation; in spiritual eclipse,
frightfully black. But is the heathenism
of today less so Wherein is the
difference Are Benaris, Delhi, Calcutte,
Shanghai, improvements on Old
Rome, Athens, Ninevah and Babylon
Have hearts, these last centuries,
become less corrupt Have
souls become less guilty, and manners
less depraved Are heathens looked
upon with more favor now by an Infinitely
Holy God The character of
mission work on some fields (not
By Rev. F. M. Foster, Ph. D.
Covenanter) comes dangerously near
answering, "Yes; not so vile now!"
But if God's Word be true, the need is
not a whit less today. The heart is
as desperately wicked. The world
needs Christ's blood in the twentieth
century as absolutely as in the first,
second and third.
III. Nor Has the Message
Changed. The Bible is the same. Its
doctrines are the same as in the Apostolic
Church; as when the Great
Roman Empire turned from paganism
to Christianity. The same
mighty gospel is in the hands of the
Church today as the 19th, 18th and
17th centuries ago. The blood of
Christ cleanses from all sin now, as it
did then. The Holy Spirit sanctifies
with as irresistible grace. "Principalities,"
"powers," "rulers of the darkness
of this world," "spiritual wickedness
in high places" are no more able
to successfully war against the armies
of the living Christ NOW than in the
early Church. God's arsenal is just
as full of weapons to "pull down
strongholds" as at any time in the
history of the world.
IV. Nor has His command, "Go
ye into all the world and preach the
gospel to every creature," been suspended,
modified, or withdrawn. It
is in full force, and impressed upon
the Church with impelling urgency.
His orders were and are: "Attack immediately
all along the line!" If,
then, God has not changed, if the
need is as great; if the message has
not changed, and yet progress is slow,
the place to look for the answer is in
God's world-army, the church. She
herself is to blame for slow progress.
I. The Church Has Yielded to Surroundings.
That she should by the
grace of God change the Roman Empire
in three centuries; and in a few
more fall into half-heathenism herself,
is a phenomenon hard to explain.

OLIVE TREES 489
Still calling herself the Church, she
became a persecuting institution. She
slaughtered and burned the witnesses
of the Gospel. The Reformation stood
up against her and broke her powei.
Since that time, Rome has sought recognition,
and has so far succeeded
that a high church court speaks of her
"as a Sister denomination," and to
speak of her as "one of the denominations"
is now common. It follows
that the Church, in the broad se". •:,
has practically ceased to maintain the
fullness of the testimony of Jesus.
And this, again, explains in part why
she has lost power with God. The
spiritual gauge pops off at 50 when
it should hold to 200. The charge is
dangerously near true—"Thou sufferest
that woman Jezebel, which calleth
herself a prophetess, 'to teach and to
seduce my servants to commit fornication
and to eat things sacrificed to
idols. And I gave her space to repent
of her fornications, and she repented
not." "Lent," "Holy Week," "Black
Friday," "Easter," etc., all from
Rome, are already in the Protestand
Church. They have come in
through yielding to her blandishments.
Against these the martyrs resisted
unto death; but now they are
embraced. Protestantism is falling
back into the arms of Catholicism.
"Tell it not in Gath; publish it not
in the streets of Askelon, lest the
daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
lest the daughters of the uncircumscribed
triumph." Not a few hold
that sending missionaries to Catholic
countries is unwise and wrong. Is it
remarkable that God does not pour
out the fullness of blessing upon mission
work He can justly inquire:
What heresies are you taking with
you
II. The Line Separating the
Church From the World is Nearly
Obliterated. All kinds of meetings,
for almost every kind of purpose, are
held on the Lord's Day, both in the
church and out, to the great dishonor
of the Lord of the Sabbath. Papers
issued on Sabbath flood the fanailies
of church people until the devil has
them immersed in worldliness, with
spirituality "gone down the third
time." On a church bulletin board
is this: "Food, folks, fun, at 5 P. M.
Sunday (Sabbath) evening." "Sooial
Teas" before the evening service are
quite common. Movies on S.ab'oath
evening have nearly taken posacssion
of the churches. Official boards—not
a few—open church rooms for dancing,
and many so-called institutional
churches have pool and billiards. Sabbath
auto excursions rage, in the
summer, like a fever, and among
people. Dying for the bread of life
people go to the house of God and
the begowned preacher delivers a literary
essay on some worldly subject.
There are some whose hearts are sore,
but their voices are scarcely heard
in the wildemess. The furore foi
church-union, and united church work
in the home land and on mission fields,
bids fair to override the ramparts of
doctrinal standards, and sweep aside
those faithful to their Covenant
with God. These forces have been
strengthened by the return of some
ministers and Y. M. C. A. workers
from across the seas, who have lost
their spiritual and doctrinal bearings.
To them orthodoxy has litle significance.
Great effort is being made by
many at home to have the Church fall
in line, and say unto the Lord, "There
are a few things we will settle ourselves!"
Under such conditions will God
bless the work of the Church in fullness
of mission fields
III. The Full Message of the
Gospel is Withheldr^-Yes, Actually
Withheld, From Men. This statement
may seem strange. However, it
is maintained that it is even so. The
writer claims no exemption from the
inference implied. He fails—put it
stronger—seriously fails, to "declare
the whole counsel of God." We may
flatter ourselves that we try to give
the whole message in our congregations,
whether "men will hear or forbear."
uBt how about elsewhere.

490 OLIVE TREES
when we preach in pulpits of some
other church Do we preach "the
whole counsel of God" Do we
When we preach in a Presbyterian
pulpit, for illustration, do we hear full
and open testimony against the use of
man-made songs in divine worship
If the Lord was visibly present, do
you suppose we would keep still Does
not the organ thunder away and we
pretend not to notice it Do we say
one word about the secret oath-bound
lodge, though we know there are, according
to the size of the audience,
scores and scores of men before us
with this awful sin on their souls Is
it not true that while nearly every
man in the audience "votes," it is exceeding
rare that we speak out
clearly, setting forth the sin in a precise
way that men may know before
they go to the judgment Do we not
come dangerously near fearing men
more than we fear God
Why do we, the spokesmen for
Christ, go before immortal souls
without saying a word on sin we
know is there
Probably herein is the reason: The
Rules of Courtesy. They close our
mouths, and sin goes gaily on. We
"save" our reputation and—"lose" it,
(Matt. 16-25.) A Dutch Reformed
layman, whose lone vote was recorded
against opening their church foi
dances—the pastor being for—said to
the writer: "The trouble today is
with the ministers." The length and
breadth and depth and heighth and
the exceeding sinfulness of sin, are
being continually narrowed and restricted
in definition.
After all, is it remarkable that a
large blessing is not poured out on
mission work, and that the first, second
and third centuries far surpassed
the last ones in results Jesus, the
Son of God, preached, and in their
madness, they rushed Him to the
brow, of the hill to cast Him down
preached, Peter into head-long; prison preached, and and, they chained later, and stoned he crucified down. was him, thrown Him. Paul and
dragged him out of the city as you
would a dead horse. In the first,second
and third centuries they preached,
and were met by ten fiercepersecutions.
In the Reformation they
preached and martyr monuments proclaim
the death they died. But nowadays
They Get Out the Band!! and
dont' let anybody fool you as to the
reason.
(In a future issue, other reasons
for the slow progress of mission work
rnay be given.)
MARTYRS IN CHINA.
By Rev. S. B. Houston.
At Minneola, Kansas, Rev. Christopherson,
a missionary in China for
twenty-five years, gave an address
on the Boxer movement, telling only
a few of the many thrilling things
that occurred during that exciting
period. He began by reading a part
of the eleventh chapter of Hebrews.
He told of a missionary and his
wife and child who were taken to a
river. A strong man took the little
child in his arms, mutilated it, tossed
it into the stream, beheaded the husband
and then killed the wife. Before
her death, however, having requested
that she might sing a song she sang
with such a heavenly air and with
such thrilling effect that her murder
ers were almost unnerved, still they
immersed their hands in her blood
Chinese Christians were witnesses,
A lady missionary was dressing
the foot of a patient when the Boxers
came. She asked permission to finish
the dressing, and was told to hurry
up. She asked if she might go a
short distance to the hospital for some
cloths that were needed to complete
the dressing of the foot. This was
denied, and her hfe was at once taken.
Thirty-seven were hiding in a cave.
The blood-thirsty men came threatening
an attack. Some of the party of
desperadoes were about to fire,when
one of them said, "Don't shoot; see
the air is full of devils." The Boxers

ecame frightened and fled. The missionaries
believed the men had a
vision of angels and became terrostricken.
The keeper of Israel preserved
His trusting children. Was it
not an illustration of Ps. 34: 7
Another instance was dramatically
given of thirty-one emissaries being
lined up in two rows, some feet or
yards apart, and the executioner, on
horseback, riding between the two
lines of heroes, cut off the head of one
at the end of the line; passed through
again, another head fell, and so on
till the last Christian was ushered into
eternity. Not one of the thirty and
one denied His blessed Lord.
The speaker gave instances of Chinese
converts being put to the test,
having a chance to save their lives
by renewing their allegiance to the
Buddhist faith, but who said, one by
one, as their turn came, "Cut off my
head," then bent over for the executioner
to do his deadly work. The
Boxers liked to behead enemies, for,
in their view, the executed ones wo'ild
never get back, whereas if they were
killed some other way they would
come back.
Mr. Christopherson and his friend i
received numerous advices and warning
that they had better fleefor thpir
hves, but they remained at their posts
and were shielded from danger, their
work being not yet done.
The good brother in his talks before
had mentioned the Reformed Presbyterians
several times, doing so in a
very kindly spirit, and this night he
related the circumstances connected
with the preservation of a number of
Covenanters in Scotland during "the
killing times," who Jiad taken refuge
in a cave. The men in search of them,
coming to the mouth of the cave in
the morning, were about to enter,
when they discovered that a spider's
web covered the opening, and they
concluded the refugees could not be
there, so they abandoned their pursuit.
The gossomary web proved a
defender. How marvelous the way
of God in protecting His people. His
O LI V e TREES 491
hidden ones! How great His grace
at all times, especially in the day of
trial!
JOINT MEETING OF COLORADO
PRESBYTERY AND THE WOM­
EN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSION­
ARY SOCIETY.
By Mrs. James Carson,
Secretary.
While enjoying the restfulness and
inspiration of God's beautiful mountains
at Glen Haven, Estes Park, representatives
of Colorado Presbytery
and Presbyterial planned a joint
meeting, September 9, in Greeley.
When September 9 arrived, the
weather was ideal. Three autos
with enthusiastic early risers were
promptly on their way for a fiftymile
drive from Denver. La Junta's
three delegates arrived on the railroad.
Greeley's fine new church was
a happy trysting place.
At 11 A. M. the meeting was
opened by a most helpful devotional
period conducted by Mr. John Beattie.
This was followed by an inspiring
sermon by the moderator. Rev. Greer.
After the appointment of committees
the audience was invited to the spacious
basement dining-room, where
we were seated at long, beautifully
decorated tables. With the good cheer
of, meeting old and new friends and
the delicious viands so abundantly
served by the Greeley ladies, it was
truly a refreshing hour.
At 2 P. M. the Presbytery and Presbyterial
held separate meetings. The
Presbyterial was called to order by
the president, Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds.
Sacred moments were spent in devotionals,
led by Mrs. Moore, of La
Junta.
The reports from the different societies
were most encouraging. The
"Sstandard of Efficiency," adopted by
"Standard of Efficiency," adopted by
agO/ has been a great help in attaining
definite results.

492 OLIVE TREES
The plan for uniform programs in
our rresbyterial, and to encourage
the trial in all the societies of our
church, was approved. Since the cost
of printing has advanced so greatly,
many societies are doing without programs,
as the proportionate cost for
printing a few is so exorbitant.
By way of illustration of the less
cost for having a large number printed,
the chairman of the committee
read a sample program and gave the
cost for a hundred.
September program for Denver
Women's Missionary Society:
Hostess: Miss Margaret Atcheson.
Theme: Taking the World for
Christ.
Devotionals, Text: Num. 13: 30,
Matt. 28: 18-20.
Leader, Mrs, E. Buck.
Special prayer for our Sabbath
School and for more stars on our
Missionary Service flag.
Business:
Signs of the Times, from Missionary
Review, Miss Atcheson.
Foreign Mission study book. The
Crusade of Compassion,
Secretary keeps an "Honor Roll"
of all who read chapters before
Review.
Ten-minute Review Chapter I, Mrs.
Mitchell.
Ten-minute Review Chapter II,
Miss Cameron.
Roll call. News from our own missions.
On the second page of the cover
were these
"Suggestions:"
1. Begin on time and close on time.
2. Plan programs well.
3. Push through business quickly.
4. Limit time of speakers.
5. Give undivided attention.
6. Be good parliamentarians.
7. Do your visiting after adjournment.
Also there will be space for names
of ^n officers and committees and
blank space for notes. Programs similar
to this can be furnished to the
women of the church for eighty-seven
cents a hundred, according to figures
given by a Denver printer.
The suggestion to have missionaries'
names printed on each monthly
program for special prayer was well
received.
The Standing Committee, Miss Iva
McMillan, Mrs. Charles Carson and
Mrs. Myrta M. Dodds would hke to
hear from other societies in the
church, looking forward to the benefits
of co-operation; a program in the
hands of every member, uniform prayer,
work and study, and money saved
for Bible women or some other great
work.
A hearty vote favored the giving of
our thank-offering for the support of
a Bible woman in Turkey.
All the societies in the presbyterial
plan to do their full share of sewing
for refurnishing the schools and hospital
in Turkey and to respond to
the calls of the Synodical Planning
Board.
The officers for the coming year
are:
Mrs. Thompson, La Junta, President.
Mrs. James Carson, Denver, Vice-
President.
Mrs. S.B. McClelland, Greeley, Secretary.
Mrs. William McMillan, Greeley,
treasurer.
^
Denver and La Junta extended invitations
for the next meeting. Several
social hours were enjoyed until
the time for the joint evening program.
A delicious lunch was most
graciously served at 6 P. M.
The evening program, with Rev.
Charles Carson as chairman, was
given to a large .appreciative audience.
The speakers on the different
organizations' responsibility in the
New Forward Movement of the
church were Rev. J. B. Gilmore, Mr.
Alexander, Mrs. Atcheson, who read
a paper written by Miss M. Cameron,
Mr. John Beattie and Captain Samuel
Edgar.
This our firsthelpful day together
gave us courage to go forward in the

OLIVE TREES 493
Master's service as we felt the power
of united effort and the inspiration of
Greeley's loyal hospitality.
WHO IS TO BLAME
"Well, George," said his wife, as
George Morton and she came in from
church one Sunday morning, "how
did you like the sermon this morning"
"Nothing in it," he replied briefly.
"I don't get anything out of sermons
nowadays. It seems to me the
great preachers must all be dead."
"I wonder if the trouble is with the
preachers or with you, George" his
wife replied. "If it were only sermons
amongst other worthwhile
things that h^d lost their interest fot
you, I shouldn't think so much of it;
but do you realize that you can't get
interested in a worthwhile book, the
opera bores you; you can never be
got to an orchestral concert or a musical
recital or a lecture that is meant
for intelligent people The newspaper
has taken the place of real
reading with you, the musical comedy
or the moving picture the place of the
opera or the concert. You have acquired
an appetite for the frothy,
highly spiced things that require no
thought."
I
"Well, if I didn't get a sermon at
church I'm getting one now! But I'll
have to admit there's a lot of truth
in what you say," he admitted goodnaturedly.
"George," she said, "your name is
legion. You're just like hundreds of
other men who in the rush of business
today are losing their taste for worthwhile
things. You remind me of a
story I read the other day about a
dealer in hides who was inveigled out
to dinner by his wife. It chanced
that he was seated at table between a
brilliant woman novelist and a very
clever doctor. His wife thought he
would surely have a good time. But
she asked what sort of evening he had.
He replied 'Abominable! What did
those people know about hides!' He
ate, slept, drank and lived hides.
"That's what some of you men are
doing with your business. Your
brains are a one-track line, and anything
that doesn't directly concern
your business has no interest for you.
I'm not scolding; I simply pity you.
The taste for music is essential to a
really cultivated man, so is the taste
for good books, good drama, good'
preaching; you used to have a taste
for all these not so many years ago,
but you're losing it fast. That's what
makes me suspect your opinion of the
sermon this morning. It seemed to be
remarkably good, and so it did to
others. I wonder if you're not judging
yourself"—Youth's Companion.
THE COMFORT THAT FAITH
BRINGS.
The other evening I was riding
horne after a heavy day's work. I felt
weary and sore depressed, when
swiftly, suddenly, as a lightning flash,
came: "My grace is sufficient for
thee." And I said: "I should think it
is. Lord;" and burst out laughing. I
never fully understood what the holy
laughter of Abraham was until then.
It seemed to make unbelief so absurd.
It was as if some little fish,being
very thirsty, was troubled about
drinking the river dry; and Father
Thames said: "Drink away, little fish,
my stream is sufficient for thee." Or
It seemed like a little mouse in the
granaries of Egypt after seven years
of plenty, fearing it might die of famine;
and Joseph might say: "Cheer
up, little mouse, my granaries are
sufficient for thee." Again, I imagined
a man way up on yonder mountain,
saying to himself: "I fear I shall
exhaust all the oxygen in the atmosphere."
But the earth might say:
"Breathe away, 0 man, and fillthy
lungs ever; my atmosphere is sufficient
for thee."
Oh, brethren, be great believers!
Little faith will bring your souls to
heaven, but great faith will bring
heaven to you.—C. H. Spurgeon.

494 OLIVE TREES
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
Word has been received of the
birth of a son to Rev. and Mrs. Jesse
C. Mitchel, of our Tak Hing Mission.
The little laddie arrived at Canton on
September 22d and is named James
Alvin.
* il * *
As "Olive Trees" goes to press
there is a possibility that the "Patria,"
on which Rev. Samuel Edgar
expects to begin his return trip to
Syria, wih leave New York about the
4th or Sth of November.
Rev. and Mrs. Juhus Kempf sailed
from Vancouver, on their return trip
to Tak Hing, China, September 29.
* * * *
A short letter from Dr. John
Peoples announces the marriage at
Beirut, Syria, of Dr. J. M. Balph and
Miss Evadna Sterrett. The ceremony
was performed by Rev. J. Stuart
Crawford, of the Syrian Protestant
College at Beirut and was certified by
the American Vice-Consul in order to
make it legal. Mrs. R. E. Willson and
Dr. Peoples accompanied the happy
couple to Beirut. We do not have the
date of the wedding, but it was
shortly before September 10th, the
date of Dr. Peoples' letter.
* * * *
Rev. Alvin W. Smith and Mr. Ernest
V. Tweed, after much vexatious delay
regarding their passports, finallygot
away on the S. S. Haverford from
Philadelphia, October 2d. A company
of Philadelphia Covenanter
friends accompanied them to the
steamer and bade them Godspeed. Dr.
McFeeters, Dr. Metheny, Dr. F. M.
Wilson, Rev. S. J. Johnston, Miss
Emily Willson, Mrs. Thos. McCandles.
Miss Annie Forsythe, Miss Emma
McFarlan,d Miss Margaret McCandless,
Miss Ruth McKnight and Mrs.
F. M. Wilson were among the number.
On the evening of September 30 a
farewell reception for the young men
was held in the parlors of the Third
Church. The friends of the other two
Philadelphia congregations were the
guests of the Third Church, as were
also Rev. Walter McCarroll and Rev.
Herbert McMillian, who happened to
be passing through the city that day.
Rev. Mr. McCarroll was en route to
Princeton, N. J., and Rev. Mr. McMillan
had arrived from France a few
days earlier, where he had been for
eighteen months in the service of the
Y. M. C. A. It was a very pleasant
occasion. At its close the following
telegram was sent to the parents of
Mr. Smith and Mr. Tweed at Winchester,
Kan., and Denver, Colo.:
"The three Covenanter congrL.^ations
of Philadelphia in a union farewell
meeting to Alvin W. Smith and
Ernest V. Tweed, having just heard
them speak inspiring words, voted to
send a message of thankfulness to
their parents for their gift of such
worthy young men to the Lord Jesus
Christ for service in His mission
field."
* * * *
SYRIA.
Latakia, Syria. Dr. James S. Stewart,
of our Latakia station, sends a
copy of the following letter written
to the Near East Relief Commission
by a community of Armenian people
in a village near Suadia. It is interesting
as entirely original as well as
both sad and painful:
"Kabuse, July 14, 1919.
"To the Near East Relief Commission,
Beyruth.
"Honorable Gentlemen:
"We thank to God he prepowered
Mercyful friends like you to help us.
Always we are oblige to you. We are
sure God will bless you more and He

will reward you because he is promised
'Blessed are the mercyful for
They shall obtain mercy.' Dear
friends, now our miserable condition
like a little child's life if its parents
does not care for him he can't live.
"In the Imigration time we lost
many things, one of them is education
of our children, it is more important
for future; and, second, our buildings,
houses and mills if winter comes
many of us we can't live in. Our
mills are ruined so we are obliged to
go other place if it is very hard. And
third,, we need for food, all things
here are very dear. We are thinking
for winter it is harder than now. In
other city people have diffferent business
or art so they can gain money
and they can get what they want but
here we have two business, one is silk
worm, the other is to plow. This is
the reason we are very need now because
we lost all the things which we
use for silk worms. We have land
and garden but we can't plow them
so we cannot gain and we are poor.
In the world the hardest thing to say
I am need but we hope you will help
us so you will fulfill the command of
Jesus Christ. He said love your neighbor
as yourself. Forth, we need very
much for beds; many people are going
to be sick because there is nothing
underside or upon. Fifth, for clothes
we need, too. Especially for winter.
You can imagine if somebody have no
dress in cold days how he can live is
it not better to die than to live. We
hope you will not forget us and preapare
our needs and you will try to
make us happy and glad. We hope
you will excuse us that we wrote so
long to you. Let God bless you.
"Yours sincerty,
"for Community of Kabuse."
ASIA MINOR.
A Missionary Brings Down Two
German Planes.
At a certain town on the Mediterranean
shore several German seaplanes
had their base during the last
OLIVE TREES 495
year of the war. They were used for
scouting and coast defense. They cooperated
with some motorboats, in an
attempt to transport much-needed
grain from points on the coast remote
from the railroad.
Motor trucks had been tried at first,
but as the scarcity of rubber compelled
them to use iron tires on the
trucks, the rough Turkish roads soon
put the trucks out of action as effectively,
and almost as quickly, as batteries
of Entente guns could have done
it. It was not long until only two out
of thirty trucks were fitfor the road
at all, with the repair shop working
overtime, and one trip over the awful
roads would be sure to send them to
the shop again, so the worried Huns
had to try something else, for the precious
grain must be brought in somehow.
He decided on motorboats. But
this plan was not without serious difficulties
also. The Entente scout boats
were very vigilant in spite of the submarine
menace. Not even a rowboat
dared thrust its nose into the sea,
much less out of the harbor, along
this whole coast. Even boats of any
size, left in an exposed place on the
shore, sooner or later became targets
for the guns of the sharp-eyed scout,
and were left with several ventilators
not down on the original plan, not designed
to improve their sailing qualities.
It was plain that motor boats,
even for trips along the coast, hugging
the shore as closely as they
dared, could not hope to operate successfully
under such conditions. So
they brought sea-planes. By means
of them they could hope to obtain
warning of the approach of a scout, in
time to run their motor boats into
some nearby cove, out of sight, and
could also harass the scout with bombs
from the planes, so. he would not be
likely to return so frequently, nor
come in so close to the shore when he
did return.
An interested observer of these operations
was a lone missionary, interned
in the town on his refusing to
leave the country when relations were

496 OLIVE TREES
broken off with his native land, who,
"in seeing and hearing, vexed his
righteous soul from day to day with
the unlawful deeds which ungodly sinners"
were . committing before his
eyes. The enemy's temporary success
with the motorboats was especially
aggravating and tantalizing, for, besides
helping to feed the German
army, it was making much more difficult
the task of keeping the poor of
the Mission from starving, as it soon
doubled the price of grain, already at
famine prices, and caused the Turks
to reduce the already starvation bread
ration to the poor Christians, at the
same time increasing the price of the
ration. The Turkish officials were fat
and flourishing through it all.
The first time a scout boat appeared
after the arrival of the seaplanes
the missionary stood at his
window and watched with bated
breath while his poor friends in the
little war-boat came in closer and
closer to the shore where, all unknown
to them, the sea-plane was lying in
wait for them. Suddenly he saw the
scout boat turn more quickly than he
had ever seen it move before and
strike out in a bee line for its base.
The cause was soon apparent. The
sea-plane had darted out from shore
and skimming over the water soon
took the air and made for the boat,
being careful to reach an elevation
first where it would be safe from the
ordinary guns of the ship and then
gaining a position directly over the
boat and circling back and forth
across its course it began dropping
bombs upon it. The boat forged ahead
under full steam but in anticipation
of the bombs kept dodging from side
to side in a zig-zag course like a
chicken pursued by a hawk. Soon
splash! The anxious watcher at the
Mission saw where the first bomb
struck the water and exploded, not
too far from the ship for his peace of
mind, while the sound of the plane in
his ears was like the buzzing of an
angry venomous bee as it darted back
and forth across the course of the
dodging ship and splash, splash,
splash, splash, sent the rest of its
maximum load of five bombs on their
errand of death. Then as the buzzing
became noticeably louder the watcher
at the window knew that the plane
was returning and the boat unharmed
kept on its way, and he could breathe
more freely. But the bird of prey
was not to be thwarted so easily. On
reaching the shore the plane was not
pulled out as usual, but headed seaward
aagin, while five more bombs
were hurriedly put aboard and the
plane was once more on its way after
the fugitive ship which was soon
overtaken by the swift plane and compelled
once more to dodge from side
to side while five more attempts were
made to send a bomb home and sink
her. Again the attempts all failed,
and the ship sailed on. But once more
the plane dropped quickly to the surface
of the bay, hurried to its landing
and received another load of the
bombs and was off with a lust for
blood. This time as the plane approached
the ship, Boom! went a gun
from the ship and both the pilot of
the plane and the watcher at the Mission
knew that at last the ship's crew
had been able to rig up a gun so it
could be trained on its enemy in the
air, who, being compelled to rise much
higher to be out of range, found it
that much more difficult to drop his
bombs accurately and although he
persisted in the attempt until his
ammunition was exhausted again, he
had to return defeated, for the shin
now dropped over the horizon, still
headed for home and unscathed.
Not long afterwards two scout
boats appeared and two planes went
out to give battle, but as the boats
were prepared for an enemy in the
air this time, the battle was short,
and one of the planes returned with
a damaged wing and had to come
down far from its landing, the shells
from the war-boat continuing to explode
in its rear until the frightened
airmen had beached their plane and
scrambled ashore to findcover.

But although the scout boats had
thus shown they were able to take
care of themselves even with the seaplanes
to reckon with, it was evidently
found the risk was too great in
proportion to the value of the service,
for the boat seldom appeared again
and the motor boats were able to
make more or less regular trips unmolested.
As the missionary looked on these
evidences of German efficiency and
resourcefulness, and heard from day
to day of.Hun victories on all fronts
in unbroken succession, he became
almost desperate at times that he
could not have a hand in the fightfoi
deliverance from the monster of violence
which had so thoroughly driven
peace from the earth, and the cry oi
his heart often was: "0 Lord, how
long Wilt thou not soon arise and
plead thy cause against them"
One morning as two of the planes
arose from the sea and soared past
his window on a special errand to a
village up the coast, his whole harassed
so.ul was suddenly and strangely
moved to pour out itself in the fervenl
prayer: "Lord, destroy their diabolical
machines, but spare the men.''
Not a very bloodthirsty prayer, but
he knew the men and they had treated
him very courteously, so I am sure
you will excuse him. At noon one of
these planes returned alone and
brought word that in landing at the
village to report to an officer there.
the other plane had descended too
rapidly, and struck the roof of the
house in which the officer was having
his breakfast, and thus alighting on
the ground instead of on the water,
was so badly damaged it could not be
repaired. 'The pilot escaped with a
few scratches and reporting to the
officer at once was coolly asked: "Is
that the way you always alight"
The officer was interested, for he
had expected to fly with this pilot.
The pilot promptly replied: "No, sir,
not was evening always." returning of the with The same other this day, officer plane alighted in as the on it
OLIVE TREES 497
the sea all right but found the sea
so rough that it was soon swamped
and a row boat had to put out quickly
to rescue the drenched occupants, the
plane being a total loss. Thus the
missionary's prayer was literally
answered, and he went to bed feeling
that it was not a bad day's work for
a novice in battles of the air.
This incident greatly strengthened'.
his faith that the spirit of prayer and
supplication would be poured out soon
on the defenders of Christian civilization
against Teuton Kultur, his constant
prayer, and that the great might
of the enemy which had been used so
unscrupulously would be broken in a
manner to make manifest the Lord's
hand in the work, and that thus out
defeat would be turned into victory.
Let the thoughtful say whether this
faith has been vindicated.
CHINA.
Tak Hing, China. This letter is
from Miss Inez M. Smith, of Tak
Hing and was written for Olive
Trees on September 9th:
"I am standing on the thresholdj
just ready to step out into the work
God has for me to do in China. The
threshold is at Tak Hing and the first
step goes from there in the direction
our great Captain shall direct.
"A few days ago as I sat on the
deck of the river steamer from
Canton to Tak Hing, I had opportunity
to study the country we passed
through and the people of the villages
near the river, as they ran out to see
the passing boat.
'''The river valley is beautiful and
certainly there is rich and fertile soil
there. The products of the fieldsbear
witness to that fact. The one great
longing I felt was, that China—
that these people, might know Jesus
Christ!
"Tonight as I read some American
journals which have recently come to
me, I note the great forward movement
in the conservation of health.
The report of the United States
Public Health service (June 6, 1919)

498 OLIVE TREES
advocates the following slogan: "A
Public Health Nurse from and for
every community.'
"If the United States, which has
had the opportunity of obeying the
laws of God ever since its birth as a
nation, needs such a safeguard for
the health of her people, how much
more does China need it—China
which h'as been steeped in idolatry
and superstition for century upon century!
"The conservation of health. It is
all found along the way that Jesus
leads. China needs, among other
things, to take up the slogan mentioned
above, 'A public health nurse
from and for every community, but
I would like to change that just a
httle to read, 'a public health nurse,
who is a true follower of Christ."
"The school children are feeling
something of the many needs of their
beloved land and some of them, with
great longing, desire to help to meet
these great needs. Oh, that we may
indeed teach the youth of this country
the meaning of 'Christ in us!' God is
our Guide and Commander. He is
directing the way, and it shall be
done. What part each of us plays in
enabling God to carry out His purposes
through us, with the minimum
of loss caused by friction, depends
on how close we, ourselves, are to
Jesus Christ. That determines our
ability, both to hear and to obey His
commands. This business takes us,
everyone—^you at home on the farm
in some isolated district; you in the
thick of commercial life; you in the
professor's chair at some seat of
learning; you at school, and you at
home. 'Whoever you are and wherever
you are, Jesus needs you and
wants to use you that His Kingdom
of righteousness, peace and joy in the
Holy Ghost (Rom. 14: 17) may come.
Let us get closer to Him just where
we are. If we are not in the place He
wants us, He can lead us to that place
because, then. His will is our will.
"You would have been interested to
have been with us this morning to
see the women of the Woman's Bible
School take the silk-worm cocoons
from their frames. And you will be
more interested to know that the silk
culture the women are doing along
with their study is for self-suppOrt
and that there naturally flows from
this activity a feeling of self-respect
which shines out on every face. 'Help
them to help themselves!' What a joy
it brings all around.
"All hands to it—yours and ours!
The work is all one—our Father's
business—^and we must be about it.
If the heart be willing there is no
other lack. And what joy!
" 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto
the least of these my brethren, ye
have done it unto Me' (Matt. 25:
40)."
:{: :{: :{: H<
Lo Ting, China. In a letter of August
4th, Dr. Dickson enclosed the
following news items from Lo Ting:
"A discussion was being carried on
in the Sabbath School class as to
what Christians should do on special
idol worshipping days as to the eating
of big meals. The day before Saturday,
was 'Seventh month, fourteenth
day' Chinese calendar, which is
one of the big idol days in the year,
and one which Chinese call 'Devil's
day,' because people then worship the
devil. Some Christians at firstthought
it was all right to eat a big meal that
day as this did not include the worshipping
of idols and was only 'custom.'
But after some talk all decided
it was better to do nothing on that
day that would in any way be like
anything the heathen did, then the
day could soon be entirely forgotten.
After the discussion one dear little
lady pulled a slip of paper from her
pocket and, turning to her neighbor,
said, 'Do you know this verse It
says, Rejoice that your names are
written in Heaven. This verse is
mine, and vdth my name written in
Heaven, how could I do anything that
would be serving the devil! With all
my heart and soul and strength I love
the Lord." This little woman is the

OLIVE TREES 499
same one who asked the Lord not to
let the vdnd blow so hard on her
house or it would blow down, and 'He
didn't let it blow so hard.'
"A man whose home is many miles
from here recently came to the hospital
for treatment. He had never
heard of the gospel and says none in
his village ever heard of it. He has
shovTO an intense interest in it since
the day he came, reading the Bible
practically all the time. He had a
relative vdth him, and after he began
to feel better he decided to send this
man back to his village to get a friend
who was also ill to come in for treatment.
He expected the man would
be gone two days only but he was
gone several, so that this patient became
anxious for his return. He
thought out his own plan for bringing
his relative back, so the other morning
just as worship was concluded in
the hospital and all had joined in saying
Amen, he then began to pray and
said 'Heavenly Father, my relative
went home and hasn't come back yet,
and he ought to be here. Please send
him back tonight. Amen.' All the
praying this man had ever heard was
at the morning worship for the five
or six days he had been there, but his
faith was big for before a number of
other patients and the workers in the
hospital he didn't hesitate to ask the
Lord for what he wanted. And did
the Lord hear him That same night
before dark, two of the boys who used
to be beggars but are now helpers
came running to this man's room, exclaiming,
'The Lord answered your
prayer, the Lord answered your prayer,
your relative has just come back.'
This man is eager to go back home
and tell his village about the gospel."
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by Mrs. J. S. Martin and Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
College Hill, Beaver Falls,Pa.
A CRUSADE OF COMPASSION
for the
HEALING OF THE NATIONS.
Chapter III.
1. In what sense is China a sleeping
giant
2. In what do China and India resemble
each other
3. What difference of climate and its
effects
4. What is the aristocracy of China
5. What difference in the character
of their idolatries
6. What inventions are Chinese
7. How do the Chinese rank as material
for conversion
8. Why do we call ours a "Christian
civilization "
i). Of what is Chinese civilization the
product
10. What are the three fountain
heads of their religion
11. What underiies all
12. What is the prevailing motive
13. Why do the Chinese object to railroads
and mining
14. According to a report of 1919
what must be taken out of our
country to bring it into the condition
of China
15. What added
16. 'What increase should be made in
the population
17. Has there been any change
18. What is the status of woman in
the religion of Confucius
19. What of foot-binding past and
present
20. 'What of woman and the use of
opium
21. Is infanticide still practiced

500 OLIVE TREES
22. What are some of the causes that
make girls unwelcome
23. What are some of the dangers of
maternity
24. What of the manners of the Chinese
girl
25. Of her intellectual capacity
26. How many medical schools in
China
27. Who was the firstmedical missionary
to arrive in China
28. When and by whom was the first
hospital for women opened
29. How many men and how many
women physicians in China
30. Compare the cost of work in
China and the United States.
31. What is the hospital routine
32. What of the efficiency of native
women practitioners
33. What place does evangelization
have
34. An account of the Margaret Williamson
Hospital.
35. Of the Canton Hospital.
36. In whose hands is the evangelistic
work
37. How long from Dr. Fulton's beginning
tiU the first money
came in for the hospital
38. Who are Dr. Mary Stone and Dr.
Ida Kahn
39. By whom and when was Dr.
Stone's hospital built
40. Treatments, receipts, and converts
for 1918
Mary E. Metheny.
* * * *
Our Junior workers will notice the
absence of the monthly message from
our faithful superintendent. Miss
McWilliams. We regret to say that
on account of illness, she has asked
to be relieved from work. We extend
our sympathy and express the earnest
hope that she will very soon be better.
We hope to have the Junior Department
filledby the next issue.
* * * *
Dear Friends:
Having no time for a letter I shall
which send you I keep some for clippings my mother; from a diary
March 26, 1919. Well, my paperfaced
friend, must I introduce myself
I am Miss Brownlee, more familiarly
known as "Lei koo neung" or
the "foreign devil grandmother."
Today at 10 o'clock I am trying to
decide whether to dispense with tho
services of my housewoman, because
of her trying carelessness or to raise
her wages for honesty. Long ago I
had to write fiftytimes "Honesty is
the best policy," because I whispered
in school. Virtue is rewarded; she
stays at 20c. increase.
I shall spend a part of today pr;-
paring my cranial spare room with
the Hong Kong Daily News and magazines
from home. With day after
day of tramping, trailing and talking
among village poor I come in with a
brain absolutely gummed up and cobwebbed
over, and then what a boon
is the newspaper. Six days a week
with women who do not read or write
kills one intellectually, so, having reserved
Saturday of each week as a
day for retuning and polishing, I
jump from my bed every Saturday
morning to shout, "glorious birthday
thou art!" and wind up at night vdth
the benediction, "may you have many
happy returns of the day!"
April 3. A vault of seven days, not
because I have had nothing to write
but rather because I have had no time
to make note of my continuous jumping
from one thing to another.
This beautiful April morning, with
its fitsof cloud and sunshine seemed
so truly American that I decided to
spend the two hours on the steamer
enroute to Do Sing in a thoroughly
American manner. Borrowing an
Atlantic Monthly, I went into the
women's saloon, took note that fewer
women were on board than usual, and
then, having persuaded myself that I
had a conscience void of offense,
plumped myself down on the little
saw-horse my Bible woman carries
for me to sit on and delved into the
treatise dustrial magazine. Conditions I the was Readjustment in After the midst the of of War In­
a

when my woman told me there was
someone over in tne corner crying
and that sne had requested a talK
with the foreigner, i inquired inco
her case and tound this, too, to be a
question of readjustment of industrial
conditions after the war. She nad had
a ngnt with ner nusband, a figntwith
a soldier, one wno was in battle
against Lung's men at Yeung Kong
last summer, and, being herself but
an amateur, she was unable to hold
her own in the tussle, and was this
morning beating a hasty retreat to
Nanning to get work, leaving behind
a loving () nusband and two small
children to mourn ner loss. Being a
woman, I was naturally quite curious
to learn the details of tne aifair, buc
1 nave learned by tnis time that, nowever
much my sympathies may be
,with the one beanng testimony, it is
best to shed no tears in the presence
of the witness, so, smotnering my
curiosity and feigning indifference,
even, 1 remarked that sne probably
hit hirn firstand resumea my reaaing..
The injured one gave a grunt of disgust
and proceeded to nnd someone
who "nad a neart' to whom sne couid
confide her troubles. This is an easy
matter in China and soon i had ner
woeful tale in full. Just a repetition
of tne old, old story of a multiplicity
of wives, cruelty, drunkenness and
gambhng. Sne does hand-sewmg, so
1 suggested -tnat she come back witn
me ior awnile and offered her tnree
dollars per month. Sne gladiy consented
so 1 am taking a badly battered
wife back to Tak Hing tonignt for
"better or for worse." Let us hope
that through the working of the Holy
Spirit that teaches love, joy, peace,,
long-suffering, gentleness, goodness,
faitn, meekness and temperance she
may be led to return to her nusband
and children that they may learn
tnrough her what the fruit of the
spirit is.
April 14. Another Monday morn­
little plete ing rolls revolution world around just in and manages seven I sally days forth. one now, com­
My L
'OLIVE TREES 501
wish I could give more time to each
village but it is not mine to give, and;
neither do the people seem to have
time to study long for it keeps them
busily plodding away day after day
to earn enough rice to live on. How
I do enjoy this work! Every day
happier if possible than the preceding
one for the work, fascinating in
its beginning, grows more so as I see
their interest in the gospel increasing.
Which do I enjoy most, I wonder
I have boys, girls, men and women.
One day I think it is the dear little
old grandmothers who have outgrown
their usefulness in the fieldsand, with
a baby strapped to their backs, remain
at home to do guard duty. The next
day I am sure my class of heathen
boys from ten to fourteen years of
age are fellows who have just lost
their front teeth are the dearest and
most cunning of all as they lisp out
the commandments or Lord's Prayer.
But in this I am all wrong, for I have
just had a talk with an old man of the
"sin shaang" type, and I know now
which class I enjoy most of all. I do
wish some of the people at home could
see these dear old Chinese grandfathers;
those who by reason of age and
patient cultivation are rewarded in
their dotage with a goatee. Not noticeably
luxuriant; no, so scant is it
that, compared with the Chinese,
Josiah Allen would seem to have quite
cornered the market in whiskers, but,
nevertheless, a chin decoration that
commands respect and we One and all
reverence the bearded grandfather.
I am reminded as I reflect upon the
morning's work of the peculiar religious
mixture and I pray that the day
may soon come when these heathen
villages will have set aside their old
form of worship and accepted the
Christian religion as completely as
they have given themselves over to
the worship of false gods in the past.
All of the men, most of the women and
part of the children were out worship­
the ing but women graves all of when the left their children I went heathen to and one worship part village of

502 OLIVE TREES
to study the doctrine. As the children
studied away on the Lord's Prayer an
occasional man or woman would stop
at the door to inquire if a certain boy
or girl had been out to worship the
mountain and receiving a negative
reply would urge him to go quickly
and do so. I am pleased to record
here that every child who went to the
mountain came back to study later.
At this village they-allow me to teach
in a temple. They take my books and
parasol, place them upon the altar
whereon are the incense sticks and
other marks of heathen worship; they
put up my blackboard; they bring
benches for us to sit on and then call
the children from the fields. They
talk freely about their worship and I
tell of the true God. Oftimes I could
weep for the pity of it all yet I am
glad to see their interest increasing
day by day in my God and today made
sure of their memorizing the first
three commandments. Tonight I pray
for the Spirit to lead them into the
Truth.
How I take courage and rejoice
that "my wife" is proving a truly
helpful companion and in one week
has completed the story of the creation
in verse, the commandments and
the Lord's Prayer.
April 26. Lincoln day passed
without a thought. Washington's
birthday passed over my head without
my knowledge, but April 26, this day
of all days, and me so woefully unconscious
of the fact that any especial
importance attaches it! Why I had
always supposed that even the very
air would be so charged on April 26
that I could never be oblivious of the
day's approach. But no thanks to my
memory or to any unusual atmospheric
condition that the day was remembered
this year. However, little
book, I tell you tonight that the day
was remembered this year and in a
very enjoyable manner, too. It was
just a regular old-time Campbellite
basket dinner, and all northern Indiana
will testify that no higher compliment
can be paid a picnic dinner
than this. To be sure Mrs. Adams
Warned me that a guest of the Mitchels'
v/as expected to tiffin and I
straightway dressed up for the occasion,
then, feeling so like a real American
citizen once more, having on
shoes that would click in quite a businesslike
way when I walked on a pavement,
I could not refrain from gadding
about the station a bit that others
might see and admire, all unconscious
of the, fact that those whom I
was honoring with my august presence
were much perturbed lest I could
not be induced to go home in time
for the party. However, Doctor Mc­
Burney succeeded in "shooing" me
over to my rooms, and, being by this
time convinced that everyone else was
too much engrossed in his own work
to give any time to me, I exchanged
my made-in-America dress for one so
paste-be-smeared that an adobe mixer
would feel at home in it at once and,
taking a McCall Magazine I curled
up in a chair to hunt designs for
"kung tsais" (pictures) for the Chinese
children. This being one of those
coveted Saturdays of do-as-you-please,
I had drifted into a story when the
tune started, "Happy Birthday to
You," and here I beheld the three
little Robins, Jean, Grace and Philip,
chirping away at my window, backed
by the eleven grown-ups and "oodles"
of eats and drinks. Everything tiptop
from the friends at the window to
the food and fruit juice which they
brought with them.
I have never spent a pleasanter
birthday than the one which I am
forced to record here, and little book
friend, you with whom I have shared
every birthday since I left the parental
roof-tree will agree with me
when I tell you, even weeping, that I
have experienced many birthdays.
April 29. Out to my country stations
again- *^h, the ignorance, the
superstition, the poverty and—well,
I sum it all up in a nutshell when I
say—the devil. A joy it is to minister
but how to render an effectual
ministry is the problem. When I went

out to one village today where I have
been giving one hour a week for two
months and found every man, woman
and child gathered around a wizard,
when r counted the money in the collection
plate and saw eighty cents,
money collected for fake medicines by
a people too poor to buy sufficient food
for their children; when I saw every
boy from eight years old up smoking
a cigarette, my heart sank and I
silently cried, "Lord, what will you
have me to do"
When I retum to these people for
whom Christ died, for whom we have
worked and prayed, and for whom
dear ones at home have prayed and
sacrificed and find them going heart
and soul after strange gods, starved
spiritually, and drinking in a poison
that will destroy mentally, morally
and physically, I believe I can appreciate
to a degree the feelings of the
Master as he wept over Jerusalem.
I went over to the crowd and
watched the sorcerer. The village has
been closed to Christian teaching. I
realized the necessity of tact and
silently prayed for it. (There are
times when I seem to be sadly bereft
of this grace and many other needed
ones.) The answer that came to me
was, "Keep smiling and love them."
The man in the ring asked who I was
and a woman told him I was the foreign
devil grandmother and he picked
up his things and left. Now why, I
wonder, should he be afraid of his
grandmother. It was the Light of
God's Word he feared, for these are
the men who "love darkness rather
than light." Boys, girls and women
were then ready to hear the gospel
story. I could not but feel that, "hearing,
they hear not; neither will they
understand—0 Lord, increase my
faith!
Yours for Him,
Nellie A. Brownlee.
:|« ,|c :{: :{:
Near Alexandria,
moming Triestian We left for Lloyd Naples Brindisi. S. last S. Kate* "Baron Wednesday and Call." her
OLIVE TREES 608
family, including the baby in her
basket, one of the Beirut tutors and
I had a compartment together. We
got to the station about six-thirty
under a lovely morning sky and at
seven-thirty the train started. I suppose
you remember the road with its
tunnels and beautiful stretches of upland.
The day went much better than
we had feared. The hotel had for
seven lire apiece given us bread, cold
meat, boiled eggs and water, also
some fruit. As a good many of us
were not just fitas to our digestion,
Kate supplemented with some of the
tinned soup she had brought along,
and I managed to get some hot coffee
at one of the stations where we stopped.
Kate provided milk tablets for
the coffee so we were well set up.
It was 9 o'clock when we reached
Brindisi and arrangements had been
made for us at various places in the
town. Most of us put up at the Albergo
Universo. Mine host had been
told that there would be fifteenpersons
in for dinner by the train from
Naples, but when we entered the dining-room
there were no tables laid for
us. We waited for some time and then
I was deputed to speed things up. The
result was the placing together of
three tables which were then covered
with three cloths, unironed but clean.
I never saw a clean cloth or napkin
after my firstentrance in the Naples
Hotel. Then we sat and sat and sat,
until Mrs. Harvey Porter begged me
to see what I could do. I went into
the kitchen where a pot of good broth
was simmering, and I told the fat old
boy who was at the stove that the old
lady in our party must have something
at once. He asked if we would
like fishand soup and "biftek" and
fruit. I said yes, whereupon they
showed me the fish—it was by now
nine forty—beautiful and shiny but
still "undesquamated" lying in a
window-sill. The "biftek" was not to
After Albania coast be seen. and dinner and That by Kate dark kept afternoon and running we reached Mr. we Seelye down sighted Corfu. and the

504 OLIVE TREES
I and eight, others went ashore. Of
course the boat men wanted to brain
one another with the oars quarreling
over who should take us and a ship's
officer had to intervene and all the
usual row went on. Then we shoved
off into the moonlit sea and ran in
behind the httle breakwater. The
(Greek guards were very nice and gave
ius passes and we wandered about the
town and into the park, listening to
music and then went out along the
esplanade along the sea front and
then back to the jetty and our ship.
All day Friday we were among the
Ionian Islands. We passed right by
Ithaca—Ithaca on our right and
Cephalonia on the left. Ithaca is
bigger than I thought. Part of it was
very barren and then there was a cultivated
part with terraces and vineyards,
olives, carobs and cypresses. I
enjoyed it very much.
We reached Canea in Crete on Saturday
afternoon and left about midnight.
The captain advised us not to
go on shore. There we saw the first
minarets and the firstfezes. It was
quite rough before We got in and
more than half the passengers were
absent from table and a lot who were
there had to leave. •,
We hope to reach Alexandria about
four this afternoon. They change us
such a fat extra for taking our meals
aboard the two days they are lying
there coaling that any of us who can
will go ashore to eat, I fancy.
There are some very pleasant Zionists
on board from England and
America. One of the young rabbi's
was in Kate's class in Columbia.
D. V. we reach Alexandretta at 10
P. M. Tuesday, eight days. How
thankful I am for the pleasant companionship
and the comfort of this
journey.
Our intinerary is Alexandria, Jaffa,
Haifa, Beirut, "Tripoli, Alexandretta,
Mersine, etc.
I do not remember whether I told
you about my pleasant luncheon with
the wife of Major Ramas, U. S.
Health Officer in Naples. Their house
is on a high point at Posillipo and one
looks right down through the pine
trees into the sea. They have a grotto
down at the base of the cliff where
they go in bathing. The winding rock
stairs and the water are like an old
dream come true.
Now I am going to close this up so
it can catch the first mail out for
home. Lots and lots of love to you
all. This leter will have to do for you
all, for Naples rather did me in and
it is only since I have got aboard
ship that I have got back my sleep
and this is the first day that I have
felt up to writing.
Evangeline Metheny.
*Mrs. Seelye, daughter of Dr.
Chambers, of Adana.
Are you interested in
HEALING THE WORLD
Body and Soul
If you are studying medical missions this
year or are interested in what is being done
to help men, women, and children in sickness
and
October number of
THE MISSIONARY
distress, you must surely secure the
Jieview^^he CUorld
THK
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FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMEO PRES. CHUROH
Latakia, Syria.
Rev. Julius A. Kempp
Rev. Jas. S. Stewart, D. D
Mrs. Julius A. Kempf
Mrs. j. S. Stewart
Rev. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar,
Mrs. Samuel Edgar On furlough
J. M. Balph, M. D.,
Mrs. William M. Robb
Miss Kate McBurney, M. D.,
Miss Mary R. Adams
Miss Maggie B. Edgar
Miss Ida Rose M. A. Scott, HuSton, M. D., I on furlough
Miss M. Florence Mearns, ^ ^uh Red Miss Annie J. Robinson, f ""hout sai ty
' Cross in Pal' Miss Nellie A. Brownlee
estine
Rev. R. C. Adams
Mersine, Asia Minor.
Miss Evadna M. Sterreti
Mrs. R. C. Adams .^
Rev. Robt. E. Willson,
Rev. Jesse C. Mitchel
Mes. Robt. E. Willson
Rev. Andrew J. McFarland
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
John Peoples, M. D , —
Mrs. John Peoples On furlough
Miss F. Elma French
Larnaca, Cyprus.
Rev. Walter McCarroll,On furlough
• Mrs. Walter McCarroll, On furlough
Mr. Wilbur Weir
Rev. Alvin W. Smith
Ernest V. Tweed
Nicosia, Cyprus.
Calvin McCarroll, M. D ..........
Mrs, Calvin McCarroll
Tak Hing Chau, West River,
South Chins,
Mrs. Jesse C. Mitchel
Canton Medical Missionary Uni

Ur, Wsfli6 Redpath,
R. V, SWBiJiary,
W, Ave. N. S.
Board
of Foreign Missions Reformed Presbyterian Church
;' President
S. A. STERRETT METHENY, M. D., 6i7 N. 43d Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Vice-Pesident
J. C. McFEETERS, D. D., 1838 Wallace St, Philadelphia, Pa.
Second Vice-President
R. J. BOLE, 170 Broadway, New York
Corres'ponding Secretary
FINDLEY M. WILSON, D. D., 2517 Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Hecording Secretary
F. M. FOSTER, Ph. D., 305 W. 29th St., New York City.
Treasurer
JOSEPH M..STEELE 1600 Arch Street, Fhiladelphia, Pa.
Trans'portation Agent
WILLIAM G. CARSON, 4725 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES OF TREASURERS
Syrian Mission, Mission in China, Mission of The Covenant and Church Erection—
Mr. Joseph M. Steele, 1600 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Domestic Mission; Southern Mission; Indian Mission; Testimony Bearing Sustentation;
Theological Seminary; Ministers', Widows' and Orphans' Fund; Literary, Students' Aid;
National Relorm—Mr. J. S. Tibby, 411 Penn Building. Pittsburgh, Pa.
Aged People's Home—Mrs. Agnes C Steele, 321 Lehigh Ave., East End, Pittsburgh, Pa.
EVANGELICAL AND NON-SECTARIAN
THE SUflDflV
(The Teuhor
SCHOOIi W0HliD'"]5sli
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Under the treatment of each lesson will be found
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The Lesson Outlined
In Junior Classes
The Lesson Explained and Applied In Primary Classes
Through Oriental Byes
Par the Superintendent
Illustrations frem Life
In addition, each issue contains Editorials, Contributed Articles, Inspiration for Sabbath-
School Workers, Good Reading for the Home, etc., making it an unsurpassed monthly help for
every Sabbath-school worker.
Published monthly, 48 pages and c°''^''' Single copy, li.oo per year: 9 cents for one month.
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isssisv'
( § i x M ^ m B
ZECH.4: 11-14 .REV, 11 :S. 4
VOL. XXXUl DECEMBER, 1919 No. 11
A MONTHLY MISSIONARY JOURNAL
Published by The Board of Foreign
Missions of the Synod of the Reformed
Presb3^a"ian Church of North
America in the interest oi Mission Work
W H E N TO STOP
So long as we live we must give. And
that is one of the joys of living. Perhaps
some of us have wisheti the time might
come when we need not give any more.
Then we need to read this true little message
in verse:
• " ' For giying is livings' the angel said,
'Go feed to the hungry sweet charity's bread.'
'And niust I keep giying again and again '
My selfish and querulous answer ran.
' Oh, no,' said the angel piercing me through,
'Just give 'til the Master stops giving to you.' "
Subecription price « ®ne 2)ollar a lear
. postage frbe to all parts of the:worlc
Cowrejvrs
Editorial . . . . 505
Im the Hawds of the Turks . 508
Intercession . . .512
MtssioNARY Weddings
News from the Field
Women's Department

O L I V E T R E E S
A Monthly Missionary Journal.
published by the board of FOEBIGN MISSIONS OF THE
SYNOD OF THE REFOEMED PEESBYTEEIAN CHUECH OF
NORTH AMEEICA IN THB INTEEEST OF ALL MISSION WOEK
AT 215 BUCKINGHAM PLACE, PHILADELPHIA, PENNa!
EDITOR,
Address All Editorial McLEOD Commvincaiiong MILLIGAN to PEARCE, D.D.
McLEOD M. PEARCE
215 Buckingham Place, Philadelphia, Pa.
Send All Snhscriptions to
MRS. T. H. W. GILL 3400 North 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Gaile Addresa (. Metheny, Philadelphia.
Entered as second-class matter January 6, 1916, at the post offlce at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, nnder the Act of March 3, 1879.
OFFICERS OF THE WOMEN'S PRESBYTERIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
PITTSBURGH.
OFFICERS OF WOMEN'S MISSIONAEY
President, Mrs. James S. McGaw, 1615 SOCIETY Orchlee OF KANSAS PRESEfYTEEY.
St., Pittsburgh, N. S., Pa.
President, Mrs. \5^A. Edgar, Lyons, Kan., E. F. IJ.
First Vice President, Mrs. H. A. Calderwood, 5510 Vice President, Mrs. Jennie Young, Eskridge, Kan.
Kentucky Ave., PUtsburgh, Pa.
2d Vice President, Mrs. Elmer Eussell, Dennison,"
Second Vice President, Mrs. R. W. Redpath, ^^220 Kan.
Fifth Ave., Beaver Falls, Pa.
Recording Secretary, Mrs. W. S. Robb, 2321 Osgood
St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Eecording Secretary, Miss Mary jlilcCrory, Dennison,
Kan.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. J. G. McElhinney,
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Williani Esler, 323 Sterling, Kan.
Franklin Ave., Wilkinsburg, Pa.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Ward, 818 Wallace Ave..
Wilkinsburg, Pa.
ILLINOIS.
President, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, 123 E. Sth St.,
Bloomington, Ind.
Vice President, Mrs. H. G. Foster, Sparta, 111. )
Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. M. Finley, Sparta,
111., R. D. No. 2.
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson,
Oakdale, 111.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. E. Davis, Princeton, Ind.
IOWA.
President, Mrs. H. G. Patterson, Morning Sun.
Vice President, Mrs. Knox Dunn, Wyman, lowa.
Secretary, Mrs. Retta Jones, Sharon, Iowa.
Treasurer, Mrs. S. Carrick, Wyman, Iowa.
Corresponding Secretary, Miss Jennie Fergeson,
Hopkinton, Iowa.
Supt. Junior Work, Miss Anna McClurkin, Sharon.
COLORADO.
President, Mrs. Myrta M. Do(fdB, 457 S. Clarkson
Ave., Denver, Colo. ^
Vice President, Mrs. James Carson, Denver, Colo.
Secretary, Mra. S. B. McClelland, Greeley, Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. R. 8. Orr, Greeley, Colo.
Treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Boyle, 701 Clay ^t.,
Topeka, Kan.
OFFICERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS OF THB
WOMEN'S SYNODICAL MISSIONAEY
SOCIETY.
President, Mrs. Myrta May Dodds, 457 S. Clarkson,
Denver, Colo.
Eecording Secretary, Mrs. T. H. Acheson, 117 W.
Mclntyre Ave., N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa. .
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. W. M. Hutchison,
Sterling, Kan.
Treasurer, Mrs. W. O. Ferguson, Oakdale, 111.
Vice Presidents, Mrs. J. M. Coleman, Bloomington,
Ind.; Mrs. H. G. Paterson, Washington, Iowa;
Mrs. Boyd Tweed, Beaver Falls, Pa.; Mrs. S. B.
McCleUand, Greeley, Colo.; Mrs. J. M. WyUe,
Kansas City, Mo.
Superintendents :
Foreign Missions, Mrs. F. M. Wilson, 2517 N.
FrankUn St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Home Missions, Miss LUlie McKnight, Portland,
Ore.
Literature^—Mrs. J. S. Martin, Beaver Falls, Pa.
Temperance, Mrs. Henry Eussell, Bloomington, Ino.
Thank Offering, Mrs. J. K. M. Tibby, Pittsburgli,
Pa.
Plan Young Juniors, Standard 119 wood, South of W. Women's Work Mrs. Ohio. Corona, Mclntyre of Efficiency, T. Board, C. Work, Denver, Ave., Weir, Mrs. Mrs. N. Colo. Winchester, R. S., E. C. . James Pittsburgh, M. Wylle, Harsh, Kan. Carson, „ „. Chairman, . North-
Pa. 939

R. M. SOMMEEVILLE, D.D. MRS. R. M. SOMMEEVILLE
DE. SOMMEEVILLE founded "OLIVB TEEES" and edited It for 29 years.
OLIVB TREES
A Monthly Journal devoted to Missionary Work in the Reformed Presbyterian
Church, U. S. A.
VOL. XXXIII DECEMBER, 1919 N».11
EDITORIALS
"OLIVE TREES" FOR 1920. Also, one recalls the interesting letters
of Dr. McBurney, Mrs. Dickson,
This issue closes another year in
the history of the publication of
Olive Trees. For thirty-three years
it has been seeking to serve the missionary
cause, especially of our own
church, and for all these years it has
had the generous and uncritical support
of the church. For this we are
thankful. We are very conscious of
the fact that there are imperfections
in its editing, due, partly at least, to
the fact that the work is done hurriedly
in the evenings, or perhaps
"while others sleep," and cannot receive
the attention which otherwise it
would be a pleasure to give. Yet
there are features of Olive Trees for
which we make no apology. Mrs.
Wilson's "News From the Field" is
always interesting, and the "Women's
Department" is likewise excellent.
Then, too, whether or not all our
readers appreciate it, some of our
missionaries have revealed a real
talent for writing. Miss Houston, for
illustration, could write for almost
any magazine, and Miss Brownlee's
diary published in the last issue was
decidedly well written. It was clever.
and others, and the equally well
written articles and news-letters from
the Levant. The fact is, that our missionaries,
without exception, write
well. It is valuable to know what is
happening on our mission fields,arid
it is a treat to have it so well told.
So, for this reason, as well as because,
as we still insist, "the first
dollar that anyone gives to missions
each year should be the dollar that
will keep himself informed of the
work," we do not hesitate to ask of
all our subscribers a prompt renewal
of their subscriptions for the year
1920. We always prefer to receive
the^e subscriptions through the congregational
agents, but if sent directly
they are very welcome. Also,
when a subscriber sends two or three
or five dollars, and directs us to send
the magazine to his friends, we are
doubly pleased.
This year please note that subscriptions
should be sent to Mrs. T. H. W.
Gill, 3400 N. 17th street, Philadelphia,
Pa. She will for this year have
charge of the subscription lists.

506 OLIVE TREES
^ m
Hunger Knows No Armistice,
NEAR EAST RELIEFc.8!^ I MADISON AVENUE,NE'WTTORK j

OLIVETREES 607
H U N G E R K N O W S N O A R M I S T I C E
This picture, painted especially for the Near East Relief
by M. Leone Bracker, vividly portrays what words fail to
express—the horrible sufifering of the women and children of
Armenia and adjacent countries. Peace has blessed Europe and
America for more than a year, but in Western Asia conditions
more frightful than any wartime experiences of the martyred
populations of Belgium and France still exist. Thousands
of women and children escaped massacre by the Turkish soldiers
only to face the terrible agonies of death by starvation.
Col. William N. Haskell, joint high commissioner, by
authority of the Paris Peace Conference and representative of
the Near East Relief in Armenia recently cabled to the United
States that 800,000 destitute Armenians will starve unless food
is provided for them until next year's harvest. He estimates the
minimum requirements are 7,000 tons of flour a month, and one
full cargo of supplies for 150,000 children for Armenia, and
500,000 monthly for relief in the Caucasus.
Aside from our missions, the Near East Relief is at present
the only organization giving aid to these suffering people, and lack
of funds still prevents the reaching of more than a small part of
the stricken people.
The Covenanter Church is more favored than any other
organization in the world in its opportunity to do this work, because
our missionaries are there, they are ready to distribute all
lhe relief we w''l iend, and they will do it in the rams of Christ.
Give generously, give largely, and, beyond all rise,
DO IT N O W Address,
MR. JOSEPH M. STEELE,
1600 Arch Street,
Philgd. Iphia, Pa.

508 6tlVE tkEJES
IN T H E H A N D S OF T H E T U R K S
By J. S. Stewart, D. D.
The following is the first account from
himself of the experiences of Dr, Stewart
when he was interned by the Turks. It carries
our minds back again to our anxieties
'of two years ago, and again we thank the
Lord for the safe keeping of our missionary,
even in the midst of his trying experiences:
Latakia, Syria, Sept. 11, 1919.
Dear Friends:
During the night of October 15,
1917, a cordon of soldiers was placed
around the Boys' School Compound.
We saw them when we arose in the
morning, but supposed they were
looking for deserters, as some boys
in the neighborhood were wanted for
soldiers. But about 10 o'clock A. M.
a number of officials came and immediately
began to search our house and
school. They would not tell us why,
but said we would findout later. After
a thorough search they carried off an
old lantern, two glass blubs, a small
roll of picture cord (wire), a telescope,
and a collection of old college
commencement and wedding invitations
and announcements.
The soldiers guarded the premises
all night and on the morning of the
17th the Commissair called me from
the breakfast table to go to the "serujeh,"
as the Governor wanted to
see me. I went and was detained in
the reception room, after refusing to
enter a small room and be locked up.
I was detained until the 22d, after
being taken home again under guard
to have my room and books searched
a second time, and again being allowpd
to go back to my home to hava a
bath and change of clothes. Ey giving
the guards their supper, I was
allowed to stay overtime and eat supper
with Mrs. Stewart and James and
Miss Edgar.
On the 20th I was informed that I
was to be sent off to Konia the next
day, and under guard. It being the
Sabbath, I refused to be deported for
religious reasons and was given till
Monday afternoon. But Monday
morning I was rushed off on short
notice and in confusion under threats
of rough treatment if I did not step
out lively, and then pushed on past
Jeblah, not being allowed to stop till
outside of the town, where we found
new guards waiting to rush me on to
Banais, without any stop or rest,
which place we reached at 9.30 A. M,
After passing Jeblah I was overtaken
by our old school cook, riding James'
little donkey. Mrs. Stewart had dispatched
him posthaste after me with
a letter and a small grip full of necessities
for the way that had been overlooked
in the hasty packing. The
guards searched the grip, but did not
get the letter, as our man stood close
up to the horse and slipped the letter
up under the saddle blanket. I did
not get a chance to read it until the
next morning. I was allowed to sleep
in a vacant room with a guard. The
best part of my lunch was stolen by
the muleteer.
October 23, at 8.30 A. M., we started
for Kadmons, where we arrived at
3 P. M. I was allowed to sleep in a
private house with my two guards- Of
course I had to pay the rent of the
room. At 7.30 A. M., we set out over
a rocky mountain road, and after a
long, tiresome ride we reached the village
of Nusyad, at the foot of the
mountains, about 3 P. M. Here I overtook
the Armenians who had been deported
from Latakia while I was imprisoned
in the "serujeh," and we
^"-vc'cd cn to Rim^t^ toTcther, ono
little girl riding on my load, for whic'i
I had to pay extra. I was allowed to
sleep in a dusty lumber room near the
prison. A crazy man, bound with a
log chain round his neck, kept up a
doleful howling all night long. Here
I saw some camel drivers bastinadoed
with a heavy oaken cudgel. I never
want to see such a sight again! The

OLIVE TREES 509
poor fellows were charged with running
away from Govemment work.
When they were allowed to get up
they were sneeringly told that they
would not run away again very soon,
and they Kmped off, carrying their old
shoes in their hands.
October 26, about sunset, we descended
into Hamath and I was locked
up with several other men in the
prison of the Gendarme. I begged
for a decent room, but was told that
the Government was not keeping a
hotel. The next day I presented a
petition to the muttaserrif, but it was
igonred and nothing came of it.
October 28, Philip Belus, a deported
Armenian teacher, belonging to Mr.
Kennedy's field, came.to see me and
got me some food. The 29th, Rev.
Abood Messuh passed my window and
casually stopped to speak to me. He
said he could do nothing for me, but
promised to write and send a messagp
to the Dutch Consul in Beruit who
had charge of American interests. I
sent in another petition, but it was
torn up and thrown in the face of the
messenger. I was kept in that stinking
room until the morning of November
1, when I was ordered to march
off with a gang of prisoners, sixteen
in number, who were being sent off to
Aleppo. I was ordered to get my
own animals or go on foot and leave
my baggage behind (for booty, of
course). Finally one of the guard
went and found a little mule, on which
they put my stuff, and started me off
on foot. Afterwards, I found the little
mule could carry me on top of the
load and so we proceeded. At Latakia
I was informed that I would be sent
from Hamath by rail, but I was denied
that privilege, perhaps to extort
extra money from me and perhaps
because I was branded as a "spy"
who had been signaling to patrol ships
along the coast. I slept under the
stars with the guards, while the other
prisoners were crowded into a small
room. Fortunately the weather was
fine.
November 2 we reached Muarro, a
large village about half way between
Hamath and Aleppo. I was assigned
to the roof of a low building in the
prison yard and the other prisoners
were confined below me. Here, again,
I slept two nights under the star in
the sight and hearing of lewd women
and still lewder officers who were exploiting
them for their own pleasure.
who were supposed to be imprisoned
It was a horrid place.
November 4 we started on the way
again and four prisoners in chains
were added to the company. Two of
the chained men were old and soon
tired out, when two younger men
were selected to put their necks in the
yoke to keep up the number. I remonstrated
with the guard at such
injustice, but was told to keep my
mouth shut. The poor fellows were
kept chained all night long and we
were crowded into a single room and
shut up then till morning. But the
night passed, as the longest nights do,
and we set off on Monday morning,
November 5, for Aleppo. Arrived
there, I was put into a room near the
prison gate. The Spanis Consul, who
had charge of American interests, visited
me there in response to a note
which I was enabled to send to him.
He could do nothing for me, but offered
me financial help, which I declined.
The next morning, long before daylight,
we were marched off to the railroad
station, perhaps a mile away.
We got places among soldiers in an
open car, and the lice began to crawl
all over us. We had to leave the
train at Islahiyeh, although we could
have gone on to Adona without
change. Here we were put in prison,
but by means of bribes I was able to
keep out of the dark stinking room
where the other prisoners were huddled
all night. Here I learned by sad
experience the necessity for picking
off the lice in order to secure a measure
of personal comfort and prevent
contagion.
On the third day we were put on a
train, but were put off again at Asmania,
a few hours further on. We
arrived about 11 o'clock at night and

610 OLIVB TREBS
were unceremoniously crowded into
the common prison, where there were
already thirty or forty men, and the
door was locked. We had scarcely
standing room and the men began at
once to mock and abuse us. In not
one of these filthy public pens was
there the least sanitary conditions or
conveniences, and the doors were
locked from sunset to sunrise. But
the night wore on and we were allowed
to pass out in the morning by
turns for a little wash. We were
taken to the station in the forenoon,
but there was no train and they took
us back to prison. In the evening we
were taken again to the station, being
tied toegther by a rope around each
wrist. This was the only place where
I suffered such indignity. We had to
sit on the ground around a fire of
brush until nearly midnight and then
we made a scramble for a place in an
open car. The night was very cold
and the wind seemed to be blowing a
gale. There were now nine poor fellows
beside myself. They helped me
to carry my baggage and I helped
them to bear expenses.
We reached Adana during the
night of November 9. We sat in the
open space about the (Government
buildings several hours and then were
started off on foot towards Tarsus.
On the way I was fortunate enough
to find a carriage for myself and baggage
and a sick fellow who belonged
to the crowd. The next day, November
10, nothing could be hired but a
small donkey, and I had to walk three
hours; then I was able to hire a small
wagon, and so went on to Tarsus, the
birthplace of Paul, where we were
promptly landed in prison. Mrs.
Christy, American missionary of the
St. Paul's Institute, secured from the
Governor a respite of two days to enable
me to go to her house to sleep
and bathe and eat at her table, but the
recess was cut short and I had to sleep
the second night at the guard house
and start early the next moming
by waQ'on over the mountains and
through the Cilician gates to Bozanti.
It was a cold drive and I contracted a
bad cold and sore throat. After two
long-days by wagon, a day at Bozanti,
and a day and a night on the train, I
reached Konia. My guard persuaded
me to go to a hotel and feed up and
get a good night's rest before delivering
myself up to the authorities. He
was hungry and tired himself and
was sure of having his wants supplied
at my expense, but I was thankful for
his sympathy.
At the hotel I met two men whom I
knew well in Latakia before the war
and was able to send a note to Miss
Cushman, the only American missionary
in the place, who came to my
rescue with medicines for my cold and
sore throat and afterwards secured
permission from the Governor of
Konia for me to reside in the city instead
of being sent out to some miserable
village, like hundreds of British
and French and Italians and Russians.
After a week happily spent in the
home of the missionary, I rented a
room and set up housekeeping for myself,
and was fairly comfortable for
the space of one year and three days.
I arrived November 15, 1917, and departed
from Konia November 18,
1918. I was free to go anywhere in
the city, but had to report daily at the
guard station. The winter was extremely
cold, but I was blessed with
plenty of clothing and good health and
kind friends. I taught nine hours a
day, tutoring students for Roberts
College, Constantinople, thus paying
my way in part, and also making the
time pass more swiftly, leaving little
time to fret or repine. All expenses
of travel and guards were laid to my
charge and amount to 130 Turkish
liras, paper currency, or what cost me
in United States money $520.00.
I returned to Latakia, after the
armistice was declared, via Mersine
and Beirut, reaching home December
18, 1918, a year and two months from
the day I departed, and on the same
boat with our new French military
Governor, who is a Protestant. We
became well acquainted on the boat

and the third day after our arrival
he invited me to his mess for dinner.
How marked the contrast between
my departure and my return! Then
only one man dared to come out and
bid me "farewell." Such are the fortunes
of war and intrigue. Now that
I am safe at home I know you are
ready to say "Good night."
Yours in the' work,
James S. Stewart.
KONIA.
In size and importance Konia deserves
to be regarded as a city. In
reality it is but an overgrown village.
It is an important station on the Constantinople
and Bagdad Railway. It
is the seat of a Wali, who is directly
responsible to the Sultan. It is the
home of the chief of the "Whirling
Dervishes." It is more than proud of
its noted mosques, many of which are
in ruins. It has a hose-car line a mile
and a half long, running from the railroad
station to the marekt square.
Good water is conveyed from a disstance
in underground pipes and distributed
throughout the city, each
square having one or two fountains,
but the pressure is not sufficient to
carry the supply into the houses.
Nearly all of the houses are of one
story and are built of mud bricks, sundried.
The walls which enclose the
houses and gardens are of the same
material and many of the lots and
yards are lower than the streets
Vacant lots are sure to be stripped of
their precious clay. Most of the
streets are mere mud lanes. The
shops are nearly all huddled into a
square and part of the space is covered
over with old tin, iron, zinc or
wood roofs, in imitation of the
Bazaars in Damascus.
The population numbers ordinarily
upwards of 50,000, but during the war
there were said to be at least 70,000.
Nine or ten thousand Armenians,
most of them exiles from home, remained
there during the war. The
larger ish of part the of good the old population unsophisticated
Turk­
OLIVE tREES Sli
sort. Head coverings, resembling
small shawls and "divided skirts" are
the prevailing fashion among the
Turkish women. A little American
girl, visiting there for the firsttime,
exclaimed, "Look, mamma, the women
don't wear any dresses." There are
a few Constantinoplized women who
are up to the latest fads.
Strangely enough, the things most
interesting to the "spy" were the
American Board Mission and the
Protestant Armenian Congregation.
From these, and from the library of
the American College, he was accustomed
to draw comfort and inspiration.
The winter of 1918 was extremely
cold, the snow remaining unmelted
for over three months. The
summers are very hot, with clouds
of dust. Miss Cushman was in the
habit of sleeping up on a high roof
during the hot season. The altitude
is about 4000 feet. Saw no flowers
or blossoms for several months. At
home in Latakia would have had a
bouquet bn my desk every day all the
year arotmd. After the armistice and
the permission to Americans to retum
to their homes, nothing could hold the
"spy" FINDING in "Iconium." GOD'S PLAN
Everyone's life is J. foreplanned. S. Stewart. It
seems hard for us to take this in as
really so. But that's the kind of a
God our God is. A simple shepherd
lad, years ago, tending sheep, found
out that all the plan for his life was
written down in a book beforehand,
God's own record book, Ps. 139: 16.
We may find this out, too. God will
foretell us his plan. May we not fail
God, nor his plan!—S. D. Gordon in
the Bent-Knee Time.
We have long been praying that the
power of the Turk might be overthrown.
Now that it is overthrown
will we handicap our missionaries by
withholding the means necessary to
their work

512 OLi Ve tREES
INTERCESSION
By Mrs. W. C. Allan.
The following address was delivered by
Mrs. Allan, the president of the Women's
Missionary Society 'of Iowa, at its recent
meeting at Sharon, Iowa. It was an address
of special power, and we are glad to
giveit to cmr readers:
We have come to the thirty-fourth
milestone in the history of the Iowa
Woman's Presbyterial Missionary Society.
The story of the lives of most of
those who took active part in its organization
is a finished story, and
today we miss their capable and helpful
planning and wise counsels.
They have experienced the joy of
achievements, as the history of the
long years of the activities and accomplishments
of this Presbyterial
testifies, and now they have entered
into the joy of their Lord. Tiried
hands have been folded above quiet
hearts and to us who remain has been
left the task to carry on. The story
of our lives is yet a continued story.
Sooner or later it, too, will be a finished
story. This thought should
still our hearts this morning and stir
questionings. How shall we meet the
responsibilities and opportunities that
are before us as a Presbyterial You
will notice on the programs that our
watchword for this convention is
Intercession.
Let me urge that this be our watchword
as individuals for the whole
coming year. Going to God for a
world must precede going to a world
for God.
John R. Mott says, "An alarming
weakness among Christians is that
we are producing Christian activities
faster than we are producing Christian
experience and Christian faith,
and the discipline of our souls and
the deepening of our acquaintance
with God are not proving sufficiently
thorough to enable us to meet the unprecedented
expansion of opportunity
and responsibility of our generation."
We believe true, earnest, intercessory
prayer will do two things: It
will link the need of the unconverted
in our mission fields with the fullness
of God's redeeming love and grace. It
will also quicken and strengthen our
own spiritual lives.
It was an untimely hour—midnight
—when a knock was heard at a poor
man's door in ancient Palestine. The
knocking was timid, but insistent,
until it aroused the sleeping inmate
and he found an old friend belated
in a long journey, foot-sore and hunger-bitten
at his threshold. To welcome
him, to wash and refresh his
weary feet was quickly and easil.v
done, but to feed his hunger from
an empty larder he could not do. So
he hurries to a neighbor and knocking
loudly and repeatedly he cries,
"Friend, lend me three loaves for a
friend of mine is come to me from a
journey, and I have nothing to set
before him." "Trouble me not," said
a voice within, "for the door is shut
and my children are with me in bed.
I cannot rise and give thee." But to
the poor man's insistence he finally
yields and gives the bread that feeds
the hungry guest.
How suggestive the situation set
before us in our Lord's parable!
Please note that:
A. It was the midnight hour.
B. That the distant one with his
need was unexpectedly brought near.
C. That it was another's need and
not his own that stirred the host.
D. That another's need made him
confess, "I have nothing to set before
him."
E. Last of all, and greatest of all,
this householder who had a friend in
need had also a rich friend standing
as an intermediary between the
hunger of the one and the abundance
of the other. He received in one

OLIVE TREES Oio
hand what he gave with the other,
his pleading voice uniting need and
supply.
So far as the wickedness of a world
of sin is concerned this present is the
darkest hour in the annals of time.
It is midnight.
If you doubt this read again the
story of the last five years. Also
modern means of travel and communication
is annihilating distance and
bringing near the need of the unsaved
world—the need of China, India,
Africa is now laid at our door.
It is the alarming and appealing
need of the masses of unsaved that is
arousing the sleeping Church to ask
what can be done And now, too, as
never before we are confessing, "I
have nothing to set before him." As
the need magnifies our resources seem
to dwin

514 OLIVE TREES
power exerted upon men he may be
truly present at the objective point of
his prayer. He may give a new meaning
to the printed page being read
by some native down in Africa. He
may give a new tongue of flame to
the preacher or teacher. He may
make it easier for men to accept the
story of Jesus and step out and up
into a new life. If you were there
bodily you could influence men by
your personal contact, by the living
voice. And there must be the personal
touch. But this is the thing to
mark keenly both for those who go
and for those who must stay; no
matter where you are you do more
through your praying than through
your personality. If you were in
India you could add your personality
to your prayer. That Would be a great
thi :g to do. But whether there or
here, you must first win the victory,
every step, every foot of the way
in secret, in prayer, and then add the
mighty touch of your personality in
service. You can do more than pray,
after you have prayed. But you can
not do more than pray until you have
prayed. This spirit telegraphy called
prayer puts a man into direct dynamic
touch with a planet."
Intercessory prayer is practical and
efficient because it is co-operation with
ijod. God has made it part of his
plan and appointed it just as truly a
means to an end as our toil is related
to our harvest, or our planning and
thinking must precede our bridgebuilding
and our tunnel making. To
say that God could lill our graneries
without plowing, tilling, sowing, and
gleaning; that he could build our
homes without our planning, is an
absurd and idle fatalism. Only when
men work can some things be done.
God stores the hills of Massachusetts
with marble, but he never builds Congressional
libraries. He fillsour mines
with iron, but he never makes a
needle nor a locomotive. Someone
has put this truth with extreme boldness
in the words: "God can as Httle
io without us as we without him." If
God has left some things contingent
on man's thinking and working why
may he not have left some things contingent
on man's praying The estimony
of the great souls is a clear
affirmative of this: Some things never
without thinking; some things never
without working; some things never
without praying. Some things God
never can do until he finds a man who
prays; Prayer is one form of man's
co-operation with God. Intercession
is not only a God-appointed service,
but it is one which we may all give.
It is not hampered by distance and
is not limited by age or qualification.
W« may not be highly educated nor
greatly talented before we can pray
the effectual fervent prayer of the
righteous man that availet much. We
each can with knowledge and personal
interest in our missionaries
pray for our work in Mersine, Latakia,
Lamica, Tak Hing, Lo Ting,
or Selma and Apaches. We all can
tfray for our missionaries in these
fields. We may not be able to give
much to their support, but we can
pray much and much prayer will increase
our giving. Paul was a great
missionary and he was supported by
the prayers of his converts. He besought
the Christians at Rome, "for
the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for
the love of the Spirit, that ye strive
together with me in your prayers to
God for me." Each of our missionaries
should know that he is each day
encircled and held by the power of
prayer offered on his behalf, that he
is strengthened in time of trial, and
kept cheery while plodding on. As
he preaches he is inspired by an atmosphere
of prayer, which he knows
is not created by the audience, but
thousands of miles away friends are
helping on bended knees. Such earnest
intercession for missions, being
according to the will of (5od, makes
us co-laborers with God. Also we
become helpers and partners with the
missionaries—all joined in a great
common task. Of such intercession
Tennyson truly says:

More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore,
let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and
day.
For what are men better than sheep
and 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
For so the whole round earth is every
way
Bound by gold chains about the feet
of God."
MISSIONARY WEDDINGS.
Announcement has already been
made of the engagement of Miss Florence
Mearns and the marriage of Dr.
J. M. Balph and Miss Evadna Sterrett.
The resignations of these two
of our women missionaries have been
received by the Board, and the following
resolutions have been adopted:
Miss Evadna M. Sterrett.
"Miss Evadna M. Sterrett was appointed
to the Syrian Mission in 1881.
In 1883 she was transferred to Mersine,
in which mission she continued
until her resignation September 1,
1919. For thirty-eight years Miss
Sterrett has been an efficient, painstaking,
earnest missionary teacher.
Nea,rly all these long years she has
been in charge of the Girls' School at
Mersine, and she has labored faithfully
and prayerfully in her work.
When the Lord 'maketh up his jewels'
the full measure of her service will be
known. She will be seriously missed
in the work in the Tarsus Mission,
for she is a woman of unusual excellence
of character, of poise of judgment,
of devotion to her Master.
"However, sorrow is infused with
joy. Miss Sterrett becomes the yfife
of Dr. J. M. Balph, the 'Beloved Physician'
of our Latakia Mission. She
thus returns to her first field,where
her opportunities for service, in this
OLIVB tttEfiS Sig
new and happy union, will be widened
and enlarged.
"Faithful in their trust in the years
past, may the Master give both Dr.
and Mrs. Balph tokens of His special
Presence, with years of loving service
in His great cause.
"In parting with Miss Sterrett as
teacher in Mersine Schools, sorrow is
overshadowed with a halo of happiness,
as the Board extends to Dr. and
Mrs. Balph hearty and sincere congratulations."
Miss Florence Mearns.
"As Miss Florence Mearnes has notified
the Board that her mission
work, under the direction of the Foreign
Board will end June, 1920, we
desire to place on record the Board's
apprfiiciation of her Christian character
and worth; of her efficient service
and faithful devotion in the great
cause'of the Redeemer. Her duties
have been varied in her few years on
the field;but in whatsoever line, she
threw her whole strength into the
work. The Lord has niade her a
blessing. She will be remembered by
people, converts, pupils and missionaries
in Syria. The Board will part
with her with regret, and places on
record this minute of appreciation."
GIVING.
Stewardship is the problem that is
challenging the best thought of the
Church in our day. Eamest men and
women are giving their time and
spending their means to find the
proper solution. It will not be so difficult
for them to disclose its true
meaning as it will be to get all the
Christians to accept it and practice
it. We are all ready to grant that
stewardship is applicable to a man's
substance or to what he amasses or
inherits. But it has also a deeper
significance, for we are "stewards of
the manifold grace of God." All we
are, and we have, we owe to God. "In
Him we live, and move, and have our
being." We shall never fully fathom

fil6 OLiVE tREES
the measure of our stewardship until
we recognize His ownership. "All
truth is, that no man is ari owner
of anything he possesses. He can only
hold and use what he has a trust frora
God.
There is a spiritual value to all our
possessions. As such we should think
of them and dispense them in our daily
lives. Our Saviour asks the question:
"Who, then, is that faithful and wise
servant, whom his lord set over his
household " A steward is to be faithful
and wise in the care of his Lord's
goods. He is to invest where the principal
will bring in the safest and best
returns. Men who have money to invest
need not be told that they should
look out for securities that are really
safe.
Our Government has fixed a war
standard of giving that exceeds the
Jewish, by allowing all its citizens to
deduct 15 per cent, of their taxable net
income for charity and benevolence.
This is the application of a new rule
in giving, and it should appeal with
peculiar force, especially to all,business
men. The fact that the nation
sorely pressed for means to n«ret its
heavy financialobligations permits its
citizens to deduct 15 per cent, of their
taxable net income impliedly teaches
that a steward is only faithful and
wise who contributes that much of his
earnings to the work of the Lord.
The Income Tax returns also put to
silence those people who say they cannot
compute their tithe, because they
do not know what their income is. If
the Government can exact this information,
why not the Lord, whose
we are, and whom we serve
Stewardship is a term that must be
applied to all that a man is, as well as
to all that he has. God's concern is
not so much about money as it is about
men. The idea of stewardship lies not
so much in the increase of talents as it
does in the spirit of wise and faithful
service. The man must be bigger than
the purse. Fidelity to a trust is far
more than the doubling of a fortune.
What the Lord is after is the making
of big men instead of big money. "The
silver and the gold are His and the
cattle upon a thousand hills." We cannot
add to His treasures, but He seeks
to make us what we ought to be by
entrusting us* with His goods. If 'lit
is a fearful thing to fall into the hands
of the living God," it is more So to
have the Lord entrust us with His
possessions and then have us use them
solely as our own. The saddest thing
in the world is to see a man increasing
in wealth, and wanting for nothing,
and having his soul dwindle and die.
The orily way for a man to liye and
die in the prospects of an enduring
peace is by being a wise and faithful
"steward of the manifold grace of
God." It is only as a man distributes
his goods that he acquires his character.
"Ill fares the land to hastening ills a
prey,
Where wealth accumulates and men
decay."
Whenever we are brought face to
face with the most solemn scene in
the Life of our Lord Jesus, when. He
hung upon the Cross—the token of
God's undying love for a sinful world,
we do well to think what sort of stewards
we are by His grace, and to ask
ourselves anew amid the shadows of
Calvary, the old question: "What hast
thou that thou didst not receive " The
Lord waits to be gracious. He has
richer blessings in store for us, but He
expects us to discharge our duty. He
owns us and our property.
But grace is a gift far more precious
than all the wealth and wisdom
of the ages. It is "as the stewards of
the manifold grace of God" that we
are to regard ourselves. My only comfort
in life and in death is that I am
not 'my own, but that I belong, in body
and soul, in property and life, to my
faithful Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ.
—The Outlook of Missions.

OLi Ve: trees 517
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
AND NOTES OF THE WORKERS
Edited by Mrs. Findley M. Wilson, 2517 North Franklin Street,
Philadelphia, Penna.
Rev. and Mrs. R. C. Adams, of Tak
Hing, China, announce the birth of a
little son, Roy Melville, at Hong
Kong, October 19th.
Word has just been received of the
safe arrival at Hong Kong, October
24, of Rev. and Mrs. Julius A. Kempf,
returning from furlough in America.
* * * *
A cablegram from Larnaca, Cyprus,
received November 20th, reads, "Arrived
safely. Smith-Tweed."
Rev. Samuel Edgar left New York
for Syria on the "Patria," November
6th.
* * * *
When the Monteagle sailed from
Vancouver, November 24, Miss Mary
R. Adams was aboard returning to
Tak Hing, China.
* * * *
Miss Jennie Dean, of the Lo Ting
Station, China, is recovering from a
very severe sick spell. She opened
school on the 8th of September and
took sick on the 10th. One of the
raissionaries wrote, "We were afraid
her strength could not hold out but
the Lord heard our prayers and graciously
spared her to us. I went to
see her yesterday, September 30, and
she was up for the firsttime. She is
weak but improving fast."
* * * *
Her many friends in America will
be saddened to hear of the death after
an illness of fiftydays, of Mrs. Mary
Elsey Fattal, at Latakia, Syria, on
October 20th. Mrs. Fattal was the
wife of Mr. Sadik Fattal, pharmacist
of Dr. Balph's hospital at Latakia.
Besides her husband she leaves three
little daughters.
On board the S. S. Patria,
November 6th.
Dear "Olive Trees."
Please allow raeroom enough to tell
your readrs and all the lovers of the
Syrian fieldand Levant missions that
I gladly go back to be their servant
and messenger in the name of our
Master.
I offer my warmest thanks to all
v/ho have so generously contributed
to the work and to all who shared
such abundant hospitality and fellowship
as I went from place to place.
It was a real joy to be in the Covenanter
homes again. I regret that I
did not get to more of them, especially
to our Cali:£ornia and Northwest Congregations.
God willing, I shall try
to begin with them next time.
We crave your continued concern
for Syria's needs in her hour of poverty
and suffering and our fervent
intercessions for our f'orward Movement,
i
Sincerely ASIA MINOR. yoiirs,
Samuel Edgak.
Mersine, Asia Minor. Rev. and
Mrs. A. J. McFarland are doing relief
work in an orphanage at Kharne,
under the A. C. R. N. E. The orphanage
formerly belonged to a German
Missionary Society. Just before the
Armistice it was turned over by them
to the Araerican Board work and, of
course the Germans had to leave.
They left a young lady in charge, a
Russian subject, but she was ordered
to leave the country shortly after taking
charge. A lady teacher from the
American Academy was sent out
afterward but she could only remain
until the opening of her school September
1. Until somebody can be
gotten to care for the work Mr. and

318 OtiVE TREES
Mrs. McFarland are lending their
services. It is a big undertaking and
involves much work and responsibility.
The McFarlands do not expect
to stay there after March 1, 1920.
They will be retuming to this country
for their furlough shortly thereafter.
* * * *
On September SOth, Rev. R. E.
Willson writes from Mersine, "The
sack repairing is still going on and
Mrs. Willson is looking after it. It
began with ten women; it was later
increased to twenty; and at present
there are thirty at work, and every
day we have to turn away from six to
a dozen who come hoping to get a
place. We are limited in the number
we can take on. We undertook the
job of overseeing the work simply to
get the people who needed the work
so badly connected up with it. The
British pay the woraen. In addition
we had a sewing roora opened for two
weeks; woraen raaking garaients and
doing needle work. They had ten and
twelve woraen at that work and Miss
French was looking after it. Since
the schools are opened we will have
to shut down on it for Mrs. Willson
cannot look after both. They hope,
however, to have the women corae on
Saturdays and sew. This work is
being done on the A. C. R. N. E. supplies
and funds. Mrs. Willson is trying
to get our children started in on
their lessons, and so she has her
hands quite full enough.
* * * *
Writing again on October 20th, Mr.
Willson gives a little glirapse of the
perplexing probleras the raissionaries
have to handle in these trying tiraes.
He says, "Last week the Mission took
action raising the wages of all the
native workers to what we considered
was a barely living wage, as nearly
as we could estimate it. And yet it
involves an expenditure which we
wonder whether we will be able to
maintain." Missionaries of a different
faith coming from one of the "allied"
countries and working in rivalry
with the Protestant missions pay
wages that our mission cannot afford
at all. They seera to be receiving
Government grants. "If we cannot
do better than we have been doing
we will be left without workers. We
cannot blarae them if in these times
they go where they can get a living
wage. We have on our list only tljose
who are necessary to keep the work
going along. Two teachers in each
school in Mersine and only one beside
our evangelist at present in Tarsus.
We fear the coming winter will be
another very trying one."
"Schools opened in Tarsus but the
attendance is still low. The Fellahin
are still in the fieldspicking cotton.
It is expected that the school will increase
when this work is finished.
However, the French have rnade a
great display, and have opened a number
of new schools, furnished all the
books, etc. This will no doubt attract
sorae who would have corae to our
school."
SYRIA.
Latakia, Syria. Dr. and Mrs. J. M.
Balph have retumed to Latakia and
are at horae in a building next to the
Girls' School.
As to the Girls' School, a recent
letter frora Latakia gives what might
be an interesting description of it. "It
is not expected that a building can
last more than fifty years and not
need many repairs. The Girls' School
has reached that sad state when it
needs a complete overhauling and almost
rebuilding. The third story
ought to be removed, for it is too high
and costs the women too raany steps.
It is rauch higher than an ordinary
three-story building at home. The
floors are wooden and have served
their masters well, but even boards
wear out. They are worn in grooves
and ridges and nails stick up all over.
The lady raissionarieslive on the third
floor—Miss Mearns and Miss Edgar
—and try to cover up these deficiencies
by using strips of raatting and
rag carpet and a borrowed drugget. It
takes about 75 square yards of carpet

for covering. They have three kinds
pf matting, two rag strips and a large
art square in the middle. There are
six rooms, which are in constant use,
beside- a little kitchen, and a catch-all
for ironing, working, and keeping of
food supplies. The lady missionaries
own the furniture. The woodwork in
the windows needs a renewing. The
shutters won't stay up any longer for
both they and the casings are rotten
and will no longer hold the screws
for the hinges. The other twostorie.'s
have either tiling or dressed stone or
cement. They have had to be kept
more in repair."
* * * He
The day schools in Latakia have
been opened up and are having a good
attendance. The Bishop of the Greek
Church sent his man around to tell
his girls to go to their own school but
they preferred not. They, too, are
OLIVE TREES 519
CYPRUS.
gaining in independence.
Mr. Wilbur Weit sends the following
letter from the Araerican Acaderay,
Larnaca, Cyprus:
Septeraber 27, 1919.
School will begin next Monday and
we have already enrolled twenty-one
boarders and about fiftyday students.
There should be fifteenteachers to
carry on the work properly. We will
start Monday with nine. In the photo
of last year's graduating class you
raay see six teachers. All are gone
except rayselfand only one has been
replaced—by a man of about seventy.
We hope that a teacher will yet come
from Beirut. A friend there is doing
his best for us. A young man—a
graduate of last year—is trying to get
over from Latakia to help us out.
Again we hope a young man will come
from Switzerland to teach French. We
hope and will continue to hope that
the two frora the homeland will arrive.
I hesitate to picture the true
condition for fear I give the impression
that I ara concerned about myself.
dread. It It isn't the extra care work that con­
I
cerns me.. I cannot bear to see the
school weakening and losing its hold
on the people of the island. Again,it
is weakness that amounts to failure
on our part when thffre are so few
workers that all must be busy with
affairs and are unable to devote v\f
ficient time to the real work that we
came here to do. I becorae heartsick
when people corae asking when the
teachers will arrive. One mother came
with her two sons but refused to allow
one of them to enter as a boarder
when I could not tell her when the
Americans would arrive. One who
was a favorite student last year came
a few days ago but returned home
when he saw our new teachers had
not arrived, and now I hear he will
attend another school. A lady told
me two davs ago that many in the
town are advising parents not to send
their children to our school, for teachers
have not come. A Greek school,
that is our greatest rival in Larnaca,
taking advantage of our weakness has
published a list of its teachers and
has challenged foreign schools of the
island to do the same. These things
may seem trivial to people at home
but it is quite different here, where
progress that has been made was opposed
at every step. I doubt if the
Church at home is aware of the importance
of efficiency on the mission
field. People somehow feel that if
soraeone is there working away, well,
that is all that can be done. I cannot
write what I feel. My experience is
not sufficient. How often have I
heard when a youngster that the
reason for lack of progress in the Syrian
raission field was the difficult nature
of the field.That was doubtiess
true, and is true to sorae extent today,
but the history of the Syrian
Mission that will be written in the
future will contain a different note.
Times are changing. You are talking
at horae about a forward moveraent.
August, pressed We When hope in by I it Syria was the will helpfulness most during reach disagreeably the the mission of month our mia- im­
field, of

520 OLIVE TREES
sions. On one occasion I asked if the
Board at home had been told the real
nature of conditions. The reply was
that the French censor was so alert
it seemed sc^rely safe to relate the
truth. Our "raissionaries are thire
without sufficient funds to compete
with other schools—raainly French—
that have sufficient support from the
Church or Government. At one station
the French have hired all the
mission teachers and are paying salaries
that the Missian cannot afford.
All government positions are so well
paid that it is extremely difficult to
keep native workers that have grown
up with the Mission. Mission property
has been sacrificed during the war to
provide funds for the poor. All this
must be replaced before work can be
properly carried on. There are not
enough workers at each station.
Surely the work must be reorganized
and pushed forward on a larger scale
or we should get out and let others
have a chance. We must have more
workers and more money to meet new
conditions or we raust abandon sorae
places and concentrate on others.
Surely soraeone frora the homeland
should visit the field,observe carefully
and for some tirae, then tell the
Church at home of the needs and help
to organize to meet the needs. I write
as one without rauch experience on
the raission field, and perhaps ray
ideas are not sound. I find that one
doesnt' think much here, but he feels
a great deal at tiraes. He doesn't pray,
he just asks God for things. He
doesn't think rauch here, but he feels
prayers. At different times during
the day he stops his work and says,
"Oh, God, send us helpers."
CHINA.
Lo Ting, China. Our faithful reporter
from Lo Ting, Mrs. E. C.
Mitchell, dates her last budget October
1st.
"The girls' school opened the eighth
of Septeraber with forty-seven pupils
enrolled. Mr. Leung, one of our Christians
who has ben in Hongkong the
last few years, has been elected to fill
the vacancy in the teaching force
raade by the resignation of Mr,
Wong."
^ i^ * *
"There has been an epidemic of
dysentery in Lo Ting this fall. Mei
Yan, the adopted baby of the girls'
school, took it and died a few days
after the return of Dr. Wallace and
Miss Dean from their vacation. Miss
Dean also came down with it and for
several days was very ill. She is
better again now and we hope will be
able to be in her place again."
* * * *
"Miss Smith arrived at Lo Ting,
Tuesday, September 16th, in response
to a wired request for assistance in
caring for Miss Dean. Her ready
response and help given during the
ten days spent with us was greatly
appreciated. She returned to Tak
Hing on Friday to do some itinerating
work with Dr. McBurney."
« •): ^ 4:
"Eight new inquirers were registered
in the chapel last month. All
were women and were brought to the
chapel by sorae of the Christian
woraen of this congregation."
•P V 'P ^
"A letter recently received from
Wai Tai reports that they have now
thirty registered inquirers. Mr. Mitchell
goes there next Sabbath to conduct
coraraunion. This station has no
chapel and is an example of what can
be done by holding meetings in a private
house and on the streets. . Several
of the inquirers are women and
were glad to have two of our Lo Ting
women there last week and teach
them more of the gospel. They need
a Bible woman, and are asking us to
send one to them but we have no one
to send."
* * * *
"The raonth-of August was the biggest
month for in-patients in the history
of the Lo Ting Hospital. Three
patients requested to be registered as
inquirers."

"Chue Naam Chuen, who became a
believer last month while in the hospital
for treatment, took many books
with him when he went home to his
village. He returned yesterday and
reported that he had been holding
practically continuous meetings with
most of his village as an audience. He
said many had learned to pray to the
true God and wished to accept the new
way of life. Mr. Chue lives in a
mountain village very much isolated
and about thirty miles from Lo Ting.
According to Mr. Chue neither he or
his village people had ever heard the
gospeltill last month."
* * *
Tak Hing, China. The following
new budget was sent by Miss Rose
Huston, October 27th:
"James Alvin Mitchel, our new raissionary,
arrived at Tak Hing with his
parents. Rev. and Mrs. J. C. Mitchel,
on October 16th, and is proving to be
a very efficient worker. His firstservice
araong the Chinese was to be the
mother who is often in their home, an
opportunity to see at close range what
a home dominated by love means, and
the part of the husband and father
in that home, in contrast to that of
the average Chinese father, gave her
a new ideal of manhood as well as a
heart-longing for such a home for
herself and for all other Chinese
women. We hope her husband may
come under the same influence and
get the sarae vision."
* * * *
"Dr. McBurney was recently called
to see Mr. Wu, the magistrate of Wat
Naam District, professionally. He
is a graduate of Oberlin College and
University of New York, and a meraber
of the Congregational Church,
and so far as we have seen seems to
have a higher ideal of serving his
country than the average official usually
shows. He feels very strongly
the necessity of educating the women
and ^irls, and he has opened a school
for girls, getting a Christian teacher
from a Mission school in Canton. One
6L1V6 TR^fiS 521
of our girls will likely be asked to be
assistant teacher next year if the
school prospers. Wat Naam was formerly
known as Sai Ning."
* * * *
"Leung Yung Ts'ing is one of our
pupils in the Girls' School, was married
some two years ago against her
own wishes and went to live in the
city of Sai Ning. She bore the lot of
a daughter-in-law for a year or more
and did the drudgery for the family
until, according to the neighbors, she
declared her independence and came
back to school to finishher education,
which had been interrupted by her
marriage. In spite of their unkind
treatment of her she seems to have
had some influence in the family, for
this fall her husband's little sister
came to school with her, and also a
brother carae to the Boys' School."
^ ^ 4: !{:
"A visit was recently made to the
Girls' Schools at Wing Ts'uen and Ko
Leung, and both seem to be doing
good work. The enrollment in each
is about twenty, though many are irregular.
It is evident that the schools,
are the social centers for the women
of the villages. Many woraen spend
much of their leisure time in the
school room listening,to the children,
and every evening many corae to talk,
listen or study and take a great interest
in all that is taught. In Wing
Ts'uen, Mr. Ch'ue Hon Shang expects
to appoint a school board of the raost
intelligent women of the village, who
in connection with the 'teacher and
the foreign superintendent, will have
charge of the manageraent of the
school. In talking it over, sorae of
the woraen suggested that they ought
to enlarge the building and have a
school for women, too. You may be
sure we encouraged that spirit, and
as they use sun-dried brick for buildings,
it is not at all an impossible
thing for the women to do with their
own hands very largely."
* * * *
held "Our October regular 19, fall preceded comraunibri by three was

522 OLIVE Trees
days of services, with meetings four
times a day. The atternoon and
evening meetings consisted ot talKs
ana conterences on special subjects
Closing on babOatn evening wicn a
very nne and inspiring summary oi
an oy Kev. vv. IVl. KoOb. Tne suDjeccs
were given out witn no tnougnt of
tne sumraary m view, but tne remarkaoie
aptness of tne subjects taken m
order, to tne object lesson used in
tne summary snowed tnat tne L.ord
had a hand m planning the meetings.
ji.ach subject Was represented by a
finger of the hand. The tnumb represented
i-rayet, tne firstsubject, it
Demg tne raost useful, strongest, and
able to raove in all directions, i'tie
index finger was Bible Study, our
guide. Tne second finger, Sabbatn
observance, tne center and keystone
of all Christian activity. Tne third,
useless and powerless unless accompanied
and supported by the others,
stood for Tithing. The littie finger
weak, unappreciated and little used,
represented Personal Work. As each
finger is necessary to a perfect hand,
so each of these activities is necessary
to raake a perfect Christian, and the
power behind all is Love."
* * * *
"On Saturday, five new members
were baptized. Seventeen applicants
for baptism were given a special message
before the congregation, as to the
Christian service expected of them
even though they are not yet baptized
raembers of the church."
* * * *
"After the talk on Tithing, forty
members pledged theraselves to give
the Tenth to the Lord. Ten or twelve
of these were already tithers."
* * * *
"Five of the applicants for baptisra
were brought by a poor, ignorant,
paralytic woman, the only Christian
in her district, so far as we know, but
who had the love of God in her heart.
All passed a remarkably good exaraination."
* * * *
"One of those who were exarained
was baptized in infancy in the Catholic
Church, and had some education
in a Catholic school, but so far as we
can judge she seems to be an earnest
Christian. A man who was received
had also had some training, or connection
with the Catholics."
:{: :J: ^ ^
"The small number of men in our
church service is so noticeable as to
be alarming. Will you not pray that
they may be revived and quickened in
their Christian life"
* * * *
"Miss Pearl Weekes, who became
a member of the Covenanter Church
last winter, came for the Cumraunion.
She was for some months helping in
the management of an Orphanage in
Hong Kong, formerly belonging to a
German Mission, and is now helping
in a School for Blind. These were
taken over by the British Government,
and on account of lack of workers,
were about to be given over to
tiie Catholics, when Miss Weekes and
one or two others volunteered to take
charge until workers could be gotten
from home."
^ ^ ^ ^
"Miss McCracken and Miss Barr
also came from Canton for Communion.
We hear very flatteringreports
of their remarkable progress in the
Language School."
* * * *
"Dr. McBurney gave addesses on
Health and Hygiene to the Bible
Women's Conference in Canton the
first week of September."
^ M' ^ -H
"The Girls' School opened the first
of September, the majority of the
pupils being back by the end of the
week, which is ratner unusual, and
we are glad to see them begin to realize
that every day lost at the beginning
of a term means a great deal.
About forty are in school, which is a
little less than in the spring term.
Two of the missing ones were requested
to stay at home until they were
able or willing to behave themselves
properly."

"Wan Wai Kit, one of the teachers
in the Girls' School becarae the
mother of a fine little son, September
21. He is to be brought up with
strictly up-to-date notions as tc
women's rights."
* * * *
"There is considerable activity
being shown even in Tak Hing, in
the boycott of Japanese goods or 'low
grade goods,' as they call it. A committee
of students meets every boat
to search for the goods. Some has
been confiscated, some burned and
samples of all that has been in the
market is on to display so people may
know what they are not to buy."
EN ROUTE TO CYPRUS.
Last month's Olive Trees gave an
account of the long-delayed sailing
frora Philadelphia of Rev. Alvin
Sraith and Mr. Ernest Tweed. It will
be remembered that their passports
carried them only as far as England,
and their further progress toward
Cyprus was conditioned upon securing
the permission in London of the
British Government to land in Cyprus.
It is interesting to have the
account of their experiences en route
and also to know that the long tedious
journey is at an end.
Mr. Smith writes from London
October 18th:
"On the evening of our arrival here
from Liverpool, which was Thursday,
the 16th, we went to Cook's headquarters
and found that they knew nothing
of us except that we were to have
sailed from Philadelphia September
30th. We were told that there vvas
no immediate prospect of our getting
away. Next raorning we started out
on a full day's work. Went to the
Araerican Consulate General who,
upon receipt of your letter of introduction,
took us into his office and
told us of his being in Beruit, and
told place showed us we in his would various interest findCyprus ways our what work to be. a fine and No
OLIVE TREES 523
word had been received regarding us,
however. He told us to have the
Araerican Embasy visa our passports
for Cyprus direct—which they did.
He then told us to go to the British
Military Control Office and get their
0. k. for Cyprus.
"Before doing the latter, however,
we thought we had best see what could
be secured in transportation. The
Consul General stated the situation,
that everything was booked up for
months but suggested that since our
destination was Cyprus the Prince
Line would probably take us. So we
went to the Prince Line offices and
found that the government has commandeered
all that they .have for governmental
services and,. besides, 300
were in ahead of us. 'That made us
feel a little blue. The Prince people
suggested the Peninsula and Orient
Line. Their offices were right across
the street, and they offered us two
berths from Marseilles to Alexandria
on the Asasye, October 25th.
"We raadefurther arrangements today
for it. (The last two berths—
siren't we lucky or rather isn't it Providential)
Cook's will have our tickets
for us Tuesday and give us transportation
across France.
"Arraed with all this inforraation we
went yesterday to the British Military
Control Office and went through like
a whistle—everyone treated us in
characteristically polite British style,
and now our passports have the British
endorsement in addition to the
visas we had before. We will go back
to the U. S. officials if they want to
put anything more on it about Marseilles.
So now it seems smooth sailing.
I wonder what you are thinking
of the long holdup they gave us in the
U. S. when there was no red tape to
undergo here. Be that ^s it may we
are very glad for the prospect of going
on—after ten days which we are
i3ay." to London. ioyed Mr. employ part Tweed No of educationally takes small Westminster up privilege—we the account in Abbey seeing en­
to-
of

524 OLIVE TREES
the journey and writes frora Marsailles
October 29th:
"We have had a lovely trip across
France, the entire journey being made
mostly- by daylight, so we had all the
opportunity for seeing the country.
"There was quite a contrast between
Northern and Southern France.
Upon landing at Boulogne after crossing
the Channel we proceeded direct
to Amiens, getting in there late Saturday
evening and reraaining over the
Sabbath.
"Early Monday morning we took a
train for Laon through Soissons to
Paris, thus making a sort of a V route
on our way to Paris in order to cover
some of the battlefields. And to be
sure it was well worth our time and
effort. We saw things that we never
hope to see again. Those terrible
scenes of devastation and destruction
that we have been reading about for
the past five years were pictured before
bur very eyes.
"We remained over night in Paris,
and then departed early Tuesday
raorning for Marseille. This section
was quite different, as the country itself
had not been visited by the
horrors of war, although there were
manifold evidences that the people
themselves had suffered severely.
There were numerous vineyards, orchards'and
gardens, and not a few
hills. The foliage had turned to its
rich autumn colors and the whole
scene reminded me constantly of the
Walton district in New York.
"The train was about four hours
late, so we did not arrive until just a
short time before daylight this morning.
We remained at the depot until
we could find our way about conveniently
and then sought a hotel and
after breakfast called on the steamship
company, secured our embarkation
permits, asked a few questions
and raade the necessary preparations
for sailing. She is to push off at 11
A.M.
"We have been very fortunate in
securing hotel accoraraodations while
crossing France. After our experience
in Laon we sat down and wrote
for reservations at different points of
stop over, so they were waiting for
us with open arms, which was much
different from the way we were received
in London.
If everything goes well I think we
should be at our destination about the
10th or 15th of November. We understand
that the boat from Egypt goes
every ten days to Cyprus. So it all
depends now on what connections we
make in Egypt."
A little child crawled into its father's
lap and said, "Papa, is God
dead"
"Why do you ask such a question,
child"
"Because," said the little one, "I
don't hear you talking to Him any
more like you used to." And the
man's head dropped upon his breast.
Listen, "Is God dead; is God dying
out of your Hfe" There is no power
in your prayer. Perhaps you don't
pray because you feel you have no
right to pray; because you feel that
God will not talk with you as He
talked with Jacob.
If you were back to Bethel it would
be different. Why not arise and go
back today
Yes, I know the journey is not without
its price. There's soraething that
must be left behind and there's a getting
ready for the journey. Do you
remeraber the little grave that Jacob
dug under the oak at Shechem and
what he buried there Listen, when
God said, "Arise and go back to
Bethel," Jacob without a moment's
hesitation said, "Put away the
strange gods that are among you and
be clean and change your garments
and let us arise and go up to Bethel."
What would you have taken in
money to have exchanged place's-with
our missionaries during the war
Give it now to raake up to them
their regular salaries.

A
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
15.
16.
17.
18,
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
OLIVE TREES Sffi
WOMEN'S
DEPARTMENT
Edited by MRS. J. S. Martin and Mrs. M. E. Metheny,
College Hill, Beaver Falls,Pa.
MISSION STUDY
By Mrs. Mary E. Metheny.
Crusade of Compassion for the
Healing of the Nations.
CHAPTER IV.
What unfortunate position has
Korea occupied
What is the sanitary condition
Name some of the national traits,
What is their feeling towards children
What of their language
Peculiarity in regard to religion
Whence is trouble supposed to
come, and who are the great
deceivers
Status of woman
Marriage customs
Prevailing disease and their treatment
12. When was mission work begun in
13. Korea
Who was the Queen's physician
14.
What part did Dr. Allen take in
the riots of 1884
Who was the firstqualified woman
physician
•What hospital at Seoul and Pyeng
Yang
How old is the history of missions
in Korea
Which came first,evangelism or
raedical work
What position did Korea occupy
in the war between China and
Japan
What wonderful movement b3gan
at that time
Did it begin with a desire for education
and progress
What two women are prominent
in the story of Korea
In what soecial work did Dr. Hall
How engage appreciation did the Emperor show his
Philippines.
1. What is the extent of the Philippine
archipelago
2. The population in 1914, and dialects
3. The three raainclasses and ethnic
raixtures
4. Religion when discovered by the
Portugese
5. What did the Chinese bring
6. What was the ancient religion
7. How raany races and languages,
and classes now
8. What outcome from the Spanish
occupation
9. Bodily and mental standing of
Filipinos
10. Character and disjiosition of the
women
11. In what do the children excel
American, and in what are they
lacking
12. What did Protestant Christianity
bring to the islands
13. How many childreri were there
in the primary schools in 1902
14. What came with the Bible and
the school
15. Was the number of" patients commensurate
with the number of
hospitals
16. Reasons given
17. How were cholera and smallpox
looked upon and treated
18. Result of vaccination
19. Result of Government treatment
of the plague
20. Of dysentery
21. Malaria
22. Did foreign medical men look on
the U. S. efforts to better con
ditions favorably
23. What medical association now exists
24. What hospital facilities
25. How soon after Dewey's vi tor^'
26. When the work were islands Araerican did begin medical and missionarie." where missionary

S26 6LI Ve TREES
27. What work at Manila
28. What per cent, of babies die before
completing their firstyear
29. What reasons are given
30. Are there any distinctively missionary
Women's Hospitals
31. What of dispensaries and their
work
(Continued in next issue.)
^ $ iJ: ^
Siam.
1. Situation and size of Siam
2. What mission alone
3. How far back do Protestant missions
date
4. When was the Baptist mission
given up, and why
5. What is supposed to render Siam
now receptive
6. What encouragements are there
7. When was permanent work established,
and by whom
8. When and by whom was medical
work begun
9. What firstgave the missionaries
access to the King and toleration
10. What has been the royal attitude
towards raedicalmissions
11. When was medical work begun
among the Lao
12. What vaccine laboratory in Siam
13. What itinerary work is done by
native Christian men
14. How many hospitals and dispensaries
among the Laos
Lepers.
1. Who only has compassion on
lepers
2. 'How was the land for the first
leper asylum secured
3. What buildings are there
4. How raany patients on opening
day, sex and age
5. What is done with untainted children
6. What gift sent by lepers to the
American Bible Society
7. What has the U. S. Government
done for lepers in the Philippines
8. What is their number and their
9. How religion many asylums in Korea
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
With whom did modern work for
lepers begin
When and where was work begun
by the Moravians
When, where, and by whom mission
to the lepers in India and
the East
How do Hindoos and Moslems
look on leprosy
What is the estimated nuraber of
lepers in India
Where is Miss Riddle's work
Where is Mary Reed's work
How was she called to it
Mary E. Metheny.
JUNIOR DEPARTMENT.
Children in China at Home.
Dear Boys and Girls.
When Yee Jon Gee came to Araerica,
she left many littlte cousins in
China, for the Chinese do not believe
in race suicide. Especially do they
want to have boys to insure the proper
worship of the ancestral tablets after
they are gone. As a girl after marriage
worships with her husband's
faraily, and as she does not count
much in China anyway, she is not always
wanted.
One missionary tells of asking a
Chinese woman the name of the baby
she carried.
"It is a girl," replied the woman,
as if to say that its name was therefore
unimportant.
"Yes, but what is her narae" insisted
the missionary.
"Not Wanted," replied the woman.
Notwithstanding, the missionary
asked the narae again and again the
woman replied, "'Not Wanted," and
finally the missionary realized that
this was the little girl's name.
Just think, girls, if your father
and mother gave you a name like that
and it was "Not Wanted" do this;
"Not Wanted, do that," at horae, at
school and at play.
If there are too many little girls,
they may be drowned, or Dr. Kate
McBurney tells of an orphanage

where they are fed so littie that they
usually die, or they may be sold,
either as slaves or as a future wife for
sorae little boy.
However, in spite of this, there are
many little ^irls as well as boys in
China, and possibly we could not tell
very easily which was which, for both
wear suits with trousers. However,
if you reraeraber the pictures of the
children Mrs. Dickson sent on (in
Olive Trees las't summer) you will recall
that she points out the flowered
suits of the girls, while boys wore
suits made of plain goods. Their
homes would not please us very well.
Of course, the kind of a home they
have depends on the locality in which
they live and how, much money their
father has, although I doubt whether
we would consider even the raostluxurious
a good exchange for our own
comfortable home.
Even in the wealthy homes you
would not find carpets, easy chairs,
and comfortable beds, while their
stoves are so small that they often
find it hard to keep warm in winter.
The homes of the poor people are not
so gdod as the barns or stables in the
country, not nearly so substantial and
warm as a modern garage where the
car is kept.
Small dark huts, with bare mud
floor and so few furnishings that your
raother would wonder how anyone
could keep house with so few things
to work with. The stove, so sraall
that one wonders how the cooking for
a family can be done on it, especially
when we consider that the fuel is
often only dried grass. Such are the
homes of many of China's millions of
inhabitants.
There are so raany people in China
that the farms are very tiny affairs,
and one wonders how neople get
enough to live on. As they do not build
houses with three, four or more stories
like we do, their cities are crowded,
the streets small, narrow and
dirty, houses dark and unsanitary.
But all the people do not live in
houses, some of them live on boats
on the river. These people may make
OLIVE TREES 527
their living by flshing or by ferrying
passengers across the river. However,
I do not think you would care to
change homes with them, even for the
pleasure of living on a boat and being
able to travel around whenever you
wished. Mary A. McWilliams.
At the organization of the Women's
Synodical Missionary Society last
Synod, a new department was planned
in our Missionary organizations
—the Young Woman's Missionary Society.
True, there are a few auch
societies in our Church already, but
we are not content with a few. We
want every young woman to take an
active part in our Missionary Society
work. The fact there are are so few
such organizations is not because of
the lack of interest, but because they
felt it was an organization for older
women.
Since our Missionary Societies are
organized into a Synodical Society, we
hope for increased results from cooperation.
It is the aim of your
Young Women's Secretary that every
girl from fourteen years of age become
an active meraber of a missionary
society. Now we are aware that
many of our congregations are small
and there are not enough merabers to
have two organizations. In that case
unite with the Woraen's Mssionary
Society. A suggestion here to our
Senior Societies—welcorae the younger
raembers and arrange the time of
meeting and your plan of work so
they can be present and assist you.
Now there are other congregations
where there are enough members
for two active organizations. Here
we would advise that you at once plan
to organize a Young Women's Society.
The president of your W. M. S. and
your pastor's wife will be glad to assist
you. If you wiU correspond with
your Young Woman's Secretary, she
will be glad to aid in outlining a constitution
and by-laws, in suggesting
Plan of Work and Mission Study or in
whatever way she raay be able.
Again, in some of our city congregations
while not large, two organi-

528 OLIVE TREES
zations are possible. Many school
girls and business women find they
can meet together in the evening and
they enjoy having some deflnite Christian
work to do. Denver, Colo., is the
first congregation to report the planning
for a Young Women's Missionary
Society. . .
Now to the Young Women's Societies
already organized we ask you to
increase your merabership and continue
your work for the Master. We
have not suggested an age lirait for
proraotion to the Woraen's Missionary
Society, as that must be determined
by their work and number of members
in the congregation. We do ask
that you do not strengthen the ranks
of the one at the expense of the other.
The following list of questions are
suggested as a guide for a report
we wish to receive from each congregation
by January 1, 1920. Will the
Presidents of the W. M. S. please see
that this report is sent promptly
1. Name of congregation.
2. Number of women in congregatipn.
3. Number of young women in congregation.
4. Do you have a W. M. S.
5. Do you have a Y. W. M. S.
(1) If so, give names of offlcers.
(2) If not, why
6. Remarks.
To the Presbyterial Societies, we
suggest that a Secretary for Young
Women's work be appointed at your
next meeting.
Let us enter our new organization
with enthusiasm. Let us co-operate
with the Forward Movement of our
Church. Let us develop a love and
devotion for the work of our Master,
Mrs. E. N. Harsh.
Young Women's Synodical Secretary,
« * « «
We are all glad to welcome Miss
McWilliams back as writer for Junior
Department, after an absence of several
months. We rejoice that her
health permits her return to this
work, so dear to her heart. I know
the Juniors will read with interest
her message in thig issue.
Now that we have "swung around
the circle" we take this opportunity
to thank the contributors from,the
Presbyterials for the help they have
given us in the Women's Department.
We now request the officials of each
Presbyterial to notify their present
correspondents, or elect others for
the year, remembering that the order
is (Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas,
Pittsburgh. It will therefore be the
turn of Illinois to supply the article
for the January number, to be in the
hands of the Editors by December 12.
But we have not yet reached our
ideal, which is to have a correspondent
from every section of the Church.
As it is at present each of the Presbyterial
organizations must provide
two articles for the ten months in
which we have space. Had we an
Ohio Presbyterial, and a correspondent
from it, and one each frora the
Pacific Coast, frora Canada, from
Philadelphia and New York each section
would have to furnish but one
article during the year. We are going
to make an effort in this direction,
and shall write to one person in each
section where there is no Presbyterial
to appoint a correspondent.
If we are successful the schedule
will then in future be Canada, (Colorada,
Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, New
York, Ohio, Pacific Coast, Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh.
The requirements are a maximum
of 600 words on a subject selected by
the writer, to be in the hands of the
Editors on the 12th of the raonth
previous to that in which the article
is to appear.
The Corresponding Secretaries of
the Presbyterials please notify t'leir
appointees when their articles are
due, and at once let the Editors know
who these appointees are, so that we
may soon publish the list as the list of
last year was late and very imperfect.
Then all they need to do will be to
turn to the number containing the
list.
Cordially yours.
The Editors.

FOREIGN MISSIONARIES OF THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMEO PRES. CHURCH
Latakia, Syria.
Rev. Julius A. Kempf
Rev. Jas. S. Stewart, D. D. .. Mrs. Julius A. Kempp
Mrs. j. S. Stewart
R^v. William M. Robb
Rev. Samual Edgar,
Mrs. William M. Robb
Mrs. Samuel Edgar On furlough "" Miss Kate McBurney, M. D
J. M. Balph, M. D., Miss Mary R. Adams >'
Mrs. j. M. Balph
MiSS ROSE A, HuSTON
Miss Maggie B. Edgar.
Miss Nellie A. Brownlee
Miss M. Florence Mearns, ,. R^v. R. C. Adams
Afi.*.o,«z, /i»v„ ji,f ' Mrs. R. C. Adams
Rev K r i JfrT.^J^' Rev. Jesse C. Mitchel ^
MM rSbT E W M InS MRS. JESSE C. MiTCHEL ...,.....,
RE*;ArRVwj^mfTrland-.v.;;.: ^^^«'''^' ^-^^"«' ^- ^- • —
Mrs. Andrew J. McFarland
Canton Medical Missionary t/ntoa.
JpiiN Peoples, M.D : Canton, South China.
Mrs. John Peoples On furioueh . ^^^xr
Miss F. Elma French i^riougn j^^^^g ^ Wright, m.d. On furlough
Larnaca, Cy'prus.
MRS. James M. Wright, On furlough
£• wItS M^Sio'^''"''°" ^^'^°''^^ Vnion Language School,
MRS. WALTER McCarroll, On furioueh ^ .. ^ ^l. m.-
Mr. Wilbur Weir
Canton. South China.
Rev. Alvin W. Smith ........ Miss Jean m. Barr-•
Ernest V. Tweed
Miss Lillian J. McCracken
Pa^^vtm S'r^&S; Ti^r T. ^0 Ting, via Canton, South Chinsu
Calvin McCarroll, M. D On furlou'h „ t-, r. ,,
Mrs. Calvin McCarroll. " Rev. Ernest C. Mitchell
Tak Hing Chau, West River, Mrs. Ernest C. Mitchell
South China. E. J. M. DiCKSON, M. D ^
Rev. a. I. Robb, D. D Mrs. E. J. M. Dickson .^,
Mrs. a. I. Robb
Miss Ella Margaret Stewart. .. ..^
Rev. j. K. Robb, Miss Jennie M. Dean .;
Mrs. J. K. Robb on furlough Miss M. Edna Wallace, M. D. .. .^
HOME.MISSIONARIES OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN OHURCH
Indian Missian, Apache, Okla. Soiithem Mission, Selma, Ala.
Rev. W. W. Carithers, Superintendent. Rev. G. A. Edgar, D. D., Superintendent
Miss Inez Wickerham
Miss Lola Weir, High School
Miss Eixen Wilson
Miss Mary Reynolds, High School
Miss Irene McMurtry
Miss Ella Hays, Grammar School
Miss Mae Allen
Miss Mary Wilson, Sixth Grade
„. . ^^,_ „ ^'ss Laura Weir, Fifth Grade
MiMion of the Covenant, 800 Sonth Sth St, mrs. M. I. Eobb, Fourth Grade
rnuaaeipnia, fa.
Miss Ruth Kynett, Tfeird Grade
M«l ZT. S^Sar
T' f--- HOWARD, Second Grade
Mrs. E. 0. Senegal, First Grade
'Volunteer 'Workers.
^^^- ^- ^- Sims, Primary Department
Miss Mary Gray
^'^^ Mary-E. Fowler, Girls' Indus. Dept.
Mips Mazie Steele
^^of. Theod're Lee, Boys' Indus. Dept.
Miss Anna Thompson
Miss Sophia Kingston, Prin'l Little Knom
Dr ^alph Duncan ^
Mrs. LoUise Kynett, Prin'l Pleasant Grov
£: Itl^^S^ Ut^^Ung MRS. ESTELLE lightning. Asst. GirW l^
Mr. Will Stewart ) dustrial Dept.
Mr. Edwin Anderson
Mrs. Earnest Brooks, East Selma

ifelvilZe Carson,
R, P, Seminary,'
Horth Ave, S, 8,
Pit^gtettrs, Fa.—
A N A P P E A L F O R H E L P !
Foreign Mission Treasury Overdrawn $24,904.79!
At this season the Treasury is always overdrawn—but never so
largely heretofore. Collections of December and January have always
more than covered the over-draft; and with bequests and dividends we
kept going year by year.
This year the Board was obliged to overdraw more largely to
make up what the missionaries in Levant borrowed wbile shut-off from
us during the War. Had they not borrowed they would have died !
Rev. R. A, Blair has now completed the appeal for Emergency
Fund for Levant to help re-embiirse the Treasury.
A N D N O W !
For the entire months of December and January the WHOLE
MISSIONARY THOUGHT AND PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
must be centered on the Synodical Collections ;
IN DECEMBER. $35,O00 for Levant;
IN JANUARY, $40,000 for China.
Not one dollar of what Mr. Blair has collected or pledged
should be deducted from these appropriations.
THE CHURCH MUST RAISE THE FULL AMOUNTS.
OR THE SITUATION CAN NOT BE SAVED!!
AND
CHINA!
The unprecedented rates of exchange in China requires f 2 for each
$1 of salary and Mission expense—or
THE MISSIONARIES WILL STARVE AND THE WORK STOP.
ti MEN andBRETHREN, WHATSHALL W E DO "
Our answer should be given firstto the Master, then to
'JOSEPH M. STEELE, Treasurer,
i6oo Arch Street,
PBILADiLPHIA, Pa.

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