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Fesruary 1, 1903 also will exclude me from their circle. Still, knowing that I am not the servant of man, I am confident that if the Lord wants me to go to India again, he can and will prepare the way for me. I regret having returned the MILLENNIAL Dawn, and am now ordering a few books. With grateful thanks, yours in the patience of Jesus Christ, (Miss) M. A. McBripk, Ireland. Dear Bro. RussELL:— It has been a long time since I have written you, and so I thought to drop you a few lines, just to let you know that I am still in the “race,” striving to reach the “mark.” Glory to God! Acting upon suggestions received from you previously, I have now for the second time refused to sign petitions for dram-shop license. I wish to state first, that I know you instructed me rightly and Scripturally, for which I thank you. Added to this, the churches here organized quite a temperance movement, with which I also would have no connection, but have endeavored to occupy neutral ground; and the same in regard to politics; seeing that I am an “alien,” I would not vote. In consequence there is a disposition to persecute me— from all sides, seemingly; because formerly I was interested in church work, took part in politics and signed petitions for dram-shop license. But do not think, dear brother, that I am complaining. Nay, “I rejoice in the Lord alway!” Formerly I was a member of a fraternal organization, and because I refused to accept suggestions from any of the Masonic fraternity (which includes all men of any prominence in our town) to become a member, they likewise have transferred their patronage, generally, to a competitor. I am realizing how, by taking part in a political campaign, or other movement, it would be possible that I might be found fighting against the Lord, “who maketh even the wrath of men to praise him.” JI am realizing more and more the import of our dear Savior’s words, while praying to the Father, “They are in the world, but not of it.” Ah, yes! This means much to any consecrated believer. While we are in the world, yet we should keep separate from the world—not have our robe “spotted” by contact. If we would not be worldly minded, it is necessary that we have great care how we act in regard to those things which at this present time engage the attention of the world generally,—reform movements, matters of finance, ete. For inasmuch as we give our time to such things( no, not our time, seeing that we have consecrated our all unto the Lord) in so much the world has a claim upon us, so that while we are in the world, we would also be of the world, seeing that that which interest the world would also interest us. “The natural (worldly minded) man perceiveth not the things that are ZION’S WATCH TOWER (47-51) spiritual,” and consequently is not interested in them; how much more, then, we that do see should not mind the things natural or worldly. All such movements which are the absorbing topics of the day, merely engender “strife, malice, anger, hatred,” etc., causing all who have connection therewith to foster and cultivate an evil disposition, wholly contrary to the law of love. Praying the Lord’s continued blessings upon you and all with you, Yours in the one blessed hope, A. W. Krvuecer,—Missourit. Dear BROTHER IN CHRIST:— The many spiritual blessings we have enjoyed throughout the year increases our gratitude to and love for ZIon’s WatcH Tower. We will not be able to comprehend, dear brother, how much we owe the Lord this side of the “golden city.” Until that glorious day when we reach the glad home-land,—the fruition of all our hopes,—we take much pleasure in manifesting the appreciation of which we are now capable. The Society’s Annual Report filled my heart with thanksgiving, There was only one sad note for which I am grieved, and that was the reference to the fact that some of the letters received at the TowER office were filled with acrimony. Truly, this must be very painful to you. Looking back over the old year I can truthfully state it has been a blessed year for me. Enclosed find money order for $ ; please credit $1.00 on Tower subscription, and balance in Good Hopes for 1902. You will also find herewith my Good Hopes filled out for 1903. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy, profitable New Year, with much Christian love, I remain, yours in the service of our King, CaRRIE CROWLEY,—WNMissouri. The eight-year old daughter of a sister in the truth writes the following herself :— Dear BRotHER RUSSELL:— I had my choice to go to Eden Musee or have the 50 cents and I want to consecrate it to the Lord. Mamma has told me all about how many different ways I could give it to the Lord, and I would rather have a part in sending the truth to some one; so you will please put it in the Tract Fund. I will send it with mamma’s, I sent my love to you and hope I shall see you some day. God bless and keep you all. Your loving friend, RutH Snow,—New Jersey. From another of the little ones:— DeaR BROTHER RUSSELL:— As we children have sold our pony, enclosed please find eight dollars, which is my share, to be used in the spreading of the truth. Your sister in Christ, Harrie E. Huycx,—Iowa. Vou. XXIV ALLEGHENY, PA., FEBRUARY 15, 1903 No. 4 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER ABOUT MISSIONS IN CHINA Francis H. Nichols, an American traveler, writes in the Atlantic Monthly: “Perhaps in the higher sense, that ‘no power is lost that ever wrought for God,’ it is not wholly correct to say that efforts to introduce Christianity into China have failed. But humanly speaking, in proportion to the amount of money, lives and effort expended, they have apparently not met with great success. The small number of converts after one century of Protestant and three centuries of Roman Catholic endeavor is the least part of the failure of missions in China. All over the empire today there prevails a spirit of hatred and antagonism to Christianity so intense and so peculiar that a certain brilliant missionary in describing it had to coin a new word. He has called the feeling of the provincial authorities of Shantung toward Christianity ‘Christophobia.’ Usually it is specially stipulated when foreign teachers are engaged for recently organized government schools that they shall make no reference even in the remotest way to the Bible or to anything connected with it. In the gradual subsiding of the Boxer storm the one kind of foreigners warned to keep away from a troubled district are always missionaries. Except in the few places where they are numerous enough to form a community by themselves, Christian converts are ostracized, boycotted, and sometimes persecuted.” ENGLAND’S POOR LESS PROSPEROUS “Tt ig estimated that 500,000 persons are idle in the United Kingdom, and the board of trade returns show the largest per centage for ten years past of unskilled persons out of work, while the proportion of skilled men without employment is constantly growing. The Woolwich arsenal authorities have discharged 2,000 mechanics since the winter set in and are preparing to let out 4,000 more. “To the army of people out of work must be added 56,000 members of the army reserve who have been released from service with the colors. The worst distress naturally is visible in the east end, where thousands of unemployed persons daily congregate at the dockyard gates, literally fighting for a chance to do a day’s work. Unskilled laborers are there in strong force, and the police find it necessary to escort the foremen who distribute the work tickets each morning. “A number of newspapers have started subscription columns, and daily print harrowing stories of half-clad school children, many of whom are without food except scanty luncheons furnished by sympathetic teachers. A number of the London suburban councils are starting public works in order to employ a portion of the idle persons. The Canning Town suburb, where the distress is keenest, has appropriated $50,000 for relief work.” FINANCIAL PROSPERITY OF U. S. CHURCHES The Boston Transcript, reviewing the progress of religious matters in the United States during 1902, gives the following summary—the many millions of which cast quite into the shade our report of last December. But the Lord knows how much prosperity the truth can bear advantageously and we bow to his wisdom. Ere long the change will come—truth will be prospered and error will be put to flight. The clipping reads: “Church interests, maintenance and betterments, are now costing the people of the United States $260,000,000 a year. And this vast sum does not include $70,000,000 which is given in benevolence, outside of government charity, and in sums above $5,000 each gift. Of this benevolence $3 in every $4 [3147]