forgotten. Many years afterwards,
some of the older natives when leading in prayer in the church would
offer the petition, "O Lord, thy word is like a hammer, take it and with
it break our stony hearts and shape them according to the rule of Thy
holy law."

There were 3,500 natives on this island. Through the influence of God's
Word, for no other means were employed save the human voice to make it
known, all of them were led to abandon heathenism and place themselves
under Christian instruction.

These people had no money but they could gather and prepare arrowroot.
They were encouraged to bring this to the missionaries, in order to
secure a supply of Bibles for the island, with the result that in a few
years they sent $2,500 to the British and Foreign Bible society, London,
for copies of the New Testament and Psalms; and a few years later $3,500
to pay for the printing of the Old Testament in their own language.

There is no instance on record of a like number of heathen people, so
poor, being persuaded to contribute so much money to obtain any other
book; and why not? It is because the Bible alone is divine and this
divine power has subdued human hearts. "Is not my word like as a fire?
saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in
pieces?"--Jer. 23. 29.

The Bible is the Book of the Lord, a "sure word of prophecy, whereunto
we do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place."
It challenges us to "prove all things and hold fast that which is good."

XXIII

DECISION DAYS

CHRISTMAS.--WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY.

"How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God follow
him."--Elijah.

Every new student at the time of his enrollment was requested to state
whether or not he was a member of church. If a negative response was
received, he was kindly informed it would be regarded as a serious
disappointment, if he did not become an active Christian worker, during
the period he enjoyed the privileges of the Academy. As a means of
enabling every one to manifest their decision to live a Christian life,
Decision days were held frequently during the term. The first one always
occurred at least one week before Christmas; and the others about the
Day of Prayer for Colleges, Easter and Memorial Sabbaths. When advantage
could not be taken of a voluntary visit on the part of a neighboring
pastor the co-operation of one of them was always solicited.

On the first occasi