oYiam. 
 
 How the Printed Page Will Help to Solve 
 After-the-War Problems in the 
 Moslem World 
 
 By Rev. S. M. ZWEMER, D.D., F.R.GS., of Cairo 
 
 The power of the printed page as an evangelistic agency 
 has not yet been realized: although it is obvious that it can 
 never be a substitute for the living voice, it is often true that 
 the message iu this form is more persuasive, more permanent, 
 and reaches a larger audience than that spoken by human 
 lips. The printed page is the ubiquitous missionary and tin* 
 printed message has often entered closed lands and penetrated 
 into the most secluded villages. Twenty years ago a mission- 
 ary in Arabia received an order for the Bible, a Commentary, 
 and a Concordance from Mecca itself. In many lands the 
 post office has become an evangelistic agency. It carries Chris- 
 tian literature unobtrusively into the homes of all classes, and 
 those who have tried this method are enthusiastic regarding 
 its effectiveness and comparative economy. Our readers 
 know of the strength, the enterprise and the growth of the 
 Moslem Press in recent years, especially in Egypt, Persia and 
 Russia. Attention is called in this number to the extent of 
 the Turkish Press and its power in binding together the Tur- 
 kish races. 
 
 Experiments made in Egypt on a small scale have, even 
 during the days of war, shown that it is possible to use the 
 newspapers of the Far East to get a hearing for the Gospel 
 Message. What has been done on these lines, and on a large 
 scale, in Japan and China might also well be attempted, at 
 least in a measure, for Moslems. 
 
 “The Apostle Paul at Athens,” says Dr. Albertus Pieters, 
 “disputed in the market daily, because the market place 
 was where the Athenians congregated to do their buying and 
 selling, and to discuss questions of public interest. This 
 is not done in the market place nowadays, either in Amer- 
 
ica, or in Japan, but in the newspapers. Not to speak of pub- 
 lic discussion, which goes without saving, the very buying 
 and selling are done in the papers, for the most difficult and 
 essential part of the salesman's work, that of inducing the 
 customer to desire his wares, is done in the newspapers.” We 
 must induce those who have no interest in the Gospel Message 
 to read the book by advertising its contents, and compel men 
 to answer the question, “What think ye of the Christ?” by 
 facing them with the facts of His life and death and resurrec- 
 tion power. Much has been written on the importance of the 
 Christian Press, but nothing is more interesting and up to 
 date than some passages in the old classic, Banyan’s The Hoh / 
 War. Everything he sa} s in that book regarding Ear-gate and 
 Eye-gate is suggestive. For example, what could better de- 
 scribe the battle of the Press in Cairo : — 
 
 “I saw the battering rams, and how they played 
 To beat ope Ear-gate, and I was afraid, 
 
 Not only Ear-gate, but the very town 
 
 Would by those battering rams be beaten down. 
 
 I saw the fights, and heard the captain shout, 
 
 And in each battle saw who faced about : 
 
 I saw who wounded were, and who were slain ; 
 
 And who when dead would come to life again.” 
 
 Of the Moslem world in general as of the human heart 
 in particular, we may truly say, that “Lord Willbewill took 
 special care that the gates should be secured with double 
 guards, double bolts, and double locks and bars. And that 
 Ear-gate (especially) might the better be looked to, for that 
 was the gate which the King’s forces sought most to enter ; so 
 he made one old Mr. Prejudice (an angry and ill-conditioned 
 fellow) captain of the ward at that gate, and put under his 
 power sixty men, called Deaf-men ; men advantageous for that 
 service, forasmuch as they mattered no words of the captains, 
 nor of their soldiers.” But afterwards in the allegory, the city 
 of Man-soul is taken through Ear-gate and Eye-gate, Mr. 
 Prejudice is kicked and tumbled down in the dirt and “from 
 Ear-gate the street ran straight to the house of Mr. Recorder” : 
 for faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. 
 
 It. is a remarkable testimony to the power of the printed 
 page that nearly all the enquirers in Moslem lands have first 
 been led to Christ by means of a book or tract. It is because 
 of this that every missionary should try to be a colporteur 
 and tract distributor. Neither poverty of purse nor pride of 
 position, nor prejudice against this method because it is some- 
 times abused, should prevent him from having at hand in his 
 
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pocket and reception room an adequate quantity and variety 
 of Christian literature. This method of approach is open to 
 all, and if it is followed with sympathy, it is everywhere wel- 
 comed. 
 
 Because of the neglect of the printed page by so many 
 societies and workers, we need prayer that new writers may 
 be raised up of God, that funds and leisure may be found to 
 make present workers more effective; that the message of the 
 printed page may be a tongue of fire, and that all that is 
 written may be founded on first hand Oriental experience, not 
 on translations of incidents and stories from the West. Above 
 all, we need to hold before us the real aim of Christian litera- 
 ture: it is to quicken hearts and build up character. There 
 has been enough literature of the controversial type, destruc- 
 tively critical of Islam. These books were useful in their day 
 and still have a place, and an important place, as the plough- 
 share for the sowing of the Truth ; but a new era calls for a new 
 program. We need a careful survey of the real desiderata 
 and a larger co-operation between Western Asia and North 
 Africa after the war. The Arabic speaking lands are prac- 
 tically a unit as regards the character of literature required. 
 Whether this literature should be in classical Arabic or in 
 the various vernaculars is really a subordinate question. We 
 need a vision of the whole task. Now is the opportunity to 
 break away from old precedents in the preparation and dis- 
 tribution of literature, if they have been based upon old preju- 
 dices. There are new ways for presenting the one and only 
 Gospel. The war has taught us many lessons, but none more 
 clearly than the power of the Tress. During the present war 
 the Press was used to sow intrigue and sedition. It has also 
 been used with telling effect to instruct and enlighten the 
 masses concerning the real issues of the war, to awaken a sense 
 of loyalty and arouse a spirit of sacrifice. In this respect Rud- 
 yard Kipling is among the prophets. Has he not said : 
 
 “The Pope may launch his Interdict, 
 
 The Union its decree : 
 
 But the bubble is blown and the bubble is pricked 
 By Us and such as We ; 
 
 Remember the battle and stand aside 
 While thrones and powers confess 
 
 That King over all the children of Pride 
 Is the Press — the Press — the Press !” 
 
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What Americans Are Doing to Help Solve 
 
 the Problem 
 
 The American Christian Literature Society for Moslems 
 By Rev. CHARLES R. WATSON D.D., President 
 
 There are some things which Missionary Societies have 
 found they can do better unitedly than independently. One 
 of these is the production and distribution of Christian lit- 
 erature. 
 
 In 1910, through the zeal and initiative of Dr. Samuel 
 M. Zwemer, a group of friends were brought together for con- 
 sultation and prayer, with a view to providing an American 
 base for the Nile Mission Press of London, with which Dr. 
 Zwemer was actively connected. This group organized “The 
 New York Auxiliary of the Nile Mission Press” and through 
 their efforts $29,200 was raised for the building in Cairo 
 which the Nile Mission Press now uses as its headquarters in 
 Egypt. In addition to this, contributions were obtained for 
 the printing and distribution of literature. 
 
 As time elapsed, and the contacts of the Auxiliary mul- 
 tiplied, an earnest desire manifested itself among donors for 
 an independent American organization which might make 
 a stronger appeal to American givers, and which might also 
 widen the scope of its services so as to co-operate directly 
 with agencies producing and distributing literature in other 
 Moslem areas than Egypt. Thus it came about that in 1915, 
 the American Christian Literature Society for Moslems (al- 
 phabetically referred to as the A. C. L. S. M.) was organized 
 and incorporated. On its Board of Managers are representa- 
 tives of at least five different churches and missionary bodies, 
 so that the interdenominational and union character of the 
 organization is well established. 
 
 The Society’s methods of work are simple and safe. For 
 flu* guidance of the Board of Managers in the making of ap- 
 propriations, Advisory Committees are formed in (he areas 
 
 4 
 
in which it is desired to work. These committees are made up 
 of representatives of missions operating within the mission- 
 ary areas and serve to acquaint the American society with the 
 needs of these fields and the mature judgment of these 
 missions. Prayer Circles have been formed at a number of 
 points, and there are strong Auxiliaries at other points co- 
 operating in extending interest and support. The treasurer 
 of the Society is Mrs. E. E. Olcott (322 West 75th Street, New 
 York City) and the corresponding secretary, Mrs. J. M. Mont- 
 gomery (P. O. Box 888, New York City). These and other 
 workers render volunteer service so that all funds contributed 
 are sent direct to the fields. 
 
 Last year the Society’s activities centered in Egypt. 
 Through its Advisory Committee, publication of literature 
 such as the following was promoted: “The Sinlessness of the 
 Prophets,” “Bible Exposition Series,” “El Hadaya,” “Choice 
 Sermons,” “Character of Jesus,” “Pact of Christ,” “Many In- 
 fallible Proofs,” and “Marks of a Man.” 
 
 Through the co-operation of the Society a gift of $2,000 
 was secured from the .Milton Stewart Evangelistic Fund for 
 the publication of Dr. Torrey’s book, “What the Bible 
 Teaches,” and a number of tracts. Over $17,000 was also 
 forwarded to the Nile Mission Press from the estate of the late 
 William W. Borden. 
 
 The Society is now extending its activities to two new 
 spheres. First China. This decision followed immediately 
 upon the visit of Dr. Zwemer, the Society’s original founder, 
 to China. The attention of the missionary forces in China 
 has been turned to what is not so much a peril as a rare op- 
 portunity — a hitherto undeveloped opportunity— of winning 
 Chinese Moslems to Christ. Into this field,. whose first require 
 ments lie along the line of Christian literature, the Americai 
 Christian Literature Society for Moslems desires to enter in 
 co-operation with other stronger agencies. 
 
 The other field into which the Society wishes to enter, 
 at least in a co-operative way, is that of Moslem childhood. 
 Islam has cruelly shortened childhood days. It has thrust 
 boys and girls all too soon into the responsibilities and reali- 
 ties of adult life. But under Western and especially Chris- 
 tian influence, this period of childhood is being extended. It 
 needs enriching. This calls for Christian literature especially 
 adapted to children. 
 
 It is time that Christians were stirred deeply to engage 
 a marked forward movement to give the Gospel to Moslems 
 at this time. 
 
 5 
 
The poicer of the Turk is waning. This is an historical 
 fact which places a new significance upon the opportunity for 
 freedom of thought within the Moslem world. Across the past 
 century Mohammedan political power has been disintegrating, 
 but Turkish rule vanished from Egypt with the beginning of 
 this war when a British Protectorate was declared. From 
 Mesopotamia and Persia the Turk is also withdrawing. These 
 are great movements of God. Because the power of the Turk 
 is waning a new day of freedom in thought-life and in religious 
 life is dawning. This is a challenge for a forward movement 
 in the production of Christian literature. 
 
 The horizon of Islam 4s broadening. Few there are who 
 realize how wonderfully this war is being used to broaden the 
 thought-life of Islam. From Algeria and Tunisia, from Egypt 
 and India thousands of Moslems have gone to France to serve 
 either in the native battalions or in the fighting ranks. As 
 these go back to their homes in the hinterlands of Africa, in 
 the remote villages of India, they will tell the story of how 
 they went over the great waters, how thew saw the white man’s 
 houses rising to the very heavens, and how his great cities are 
 spread out like the forests of Africa. And as they talk, and 
 talk, and talk — as they undoubtedly will — the horizons of 
 Mohammedanism that were hitherto so contracted and narrow, 
 so hedged in by ignorance and prejudice, will be pushed back 
 and broadened as they never have been before. With this 
 broadening of the horizon of Islam, a new opportunity de- 
 velops for Christian literature. 
 
 The influence of Christianity is penetrating. During the 
 war Robert College at Constantinople and the Woman’s 
 College on the Bosphorus have continued in operation and 
 the children of leading families in Turkey have been in at- 
 tendance. The influence of Christianity is penetrating into 
 every circle of Mohammedan life. The old days of Islam have 
 passed. A new day has dawned and it calls for Christian 
 literature. 
 
 The alignment of Mohammedanism is changing. The 
 sword of Islam has been broken, but this does not mean the 
 disappearance of the Moslem faith. It simply means a new 
 alignment. The old argument of force is ruled out, but a new 
 argument has appeared, the argument of reason. The centre 
 of influence in the Mohammedan world has shifted from the 
 political centre at Constantinople to the intellectual centre 
 at Cairo. Because of all this, the printed page gains a new 
 significance. Christian literature takes on a new value. 
 
 Lastly, the promises of Cod are challenging. We do not 
 
 6 
 
despair of the Moslem world. We believe God is going to 
 save the Moslem world, save its peoples from all those influ- 
 ences that have been their sorrow and their disgrace. Our 
 eyes are seeing the very things for which men of faith have 
 long waited and for which women of prayer have long inter- 
 ceded. In the proposed advance of this campaign of love the 
 promises of God bulk large. Because we have these promises 
 and because they challenge us to great expectations within 
 the Moslem world, we must attempt great things along the 
 lines of Christian literature for this Moslem world that it may 
 be saved. 
 
 Dr. Zwemer makes a special appeal that during his stay in 
 America the sum of $25,000.00 he raised for Christian Liter- 
 ature, among Moslems. Some of this is for production and 
 other for distribution. 
 
 A proposed allotment, subject to revision, is as follows: 
 
 “$2,000.00 for printing 12 leaflets in the Sart and Turki 
 languages for the Moslems of Russia; 
 
 “$5,000.00 for the new publications in Chinese and Chi- 
 nese-Arabic under the direction of the China Continuation 
 Committee; 
 
 “$3,000.00 for the free distribution and the payment of 
 special Colportage in Arabia where the four mission societies 
 face new opportunities because of the war; 
 
 “$10,000.00 for production and distribution through the 
 Nile Mission Press, including the plan of the Woman’s Maga- 
 zine, a New Testament Commentary and other books; 
 
 “$5,000.00 for the Beirut Press which has suffered loss on 
 account of the war.” 
 
 Prayer Circles and Auxiliaries. 
 
 New York Circles meet — November to May, every Monday at 
 12 M., 13 West 54th St. 
 
 Every Friday, 11:30 A. M. ; Apt. 4D, 801 West End Avenue, 
 corner 99th St. 
 
 Newark Circle meets every Wednesday evening, 8 P. M., at 
 136 Garside St. 
 
 Poughkeepsie Circle meets every Thursday afternoon, 4 P. M.,' 
 at Y. W. C. A., Canon St. 
 
 Mt. Vernon Circle meets third Wednesdays, 10 A. M., at Y. W. 
 C. A. 
 
 Germantown Circle meets third Thursdays, 11 A. M., at 263 
 West Rittenhouse St. 
 
 Baltimore Circle meets second Thursdays, 3 P. M., at 825 
 Park Ave. 
 
 7 
 
THE AMERICAN CHRISTIAN LITERATURE SOCIETY 
 
 FOR MOSLEMS, INC. 
 
 Board of Directors. 
 
 Rev. Charles R. Watson, D.D., President. 
 
 Delavan L. Pierson, 1st Vice-President. 
 
 Robert E. Speer, 2d Vice-President. 
 
 Rev. James L. Barton, D.D. 
 
 Mrs. William Borden. 
 
 John M. Cornell. 
 
 Mrs. Wm. Bancroft Hill. 
 
 George Innes. 
 
 Mrs. E. E. Olcott, Treasurer, 322 West 75th St., New York. 
 Mrs. James M. Montgomery, Secretary, Box 888, New York. 
 Miss Anna L. Dawes. 
 
 Rev. Frank Mason North, D.D. 
 
 Mrs. Finley J. Shepard. 
 
 Mrs. Delavan L. Pierson. 
 
 Fennell P. Turner. 
 
 Rev. Charles H. Tyndall, D.D. 
 
 Membership. 
 
 Patrons of the Society, $100. 
 
 Life Membership, $50. 
 
 Honorary Associate Membership, $25. 
 
 Sustaining Associate Membership, $10. 
 
 Annual Membership, $2 (or more). 
 
 Make check payable to Mrs. E. E. Olcott, 322 West 75th 
 St., New York City. 
 
 8