NATIONAL REFORM CONVENTION.
By H. E. Rogers
The annual convention of friends and delegates of the National Reform Association was held at First Presbyterian church at Pittsburg, Pa., April 22. The attendance was not large, averaging two hundred, but this was not looked upon by leaders as indicating any diminution in numbers; but because no special effort had been made to bring out a large gathering, they preferring local and frequent conventions in the different States. Any lack in numbers, however, was more than balanced by the enthusiasm and determination manifested. Although the aims and objects of this movement are well known to Seventh-day Adventists, it is possible to receive from a printed report some impression of the nature of the coming struggle; but it can only be clearly seen by one coming in actual contact with the spirit and apparent motives of the leaders. Their reasoning from their stand-point is logical, and presented with such force and apparent candor as must have a powerful effect on the minds of the majority of Christian people who virtually base their faith on the same premises as are maintained by them. The reports of the various officers show a rapid increase of strength and popular favor. They propose to more fully unite with other reform movements, present a solid front to the enemy, which is represented by the Liberal element, liquor traffic, etc., and one of the speakers said, “Show them that Christian men know their rights and intend to maintain them.” Addresses were made by representatives as follows: Hon. Felix R. Brunot, “The Bible in Public Schools;” Rev. Wm. Weir, “The Rights of Christian Citizens,” in which “the strong, defiant attitude taken” was warmly commended by several; Prof. D. McAllister, “Social Compact Theory,” in which he argued to show that the State is amenable to moral law the same as individuals; Rev. J. W. Coleman, “Necessity of Christian Amendment,” in which, after asserting that Jesus Christ is now invested with kingly authority over the earth, he logically reasoned that it is the duty of the people to acknowledge their King in the national Constitution; Rev. F. M. Spencer, “State and Lord’s Day,” in which the continued open violation of the Sunday Sabbath was portrayed; Dr. J. N. Hays, “U. S. Mail Service and the Sabbath,” a powerful appeal to the Christian people to take a decided stand against this work; Rev. R. J. George, “Our Duty to the Ruler of Nations,” an effort to prove the position assumed by Mr. Coleman, in which texts referring to the future reign and kingdom of Christ were used as applying to the present time; Rev. J. W. Dyke, “Divorce Reform.” A very interesting temperance lecture was given by Mrs. M. W. Woodbridge, and stirring remarks were made by the editor of the Christian Statesman and other workers in the movement. The constitution of the association was amended in various ways, making its demands stronger and more specific. Strong resolutions were passed, pledging themselves to increased activity, especially with regard to the Sunday mail service, Sunday trains, Sunday newspapers, etc. Of all the subjects discussed, the Sabbath question received the most attention and kindled the most fervent zeal, they recognizing the fact that Sabbath observance is the foundation of moral government. Pres. [name illegible] hoped the next Congress could be so flooded with petitions that it would be glad to grant all that was demanded. I came home thankful for the truth regarding the closing scenes of this earth’s history, and determined to “cry aloud and spare not,” till the great victory for the right is won. H. E. Rogers.