Earlier text: Institutional Finance“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends.” ONE of the essential elements in prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” To his disciples Jesus said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” An omnipotent God gives us this broad, unlimited assurance. Shall we not take him at his word? “When we do not receive the very things we ask for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears, and that he will answer our prayers. We are so erring and short-sighted that we sometimes ask for things that would not be a blessing to us, and our Heavenly Father in love answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good,—that which we ourselves should desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all things as they really are. When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too kind to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon his sure promise, ‘Ask, and it shall be given you.’” 84. Writing from Oklahoma, a sister asks prayer for a brother and his wife, who have given up the truth, that they may be restored to the faith. 85. Writing from South Carolina, a sister asks prayer for the healing and conversion of her father, who is going blind. 86. A burdened sister in Indiana requests prayer that she may be healed of a nervous trouble, and that her family and two brothers may be converted to God. 87. “Please pray for my husband and son, also for my daughter and her husband, that they may listen to the pleadings of the Holy Spirit,” is the request of an Oklahoma sister. She also asks that we pray for the restoration of her mother, who has severe stomach trouble. 88. A burdened mother in the same State (Oklahoma) wishes us to pray for the conversion of her sons. One is a drunkard, and the other addicted to the use of cigarettes. She also desires that we ask God to give her freedom and joy in his service, as well as ability to speak of his love to others. 89. A brother in Montana wishes us to pray for the conversion of his parents. He also desires prayer in his own behalf that he may be an overcomer in all things. 90. From Massachusetts a sister sends the request that prayer be offered for her healing. She is suffering from a nervous disease. Let us also pray for her son that he may be led of God to take an active part in this closing work. 91. A Washington sister, whose oldest son has become estranged, asks prayer that her family may be reunited, and her children truly converted. She also desires us to remember her sister and family when we bow before the throne of grace, and two friends who are passing through hard trials. 92. A New York brother desires us to pray that he may be restored to health, and have the assurance that God has fully accepted him as his child. Let us pray earnestly in his behalf. 93. A sister writes from Oregon, requesting prayer for her brother-in-law, who has given up the truth, and makes it very hard for his wife to keep the Sabbath. Their six children are not receiving a Christian training, and interested friends are very anxious that the husband and father be led to see the error of his ways before it is too late. 94. A sister in Michigan asks prayer in behalf of herself and husband, that they may be physically strengthened for their work, and live more in harmony with each other and with God. She also desires prayer for the healing of a child who is ill. 95. From Wisconsin comes the request that prayer be offered for the healing of a young man who is suffering from an incurable disease. 96. An Iowa brother desires prayer in behalf of his daughter-in-law who is very ill. If it is the Lord’s will he longs for her healing and conversion, also the conversion of her husband. 97. A brother and sister residing in Iowa ask prayers for the restoration of a friend who is crippled with rheumatism. 98. “Please pray for the conversion of my husband and children; also for the healing of my son who has been afflicted for the past three years with nerve trouble,” writes an Illinois sister. 99. An anxious wife and mother in Kansas requests prayer for the conversion of her husband and two daughters, one of whom is about to marry an unbeliever; also for herself that she may be restored to health and strength. 100. A burdened Ohio mother requests earnest prayer for the conversion of her son and daughter. They have been reared in a Seventh-day Adventist home, but do not know Christ as a personal Saviour, and the young man does not keep the Sabbath. Thoughts, Words, and Deeds
“THOUGHTS are seeds, words are flowers, and deeds are fruits.” From Connecticut and Illinois
By Stephen N. Haskell
ACCORDING to previous appointment we met with the brethren and sisters in New Haven, Conn., from Dec. 14 to 22, 1912, conducting a Bible institute. This was a profitable season and much of the blessing of the Lord was manifested during the institute. My wife and I held three Bible studies each day, and Elder C. H. Edwards preached in the evenings. The same Spirit that inspired the woman in Samaria to tell others of the Messiah when she found him herself, still works in the hearts of men. We have never studied the Bible carefully and prayerfully for a few days with a company of our brethren and sisters without seeing manifested a burden to work for souls. In view of this we had advised Elder Edwards to have on hand a quantity of literature. The second day of the institute the brethren bought a large quantity of “His Glorious Appearing,” and began to sell them and give them away. Other literature was offered from day to day during the institute until about $350 worth was taken by the little company. A portion of this literature was sold in New Haven during the institute and the remainder carried to the homes of those in attendance to be disposed of afterward. Some that had thought they never could sell books made a success of it, and we hope they will continue in the way and become successful canvassers. From New Haven we came to the Hinsdale Sanitarium, Hinsdale, Ill., to be present at their midwinter convention. This was one of the most profitable meetings we have attended for some time. We had the privilege of meeting with Elders O. A. Olsen, Geo. E. Langdon, and K. C. Russell, Drs. D. Paulson and L. H. Wolfsen, and others with whom we have had pleasant acquaintances in years past. These associations with friends from whom we had been separated was so very pleasant that we were made to wonder what it will be when the saints of God meet in his kingdom around his throne after all the battles of life are fought. The Lord set his seal to the midwinter convention by the conversion of souls, the healing of the sick, and the reclaiming of the backslider. Truly God was present. Elders Russell and Langdon have rented a large church building in the central part of the city, in which the former is holding a series of meetings, assisted by Dr. D. H. Kress and others. The attendance and interest are good and the result is encouraging. There are at present from ten to fifteen little centers established in the city where the light of truth shines forth. The Northern Illinois Conference convened January 10-19, in the large church where Elder Russell and others were holding their evening meetings. Elders W. T. Knox and G. B. Thompson spent several days at the conference and Elder A. G. Daniells was there one day. The presence and counsel of these brethren added much strength to the meetings. The sessions of the conference were good throughout and the different lines of work were well represented. The church-school report was worthy of being heard by every Seventh-day Adventist conference in the country. The hearts of all were touched when they heard of the sacrifices made by some of our brethren in order to give their children a Christian education. The Sabbath-school donations on the second Sabbath of the conference amounted to about $127. We were pleased to see the large bookstand and the fine display of books. The entire amount of literature sold at the conference was about $675. The conference that encourages the lay members as well as the workers to distribute large quantities of literature is sowing seed that will surely bear fruit. Elder Langdon was again elected president of the conference, and we sincerely hope that the coming year may be a prosperous one for this conference. Having the great city of Chicago in its midst, the Northern Illinois Conference becomes one of the most important fields in this country. After the close of the conference we spent a few days at the Broadview Swedish Seminary four miles from LaGrange, a suburb of Chicago. We were pleased to see the earnest company of Swedish young people in this school fitting themselves to labor for their own countrymen. Their intelligent questions as we studied with them showed that they were Bible students and were anxious to become workmen that need “not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The Chesapeake Conference
By Roscoe T. Baer
THE work in the Chesapeake Conference for the year 1912 has made considerable progress. The conference committee voted to conduct four tent efforts,—two for the English, one for the Germans, and one for the colored people. These efforts were in a measure successful, and over sixty white persons and twenty-five colored persons have embraced the truth. Accessions to the faith have also been made at Cumberland, Thurmont, Rock Hall, Smithsburg, Baltimore, and Wilmington, making in all fully one hundred that have accepted the truth during the year. For years the message has had its representatives in Baltimore, the largest city in the conference; but, without a church building, the work has progressed under serious difficulties. The brethren and sisters and workers here labored faithfully to change this condition, until a very choice lot came into their possession; and upon this lot to-day stands a neat brick building, which, when finished, will comfortably seat three hundred persons. This church building is being pushed to completion, and will be ready for dedication about March 1. It is gratifying to know that after years of effort, there is at last a monument to God's great memorial in this city. There has been a very substantial growth and increase in the conference finances. This is due to an increase in membership, and also to an increase in faithfulness in the payment of tithes and offerings, following the general meetings which have been held with the churches in various parts of the field. The tithe for 1911 was $8,960.10, and for 1912 $10,584.47, an increase over 1911 of $1,624.37. There has been a sufficient increase in offerings for missions to bring the conference out on the Fifteen-cent-a-week Fund. The offerings for 1911 were $1,888.57, while for the year 1912 they were $4,306.66, a gain over 1911 of $2,418.09. The total tithe and offerings for 1911 were $10,848.67, and for 1912 $14,891.13, a gain of $4,042.46. The Sabbath-school offerings for 1911 were $978.76, and for the year 1912 $2,145, a gain of $1,166.24. These figures are a source of encouragement to us as we labor to develop this field, which has been classed among the weak and dependent ones; but we can see that with the help of the Lord the work is progressing, and the future looks162 more promising than ever. Plans are fully in operation which it is hoped will materially help us to reach still greater heights, and as we enter upon the duties of another year, we feel confident that God will enable us to accomplish more than has ever yet been realized in the Chesapeake Conference. We trust that the Lord will continue his blessing upon his people, and that faithfulness and whole-hearted consecration may characterize each one until victory through Christ will come in the finishing of God's work in the earth. Love’s Reward
By Lillian S. Connerly
Though tongue of angels, gift of prophecy,
Though understanding all of mystery,
Though faith that moves the mountains may be mine,
Though I to feed the poor my goods consign,
Yea, though I give my body to be burned,—
If in it all is naught of love discerned,
’Tis vain and to no profit, says my Lord;
And he’s inscribed it in his holy Word. But if in his dear name, with heart of love,
A cup of water we but give, above
’Tis written down, and promise sure is given
We shall receive our recompense in heaven. Love is the first and last in God’s great plan
To save unworthy, sinful, loveless man.
“He first loved us,” and, loving, wins man’s heart
That his own mighty love he may impart. Love then becomes the motive spring of all
Obedience and service. Love’s sweet call
Is echoed through the world till its refrain
Is heard in heaven, its notes again
Proclaiming, “’Tis enough, the world has heard
The message of salvation through the word
Of holy love. The heavenly angels send
To gather to the kingdom without end.” Northern Illinois Conference Session
By G. E. Langdon
THE forty-first annual session of the Northern Illinois Conference closed Jan. 19, 1913. It was held in Chicago, with ninety-seven delegates in attendance. The last Sabbath there were over one thousand persons present. Stirring Bible studies and sermons were given each day. One brother who had lost his hold upon God for the past two years, made a new start for the kingdom. The husband of one sister took his stand for the truth, and many others surrendered to the Lord. The Spirit of God was present from the first, to carry conviction and courage home to the heart. We were favored with the help of the following-named workers, which was greatly appreciated: Elders A. G. Daniells, W. T. Knox, G. B. Thompson, O. A. Olsen, K. C. Russell, and S. N. Haskell and wife, and Dr. D. H. Kress, of the General Conference; Elders Allen Moon, O. Montgomery, and C. A. Russell, Prof. O. J. Graf, Brother J. B. Blosser, and Miss Myrta Kellogg, of the Lake Union Conference. During the session over $675 worth of books and periodicals was sold. The Sabbath-school collections amounted to $155. One quilt made by pupils in the Aledo church-school brought twelve dollars; the money was donated to Africa, and the quilt to the Chicago Bible Training-school. The conference voted cheerfully to raise $10,500 for missions the coming year. During the year 1912 we raised $8,760.00, against $6,335.22 for 1911, a gain of $2,424.87, or twelve and one-half cents a member a week, but still $1,697 less than our apportionment. All seemed determined to reach the mark this year by the blessing of God. The offerings in the Sabbath-school increased $1,219.49 over last year. The tithe for 1911 was $28,186.09; for 1912, it was $29,506.15, a gain of $1,320.06. Subscription book sales for 1912 amounted to $10,692.20, a gain of $34.31 over last year. The following officers were elected for the coming year: President, G. E. Langdon; secretary and treasurer, H. E. Moon. Executive committee: G. E. Langdon, Allen Moon, O. A. Olsen, J. W. Cummings, P. E. Broderson, J. A. Applegate, Wm. Marsh, Jr. Educational, Sabbath-school, and young people's secretary, Miss Edith Shepard; field missionary secretary, J. A. Applegate. A church-school teachers' institute was held in connection with the conference. All the teachers were present, and a profitable time was spent in studying methods and future plans. The school exhibit was excellent. A very successful colporteurs' institute was also held during the last days of the conference, and continued up to the twenty-third of January. The Master of assemblies was in our midst during the entire session. A spirit of consecration and a desire to hastily finish the work God has given his people to do, characterized the dispersing believers. New Jersey
By A. R. SANDBORN
NEWARK.—Sabbath and Sunday, January 25, 26, were good days for our people in Newark. It was a time to which they had been looking forward for over a year, and God certainly blessed those who had the privilege of meeting there. It was the time of the dedication of the new house of worship that has been built by that congregation. Elder C. H. Edwards was with us, and preached the dedicatory sermon to a congregation of about four hundred. Their interest in the work was manifested by the donation that was made just before the dedicatory prayer was offered. This amounted to $725, much of it being given by people not of our faith. We were thus enabled to dedicate the church, valued at ten thousand dollars, free of debt. About two years ago the members of this church began to think about a place of their own in which they might worship God, and as they began to plan, donations continued to come in until they felt that they had sufficient to warrant beginning the work. The Lord's hand has been with them from the very start, and while they have worked with willing hands to erect this building, the funds have come as they were needed, many times in a wonderful way. This building has been erected almost entirely by the brethren of the church working nights and holidays. The sisters have done all in their power to raise funds, thus seconding the efforts of the brethren. Truly God has been good to his people in Newark, and we rejoice with them that after they have passed through the trying times of the past, they are able to have this monument of God's goodness and mercy with which to hasten the work in that large city. A LITTLE over one year ago I came to the splendid State of Ohio. Until the organization of the Columbia Union Conference, Ohio constituted a part of the Lake Union Conference. At the time of the organizing of the Columbia Union, about one half of the membership of this union was in Ohio, but the good growth in the seven other conferences has changed the proportion to about one third of the present membership of the union. It has been pleasing to me to labor with the faithful believers in Ohio. We have been gratified at the results of the efforts made by our faithful workers during the past year. Nearly all our city churches have added a good number of new believers. In many places the lay members are doing excellent work resulting in many additions to churches. The promptness and faithfulness and hearty cooperation on the part of our people have permitted us to look upon some of the results of the year with satisfaction. The Ohio State constitutional convention added much to our burdens, but we were pleased that the many proposals for religious legislation were set aside. This was a great victory, which we are permitted to know came through God's blessing upon the faithful cooperation of our church-members. A brief comparative statement of our financial results for 1912 will indicate to the readers of the REVIEW better than anything that I may say, how the cause is prospering in Ohio. |
1912 |
1911 |
GAIN |
|---|
| Tithes |
$36,681.09 |
$30,309.80 |
$6,372.29 |
| Tithes per cap. |
17.50 |
14.50 |
3.00 |
| Offerings |
16,851.34 |
8,079.39 |
8,771.95 |
| Off. per cap. |
.15 |
.08 |
.07 |
| S. S. off. |
7,975.39 |
3,929.58 |
4,045.81 |
| Tithes and off. |
53,532.43 |
38,389.19 |
15,153.24 |
Thinking that these results, made possible through the blessing of God, may be an encouragement to others, we pass them on. We hope to see even better results for 1913. E. K. SLADE. Among the Churches in South Carolina
By C. G. Manns
I BEGAN visiting the churches in this State Jan. 6, 1913. My first visit was to the Orangeburg church. The work in that city was begun by Brethren J. F. Crichlow and B. W. Abney, assisted by others. Last September we held our camp-meeting there and brought out a strong company of Sabbath-keepers, who are still of good courage. Fifteen of these have been baptized. Brother Abney is leader of the company. They have begun paying on their church lot. May God bless the work there. The Columbia church has a membership of about forty, who are all of good courage. They have resolved to do more this year than ever before. We had some blessed meetings during the six days which I spent with this church. Eighty-nine dollars was pledged to finish paying for their church lot. I next visited Spartanburg. The church there has a membership of thirty or thirty-five. The Lord has wonderfully blessed the work in Spartanburg since last March. We thank him for his wonder-working power in bringing this church where it is to-day. I spent six days in this city, and seventy-nine dollars was pledged to make the first payment on a lot for a church building. At Greenville I found the church doing well, considering the little care that it has had. I hope to hold a series of ten night meetings with this church in March, and that some arrangement may be made whereby it may have more help than it has had in the past. Let us pray for the work in Greenville. My heart was made to rejoice over the progress of the work in this State so far, and I have resolved to do more for the upbuilding of the work this year than ever before. I ask the prayers of our people to that end. I have now returned to Charleston. The company here, consisting of thirty-five or forty persons, is a growing company. We intend to begin tent-meetings about the last of March or the first of April.
C. G. MANNS. Further Proposed Legislation in Behalf of Sunday
By Editor
At the second quadrennial session of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, which was held in Chicago, Dec. 4-9, 1912, that great organization again pledged itself, by a resolution to work for legislation in behalf of Sunday. The resolution adopted reads as follows:— “We earnestly recommend to State and local federations of churches the importance of not only guarding against the repeal or weakening of the laws we now have providing for Sunday rest, but of placing on our statute-books laws securing one day in seven as a rest day for all classes of working men, and the securing to every community a more complete protection against all Sunday practises that tend to demoralize society or weaken the forces that make for virtue and righteousness. As a means to this end, we heartily cooperate with the social service commission of the council in its nation-wide campaign for one day in seven for the workers.” From the tenor of this resolution, it is perfectly clear that the council regarded a law providing for “one day in seven as a day of rest,” as one kind of legislation in behalf of Sunday. Direct evidence to this effect, which will be presented later, has been furnished by the secretary of the council. As a part of the plan to carry this resolution into effect, a bill has been prepared by the American Association for Labor Legislation for introduction in all States, and a campaign in behalf of this measure is now being conducted by the Commission on the Church and Social Service, a department of the Federal Council. The bill which it is thus proposed to have enacted by every State legislature, reads as follows:— “Standard Bill for One Day of Rest in Seven
“AN ACT to promote the public health by providing for one day of rest in seven for employees in certain employments. “Be it enacted, etc., as follows:— “Section 1. Scope of the Act. “Every employer of labor, whether a person, partnership, or corporation, engaged in carrying on any factory or mercantile establishment in this State, shall allow every person, except those specified in Section 2, employed in such factory or mercantile establishment, at least twenty-four consecutive hours of rest in every seven consecutive days. No employer shall operate any such factory or mercantile establishment on Sunday, unless he shall have complied with Section 3. Provided, however, that this act shall not authorize any work on Sunday not now authorized by law. “This act shall not apply to—- Janitors.
- Watchmen.
- Employees whose duties include no work on Sunday other than—
a. Setting sponges in bakeries.
b. Caring for live animals.
c. Maintaining fires.” “Section 3. Schedule for Sunday Workers. “Before operating on Sunday, every employer shall post in a conspicuous place on the premises a schedule containing a list of his employees who are required or allowed to work on Sunday and designating the day of rest for each, and shall file a copy of such schedule with the (Commissioner of Labor). The employer shall promptly file with the said (Commissioner) a copy of every change in such schedule. No employee shall be required or allowed to work on the day of rest so designated for him.” “Every employer shall keep a time-book showing the names and addresses of all employees and the hours worked by each of them in each day, and such time-book shall be open to inspection by the (Commissioner of Labor).” “Every employer who violates the provisions of this act, or any of them, shall be liable to the State for a penalty of — dollars for each offense, recoverable by civil action by the (Commissioner of Labor).” “Section 6. Time of Taking Effect. “This act shall take effect October first, nineteen hundred and thirteen.” While this measure purports to be “an act to promote the public health,” it is evident on the face of it that it is a part of the movement to secure the enactment of laws either enforcing the observance of Sunday or in some way contributing to that end. In the brief which accompanies this proposed act, occurs the following statement:— “The Sunday laws enacted in the first instance to protect the Sabbath from desecration, have not only in the turmoil and rush of modern conditions failed to do that, but have also signally failed to protect men from the debasing effects of continuous seven-day toil.” Here a frank admission is made that the real purpose in the enactment of Sunday laws in general is “to protect the Sabbath from desecration.” We have always maintained this to be the case, although it has been stoutly declared with reference to various bills relating to work on Sunday that they were not of a religious character and were not designed to enforce any religious observance. The Sunday laws now upon the statute-books having “signally failed” to accomplish what they were designed to accomplish, further legislation is sought on the basis of “one day of rest in seven.” If, however, the purpose of the bill is simply to secure to the working men a needed period of rest after six days of toil, why is it necessary to mention Sunday in any way? The physical system is built up just as satisfactorily by resting on one day of the week as by resting on another; and if there is no religious significance to this measure, and the whole purpose is honestly set forth in the title, why should it impose conditions upon the employer who desires to operate his establishment on Sunday? A reading of the bill will show that Sunday is mentioned five times in it,—twice in the first section, once in the second section, and twice in the third section. This is certainly sufficient evidence that those who wrote this act intended to secure legislation in behalf of Sunday. The exception made in Section 2, exempting from the provisions of this bill “employees whose duties include no work on Sunday other than” certain necessary work mentioned, is plain proof that a leading purpose of this bill is to prevent Sunday work. But no extended argument is necessary to establish the fact that this proposed legislation will promote the observance of Sunday. An admission to this effect has been frankly made by the secretary of the commission which is urging its passage. When he was informed that this bill would be opposed by Seventh-day Adventists, and it was suggested to him that a measure providing for one day of rest in seven with no reference whatever to Sunday might be more acceptable to this denomination, he replied thus: “We have put it on the basis of one day’s rest in seven. Of course, as a matter of fact, we know perfectly well that this means the strengthening of Sunday.” As this bill has not been introduced, so far as we know, either in Congress or in any State legislature, we have not been able thus far to make any direct protest against it; but the presidents of local conferences and all religious liberty secretaries have been notified of the purpose to secure this legislation, have been furnished with a leaflet analyzing its provisions, and have been urged to be ready to act whenever it may be introduced into any local legislature. This nation-wide effort to secure legislation in behalf of the observance of Sunday will furnish a splendid opportunity for the presentation of the right principles relating to this subject, and the fullest advantage should be taken of it. Suitable literature, such as the Religious Liberty Leaflets and the magazine Liberty, should be freely circulated, and every reasonable effort should be made to prevent both legislators and people in general from committing themselves on the wrong side of this question for lack of proper information. That it pays to keep up this campaign of education is shown by the following extract, taken from a recent letter written to the secretary of this department by a leading senator, who is chairman of one of the important committees of the Senate:— “I have always felt that the Seventh-day Adventists made a mistake in seeking to interfere with laws regulating Sunday labor; but the more I have considered the matter in the last year or two, the more I am disposed to think that there are, to say the least, two sides to the question.” We hope those whose duty it is to attend to this special feature of our work will take renewed courage and put forth most earnest efforts at this critical time. “That day is best wherein we give
A thought to others' sorrows;
Forgetting self, we learn to live,
And blessings born of kindly deeds
Make golden our to-morrows.” State and Church
By W. W. Prescott
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of Religious Freedom, and the Campaign “to Make America Catholic.” Conducted by the Religious Liberty Association.