The second annual session of the Southern New England Conference convened at Willimantic, Conn., in connection with the camp-meeting, August 31 to September 11. Reports were rendered by the secretary and treasurer of the conference, and also by the secretary of the Sabbath-school Department.
Resolutions were adopted,—
Indorsing the ten-cent-a-week plan.
Continuing the support of a teacher at South Lancaster Academy.
Affecting the sale of an extra one thousand copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” above our quota.
In aid of Brother and Sister Burgess in their sale of the Bible Training School.
Advocating the organization of a conference church.
Raising twelve hundred dollars to start an emergency fund for the payment of tents, hall rents, camp-meeting expenses, etc.
Regarding the sale of “Ministry of Healing.”
Advocating the holding of Sabbath-school conventions.
Indorsing the Sabbath School Worker.
Urging the establishment of home Sabbath-schools wherever feasible.
Advocating the missionary campaign idea, and urging all to take part in the same in every way consistent with their opportunities.
Recommending to a place in every Seventh-day Adventist home THE REVIEW AND HERALD, The Signs of the Times, The Youth’s Instructor, The Atlantic Union Gleaner, and Life and Health.
Supporting the religious liberty work.
Affecting the “school farm” idea, agitated last year.
The committee on credentials and licenses presented the following report, which was unanimously adopted: For credentials, W. A. Westworth, J. C. Stevens; for ministerial license, A. J. Clark, H. L. Shoup, C. H. Reimers, M. J. Fritz; for missionary license, Mrs. M. A. Scribner.21
The officers elected unanimously for the ensuing year are as follows: President, W. A. Westworth; Secretary and Treasurer, Irene J. Cady; Executive Committee, W. A. Westworth, D. B. Parmelee, G. P. Coates, D. A. Bidwell, J. A. Tefft; Secretary of Sabbath-school Department, Mrs. H. A. Whittier.
The work of the conference was marked by perfect harmony, and the Spirit of the Lord prevailed among us. All the business of the meeting, other than those resolutions which affected interests outside of our own field which were afterward presented by laborers from abroad, was finished by the end of the second business day of the meeting, which left us free to devote the remainder of our time to the spiritual phase of our work.
The financial report of the treasurer showed that the Lord had greatly blessed us. During the past summer the salary list of the conference has been doubled by the accession of four new workers, and still we are several hundred dollars ahead of any previous time in the history of the field. A spirit of courage, which betokens much good, seemed to fill all hearts, and we go forward in the year to come, expecting a greater triumph in the Lord.
WM. A. WESTWORTH, President,
IRENE J. CADY, Secretary.
The Buffalo (N. Y.) Sanitarium
By W. A. SPICER
The Buffalo Sanitarium Training-school for Nurses held its second commencement exercises October 19. The graduates numbered four, a good number for a small institution to turn out into missionary service after hard work and thorough training. And the Christian and missionary idea was foremost in the papers presented by the graduates.
The exercises were held in the gymnasium of the little institution, and this and the dining-hall were filled with members of the Buffalo church, and with friends and patrons of the sanitarium. Quite a number of the audience were Roman Catholics, and they certainly had an opportunity to hear of the coming of the Lord and the meaning of the missionary movement which this message represents.
The four graduates represented four nationalities, the Irish, German, Scandinavian, and Jewish. I was impressed that they mean to make their training count in the cause we love. It is certainly encouraging to find these little sanitariums, while teaching and treating the sick, also training and sending into the field of service young men and women who have consecrated their lives to the message.
Dr. and Sister Saterlee, who have charge of the sanitarium and training-school, guided the exercises and demonstrations of the evening, while Elder Weber, now laboring in Buffalo, and myself gladly joined in the program. The motto of the class was, “Where Suffering Calls,” and we bid Godspeed to these young people as they go to answer the call.
W. A. SPICER.
Religious Liberty Notes
By K. C. Russell
ELDER C. H. BATES, of Bayfield, Colo., made an earnest protest against a Sunday-closing crusade which was inaugurated by the local churches at Cripple Creek, Colo., last spring, an account of which was published in the Cripple Creek Times, and has also been reprinted in tract form.
The religious liberty secretary of the Lockport, N. Y., Seventh-day Adventist church, Mrs. D. A. Ball, writes: “I am more than ever satisfied that there is a close connection between the W. C. T. U. and the National Reform Association. This conviction, which I have entertained for a long time, was strengthened last night as I listened to a lecture delivered by Wilbur F. Crafts, of Washington, D. C. His lecture was entitled, ‘That Boy and Girl of Yours,’ but his whole aim was to advance national reform, and he related many instances where he had influenced governors, mayors, and railroad presidents to desist from giving their influence to Sunday desecration.”
The Washington Post, under date of Oct. 23, 1905, commenting editorially concerning the municipal political campaign now on in Philadelphia, in which the clergymen of that city are taking an unusually active part, makes the following sound statements: “The Post has not relaxed a single iota of its opposition to political preaching. It holds that the mission of the pulpit is to preach the gospel of the Founder of Christianity; that in the house of God the voice of the political partizan should never be heard. There are texts enough in the Bible with which to rebuke sin and sinners of all sorts and varieties. The ten commandments, with the ‘new commandment’ ‘that ye love one another,’ hit every sin and sinner; there are thousands of texts with which to supplement them.”
We have learned that a large number of the State legislatures will not meet this winter. This fact, however, should not cause us to lessen our interest in doing aggressive work in the dissemination of the principles of religious liberty. It should also be remembered that, notwithstanding the fact that there will be no new legislation in many of the States this winter on the Sunday question, the laws already on the statute-books of such States may be vigorously enforced by the promoters of Sunday legislation.
K. C. Russell.
Opening at Adelphian Academy
By J. G. Lamson
Holly, Mich.
The past few weeks have been very full of history-making events, so far as this school is concerned. Immediately following the camp-meeting it became evident that we should not be able to get our building ready for occupancy at the time the fall term was to begin. Sabbath, September 23, I felt called upon to speak from the experience of Nehemiah, and to dwell especially upon the verse which says, “The people had a mind to work.” I told them that if all would be faithful, I was satisfied that one week later we might have a building which would house us temporarily, and permit us to carry on our work. The following results showed that the listeners took the sermon to heart. We set the first posts in the ground the next morning. At half-past nine we began22laying the sills. One week later the building was finished, and school was held in it. It was certainly inspiring to watch the men at work, for it was one continual race.
We now have a building twenty by fifty-four feet, one story and a half in height. The first floor is used for a commercial room, business office, and living-rooms for the principal and his wife, while up-stairs the boys find comfortable lodging places. The entire cost of erecting the building will be in the neighborhood of three hundred dollars. School opened Tuesday morning, with twenty present. The number has now increased until we have a school family, teachers and students, numbering thirty. There is an excellent spirit in the school, and we praise the Lord for an opportunity of working for him. The classes already formed are all tenth grade or under.
We have an excellent printing plant, and shall publish the conference paper. The crops are reasonably good upon the farm, and market is first class.
In all my experience as a teacher, I have never entered upon a year's work with greater eagerness and more happiness. I love the work, and I am learning to love even its perplexities. I have an able and sufficient corps of assistants, and we are endeavoring to make a first-class school. We shall be glad to mail our prospectus to any who desire it.
J. G. LAMSON.
Christian Education
By Frederick Griggs
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference.
FREDERICK GRIGGS, Chairman,
C. C. LEWIS, Secretary.
Suggestions for Church-School Teachers
LET the schoolroom be made just as attractive as possible. This can be done by bringing plants and other objects of nature into the room. There should be a constant endeavor to maintain a neat, artistic room. Pictures are useful in this connection. The Perry pictures, which can be obtained at almost every bookstore in the land, are very inexpensive, and serve as well as any for the purpose. We are all educated by our environments, and a pleasant and cheerful schoolroom tends greatly to strengthen all phases of the school work.
Form an animal club. Elect a president, vice-president, and secretary. It may be the president's duty to preside at meetings. These meetings may be held once a week, taking the place of some class, perhaps language. The officers' duties may be to preside at meetings and to see that the programs are arranged and the parts well prepared before the session. The program may cover all phases of animal life and doings. Recitations, well-prepared stories, and short essays may fill up the time. The pupils may get the matter both from what they have seen and from what they have read or heard. The work of the club should tend toward giving the children a love and consideration for all of God's creatures.
The Mission Board has issued a little pamphlet, “Outlines of Mission Fields.” It is designed to help our church-school teachers in the study of the world. It gives a good description of the beginning and building up of our mission work in all lands. The Mission Board will send this pamphlet to every teacher who asks for it.
The Lord created the earth for the carrying on of his work of love. We should study geography from the missionary point of view. We hope to have more said concerning the subject of teaching geography in a manner to inspire the pupils with a love for missionary work in all lands. F. G.
Field Notes
FOUR persons received baptism at Omer, Mich., October 10.
ELDER L. S. WHEELER reports the baptism of twelve persons at Boston, Mass., October 21.
SIX persons have accepted the truth at Corvallis, western Ore., under the labors of Elder C. J. Cole.
A CHURCH of thirteen members was recently organized at Mena, Ark. A church-school has been started there.
Two new Sabbath-keepers were baptized recently at Bowie, Tex. A church building is in process of erection there.
ELDER S. J. HERSUM reports the baptism of four persons at Falmouth, Colo.; also of two persons at Wilton, Maine.
THREE converts to the truth have been won at Tackett Mills, Va., as a result of the recent labors of Elder H. W. Herrell at that place.
AT Mosier, Ore., a number have embraced the truth, and a prosperous Sabbath-school has been organized, as a result of the labors of Brother B. C. Tabor and his wife.
SEVEN persons have recently accepted the Sabbath truth at Spencer, Va., and three have been added to the church there. Five persons received baptism on the occasion of the last quarterly meeting.
ELDER D. T. SHIREMAN writes from Hildebran, N. C.: “I am now [October 13] putting up the home for my school. It is a building of fourteen rooms, and I am on a heavy strain, and am putting in long days. My courage was never better.”
ELDER C. B. RULE reports closing a series of meetings at Emporia, Va., October 8, “leaving two companies of Sabbath-keepers, seven white and four colored; and two Sabbath-schools, the white one numbering about fifteen, and the colored Sabbath-school numbering four, all heads of families.”
THE following report from Brother Marcial Serna is received under date of October 1: “On August 26 I baptized twelve dear souls, and several more will very soon be ready for baptism. I have received $16.44 in tithes from this little company of Mexicans. I am very glad, because day by day the Lord is blessing my people.”
Current Mention
— The cotton crop of the United States will this year, according to the report of the National Ginners’ Association, not be over 10,000,000 bales.
— A battle between the “railroad lobby” and friends of President Roosevelt’s program of railway-rate regulation, has been in progress at Chicago. This is considered the paramount issue now before the country.
— By order of Governor Hoch of Kansas, 513 cases of beer and 6,000 bottles of whisky were publicly destroyed at Fredonia, Kan., October 23, in the courthouse square. A report states that green grass upon which some of the whisky flowed was completely killed by it in a few hours’ time, thus furnishing “striking testimony of the quality of liquor now being sold in Kansas.”
— At Santiago, Chile, opposition by the people to an import tax on Argentine cattle resulted in serious rioting, October 23, about 500 persons being killed or wounded.
— European reports state that an entente between Great Britain and Russia, in which France also shares, has become an accomplished fact, being the result largely of the efforts of the French ambassador at St. Petersburg, who exerted himself to prevent an alliance between Russia and Germany. The latter country now finds itself isolated from European alliances.
— One of the most exciting election campaigns ever known in New York City is in progress there, the central figures in the contest being Mayor McClellan, the “Tammany” candidate, W. R. Hearst, the newspaper proprietor, and District-Attorney Jerome. The campaign of Mr. Hearst based on a platform of municipal ownership of public franchises, has developed a surprising strength of sentiment in that direction among all classes of the people. The “good government” party seems to have been left hopelessly in the rear.
— Rioting and bloodshed are expected in Philadelphia on election day, a fierce contest being now in progress to prevent the old “machine,” whose rule was broken by the reform forces led by Mayor Weaver, from returning to power. The “machine” is making a life-and-death struggle to regain control of the city, and as the election machinery is still mostly in its hands, there is a prospect that it may succeed. Forty thousand illegal names have been recently stricken from the poll books in that city, this being an indication of the wholesale frauds which have been practised there under “machine” domination. An attempt is being made also to stir up religious feeling in the controversy, based on the fact that a good many of those dismissed from the public service by the reform party are Catholics, while Mayor Weaver is superintendent of a Baptist Sunday-school. The Protestant clergy of the city are taking a very active part in the contest.
— A suit for damages has been begun at Chicago which will determine the liability of the construction company which built the Iroquois theater in the matter of the dreadful catastrophe in which 600 lives were lost in December, 1904. The suit is brought by a woman who was severely injured in the theater at that time, but escaped with her life, and is the first suit that has been begun by victims of the occurrence. The bill of the plaintiff alleges that the building ordinances were grossly violated by the theater proprietors; that there was no flue pipe in the roof over the stage; that the exits were not properly marked; that there was no automatic sprinkler, and that the appliances for extinguishing fire were grossly inadequate. This suit is regarded by lawyers as of great importance, since hundreds of other suits, aggregating millions of dollars in damages, have been brought, and the evidence given and the verdict to be rendered in this first trial are of momentous consequence to all concerned.
How to Interest Our Young People in Education—1
By M. E. Kern
From observation and from the study of the spirit of prophecy I am convinced that there is a general need among all our people of an awakening to the value of a thorough education. While man is a progressive being, and, as has been said, progress is his distinctive mark alone, there is quite a tendency in our present condition to inertia, a tendency to be satisfied with present attainments. The true object of education is the restoration of the image of God in the soul, the harmonious development of all the powers. Ought not this great truth to inspire us with the idea presented in the “Testimonies,” Vol. VI, that all our young people should have the advantages of an education in our schools? Aside from this, the high character of the work committed to this people—the great reformatory work of the ages—surely demands the most thorough spiritual and intellectual qualifications obtainable. “The third angel’s message is the most solemn message ever given to mortals, and all who connect with the work should first feel their need of an education and a most thorough training process for the work, in reference to their future usefulness.” “The missionary operations are constantly embarrassed for want of workers of the right class of mind, and the devotion and piety that will correctly represent our faith.”—Christian Education, page 45. We were told in the year 1891 that “in the future there will be more pressing need of men and women of literary qualifications than there has been in the past; for broad fields are opening out before us, white already for the harvest.”—Id., page 90.
In harmony with these testimonies, I notice that the calls from our brethren in the foreign fields are for well-educated men,—men of keen intellects, and ability to learn languages and grapple with great questions; but “there is a dearth of educated ability among us.”—Id., page 138.
“The apathy, the indolence, the inattention that has been manifested in regard to education, is marvelous; but it is well pleasing to Satan. God would have us arouse from our indifference and no longer allow the intellectual powers to run to waste, and degenerate into imbecility. Men are to appreciate the talents entrusted to them, and take advantage of the opportunities placed within their reach. Let the mental powers be girded for work, and by vigorous exertion let the mind be enlarged and developed. There is more need now than ever before that our young men and women shall be intellectually qualified for the work.”—Id., pages 138, 139.
Our workers need to give heed to these most earnest appeals for a more thorough intellectual training. We need to study more diligently to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. The failure to do so makes us weak and short-sighted, and powerless to do what God would have us do. It has been true, I fear, in some instances that it has almost been regarded as a mark of superior spirituality to depreciate intellectual training.
My first suggestion, therefore, as to how to create an interest in education among our young people is the creation of a deeper interest in education among our people and workers generally. When our parents and workers become filled with the ideas set forth in the testimonies quoted above, and come to appreciate education, our young people will catch the spirit; for in the majority of cases where they are not interested, it is because of the lack of encouragement, and in many cases actual opposition to education from older ones. This general interest can be awakened by the agitation of educational questions through our periodicals, and the creation of an educational literature adapted to the needs. The vigorous circulation of the books “Education,” and “Testimonies,” Vol. VI, will also do much. And let our efforts be positive, instructing our people concerning the great advantages of a thorough training.
M. E. KERN.
(To be continued)
Publications Wanted
THE following persons desire late, clean copies of our publications, post-paid:—
E. L. Woodson, R. F. D. 3, Clarksville, Tenn.
Mrs. Eva Patterson, Salix, Iowa, Signs, Instructor, and tracts.
Mary Gaede, 501 Hopkins St., Defiance, Ohio, Signs, Life Boat, Watchman, Instructor, Life and Health, Good Health, and tracts.
Address
THE home address of Elder D. E. Lindsay is Clyde, Ohio, and his Cleveland address is 1161 Prospect St., Cleveland, Ohio.
Business Notices
BRIEF business notices will be published in this department subject to the discretion of the publishers. A minimum charge of one dollar will be made for one insertion of forty words or less. Three cents a word will be charged for each additional word, and remittance must accompany each order. Initials and figures count as words. Name and address must be counted.
All persons unknown to the managers of this paper must send satisfactory written recommendations whenever submitting notices for insertion in this column.
In the case of poor persons who wish employment, the charge may be remitted, but in order to secure this concession a letter from the elder of the local church of which the advertiser is a member, or from one of our well-known ministers, must accompany the advertisement.
WANTED.—First-class bread baker. Steady employment and good salary for a capable and energetic man. Adventist preferred. Address Julius Paulson, care American Bakery, San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
There is an opening for a limited number of young men to enter the nurses' training class which begins November 15. Those who desire to enter should write at once. Address Iowa Sanitarium, Des Moines, Iowa.
WANTED.—An economical and careful man to tend furnace, and to do chores about the house and on the farm, beginning at once. No cows. Hygienic living. Address J. S. Comins, R. F. D. 6, Battle Creek, Mich.
FOR SALE.—Keiffer pears, $1 a barrel (2¼ bushels); six barrels, $5. Excellent for both table and canning. Have been shipped in good condition to New York. Send money order immediately to Occoquan Fruit Farm, Occoquan, Va.
FOR SALE.—Farm of 80 acres, frame house, perfect title, healthful location, spring water; farm well adapted to stock-raising. About 1½ miles from town, public school, and S. D. A. church and school. Address Mrs. Martha Woods, Edenville, Mich.
FOR SALE.—40-acre farm, convenient to school, 3½ miles from S. D. A. church; 4-room house, outbuildings; fruit, water, timber, healthful location, congenial neighborhood, productive soil, perfect title. Easy time payments; only $450. Address R. Boram, Monteer, Mo.
WANTED.—A competent school-teacher for private family of five children, and possibly neighboring children. On a farm isolated from any Sabbath-keepers. Excellent opportunity for giving the message in this Southern field. Fair wages. Address J. H. Wheeler, Hildebran, N. C.
FOR SALE.—Our fine home of 22 acres, 7-room house, barn, well, windmill, water right in Escondido Irrigation Co., orchard, plenty of small fruit. Healthfully situated above frost and most of fog, on gently sloping hill land overlooking beautiful Escondido Valley. Ideal home, choice location for profitable winter garden; church and church-school three miles. Price, $2,500, part cash. Address H. W. Keck, Escondido, Cal.
FOR SALE.—Five miles from Dayton, eight miles from Graysville, Tenn., and adjoining my mountain home, 117 acres of land—unimproved, with exception of three acres cleared, and a small house (frame), comparatively new. This place is well adapted to sheep and cattle business, having two running streams through it. 2½ miles from place of regular Sabbath service, and in a fine community. Will sell to desirable neighbors for $500. Address, at present, S. H. Carwile, 703 Bennet Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn.
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
By Miles D. Mattson; Albert E. Place; J. Edward Jayne; Hampton W. Cottrell; George W. Palmer; William A. Wilcox; Preston F. Bicknell
Atlantic Union Conference Association
The first meeting of the third biennial session of the Atlantic Union Conference Association will be held at the Seventh-day Adventist church, South Lancaster, Mass., at 9 A. M., Nov. 9, 1905. This meeting is called for the purpose of electing officers, and transacting such other business as may legally come before the association.
Miles D. Mattson,
Albert E. Place,
J. Edward Jayne,
Hampton W. Cottrell,
George W. Palmer,
William A. Wilcox,
Preston F. Bicknell,
Trustees.
General Meetings in the Northern Illinois Conference
By Wm. Covert
The conference committee in its council held at Sheridan, October 17, 18, planned for a series of general meetings to be held in the Northern Illinois Conference, the first at Belvidere, October 31 to November 5. This meeting is expected to accommodate the churches at Belvidere, Aledo, Aurora, Rockford, and St. Charles; the next is to be held at Streator, November 14-19, to accommodate those at Streator, Ottawa, Sheridan, and Kankakee; the third at Pittwood, November 21-28, to accommodate the friends at Pittwood, Onarga, Watseka, and St. Anne; the fourth at Galesburg, December 5-10, and through this we hope to reach the friends of Galesburg, Monmouth, Aledo, and Moline; the fifth is appointed to be held at Rock Falls, December 12-17, and the friends of Rock Falls, Ames, Stockton, and Thomson are especially invited to be present at this meeting.
We did not hold a camp-meeting in this conference last year outside of the city of Chicago, and we are planning these meetings in such a way as to give our people outside of the city of Chicago a chance for meetings that will at least partially compensate for the lack of a camp-meeting. However, this will depend upon the time that the friends are willing to devote to these meetings, and the interest that they may take in them.
We wish to hold at least three meetings each day during these periods: one in the morning, probably beginning at ten o'clock and closing at twelve; another in the afternoon, opening at half-past two o'clock, and continuing for an hour and a half; and one in the evening, opening at half-past seven.
I expect to attend all these meetings, and will have other ministerial help with me. I ask that our people throughout the conference in all these groups as outlined in this article will arrange their business so as to give full time to the meetings during the six days that they are to continue in the several places. It is very important that our friends do this because we shall not be situated so that we can provide such opportunities very often, and surely every one should make the most of these important occasions. Please do not think of any excuse that might stand in the way, but get ready to come, and earnestly seek the blessings that are to be obtained in these meetings. We confidently expect the Spirit of the Lord will be present in all the services.
Wm. Covert.
Obituaries
[CORRECTION.—In the obituary of Mrs. Braxton, printed in the REVIEW of October 12, the place of death should have been Monon, Ind., instead of Marion, Ind.]
SALISBURY.—Died at Clarks Fork, Idaho, July 25, 1905, of catarrh of the stomach, my father, Myron Salisbury, in his eighty-first year. He accepted present truth in 1861 at Memphis, Mich., under the labors of Elders Lawrence, Cornell, and Van Horn. He loved the truth till his death. Funeral service was conducted by Rev. Roth (Congregationalist).
MARY E. JEFFERS.
MANNY.—Died at his home in Wichita, Kan., Oct. 13, 1905, Napoleon Manny, aged 67 years, 1 month, and 5 days. His parents, who were French Catholic, left that church under the leadership of Father Chiniquy. Brother Manny accepted present truth in 1873 under the labors of Elders Bourdeau and Andrews. He leaves a wife and three children. He was laid to rest in the Wichita Cemetery to await the coming of Him who is the resurrection and the life. Funeral service was conducted by the writer; text, Rom. 8:22, 23.
I. A. CRANE.
ALLORD.—Died at the home of his stepson, Frederick McElroy, of West Bolton, Quebec, Oct. 4, 1905, of cancer of the stomach, Marcel Allord, aged 58 years and 8 months. Brother Allord's health had been failing for several months previous to his decease, but he was able to attend our camp-meeting recently held at South Stukely, Quebec, where he accepted the message of present truth. He went forward in the ordinance of baptism, and gave clear evidence that even in the eleventh hour he found peace through his Saviour. The funeral service was conducted by the writer.
H. E. RICKARD.
JUDD.—Fell asleep in Jesus at Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 23, 1905, in her forty-fourth year, Sister Cora Belle Judd, wife of George E. Judd, cashier of Battle Creek Sanitarium. The deceased was the daughter of Creighton H. and Diana E. Miles. The early years of her life were spent in Vermont. She was brought up in the Adventist faith, and was an earnest, sincere Christian woman. Although very frail physically, she possessed great moral and physical courage, was very tenacious of life, and wished to live for her husband and son. Her gracious manner and womanly dignity, her heartiness and sincerity, were indicative of a true nobility. Her life was ornamented by the meek and quiet spirit, “which is in the sight of God of great price.” In her death she triumphed gloriously, and the Christ life she witnessed in her afflictions, will be cherished by her friends as an imperishable, priceless legacy.
E. J. WAGGONER,
L. McCoy.
WILLIAMS.—Died at Washington, D. C., Oct. 21, 1905, Clark Williams, aged about 70 years. Brother Williams was born of slave parents in Charlottesville, Va., and never knew a mother's care, she being sold away from him at an early age; of his father also he had no recollection. He became a free man through the proclamation of President Lincoln. Seventeen years ago he moved to Washington, and recently experienced a change of heart, and began the observance of the Sabbath. He was to have been baptized and join the church of which Elder Sheafe is pastor, on the day he died. A widow and four children are left to mourn their loss, but they are comforted with the Christian's hope. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer at the funeral to a large congregation; text, John 16:22.
G. B. THOMPSON.
The Crisis in Russia
THE crisis appears to have been reached in the revolutionary movement in Russia, the indications being that the movement has gotten wholly beyond the control of the government authorities. The strike has extended to all the railways in Russia, and in most places the strike is effective. There are sympathetic strikes in all classes of industry, and the industrial life of the whole country is practically at a standstill. There are numerous collisions between strikers and the troops. The newspapers, no longer fearing the censorship, are printing whatever they please. A play in which the government is satirized is drawing immense crowds at the theaters. Revolutionary meetings are held in all the principal cities and towns. Food is becoming scarce in many places, and either the strikers will be starved into submission or riot and pillage on a large scale, with military interference and much bloodshed, must naturally follow. The czar has placed the affairs of the government in the hands of Count Sergius Witte, with instructions to draft a plan of constitutional government which will meet the demands of the people. The police in St. Petersburg are becoming frightened, and many of them are offering their resignations. A state of siege exists in Moscow. Many other places are under martial law. One dispatch states that the czar has decided to grant a constitution similar to that of Germany. It is a question, however, whether any measures can now save Russia from a period of anarchy.
Vegetarianism and Spiritualism
In replying to the question, “Does Vegetarianism Tend to Spiritualism?” the London Present Truth states some principles which need to be emphasized just now. We quote as follows:—
A great many vegetarians reason that, by adopting a purer diet, they necessarily purify their blood, and accordingly free their minds from grossness. As a man eateth, they say, so is he. They expect a simple, natural diet to lead them into a simple, natural life. If they could only find out perfectly what is the right way of living, they would expect to become free from every evil. In other words, if they only knew enough, they could be their own saviors. All they lack is knowledge.
This reasoning is logical enough. If a certain amount of right living can change a man for the better, a greater amount will make him so much better, and a sufficient amount will do the work entirely.
This is the essence of spiritualism. It was told Eve, by the founder of spiritualism, that she could, by the knowledge of good and evil, to come through eating, make herself like God. Gen. 3: 5. Every one who thinks he can make himself better by eating or drinking, or by abstaining from eating or drinking, has fallen into the snare of the devil. If he follows up the error, he will come out a spiritualist.
It is not increased knowledge or an improved manner of life that makes a man better. Sin originated in heaven itself, where the perfect life was to be found, and the diet was exactly right, and it originated with the created being who knew most. On this earth, sin began under the very conditions devised to favor righteousness, in the garden of Eden. Then, if full knowledge and healthful living could not keep out sin, they certainly will not deliver the sinner from his sin.
There is only one way out of the sinful life. It can not be patched up or remolded or cultivated into righteousness. It must be given up. It is hopelessly diseased. A sinful nature can not eradicate its own sin. The sinner must die; the old man must be put off; a new life, the life of Christ, must quicken the mortal body; and the new man must be put on. This, the salvation of God, is the only way of living a better life, and escaping the power of sin.
And yet the Present Truth advocates vegetarianism, but not as a substitute for the gospel. It says:—
Does vegetarianism do people any good?—Yes, physically and mentally. It promotes physical health, vigor, and endurance, and assists mental clearness. The body becomes a better machine for work, and the mind a better machine for thinking. But there the effect of vegetarianism ends. The question remains whether the improved machine shall be used in God’s service or in the cause of sin. It will do better work for either as the result of vegetarian living. Some temptations may be lessened, but others will be increased. There is just as much need of the grace of Christ to save a vegetarian, and just as much need of God’s keeping power, as in the case of a meat eater.
Tent Meetings Open in Colombo
By Editor
WE are glad to receive word from Elder H. Armstrong that the tent-meetings have opened in Colombo, Ceylon, with a most encouraging interest. This is our first tent effort in Eastern lands.
Burmese Tract on Christ’s Second Coming
ELDER H. H. VOTAW sends from Rangoon a copy of a new eight-page tract, with illustrated cover, on “Christ’s Second Coming,” printed in the circular script characters of the Burmese language.
C. N. Woodward Elected President
At a recent meeting of the Southwestern Union Conference Committee, Brother C. N. Woodward was chosen as president of the union conference, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Elder N. P. Nelson.
Medical Missionaries Sail for Barbados
IN sailing for the West Indies last week Elder Enoch was joined by Brother Charles Enoch and his wife, nurses, who have had an experience in treatment-room work in the Northwest, and now go to Barbados to engage in medical missionary work.
Annual Week of Prayer
THE annual week of prayer has been appointed for December 9-16. There ought to be two fillings as the result of such a week of devotion and sacrifice—the hearts of the people should be filled with the Holy Spirit, and the treasury of the Mission Board should be filled with gifts for carrying this message to the ends of the earth. Plan for both of these results.