Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 41.
Somehow, Sometime, SomewherePage 1
Earlier text: In the South SeasNew Mexico and Oklahoma Camp-Meetings
By F. C. Gilbert
The New Mexico camp-meeting and annual conference were held in Fort Sumner, N. Mex., a railroad town of about five hundred inhabitants. Our brethren and sisters are so scattered throughout the State that in order to have as many together as possible at an annual convocation, it is necessary to have the meeting at some point accessible to the largest number. Tent-meetings were held in Fort Sumner about ten days before the camp-meeting, and many had become somewhat interested in present truth. About fifty of our own people were in attendance. The constituency of the New Mexico Conference is not very large, but the people are very loyal and devoted. Some of the brethren and sisters came a long distance, and the blessing of the Lord richly repaid them for their effort. Daily Bible studies were held for a number of days, and many precious things were brought forth from the treasure-house of the Word. Elder Geo. F. Watson labored hard and faithfully. The labors of the workers were appreciated. Both Sabbaths were precious seasons, and nearly every soul surrendered before the camp-meeting was over. All went to their homes with the feeling that the Lord had met with his people, and they were much strengthened in their faith. The evening meetings were well attended. We thank God for victory. Elder V. B. Watts, of the Arkansas Conference, was elected president of the conference, and Brother W. R. Goss, of Texas, was invited to act as secretary-treasurer. One Jewish woman has accepted the truth, and her husband now closes his business on the Sabbath. The tent effort was continued after the camp-meeting closed, and several persons have begun the observance of the Sabbath. In addition to the regular laborers of the conference, there were present Brethren G. F. Watson, O. B. Watson, and A. F. Harrison from the union conference, and the writer. On reaching the Oklahoma camp-ground in Oklahoma City, I found that all things were in readiness before the camp-meeting began. The camp was located in an excellent place, and particular care was taken in the arranging of the tent. It was as fine a looking camp-ground as I have seen. I was unable to attend more than the first half of the meeting. The Lord was surely present by his Holy Spirit. There were about six hundred of our own people present, and among these were a number of German brethren. Meetings were held daily in both the English and the German, and the evening attendance from without was quite good. I understand there were a number of ministers of other denominations present, and they seemed much interested in the truths presented. Meetings of the conference were held each day. The conference did not make as good a showing financially as in years gone by. We do not believe this is due to a lack of faithfulness on the part of the people, but rather to the drought in this State. For three years the drought has wrought much distress in Oklahoma, but a crop seems assured this year. When the matter of the Fifteen-cent-a-week Fund was taken up, and the people's attention was called to the needs of the mission fields, nearly four thousand dollars was raised in cash and pledges. Surely these brethren and sisters were desirous of helping forward the work of God. The prospects for the work in Oklahoma look encouraging, and we hope that the Lord will graciously bless his people. The conference officials remain the same as last year. A number of brethren from outside the conference were present during the meeting. Elders J. H. Schilling and G. F. Haffner were present to help the German brethren; and Brother J. F. Simon, of the Clinton German Seminary, and Brother Sybil, of Dakota, were also in attendance, and rendered helpful service. I greatly enjoyed meeting with our brethren and sisters in the Southwestern Union Conference, and shall ever feel that the summer was one of blessing and power. May God bless the work and the workers in the Southwestern Union Conference. West Kansas Camp-Meeting
By M. B. Van Kirk
The camp-meeting at Salina, Kans., opened on September 5, with a fair attendance for the first service, which was held at 7:45 P. M. The place of meeting was Oakdale Park, just in the edge of the city. The park contains a large number of fine trees, which made an excellent shade from the hot sun. The weather during the first week was excellent. A rain came the last Friday, but the campers were full of courage and kept up cheerful hearts. The business sessions of the conference passed off in good shape. Elder N. T. Sutton and the other conference officers were retained. Brother Shidler was chosen to take up the work of the field agent for the coming year. The Germans had a tent where services were held several times each day in their language. Elder J. H. Schilling, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was present for several days of the meeting. The other German laborers were Elder S. S. Shrock, and Prof. G. A. Grauer, of Clinton, Mo. The young people's tent was well filled both at the six o'clock hour in the morning, which was devoted to devotional exercises, and at 5 P. M., when an hour was given to Bible study. The young people took hold with interest, and many expressed themselves as having received much spiritual help. Miss Maggie Ogden has this work in charge for the conference, and the interest taken in the different lines of young people's work gives evidence of earnest effort on the part of the secretary. The educational and the Sabbath-school work, under the direction of Miss Eunice Crawford, are progressing well. The general laborers present were Elders G. B. Thompson, Chas. Thompson, E. T. Russell, C. G. Bellah, J. H. Schilling, and J. W. Christian, and the writer. The morning services of both Sabbaths were devoted to special revival efforts, practically the entire congregation responding to the call for a forward movement in Christian experience. The general financial condition of the conference is encouraging, and the laborers take up the work for the coming year full of courage and energy. Good Word From the South
By Carlyle B. Haynes
THAT the conferences in the South-eastern Union Conference are awake to the menace of Romanism is evident from the fact that the Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Cumberland Conferences in their recent conference sessions each passed the following resolutions:— “Whereas, The blessings of liberty, both civil and religious, have been preserved to us by the founders of this republic, and have been transmitted to the present generation by their successors, and— “Whereas, It is the duty of all Christians to work and pray for the peace and prosperity of both the church and the state, and the preservation of our liberties, and to resist and oppose all movements which would take away the liberties of the people, therefore be it— “Resolved, That we view with alarm the growth of the political strength of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in America, in which religio-political system, holding, as it does, principles that are directly antagonistic to the great fundamental principles of liberty upon which the American republic was founded, we see a grave menace to the liberties of the citizens of this nation, and be it further— “Resolved, That we encourage our people in this conference to vigorous efforts to warn the public of the dangers of the political manipulations of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, and that in this work they be urged to use that excellent periodical the Protestant Magazine.” Of such vital importance did all the conferences consider these resolutions that they gave the time of one entire business session to their discussion, at the close of which subscriptions were taken for the Protestant. Seventeen yearly subscriptions were received at the Georgia conference, 40 at the South Carolina, 50 at the North Carolina, and 40 at the Cumberland, making 147 in all to the monthly Protestant. Each of these conferences also passed the following resolution:— “Whereas, There is a wide-spread and growing demand upon the lawmaking bodies of this country by large and influential organizations for religious legislation, especially for the enactment and enforcement of Sunday laws, and— Whereas, The success of this movement18 is destined to result in religious persecution and the settlement of a religious controversy (that as to which day is the Sabbath) by law, and as our only safeguard from these evils is the enlightenment of the public upon this subject, therefore— “Resolved, That a strong and vigorous campaign be inaugurated at once in this conference, under the direction of the secretary of the religious liberty department, for the education of the general public, and that in the accomplishment of this our people be urged to give a wider circulation to the book ‘American State Papers,’ to the religious liberty leaflets, and to the magazine Liberty.” All the conferences devoted one of their business sessions to the discussion of this resolution. A number of orders were taken for “American State Papers,” and about 550 yearly subscriptions for Liberty. We are looking for increased activity in the Southeastern Union during the coming year. The Camp-Meeting for Colored Believers in Lawrence, Kans.
By J. W. Allison
The first annual joint meeting for the colored brethren and sisters of the East Kansas and North Missouri Conferences was held on one of the most beautiful squares in South Lawrence, August 29 to September 8. The weather was ideal, and everything favorable for a good meeting. The number of those who camped on the grounds ranged from twenty-five to ninety; from East Kansas there were forty-eight and from North Missouri forty-two in attendance. The Spirit of the Lord was present in every service. The outside attendance was excellent. Some requested that the meeting should continue, that they might hear more of these vital truths for this time. The Spirit of the Lord surely brooded over the encampment. There was not a discordant note heard during the whole time. Elders W. H. Clark and J. M. Campbell, and Brethren E. T. Wilson and R. L. Bradford, and the writer assisted in the meetings. The spiritual interest was the best I ever witnessed. Two capable leaders were appointed over the children’s, young people’s, and mothers’ meetings, who looked after the spiritual needs. During the meeting, ten persons went forward in baptism; and others were to be baptized when they returned to their home churches. The leading feature of the meeting was the practical instruction given during the early morning services, and the Holy Spirit’s influence that sealed it in each heart. At the evening meetings, where there was a large outside attendance, some vital phase of the message was presented. The Lord surely graced the meeting with his presence. It was a holy convocation in the truest sense of the word. It was good to be there. After the meeting was over, Elder Campbell and the writer stayed two or three days to follow up the interest, and in our visits from home to home three persons accepted the Sabbath truth. The brethren and sisters who attended this camp-meeting came with hearts open and receptive to the teachings of the Spirit, and all went home full of courage, strengthened for the great battle of the Lord, and determined to carry out the glorious instruction found in 2 Sam. 10:12. We wish to thank our conference brethren for planning this meeting. The Armenian Mission Field
By Z. G. Baharian
AZABAGHA.— After our general meeting in Bardizag, Nicomedia, I went to Tokad, and soon after, in company with Brother M. N. Askabedian, I visited Azabagha, an Armenian village near by, where two aged persons accepted the truth. We remained with them about ten days, instructing them in the message, and they were comforted by the Spirit of God. SIVAS.— From Azabagha we returned to Tokad, and prepared to go to Sivas, the capital of the province. Brother M. Aslikian, our canvasser, also accompanied us. Brother Ashikian looked over the city, and next day started out to sell our publications. We also visited some friends, and held studies in our room. We had no intention of staying in Sivas, but our friends entreated us to rest a few days and hold Bible studies, so we remained five days. Good seed was then sown, and we left the city with the hope of returning to labor there next winter. On June 17 we started for Zara, twelve hours’ distant, toward the east. Our canvasser continued his labors in Sivas, and later wrote us an encouraging letter, telling us that he visited every shop and house, and sold about 450 piasters’ (about twenty dollars) worth of tracts and books. All in that city have heard that Sabbath-keepers have come, proclaiming that the end of the world is near. ZARA.— This is a small city, situated on the slope of a mountain. We saw many artificial caves, where people hid themselves during the invasions of Jinguishkhan’s armies. Zara has been visited by Congregationalist, Disciple, and Mormon missionaries, and each denomination has a group of believers among the Armenians. One of the Mormon believers, M. Shirinian, came to Constantinople in 1895, on his way to America, heard about our work, studied the third angel’s message, and was converted. Instead of going to America, he went back to his home, and has been a faithful witness in Zara. We were glad to see him again after such a long time. He welcomed us to his home, where he and his wife were alone, his children living in other houses. He is sixty-nine years old, but strong in body and faith. We tried to hold meetings, but there was a spiritual lethargy on the people. After the proclamation of the constitution, socialist lecturers visited the city, turning the minds of the people away from religion. We stayed fourteen days, and held meetings evenings and on Sunday. Some were interested. Brother Askabedian tried to sell our publications, but sold only about two dollars’ worth of tracts and books. Faithless Armenians despised and mocked him, but some seemed favorable. June 30 was a good day. Brother Shirinian and his wife followed the example of their Lord, being buried in the watery grave. In the evening we had the Lord’s Supper, and the next day we left the place, committing the believers to the grace of the Lord. West Virginia Camp-Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
The twenty-fifth annual session of the West Virginia Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Fairmont, W. Va., July 18-28. The camp was located in one of the most beautiful parts of the State, as well as of the city, in a large and artistically arranged park, called Loop Park. It was one of the best camp-meetings that the writer has attended in the West Virginia Conference during the four years that he has been connected with the work in the Columbia Union. The attendance was larger than usual, although it embraced in some measure a different group of Sabbath-keepers, the meeting being held in a different part of the State. Many new faces were seen, as well as a large number of the old ones. There was a splendid spirit prevailing on the camp-ground. The evening meetings were well attended, and the truth, as it was preached, was listened to with great interest. The reports from the officers and workers of the conference showed that the field had been making some encouraging progress during the year. About thirty persons had accepted the Sabbath truth during that time, of whom fifteen were added to the church. Two new churches were built, one in Charleston and one in Parkersburg, and these are practically free from debt. During the past year the canvassers sold thirteen thousand dollars’ worth of books, which is an excellent showing for the little State of West Virginia. The Spirit of God was present in the meetings, and from the first there was marked progress in the spiritual condition of the people. It is pleasing to look over the laboring forces in the State of West Virginia, and see the company of earnest, devoted workers. Practically the same officers were elected for the coming year, Elder F. H. Robbins being president again, and Brother J. S. Barrows secretary and treasurer. There is a good spirit prevailing throughout the conference, and all the brethren and sisters are pulling together for the advancement of the work. THREE persons belonging to the Florida Sanitarium family, located at Orlando, Fla., were recently baptized. THREE new believers have united with the company at Esmerelda, Cal., and eight persons were baptized by Elder E. H. Adams at Kingriver not long ago. FROM Minneapolis, Minn., comes the report that as the result of the tent effort being conducted there, twenty persons have decided to obey the commandments of God, and many others are under deep conviction. ELDERS L. S. Wheeler and L. T. Nicola report the baptism of five persons at New Rochelle, N. Y., and four new members have united with the Fifty-eighth Street church, Brooklyn, N. Y. Six persons from one family were recently baptized by Elder E. L. Cardy at Mechanicsville, N. Y. Church Missionary Work
By A. E. Everett
[The following program was prepared by A. E. Everett, missionary secretary of the Maine Conference.] Suggestive Program for Fourth Sabbath Home Missionary Service
OPENING SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 561, new edition only. SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 513; old edition, No. 422 (first two stanzas only). READING: “The Missionary Call.” SONG: “Ask Not to Be Excused,” last stanza. SECOND READING: “What We Can Do.” CONSECRATION SERVICE: Spend ten minutes in testimonies based on a desire for unity of effort and power from above to finish the work of the message. REPORT OF CHURCH WORK: By missionary secretary (librarian). PASSING OF REPORT BLANKS: With short remarks, encouraging reporting at least a few items. COLLECTION: Recommended that all churches not now supplied with tracts ask that a liberal offering be given to procure a five-dollar package. PRAYER OVER OFFERINGS AND REPORTS. PLANS FOR SPECIAL WORK. CLOSING SONG: “Christ in Song,” No. 570; old edition, No. 384. THE responsibility of giving the third angel’s message to the world rests largely upon the lay members of our churches. God has called us into this message, and in turn expects us to impart it to others. The responsibility rests upon every individual. It is not for some to conclude that, because of a supposed hindrance, drawback, or lack of talent, they are to be excused. Indeed, the call for immediate service by our lay members has become so urgent that God has been sending message after message from heaven urging that this work be done at once. And to-day this message comes to us. In every church a great missionary work is to be done; a great field is open. The angels are waiting for each individual to decide whether he will sense his duty, and buckle on the armor for service. A band of workers uniting in perfect cooperation can always accomplish more than the same workers can do singly and without mutual aid. Cooperation also helps to build up the individual worker; as the strong impart to the weak, and those who are otherwise slow or who might fail to work at all are encouraged to take hold and do aggressive missionary work. Hence, perfect organization is very essential to successful missionary effort. Remember that a working church is a living church, and that every living church is essentially a missionary church. The church officers, with the elder naturally at the head, should plan carefully for the home missionary efforts. While the missionary secretary, or librarian, will do all in his power to lead out in such efforts, yet the whole burden should not be shifted to him. Leadership is essential, and as most persons feel a drawing to some special kind of work, such as canvassing, paper selling, tract distribution, visiting the sick, helping the poor, missionary correspondence, etc., such persons could be chosen to lead out in the work they seem best adapted to. In this way the larger churches would be formed into little bands having charge of various lines of missionary effort, with enthusiastic leadership. In smaller churches it might not be possible to have so many bands, but still the individuals could have their special work to look after, reporting their experiences in the missionary meeting. Some members may become discouraged by trying to do too many kinds of missionary work at once, or by feeling that they are expected to, and thus give up trying before they have accomplished anything. A little done well may mean far more than much attempted in a general way with failure to do anything definitely or completely. Many of our churches are already working, with well-organized societies; but other churches have not organized their missionary work so that the most effective service is being done. Why not do it now? Why not take as our motto, “Every member a worker for Christ,” and then, as a church, counsel and pray together, and organize for aggressive labor for the Master? The times are perilous. On every hand there is anxiety and unrest, “men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” God has placed our little churches as beacon-lights, dotted here and there all over this great world, that they may let their light shine, and guide into the heavenly harbor many souls who are sinking, yet desire to be saved. Let us awaken to-day to these responsibilities, and determine, with God’s help, to enlighten our own little community before the storm breaks, and we be found with our work undone, and we ourselves unprepared to meet our God. THE true missionary spirit, after its reception in the heart of the believer, will first be manifested in the home. The love of God will be revealed in the family life, and those who are nearest and dearest will feel its gentle influence first of all. The family altar will be reared in the home, and morning and evening fervent prayers will ascend to God. Wisdom from above will be earnestly sought, that effective missionary labor may be done both in the home and without. Some find it very hard to do anything for their next-door neighbors. They testify that every advance in missionary effort thus made is coldly repulsed. There may be a reason for this which many do not suspect. The cause may lie in their own home life. Do not forget that our neighbors read us before they do the papers, tracts, or books we may give them. A well-ordered home bears a powerful influence for the truth. Are we cheerful and prompt in all our business dealings? Sometimes a neglected debt may cause distrust to spring up in the hearts of men with whom we deal, and they wonder if all Adventists are such persons. These things must be watched jealously if we would have our influence tell with our neighbors. When we go out of our way to do men a favor, and to be prompt in every matter, we have begun on the right line for effective missionary influence. The greatest thing needed to-day in every Seventh-day Adventist Church is a genuine heart revival of missionary work. Following this will come a mighty reformation in the lives of the believers, which will make effective the work attempted, and result in a harvest of souls. Probably of all methods of labor, loving personal service is the most productive of good. The world is hungry for love and sympathy and spiritual help, which only the believer in Christ can give. Thoughtful attention and little acts of kindness toward our neighbors will break down many a barrier of prejudice, and prove an opening wedge for the message. We should see well to the influence we bear. How necessary that we learn to commune much with our Saviour, that we may reflect the light of his presence. In nearly every place some sick person can be found to be visited, or some poor widow assisted, or clothing furnished to some poor and afflicted family. You could visit the well-to-do people, soliciting such help as would be needed, and thus gain an entrance to, and the confidence of, both rich and poor. In all missionary work mingle much with the people, and the Holy Spirit through you will work mightily for the conversion of souls. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” John 1: 14. This is written of Christ. It also pertains to those who have received Christ into their hearts. So then, every believer, as he carries the printed message to his fellow men, has the privilege of demonstrating in his life what that message can do and does do when it is made flesh. This is the most powerful argument we can present why men should receive the message we have for them. Each of us is an epistle, “known and read of all men.” Every Christian family and individual can do something with our literature. A supply of tracts should always be kept on hand. The best and most economical way for the church to procure tracts is to order them in the five-dollar packages. Every fourth Sabbath the offering for home missionary work should be taken. Usually, enough can be collected at one meeting to pay for the tracts. The librarian should then encourage all the members who wish to use tracts to come forward at the close of the meeting, and get them freely. This gives the poorer members the same privilege to use tracts as their more favored brethren. Many churches are now following this plan,20 and in every place where tried, to my knowledge, the tract work has been stimulated, and in some cases excellent interests among the people have been awakened. A club of Signs (weekly) should be maintained by every church. A special series of this paper is begun every six months. Our people always respond liberally when the missionary work with our pioneer paper is brought before them. If properly managed, large clubs can be used and paid for by comparatively small churches without embarrassing any one. Many church-members are, or can soon learn to be, qualified to give Bible studies. This work should be encouraged everywhere. In many instances those who go out to distribute tracts or to canvass for our books, find openings for Bible work. Those who are apt to teach, who are well-balanced in the message, should be selected for this work. Our lay members are being called to do it. The church officers should see that the missionary society does all it can to develop such workers. This is one of the most important lines of labor in the denomination. Sound conversion, enthusiasm, good judgment, cheerfulness, tact, sociability, are some of the requisites for successful Bible work. Persons who may be zealous, but inclined to fanaticism, should not be encouraged to give Bible studies. Finally, brethren and sisters, earnestness is demanded in missionary work. It means life or death; assuredly so to those around us, and probably so to ourselves. Now is the time to “repent, and do the first works.” One thing that keeps many of our missionary societies and churches from growing, is lack of unity and love among the brethren. There is not perfect understanding among the members, and possibly not among the leaders. Shall we longer allow such things to creep in to spoil our work? Only through perfect union can success and God’s blessing be expected. Let us to-day examine our own selves and see if there is anything keeping back God’s Spirit and blessing from our work. The end is hastening on apace. The last steps of our journey are now being taken. Shall we fail on the border of the promised land? or shall we triumphantly enter with God’s remnant people when Christ comes? Administering the Maryland Blue-Laws
DESPITE protests of railroad officials that the work was absolutely necessary to prevent serious accidents, Sheriff C. L. Howard, of Montgomery County, yesterday arrested two section gangs repairing the Baltimore and Ohio tracks at Cloppers and Halpine for violation of the blue-laws. The heavy rains of the last week, according to railroad officials, have caused the tracks to widen and the ties to loosen, endangering trains on that division. Owing to the particularly heavy traffic over the division on Sundays, it was declared that the work was absolutely necessary to avoid serious accidents. The two gangs, aggregating twenty-one men in all, and working under the direction of foremen, were employed in adjusting new ties and repairing the rails. Against their protest that the work was necessary, it is charged, the county officer took them into custody on a charge of violating the ancient blue-laws, handed down in Montgomery County from the days of the Puritans. Notice of the arrests was wired to Baltimore, and Albert Bouic, of counsel for the railroad, hastened to Rockville, where the men were detained, obtaining their freedom on condition they appear for hearing Wednesday at 9:30 A. M. Officials of the railroad were indignant last night at the action of the Montgomery County authorities. They declared that the work was essential to the safety of the travelers over that division, owing to the recent washouts and wet weather. It is practically assured that a final test of the out-of-date blue-laws will be made in the Maryland courts.— The Washington Herald, Sept. 30, 1912. At the recent session of the West Michigan Conference the following resolutions dealing with religious liberty were adopted:— “Expressing our profound belief in the principles set forth in the Saviour’s command, ‘Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s,’ and that21 it is the Christian’s duty to cheerfully meet the requirement of this command; therefore— “Resolved, That we hereby reaffirm our position on the subject of religion and civil government, maintaining that the church and state should be kept forever separate because of the fact that they occupy different realms in the Lord’s plan for men in their relation one to another.” “Whereas, Sunday observance is a religious institution, and civil laws designed to enforce its observance are in opposition to the true principles of Christianity and subversive of the American idea of civil government; therefore— “Resolved, That we respectfully but earnestly protest against legislation in behalf of compulsory Sunday observance either by Congress or by State legislature, and that suitable literature and periodicals be distributed among officials and the people generally for the purpose of giving information on the correct principles of religious freedom. “Resolved, That our conference laborers be urged to study the principles of religious liberty, providing themselves with ‘American State Papers,’ so that they may be able rightly to represent this department of the work and give information to all concerned.” Elder S. B. Horton, who was formerly assistant secretary of the Religious Liberty Association, at Takoma Park, D. C., was elected religious liberty secretary of the conference. The religious liberty work was also considered at the session of the East Michigan Conference, and action was taken as follows:— “Resolved, That the resolutions adopted at the last session of the Lake Union Conference, touching the religious liberty work, be carried out in the East Michigan Conference, as follows:— “1. That the local secretary conduct religious liberty institutes during the year in different parts of the conference. “2. That our people and churches be urged to continue the petitioning and memorializing of Congress against proposed religious legislation. “In keeping with the important work of the Religious Liberty Department,— “3. That copies of the new edition of the book ‘American State Papers,’ be judiciously placed in the hands of State legislators and other public officials by the local secretary. “4. That the magazine Liberty be sent continuously to all State legislators and circuit judges, and— “5. That the magazines Liberty and Protestant be sent to all public libraries.” State and Church
By William Warren 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. W. W. PRESCOTT - - - - - SECRETARY SOME of the citizens of Pensacola, Fla., were in favor of allowing baseball to be played in that city on Sunday, but the State law prohibited it. This obstacle was removed, and Sunday baseball followed. The situation is commented upon by the Golden Age in its issue of Sept. 26, 1912, under the heading “Pensacola’s Sunday Shame:” — “We are sorry for Pensacola. We are ashamed of Pensacola. Pensacola’s example is a blight to all the surrounding country; for she fears not God nor regards man in playing Sunday baseball. Some ‘wide-open’ politicians got it by deception, and now they hold on to it by devilish defiance of decency.
“Florida has a State law against baseball, but on a rider to a new charter bill, the council was granted the privilege to regulate the playing of baseball. Of course the word Sunday did not appear in the rider, but the fight was made and won on that conscienceless deception, and, saddest of all, we are told that both of the daily papers in Pensacola fought for the enthronement of this degrading devilment.”
“And now, what is the result? — It is the same which always comes to a man or a community when the laws of God and the moral and spiritual needs of man are trampled in the mud and mire for the sake of money — at the price of shame.”
“Clean baseball is magnificent sport; but when it is fostered in an atmosphere of gambling and Sabbath desecration, it not only brings the game into disrepute, but it becomes a blistering blight to countless thousands.”
How can the state distinguish between baseball on Sunday and baseball on any other day? What makes baseball “clean” on Wednesday and “degrading devilment” on Sunday? What law of God is trampled upon by playing baseball on Sunday? and what has the state to do with enforcing God’s laws? These are pertinent questions. THAT wisdom has not yet perished from the earth is evident from the latest interpretation of the two olive-trees mentioned by the prophet Zechariah. A writer who places “D. D.” (Delightful Dreamer?) after his name indulges his imagination after this manner:— “What were the two olive-trees or two candlesticks standing before the Lord, in Zechariah? They are explained to be the two anointed ones of God; in other words, Zerubbabel, the representative of the civil power which God had appointed, and Joshua, the high priest, head of the ecclesiastical power, which was also of divine appointment. These two elements make up theocracy, through which God revealed himself and carried out his plans. Moses and Aaron together represented the same thing, both the civil and the ecclesiastical powers of God. Elijah was intimately and vitally concerned with affairs of both church and state in a crucial age, reproving and instructing both prophets and kings. Jesus represented every interest involved in affairs both civil and ecclesiastical. In him all godly interest headed up; in him was plenteous redemption for the perfect restoration of all involved in a perfect state and a perfect church. You remember that Jesus said: ‘I found my church.’ You will also remember that the powers of the church are ‘ordained of God.’” “The church and the state! These are the two mediums through which God makes known his will; the two channels through which he communicates himself; the two agencies through which he executes his will. These are his two witnesses.” This absolutely original exegesis is printed in the Golden Age (Atlanta, Ga.) of Sept. 26, 1912. It shows to what dire straits those are driven who wish to unite religion and the state. Reflections on Happiness and Character
“AN unkind word falls easily from the tongue, but a coach with six horses can not bring it back.” “HAPPY the man who early learns the wide chasm that lies beneath his wishes and his powers! — Goethe.” “IF you want to be gloomy, there’s gloom enough to keep you glum. If you want to be glad, there’s gleam enough to keep you glad.” “ONE who is too anxiously concerned for what the future will think of him is likely to miss the present chance to make good.” Of all the cankers of human happiness, none corrodes with such a silent, yet so baneful an influence as indolence. — Thomas Jefferson. Cumberland Conference Opposes Sunday Closing
At a meeting held at Sweetwater, Tenn., the Cumberland Conference of Seven-day Adventists passed a resolution protesting against the recent action of Congress ordering the closing, as far as possible, of the post-offices on Sunday, as being a union of church and state. It claims that the ultimate result of such legislation can be only “religious persecution and intolerance.” The resolution also advocated the putting into operation at once by the conference a strong “religious liberty campaign to educate the public upon this question, the campaign to be under direction of Cyrus Simmons, of Knoxville, the secretary of the religious liberty department of the conference. The resolution was unanimously adopted. While fully agreeing with our Adventist friends in regard to opposition to any union of state and church, we do not see that there is any question of this kind involved in giving Christian employees of the post-office a weekly day of rest wherever it is possible.—The Chicago Israelite, Sept. 28, 1912.