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Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 6.

Everlasting Righteousness
Earlier text: China

The Work in Bengal, India

By W. R. FRENCH

THE work in Bengal, on the whole, is quite encouraging. By the blessing of God we are able to say that our work in this section of India has made advancement in all branches during the last year. By means of the help that has come from the $300,000 Fund, two mission stations have been established on land of their own, where work can now be carried on to better advantage than formerly.
In Gopalgunj the prospects for our work are good. Miss Branson, who has passed her first year in language study, is joining the workers there. With this increase in the force, we hope to see results the coming year. Brother Watson will unite his efforts with those of the colporteurs in pushing the sale of our literature, with the hope of increasing the output of our Bengali Signs of the Times. During the last three months, while he has been staying in Calcutta, he has, by the blessing of God, succeeded in taking about four hundred orders for this paper.
I have just returned from a visit to Karmatar and Babulmohal. At the former place we found the work progressing. In spite of the fact that this is the busy season of the year, about two hundred children were present at the Sabbath-school. These are children of Hindu and Mohammedan parents, and are members of our day-schools, where the Bible is daily taught to them. Surely, the Word will not return void, but will produce a harvest in time. The work on the buildings of the new mission station is well under way, and we hope to be able to occupy them by the close of the year or soon after. When the buildings are completed, we shall have a large bungalow for our European workers, three houses for native workers, a church, a dispensary, and a school. For the erection of a dispensary one hundred seventy-five rupees has been donated by the Indian people who live in the station.
At Babulmohal we found the boys in the boarding-school making encouraging progress in their studies. One village school-teacher came with his boys, ten in number, to be present while we were there. These boys quoted a number of Bible verses, sang two Christian songs, and also did some reading and writing which showed that they are making progress. It is encouraging to see these boys receiving Christian instruction; for it is said in the Word, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” We hope to see some of these boys develop into good Christians, and have homes in God’s kingdom. Pray that the Lord may add his blessing to the work that is being done in Bengal. W. R. FRENCH.

The Atlantic Union Biennial Conference

By W. B. WHITE

The biennial session of the Atlantic Union Conference was held in the city of Brooklyn, Jan. 8–21, 1912, and was attended by fifty-two delegates, and many of our conference workers and brethren and sisters from all parts of New England and New York. The conference was held in Tollner Hall at the corner of Bedford and Putnam avenues, in a large block newly built, and was about all that could be desired as a place in which to hold such a gathering. Every thing was new and clean; and the large hall, with its committee-rooms, banquet-hall, kitchen, and ladies’ and gentlemen’s parlors, all nicely furnished, made a very inviting place in which to hold our meeting.
The evening services had been especially arranged for the public. About sixteen or eighteen thousand attractive four-page announcements had been scattered in that part of Brooklyn. But the weather during the conference was not at all propitious for a large attendance. Sleet, rain, and snow, with severe cold, had to be contended with, and only a few outside persons were present during the week; but on the three Sunday evenings our hall was well filled, and at the last meeting many could not be seated. Our brethren in Greater New York are following up the interest with Sunday evening meetings.
Elders A. G. Daniells and G. B. Thompson were with us during the first week. Elder O. A. Olsen was with us three or four days, and Elders W. W. Prescott and S. B. Horton and Brother A. J. S. Bourdeau were with us the last week. Elders B. G. Wilkinson, B. F. Kneeland, and A. R. Sandborn spent a few days at the convention.
City work among the English-speaking people was the topic of the conference for the first three days. The next two days were given to the consideration of our duty to the foreigners that are flocking to the Atlantic Union from all quarters of the earth. A day and a half was given to the consideration of our publishing interests and to our home and foreign missionary work. Papers had been prepared upon these different topics, and their reading was followed by discussion. Much thought had been given to these papers, and valuable information was imparted.
The conference presidents had their biennial reports in writing, and their statistical and financial reports were upon wall charts, which showed very clearly the progress each conference is making. Success has attended the work in the Atlantic Union the last two years. It is estimated that about six hundred new Sabbath-keepers have been brought into the church. The tithe of the union has increased $38,241, and the funds sent to the General Conference have increased $36,806. Our Sabbath-school offerings increased $5,873, and our annual offerings, $4,441. The treasurer’s report showed that during the biennial term, which covered the years 1910 and 1911, the Atlantic Union paid $2,153 more than its quota on the ten-cent-a-week plan. The reports of the conference presidents showed a healthy increase in all lines of effort, and were very encouraging.
One of the greatest problems that the Atlantic Union has to face is the matter of bringing the truth to the millions of foreigners within its borders. Greater New York Conference is fully alive to this line of work. This question was given earnest consideration, and there was a general feeling that decided efforts must be put forth to reach the great mass of people from other lands. The work has been well started among the French; and it must be started and carried forward among the other nationalities.
A Bible workers’ institute was held during the union conference, and the most of the Bible workers in the Atlantic Union were present. Their work was carefully studied, and we are sure that all our Bible workers were greatly encouraged by the meetings. To reach the great cities of the East, a strong band of consecrated Bible workers is greatly needed, and an earnest effort is being made throughout the union to develop such a class of workers.
During the last week of the conference, Prof. W. W. Prescott gave a series of stirring addresses and Bible studies on true Protestantism, the growth and development of papal influence in this nation, and the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, contrasted with the false mediatorial system established by the Catholic Church. These addresses and studies were greatly appreciated by the conference.
An excellent spirit of harmony and love pervaded all the sessions, and a good spiritual influence was felt throughout the meeting. On the last Sabbath the delegates and visiting brethren and sisters visited the several churches of the Greater New York Conference. In many places powerful revival efforts were held, backsliders were reclaimed, and all reconsecrated themselves anew to the work of quickly giving this message to all the world.
The same officers who served the last biennial term were reelected. We feel that this meeting has been truly an inspiration to the work in the Atlantic Union. W. B. WHITE.

The Message in the Daily Press

By W. L. BURGAN

THE Press Bureau which began active work on January 1 has had a very successful beginning. A good test of what can be done in spreading the gospel message through the columns of the daily newspaper, was made during the biennial session of the Atlantic Union Conference which was held in Brooklyn, N. Y., January 8 to 21.
For two days before the opening of the session and a day or two after its convening, efforts were made to have articles published in the New York papers, but these efforts proved unsuccessful. Professional reporters explained that the New York papers devote their columns almost exclusively to happenings in Manhattan and the Bronx as far as Greater New York is concerned, and only give space to Brooklyn events when they are of extraordinary interest. After that, our efforts were centered on telling the readers of the Brooklyn papers of what we were doing by daily reports of the conference session. Excellent reports as well as extracts of the sermons preached each night appeared, the Standard Union and the Eagle giving us reports practically every day. Several items also appeared in the Times and the Citizen. Different phases of our message have had a wide circulation through the newspapers, and we feel grateful to the Lord for the manner in which the columns of the newspapers were opened to us, and that, too, without a cent of expense.
The brethren took much interest in the lessons that were given on writing for the press, and quite a number promised to devote more attention to this work in the future. W. L. BURGAN.

Arkansas

By L. E. Smith

BENTONVILLE.—Elder Leslie Littell conducted a series of meetings at this place last summer, as a result of which a number accepted the truth.
We have raised nearly enough money to build a church, and expect to begin work on it sometime in March.
Mr. C. R. Craig and family, who are not members of our church, gave us a lot, and assisted us with both money and influence.
We are located in one of the best and most healthful parts of Arkansas. The land is level, free from rocks, and very fertile. It is the home of the big red apple, and is a splendid field for missionary work.
Why not move south into such a locality as this, and help to give the gospel of the kingdom where the need is so great?    L. E. SMITH.

Atlantic Union Conference

By W. T. KNOX

Statement of the $300,000 Fund

Jan. 1, 1912

Atlantic Union Conference

Central New England .................... $ 3678.05 Greater New York ....................... 3318.85 Maine .................................. 483.61 New York ............................... 1885.93 Northern New England ................... 1121.03 Southern New England ................... 635.69 Western New York ....................... 1994.00 Total ................................. 13117.16

Canadian Union Conference

Maritime ................................ 326.41 Ontario ................................ 1745.23 Quebec ................................. 599.60 Total ................................. 2671.24

Central Union Conference

Colorado .............................. 2189.04 East Kansas ............................ 1653.15 Nebraska .............................. 12080.00 North Missouri ......................... 1105.32 South Missouri .......................... 520.95 Western Colorado ....................... 841.26 West Kansas ............................ 2150.61 Wyoming ................................ 1615.70 St. Louis Mission ...................... 113.50 Total ................................. 22269.53

Columbia Union Conference

Chesapeake ............................ 1089.99 District of Columbia ................... 1475.67 Eastern Pennsylvania ................... 2231.40 New Jersey ............................. 1892.19 Ohio .................................. 4607.86 Virginia ............................... 445.35 West Pennsylvania ...................... 1161.41 West Virginia .......................... 474.50 Total ................................. 13378.37

Lake Union Conference

East Michigan .......................... 5119.56 Indiana ................................ 4412.47 Northern Illinois ....................... 2681.56 North Michigan .......................... 792.94 Southern Illinois ....................... 2182.84 West Michigan .......................... 5800.90 Wisconsin .............................. 2363.74 Total ................................. 23354.01

Northern Union Conference

Iowa .................................. 6260.78 Minnesota .............................. 4286.94 North Dakota ........................... 2397.37 South Dakota ........................... 2606.38 Total ................................. 15551.47

North Pacific Union Conference

Montana ................................ 1588.78 Southern Idaho ......................... 1973.51 Southern Oregon ......................... 1013.38 Upper Columbia ........................ 3355.31 Western Oregon ......................... 3921.69 Western Washington ..................... 3631.27 Alaska ................................... 7.15 Total ................................. 15491.09

Pacific Union Conference

Arizona ................................. 756.61 California ............................. 7529.18 Southern California ..................... 6660.60 Utah .................................... 147.65 Central California ...................... 1948.03 Northern-California-Nevada ............. 2469.40 Total ................................. 19511.47

Southeastern Union Conference

Cumberland ............................. 1616.26 Florida ................................ 1858.40 Georgia ................................. 704.62 North Carolina .......................... 508.55 South Carolina ......................... $ 369.04 Asheville ................................ 1.00 Total .................................. 5057.87

Southern Union Conference

Southern Union Conference. ............. 70.66 Alabama ................................ 205.31 Kentucky ............................... 389.20 Louisiana ............................... 505.97 Mississippi ............................. 697.03 Tennessee River ......................... 798.81 Southern Union Mission ................... 6.15 Total .................................. 2573.13

Southwestern Union Conference

Arkansas ................................. 290.91 New Mexico ............................... 189.14 North Texas .............................. 864.77 Oklahoma ................................. 2241.79 South Texas .............................. 216.86 West Texas ............................... 163.35 Southwestern Union Mission ................. 3.05 Total .................................. 3969.87

Western Canadian Union Conference

Alberta ................................. 760.20 British Columbia ........................ 857.98 Manitoba ................................ 935.60 Saskatchewan ........................... 1023.50 Total .................................. 3577.28
Miscellaneous ........................ 15727.65
Grand total ................. $156250.14
W. T. KNOX, Treasurer.

We Need Your Cooperation

By M. E.

MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER workers have always felt that successful young people's work requires the cooperation of parents, but I fear that this need has not been emphasized as much as it should have been. Wherever the workers for the youth and the parents keep in close touch and wisely supplement one another's efforts, we see cheering results.
Miss Graham, until recently the Missionary Volunteer secretary of the Australasian Union, in giving her annual report, says:— “At the beginning of the report this year I wish again to thank the parents and older church-members for their support and kindly cooperation in our young people’s work. In almost every part of Victoria and Tasmania we have had their hearty support, and I believe their prayers. About sixteen of the parents have written me at intervals to tell me how their children are getting along with their study or their work. They often tell about their perplexities, and ask advice concerning reading-matter, amusements, etc., suggesting that I write to the children about things wherein they feel they need help. Such information helps me to write more intelligently to them than I otherwise could.
“An elderly sister writes: ‘I am very thankful to say that Gertie is now trying to serve the Saviour. She looks forward to your missionary letters each month with great expectation. Thank you for the kind advice you give her. I am sure she is trying to do right. She sells three or four Signs every week, and enjoys it.’”
The influences prevailing in our homes have more to do with the work for the youth than many of us realize. A generous giver was once asked how he happened to make so large a contribution to missions. He replied, “I did not happen to make it; I had a missionary mother.” A Christian mother who read many missionary stories to her children was rebuked by a friend who said: “Don’t you know that you’ll make missionaries of those children?” “That is why I read them the books,” was the mother’s reply. The gentleman who related this incident at the Rochester convention said also: “The majority of those who apply for appointment as missionaries testify to similar early training, and it is a well-known fact that practically all of the missionary leaders of the day were reared in a missionary atmosphere.”
Do you wish your children to become missionaries and bear their God-appointed responsibilities in this rapidly closing work? Are you creating a missionary atmosphere about them? Young people’s workers will be glad to correspond with you. They will be grateful for any suggestions you can give them, and will gladly study your problems with you. The youth and the children merit the best counsel our combined efforts under God can give. Then let us have full cooperation.
M. E.

Field Notes

A NEW church building at Leach, Tenn., was dedicated Dec. 13, 1912.
A SPECIAL effort was recently made for the Norwegian people of Northfield, Minn. Three have begun to keep the Sabbath.
FOUR persons have recently embraced the truth in East Richmond, Va., through the labors of Elder McLay, who is holding meetings in that place.
Two persons with whom one of our Bible workers has been holding readings in Kansas City, Mo., have accepted of God's message for this time.
ELDER J. E. JAYNE recently assisted in organizing a church of fourteen members at Ogdensburg, N. Y. Six of these persons were new Sabbath-keepers.
THE Lord is blessing the workers in Nanaimo, British Columbia. There is a deep interest on the part of many, and eight persons have recently begun to observe the Sabbath.
ELDER DANIEL NETTLETON sends this report from the Port Townsend, Wash., sanitarium: “We are having a good time in our work at this place. Three were baptized and four united with the church not long ago. God is blessing our efforts to let his truth be known and his ‘saving health among all nations.’”
ELDER JOHN P. GAEDE reports that since the close of the tent effort in Pittsburgh they have been doing house-to-house work with those interested in the third angel's message. Two adults have been baptized, and it is believed that others will soon take this important step.

Young People’s Work

Conducted by the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department of the General Conference
M. E. KERN Secretary
MATILDA ERICKSON Corresponding Secretary

A Word to Parents

By Carrie R. Moon

Just around the corner from my home is a fire-engine house. Although I have never visited it, it has given me much food for thought.
Sometimes I hear a quick sound of a gong. Without an instant's delay there follows the sound of the horses springing into action, and in less time than it takes to tell it, the engine is dashing through the street. Every nerve of the horses, every fiber in the men who are guiding them, is on the stretch. Their eyes turn neither to the right nor to the left, and a glance at them reveals intensity. Only one thought and one purpose is controlling them, and nothing can turn them from it.
And what is the cause of this? Some one's property is in danger, perhaps some one's home, and possibly human life is at stake. Bravely these noble men work, without a thought of the hardship or the danger to themselves.
What comparison can there be between the value of property or of temporal life and that of souls? Jesus said, “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” And yet, when the souls of our own children are in danger, many of us are asleep. We are told, “The world is full of snares for the feet of the young. . . . Parents should remember that their children must encounter these temptations.” “Parents, help your children. Arouse from the lethargy which has been upon you. Watch continually to cut off the current, and roll back the weight of evil which Satan is pressing in upon your children.”
Here is an earnest message from the Lord: “Work as if working for your life to save the children from being drowned in the polluting, corrupting influences of the world.”
“The Bible contains the searching maxims which God has given to guide men and women, youth and children, through the conflicts of this life to heaven.” There is nothing that can so fortify the mind against evil, or that can so strengthen the character, as the study of the Bible.
Over and over the Lord has, through his servant, sent special messages to this people, urging parents to take time to study the Sabbath-school lessons with their children. The opportunity for this has never been better than is presented by the series of lessons that we are just beginning, nor has the need ever been greater. The Sabbath-school lessons, the Morning Watch texts, and the study of Bible doctrines for the Standard of Attainment, are all running in parallel lines. This gives the best of opportunity for daily, family study.
Will you not begin at once, if you have not already done so? Read the following earnest words from “Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work:” “Observe system in the study of the Scriptures in your families. Neglect anything of a temporal nature, . . . but be sure that the soul is fed with the bread of life.” Encourage the young people to learn these Sabbath-school lessons so thoroughly that they can not be forgotten, then to take the test for the Standard of Attainment in Bible doctrines when these are finished. Write to, or talk with, your Missionary Volunteer secretary, and together plan for the accomplishing of a definite work for your children this winter.
Sometime each one of us will have to meet the question, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” May the Lord help us to arouse to the situation, and show as much zeal for the salvation of souls as in saving human life, that our answer may be, Here am I and the children thou hast given me.
MRS. CARRIE R. MOON,
M. V. Sec. Lake Union Conf.

Extracts From Letters

MRS. D. E. WELLMAN, of Riversdale, Jamaica, writes: “We have so little to do with down in these fields that it is hard to know what to do with our young people and children. We are not discouraged, and mean so to consecrate our efforts that God will give wisdom, and we hope to see victory before we finish. We had excellent consecration services both here and in Kingston, with our young people, during the week of prayer. One of our young sisters sold over one hundred papers last month, and for January she has taken three hundred, and others are doing well. I trust we shall have good reports, as their hearts are warm and full of zeal.”
“At a recent convention we were holding, I was asked, ‘Can you help us to know what to do for our young people’s meeting?’ I said, ‘Do you have the Instructor?’ When told that they did not, I replied, ‘So they have no helps for you to help them with.’”
Another worker writes: “Seven years ago I came to this conference with a great burden on my heart for the young people. I tried to get the brethren to form some kind of society, but they did not seem to see the way clear. I could see that the young people in the church where I was, were just hanging on by the tips of their fingers. One evening they came to me, and asked if they could not have a young people’s meeting. The church elder objected, and the members of the church did not approve; but finally we decided to try, and appointed a time for the meeting. Just two or three days before the meeting was to be held, I received from the General Conference Office an envelope containing leaflets on this work and a sample membership card. We began our meetings along the line suggested.”
“The young people were anxious to learn the truth, and we studied hard. At the end of two months I went to the church elder, and asked that we be given the meeting hours one Sabbath. He did not know whether it would be just the thing, but finally arranged the matter. At the close of our first meeting a gray-haired man arose and said that he wanted to belong to the young people’s society. This was the first organized meeting in this union. There are now ten fully organized societies, and one hundred seventy-five members.”

Prepare for the Soon-Coming Crisis

By E. R.

The crisis toward which the ages have been tending is gradually appearing above the horizon. Steadily on toward the world's climax marches the present generation. Evil forces are being definitely welded together for the last great struggle between truth and error. Prominent in the contest for supremacy in this land of freedom is the dark specter of the papal propaganda, and Protestantism seems powerless to meet the issue.
Facing this crisis and these conditions stand the remnant people, who are being marshaled under the banner of Prince Immanuel through belief in, and acceptance of, the messages of Revelation 14. Upon this people has been bestowed the honor of bearing aloft the banner of truth, and of proclaiming the doctrines of religious liberty which the Reformers of the sixteenth century in a measure espoused. The subject of religious liberty is the very message for this time. And, so far as equipment with which to meet these crises and conditions is concerned, we are well fortified to do battle.
The knowledge of the fact that we as a people are so highly favored of God ought to be a source of great satisfaction. But how are we relating ourselves individually to this great trust committed to us? What is our personal experience day by day in regard to the messages for this time? and how shall we meet the crucial test which will come to each of us? Some thoughts on these questions from the recent volume, "The Acts of the Apostles," by Mrs. E. G. White, are pertinent at this time:—

Firmest Trust Required

“All who in that evil day would fearlessly serve God according to the dictates of conscience, will need courage, firmness, and a knowledge of God and his Word; for those who are true to God will be persecuted, their motives will be impugned, their best efforts misinterpreted, and their names cast out as evil. Satan will work with all his deceptive power to influence the heart and becloud the understanding, to make evil appear good, and good evil. The stronger and purer the faith of God's people, and the firmer their determination to obey him, the more fiercely will Satan strive to stir up against them the rage of those who, while claiming to be righteous, trample upon the law of God. It will require the firmest trust, the most heroic purpose, to hold fast the faith once delivered to the saints.
“God desires his people to prepare for the soon-coming crisis. Prepared or unprepared, they must all meet it; and those only who have brought their lives into conformity to the divine standard, will stand firm at that time of test and trial. When secular rulers unite with ministers of religion to dictate in matters of conscience, then it will be seen who really fear and serve God. When the darkness is deepest, the light of a godlike character will shine the brightest. When every other trust fails, then it will be seen who have an abiding trust in Jehovah. And while the enemies of truth are on every side, watching the Lord's servants for evil, God will watch over them for good. He will be to them as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.”—The Acts of the Apostles, pages 431, 432.

Things Written Aforetime

“In the experience of the apostle John under persecution, there is a lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the Christian. God does not prevent the plottings of wicked men, but he causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel laborer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him remember that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings his children near to him, that he may show them their weakness and his strength. He teaches them to lean on him. Thus he prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust, and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers were given them.
“In all ages God's appointed witnesses have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth's sake. Joseph was maligned and persecuted because he preserved his virtue and integrity. David, the chosen messenger of God, was hunted like a beast of prey by his enemies. Daniel was cast into a den of lions because he was true to his allegiance to heaven. Job was deprived of his worldly possessions, and so afflicted in body that he was abhorred by his relatives and friends; yet he maintained his integrity. Jeremiah could not be deterred from speaking the words that God had given him to speak; and his testimony so enraged the king and princes that he was cast into a loathsome pit. Stephen was stoned because he preached Christ and him crucified. Paul was imprisoned, beaten with rods, stoned, and finally put to death because he was a faithful messenger for God to the Gentiles. And John was banished to the isle of Patmos ‘for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.’”—*Id., pages 574, 575.

Reasons for a Large Offering

One of the most striking signals to the advocates of religious liberty to sound the warning against the beast and his image is the fact that the Lord is still holding the winds of religious intolerance and persecution. It is now over a century since certain religious elements in this country first brought influence to bear upon Congress with the hope of securing a national Sunday law, but up to the present time they have failed. No one who is acquainted with the powerful and influential organizations that have been working to secure religious legislation can doubt that God's hand has been seen in the success attending the work of the Religious Liberty Department in its efforts to stay this evil work.
It must be evident to all that, as the result of the repeated victories which the Lord has been giving us, our enemies will be aroused in the future to greater activity in their efforts to bring about a union of church and state. Some of the forces with which we must reckon in our campaign are the Papacy, the National Reform movement, the Church Federation, the Lord's Day Alliance, the New England Sabbath Protective League, the Christian Endeavor Society, the Epworth League, and the Baptist Young People's Union.
The rapid strides being made by the Roman Catholic Church of late can not fail to impress all that we are in the very closing crisis of the third angel's message. The spectacular functions of the Catholic Church are significant; such as, the eucharistic congresses; Vanutelli's celebrated dedicatory service of St. Patrick's Church, in Greater New York; the Pan-American Thanksgiving occasions, the third of which was held Nov. 30, 1911, in St. Patrick's Church, Washington, D. C., all of which are designed to bring the Catholic Church in this country into great popularity with the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of our government; the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the elevation of Cardinal Gibbons to the priesthood, held in Baltimore, Md., when the wheels of the national government almost ceased to revolve in Washington as the result of attendance at this function by distinguished officials, from the President down.
The great attention now being paid the appointment of three American cardinals is indicative of the rapidly growing influence of the Roman Catholic Church in America. The same may be said of the annual conventions of the Federation of Catholic Societies. The work of the Paulist Fathers in conducting non-Catholic meeting, so called, and the work of that church in changing and revising encyclopedias, histories, and schoolbooks, eliminating all features of Roman Catholic history which they do not wish the people to be familiar with, are performing their part in deceiving the people. Catholic activities in seeking political positions in municipal, State, and national governments, and the utilization of the public press by the Catholic Church, and its attempt to limit the freedom of the press by a proposed amendment to the post-office law, are all designed to overthrow the principles of religious freedom upon which this nation is founded. (Upon this point see article entitled “The Freedom of the Press Endangered,” in the magazine Liberty, first quarter, 1912.)
Besides the Roman Catholic Church, with her various schemes to undermine the principle of religious freedom upon which this government was founded, we have the efforts of false Protestantism, as reflected in the movements of the various associations already mentioned, in their work to bring about a union of church and state in this country.
With this tremendous array of forces to meet, with the whole world as an easy prey to their sophistries, it must appeal to all that we shall need to unite as never before in this great battle for the principles of religious freedom. Prayer will be one of our greatest and most effective sources of strength in the conflict, but this must be supplemented with a true spirit of sacrifice. Means will be required to prosecute the work in the circulation of literature by which the multitudes may be warned before it is too late. Our conferences should place the magazines Liberty and Protestant in the hands of State, county, and municipal officials, as well as in the hands of others in the prominent walks of life. “American State Papers” should be supplied to State legislators and other State officials. Besides this, funds will be required to meet the expense of opposing Sunday-closing campaigns, which are not confined to any one locality.
By an action of the General Conference Committee, the religious liberty annual offering is to be equally divided among the General, the union, and the local conferences. Our earnest prayer is that a spirit of liberality may characterize each one as he contributes to this important work.

Questions on the Paper Read

  1. What are the remnant people facing at the present time?
  2. What has been committed to this people?
  3. What questions should appeal to each of us?
  4. What is urgently needed in order to stand in the evil day?
  5. Who only will be prepared to stand in that crisis?
  6. Name some Bible characters whose experiences are to serve as lessons for us?
  7. What fact stands as a signal to us to sound the warning against the beast and his image?
  8. What circumstance will arouse the enemies of our message to greater activity in behalf of church and state union?
  9. Name some of the forces and spectacular events engaging general attention.
  10. What two things will assist in furnishing us with the strength we need in meeting the conflicts?
  11. In the face of these rapidly culminating crises, what should be our attitude in regard to Liberty, the Protestant, and “American State Papers”?
  12. How shall we relate ourselves to the important question of funds with which to prosecute the religious liberty work?
NOTE TO THE LEADER: Before reading the paper, announce that questions upon the subject of the paper will be asked members of the congregation. In this connection it will be well to emphasize the points which suggest the different questions.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEPARTMENT. Washington, D. C.                                             E. R.

Christian Liberty

By K. C. RUSSELL; S. B. HORTON

Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL — Secretary
S. B. HORTON — Corresponding Secretary

Religious Liberty Service for Sabbath, Feb. 24, 1912

Program

SONG: “Heir of the Kingdom,” “Christ in Song,” No. 679 of new edition, 557 of old edition.
SCRIPTURE READING: I Peter 2:11-25.
PRAYER.
SONG: “Who Will Volunteer?” “Christ in Song,” No. 512 (new edition).
READING: “Prepare for the Soon-Coming Crisis.” Questions suggested by the paper.
OFFERING.
SONG: “I Have Promised,” “Christ in Song,” No. 319 (new edition).
BENEDICTION.
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