In John 4:35 we find these words: “Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” Call after call is echoing and re-echoing through the great harvest-field for the gospel. The call may come from the far-away harvest-field or from those nearest our door, but in either case let us respond with willing hearts. “Go ye into all the world,” says Jesus, “and preach the gospel to every creature.” As we consider the needs of the great harvest-field, and make our offerings for its support, let us not forget the blind. Sacrifice just a little for these unfortunate ones. We shall not be able to open their physical eyes, but we can give them spiritual sight. What a pleasure it should be to those enjoying perfect sight to help those who can not see!
The Christian Record work is onward. It is on a better financial basis than it has ever been heretofore, yet we are far from accomplishing what we should. Last year a number of the union and local conferences adopted a plan which, if thoroughly worked out by all the conferences, would enable us successfully to carry forward the work of giving the message to the blind. We believe that all the conferences will gladly co-operate with us in our struggle to help those in double darkness. Last year the Central Union Conference voted to appropriate three hundred dollars a year to the Christian Record, and to recommend that each local conference should raise for this work an amount equal to ten cents a year for each member. This plan has been adopted and quite generally carried out by the Lake, Northern, and Southwestern union conferences.
Wherever the plan has been presented, the brethren have assured us that they will help to get it in working operation. The plan is so simple and easy that no conference,16no matter how small, need hesitate to adopt it, and we hope, before the first of another year, to see the ten-cent-a-member plan adopted by all our union and local conferences in the United States and Canada. Once the plan is worked out, we shall have sufficient means to answer the call made on us by the blind. This will relieve those in charge of the work of the responsibility of traveling from place to place to gather in the necessary funds. We therefore invite those conferences that have not adopted the plan to do so. It simply means that each member in the conference will pay into the treasury ten cents a year. The amount is small, and every one can raise it.
The blind in other lands are anxiously waiting for the gospel. As we have had call after call for literature, from the blind across the water, we believe that the time has come for us to lift up our eyes, and behold the thousands of hungry blind in other countries. Hitherto we have been forced to turn a deaf ear to these calls because we did not have the means, but we believe that steps should now be taken to answer them. May the Lord enlarge our hearts to see the magnitude of the work, and help us to unite in one grand effort to finish the work in this generation.
Those wishing to have a part in giving this saving message to the blind, and desiring to contribute, will please forward their gifts to Mettie E. Cornell, Christian Record secretary, College View, Neb. L. N. MUCK.
Christian Record Office.
Western New York Conference
By H. W. Carr
The fifth annual session of the Western New York Conference convened at Burt, Feb. 2, 1911. The conference was represented by sixty-six delegates from twenty-two churches, besides four delegates at large. A good spirit of unity, courage, and progress characterized the meeting from first to last. With few changes, the officers of the previous year were re-elected.
Elders O. A. Olsen, W. B. White, and C. H. Edwards rendered valuable assistance in the preaching services, and in planning the future work of the conference.
There were many encouraging features in the reports of labor for the previous year. One item was an increase of more than fourteen hundred dollars in the general trust funds of the conference over the amount for the previous year.
Elder G. P. Gaede, of Baltimore, Md., was present at the latter part of the meeting. He will connect with the German work in the city of Buffalo. At the close of the meeting, Brother M. M. Hare was set apart by ordination to the Christian ministry, Elder Olsen offering the prayer, and Elder White delivering the charge.
The last two days of the meeting were spent in a church elders’ and church officers’ instruction meeting.
As far as we could learn, all hearts united in offering praise to God for his blessing at this meeting, and all seemed to be filled with new courage as they separated for their fields of labor.
H. W. CARR.
The Work Among the Jews
By F. C. GILBERT
During the past year we have put forth efforts in various ways to bring the message to the Jews. This is a difficult problem. The experiences of the Jews for many centuries in their relation to the Christian world have been of such a character that a terrible impression has been given to their posterity. Many even of the most prominent men among the Jews in this country still teach their Jewish fellows that the Christian religion is a persecuting religion; and that as long as the Christian feels as he does toward the Jew, there can be little common ground of faith and co-operation between them. It is evident, however, that this truth must go to the Jews, and we believe that the time has come when a special work should be done for them. The God of Israel, who overthrew for his servants the walls of Jericho, still lives, and if we will walk out by faith in his promises, he will give us wisdom to throw down this great and terrible wall of prejudice.
Repeatedly have messages come from the servant of the Lord that the time would come when hundreds if not thousands of the Jews would take their stand for this truth. This gives us the assurance that when the Jews hear the truth, many of them will accept it. In one of the recent messages given, the statement is made that “our work is to be given as freely to the Jews as to the Gentiles;” and again: “We are to preach the gospel to the Jews as well as to the Gentiles.” It is for us, therefore, to pray and to seek the Lord for counsel and guidance how we may be able to accomplish this work; for the Lord never gives us a command that we can not carry out.
During the past year we have sent out much literature to the Jews, and we are sure that God's blessing has attended it. Hundreds of Jews in different parts of the land have been visited, some by those who are handling the Good Tidings, and others by the colporteurs visiting from house to house. Still others have come to the churches where we have held meetings. Every time a Jew meets and converses with a Sabbath-keeper, prejudice is removed. It is a surprising thing to Jews to learn of a people in this land, as well as in other parts of the world, who observe the seventh day as the Sabbath, practise tithe-paying, eat no swine's flesh, and believe that God speaks to prophets now, even as in the days of ancient Israel. For centuries the Jews have been led to believe that the religion of the Christian is as different from that of the Old Testament as Judaism is different from paganism. Now all this error must be unlearned, all these wrong and erroneous ideas must be put away, and in their place must be planted the life-giving principles of the gospel.
GOOD TIDINGS HOME
No doubt there are thousands of Jews who would be glad to hear about this people and their work, if the matter could be presented to them in the right light; therefore we hope that our people everywhere will take an interest in the Jews. During the past year a number of Jews have been baptized in different parts of the land, and we believe that there are many among them who will gladly accept the truth of God.
At the present time we have three young people attending the South Lancaster Academy; also four Jews at the Good Tidings Home, in Concord, Mass. In the home we are conducting a Bible school three days each week this winter, and the Lord's blessing is attending the effort. In connection with these studies, we have occasional field days, thus combining practical work with the study of the truth.
The readers of the REVIEW doubtless remember that at the last General Conference Council held at Washington, D. C., the Jewish work was placed under the fostering care of the General Conference, and is now under the Foreign Department of the General Conference. We are planning to develop a strong, aggressive work, and hope that our people will co-operate in carrying it forward.
We would be pleased to send literature in the Jewish and English languages for distribution among the Jews, and are sure that this work would be a good beginning in your vicinity. We are receiving many calls from different cities where there seems a desire to hear upon the part of some of the Jews who have read our literature and met our people. We know of nothing that will create a desire to know about the truth more than the placing of this literature in the hands of the Jews.
In order to carry on the literature work, the correspondence work, the work at the Good Tidings Home, etc., we must have means. We hope that the Holy Spirit will open the hearts of the children of God to do what they can for the work among the lost sheep of Israel. All donations for the Jewish work should be sent either to your conference treasurer, or else directly to Elder W. T. Knox, treasurer of the General Conference, Takoma Park, D. C. Any who wish to obtain literature to give to the Jews should address the Good Tidings, Concord, Mass.
Many have said they would like to know how to reach the Jews, and how to help break down the prejudice which exists. The literature, with the blessing of the Lord, will do a great deal in this direction. But if you wish to get still more help, send for the Good Tidings of the Messiah, Concord, Mass. This is a monthly magazine published in the interests of the work among the Jews, and you will find in this paper many valuable suggestions for reaching your Jewish neighbors and friends. Sample copies will be gladly sent to any one sending his name and address. Pray for the work among the Jews.
F. C. GILBERT.
Eight Baptized at Memorial Church
ELDER W. A. HENNIG reports that on a recent Sabbath eight were baptized at the Memorial Church, Washington, D. C.
Baptisms at Jersey City
At Jersey City, N. J., Sabbath, January 17, six persons received baptism; three of these united with the First English church, and three with the Second English church.
Sanitarium Interests in the South
By D. H. K.
The South is still a needy field, and for this reason appeals to us for help. It has been demonstrated that there are wonderful possibilities before those who are willing to sacrifice in order that the gospel may go to the colored race. God, who has blessed these efforts in the past, will continue to bless every effort to help this needy people, and precious jewels will be gathered from among them.
Opportunities at Asheville
There are many cities of the South where an excellent work could be done by devoted medical missionaries for the white population. Asheville, N. C., one of the most healthful cities to be found in the South, affords a splendid opening for such work. It is situated among the hills at an elevation of about twenty-two hundred feet. The air is balmy, and the immediate surroundings and views are delightful. Thousands come to Asheville or to the surrounding hills every year to recuperate and regain health. There is an excellent church and parsonage at this place. A small health home with two or three intelligent medical missionaries could do a good work in this city. The same need exists at Knoxville and other cities of the South.
The Nashville (Tenn.) Sanitarium
Our sanitarium at Nashville has had some perplexities, but I can see a future of promise before this institution. During the past three years the patronage and income of the institution have practically doubled, though it is not yet on a paying basis. Owing to a lack of means, the institution has not been able to keep up necessary repairs, and the treatment-rooms do not appeal to the better class of people, who are willing and able to pay for what they get. Financial assistance is needed to place the institution where it can accomplish what it ought. Modest treatment-rooms, with a chapel above, would add greatly to the equipment, and would enable the institution to please a better class of patients.
We trust some of our more prosperous institutions will come to the help of our sanitarium at this place. Nashville is an important educational center, and is called “the Athens of the South.” Over twenty-five thousand students are said to be in training in the city, aside from those in the public schools.
Dr. W. A. George has worked faithfully for this sanitarium; and it is now thought advisable to associate with him a good house physician, so that he may be able to devote his time more exclusively to surgery, and to looking after the general interests of the work. Dr. R. M. Clarke, of Michigan, has been invited to connect with the sanitarium. This will be a great help to the work at Nashville. The sanitarium is suitably situated for carrying on educational and medical missionary work in the city, and it is planned to do this as the work develops.18
The Work at Madison, Tenn.
About eight miles from Nashville, Profs. P. T. Magan and E. A. Sutherland are carrying on their work. They have a good location for their school and sanitarium, where there are over seventy students in training for the hill-country schools. Already a number of schools have been started for the poor whites in the hills, in each of which there are from twenty to sixty students in attendance. The Lord has greatly blessed their work. The sanitarium, though small, answers their purpose well, and is filled with patients. The work on the farm, in the school, and in the sanitarium, is done entirely by student help. This affords all an education of a practical nature,—just such an education as they need to work successfully for the poor people in the hills.
School and Sanitarium at Graysville, Tenn.
At Graysville we have a good school and sanitarium, close enough together so they can be of mutual benefit. The sanitarium is in a most desirable location. It has a splendid supply of pure mountain water. The climate is excellent. It is just the kind of place to draw patients as it becomes better known. Dr. A. I. Lovell and his wife are doing faithful work, assisted by a competent and devoted staff of helpers. Soon in the future this institution will be well filled with patients the year round.
The Atlanta (Ga.) Sanitarium has a pleasant city location. During the past year the institution has had a good patronage, and is in a prosperous condition. Dr. J. H. Neall, the physician in charge, is planning to do considerable educational work in Atlanta during the present year.
The Work in Florida
At Orlando, Fla., the sanitarium is constantly filled with patients. While the buildings are not what they ought to be, the climate and surroundings will always make this an ideal spot for health-seekers. The board is planning to erect a suitable main building for patients. This is greatly needed. The present building will then be utilized for the accommodation of workers, and patients who can not afford to pay the higher rates. There is no reason why the Orlando Sanitarium should not make a success of its work.
There are other places in Florida where small conference institutions could be successfully conducted. Small sanitariums located near the leading cities could carry forward an excellent work; and if economically conducted, they would be able to finance themselves.
Properly conducted, the health work paves the way for other truths to reach the hearts of the people. Especially in the cities it should be kept to the front.
D. H. K.
News and Miscellany
Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press
— The first snow for twenty-five years fell in San Francisco, February 26. It was accompanied by heavy thunder.
— Cholera is reported as having found a foothold in Hawaii, four deaths having occurred there recently from that disease.
— February 25 the House of Representatives voted $3,000,000 as a beginning appropriation for fortifying the Panama Canal.
— A derelict vessel has been found in the Caspian Sea, a few miles off Astrakhan, with the crew of thirty men frozen to death. The ship was a mass of ice.
— The American Red Cross Society is endeavoring to raise $2,000,000 as an endowment fund, for use in various contingencies which may arise from time to time, such as the famine in China.
— The army estimates for Great Britain for 1911 and 1912, issued by the secretary of war, show a total of $138,450,000. The sum of $565,000 is provided for the aeronautic branch of the army.
— February 22 a huge earth-slide of 500,000 cubic yards was precipitated in the Panama Canal cut. Unlike other slides, this was wholly unexpected. Important changes in some features of construction, to prevent similar occurrences in the future, are now planned.
— The finding of two survivors of the French steamship “Bin-Thuan,” which disappeared in January, has cleared up the mystery connected with the loss of that vessel. It develops that a terrific explosion occurred, in which thirty-nine of the forty-two men of the crew were burned to death.
— Cable despatches report an important victory of the Turkish troops, February 27, over the rebellious Arabs in Yemen. This victory is considered of the utmost importance to the Mohammedan forces, in that it relieves about sixty thousand troops, who were in state of siege by the Arabs.
— The French Chamber of Deputies voted, February 24, an appropriation for the construction of two new battle-ships. The naval program presented called for the expenditure of $268,000,000 during the next ten years. It was stated that this sum is modest compared with the American and British programs, and indispensable in order to replace old warships and guarantee national security.
— An outbreak of diphtheria among the nurses, patients, physicians, and students in the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, has assumed quite threatening proportions. Over fifty cases have developed. The health department has discovered many “carriers” of the disease, who, not being ill themselves, yet communicate the disease to others. A strict quarantine has been placed on some of the boarding-houses where the students and hospital employees live. Strenuous efforts are being made to stamp out the disease.
— In Illinois 250,853 farms are valued, land and buildings considered, at $3,510,194,000.
— Present indications of the nation's death-rate are that it was fifteen to the 1,000 in registration area in 1910.
— The publication of recent census figures in Germany gives the empire a population of 66,898,881, an increase of more than 4,000,000 in five years.
— Insurgent troops have been giving the government of Haiti much trouble during the last few weeks. The government is showing a strong hand, and bids fair soon to put an end to the rebellion.
— According to statistics furnished by the German-Austrian Alpine Association, there were 120 fatal accidents in the Alps last year. This total includes twenty-eight lives lost through plucking Alpine flowers.
— The State of Nevada has recently passed a bill making it unlawful to sell or give away cigarettes or cigarette-papers to any man, woman, or child. If such a law were enacted by all the States, and strictly enforced, it would be a great protection to the rising generation.
— British economists and medical men are joining their French colleagues in the complaint that the birth-rate is constantly decreasing. In 1850 there were thirty-three births to 1,000 inhabitants; in 1908, only twenty-six. In France there are only twenty; in Germany, thirty-three.
— The largest consignment of postage-stamps ever sent out in this or any other country to one place was shipped from Washington to Chicago on January 4. There were 72,500,000 stamps, having a face value of $1,522,000. Two million five-cent stamps were in the consignment, the largest order ever received for that denomination.
— The general superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League reports that during the last year, saloons were closed at the rate of forty a day, and that in the last eighteen months between 140 and 150 breweries were obliged to go out of business. He states that about three fourths of the total area, and 41,000,000 of the population, of this country are now under prohibition.
— The temperance forces won a decided victory in the recent elections in Ontario, though they were deprived of much to which they were entitled by the law requiring a three-fifths vote. In fifty-five municipalities, containing 225 places where liquor is sold, the temperance people had a majority, but not the necessary three-fifths. The liquor forces won a clear majority in only twenty-six of the 158 municipalities.
— The loss by fire in the United States and Canada for 1910 was $234,470,650, an increase of more than $30,000,000 over that for 1909. December losses were exceptionally heavy, aggregating $21,528,000. Thirty-six fires caused a damage of $500,000 or more, and in ten the loss exceeded $1,000,000 each. In only three preceding years have the fire losses been heavier than in 1910, one being the year of the Chicago fire and one of the San Francisco fire.
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
D. H. KRESS, M. D. - - - SecretaryL. A. HANSEN - - - Assistant Secretary
The Work of the Nurse
THE following report from Brother and Sister H. R. Judge, of Napier, New Zealand, who are both graduate nurses from the Sydney (Australia) Sanitarium, will be read with interest, especially by nurses and physicians. A love of souls for whom Christ died, combined with the work of the consecrated nurse, will be blessed of God to the physical and spiritual help of the patient.
“We greatly appreciate the training we received in the sanitarium at Wahroonga, which has enabled us to gain an entrance to many homes where otherwise we would not have obtained access. We can say from experience that a training of this kind enables us to enter the homes of the people to sow the precious seeds of the third angel's message.
“Our experience since leaving the training-school one year ago has been a very precious one, and has filled us with a deeper love for souls, many of whom are dying through lack of the knowledge which the Lord has so graciously given to us. On every hand, people are languishing on beds of pain, not knowing how to relieve their suffering, and the physicians, many of them, are at a loss to know what to do. We are continually meeting cases where the physician has failed, and given up hope, as the drugs administered have proved ineffective. We also find that a large majority of people are losing faith in drugs, as they can see by the results obtained that they can not be relied on to heal disease. It seems that the world is not only perplexed in regard to national life, but also in regard to the physical life. How true is the statement that the world is one vast hospital! We find very few homes that are free from sickness.
“We have been in Napier nine months. The first day we arrived, we secured a patient, and have been busy ever since. One woman who had been a sufferer for four years, after trying many things, tried our treatments, and in one month was completely restored to health. She is continually trying to induce others to come to us instead of making use of drugs. A number of our patients are working for us in this way. This shows their appreciation of the help received. This woman, her family, and a friend have adopted the health reform in their home.
“A man we were called to see in Hastings, fourteen miles away, had been in bed for three months, under drug medication; and in a short time, under our treatments, he was up and about and putting on flesh. This seemed to him almost a miracle. By his advice a chemist consulted us concerning his twelve-year-old daughter, who had been suffering from ill health for five years. Now, after four weeks’ treatment, the girl has improved so much that the parents think it wonderful, and are working to get us more patients.
“We could cite many other cases. The number of treatments given during the last nine months was 671. Of these we received pay for 505, and 166 were given free. We have not kept an account of the Bible talks, Bible readings given, and cottage meetings held; but we have had some very interesting times with the people as we have sought to help them.
“One man who had us treat his little son for pneumonia was so pleased with his rapid recovery that he was willing to listen to anything we had to say. From health talks we gradually passed to Bible topics. His interest was awakened, and both he and his wife have greatly enjoyed the studies, and look forward to them. He holds the position of secretary of the court.
“A young man next door to the case just mentioned, with whom I have been working for some months, is now gathering several families together in his home for Bible studies. It is good to see the interest manifested among these people. They are also calling for cooking lessons, which we are planning to give them.
“We are of good courage. How could we be otherwise, when the Lord is working so wonderfully for us?”
In Northern Illinois
By L. A. Hansen
On invitation of Elder William Covert, president of the Northern Illinois Conference, I recently spent some time there in the interests of the sanitarium relief campaign, attending the meeting of elders and workers, and visiting several of the large churches.
My first meeting was with the Chicago South Side church, the largest church in the conference. It presents an excellent working force in its membership. Because of size and prominence, it receives many calls for help for various enterprises, nearly every Sabbath presenting some special call. The interest shown in the presentation of our medical missionary work was excellent, and there was a most gratifying response to the call for personal help in carrying forward this campaign. Nearly the entire congregation arose, pledging themselves to do all they can. Interviews and inquiries indicated the sincerity of the response. Elder M. H. Serns, pastor of the church, gave good support in the work, and purposes to continue the effort.
From this church I went to the North Side church for afternoon meeting. Although an hour was devoted to the special religious liberty service, the congregation listened to quite a full presentation of the sanitarium work; and here, too, there was a willing response to the call for personal missionary effort.
At the meeting of elders and workers, suitable time was allotted to the consideration19of our health work. Good interest was shown in the subject, and in answer to the call for subscriptions for books, there was promptness in making up a good order for those present. Some of the workers had already sold more than the full three years' quota, but ordered more books, and indicated a willingness to continue in the work without setting any definite mark as the limit of what they would do.
The workers' meeting was held at the headquarters of the Swedish work in Chicago, 213 Oak Street. Here is a neat hall in a building owned by our people. One side of the lower floor is occupied by an excellent vegetarian restaurant. The service and food are most satisfactory, and the prices reasonable. An appreciative patronage is enjoyed. A food store carries a suitable supply of health foods. The other part of the first floor is used for a suite of treatment-rooms. Utilizing small space to the very best advantage, provision is offered for general sanitarium treatments. Neatness and order prevail, and the nurses are doing faithful work. The upper floors of the building are utilized for living-rooms. The impression given a visitor is one of practical, business-like management of the entire premises, with a strong prevailing atmosphere of the kindest hospitality and welcome. One is glad to learn that the whole enterprise is successful.
At Moline, Elder Covert was with me in meeting the church and sanitarium family. Good response was given here, and definite steps were taken for immediate and active work in selling books. A number of patients who were present at the last meeting were not allowed to escape solicitation by the workers, and orders were readily given for “Ministry of Healing.” The sanitarium is enjoying a full patronage, and the past year showed a gain of several hundred dollars. Practical improvements are just being completed, by which almost the whole interior is made very presentable. Nearly all the rooms have been painted and neatly decorated.
The sanitarium family seems to be enjoying the work, cheerfulness prevailing throughout. Drs. F. J. Otis and E. G. Norman are conducting the training classes and attending to the professional work. Brother W. C. Foreman is business manager. All show an interest for the welfare of the institution. The influence of the sanitarium, as seen from the field, appears altogether favorable. There seems to be nothing to hinder the fullest co-operation of the members of the Northern Illinois Conference in advancing the work of the Tri-City Sanitarium.
A week was spent in visiting the churches at Aledo, Galesburg, Streator, Watseka, Waldron, and Kankakee. In all these places our brethren and sisters showed a deep interest in the matters presented. Promise was given of hearty co-operation, and in some instances the work of selling books was entered upon at once. It seemed to be accepted that this campaign is a missionary movement in the fullest sense.
Elder J. C. Harris accompanied me in most of the church visits, and will continue the effort by visiting other churches. Good results may be expected from the campaign work in this conference, as he gives it his special attention for a time. The support of the president and other workers, with the co-operation of the church elders and the entire membership, will show a definite work of relief for the Tri-City Sanitarium, and a wholesale increase of the missionary spirit throughout the conference.
L. A. HANSEN.
Sanitarium Relief Campaign
By L. A. HANSEN
An Individual Experience
From many persons comes the statement that “Ministry of Healing” is an easy book to sell. The fear that some have of not being able to sell books, seems to disappear when a reasonable effort is made.
From Brother L. R. Williams, of Ohio City, Ohio, comes the following good word: “I have been canvassing for ‘Ministry of Healing,’ and find it to be an easy book to sell. I have sold quite a number for cash, and have taken orders for over seventy. Last week I went to deliver some orders that I had taken six weeks ago. I delivered every order, sold three books for cash, and took six new orders. Last Friday I went to another town with a brother, and was introduced to the business men, with the statement that I had something to show them. I showed the book nine times, taking orders for four, and selling two for cash. I have sold a number of books to persons who bought “Christ’s Object Lessons” of me ten years ago. I hope that every one will do his best with ‘Ministry of Healing,’ so that the work may soon be finished.”
L. A. HANSEN.
Sunday in Newfoundland
By C. H. Keslake
For about three years the Newfoundland Lord’s Day Alliance has been in existence, but its success has been varying. Lately, however, we have been made aware that other factors are coming into existence, which may very materially hasten the formation of the image to the beast in this country. Especially is this true of a young and vigorous organization known as the Fishermen’s Protective Union. Although in existence only about two years, it now numbers many thousands, with local organizations in all parts of the island. That this union has some definite ideas and plans with respect to Sunday enforcement, has recently been made clear.
Prior to Christmas of last year the local organization in Greenspond, which is situated in Bonavista Bay, notified the coast steamship companies and others that they would not henceforth be permitted to land freight at that place on Sundays. Their warnings were unheeded. On Sunday, December 25, the steamer “Fogota” arrived at Greenspond to land freight as usual. She was met at the wharf by a band of about three hundred members of the Fishermen’s Protective Union. A few of the leaders used force, and cut the steamer’s lines, thereby endangering her safety. As it was, she twice struck the rocks before she was brought under control. Subsequently these men were brought to St. John’s for trial and duly punished.
The judge, a Roman Catholic, gave the prisoners a good talk on the subject of religious liberty, which was, indeed, quite orthodox from the Seventh-day Adventist view-point. He told them that they must remember that all people did not view the sabbath (Sunday) as they did, “if indeed,” said he, “Sunday be really the Sabbath day.” He would not, he declared, attempt to discuss the change of the day historically, and tell who of the popes effected the change, adding that if they knew where Sunday really came from, in all probability they would want nothing to do with it. (This point will be much better appreciated when it is remembered that they are Orangemen.) He pointed out the fact that there is quite a dispute at the present time as to what day is really the Sabbath, some arguing very strongly that the “Mosaic Sabbath,” which unquestionably is Saturday, should be observed.
Referring to the defendants’ conduct in preventing the steamer’s landing her freight, the judge told them that in taking the course they did, they themselves were the greater offenders, and that in attempting to enforce the observance of the day, they had violated the law of the Sabbath. He told them that instead of using force, they should have prayed for the owners and officers of the ship, and that it is impossible to make men good and pious by whipping them. He ventured the opinion that the defendants, and others in Greenspond, were habitual breakers of the law of the Sabbath.
The Fishermen’s Advocate, the organ of the Fishermen’s Protective Union, came out later with an editorial which clearly showed that this organization was at the back of this work. Praising the local organization at Greenspond for the stand taken in restraining Sunday labor, it encouraged others to do likewise. Thus it said, “Well done, Greenspond; we want every branch to follow your lead, and to defy the Sunday money-grabbers, and keep undefiled the one day devoted to the service of God.”
In the Advocate of February 4, another article appeared, entitled “Keeping Holy the Sabbath Day.” In this the temper of the union was made more manifest, showing that the leaders purpose making short shrift of those who shall dare oppose them. In the following way the Lord’s Day Alliance is referred to: “There is a Lord’s Day Alliance organization supposed to be operating in Newfoundland. Is it dead? Is it asleep? Has it been watching the Greenspond fight to keep the Lord’s day holy? Let it be up and doing! Is there a God in Israel?—Yes, fellow fishermen, there is a God, and his all-powerful eye is over all. ‘He moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform.’” The article closes as follows: “He does ‘move in a mysterious way.’ Well, we shall see how he will move to help Greenspond Christians to uphold his day, and keep it holy.” There is no mistaking this language.
What the outcome of this agitation in the island may be, I do not know. In the meantime we purpose to send marked copies of our Newfoundland Advent Messenger to every member of both houses, as it contains an article dealing with this Greenspond incident, and sets forth the true principles of religious liberty. We are doing our best to get our principles before the people throughout the island. C. H. KESLAKE.
Christian Liberty
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL . . . . . Secretary
C. M. Snow . . . Corresponding Secretary
Field Notes
SEVEN have accepted present truth as a result of last summer’s tent effort and subsequent Bible work at Pleasantville, N. J. Twenty-three others are interested.
BROTHER R. B. COBERLY reports three persons recently baptized at Claremore, Okla. At Ketchum fifteen have followed their Lord in baptism, and at Vinita, seven.
SIXTEEN young people were recently baptized on the Keene Industrial Academy campus, Keene, Tex., by Elder C. Sorenson. Most of these were students who had been converted during the week of prayer.
A CHURCH of twelve members has recently been organized at Colonial Beach, Va., through the efforts of Brother G. A. Stevens. Three others are keeping the Sabbath, and a number are interested. At Clifton a church is in process of construction.
