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Review and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 9.

New Testament Indorsement of the Perpetuity of God's Law
Earlier text: The Patent-Medicine Evil

Argentina

By J. W. Westphal

CONCORDIA, ENTRE RIOS.—I came to this place last night. About fifteen are ready for baptism, and four have already been baptized. This has resulted from work here begun by canvassers, and carried forward by them as Bible workers and preachers. They say there is a good interest besides. Nearly all are natives, and therefore they do not add much financial strength. Three couples who have lived together for years will be married, preparatory to baptism.
Several are also awaiting baptism at Rosario Lala, where we had our conference and camp-meeting in October, and I will go there from this place. Thus the good work goes on, and the truth becomes established in new places.
About the first of February I will go to Chile, to be gone till shortly before our South American Union Mission meeting, March 15-25.
Our brethren here are helping our brethren in Chile in the loss by fire. Already thirty dollars has been sent them. I have more than that for them now, and there is more coming. Some is also being sent to Brother Steele.
Three weeks ago Dr. Habenicht broke his leg, both bones at the ankle. He was on a reaper, and the horses ran away with him. His foot being cut and bruised considerably, his recovery is not so rapid as it otherwise might have been; but he is improving.
J. W. WESTPHAL.

British West Indies

By W. A. Sweany

ST. GEORGE, GRENADA.—We moved back to St. George on November 15. My health could not improve in Gonyave. After I rested, I began at once to make permanent recovery. I had three touches of fever at intervals of a few days, but have had no signs of it for nearly a month now, except that I am badly swollen at times; but that is always a result of fever here. I have a good appetite, and feel as well and strong as ever. But when it comes to walking and climbing hills, I have not so much energy and endurance as formerly.
W. A. SWEANY AND FAMILY
W. A. SWEANY AND FAMILY
I managed to keep comparatively quiet after coming back here; then I started out again, and have spent some time each week, for the last two or three weeks, in the north end of the island, where I had just begun to open up the work when I was taken sick. The Lord has wrought mightily there, and I found a company of over forty worshiping in a temporary but comfortable chapel, fitted up in the basement of a dwelling. All through my illness they grew in numbers and knowledge, faithfully sending in their tithes and offerings. I have held a meeting on Friday evenings, three on Sabbaths, and the same number on Sundays, for three weeks, instructing them more fully in the doctrinal points of the message, and the way they drink the truth in shows that they are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. There are now about twenty adults, besides an equal number of children, who profess the message, and I pray they may prove faithful, and fully accept the complete message as fast as they learn it. I shall go to them each week until our council meeting in Trinidad, which is appointed for January 19.
There are other localities in the two northern parishes that are definitely calling for us. There are at least three Sabbath-keepers whom I have not seen, but hope to visit soon. They have kept the Sabbath for years. Two of them are Indians.
There is but little interest in this end of the island. So, although we dread to move again, it looks as if the Lord is pointing toward the north end of the island. If so, we are ready to go; but we will first counsel with the brethren. It is much cooler and healthier there than here, but water is not so plentiful, only Grenville having water-works, and that is not a healthful place.
We must do something for Carnacon, a small island a few miles to the northwest. There are also a number of small inhabited islands that stretch away to St. Vincent, which have never heard the sound of this message. They are called the Grenadines, and are included in the Grenada government.
The evidence that God wanted us to come to the West Indies was as clear and satisfactory to us as if we had heard his audible command, and we will not leave here until he in some way as plainly orders us elsewhere. We were equally clear in going to Trinidad, and also in coming here to Grenada. We have trouble and difficulty everywhere, but our courage has never wavered, and our fondest hope is that we may live and stay at the front till the battle is over. Our minds never turn to more favored fields or pleasant places, but we do often think and plan and pray for the unconquered countries, with a willingness and longing to help answer our prayers.
Our hearts leap for joy as we note the advancement of the message in all the earth. We rejoice most of all in the rapidly increasing instances of the direct providence of God in fields we have not yet reached. It will henceforth keep us busy to follow the opening providence of God, as it sweeps through the waiting nations.
It touches our hearts to know that our brethren remember us personally in their prayers. We know that my recovery is the answer to the many prayers that have gone up in our behalf. We pray daily for the institutions, organizations, and individuals that are prosecuting this work.
W. A. SWEANY.

Korea and Japan

By H. Kuniya

LATE in November of last year I left Kobe, arriving at Fusan, Korea, December 1. Here I remained two days. An interest in the truth has been awakened here, and I have been corresponding with some of the interested ones. During my stay I held three meetings, with an attendance of twenty-five or thirty. Several profess to be keeping the Sabbath, and the interest should be followed up as soon as possible.
From Fusan I went to Chinnampo and its vicinity, where I remained between three and four weeks. I found the believers of good courage, and the work in a prosperous condition, though not entirely devoid of perplexities. Lately quite an influential man has accepted the truth, and is very zealous in working for others. This has been a help and an encouragement to the believers there.
I held daily Bible studies with the brethren from the time of my arrival. After a week we arranged for a series of meetings and Bible studies, to which the brethren from the country were invited. These meetings continued for a week, and there were present members from each of the little companies in the country. We had Bible study for two hours every forenoon, and meeting again in the evening. Between fifty and sixty of our own members were in attendance, besides interested ones; so that our small meeting room was crowded, and some could not even enter. Some of the children had to sit under the table that was used as the speaker's desk. The meetings were thoroughly enjoyed, and the believers were edified. Since my earlier visits, some of our Korean brethren have been studying the Japanese language, so this time I got along much better in making them understand.
One man in a near-by boarding-house heard our singing one evening, and came to listen. He became much interested, and attended regularly from that time. And at the close of the meetings he earnestly requested baptism; so he, with eleven others, was baptized. Still others are interested and desire baptism; but some need to become more fully established.
The next week I spent in the village of Rongan, about twenty miles northwest of Chinnampo. This was my first visit to this place. Here quite a number are interested, and two families have fully decided to obey. After this I made a brief visit to Sondol. The believers there have built a good-sized meeting-house, with a room for a church-school; and they report an attendance of eighteen. One of the young men acts as teacher. The Kangdemuro church have also built a meeting-house, and the church at Pamegi still use the building they erected before they accepted present truth. Each of these companies reports several interested believers awaiting baptism. Of the little company at Rondon, one has died, others have become interested in politics, and so given up the truth, and the one remaining faithful brother meets with the believers at Chinnampo.
The company at Chinnampo is not yet fully organized. There are now over thirty baptized believers there, and they report quite a number of candidates for baptism. They hold their meetings in the house where Brethren Lim Ki Pan and Kang Chang O, our workers, live; but they need a church building, and have started a subscription list for that purpose.
On my return from Korea I spent two days at Nagasaki with a merchant who had been writing to me. He has now fully accepted the truth, and is anxious to have gospel work done in his city. I hope to visit Nagasaki again in the near future. H. KUNIYA.

Southwestern Union Conference

By C. N. Woodward

THE third biennial session of the Southwestern Union Conference was held in the new church building at Keene, Tex., February 1-11. It was in many respects the most important meeting held thus far by this union conference, and in many ways the most encouraging.
Fourteen meetings of the conference were held, at which considerable business was transacted. Reports were presented from the union conference, each of the three State conferences, the Keene Academy, and the two sanitariums in this territory. Every one of these reports showed decided gains and advancement.
The membership of the union conference has increased from less than 3,000 when it was organized four years ago, to 4,025 at the present time. The tithe of the union has increased from $20,300 in 1902 to $32,763 in 1905. This enabled the conference to support a force of eighty-three laborers of all classes on their pay-rolls, and besides this donate about three thousand dollars to the support of four laborers in fields outside of this union conference.
Besides carrying on the work in the home fields in a vigorous way, there has been seven thousand dollars contributed to the general work of the denomination in missions, which shows that our people here have the completion of the whole message in view, and are willing to push out with their means into the regions beyond.
During the past year there have been sixty-two canvassers engaged in the sale of our literature, and they have disposed of $25,150 worth of books and other printed matter. The new branch of the Southern Publishing Association now located at Fort Worth, Tex., makes it much easier to handle this part of the work, and the future for it looks flattering.
Another feature of the union conference work which seemed to give the delegates considerable satisfaction was the progress made in opening up the work for the colored people. There are now six quite thoroughly organized churches among the colored people, from which a tithe of a little over four hundred dollars was received last year. One church building has been erected for them, and a good building for the industrial school at Devall Bluff, Ark.
Credentials were granted to three persons, ministerial licenses to three others, and missionary licenses to five. Of all these laborers five were colored, and will spend their time among that race.
Elders G. A. Irwin, E. T. Russell, and G. F. Haffner were the general laborers of the present; Elder A. O. Tait, associate editor of The Signs of the Times, was also present. Most of the preaching was done by these brethren, assisted at times by our own laborers, and their work was very acceptable, and was much appreciated by all. A spirit of love and harmony prevailed, both in the business sessions and in the other services as well.
Nearly every worker in the union conference was present, and at the close of the meeting all returned to their fields of labor full of courage to push the work with vigor.
Elder Clarence Santee was unanimously chosen president of the union conference for the coming two years. He is now the president of the Texas Conference, which position he will retain until the Texas camp-meeting in August. Nearly all the other officers were re-elected, and but few changes were made in the executive committee and various boards under the union conference control.
C. N. WOODWARD,
Secretary.

Northern Illinois Conference

By G. B. Thompson

The annual session of the Northern Illinois Conference was held in the Chicago South Side church, February 8-11. A good delegation was present, representing the various churches in the conferences. The laborers were all present, and shared the burdens of the meeting.
The reports presented showed an encouraging growth in various lines of work during the year. One new church was admitted into the conference, and a number of additions were reported in the local churches. The report of the treasurer indicated an increase in tithe of about thirty-six hundred dollars over the previous year.
Prof. W. T. Bland was present, and presented the work and needs of the Sheridan school. In many ways the school has had a successful year. A boys' dormitory is greatly needed, and a call was made for fifteen hundred dollars for this purpose. About eight hundred and fifty dollars in cash and pledges was raised at this meeting. The new dormitory will be erected before the school opens next year. Other changes are being planned, which it is expected will add to the efficiency of the school.
A very encouraging report of the Moline Sanitarium was given by Dr. S. P. S. Edwards. This institution is exerting a good influence in favor of the truth. Some have accepted the truth during the year, through coming in touch with its work. The increase of patronage is calling for additional room and equipment.
All were glad to meet at this meeting the Elder Luther Warren and his wife, who have returned to labor in Chicago. Elder Warren's health seems to be much improved. Plans were laid for an aggressive campaign in the city. A training school for workers will be started.
The conference was desirous of connecting with the mission fields abroad in a definite way. As a beginning in this direction it was voted to raise five hundred dollars among the young people of the conference for the school in China.
The Spirit of God was present throughout the meeting, and harmony marked all the deliberations of the conference. Elder Wm. Covert was re-elected president, and enjoys the full confidence of all. Some of the preaching services were devoted to emphasizing the message which the Lord has given to us as a people, attention being called to the special warnings sent us through the spirit of prophecy concerning the dangers which are threatening us from within the denomination. This met a hearty response from those present, and the entire conference expressed their unswerving fidelity to the spirit of prophecy.
At the closing service on Sunday evening, after a study concerning the need of the Holy Spirit, almost the entire congregation came forward to seek for a greater measure of the Spirit of God. As sins were confessed, the blessing of God came in, in a rich measure. I was glad personally for the blessings of this meeting, and the privilege of meeting those with whom I had labored in former years. G. B. THOMPSON.

Pacific Union Conference

By F. M. Burg

THE third biennial session of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was called to order in the Portland church at 10 A. M., Thursday, February 15. The session was preceded by a devotional meeting, in which many delegates and others participated. This hour's season of seeking God and consecrating of heart and life to service was a very fitting preliminary to this important meeting of the conference, in which it is hoped that spiritual interests will have the first place. Elder W. B. White, president of the conference, expressed his especial desire that such should be the case, and also read a letter from Elder A. G. Daniells, in which such an experience for the conference was mentioned as its first need. An earnest desire for a special manifestation of God's presence among us during this gathering was plainly evinced at this first devotional service of the conference.
The conference was led in prayer by Elder H. W. Decker, after the delegates had been seated. The roll-call was responded to by fifty-two delegates, twelve of a total of sixty-four not having yet arrived.
It brought some disappointment to the conference when the Chair reported that Elder Daniells would not be able to attend this meeting on account of matters at Washington which call for his attention at this time. However, Elder G. A. Irwin is expected to arrive Monday, and withal the outlook is good for a meeting of great light and power.
The Chair was empowered by the house to name the regular committees. In harmony with this action and with previous arrangements by the executive committee, the following standing committees were appointed: On nominations, G. W. Reaser, F. M. Burg, E. L. Stewart, M. E. Cady, C. M. Gardner, F. S. Bunch, J. A. Holbrook; on plans and recommendations, W. T. Knox, T. H. Starbuck, H. H. Hall, W. R. Simmons, M. E. Cady, H. W. Cottrell, A. J. Breed; on credentials and licenses, J. N. Loughborough, M. C. Wilcox, H. W. Decker; pastoral committee, G. E. Langdon, W. B. White, H. W. Cottrell; on distribution of labor, the conference presidents; press committee, F. M. Burg, A. O. Tait, A. J. S. Bourdeau.
The president's address and review of the past biennial period was presented, from which the following statistics are gleaned:— Number of churches in the Pacific Union Conference, 241, with an aggregate membership of 11,029. In addition there are forty unorganized companies, with 144 members; and a total of 327 Sabbath-schools, with a total membership of 10,499, was reported.
Ninety ordained ministers, thirty-four licensed ministers, and fifty-nine missionary licentiates make an aggregate of one hundred and eighty-three evangelical workers.
The remainder of time for conference work of the first day was given to conference presidents to report work and interests in their fields for the two years past. These reports were encouraging, all showing advancement.
Further reports of the present conference session will be furnished the REVIEW as the work proceeds.
F. M. BURG.

The Evangelical Work in the District of Columbia

By K. C. Russell

SINCE our last report, a hall has been secured in Southeast Washington, in which services are being held with a growing interest. Our workers have been largely engaged in personal work from house to house, and they report more openings than they have time to fill. The Lord has blessed their efforts by adding to the church precious souls.
Among those who have embraced the truth here during the past few months are three government employees, one in the Post-Office Department, one in the Treasury Department, and one in the Navy Department. We visited the head of one of these departments for the purpose of prevailing upon him to release the brother from Sabbath labor, and had an interesting interview. At first he seemed quite decided that he could not release him, but we emphasized the thought that it was a matter of conscience with the man. He expressed forebodings as to the result upon the department of our efforts to get people to observe the seventh day. He actually seemed to fear that, if our work continued, he might not be able to secure sufficient help on Saturdays to perform the necessary work of his department. We assured him, however, that we did not expect that our work would seriously affect his department, as there is too much of a sacrifice involved in the observance of the seventh day. We are pleased to say that all three of these government employees are left free so far to observe the Sabbath.
I would add in this connection that the stand which these souls have taken has not been without a real test of faith; and even now there is one of these, a noble sister, who does not know what the outcome will be in her case. It appears that it may be made a test case by the department; and, should they decide against allowing her the Sabbath, it would be a precedent that would prohibit any others who keep the Sabbath from employment there. Let those who read this report pray that God will overrule in this matter to his glory, and for the advancement of the truth.
We endeavor to impress upon the minds of our people here that it is in the Lord’s providence that he calls people to take their stand for the truth where they are, for there are souls in that very place whom he desires to warn, and hence he calls them to stand boldly for the truth, that others may see the light, and follow it.

Our Health Studies

Soon after the week of prayer, we began a series of health studies in the four churches in the District. These are held one evening a week in each church. The following is a general statement which appears on the neatly printed program used in advertising the studies to the public:—
“Temperance: In eating, drinking, working, sleeping; the drug habit; alcohol and other intoxicants; causes of intemperance.
“Healthful Diet: Food elements; chemistry of foods; food combinations, adulterations, etc.; digestion; what, when, and how to eat.
“Dress: Artistic dress for children and adults; protection of body; quality of dress; harmony in dress; how adjusted to body; evils of improper dress.
“Physical Culture: Best kinds of exercise; physiological effect of exercise; exercise and rest; physical culture in the home; esthetic value of physical culture.
“Rational Medicine: Home treatment of common diseases; hygiene in the home; evils of patent medicines; uses and abuses of drugs; heat, light, and water as curative agents.”
The “Ministry of Healing” is largely used in these studies. The program each evening usually opens with a fifteen-minute study from the “Ministry of Healing,” which is frequently conducted by a minister, and then one of our doctors follows with the lecture of the evening. The lecture is sometimes followed by demonstrations of various treatments. It is being demonstrated that the evangelical and medical lines of work can be carried on harmoniously together. Dr. Patience Bourdeau-Sisco is chairman of the committee which arranges and directs these studies.

Religious Liberty Campaign

Our people are enthusiastically engaged in earnest efforts to defeat the Sunday bills now pending in Congress. They are circulating the petition, distributing the tracts which explain the Sunday bills, and placing our new publication, “Liberty,” in the hands of the leading citizens of the city, besides writing letters of protest to the District Commissioners.
We believe that our people here, in the main, feel that we who are here in the providence of God at this time, are under solemn obligation to work earnestly in defense of the third angel’s message.
K. C. RUSSELL, Chairman District Committee.

Leaders Who Lead

By E. R. PALMER

“For that the leaders took the lead in Israel, for that the people offered themselves willingly, bless ye Jehovah.” Judges 5:2, A. R. V.
Because of their sins God had permitted Israel to go into bondage under Jabin the king of Canaan, who had nine hundred chariots of iron, and for twenty years he had “mightily oppressed” the children of Israel.
There came a time when their deliverance was due, and God raised up Barak and Deborah as leaders, and from all the coasts of Israel the people answered the call and fought for deliverance, except the inhabitants of Meroz, upon whom a bitter curse was pronounced “because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.”
Two factors are necessary for the success of every movement: the leaders must lead, and the people must offer themselves willingly. How terse the words in the text, “for that the leaders took the lead.” It seems evident that for a long time the leaders had not taken the lead, and so Israel had been in bondage; but now the leaders were awake. They took up their appointed work and led Israel to victory and freedom from their oppression.
It is hardly necessary to make a present application of these powerful words. For many years God’s people have been oppressed by their enemies, and the time of deliverance is at hand. Some victories have been won, but from now on to the end of time the struggle will be a mighty one, and every moment the leaders should be in their places to lead Israel, and all the people should respond willingly.
At the annual meeting of the California Conference, held a few days ago, the elder of a church made remarks so terse and emphatic upon this point, I think they should be a blessing to leaders everywhere, and particularly to church officers. These were his remarks in brief:—
“In our church we have decided not to wait for the ministers to come and stir us up to sell ‘Ministry of Healing’ as they had to do when we were selling ‘Christ’s Object Lessons.’ We want our ministers out with the tents preaching the gospel, and we propose to push this campaign ourselves; so we have already organized the church for work. Each member will visit his most intimate friends, and the tradesmen with whom he does business, and will do everything in his power to work up a good sale, then we will all unite in sending our order in through the church librarian, and have our books come by freight, and in that way save postage.” “And,” the brother further proposed, “if every church in the California Conference would do the same, we might soon have the work with the ‘Ministry of Healing’ closed up without the great expense of sending ministers all through the conference to work up an interest.”
These remarks seem so clear and practical to me that I feel like passing them to the officers of every church as a sentiment worthy of their consideration and acceptance. This scripture shows clearly that the blessing of having leaders who lead is a cause for thanksgiving to Jehovah.
E. R. PALMER, Sec. Gen. Conf. Relief Bureau.

A Statement of the Receipts and Disbursements of the General Conference for the Quarter Ending Dec. 31, 1905

By I. H. Evans

RECEIPTS EXPENDITURES
Cash on hand Oct. 1, 1905 $ 961 95
One Hundred Thousand Dollar Fund 3,014 62 $ 3,310 00
District of Columbia Evangelical Committee 2,341 56 1,243 56
Publishing houses 1,031 54 4,548 81
Conferences and tract society accounts 641 45 3,193 39
Specific accounts 1,813 94 1,267 46
Depositors' accounts 3,774 73 3,929 98
Expense 1,725 33
General Conference building 6,781 73
General Conference session 1905 95 04 61 86
General Conference Association 4,068 52 4,303 42
General Conference Corporation 244 16
Haskell Home 369 41 1,000 00
Missionary Acre 52 04
Religious Liberty Bureau 232 78 66 12
Colored work (special) 7,992 44 4,000 00
From conferences for support of laborers 5,621 17
Labor and missions 25,564 39
Missions 11,514 31
Annual offering 3,998 00
First-day offerings 8,556 11
Midsummer offering 2,797 59
Sabbath-school donations 13,114 96
Second tithe 920 94
Tithe 2,639 14
Cash on hand Dec. 31, 1905 14,312 03
Total $75,552 24 $75,552 24
I. H. EVANS, Treasurer.

Field Notes

A NEW church building was dedicated at Watertown, N. Y., Sunday, February 4.
SEVEN persons have united with the Sedalia, Mo., church since the camp-meeting last August.
THREE adults have begun the observance of the Sabbath at Nile, Wash., as the result of recent labors by Brother L. A. Gibson.
A LATE report from Herrin, Ill., stated that the church building there was nearly finished, and it was expected a course of meetings would be begun in the church January 24.
BROTHER JAMES A. MORROW writes from Hamilton, Bermuda: “Our work among the Portuguese is growing all the time. We have more calls for Bible readings than we can fill. New ones come out to our meetings nearly every Sabbath.”
IN a recent report from Bath, N. Y., Sister Lulu Wightman says: “We are now in the seventh week of our meetings here, and every seat of the hall is filled with persons eager to hear the truth for these times. It is an audience of fine, intelligent people, and the interest is excellent indeed. Several have decided to obey the truth, and a large number attend the Sabbath meetings. We look for others to come into line with the message.”
AT a recent meeting of the California Conference Committee the following secretaries and agents were appointed to carry on the work in that field during the coming year: Missionary secretary, A. J. S. Bourdeau; religious liberty secretary, Elder J. O. Corliss; superintendent young people's work, Elder G. E. Langdon; secretary of the Sabbath-school and young people's work, Mrs. Carrie R. King; educational superintendent, Elder E. D. Sharpe; canvassing agent, H. W. Covell.
BROTHER J. B. LOCKEN reports that a flourishing Sabbath-school has been organized at Rice Lake, Wis., having twenty-five members at the time of his report. Of the results of work which he has done there he says: “Our past labors are beginning to bear fruit, and of late a new interest has sprung up which has stirred the pastor of the M. E. church. One of his Sunday-school teachers and his wife, and also one of his most faithful workers in his church, are deciding for the truth. Last Sunday he summoned them to meet him in the church to answer for their course in accepting the Sabbath of the Lord.”
AT a recent meeting of the Nebraska Conference Committee the following suggestive plans were outlined for the five districts in that State: “That Elder Wm. Kennedy act as superintendent of District No. 1; that Elder Chas. Thompson act as superintendent of District 2; Elder J. W. Lair to labor in connection with Elder J. W. Beams in District 5; that Brother B. M. Garton connect with Elder Chas. Thompson in District 2; that Brother O. E. Jones associate with Brother A. D. Gilbert in the southeastern part of District 1.” The committee are hoping to secure a strong man to take charge of the work in Omaha, also a colporteur for the five western counties of the State south of the Platte River.
ELDER H. W. REED says of the results of his recent labors at Fish Creek, Wis.: “On the twentieth of December, sixteen were taken into the church; on the twenty-third, two more; on the thirtieth, three more; on the sixth of January, six others; and on the eleventh, one more, making, in all, twenty-eight received into the church. Three others who had become discouraged, were reclaimed, and five others signed the covenant, who intend to unite with the church later. I lectured two nights on Christian temperance. Twenty-seven persons signed the temperance pledge, and forty-two signed the teetotal pledge, making sixty-nine, in all, who signed one or the other of these pledges. The teetotal pledge is, in addition to the temperance pledge, a further promise to refrain from the use of tea, coffee, and tobacco during life. All the arrangements for a church school were made, and it will begin in a few days. The use of a house was donated by one who is not a member of the church, and the money was pledged for the support of the teacher.” This series of meetings was the source of great encouragement to the Fish Creek church.”

The One Hundred Thousand Dollar Fund

By I. H. Evans

AMOUNT previously reported $112,101 93 Hiram Gerrish ............ 50 00 Western Oregon Conference 47 10 Shattuck (O. T.) church .. 40 00 Atlantic Union Conference     (Jennie Thayer, Treas.).. 35 20 Indiana Conference ...... 34 00 Texas Conference (E. Harris,     Treas.) ... 28 15 South Dakota Conference .. 27 56 Atlantic Union Conference     (Jennie Thayer, Treas.) .. 25 70 Harvey (N. D.) church .... 25 00 Albert Ecklund ........... 25 00 J. E. Crook and family .... 25 00 North Dakota Conference .. 14 26 Missoula (Mont.) church .. 11 42 British Columbia Conference 5 95
FIVE DOLLARS EACH
Lydia S. Lane, C. Jorgensen, Lenora Garrett, Mrs. J. M. Derbert. Clara Willet, $4.80; Pacific Union Conference, $4.50; Mrs. Mary Christenson, $4; R. G. Harrison, $4; Battle Creek (Mich.) church (C. D. Rhodes, Treas.), $3; Anna Wait, $3; Charles W. Harrison, $2.50; Oklahoma Tract Society, $2.50; Battle Creek Tract Society, $2.12; a friend, $1; Mrs. Nellie Albertison, $1; East Michigan Conference, $.52.
TWO DOLLARS EACH
Iver Hilde, Thomas Harrison, Susan Harrison, D. F. and Alice Raus, Mrs. Geo. W. Pease, Sister Russell, Mrs. Katie Reiswig.
FIFTY CENTS EACH
Nellie Harrison, Frank Harrison, Ethel Harrison, Clem M. Long, John W. Harrison, Riley Cummings, Bessie Harrison, Russell Harrison, Agnes Hendrickson, Mrs. Sadie G. Moore.
TWENTY-FIVE CENTS EACH
Grace Harrison, Ruby Harrison, Bessie H. Raus.
Total reported ..........$112,568 96
The following names of donors to the Washington fund are sent in by the Iowa Conference with the request that they be published. The amounts have been already acknowledged as coming from that conference, but the names were not sent before:—
Mrs. P. W. Baker ............$50 00 Sioux City church ........... 28 38 Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dietel .. 25 00 David H. Keene .............. 25 00 P. C. Adamsen ............... 25 00 W. S. Greenfield ............ 25 00 Emil Anderson .............. 12 50 Jacob Christenson .......... 12 50 Extra ...................... 12 50 E. W. Wiltse ............... 12 50 Hattie McDade .............. 12 50 Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Klinger ... 10 00 Mattie Swanson .............. 10 00 A. T. Dwier .................. 10 00 John A. Pines ................ 8 50 Pilot Mound church ........... 8 23 Winterset .................... 7 75 Hawkeye church ............... 6 85 Smithland Society ............ 5 50 B. L. Dieffenbacker .......... 5 00 S. E. Smothers ............... 5 00 Stuart Society ............... 5 00 A. O. Wilson ................. 5 00
Atlantic Society, $3; L. Buck, $2.50; Davis City church, $2; Coon Rapids Society, $2; Mrs. F. A. Wolford, $2; Rosie Christensen, $1.75; J. S. Rollins, $1; Sophia Christensen, $1; A. B. McReynolds, $.50.
I. H. EVANS, Treasurer.

Christian Liberty

Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience

Experiences With the Petition

The religious liberty secretary of the Western Pennsylvania Conference, Elder C. S. Longacre, gives the following interesting experiences in his efforts in securing signatures to the petitions against the present Sunday bills before Congress:—
“I never before had such an experience as I had in the securing of those names. First I went to see the lawyers and office holders of this town. Some of them certainly did give me a roasting for working against good law and order, as they called it. If I could recall every statement and argument they made in favor of more strict Sunday laws, and against us and our movement, it would indeed make a very interesting volume. I was wonderfully surprised to learn what vague ideas these lawyers have concerning religious liberty, and how biased they are toward the adopted customs of popular churches.”
“There was not a single lawyer out of twenty who was not in favor of more strict Sunday laws. I was able to convert only one to sign the petition after an earnest talk of thirty minutes on religious liberty principles. He opposed the signing of it at first, and said he favored Sunday laws, and the way they operated. Finally he said: ‘Well, I will sign it, since I see I am not signing any of my liberty away, and am giving you a chance to enjoy the same.’”
“One lawyer, after I informed him that we were being persecuted, said: ‘You deserve to be persecuted for bringing in so much confusion into the churches and disturbing the public tranquility. If you don’t like our laws, move off. You must understand that this country is ruled by majorities. If I had it in my power, I would shut up everything and put the lid down tight next Sunday. I would stop every railroad, every street-car, every factory, and every corporation that employed men.’”
“Another lawyer told me: ‘I am not opposed to religious legislation. I think the church is more capable of ruling than our corrupt politicians. I believe in a union of church and state, with the church on the throne. Separations of church and state can only be regarded as an affected cant employed by those who have a waning cause. A theocracy is the most desirable thing a nation can have.’ When I informed him that the Christian church had once tried the experiment of a human theocracy, and that it resulted during the Dark Ages in the martyrdom of millions, he replied: ‘We don’t fear the Catholic Church any longer. The Protestant and Catholic Churches have joined hands and declared peace. We hold most things in common, and expect to reign jointly.’ ‘But,’ I asked, ‘What will you do with us who disagree with you? If we oppose Sunday laws and keep any other day, what do you propose to do with us?’ He said: ‘I have no sympathy for a set of religious fanatics, who will grumble against the ordinances of God and his ordained theocracy. He who resists the power of God, resists the ordinance of God, and they that resist shall receive to themselves judgment. That is just what you deserve for making disturbance and bringing in confusion.’”
“The burgess of the town gave me a roasting for going around with no higher object in view than to disquiet the public mind in regard to good law and order. He said he could not allow any one to keep his store open or do any secular work for profit on the holy Sabbath (Sunday). He said he would prosecute us just as soon as he would a Sunday-keeper. I asked him if he would burn me at the stake if the law gave him the privilege to do so in case I disregarded Sunday, or regarded it as a regular week day. He replied: ‘I would not go to that extent, but I would bring every other measure to bear upon you that would not deprive you of life.’ I told him that we were assured in the Bible of just such treatment in regard to Sunday legislation, and that the saints received the persecution instead of inflicting it.”
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