p. 32 | Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 40. (10/3/1907)

A Question of Loyalty

By Grant Priddy

WHEN considering in special committee the Canadian Lord's Day bill which has recently gone into effect, Mr. Macdonald, speaking to the seventh-day people, said: “It would not hurt you to keep two Sabbaths if you were deeply religious.”

Let us briefly point out the real reason why we can not in conscience observe this first-day sabbath. This question is not one of mere days as such, neither should it be considered altogether from the view-point of materialism. It is a question of loyalty to God or of submission to a power that has thought to exalt itself “above all that is called God, or that is worshiped.”

That Being who brought into existence this world has a law by which to govern his creatures, and by which they will be judged at the last day. In the very bosom of this law is the precept which requires the observance of the seventh day. “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work.” By obedience to this law the intelligent Sabbath-keeper shows his loyalty to its Author; he indicates his allegiance to the government of heaven. There has been an attempt to change this law of the Supreme Ruler, which is as sacred as his own throne. That power which styles itself infallible, and which has arrogated the very titles of the Deity, has with impious hand thought to tear from its place in the decalogue God's holy Sabbath, and in its stead exalt another day—a rival sabbath—the day called by Constantine “the venerable day of the sun.” The observance of the first day of the week as a so-called Christian institution had its origin in that apostasy which formed the papal church; and no sooner had that church received sufficient aid from civil rulers, than decree followed decree, either prohibiting the observance of the Sabbath of God's law or commanding the sanctification of the Sunday festival. See the twenty-nine canons of the Council of Laodicea.

It is true and can not be successfully denied that the institution of the Sunday-sabbath is wholly a creation of the papal church. It is a part of the law as set forth by that power, and to which it especially appeals as a mark, or sign, of its authority. So to-day we have two sabbath laws demanding obedience—the law as spoken by the God of heaven, and written with his own finger on tables of stone, requiring the observance of the original Sabbath sanctified at creation; and the law of the Roman Church, commanding us to rest upon the day anciently dedicated to the worship of the sun.

Obedience is the highest form of worship. To obey any law is to recognize the authority of the power that enacts the law. This being true, it must be evident to every one that if we obeyed a law of no higher authority than that of Rome, a law which runs counter to the law of God, we would be acknowledging the supremacy of that church, and be submitting to her authority.

So if we were asked why we can not observe two days, our reply is, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” “No man can serve two masters.”

We believe in civil government, and cheerfully submit to all laws regulating our duty to our fellow men; but when our lawmakers, listening to the voice of ecclesiasticism, enter the domain of theology, and enact laws enforcing a dogma of a church, we are under the necessity of saying, with the prophets and apostles, martyrs and reformers, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” A Christian can not fashion his religion to make it conform to changeable human law. His relation to God is above all human legislation.

GRANT PRIDDY.

Markham, Ontario.

NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS

Special Notice!

The Nebraska Conference headquarters has been removed from College View to Hastings. The office address and the address of those connected with the office is now East High St., Hastings, Neb.

Publications Wanted

[SPECIAL NOTICE.—We learn that objectionable literature is being sent in response to these requests, and urge all to examine with special care any periodicals or pamphlets received outside of our well-known denominational publications. Be sure that the literature which you distribute teaches the truth.— Ed.]

The following persons desire late, clean copies of our publications, post-paid:—

Horace Miller, Gastonia, N. C., periodicals to place in a reading-rack.

Mrs. Jane E. Harris, 330 Plain St., Columbia, S. C., REVIEW, Signs, Watchman, Life and Health.

James Harvey, 763 Jackson St., Oakland, Cal., Signs, Watchman, Bible Training School.

Mrs. F. A. Lynn, Jamison, Neb., a continuous supply of all our publications — German and English.

Minerva V. Betz, 5 Lent St., Poughkeepsie, N. Y., REVIEW, Signs, Watchman, Life and Health, and tracts.

W. B. Jenkins, R. F. D. 2, Blythewood, S. C., REVIEW, Signs, Life and Health, and a good supply of tracts.

E. R. Sutton, Greenville, S. C., tracts or papers on the Sabbath question, its change, etc.; also some religious liberty literature.

Flora E. Payne, Adel, Iowa, Signs, Watchman, Liberty, Instructor, and tracts on the second coming of Christ. A continual supply desired until further notice.

Mrs. E. A. Mitcheltree, Hubbard, Ohio, wishes to thank those who have sent her reading-matter, and says that she has received all she can use this fall and winter.

Colorado Conference Resolutions

Colorado

THE following resolutions were passed August 29, by the Colorado Conference, in session at Denver, Colo.:—

“Resolved, That the magazine Liberty shall be supplied to all members of the State legislature, supreme court and district court, judges, State officials, and heads of higher educational institutions.

“Resolved, That our people be encouraged to engage in the sale of the magazine Liberty, of the regular and special issues at five and ten cents a copy.

“Resolved, That we urge our Young People’s Societies to make a judicious effort to place the Christian Endeavor number of Liberty before other young people’s societies.”

“Resolved, That our Religious Liberty Leaflets be given a wide circulation throughout this conference.

“Resolved, That we encourage our people judiciously to utilize the public press in the dissemination of religious liberty principles.

“Resolved, That our people be urged to write or petition their respective congressmen and State legislators whenever issues arise involving the principles of religious liberty and the rights of conscience.

“Resolved, That we seek to arouse the people to the evils of intemperance, and to create public sentiment that will demand the prohibition of the liquor traffic, thus placing ourselves in a proper light before the world on this question.”

The question of the circulation of the magazine Liberty was enthusiastically discussed, and forty subscriptions were handed in.

Will Fight Prohibition

The retail liquor dealers of Washington, D. C., have organized to fight the attempt which is to be made this coming winter, it is said, to make Washington a temperance town. Their intention is to get all the organizations which are affiliated with them, including the wholesale liquor dealers, bartenders, liquor drummers, brewery workers, beer wagon drivers, ice wagon drivers, cigar makers, and others whose interests are affiliated with those of the liquor dealers, to appoint a joint executive committee which will have charge of the fight against the reform movement.

Atlantic Union Conference Session

By E. W. Farnsworth

Notice!

THE third biennial session of the Atlantic Union Conference is hereby called to be held Nov. 14-24, 1907, in the Seventh-day Adventist church, West Philadelphia, Pa.

All members of the Atlantic Union Conference Committee are delegates by virtue of their office. Each local conference is entitled to one delegate for its conference organization, and one additional delegate for each two hundred and fifty of its membership.

As the Atlantic Union Conference Committee constitutes a part of the constituency of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, and of the Washington Sanitarium, and also of the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary, and these associations will hold their annual business meetings at the same time, this will call many of the members of the General Conference Committee residing in Washington to Philadelphia at that time. We hope to have a large attendance of the ministers and workers of the Atlantic Union, and as many others as can well attend.

E. W. FARNSWORTH, President.

The Morning Cometh

Is the title of a twenty-four page special soon to be issued by the Watchman. This paper promises to be of special value, as nearly all the distinctive points of present truth will be treated. From this one issue the reader should get a very clear view of our faith. Here is a chance for our people to bring the truth before their neighbors. Many will read a paper who would not read a book, and in this one issue there will be enough to lead souls to the truth.

The following are some of the suggestive titles of articles, together with their contributors:— “The Kingdom of Christ,” Mrs. E. G. White; “The Holy Spirit,” A. G. Daniells; “The Great Missionary Movement a Sign of the End,” W. A. Spicer; “An Important Work in Heaven,” G. B. Thompson; “Christ and the Sabbath,” K. C. Russell; “The Morning Cometh,” L. A. Smith; “The Millennium, or Order of Events in the Judgment,” R. W. Parmele; “Immortality Through Christ,” J. S. Washburn; “The Messages of Revelation 14,” G. I. Butler; “Peace or War, Which?” C. P. Bollman; “Armageddon,” P. T. Magan.

The paper will be beautifully illustrated, and will sell at ten cents for single copies. In quantities of less than 100, 5 cents each, with still further reduction in larger lots.

Address the Watchman, Nashville, Tenn., or your State tract society.

Christian Liberty

By K. C. Russell; W. A. Colcord

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

Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau

K. C. RUSSELL. Chairman

W. A. COLCORD. Secretary

Obituaries

McDERMOTT.—Died at the home of her grandparents at Esquagama, Minn., Sept. 4, 1907, of spinal meningitis, Naomi Fern McDermott, aged 2 years and almost 2 months. We miss her sorely in our home, but we know she will come forth in the resurrection of the righteous. MR. AND MRS. H. W. SYPHERS.

GOSNELL.—Died at Lander, Wyo., Sept. 15, 1907, William Timothy Gosnell, aged 1 year and 8 months. He was tenderly loved, and will be greatly missed. The remains were laid away in the family burying-ground at Lander, to rest until the glorious resurrection morning. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from 1 Thess. 4:16, 17. ROSCOE T. BAER.

RAMSEY.—Died at Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 16, 1907, Brother Truman Ramsey, aged 79 years and 6 months. Brother Ramsey embraced present truth under the preaching of Elder M. E. Cornell in 1858, and he remained a consistent member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church until his death. The funeral service was conducted by the writer in the Tabernacle; text, Num. 23:10. M. N. CAMPBELL.

CONNELLY.—Died at the home of his daughter in Millville, N. J., Aug. 11, 1907, of cancer, James Connelly, aged 83 years. Brother Connelly accepted present truth eleven years ago under the labors of Elders S. B. Horton and John F. Jones. He was a charter member of the Millville church, and when that church was disbanded six years ago, he joined the Vineland Church. He was a firm believer in the third angel's message, and died in the bright hope of the soon-coming King. ISAAC A. WELLER.

PERRIOR.—Died at the Home for the Aged, in Des Moines, Iowa, of sickness incident to old age, Sept. 6, 1907, Sister Julia Perrior, aged 84 years. She was one of the oldest pioneer residents of Des Moines, having come here in 1854. Being a cripple, she had not the privilege of associating with the brethren and sisters in church services, yet her faith and confidence were strong in the soon-coming Saviour. Her great pleasure was to correspond with prisoners, and to encourage them to look to him who was her consolation and help. She fell asleep in the blessed hope. The funeral service was conducted by J. F. Piper, assisted by W. E. Perrin; text, Luke 2:38.

DALE.—Died at Southampton, England, June 16, 1907, of cancer, Sister Mary Dale, aged 50 years. From her childhood she served God, and her faith grasped the truth of Jesus' coming and of the new earth. She was a devoted member of the church till the day of her death. For the last few months she was a great sufferer, but was patient. The sorrowing husband and child, with many sympathizing friends, listened to words of comfort by the writer, based on 2 Kings 4:26. F. DEWITT GAUTERAU.

FRANK.—Died at her home in Underhill, Wis., Aug. 31, 1907, of a complication of diseases, Sister Mary Frank. She was born in Hergeness, Sweden, in 1859, and came to America in 1876. In 1879 she and her husband accepted present truth under the labors of Elder O. A. Olsen, and were baptized and united with the church. Sister Frank was loved by all who knew her. She was the mother of ten children, all but one of whom were present at the funeral. Remarks were made by the writer from Rev. 14:13. S. SWINSON.

(Sendebud, please copy.)

FREDERICKSON.—Died at the home of her parents at Beresford, S. D., Aug. 30, 1907, of pneumonia, Vesta Emilie, the oldest child of Brother and Sister M. C. Frederickson. Vesta had been an invalid since about eighteen months old. She was taken to school in a wheel-chair, and enjoyed her class work, and was loved by her teachers and classmates. She leaves her parents, two sisters, one brother, and other relatives and friends, who expect to meet their loved one in the glad morning of the resurrection. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from Jer. 31:16, 17. E. G. HAYES.

BARTLETT.—Died at Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 5, 1907, Mrs. Mary E. Bartlett, wife of Elder A. W. Bartlett, aged 64 years and 11 days. She was born in Rush Co., Indiana, where she spent the early part of her life. In her youth she united with the Christian Church with her father, mother, brothers, and sisters. About thirty years ago she embraced the faith of the Seventh-day Adventists, and continued steadfast in that faith until her death. She was a noble, loving, self-sacrificing Christian, ever exemplifying in her life the character of Christ. The remains were brought to her old home at Rushville, Ind., where the funeral service was held in the Christian church, conducted by the writer; text, Rev. 14:13. W. J. STONE.

PHILBRICK.—Died at the home of her only child, Mrs. H. C. Wilcox, South Lancaster, Mass., Aug. 7, 1907, Mrs. Martha Elizabeth Gleason Philbrick, aged 79 years. Sister Philbrick was born in Washington, N. H. She was among the first to embrace the Sabbath after the time passed in 1844, and at that time she united with the church at Washington, N. H., of which church she ever remained a member. She always loved the truth, and although feeble, she attended the weekly prayer-meeting only one week before her death, and bore a good testimony. She went down to the grave like a shock of corn fully ripe. Her one aim in life was to glorify God. Remarks were made at the funeral by the writer, assisted by Prof. R. F. Cottrell, of South Lancaster Academy. S. N. HASKELL.

GODFREY.—Died at Salem, Ore., Aug. 27, 1907, of heart failure, Mrs. Francis Godfrey, aged 83 years. Sister Godfrey accepted present truth more than thirty years ago under the labors of Elder I. D. Van Horn, and became one of the charter members of the Salem church, where she remained faithful till her death. Her hope was bright till the last, and during the last few weeks of her life she attended a series of tent-meetings conducted by the writer. The church here miss her very much, as she was never absent from the Sabbath-school. She was the mother of four children, two of whom survive her. She has also one surviving sister. The funeral was held from the home of her son, words of comfort being spoken by the writer from Ps. 116:15. P. A. HANSON.

Business Notices

By Editor

THIS department is conducted especially for the accommodation of the Seventh-day Adventist readers of this paper. Please read carefully the conditions under which business notices will be published.

Brief business notices will be published in this department subject to the discretion of the publishers.

Display advertising, and advertisements which call for agents, will not be accepted, nor do the publishers solicit advertising of any kind for this paper.

All persons unknown to the managers of this paper must send with their advertisement satisfactory written recommendation. Such recommendation should come from one of our ministers, or from the elder of a Seventh-day Adventist church. It is not enough to refer to some individual by name. Secure his recommendation in writing and send it.

A charge of one dollar will be made for each insertion of forty words or less. Each additional word, initial, or group of figures, in excess of forty, will cost three cents.

No discount for several insertions.

We open no accounts for advertising, and cash must accompany each order.

FOR SALE.—Send us $3.25, and we will ship to you, for trial, a 5-gal. can of our Ideal Brand (regular $4.50 prepaid) oil, rancid proof, vegetable product, can not be surpassed for salads and cooking purposes. Address Robt. Kendall Oil Co., Louisville, Ky.

SEND YOUR address, and I will mail you a “Winner” stylegraphic fountain-pen. Try it five days. If perfectly satisfactory, keep it, and send me $1; if not, return pen to me. Address B. H. Patterson, Station A, Wichita, Kan.

WANTED IMMEDIATELY.—Competent Seventh-day Adventist woman for housework in family of four. Permanent place for the right person. Pleasant home and good wages. Correspond with John M. Morrison, College View, Neb.

WANTED IMMEDIATELY.—North Yakima Sanitarium needs a good cook or young woman willing to learn. Good wages paid to competent help. Write or telegraph to Dr. F. M. Rossiter, North Yakima, Wash.

FOR SALE.—Fruit farm in eastern Tennessee, with good 6-room house and large barn. Place well improved and very healthful; one mile from station. Terms: Cheap for cash, or will exchange for Oklahoma property. Address V. O. Cole, Oklahoma City, Okla.

FOR SALE.—In order to get means to send our two oldest daughters to the academy and to support a home school, I will give our people a chance to secure the finest gladiolus bulbs in the State, at about half price. They are from the Stuart Academy, and took first prize at the State fair. Large bulbs, 20 for $1, prepaid, or 100 gladiolus, 10 Japanese iris, 5 perennial phlox, 5 ribbon-grass, 2 star flag, for $5, express paid. Send orders immediately, and bulbs will be shipped in October. Gladiolus will bloom this winter in the house, or may be kept till next spring and planted in open ground. Address H. F. Lamb, Blencoe, Iowa.

FOR SALE.—Absolutely pure peanut butter, made by a scientific process from selected sterilized peanuts, and guaranteed pure under the National Pure Food Law, only 12 cents a pound. Purest cocoanut oil, 15 cents in 50-pound lots. Address Vegetarian Meat Company, Bond Building, Washington, D. C.

FOR SALE.—A small fruit farm near the training-school and sanitarium, on Lone Mountain; 1,000 peach- and 300 pear-trees, also other varieties; good buildings—house, barn, and cottage, each on stone foundation; water piped to each from a living spring. For particulars, address A. Van Tassel, Graysville, Tenn.

WANTED.—Good Christian men, Sabbath-observers—one man as head sawyer in a lumber factory, and another to drive team; ten or more to work in the forest, and one to operate an edger in the mill. The sawyer must be experienced in sawing frozen hardwood lumber on fast feed. Mill is equipped with the “R. Hoe inserted tooth saw,” “Lane” set works, and modern dogging devices. The teamster must be kind; and if possessing natural ability, will receive extra pay. All help must have some experience. Employment the year round. For particulars, address H. E. Miles, South Stukely, Quebec.

Two More Brethren Imprisoned in Tennessee

Two more of our brethren are condemned to imprisonment in the State of Tennessee for quiet, unobtrusive work on the first day of the week. These are G. B. Thomson and David Deedon, of the town of Manchester. Through the kindness of the judge they are allowed to serve their sentences one at a time. The fine and cost in each case amount to $58.70, which is to be served out at the rate of forty cents a day. Brother Thomson has already begun to serve out his sentence in a jail condemned as unsanitary. No charge was brought against these brethren except for Sunday work. So evidently unjust was the whole proceeding that two of the witnesses refused to testify, declaring they had no fault to find with the accused men.

Lay Members as Missionaries

By Editor

THAT the lay members of our churches can be a power for the advancement of this truth is being demonstrated continually in different parts of the world. In the Field Notes department of this issue of the REVIEW will be seen a record of the result of such missionary endeavor on the part of two churches. One increased its membership by thirteen members, and the other has organized a Sabbath-school of thirty members and developed a company of Sabbath-keepers ready for church organization. We know of other churches that are doing a similar work. Conferences have not been able to supply ministerial labor for some field where labor was needed, and the lay members of some church have taken up the work, and God has blessed the effort with abundant fruitage. Every church in the denomination should be that kind of missionary center. When they are, we shall see this cause advancing by leaps and bounds. Let every board of church officers take up the matter at once, consider the field around them, and prepare to supply its needs. This will mark the beginning of another advance move in the great work committed to our people.

A. G. Daniells in New York

ELDER A. G. DANIELLS left Washington Friday of last week, to attend the annual session of the Greater New York Conference, which was held in New York City, September 26-29.

E. W. Farnsworth Visits Washington

Elder E. W. Farnsworth, the president of the Atlantic Union Conference, was in Washington last week, having come here at the close of the camp-meeting in West Virginia.

International Sunday Rest Congress Report

ELDERS K. C. Russell and W. A. Colcord were in attendance at the International Sunday Rest Congress held on the Jamestown Exposition grounds September 25 and 26. A report of this convention will appear in our next issue.

C. H. Hayton Joins Foreign Mission Seminary

BROTHER C. H. HAYTON, who has been for several years the principal of our school at Cape Town, South Africa, arrived in Washington last week, and has entered upon his duties as business manager in connection with the Foreign Mission Seminary.

Frederick Griggs Moves to Takoma Park

PROF. FREDERICK GRIGGS and his family have now removed to Takoma Park, and will make their permanent home here. For the first time since the reorganization of our work several years ago, the chairman of the Educational Department will now be directly associated with other members of the General Conference Committee in the work at headquarters.

Improvements to Life and Health

By Editor

BEGINNING with the October issue, our good magazine Life and Health is to be increased in size from thirty-two to forty-eight pages, and greatly improved in every way. These improvements, which are outlined on page 2 of this issue of the REVIEW, are the result of much thought and careful planning, and will be of interest to all our readers.

The Morning Cometh

The Southern Publishing Association will soon issue a twenty-four-page special number, designed to give, as far as possible in one issue, the distinctive features of our faith. A fuller description of this number will be found on page 30, under the title “The Morning Cometh.”

China’s Need for Gospel Workers

DR. H. W. MILLER, recently from China, and who is a member of the faculty of the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary, spoke at the Takoma Park church Sabbath, September 28, setting forth the wonderful manner in which the Lord is opening doors for the message in that land, the great dearth of workers there, and the responsibility that rests upon this people to give to China the third angel's message.

Let Every One Take Part

By Arthur G. Daniells

WHY should not every Seventh-day Adventist in the United States contribute to the fund to be raised for carrying forward our work in behalf of the colored people in the South? This contribution will be taken October 5, and will be expended during the year 1908. There are now great opportunities for rendering good service in this branch of our work. The needs are surely great. The Lord, in whose power it is to give or to withhold, has graciously blessed us with an abundance. It is claimed by some that history does not record greater prosperity at any time than we are enjoying to-day. God calls for a reasonable portion of what he has given us, that he may use it to enlighten and save those who are in darkness and sin. Our people will surely respond to this call at this time.

Let it be remembered that should you find it impossible to make your offering on the day set apart for taking it, you can hand it to the church officers later, or send it to the State treasurer. Be sure to state plainly that the gift is for the work among the colored people. We hope every one will take part in making up this offering. A. G. DANIELLS.

What Made Him a Christian

With growing frequency we are hearing the expression, “The church has been robbed of its infallible Bible.” The Higher Criticism is given credit for bringing about this condition, and accepts the “honor” with evident satisfaction.

At the same time this same Bible is accomplishing upon the hearts of men the same work that it was doing before its “fallibility” was discovered. This seems to be something of a paradox. We should expect that its powers as a searcher of hearts would wane with the acceptance of that great discovery by so many wise men. It does not, however. It is still the same discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, still the same light to guide those who wish to be guided, still plants in human hearts the same hope, and bears the same fruit in the lives of men and women. Strange that this should be so, in view of the “light” that is being thrown upon it by the wisdom of this world; but so it is.

Ratn Chand was an East Indian scholar, who had been trained by the most antichristian sect in India. He had spent three years in special preparation to antagonize Christianity. In order to do his work successfully, he took up a critical study of the Bible, that he might the better refute its teachings. But that Bible began to transform and master his life, and a few months ago he yielded, acknowledged Christ, and followed him in baptism. He has now gone back to his native province, and is helping to train young men for the service of Christ. Speaking of his experience, he held up a copy of the Word of God, and said, “This made me a Christian.”

Some men disbelieve the Bible; but that has not robbed the church or the world of “its infallible Bible,” nor can that change its eternal truths into falsehoods. The moth does not extinguish the arc light by fluttering about its globe; the tree does not obstruct the river by falling across it. The moth singes its wing; the tree dies; but the light shines on, and the river runs on. So is the Word of God—its power unabated, its truth saving and eternal.