p. 32 | Review and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 25. (6/24/1902)

Earlier text: The Canvassers' Question Corner

A New Crusade to the Holy Land

A NEW crusade to the Holy Land is proposed by Mr. Arthur S. Green, who writes on the subject in the June number of Everybody’s Magazine. His proposition, however, is not to take Palestine from the Turk by force of arms, but to buy it with money. He thinks Christians should be willing to raise the cash for the sake of delivering the Holy Land from “the control of a cunning, superstitious, and barbarous nation.” This was very much as Knight Godfrey and his fellow warriors viewed the matter in the days of Peter the Hermit, only they called the Turk an infidel instead of a barbarian. The use of money in the place of the sword does not make this twentieth-century project any more Christian than was Godfrey’s plan of delivering the Holy Land by cutting off the Turks’ heads. Money is the moving power in the world to-day, as the sword was in the days of the Crusades. Mr. Green thinks there are good chances of success for his plan, because Turkey is poor, while Christendom is fabulously rich. Its aim will be “to restore Palestine to its former greatness and prosperity.” But if Mr. Green has read the history of Palestine, he must know that it was not lack of money, nor change of ownership, which brought that country to its present low condition. The cause of Palestine’s desolation is plainly set forth in the Bible, and the situation cannot be materially altered by the use of any amount of money. The best use of money is that which will hasten the return of him who is the King of the Jews, and under whose coming reign Palestine will be again glorious and Jerusalem the capital city of the earth. This new crusade is not likely to be carried far, but it constitutes an addition to the other fanciful schemes and ideas which men of this day, in their ignorance of the Word and of the purposes of God, entertain concerning the future of this historic land.

Are You Planning for It?

WE have presented to our brethren and sisters a brief summary of the situation at Christiania, and have made an appeal for a sufficiently liberal donation on Sabbath, July 5, so that the remainder of this obligation might be met without asking for another collection. We believe this can be done if all take hold heartily, and each contributes according to his ability. We know that many calls are being made upon us for money to be used in various ways, but this in itself ought not to disturb us. We are glad that something is being done which makes a demand for means, and gives an opportunity to make some deposits in the bank of heaven. We are anxious to see the debts paid as soon as possible, so that all the funds raised may be applied in extending the work in the many unworked fields.

The readings for Sabbaths, June 28 and July 5, were sent to the elders of churches and leaders of companies last week. The envelopes for the collection were forwarded at the same time, and should be distributed next Sabbath, June 28. An effort should be made to place an envelope in the hands of each member of the church or company, even if this should render it necessary to do some personal visiting. Let all be aroused to co-operate in this endeavor to close up this matter by one united, hearty effort. Do not forget to plan for this. Time, July 5; amount, $30,000; purpose, to pay the balance of the debt on the Christiania Publishing House.

True, Christlike Love

By Ellen G. White

IN the thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul defines true, Christlike love. It will be well to print this chapter in small type in every paper issued from our presses. . . . This chapter is an expression of the obedience of all who love God and keep his commandments. It is brought into action in the life of every true believer.—Mrs. E. G. White.

Increase in Prison Commitments in Scotland

A REMARKABLE increase in the number of prison commitments in Scotland appears in the annual report of the prison commissioners of that country. The number in 1901 was over six thousand greater than it was in 1900. The commissioners account for this sudden and startling rise in the figures of crime by ascribing it to fresh legislation and alterations in police administration, which may or may not be the true explanation of the phenomenon. We are in the time when “iniquity shall abound.”

Evolution in the Public Schools

Writing in the New York Independent of June 19, Henry Goodwin Smith, D. D., professor of systematic theology in Lane Seminary, speaks of the evolutionary doctrine of the origin of man, which has supplanted the former belief in the creation of a perfect human pair six thousand years ago, and says that this doctrine of man's origin by evolution from the lower forms of life is "taught explicitly" "in the public schools, the colleges, and the universities of our country."

Can any Seventh-day Adventist wonder, then, that so much stress has been laid by those who have had in charge the molding of our educational work, upon the necessity of a separate system for our children and youth from that which is furnished by the world? When it is a fact, as this authority states, that not only in the colleges and universities of the country, but in the common schools as well, this anti-Christian doctrine of evolution is "taught explicitly," what stronger reason could there be why Seventh-day Adventists should feel it necessary to withdraw their children from these schools?

Our Return from Europe

By Arthur G. Daniells

AFTER counseling with the European brethren, it has been decided that the American delegates to the European General Conference should return to America about the first of August. One of the reasons for returning at this time is that we may attend as many as possible of the fall camp meetings. We have attended the European General Conference, during which reports were presented from representatives of all the European fields in which work is now being carried on. We are now visiting local fields, and attending their annual conferences. This is giving us a good opportunity to become acquainted with the openings and the needs of these fields. We are joining our brethren in different countries in a careful study of the steps that ought to be taken to hasten the work among the millions who are groping in darkness.

When we have finished our tour of the different conferences, we shall once more meet the European General Conference Committee, and come to a definite understanding with reference to plans for a general forward movement. We can all see that our brethren in this part of the world must have help from America. An army of workers must come to these needy fields in which the providence of God has opened so many doors, and from which there come to us such pressing Macedonian calls. Our brethren in America, who enjoy so much liberty and financial prosperity, must share their gifts with those less favored in these populous countries. We shall take pleasure in laying before our brethren in the large fall camp meetings the results of our investigations in Europe.

My object in publishing this note is to inform our brethren who are planning to hold fall camp meetings, so that, as far as possible, they can arrange for one or more of those now visiting Europe to be with them. We shall probably reach New York by August 6, and shall be ready for service. We ask your prayers for the prospering hand of God to be with us until our return.

A. G. DANIELLS.