Earlier text: As Sheep Having no ShepherdAlberta, Canada
By J. W. Boynton
SEVERAL months have passed since my last report to the REVIEW; but they have been months of hard work, with many blessings to give us courage. I know that the brethren in the home fields are always glad to hear of our progress, so I will write a few lines this morning. It is now nearly five years since, in response to the call of the General Conference, I moved my family to Alberta. At that time there were one licensed minister (German) and one organized church. About sixty souls in all the Northwest Territory (Alberta, Assiniboia, and Saskatchewan) were keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. During the last year the Canadian government has formed two provinces out of the territories just mentioned; this has enlarged the province of Alberta, and reduced the territory of this mission field, as formerly about two thirds of Assiniboia and Saskatchewan were included. But at present we have the province of Alberta alone. We now have three ordained ministers, one licentiate, one secretary, three nurses, one colporteur, and a field secretary, with two or three canvassers. Our work has grown until we now have six churches, twelve Sabbath-schools, and about three hundred Sabbath-keepers in Alberta. The tithe for 1904 amounted to $1,250.30 and for 1905 to $2,129.99. The offerings for 1904, outside of Alberta, amounted to $147.34, and for 1905 to $504.77, and for our home work to $263.50. Book and periodical sales for 1904 amounted to $1,301.65, for 1905 to $2,090.53. We have three church buildings, two large tents for meetings, and several small tents for family use. We have church-schools at Rush Lake and Harmattan, where the spiritual results have been good, but it has been quite difficult to raise the necessary means. We are in need of one or two good, devoted teachers, to open schools at other places. Our nurses are doing a good work at Edmonton, where they are conducting a small private sanitarium. Each of the field workers reports that some souls have embraced the truth where he has been laboring. The twenty-third of February Elder Block assisted me in organizing a church of seventeen members at Leduc, and we hope to organize other churches soon. I write thus in detail, as some of our people in the States and in eastern Canada are thinking of coming here, and wish to know more of the situation. We have a good country, a good climate, and vast possibilities, a good opportunity to get cheap homes, where we may live the truth before others. There is still opportunity to get free lands by going back from the railroads; new lines are building, and others are being surveyed, so it will not be long until railroads will be near to all. Free land is being rapidly taken, and other lands sold, and it will not be long before it will be out of the reach of the poorer class. While I am not urging any one to come here, we shall be glad to welcome any of our people who will come and help us get the truth before the people; to all such we shall be glad to render any help we can by giving information or otherwise, as we may be able. At the last session of the Northern Union Conference it was voted to organize the Alberta mission field into a conference. I am sure this will be a source of encouragement to the people here. Our laborers are just returning from the conference, filled with hope and17 courage to go forward and carry the message of salvation to all parts of this great field. We ask the prayers of God's people in behalf of our efforts here. Québec
By GEO. H. SKINNER.
MONTREAL.—One year is now in the past since we came to Montreal, Canada. This city was founded over two hundred and sixty years ago, and there are many land-marks that indicate early architecture and customs. Montreal is called the city of churches and cathedrals. There are many grand buildings, and everywhere is seen the entrenchment of the papacy, behind great stone walls from eight to twelve feet high, which surround their buildings. The French Catholic cathedral, Notre Dame, is the largest structure of its kind upon this continent, and most gorgeously decorated. There is another fine structure after the pattern of St. Peter’s, Rome. The papacy has about three hundred thousand followers, mostly French. There are about one hundred thousand Protestants—English Church, Methodist, and Presbyterian. The Canadian people are very much attached to their churches, and are quite bigoted. Canada received the advent message prior to 1844. Elder Hutchinson edited a paper in this city, called The Voice of Elijah, proclaiming this message. Having influence abroad, he was able to send literature to many seaports of Europe and America. As the light of the first angel’s message burned brightly, the second and third ought now to gather power, and the city be warned of the coming doom. There have been a few believers striving to hold their light above the gross darkness of Catholicism and superstition for some years. While the work moves slowly, the Lord is strong to help here as well as in more favored places. One great drawback to the work is the lack of a public place of worship. In a city of this size, and where there are so many churches, outside people will not attend services in private houses, but continually ask, “Where can we hear your message? Where is your church?” We hold our services on the third floor of a flat, in a room that is used as a parlor and bedroom, so we can not invite those not of our faith. There is an effort being put forth at the present time to raise a fund to purchase a mission building in this city, but the Quebec Conference is too small to be able to meet the sum that would be required; for all have taken hold nobly, raising about seven hundred dollars. May the Lord move upon some one to help the work in this great city in its need. In spite of the difficulties, the Lord has blessed the work, as several have been added to the church, and about ten have accepted the Sabbath during the past year. Just recently a family of eight—father, mother, and three grown daughters, and three smaller children—have decided to obey all the commandments of God. We rejoice in a God that is able to fight battles and win victories. Since we came here, the Catholics have mobbed Protestant meeting places twice, breaking the windows and destroying property in general, inflicting injuries upon the workers. In doing the work, care has to be taken that this element shall not be stirred up; it is not advisable to hold tent-meetings, hence a house of worship is very necessary. Our work has been from house to house altogether, handing out literature. I might add in this connection that if any one having copies of the Signs, Watchman, or Life and Health, or tracts will send them to my address, they will be used to good advantage. Pray that God’s blessing may rest upon this needy field, and upon his humble servants. There is room for more workers to enter this field, as there are only three or four in the whole province of Quebec. Chinese Bible Institute
By E. H. Wilbur
THE first Bible institute ever held for Seventh-day Adventist Chinese workers convened at Canton, China, Dec. 15-30, 1905. For a long time we had felt the need of giving our Chinese brethren an opportunity to become more familiar with the special truths of the third angel’s message, and for this reason Elder Anderson arranged for our workers to come together at this time. The services were conducted entirely in the Cantonese dialect. Four meetings were held daily, as follows: Prayer and social meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 A. M.; Bible study; 10:30 A. M. to 12 M., 2 to 3:30 P. M., 7 to 8:30 P. M. The instruction was given by Elder J. N. Anderson, Dr. Law Keem, and the writer. The following is a partial list of the subjects considered: Importance of God’s Word, The Law of God, The Sabbath, Nature of Man, Resurrection, Origin and Nature of Sin, Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Three Angels’ Messages, Seal of God and Mark of the Beast, Second Coming of Christ, Signs of His Coming, The Tithing System for the Support of Gospel Laborers, God’s Chosen People, His Church, Why We Are Called Seventh-day Adventists, Our General Conference Organization and Work, Bible Temperance, Original Diet of Man, Reasons for Discarding Flesh Foods, Injurious Effects from the Use of Tobacco, Tea, Coffee, and Pork, etc. Elder Keh Nga Pit, accompanied by three other workers, came down from Amoy (more than three hundred miles), and remained throughout the entire meeting. Brother Keh interpreted for his brethren who could not understand Cantonese, and all took careful notes. On Sabbath, December 23, Elder Keh gave us an excellent discourse on the subject “What Is Christ to Me?” He spoke in Cantonese, which is quite different from his native Amoyese, yet we all readily understood him, and realized the presence of the Spirit of God in the meeting. Throughout the institute Dr. Law Keem rendered valuable assistance in singing, as well as in giving instruction on Bible and health topics. We feel to praise God for these Chinese brethren who love the truth as we do, and are anxious to do all they can for its advancement. On Friday, December 29, Elder E. H. Gates and Brother R. A. Caldwell arrived from Manila, accompanied by Brother Charles Boreham, of Hongkong. We were much encouraged by the visit of these dear brethren. Sabbath, December 30, was a good day for us. At 9:30 A. M. two of the brethren from Amoy were baptized at a church baptistery in the city. Quite a number of the members of that church, as well as our own people, were present. This was our first public service inside the walls of the old city. At 12 M. we had our Chinese Sabbath-school at our Riverside Chapel, about forty persons being in attendance. At one o’clock Elder Gates, speaking through an interpreter, gave an interesting account of the progress of our work in the islands of the Pacific. At 2:30 P. M. Elder Anderson led in the observance of the ordinances of the Lord’s house, eleven men and five women participating. At our church meeting held on Sunday, officers were elected, and three new members were admitted to the Canton church, subject to letter. The two brethren who were baptized at this time, and two who had previously been baptized, will be admitted to the new church organization which we expect soon to be perfected at Amoy. The institute is over, and the brethren have gone to their homes to carry the light of this message. Brother Caldwell is canvassing the Europeans of Canton for “Home-hand Book,” Elder Gates has gone to meet with the workers at Singapore, and Elder J. N. Anderson is en route for the province of Honan, to meet with our workers there. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2. Dedication of the Melrose Sanitarium
By Percy T. Magan
“What Mean These Stones?”
THE new building of the New England Sanitarium at Melrose, Mass., is finished and occupied. On February 28 it was dedicated in the presence of a large company of people, a number of representative and distinguished men being in attendance, and participating in the ceremonies. To many that dedication was merely a festive—a gala-day—a time of speech-making, music, sightseeing, and the like. There are always those to whom the material side of things appeals. But in a deeper, truer sense, speech-making and music, congratulations and festivities, can not consecrate, can not hallow, can not dedicate, a building or a work. The great work of consecrating, of hallowing, and of dedicating lies deeper by far than all this. Charged with wondrous meaning are the words of Lincoln at the dedication of the soldiers’ cemetery at Gettysburg: “We can not dedicate, we can not hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract.” And it is even so with this sanitarium. In the erection of the building, whatever there has been of spiritual toilings and spiritual struggles,—these have been its consecration. The many prayers, the weary days of work, the anxious nights of wrestling,—it is these that have hallowed it. The sacrifices which were made, and the light from heaven which flooded the souls of the workers in answer to their heartfelt petitions,—these, with the blessing of God, have dedicated18 this building in a larger, holier, and more sacred sense than any ceremony possibly can. To these workers the structure’s completed state signified infinitely more than mere pleasure at viewing a commodious building. With a large part of the old house in ashes, with scarcely any money with which to make a beginning, they could recall how God had inspired them with courage to decide to build. They could recall the times when their faith was tested, when it seemed that the work must cease, the structure stand unfinished, because of lack of means. They could recall how on one occasion, with bills to meet and an empty treasury, a lady whom none of them knew or had ever seen before, drove up, and deposited with the treasurer ten one-hundred-dollar bills which she had had in her house for years. And they could recall how on another occasion, when their need was great, a sister had placed in their hands a one-thousand-dollar gold certificate—one of such ancient design that her local banker had refused to accept it, fearing it might be a counterfeit. And they could recall the fruits of the faithful labor for God of former days when those who had once been patients and had received benefit in the institution came to their aid with generous gifts. And when the building was finished, and money was needed to purchase the furnishings, and there was nothing in the treasury, a patient kindly bought them all on his own responsibility, telling our brethren they could have their own time in which to pay for them. And thus it is that the blessed presence of the Spirit of God, moving in the hearts of the workers, and manifesting itself in all these varied experiences, in deed and in truth hallows and dedicates the buildings in which his work is to be carried on. These experiences are the real monuments of the dedication. It is these which will live and remain. When Israel crossed the Jordan into the promised land, Joshua commanded twelve stones to be set up in Gilgal to commemorate the event. The record says:— “And he spoke unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: that all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God forever.”
And the timbers and stones of this new building are a monument to tell to those who shall labor here in future days how God helped and blessed and led his servants safely over hard places. Not only in the work of building has God’s presence been manifested. The Spirit hath wrought conviction in the hearts of many of the patients. It is not a mere handful that gather in the parlor for worship each morning, but practically every one who is able to be up. Interestingly they join in the service: fervently they take part in the prayer. And as a portion of the bread of life is broken to them day by day at this service, it elicits such a spirit of inquiry that I have often been detained by these patients the remainder of the morning, talking with them on themes of eternal interest. And it is this all-hallowed and all-hallowing spirit which alone can make our sanitarium work to stand in its lot and fill its place in the great closing work of mercy. The Work Among the Colored People
By K. C. Russell
THE regular workers in the District of Columbia, and about one hundred of our people besides, were in attendance at a meeting in the interests of the local work, which was held Sunday, April 1, at the People's Seventh-day Adventist church, corner Tenth and V Streets, N. W., of which Elder L. C. Sheafe is pastor. Among those present were Elders Daniells, Irwin, and other leading workers. Elder I. H. Evans presided as chairman of the meeting. The business which was made a special order of the day was the interests of the work for the colored people in Washington. Well-written papers on the education of our colored people were read by Elder Sheafe and Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, and these were followed by a spirited discussion. The following is a partial stenographic report of Elder Daniells's statement of some of the work we have done and are doing for the colored race:— “In taking up work for any local field it is well to consider the work for the entire field, and the relation we should sustain to all parts. Our field is the world, and we are trying to reach all classes and conditions of people; for our message is to go to all peoples. The colored as well as the white race is to be reached by this truth; and for many years we have been making efforts to carry this truth to the colored people, not only in this country, but in other lands. We must consider the needs of the entire field, and not localize our efforts. “I might refer briefly to some of the things we have done in this line, both abroad and in our own land. For instance, we have expended many thousands of dollars for our mission in Nyassaland, East Africa, which is conducted wholly for the colored people. In order to secure the mission, we paid five or six thousand dollars, and we have since expended a similar sum in maintaining it. “We have invested thousands of dollars in the Matabele Mission, which was established in 1894. More recently we opened a mission in Barotseland, north of the Zambesi. Last year Elder W. H. Anderson went to that field, with his wife and little girl, and his aged mother, for the purpose of giving his life for those people. “Then there is our Sierra Leone Mission on the west coast of Africa, with which Elder D. C. Babcock and Brother J. M. Hyatt are connected. Our brethren in Germany have opened and are maintaining a mission in German East Africa; and only recently our brethren in Great Britain have voted to open a mission station near there, in British East Africa. It is our purpose soon to go to Uganda and plant a mission station there. “Does it not mean something when our brethren leave their homes and go to these various fields and give their lives and their all for the work of saving the souls of some of these poor people? “Not only have we made earnest efforts in behalf of the colored people in various parts of the great Dark Continent, the home of this race, but in our own land we have for years endeavored to carry the truth to this people. For the past ten or fifteen years we have sent annually thousands of dollars to the Southern field, a large proportion of which has been expended in work for the colored people. During 1905 we sent over twenty thousand dollars to the Southern field, for the work in behalf of these people. “Now with reference to our work locally: It has been the expectation that Washington should be made a center for the education and training of colored people for work. We believe this must be done. It is to be regretted that a school for the training of colored workers is not in operation here at the present time; and so we must plan for this, and also for training to be given those who wish to become nurses. Church-schools, an intermediate school, and a training-school for workers should be provided as soon as possible. But it will take time to develop all these interests, and especially in view of the enormous burdens that have fallen upon us who are at the head of the work, in looking after the administrative affairs at home, and the mission work in all parts of the world. “I would like to have you consider for a moment the fact that during 1905 we opened eighteen new mission stations. These stations are in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, China, Burma, Barotseland, the Philippines, Ceylon, and in other fields. The opening of three or four mission stations in one year only a few years ago seemed a task too great for us to accomplish. There is, perhaps, no other denomination engaged in work in mission fields that opened up eighteen new stations last year. There is no other denomination in the world to-day that is operating missions, institutions, schools, and sanitariums, covering the whole face of the earth, as we are doing.” Elder I. H. Evans briefly presented the kind of workers the cause is in dire need of to-day. He said:— “There is an imperative demand for loyal, upright, devoted colored workers for the South. There is a crying need for men who believe this message and are true to it. There is money in the treasury waiting to pay them. I have received petitions from several presidents of conferences to supply them with competent, thoroughly consecrated young men and women, who will take up evangelical work; so there is no use of our saying that there is no place for us to labor. There are plenty of places for those who are willing to preach the third angel's message. What we want is loyalty and integrity, a grounding in, and belief of, the truth, and a loyalty to the administration of the affairs of the denomination. Unless this is so, young men and women can not do efficient work for God. There is an imperative need all over the great Southland for19 competent, trained workers to labor in behalf of the colored people.” Owing to the fact that we were unable to complete the business for which the meeting was called, it was adjourned until Sunday, April 22. A Chicago Example
By Frelon A. Mott
THE great majority of individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States, do not fully appreciate or value the civil and religious liberty which has been and is enjoyed and guaranteed through its Constitution and laws. But “times may change, and undoubtedly will change,” and “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Thorough knowledge of these principles of liberty is essential to an intelligent vigilance, and the excellent periodical Liberty, which the Review and Herald Publishing Association is publishing, is a medium through which it is made possible to place before our fellow citizens and Christian brethren of all denominations these principles which have made this nation great. And every Seventh-day Adventist needs to keep up the study and knowledge of these things, and be ready to give a reasonable answer for the positions taken, and tell of the faith in God which he holds. Three of the Chicago English churches have decided to send Liberty for one year to many of the prominent civil and judicial officers of the city of Chicago and Cook County, thus endeavoring to give to them the principles of religious liberty. The Ravenswood church of Chicago will send Liberty to the mayor, city attorney and assistant attorney, to the seventy aldermen of the thirty-five city wards, and also to the State’s attorney and his first assistant. The Forty-sixth Street church will send Liberty to the forty-eight judges of the appellate, superior, circuit, county, criminal, probate and juvenile courts, also to the judges of the United States circuit and United States district courts located in Chicago. The West Side church will send the same periodical to the fifty-one Chicago police justices. The wider circulation we give such literature to people of all classes and professions, the more intelligent they will be in regard to the Christian liberty which God would have all enjoy, and the more interest will be created in the gospel message which has been given for the closing days of the last generation. This report of these churches is sent as a suggestion to our churches generally and individually of their opportunity to send Liberty to officials of towns and cities, and to men of prominence in professions and business in their own places of residence. All classes should be reached. God’s truths are manifold. Each truth is a ray of light leading to him who is the source of all truth. FRELON A. MOTT. Memories of the Proclamation of the First and Second Angels’ Messages
By Matilda Stone-Powell
I was born in the year in which “the stars fell,” so I think I truly belong to “this generation.” It was during the year 1838 that William Miller delivered some lectures on the prophecies concerning the end of the world, in some of the towns of northern Vermont, in one of which my father was pastor of the Baptist church, and he became an early convert to the doctrines presented by Mr. Miller. I have a vivid remembrance of the fear that filled my young mind at the thought that the world was to be burned up, and as often as I beheld my small world one sheet of flame in the visions of the night, so often I awoke to find it but a dream. During the years following 1840 Mr. Miller again lectured in some of the towns of Vermont to crowded houses and deeply interested people. And there were others, too, who came our way—J. V. Himes, Josiah Litch, J. R. Gates, R. S. Hutchinson of Montreal, and many others whom I need not name, though I would mention Deacon Butler, of Waterbury, Vt., and his daughters—“sweet singers in Israel.” The singing of those days would remind one of the time “when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” A deep solemnity rested on the assemblies, and many who “came to scoff remained to pray.” The deep movings of the Spirit of God rested in great measure on some of those prayer-meetings, and one was led to exclaim, “How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” But time passed on, set times passed by, and still the vision tarried, and hearts grew weary with waiting. During this later time the cry of the second angel was heard saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen,” and there was a great cry, “Come out of her, my people;” and I seem to hear even now the stirring refrain of the old song:—
“From the distant courts of Shinar
The shrill trumpet loudly roar.
Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen;
Babylon is fallen to rise no more.” But the “tenth day of the seventh month,” October, 1844, drew near. New light was shining; faith and hope grew brighter, and the believers were expecting that soon they should see the King in his beauty. How vividly I remember, after all this lapse of years, the meeting I attended on that October night. It was a scene of prayer and confession, and in this night hour a few went down to the water, and the solemn rite of baptism was performed. People lingered till the passing of the midnight hour, and while some scoffed and said, “Where is the promise of his coming?” the disappointed ones in sadness returned to their homes, seeking consolation from the Source that never had failed them. I well remember our dreary home coming of the following day; it was cold, misty, and comfortless, and it then seemed to my young heart that earth had some sorrows that heaven could not heal. “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child,” and in these lines I have related some childish memories of a great experience through which I was privileged to pass. MRS. MATILDA STONE-POWELL. Institutes at Fernando College
By H. G. Lucas
THESE institutes were held at different times from January 8 to March 4, only one extending through the entire time. Four lines of instruction were given, and it was indeed a profitable occasion for all. The Bible institute was conducted by Elders G. W. Reaser and R. S. Owen, one of whom gave special instruction daily to those intending to become ministers and Bible workers. Elder Owen gave an interesting study on the sanctuary, and also taught three other Bible classes daily. Dr. M. M. Kay had a large attendance at his lectures on hydrotherapy, while Mrs. J. R. Leadsworth had fifty or more in her cooking class. Mrs. Hoyt set before her class of Bible workers many excellent points as to subject-matter to be used and methods to be employed in that branch of work. The canvassing work was in charge of W. H. Covell. Two books, “Great Controversy” and “Heralds of the Morning,” were selected and studied. An enthusiasm seldom seen actuated the young people who attended the canvassers’ institute. We expected eight or ten to take up instruction, but almost forty joined the classes. Twelve of these in their first day’s work in canvassing for “Heralds” took seventy-one orders, and had successful deliveries. We expect student canvassers to visit every nook and corner of our conference during the coming vacation. It is my prayer that this work at home may fit many to become workers in the regions beyond, where the cry of human woe is daily ascending to God. H. G. LUCAS. SEVEN persons have recently accepted the Sabbath truth at Wolf Lake, Ind. A SABBATH-SCHOOL of nine members was organized at Toledo, Ore., March 24. A THREE weeks’ course of meetings at Idaville, Ind., conducted by Elder F. M. Roberts, resulted in adding four to the membership of the church there. BROTHER C. V. STARR says in a report from Woodburn, Iowa: “As a result of meetings held by Brother J. F. Piper, a few have signed the covenant, and several are keeping the Sabbath.” A REPORT from Chicago states: “Elder Luther Warren is conducting a very interesting Bible study on the sanctuary question at the Forty-sixth Street church. Much interest is being manifested. There is a large attendance.” BROTHER M. H. GREGORY reports from Arkansas: “I have been holding meetings for two weeks, five miles from Alpena Pass; twelve persons have already decided to walk in obedience. I trust others will follow.” BROTHER F. M. CORBALEY speaks encouragingly of the work in Keokuk, Iowa. Some at this place, he says, “have been wading through deep water, but now they have the privilege of keeping the Sabbath until it is proved from the Bible that Sunday is the Sabbath.” The company there are hoping to effect a church organization at an early date. Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience _Experiences in Circulating the Petition_
From Ohio: “I found very little trouble in securing names, after making the matter plain to the minds of those I met. I secured the name of every lawyer I came in contact with except one, also the bankers. It is also true that there are those who are anxious for Sunday laws, regardless of persecution.” From Oregon: “I visited fifty-four persons in the interest of religious liberty, receiving thirty-seven signatures besides our own family. Of the seventeen who did not sign, ten were in favor of a Sunday law in some form. The majority of the ten expressed the opinion that a man who would not keep any day ought to be made to keep some day. From their arguments it was plainly to be seen that the religious idea and protection of the day was in their minds, although but two or three were willing to admit it. Two things were apparent—that the principles of religious liberty are but vaguely understood by most of the people, and that the enemy of all truth is busy sowing the seeds of intolerance. I have been in this neighborhood only about five months. While circulating the petition, I distributed about sixty religious liberty leaflets, in all, since I came to this neighborhood about two hundred and fifty leaflets on religious liberty. I hope that these leaflets will have the effect of educating the people to understand more clearly the principles involved. I intend to keep at this work after the petition work is over.” From Massachusetts: “The sentiment of the American people of this part is in favor of Sunday legislation, and it is easy to see why it is so. The people need to be educated in liberty, in all its principles. It took a great deal of talking to convince some of the true character of the present issue, and of their duty to their fellow men. They saw that the Sabbath is the real issue, and is to be the test, to each soul. Some of those with whom I talked desired to become acquainted with our principles of liberty, and inquired for reading-matter on the question.” From Ohio: “It has been a pleasure to me to solicit these names, as it gave me a chance to talk with my neighbors. The majority signed the petition, but some are very much in favor of a Sunday law. There is a general feeling that everybody should be compelled to keep one day in the week. I carried my Bible with me, and when an opportunity presented itself, I gave a Bible study on the Sabbath. Some became very much interested.” From Wisconsin: “I enclose two petitions filled out. I had many interesting experiences among the business men of this place while I presented this protest to them. I found it much harder to secure names this year than last, and it took a great deal more talking. The sentiment for religious legislation is growing among all classes, and several expressed a bitter feeling toward us for opposing Sunday legislation. The M. E. pastor of this place in his tirade against our work publicly stated that the Seventh-day Adventists defeated the ‘Sunday Blair bill,’ and that we do not stand for the laboring man. A Jew who was present at three of my lectures when I reviewed the M. E. pastor’s sermon on the Sabbath question has become much interested in the truth, and at the close of the last lecture I gave, he handed me a Jewish paper, The Judean, and pointed out an article on the front page about our people.” From Michigan: “We have wonderful success with the petitions. Most of the people sign them after we have explained their meaning. That which we regard of most value is the opportunity they afford of getting the light before the people. Some honest ones are thus found who are hungry for the truth. The public press is just now open for short, pithy articles upon this subject. We have thus far obtained over three hundred signatures in this village and its vicinity, but have done very little canvassing in the country.” From Iowa: “I took the blank given me, and secured a few names where I am holding meetings Sunday evenings. Some of the names I could not have secured a month ago, but that evening I spoke on obedience to the word of God, and the most stubborn hearts broke down, and with tears arose for prayers, and signed the paper.” From South Carolina: “Our work in this State is scarcely begun. All seem to think that they must be religious, or at least favor religion. So, in the counsel meeting of the State workers held recently, it was decided that it would not be best to make a promiscuous canvass with the petition, as we would at once be classed with the worst if we did so. When a local issue arises, we want to be ready to scatter a large amount of literature and strike a hard blow. The people generally seem totally blind to the true principles of the rights of conscience.” From Colorado: “The most of the people here are in favor of Sunday laws, and a few think it would be the proper thing to do to make the Adventists keep still on Sunday; for if it were not for them, there would be no trouble about keeping Sunday holy.” From Texas: “I am sending in a petition. Some of the signatures are people from the outside. One is an editor of —. We can see by the way people are working that our peace in this world is short, and sooner or later the United States will exercise the power of the first beast.” From Pennsylvania: “I found that the petition work here goes slow. Signers are not so easily secured as formerly. It is easier to convince the judgment of many than to get them to carry out their convictions. The sentiment for religious legislation is becoming very strong.” From Nebraska: “Enclosed herewith you will find a few names secured after some very interesting experiences on petition against religious legislation. In securing them I found an excellent opening to get the true principles before many who could be reached through no other channel.” From Iowa: “Enclosed find a few names against Sunday laws now before Congress. Our experience in working for the cause of truth has been a good one. The bill before the Iowa Legislature is a very popular one here. I think public opinion is growing more in favor of similar measures. One minister said, ‘We are going to enforce every one of the ten commandments by law.’ Our list includes bankers and the most prominent people of these towns.” More Letters From Congressmen
“MY DEAR SIR: Thanks for sending me your document entitled Liberty, which I will take great pleasure in reading. Very sincerely yours.” “MY DEAR SIR: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of February 27, also the copy of the document entitled Liberty. I shall be very glad to read and give careful examination to the same at an early date. With thanks, I remain, Yours very truly.” “DEAR SIR: I am in receipt of your two letters enclosing two petitions from my constituents relative to religious legislation. As I stated before in previous letters, I will be glad to do anything I can to defer such legislation. Very truly.” “MY DEAR SIR: In reply to your letter of the 2d inst., I beg to acknowledge the receipt of a document entitled Liberty. I have been interested in reading some of the very creditable articles it contains, especially those relating to the important measures now before Congress. Thanking you for your courtesy in furnishing me with this publication, I am, Very truly yours.” “DEAR SIR: I have your letter of February 16 relative to H. R. 3022 and H. R. 10510. What you have told me of these bills has interested me very much, and I will take the first opportunity to procure copies and examine them carefully. When I have familiarized myself with their contents, I shall be able to vote intelligently. I will file the petition as you request. “Very truly yours.” “DEAR SIR: Your letter received enclosing two petitions . . . protesting against religious legislation. I am in sympathy with the sentiment expressed therein, and shall do all that I can to defeat such proposed legislation in the House. Very truly.” “MY DEAR SIR: Your favor of the 1st, enclosing petition, to hand. I shall take pleasure in presenting the petition to the House to-day, and I desire to say that I am heartily in sympathy with its purpose. Respectfully yours.” “DEAR MR: I believe, with you, that the provision of our Constitution guaranteeing religious freedom should be given the widest application, and I would greatly regret legislative action seeking to narrow its construction. I assure you that the bills you mention shall have careful consideration by me. “Very truly.” “MY DEAR SIR: I have your esteemed favor of the 9th, and thank you heartily for your generous expression of confidence and esteem. I have not seen the bill to which you refer, but I will procure a copy and examine it carefully. Of course, I stand for religious liberty, regardless of creed, and I believe this view is held by a large majority of the present House of Representatives. “Very truly yours.”21 “DEAR SIR: I have introduced some of these petitions, but will say that I am in favor of a Sunday law, not on the ground of religious belief, but because I believe there should be one day of rest. It is very easy to get petitions such as you have been sending me, but they will have but little effect, in my judgment, upon the action of the committee. Whether the bills will be reported out I do not know. Yours sincerely.”