p. 21 | Review and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 43. (10/27/1910)

Earlier text: Fireside Correspondence School

The United States and the Roman Catholic Church

By K. C. R.

The Washington Star of October 13 contains a partial report of an address given the previous day at Peoria, Ill., by Ex-President Roosevelt, in which he made reference to his correspondence with a certain Protestant clergyman concerning his reception of Cardinal Saltolli at the White House. He said:—

“I wrote him, saying that I had received the cardinal just as, for instance, I had received bodies of German Lutherans and Welsh Methodists, and as I was expected to receive the Archbishop of Canterbury; and that I would hold myself to be a poor representative of the people, and an unworthy president of the United States, if I failed to treat with good will and friendliness all good men, no matter what their religious faith might be; and I then added that I could best explain my position by saying that I believed our country would last a very long time; and that if it did, there would be many presidents, and some of these would be Catholics and some Protestants and that I, a Protestant, wished to act toward my Catholic fellow citizens exactly as I hoped that a Catholic president would act toward his Protestant fellow citizens. I think that expressed my views about as clearly as I could put them.”

The statement is substantially the same as he made in a letter bearing date of Nov. 6, 1908, in which he replied to the criticisms against President Taft’s holding the position of president of the United States, because of his being a Unitarian.

The theory, as expressed in the foregoing words by Mr. Roosevelt regarding the relation of the citizens of the United States to the Catholic Church, must appeal to all fair-minded persons as the only reasonable position that could be taken by a statesman. Nevertheless, it should be remembered by all that to elect a person to the position of president of the United States who has sworn eternal allegiance to another power, especially to one that is antagonistic, would be un-American and unsafe. The Roman Catholics will try in vain to place themselves on the basis of Protestant denominations in their efforts to secure official positions in this country. There is something of greater significance than to pose simply in name as a church. It is the principles that dominate and control an organization that should be considered, regardless of the name. K. C. R.

Arrested for Working on Sunday

By K. C. R.

Recently Brother Eugene Ford, of Colonial Beach, Va., was arrested and fined two dollars and costs for doing some quiet and necessary work on Sunday. Learning of Brother Ford’s refusal to pay the fine, one not of his faith paid it. This Brother Ford refused to accept, and the case has been appealed to the Circuit Court of Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Evidently the mayor before whom this case was tried was not conversant with the provisions of the Virginia Sunday law, which exempts from its penalty those who observe the seventh day of the week. Hence it will be seen that the mayor himself, in imposing the fine, was violating the provisions of the law.

We would commend the following worthy example of a Pennsylvania magistrate to all officials who may be called upon to prosecute those who violate the Sunday law, even though it does not contain any exemption for those who observe the seventh day. Chief Burgess Harvey, of Lansdale, Pa., tendered to the town council his resignation of his office as chief burgess, rather than enforce the old Sunday blue-laws of his State. His letter of resignation was as follows:—

“GENTLEMEN: I hereby tender my resignation as chief burgess of the borough of Lansdale, the same to take effect upon the appointment of my successor. I take this action only after very careful consideration of a petition placed in my hands, signed by various voters, women, and children, praying me to enforce what are commonly called the blue-laws. “Since issuing a proclamation dated June 16, 1909, calling for a limited enforcement of the law, I have been reliably informed that every ice-cream parlor and soda-water fountain, fruit and

candy counter must be closed on the sabbath if the law is to be consistently administered. That is a task I am unwilling to undertake, and was not contemplated by me when I asked the support of the voters for the office. Hence I step aside very cheerfully, I assure you, to make room for any one who feels equal to the emergency.

“While I believe in keeping the sabbath as a day of worship and rest, I can not persuade myself that it is a part of my duty as a good citizen to hold an office where I am expected to prosecute citizens who may differ from me in that particular.”

Every State official has solemnly sworn that he will be faithful in carrying out the law as long as he retains his position as a servant of the government; but he has the right and privilege to resign his position, and thus escape the responsibility of executing a law that he believes to be pernicious.

No official of civil government should be deceived with the idea that because of his official position he will be excused at the bar of God for his act in enforcing an iniquitous law. “We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

K. C. R.

Christian Liberty

By K. C. Russell; C. M. Snow

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

Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau

K. C. RUSSELL — Secretary

C. M. SNOW — Corresponding Secretary

The Wane of Freedom

By Claude L. Wiltsie

CLAUDE L. WILTSIE

ROUND about the shadows deepen, Omens of the coming night. Lo, the blessed sun of Freedom, Sinking, sinking from our sight!

In this land where light and blessing Have a hundred years held sway, Mighty forces are preparing Liberty to sweep away.

Roman pomp and strength and splendor Tell the sad, sad story well; While the Protestants in slumber Help to sound their own death-knell.

In their dreams for laws they clamor, That will aid their waning power, Fill their churches on the Sunday, When doth come the worship hour.

Laws, they say, will save the nation, Shield the altar and the home; Thus they clamor, blindly pressing Toward the ambuscade of Rome,

While she waits with subtle patience, Rides her swift approaching hour, When, her net drawn tight about them, She will hold them in her power.

But a little band opposes, Holding firm the faithful Word; And aloft they bear a banner That our nation once adored.

On this banner, see, ’tis written (Charter of our liberties), “Give to Cæsar what is Cæsar’s, And to God that which is his.”

’Tis the banner bright of Freedom; Hold it high, ye faithful ones,— Hold it high; and if ye perish, Bravely die like Freedom’s sons.

NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS

Birthday Cards

The Sabbath-school Birthday Cards are becoming quite well known. Hundreds of teachers are using them. A Sunday-school superintendent says to his teachers: “Ascertain the birthdays of all the members of your class, and write to them, on these occasions, earnest words of warning, tender words of sympathy, or hearty words of commendation, as your heart prompts you. There is a touch of sentiment about a birthday greeting which makes it go farther than an ordinary letter.” Our Birthday Cards are just what you need. The message they bear is appropriate, and just what you would wish to say. It is a little trouble, a little expense, but the results are worth while. Price, 5 cents each; six for 25 cents; one hundred for $3.50. Address Sabbath-school Department, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.

Religious Liberty Notes

HON. OSCAR STRAUS, the United States ambassador to Turkey, has rendered a service not only to the Jewish section of his countrymen, but also to the whole body of them, and to his country as well, by refusing to accept permission to enter Russia, that was offered to him as a personal favor. To enter Russian territory, to travel and do business there as freely as any Russian subject, was secured to the citizens of the United States by a treaty made eighty years ago. In this treaty there is no mention of religion made, nor is there in any other. There was and is no stipulation, clause, nor phrase in it that empowers Russia to construe it so that the rights it conveys are to be enjoyed by Christian Americans, and not by Jewish Americans. For nearly a century after the establishment of our republic, no national administration was ever cowardly or venal enough to allow a foreign government to classify our citizens by their religious beliefs.—Chicago Israelite.

OUR readers are aware that the National Reform Association is planning a world's Christian citizenship conference in Philadelphia for November. This fact is interesting not only to us, but to the great religious bodies of the country, as is evidenced by those that are sending delegates. These are: The Woman's National Sabbath Alliance, the Federal Council of Churches in America, the Reformed Church of America, the National Baptist Convention, the Free Methodist Church of North America, and the Methodist Episcopal Church. This is not a very late report, and we shall probably see finally that all the larger denominations will be represented.

ENGLAND has a National Sunday League, and in London this body furnishes popular amusement of a high order on Sunday. To all this the Sunday-law forces object; and, strangely, the theatrical people join them in their efforts to suppress the league. The reason for this would not at first appear, but is readily understood when we are reminded that the Sunday-evening entertainments of the league are so popular, and so reasonable in price, that theatrical receipts are thereby much lessened. Just now, however, the Sunday people have the better of the league, since they have induced the proprietors of Queen's Hall to refuse them the lease-renewal this year,—a setback the league feels keenly.

THE following is from an editorial in the Western Watchman (Catholic) of October 6: “The [Catholic] church's teachings regarding the limitations of temporal power are what they were from the beginning, and what they will continue to be till the end of time,—‘It is better to obey God than man.’ These were the words of the teaching church before she left Jerusalem; the church in Rome has spoken no other. . . . The Catholic religion permits every Catholic to exercise tolerance toward people of other faiths. It is false to say that ‘Catholics are opposed to toleration.’” Is the editor of the Western Watchman ignorant of the encyclicals of recent Popes? and has he forgotten that his church definitely and openly teaches that truth can not be tolerant?

THE following is from the Christian Register (Unitarian): “Law and order are vastly more important than the prosperity of any class of men, rich or poor. When bad laws are made (that is, laws that are immoral or injurious and inhuman), it is sometimes difficult to obey them. . . . There are laws on the statute-books to-day which may cause some partial injustice and much inconvenience, or which are not in accordance with the real sentiments of the people for whom they are framed; but obedience to such laws, and suffering on account of them, are so much better than disorder and resistance to law that every good citizen ought to stand up against the disobedient and the lawless.” Let us compare this with a recommendation of the English Unitarians in the matter of the king's oath. Here is the oath suggested by the executive committee of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association: “I do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God declare that I will not recognize nor obey any authority, civil or ecclesiastical, other than the laws of my realm; that in my religious beliefs I will refuse obedience to any authority whatsoever over my conscience; and that I will do my utmost to secure for all my subjects the full and free exercise of religious liberty.” How can the king “refuse obedience to any authority whatsoever over his conscience” without setting the example to all his subjects in the same thing? How would it fare, then, with the English Sunday law as it relates to true Sabbath-keepers? The English Unitarians tell them to disobey it, but American Unitarians advise obeying and suffering.

Business Notices

This department is conducted especially for the accommodation of the Seventh-day Adventist readers of this paper.

No advertisements of “agents wanted,” and no “promotion” or “colonization” enterprises, will be printed in this column. Brief business notices will be published subject to the discretion of the publishers, and on compliance with the following—

Conditions

Any person unknown to the managers of this paper must send with his 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.

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

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.

WANTED.—A car-load of fine quality winter apples. Address, at once, Hampton Art Co., Lock Box 257, Hampton, Iowa.

WANTED.—At the Chamberlain Sanitarium, some one to take charge of the steam laundry. Board and room provided. Applicants apply by letter. Chamberlain Sanitarium, Chamberlain, S. D.

FOR SALE.—Sanitarium in good condition, complete equipment, good place for a physician or surgeon. Good reasons for selling. For further particulars address the Sanitarium, Newark, Ohio.

WANTED.—Adventist boy about twelve years old to do chores out of school hours for board and clothes. Plenty of time for study. Write at once. Address Mrs. Ollie Dennison, R. F. D. 2, Vienna, Ill.

CALIFORNIA DRIED FRUIT.—Excellent quality this year. Early varieties ready to ship now. Advantage of car-load freight rates to many points. Let us send you our Circular R right away. Address St. Helena Home Fruit Co., Sanitarium, Napa Co., Cal.

FOR SALE.—Sanitarium Cooking Oil, pure and healthful; no odor; keeps indefinitely; 5-gallon can, $4.15; 10-gallon can, $8.25; ½ bbl. (30 gallons), 74 cents a gallon; 1 bbl. (50 gallons), 73 cents a gallon. Address Sanitarium Cooking Oil Co., Louisville, Ky.

FOR SALE.—New, inspiring Scripture postcards. Beautifully embossed. Lead everything in the market. 200 assorted, post-paid, 90c per 100. Send for sample (5 for 10c). Don’t delay to order, but write at once. Address the Waterbury Specialty Co., Brandon, Wis.

FOR SALE.—50 acres uncleared land joining Tunessassa Intermediate School, Tunessassa, N. Y. Rich soil, good climate. Twelve-room unfinished house on land. Price, $685. Small payment down; balance on time. Reason for selling: Have work in New York City. E. A. Manry, Fishkill, N. Y.

SITUATION WANTED.—A thoroughly practical engineer, steady, able to repair and keep in order any make of engine (gasoline engine not desired), wishes a situation with Christian people, preferably in Washington or Oregon. State conditions and wages. Elsworth Wood, Box 131, Farmington, Wash.

BIBLE MOTTOES.—1,000,000 Bible Mottoes, size 12 x 16. Assorted: 100, $5; 200, $9. “Father” and “Mother” lead. Desirable Post-cards—Christmas, New-year’s, Birthday, Bible Texts. 100, 75 cents; 200, $1.25. Express prepaid. Enclose stamp. Hampton Art Co., Lock Box 257, Hampton, Iowa.

There is an excellent opportunity for an elderly single man to earn his room and board by acting as janitor in our new missionary training-school in Chicago, and have the benefit of the Bible classes and other instruction. Must have a genuine Christian experience. Address David Paulson, M. D., Hinsdale, Ill.

FOR SALE.—A quantity of opera seats, new school seats, school recitation seats, farm property, also village property. Some of the property is owned by the West Michigan Conference, and a share of part of the property is to be given to the conference. Information can be had by corresponding with S. E. Wight, president of the West Michigan Conference, at Otsego, Mich.

FOR SALE.—Modern home with city conveniences, on fifteen-acre farm, three-fourths mile from academy and church at Keene, Tex.; on public road to city of Cleburne, four miles distant. House has eight rooms, large halls, closets, pantry, bath-room, porches on three sides. Nice lawn, cement walk, good water piped through house, own water system, telephone connection, daily mail delivery at gate. Three large lots in grove fenced separately; chicken proof (picket fencing); good barn and carriage sheds; bearing orchard of peaches, plums; also abundance of small fruit (berries). Rich valley land, ideal for truck, fruit, and poultry. Will sell at a bargain. W. A. McCutchen, Keene, Tex.

FOR SALE.—Three and one-half acres full-bearing prune orchard on main line of railroad, inside city limits, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County, Cal. Half mile from Seventh-day Adventist church and high school, and within three blocks of two public schools. No saloons. Fine location for home. Price, $1,000. B. J. Snow, Mountain View, Cal.

A Helpful Reporter

By F. Frederick Bliss

An interesting report by a Canadian newspaper antagonistic to our general position comes to hand through the kindness of one of our Ontario Sabbath-keepers. While the unfriendliness of the writer is but poorly disguised, he nevertheless brings out, in his two-thirds-column article, more than a dozen distinct points of our truth,—points the publication of which our own reporter for the same paper could not secure, as the “copy” he furnished was returned as “unavailable.” Here is another instance of God’s making the wrath of man to praise him. If all our work which is not approved by the popular churches and newspapers, could receive such reports as this, we should have little real occasion for regret or complaint.

F. Frederick Bliss.

Educational Convention Report

By H. R. Salisbury

THE full report of the recent educational convention held at Berrien Springs, Mich., is now ready. Some of its more important features, which will appeal to our educators, ministers, members of school boards, and parents, are: (1) About thirty of the papers read at the convention, with the accompanying discussions; (2) all the resolutions passed; (3) complete outlines of the academic, collegiate, normal, commercial, and other courses of study.

Those who wish to get into closer touch with our educational problems in their various phases, and to know what advance steps are being taken in our schools, should read this report. This is the largest report of its kind published, containing over 200 pages. The price, post-paid, is 25 cents.

H. R. SALISBURY, Secretary Educational Department. Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.

Obituaries

Nixon.—Mrs. Susan Nixon, late of Boody, Ill., was born July 6, 1825, and died May 29, 1910, aged 84 years, 8 months, and 23 days. She united with the remnant people of God in 1879, at Noblesville, Ill. At the quarterly meeting held a few weeks before her death, she gave a cheering testimony. She was very hopeful, and sent words of encouragement to all her friends. Surely the Lord was good to his servant, to spare her to such a ripe old age. The funeral service was held at Boody, Ill. Text, 1 Cor. 15:21, 22. W. Woodford.

Rhoads.—Rosetta M. Rhoads, daughter of C. J. and Emily Patten, died at her home in Los Angeles, Cal., Aug. 5, 1910, aged 45 years, 7 months, and 18 days. Sister Rhoads accepted the truth of the third angel's message through reading our literature. During her last illness she was a great sufferer, but died resigned to the will of the Lord. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from Ps. 116:15 and Rev. 14:13, at the home church in Norwalk, Cal., to a large company of friends and relatives. She was laid away in the cemetery at Artesia, Cal., to await the coming of the Life-giver. Johnson Buckley.

Van Eman.—Benjamin W. Van Eman was born in Elgin, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1840, and died in the same place, Sept. 7, 1910, aged 70 years. Brother Van Eman accepted the truth years ago. He was well known for his liberality for the advancement of the truth, and his interest in the message was unabated to the close of his life. While in attendance at the State camp-meeting, he was stricken with the disease which caused his death. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, his mother, and three brothers. He died with a firm hope of a part in the first resurrection. The writer conducted the funeral service. James E. Shultz.

Sharpe.—Sarah Francis Porter was born in Ithaca, N. Y., Dec. 28, 1830, and died at Battle Creek, Mich., Aug. 24, 1910, aged 79 years, 7 months, and 27 days. Early in life the deceased removed with her parents to Ohio, and in 1855, in Greenspring, was married to William D. Sharpe. While living here, she and her husband heard and accepted the third angel's message. They later moved to Clyde, and assisted in the erection of the Seventh-day Adventist church there, afterward removing to Battle Creek, Mich., and again to California, where they lived until one year ago, when the deceased and her husband returned to Battle Creek. Sister Sharpe was ever a faithful, devoted Adventist. She is survived by her husband and four children. The body was brought to Clyde, and buried in the family cemetery. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer. James E. Shultz.

Moore.—Sylvia Thompson Moore was born in Erie County, Pa., March 22, 1824, and died Aug. 16, 1910. She was married to James Moore, Nov. 9, 1846, and was the mother of two sons, both of whom are dead. Her husband died Nov. 10, 1887. Mrs. Moore with her husband and one child crossed the plains with an ox-team in 1861, and has lived in Petaluma, Cal., and vicinity, for almost fifty years. She accepted the Seventh-day Adventist faith under the labors of Elder J. N. Loughborough, and lived a consistent, faithful, Christian life. She was a great sufferer, being afflicted with rheumatism for about fourteen years. Edith A. Gamble.

Rogers.—Our beloved son, John S. Rogers, died at his home in Los Angeles, Cal., Oct. 5, 1910, of acute peritonitis, in the fifty-third year of his age. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him. The funeral services, held at the home, were attended by a large number of friends and relatives. A biographical sketch was read, and an address given, by Elder J. W. Adams, in which kind words of sympathy and comfort were spoken from the text, “Prepare to meet thy God.” Thus two of our sons have been taken away in the last eighteen months, leaving us stricken by grief and enfeebled by age, to wait a little longer till the Life-giver shall come. J. H. Rogers, Sarah A. Rogers.

Wiley.—Isaac Wiley was born near Dublin, Ireland, Jan. 21, 1841, and died at Crawford, Colo., Sept. 21, 1910, aged sixty-nine years and eight months. He came to the United States when a young child. In 1861 he was married near Toronto, Canada. In 1866 he came to Missouri, going thence to Kansas in 1871. In 1876 he accepted the Seventh-day Adventist faith. In 1890 he moved his family to College View, Neb., to educate his children. Failing in health, he came to Colorado in 1895, and located near Crawford. In all his sufferings he manifested the Spirit of Christ, being ever interested in the comfort of those around him. Nine of his family of ten children were present at the funeral services, which were conducted at the M. E. church, the Rev. George Tecelle officiating. Chas. G. States.

Clark.—Died Sept. 23, 1910, at her home at Mitchell, S. D., Mrs. Caroline Boardman Clark, having passed the allotted threescore years and ten. Sister Clark was born in Carl County, Kentucky, and grew to womanhood in that State. She was united in marriage, Feb. 8, 1871, to William Milton Clark, of Riverton Township, Floyd County, Iowa. While living on a farm near Mitchell, S. D., she gave her heart to God, and accepted the truths of the advent message. During the latter part of her life she was a great sufferer, but bore it patiently and without complaining, remaining a steadfast believer in the message until her death. When she knew that she must go, she chose for the funeral text the words, “In my Father's house are many mansions.” We laid her to rest in hope to await the call of the Life-giver. C. M. Babcock.

Graham.—J. Everett Graham, son of Elder J. E. Graham, of Seattle, Wash., died Oct. 2, 1910, aged 23 years, 1 month, and 24 days. With another young man, he had been out in a launch to look after some fish-traps in the sound near Meadowdale; and as it was dark and stormy, and as the launch could not go clear in to the shore, two other young men went out in a small boat to bring them in. All four were drowned. No one knows just how it happened. Everett Graham was a good son, kind to his parents, and an ideal brother to his sisters. He was respected by all, but he had not made any profession of religion. Elder Graham's oldest son died a year ago, so Everett was their only boy. It was a hard experience for the parents and sisters; but while they mourn, they trust in our Heavenly Father as an all-wise and merciful God. Many relatives and friends met at the funeral, and showed their sympathy with this bereaved family. Words of comfort were spoken from Luke 7 and John 11, after which he was laid to rest beside his brother in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. L. Johnson.

Publications Wanted

THE following-named persons desire late, clean copies of our publications, sent post-paid:—

Reginald Etheredge, Mortimer, Escambia County, Ala.

Mrs. M. E. Wagner, Rion, S. C., denominational papers and tracts.

George Cox, 303 West Third St., Maryville, Mo., REVIEW, Signs, and Little Friend.

W. H. Cox, 1112 Kalamath St., Denver, Colo., desires no more literature at present.

The Last Word Before the Campaign

By W. T. Knox

NEXT week's issue of the REVIEW will be the beautiful Harvest Ingathering number. The campaign for distributing these papers and collecting funds for foreign missions begins October 31.

On the evening of October 18 a larger number of these papers had been ordered than on the corresponding date of either of the two previous years since the Harvest Ingathering work was introduced.

Our local conferences are taking such an active responsibility in leading out in this work this year that the campaign promises to be more fruitful and satisfactory than any previous one.

If any of the readers of the REVIEW have failed to order a liberal supply of these papers, they should do so at once. We are still prepared to fill all orders promptly. If any should neglect to order until next week, when a copy of the Harvest Ingathering number will be sent to each subscriber, we believe that this number will be so appreciated and enjoyed by our readers that even then they will wish to secure a supply for their friends and neighbors. The electrotype plates will be preserved, so that more papers can be printed, and all orders promptly filled until the close of the year.

The needs of our foreign fields are so great that we are earnestly praying that the Lord will move upon the hearts of his people to work earnestly in this campaign, and that he will give great success in collecting funds. Let us all join in the work so earnestly that at the close of the year we may sing from the heart, as did Deborah and Barak: "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.

W. T. KNOX, Treasurer.

Workers Sail for East Africa

Here is a note from Europe: On October 8, from Hamburg, Germany, Brethren O. Wallath, F. Winter, and Sisters J. Mertke, Anna Liedtke, Hermine Walz, and Augusta Ambrosius sailed for East Africa. They will be joined at Marseilles by Brother B. Ohme and family, who are returning after furlough to take up the work in the Victoria Nyanza district. Brethren Wallath and Winter will also work in company with Brother Ohme. Sisters Liedtke, Walz, and Ambrosius will be married to brethren in the field, who have preceded them. Sister Mertke, who has for some years labored in Palestine, joins the German Victoria Nyanza Mission. At Aden, the party will be met by Brethren Kaltenhauser and Toppenberg, coming from the Abyssinian Mission headquarters at Asmara, where they have rendered valuable aid in erecting the buildings. These brethren will also connect with the work in the Victoria Nyanza district for the present. Pray for this band of workers, as they go to spread the last message in the Dark Continent.

Sabbath School Gifts to Missions

The Sabbath-school report on another page shows that the gifts to missions from the schools during the first half of 1910 were $7,676 more than during the same period last year. This is good news in a time when the mission treasury is continually empty, and fields call in vain for needed help. The little Sabbath-school envelope is doing a good work.

Agencies of Destruction at Work

By Editor

WITH news of disastrous forest fires in the North, and of unusual hurricanes over Cuba and the Southern States, we are sharply reminded that the agencies of destruction are fiercely working. Everything is shaping for the final crisis before us.

Fire Damages Walla Walla College Heating Plant

By a message from Elder C. W. Flaiz, we learn that one of our strongest schools, Walla Walla College, Washington, has just suffered the partial loss of its heating plant by fire. All will heartily sympathize with the brethren of the North Pacific Union in this experience.

Publications from the China Mission Press

WE have received from our China Mission press some samples of publications. There is a hymn-book, selling at ten cents, with about one hundred fifty hymns, including some of our choicest Sabbath and advent songs. There is an illustrated “Gospel Primer,” marked at five cents, with Sabbath-school quarterlies and a variety of tracts. These are in the Mandarin and Wenli dialects.

Missionary Volunteer Work Report

The report of the Missionary Volunteer work for the quarter ending June 30, 1910, published in the Youth’s Instructor, shows that 6,780 of our youth are enrolled in the societies. They wrote that quarter 3,207 missionary letters, made 9,619 visits, sold 43,523 papers, gave away 65,360 papers and 302,541 pages of tracts, and in many other ways helped to hasten the message on. It is a cheering report of youthful activity.

Death of Elder F. Wheeler

The oldest minister in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, Elder F. Wheeler, of West Monroe, N. Y., died Tuesday, October 11. Brother Wheeler passed through the 1844 advent movement, when the world was stirred by the preaching of William Miller and his associates announcing the hour of God's judgment come. He would have been one hundred years old had he lived until the twelfth of next March. A fuller account of his life-work will appear later.

Opening Work in Persia

In harmony with a resolution passed at the recent session of the General Conference Committee in Europe, Brother F. F. Oster, who has spent about eighteen months in the work in Germany, left Hamburg for Baku, by the Caspian Sea, where he will begin the study of the Persian language, later to enter that land itself. This is our first effort for Persia. Let prayer cleave the right way into that long-neglected land. Brother Oster was a student at Walla Walla (Wash.) College, and had Persia in mind when he went to Europe.

The Harvest Ingathering Number

By Editor

Our next issue is the Harvest Ingathering number. The usual departments are omitted, and from cover to cover it will give a picture of the world-wide harvest-field, with our workers here and there, gathering sheaves for the heavenly garner. May those be blessed who give out this number, and those who receive it. The hope of the world is in the finished work.

Death of Elder J. F. Pogue

We have received the sad news of the death of Elder J. F. Pogue, formerly president of the Cumberland Conference, which occurred in Cleveland, Tenn., October 2. His family have our sympathies. Elder Pogue was loved by all his associates as a faithful laborer, and his loss will be felt in the work.

Mrs. Olive B. Hatton Sails for South Africa

LAST week Mrs. Olive B. Hatton, of Philadelphia, sailed for South Africa, to join her children, Prof. and Mrs. C. P. Crager, who are in the Claremont Union College, near Cape Town.

Canadian Union Publishing Branch Moves

THE Canadian Union Conference has moved its publishing branch from Ottawa to Port Hope, Ontario, where a location has been found more convenient for its work.

A New Field in the West Indian Union

By Editor

WE are glad to see a new field entered in the West Indian Union. Elder F. G. Lane and wife are in Venezuela, locating in Caracas, the capital.