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Review and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 19.

Evil Speaking
Earlier text: Little Russian Mission

The Christian Amendment to the National Constitution

By C. M. S.

On April 11, last, the subcommittee of the judiciary committee of the House of Representatives granted to the representatives of the National Reform Association a hearing on what is popularly known as the “God-in-the-Constitution amendment” to the Constitution of the United States. A bill had been introduced in Congress by Mr. Shepard, of Texas, providing that the national Constitution should be so amended as to begin with the words “In the name of God,” etc.
The form of the proposed amendment did not suit the National Reform Association. While not opposing Mr. Shepard’s proposed amendment, they are proposing one of their own which shall, in their own language, “declare the nation’s allegiance to Jesus Christ and its acceptance of the moral law of the Christian religion, and to indicate that this is a Christian nation, and place all the Christian laws, institutions, and usages of our government on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the land.” It was to advocate such an amendment that the National Reform Association sought the hearing before the subcommittee to which had been referred Mr. Shepard’s proposal for a Constitutional amendment. There was no general announcement made of the hearing, and, so far as we are aware, no one was notified of it save those known to advocate such a measure. The reason for this may be gathered from the attitude of the chairman of the subcommittee, as set forth by himself. He declared at the opening of the hearing, as reported by the general superintendent of the National Reform Association, that no argument was needed in behalf of Mr. Shepard’s proposed amendment, “as he was sure he voiced the sentiment of the entire committee when he said that he had ofttimes wondered why a Christian nation did not have some such acknowledgment in its national Constitution.”
Mr. Shepard, who was at the hearing, did not press his own measure, but gave way to the representatives of the National Reform Association, who, he said, wanted to go further than he had proposed to go. He had simply proposed that the nation, in its Constitution, recognize God’s existence, whereas they propose to establish in the nation a religion, which establishment would provoke civil war within the very Constitution itself, which now declares that Congress shall make no law respecting any such enterprise.
Attorney William Alexander Brown, of Philadelphia; Rev. J. S. Martin, general superintendent of the National Reform Association; and Rev. T. P. Stevenson, editor of the Christian Statesman, argued before the subcommittee for what they term the “Christian amendment.” The “Christian nation” dictum of the late Justice Brewer of the Supreme Court again “gave aid and comfort” to the enemies of the nation’s great purpose. That dictum, so often and so erroneously termed a “decision” by those who fain would have it so, was brought to the fore by Attorney Brown, in order to give a foundation to his plea for the religious amendment. In spite of the fact that there can be no remodeling of the fundamental law of the nation upon a religious basis without establishing the religion upon whose tenets the remodeling is done, the attorney declared to the committee that they did not “seek the furtherance of any sectarianism or anything that would violate either the letter or the spirit of that portion of the First Amendment to the Constitution which states that ‘Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’”
How this statement can be made to harmonize with the declared purpose of the National Reform Association, and with the declared purpose of the gentlemen above named in appearing before the subcommittee, is beyond our comprehension. If it were granted for the moment that their purpose was not directly to establish religion, it is proved by the very arguments produced before this committee that the open purpose is to bring about a condition of affairs that is bound to result in an establishment of religion.
Said Attorney Brown: “The adoption of this amendment is a bowing of the knee by the American nation to him who is its divine Ruler, an acknowledgment of his almighty sovereignty.” Now, when this nation has, in its corporate capacity, taken an action which can be called, even in outward form, a bowing of the knee in worship to Jesus Christ, it has established Christianity as the religion of the nation. It has, in that act, done that which the Constitution, in its First Amendment, declares the nation shall not do; and to put into the Constitution a provision which makes such a thing possible, is to set the Constitution against itself, and make it the laughing-stock of the world, instead of what Gladstone called it, “the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.” He who bowed the knee to Baal, did it only after he had established the religion of Baal in his soul. He who to-day bows the knee in the Mosque of Omar or in the temples of Buddha, does so only after and only because he has established Mohammedanism or Buddhism as his religion. And he who does that sincerely excludes all other religions from any recognition or any standing whatsoever in the sanctuary of his soul.
Just so must it be with this nation. When by corporate act of its own it bows the knee in worship of Jesus Christ, it establishes the religion of Jesus Christ as its religion, and must exclude every other religion from its sanctuary. What then becomes of our boasted claim as an asylum for the oppressed of every land? What becomes of our claim that in this land every man is free to worship according to the dictates of his own conscience? What becomes of religious liberty and the equality of man before the law? If the nation has a right to establish a religion, then those things were wrong and ought to be abolished. Our “asylum for the oppressed of every land” ought to be turned into a torture chamber for the “heretics” of our own land. Instead of granting freedom to worship God, we should scourge and imprison every one who dares to worship anything other than what the state prescribes. Instead of religious liberty and the equality of men before the law, we should adopt the spiritual tyranny of the Dark Ages and put into the hands of the priesthood the liberties and the lives of the people.
Said Attorney Brown: “We appear before you, gentlemen, to present the demand of the Lord Jesus himself that this nation acknowledge his righteous authority.” The attorney did not state where the Lord Jesus ever made, or caused to be recorded, any such demand. If he had sought for any such statement or demand of our Saviour, he would have found something like this: “My kingdom is not of this world;” “Who made me a judge or a divider over you?” “I am among you as one that serveth.” Luke 22:27. The statement of the attorney is striking chiefly for the great authority which it contradicts—that is the Lord Jesus Christ himself, whose spokesman he professes to be. No authority is adduced for his declaration—because there is none to adduce.
Equally striking statements were made before the committee by Rev. J. S. Martin, who claimed to represent “an organization of Christian patriots;” and yet this gentleman, with others of the same organization, frankly admits being so completely out of harmony with the principles of the nation that he does not vote, and will not vote until the Constitution of the nation is altered—changed from the principles of the nation’s founders to the principles of the National Reform Association. Such an organization may be Christian, but it has no rightful claim upon the title “patriot.”
Dr. Martin’s statements also proved that his organization was in reality seeking to obtain what it professed to be endeavoring to avoid; that is, a union, of church and state. He said: “The will of God as revealed through Jesus Christ and contained in the Scriptures, in so far as that will relates to nations, is the rule for national conduct.” Who will interpret that will?—Manifestly, the clergy; and who are the clergy but the leaders and spokesmen of the church?
Mr. Martin further declared: “In this amendment there is no recognition of the Holy Spirit, for the all-sufficient reason that it is not proposed to acknowledge theological formulas, but the actual facts with which the nation has to do. The nation as such does not sustain any relation to the Holy Spirit.” But is the Holy Spirit merely a theological formula? Our Saviour did not so regard the matter. He said: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” Acts 1:8. Is it possible that the National Reform organization is advocating that “form of godliness” concerning the possessors of which it is said that they are “denying the power thereof”? To set up a form of religion and deny it a connection with the Holy Spirit, is to set up something very different from the religion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We are willing to admit that the Holy Ghost has no part in the program. We are willing to go farther, and earnestly profess that such an enterprise will have as little connection with the purpose and true work of our Lord as they admit the transformed “Christian nation” would have with the Holy Spirit.
One of the most novel propositions advanced by Mr. Martin was a proposition by which the nation would be permitted to do what the Constitution says it shall not do. The Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Mr. Martin, in explaining to the subcommittee how his organization would prevent a union of church and state, said:—
This they would do by having the state clearly and explicitly recognize, acknowledge, and practise for itself that religion which is confessedly essential to its welfare, yea, even its perpetuity, and not be in any sense dependent upon the church for it. Let the state for itself, and not through any church, acknowledge its divine Ruler and the moral principles of his law, as revealed both in nature and in Scripture, that apply to its distinctive sphere and functions. This is its own religion. This is national Christianity.
What would be the difference between such a system as this and the monstrous church-and-state systems of the past? Simply this: in those systems the state was joined to some particular church. In this proposed system the state would itself become a church, and would tolerate nothing within the walls of its sanctuary (which would be coextensive with its boundary) that did not conform to its creed. State religions have always been productive of two things—martyrs and hypocrites; and such a state as the representatives of the National Reform Association advocated before the sub-judiciary committee would be abundantly equipped for such results.
The members of the subcommittee seem to have been favorably impressed with the arguments of the National Reform representatives, but what their report will be to the main committee it is yet too early to say. C. M. S.

The Enchanted Ground

By F. M. W.

THE time of test is the time of waiting. “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.” When month after month, and year after year, we have sought the fruition of our hopes, the time begins to drag wearily, and it is natural for us either to turn from our pursuit, or to pursue our quest with less eagerness. This is as true in spiritual things as in other questions of life. The Scriptures of truth recognize this, and warn us against this danger:—
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
In the progress of this great movement we have reached, as it were, a tarrying time. For long years fulfilling signs and prophecies have indicated the speedy coming of the Lord. We have seen the special gospel message for this generation spread from a small beginning to earth’s remotest bounds; and believers are rejoicing in it in nearly every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. We have seen evil influences marshaling themselves against the truth in fulfilment of prophetic prediction. From an unknown and obscure people, our church has so increased in membership, and particularly as an active, progressive force in the propagation of truth, and in withstanding the evil combinations seeking for a union of church and state, that our name is respected by many, and our influence feared by those who are seeking to commit the nation to wrong principles. Still, notwithstanding this onward march of events, and the fulfilment of the prophetic word, the Lord delays his coming.
This is the time of greatest danger to the church of God. And this period of waiting, this time of apparent peace and prosperity, this time when men speak well of us and of the work we are doing in the world, is the time above all others when we need to guard closely our religious experience. We are passing now over the enchanted ground. We may well beware of the miasma of sin, which in an unguarded hour may creep in upon us and benumb our sensibilities.
Satan cares not what means he employs to draw us from our allegiance to God, so long as his efforts are successful. He will employ the means best suited to the individual. He knows the weak points in each character, the vulnerable place at which to aim his fiery darts. He will gain entrance to this citadel of one soul through the pleasures of the world, the follies and excitement of society, love of dress, indulgence of appetite, or the pride of life. Another will be ensnared by the spirit of money-making. The value of gold will be magnified above the value of truth, and the soul will be bartered for the material things of life.
It stands us in hand in this time to be vigilant and constantly on our guard, lest through the deceitfulness of sin we lose our connection with God and fall into the snare and thraldom of the enemy of our souls. “In a little while he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” In a little space from this the opening heavens will reveal the glory of our coming King. Let us be patient. Let us lift up our heads and rejoice, for our redemption draweth nigh. We should arouse our energies for the sharp and decisive conflict which is just ahead.
While a power from beneath is springing up and fast taking hold of satanic agencies, marshaling them for the last final conflict, God is waiting graciously to send from above that power which will energize his people and prepare them to stand stiffly for his truth in the hour of trial. Long have we waited for the fulfilment of the promise made unto our fathers. Eagerly have we longed for the baptism of the Spirit of power. If we are faithful, that longing will one day be satisfied, but let us emphasize here again, as has been emphasized many times before, that before the day of power must come the day of complete consecration.
The seal of God will not be placed upon the unholy or impure; the power of God can not be imparted to the world-loving and unconsecrated. God can entrust his spirit to, and use efficiently, only those possessing clean hands and pure hearts. God to-day calls upon his people to forsake their idols, to remove from the highway the stones of stumbling, to clear away from the door of their hearts the rubbish of sin and selfishness, and let the Lord Jesus Christ come in and take full and complete possession.
This little time of waiting affords opportunity for this work, opportunity for heart-searching, for the confession of sin, for the righting of every wrong. Who this day will consecrate himself anew to God? Who in this waiting hour will place his all upon God’s altar for sanctified service in connection with this closing work? The consecration must begin in the individual life, it must be manifest in the home, in the church, and from there go out into all the world as a savor of life, and a blessing unto men.
May God grant that the senses of none of his people may become bewildered, or their hearts gross and heavy, as we pass over the enchanted ground toward the eternal city. Earnestness and faith on our part will bring corresponding peace and blessing and power through the Spirit of truth. He is waiting to be gracious. This is the day of his power. May we have a part in the refreshing.
F. M. W.

Appreciating American Principles

By C. M. S.

When Mr. Roosevelt had definitely decided not to accept the conditions laid down by the officials of the Catholic Church at Rome, he at once cabled a message to the American people advising that they regard the incident as a personal one, and that there be no bitter controversial strife in this country over the matter. In that message occurs this significant statement:—
The more an American sees of other countries, the more profound must be his feelings of gratitude that in his own land there is not merely complete toleration, but the heartiest good will and sympathy between sincere and honest men of different faith.
He had seen the fruits of the other system, and it made him appreciate all the more the principles of this nation in the matter of religious freedom. The spirit of intolerance in matters of religious faith and practise—a spirit inseparably connected with the “religious state” idea—refused to permit the head of a religious system to grasp the proffered hands of two men whom one of the greatest nations in the world had seen fit to honor with the two highest offices within its power to bestow upon them, and whom the rulers of other nations had delighted to honor. The system which stands upon a union of religion and the state did that. And yet Jesus Christ never rebuffed any man who sought an audience with him. The difference between the course of the Vatican in this matter and the course of Jesus Christ makes painfully apparent the antichristian policy of the Papacy. It is a striking coincidence that but a very few days after Mr. Roosevelt’s message to the American people appeared in print, Mr. W. J. Bryan returned from a trip through Latin America. Soon after landing at New York, he said:—
I have come back with an increased gratitude that a kind Providence has cast my lot in this land.
It is certainly remarkable that two such prominent Americans, one from each of the great political parties, with their experiences and observations in Catholic lands distinctly in mind, should utter sentiments so nearly alike and so nearly at the same time. It ought to cause Americans to think and to ponder well. It ought to cause those in this country who are advocating a union of religion and the state here to reflect soberly upon the propositions they are advocating. Rome acted consistently with her premise; but her premise is un-American and wrong in itself. Any organization in this country which advocates a union of religion and the state is advocating the Roman premise, which must result in the conditions Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Bryan found in other lands, which made them glad America was not founded upon that basis.
C. M. S.

_Work for All_

By I. H. Evans

A FEW years ago the book, “Ministry of Healing,” was donated by its author, Mrs. E. G. White, to the noble work of helping our sanitariums. Many of these struggling institutions had long been burdened with a heavy indebtedness, incurred in operating, or in the original expense of erecting and equipping. The time came when it seemed wise to endeavor to free these institutions from their indebtedness. When other available means were lacking with which to accomplish this noble work, the author of “Ministry of Healing” sent the cheering word that all the proceeds from the sale of this book should be used to help our sanitariums that were struggling under a burden of debt.
In the past some efforts have been put forth to make the sales of “Ministry of Healing” bring relief to our institutions. However, the lack of a well-organized policy to push the relief campaign so that all could share in its blessings, made the results meager, and the work discouraging to those who were trying so hard to do their best, in comparison to what it might have been, had all taken hold in one strong, united effort to push the sale of this valuable book.
The book will prove a real blessing to all who read and follow its instructions. Those who purchase the book will have no cause for regrets, and those who sell the same are certainly doing the Master’s bidding. There are many lonely hearts that will find much comfort from reading the gracious words of love and mercy found in this little volume. The sick, as they listen to its message of divine forgiveness and healing, will turn with longing hearts for that better portion which comes by a full surrender to Christ. The young and the old alike will find in this little volume instruction which will do them good. Those who sell the book can not but be doing the Master noble service.
Then, too, many of our sanitariums must have financial help. Most of these institutions were started with a heavy indebtedness. As a people we have never donated largely to these institutions. Too often they have been built from funds borrowed at a high rate of interest. Without a constituency, it has been the duty of those managing these institutions to make them pay from the start. In many cases this has proved impossible, and the result has been that the institution has gone deeper and deeper in debt. These financial responsibilities prove most discouraging to those who are asked to manage and superintend the work of these sanitariums. The spirit of prophecy has indicated a way to free ourselves from some of these heavy financial burdens. The question is, Will we as a denomination take hold of the plan given us, and do our best? An army of sixty thousand soldiers marching on a common foe will certainly do far more than a few straggling men without any plan for general co-operation. United, sixty thousand men and women will accomplish much for the Lord. When we go forth in his name to do service for him, we may reasonably hope for large returns.
Surely the plan as adopted by the General Conference Committee concerning the sale of “Ministry of Healing” for the relief of our sanitariums is as safe and as good a plan as any that we ourselves could have devised. Then, why should not each one fall into line and do his best in pushing the sale of this good book? That is all that we can ever do, simply do our best. But with the Lord blessing our efforts, and each doing his share, there will surely be much accomplished in this united effort. Many thousands of dollars will come to our needy institutions which will be a great blessing to them; for they need financial aid. The workers who take hold of this will also be greatly blessed, for the Lord’s blessing always follows the performance of duty. And those who read the book will surely be blessed, for it will bring to them life, comfort, and hope. The campaign ought to be opened in each conference soon, and be persevered in till each has done his whole duty.
I. H. EVANS.

The Needs of the Missions

By William T. Knox

At the Spring Council, recently held, plans were laid to greatly strengthen the different mission stations and to extend our field of operations as well. To do this seems imperative on account of the rapidly developing work. To send the many additional laborers to their distant fields and properly sustain them necessitates a large increase in the mission funds. The work dependent upon the treasury of the General Conference has now reached a point where in order to meet its demands our daily receipts must largely exceed one thousand dollars a day; in fact, according to conservative estimates, we shall require four hundred thousand dollars for the year 1910.
No one can now consent to see the work of God stand still. Rather we are looking, praying, and working for its rapid progress. Imbued by this spirit, which the local conferences have not withheld their workers when called upon to release them to these more needy fields, but have generously responded to these requests. Some of these workers must wait until the condition of the General Conference treasury will warrant sending them on their way.
While there is no other thought than that the work will go steadily forward during the year, yet now, just now, the liberality of the people is called for. At the General Conference session of 1909 a considerable sum of money was donated and pledged for the interests of the work by those in attendance. A good portion of this has been realized on, but there yet remains unpaid about five thousand dollars. If those interested in this could make settlement on their pledges during the next thirty days, it would be appreciated very much.
W. T. KNOX.

Statement of the Ten-Cent-a-Week Fund for Three Months, Ending March 31, 1910

ANNUAL OFFERING FIRST-DAY OFFERING MID-SUMMER OFFERING MISSIONS SABBATH-SCHOOL OFFERINGS HARVEST INGATHERING TOTAL
Atlantic Union Conference
Central New England $733.94 $ 227.69 .... $ 88.54 $ 531.46 $ 646.28 $ 2227.91
Greater New York 1028.98 .... .... 399.28 409.72 1005.13 2843.11
Maine 179.75 18.08 .... 6.16 105.64 93.71 403.34
New York 333.40 27.99 .... 27.82 271.37 458.30 1118.88
Southern New England 375.74 187.89 .... 14.00 202.60 501.43 1281.66
Northern New England 225.91 105.41 .... 13.26 142.65 191.54 678.77
Western New York 586.20 50.29 .... 52.15 447.80 532.96 1669.40
Totals 3463.92 617.35 .... 601.21 2111.24 3429.35 10223.07
Canadian Union Conference
Maritime 113.96 29.50 .... .... 76.79 189.93 410.18
Newfoundland 50.00 5.59 .... .... 30.40 53.39 139.38
Ontario 357.92 269.50 .... 244.61 353.96 582.66 1808.65
Quebec 91.30 12.14 8.00 6.00 114.65 201.65 433.74
Totals 613.18 12.14 $ 8.00 6.00 575.80 1027.63 2791.95
Central Union Conference
Eastern Colorado 543.05 157.53 5.00 231.83 510.48 294.20 1742.09
Kansas 1346.02 196.92 .... 1198.37 943.32 829.42 4514.05
Nebraska 5.25 .... .... 31.05 .... 21.95 58.25
North Missouri 442.86 62.55 2.30 35.59 159.49 130.57 833.36
Southern Missouri 163.11 26.84 5.53 102.62 192.30 258.73 749.13
Western Colorado 151.12 57.13 .... 519.63 155.60 220.81 1104.29
Wyoming 244.28 21.29 .... 161.23 148.17 113.20 688.17
Totals 2895.69 522.26 12.83 2280.32 2109.36 1868.88 9689.34
Northern Union Conference
South Dakota 762.90 52.07 .... 617.28 443.75 500.66 2376.66
North Dakota .... .... .... .... .... 38.05 38.05
Minnesota .... .... .... 653.76 328.41 600.52 1582.69
Iowa 1514.97 315.58 .... 2480.65 819.65 1503.35 6634.20
Totals 2277.87 367.65 .... 3751.69 1591.81 2642.58 10631.60

_Quarterly Report of the Mission Funds_

By W. T. Knox

BEGINNING on this page appears a statement of the donations to the Ten-cent-a-week Fund for the first quarter of the year 1910. The report is quite complete, and will show what has been accomplished by all the conferences. Taken altogether, it is a very encouraging showing, and without doubt represents many sacrifices on the part of the people of God, none of which have passed unnoticed by our Heavenly Father, and he alone knows the results that will be attained in the saving of precious souls for his kingdom.
This report is of special interest, taken in connection with the General Conference Council just closed. At this meeting there were presented from the mission fields many urgent calls for additional help. These were all given consideration and provided for to the extent of the Committee’s ability to find the necessary laborers and means.
The appropriation to foreign missions for 1910 is by far the largest in the history of the denomination. When finally adjusted to the increased demands for laborers, it will mean something over three hundred thousand dollars. This, with the year’s appropriation from the $300,000 Fund for institutional development and homes for our workers, will, without doubt, give a great impetus to the message in other lands.
The successful carrying forward of the progressive plans that have been devised must depend upon the individual effort and devotion of the members of the denomination. Upon this those at the General Conference Office are depending, and it will constantly be our aim to give full information concerning the needs and progress of the work, in order that the people may intelligently donate of their substance.
W. T. KNOX.

The Gospel in Siam

So far as we know, we have no representative of the third angel’s message in Siam. Other missionaries are at work there, and doing well. There is a press in operation at Bangkok, under the direction of the Presbyterian Mission Board, where Siamese Bibles are printed. As early as 1819 a little catechism was printed in Burma, translated by Mrs. Ann Hasseltine Judson, who became interested in some Siamese captives brought to Burma, as prisoners of war. There Buddhism holds sway, as that is the state religion of Siam. The Siamese are said to be a reading people, and inasmuch as the Bible is being circulated in their own language, the time is ripe for the introduction of the third angel’s message into this heathen stronghold. To this nation must the gospel of the kingdom be carried. May God raise up men and means to hasten its glorious proclamation to all men.

Report From Elder J. N. Loughborough

By John Norton Loughborough

My last report was dated January 4. From that time to January 22 I was in Lodi and Sacramento; spoke four times, and made also a careful search of many hundred pages of the printed Testimonies.
From January 23 to 30 I was in attendance at the excellent Pacific Union conference at Mountain View. I was present in twenty of the meetings. In this conference more business was transacted of value to the whole Pacific Coast than was comprised in the whole business of a General Conference twenty-five years ago.
From January 31 to February 6 I attended the annual session of the California Conference at Lodi. I was in fifteen of the meetings and spoke once. It was truly refreshing to see Sister E. G. White strengthened to be with us, and speak with vigor and power in both of these conferences.
From February 7 to March 7 I gave twenty talks to the church and normal school at Lodi. During the same time I revised the book “Last-Day Tokens.” From March 11 to 20 I was with Brother S. N. Haskell and wife in a book and periodical institute at Oakland. I attended twenty-six meetings, and spoke in eight of these meetings. As the result of this institute many are now engaged in the book, tract, and periodical work in the cities around San Francisco Bay.
From March 22 to April 2 I was at the Pacific Union College, near St. Helena. Here I gave thirteen talks to the students. This industrial school is indeed an ideal place. I fully indorse all that has been said by others respecting this rural location for a college. As I saw the hundreds of fruit trees in blossom, the growing grain, and the various industries of the farm, I could but say, “The Lord has truly guided in the selection of this location.”
From April 5 to 15 I was in Lodi, engaged in painting a new set of charts of “wonders seen in the heavens in fulfilment of the prophetic word.” This became necessary as Brother R. C. Potter, of South Africa, prevailed upon me to sell to him the set of charts I had with me there. While in Lodi this time, I spoke once to the church.
To-day, April 18, I have given the first of a series of talks to the students of the Fernando Academy, in Southern California. I see many improvements have been made on these grounds since my last visit, over three years ago. I am greeted by a large force of earnest students who were not here at the time of my last visit.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

Mexico

By Juan Robles

IN San Luis Potosi I have been preaching the threefold message just one year. I am glad to say that, although I feel so incapable, God has delighted himself in touching the hearts of a few here and in Mexquitic, my other place of labor, fifteen miles distant. To this latter place those who love the truth come from a distance of three miles, walking, and bring their wives and children. When I am to be with them on Sabbath, they generally go Friday, and remain at the meeting place until Sunday, when they all get up about three o'clock in the morning, and start for their homes.
Last Sabbath I acted as superintendent of the school. We began at ten o'clock, and got through at twelve. Then they said to me: “Go right ahead, and tell us all about every symbol on the chart. We will not have dinner to-day.” I began to explain from the great image of Daniel 2 down to the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21. It took me three hours and a half to go over the subjects.
Since I have been here, I have had the privilege of seeing twenty persons follow Christ in baptism.
Although I am a Mexican, I do not know all about Mexican ways, as I spent twenty-one years in California, and came here last April. During the holy week here, I went to Roman Catholic churches and observed some of their ways, and learned some of their beliefs. The bishop here washed the instep of the right foot of twelve men, dried them with a towel, and then bowed down so as to come very near to kissing them. The same day they hung on the cross a big image, and at 4:30 P. M. took it down. While they were doing this, many persons, especially women, began to howl, some like women, and some like cats, some feignedly and some really shedding tears. There was such a noise as would be equal to that made by five hundred people clamoring at the same time.
I am glad to read the experiences of my coworkers everywhere. May God keep us faithful until the end, is my prayer. JUAN ROBLES.

Fruitful Labor in Japan

By H. Kuniya

IN response to an urgent request by letter from Brother Seino, I recently joined him in labor at Yamato, a mountain village about twenty miles from Wakamatsu. Last summer during the Wakamatsu tent-meetings, I visited Yamato and vicinity, and found a good interest among those simple country people. This winter Brother Seino has made an effort to develop this interest. He held three public meetings in as many different neighborhoods, with good interest in every case. At one place the Buddhist temple was opened for his meeting, the priest being in attendance—quite an unusual concession to Christianity.
As some seemed on the point of decision, I decided to go to Brother Seino’s assistance. At Shiokawa I stayed overnight at the home of Sister Ichiju, the young lady mentioned in Elder Field’s recent report. Her mother did not make me very welcome at first; but as I presented some of the simple truths of the gospel, she became somewhat interested, and invited me to come again.
The last seven or eight miles to Yamato has to be made afoot; and at this season there is much snow in those parts, and the weather is quite cold. I spent three days in the neighborhood of Yamato, visiting the people in their homes and holding meetings. We had a meeting each evening, and two during the day. The interest shown in the simple gospel story was very good, and reminded me of my work in Korea. At one evening meeting, about twenty young ladies were present; and all expressed their interest, and their willingness to become Christians. Surely there is a great work to be done there.
My last meeting was held at the home of Brother Sato, a man who has a good influence among the people. Years ago, though not a Christian, he organized a temperance society among his neighbors, which continues to the present time. They pledge themselves against the use of tobacco as well as strong drinks. At this meeting Mr. Sato and another middle-aged man, and two young ladies, earnestly requested baptism. As I was to return to Wakamatsu early next morning, at the close of the meeting at eleven o’clock at night, we had baptism in a little pond but a few feet from the house.
We plan to follow up this interest by locating one of our earnest young men in those parts, and with the help of the Lord, we ought to see a church organized there this year. The two brethren who were baptized are already talking about having a church building erected. And as both are fairly well-to-do, and as the interest among the people is so good, the realization of this seems reasonable.
Returning to Shiokawa, I called again at the home of Sister Ichiju. Her mother warmly welcomed me, and called in her relatives and neighbors to hear the gospel. I stayed till evening, and held another meeting with them. Then the mother urged me to stay all night, saying she would like to attend our meeting in Wakamatsu with me next day, which was Sabbath. She expressed her decision to keep the Sabbath, and her desire to be baptized. Evening after the Sabbath her daughter was baptized, and I trust the mother may soon be ready to take this step.
At Wakamatsu the mother of one of our brethren has been much opposed to him. On a previous visit I called on her, and presented the simple gospel story, and her mind was completely changed. So on this latest visit she called on me, and expressed her joy in the gospel. Surely now is the time that we should be going into the hedges as well as the highways, to gather out a people prepared for His coming.
H. KUNIYA.

Brazil

By H. S. Prener

ESTACAO SAO BERNARDO, SAO PAULO.—We have had our conference meetings in Rio Claro, an interior town, where Brother J. C. Kroeker and I have been following up the interest with considerable success. This, being my first series of meetings in Portuguese, marks the beginning of my regular evangelistic work for these needy people. I praise God for his great help, and for the signal manifestation of his power toward us.
It seems good to be back at my old work again, for there is a pleasure, enthusiasm, and depth of experience that goes with service for souls that nothing else in this world can bring, and the event is doubly joyous, as it liberates me from the enforced idleness of language study of the past year. However, I tried to improve my time in canvassing, and along with other books and periodicals, I shall have disposed of 150 copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” at $1.50 each. This has cleared our book shelves a little. But, as we have no schools here at present, the sale of the books does not help educational institutions in this part of the field.
This has been our hottest month, and, I am sorry to say, Mrs. Prener does not improve in health. Because of this, the brethren have thought it best that we spend a month or so where conditions will be more favorable. If this does not serve to build her up, it may be necessary for her to go to our sanitarium in Argentina. H. S. PRENER.
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