B HOPEFUL, B cheerful, B happy, B kind,
B busy of body, B modest of mind,
B earnest, B truthful, B firm, and B fair,
Of all Miss B havior B sure to B ware.
B think, ere you stumble, of what may B fall;
B true to yourself, and B faithful to all.
B brave to B ware of the sins that B set;
B sure that one sin will another B get.
B just and B generous, B honest, B wise;
B mindful of time, and B certain it flies.
B prudent, B liberal, of order B fond,
B uy less than you need B fore B uying B yond.
B careful, but yet B the first to B stow;
B temperate, B steadfast, to anger B slow;
B thoughtful, B thankful, whate'er may B tide;
B just and B joyful, B cleanly, B side.
B pleasant, B patient, B gentle to all,
B best if you can, but B humble withal;
B prompt and B dutiful, still B polite,
B reverent, B quiet, B sure to B right;
B calm, B retiring, B ne'er led astray;
B grateful, B cautious of those who B tray;
B tender, B loving, B good, and B nign;
B loved thou shalt B, and all else shall B thine.
— Selected.
The Test of Yesterday's Work
A NUMBER of years ago, in a town in Germany, there lived a chain-maker unknown to fame. He was poor, but an excellent workman, and very conscientious in all that he did. He might have shirked his work. He might have done poor, imperfect work. But no. Each link of the great chains he made must be right, and so he labored.
Years passed, and on the great ocean there sails a large vessel with many passengers. On the deck is coiled the great chain, attached to the sheet-anchor. It lies there unnoticed, unthought of. Suddenly a storm arises, and grows in intensity. So fierce does it become that the ship is in danger. She flounders. Anchor after anchor is cast over, but the storm is so severe that the chains snap like cords.
Then comes the captain's order, “Let go the sheet-anchor!” Now is the moment of suspense. It is the last hope of safety. Will it share the fate of the others? Down into the deep it goes. In a moment the chain is out its length. The vessel quivers from stem to stern between the grasp of the two forces, the storm and the anchor. The old German chain-maker is battling with the elements. He wins. The anchor holds. The vessel is saved. His work stood in the great moment of trial.
In the last great day every man's work shall be tried, and faithfulness alone will win the crown. May we hear the voice of our ascended Lord say to each one of us. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”—Pulpit Treasury.
Our Work in Haiti
By M. NORD ISAAC
AUGUST 16 I began visiting the churches and companies in the northern part of Haiti. I spent four days in Limbe, preaching and teaching. Our believers stand fast in the Lord. Many unbelievers manifested a great interest in the message, and I hope some of them will soon be found rejoicing in a knowledge of the truth.
Our brethren and sisters of Plaisance are walking in the light, and with hearts full of joy are waiting for the second coming of Christ in power and glory. After laboring among them five days, I left for Cape Haitien. October 8 I went to Pignon. The godliness and brotherly love of our church there impressed me very much. The believers study the Sabbath-school lessons in a delightful way. In the homes of some of the brethren each day, very early in the morning, there are special meetings for the Sabbath-school lessons, in which all the people are much interested. All the believers are found there, both parents and children. The educated believers translate and explain the lessons in creole for those who can not read. By so doing they afford all, even the boys, opportunity to obtain a thorough knowledge of the facts presented, as well as of the spiritual truths these facts are designed to teach. When the Sabbath comes, the Sabbath-school lesson is well learned, and there is always great interest.
After leaving Pignon I went to Ranguitte, where I spent three days in confirming the souls of the believers and seeking to turn a few unbelievers to the light of the third angel's message. An educated young man living here is an efficient agent in the hands of God for the enlightenment of those who sit in darkness. He finished successfully his studies at the Lyceum of Port au Prince up to philosophy, and was for a few years a student of medicine, but was hindered from completing his medical studies. He is now a blessing to others. A few souls accepted the last message as a result of his labors. He continues to preach and teach earnestly. His younger brother is also laboring earnestly for Christ, and brings souls to him.
On the seventeenth of September, several brethren and sisters went with me from Ranguitte to a station where there are many believers. Brother M. Theodore, who is laboring there, presented to us new converts receiving instruction for baptism. We held meetings, in which the people were much interested. After preaching to them, we bade farewell, and came to Grande Riviere, visiting two Adventist families on the way.18Before reaching the interior of Grande Riviere, we arrived at a station situated on the summit of a mountain many hundred feet high. On every side are pleasant gardens and high trees, making the air fragrant. All around are ranges of hills clothed with luxuriant green, presenting a pleasing picture.
When evening came, some of our converts gathered, and I spoke to them. The next morning, at eight o'clock, almost all the believers came to hear the word of God. About thirty Seventh-day Adventists live at this place. Their leader exerts a good influence upon the dwellers among the mountains, and by his labors many souls are won to Jesus. At Grande Riviere, I spent five days preaching and teaching.
September 25, I took the train to Cape Haitien. I am waiting for the successor of Elder W. J. Tanner before going to labor at another place where the precious seeds of truth have never been dropped. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for the opportunity of being connected with him in proclaiming the gospel to a lost world.
M. NORD ISAAC.
The Glad Fruition
By WILLIAM BRICKEY
WILLIAM BRICKEY
LORD, I read of thy salvation
In the volume of the Book;
’Tis indeed a new creation,
And with eager eyes I look
For the work to be completed,
And all sin to be defeated
So it ne’er will be repeated
In the universe of God.
Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory,
Then will sit on David’s throne;
We shall sing redemption’s story,
We shall know as we are known.
Of the river of his pleasure
We shall quaff in copious measure
As it rolls its priceless treasure
Through the paradise of God.
All our bliss will be supernal,
Born of Him who reigns above
In the realms of the Eternal,
In the paradise of love.
And I feel no indecision,
For I see a happy vision,
And it fills with joys Elysian
All the universe of God.
Kamiah, Idaho.
Through Trials in West India
We take the following extract from a personal letter from Elder George F. Enoch, working on the Bombay side of India:—
“You have doubtless heard of our great loss in the death of our little Gerald. We went down to Panwel about the first of the year. The only house available was in a large mango orchard. The house was very good; but alas! in the treacherous, but pleasant shade of the mango-trees, deadly malaria was lurking.
“We all got through the heat of May fairly well, but were rather thin. Bertha had an attack of malaria in June, but a short change to the near-by hills set her right again. For months we looked forward to our trip to Mussoorie the first of September, and spent many happy hours in our plans. But only three days before we were to leave, both children were taken very ill with malaria. I telegraphed to the nurses at Bombay, who were able to render us splendid assistance; but in spite of all we could do, our little boy died August 27, the very day we were to start for the mountains.
“We took him to Bombay, and with broken hearts laid him away in the beautiful Sewri Cemetery. The experience came as a bolt from the sky, and we can not understand it. However, we bow the knee to Him who is above all, and pledge our lives anew to his service. Were it not for the ‘blessed hope’ we would not know what to do; but in its light we renew our consecration to Jesus for the hastening of the glad reunion day. Our hearts are now bound more firmly to India, and our only desire is to labor and toil here until our work is done.
“We are glad for the great effort that is being put forth for obtaining evangelists for English work. The situation in Calcutta is critical. It seems absolutely imperative to make a good, strong effort there this year. We hope we shall not be disappointed, even though these workers may be a little late.”
Openings and Needs in South Carolina
By William H. Branson
THERE are more than a million and a half people in this State who must hear the truth; many will accept it when they are given this opportunity. Our present force of laborers is so small that it would seem like a hopeless task to do this great work, were we not certain that the Lord will raise up other workers who will co-operate with us in it. Untold good might be accomplished if some of our people in States where the conferences are stronger would move to this State, and locate where there is only a small company of believers who need some one to give them instruction, and to lead out in their Sabbath meetings. In many places there are two or three lone Sabbath-keepers as the only representatives of this message in a whole city. Others could be raised up if the right persons would move in there and live out the truth, at the same time doing missionary work with our tracts and books. Thus strong companies might be raised up.
There are many ways here in which self-supporting workers can make a good living. We would not hold out any money-making inducements to get persons to leave their home State and come here, but we do not fear to say that any one who can make a living elsewhere can do so here. The chief farming product is cotton, but wheat, oats, corn, and other small grains are raised quite extensively. Stock-raising is a paying business. All kinds of garden-stuff can be raised, and marketed at fair prices. Poultry-raising is profitable, and prices for this kind of produce are always good. Fruits are usually plentiful in most localities. The climate here is mild and delightful.
Prices for tradesmen are as good as in most other States. Carpenters get from $2 to $3 a day, and other workmen accordingly. There are no unions here to hinder our people from getting work. If a contractor would locate in the State, and thus furnish employment to men who come out of the mills and have no other occupation but who could learn a trade, great good might be done.
Last, but not least, this is one of the very best places for canvassing for our books and selling our magazines. Those who are engaged in this work are meeting with good success; and as there are sixteen counties that have not been entered they have the privilege of doing pioneer work. A few earnest individuals are laboring untiringly, and God is greatly blessing them. Are there not others who feel impressed to come and join them?
As these lines are read, if any should be impressed that this is the field where God would have them labor, we shall be glad to correspond with them, and try to help them find a proper location. The needs are great. The laborers are very few. Who will volunteer to help? Address the writer at Route 5, Spartansburg, S. C. W. H. BRANSON.
Michigan and New York
By K. C. RUSSELL
NOVEMBER 25 to December 2 the writer assisted in conducting a special series of gospel meetings with the Seventh-day Adventist church at Grand Rapids, Mich. The meetings were held in the new church building which has recently been erected by our people there. The body of the church has seating capacity for three hundred persons, and there is a commodious gallery in the front end of the church. The approximate cost of the church property was $8,000. There are three street-car lines within a few blocks of the building.
The first meeting of the special series was held Sabbath evening, November 25. There was a large attendance, consisting of the members of the Grand Rapids church and the representatives of other Seventh-day Adventist churches in that vicinity.
The spirit that pervaded this first meeting should be a fitting index to all future services which will be held in the church, because of the manifest presence of the Lord, which was witnessed by the presence of his Spirit in many hearts. This meeting was indeed a dedicatory service of the soul, which was a preparatory one for the dedication of the church building, which took place the following day, November 26.
When the hour arrived which had been set for the dedication of the church, the attendance was so large that many extra seats were required, and a large number were obliged to remain standing during the entire service. The platform was beautifully decorated with flowers, which were contributed by one of the florists of the city. A large choir, directed by Elder B. F. Stureman, furnished the music. Elder S. E. Wight, president of the West Michigan Conference, Elder C. A. Hansen, pastor of the Grand Rapids church, and the writer united in conducting this important service.
Although it was Thanksgiving week, the meetings of the series were, in the main, well attended, and a deep spirit of consecration prevailed, as was evident from the ready responses made by the people to the appeals made from time to time. The Lord has greatly blessed Elder Hansen and his faithful colaborers by giving material increase to the membership of this church, and the prospects are bright for a further development of the work in that city.
Leaving Grand Rapids after a stay of eight days, I spoke Sunday afternoon, December 3, in the Methodist church at Otter Lake, Mich. Among those in attendance at the meeting was the pastor of the church, besides another Methodist minister.
By the urgent request of Brother H. A. Weaver, who has charge of the work at Port Huron, Mich., I spoke in that place on the theme, "Which Will It Be: Universal War, or Universal Peace?" Among those present at this meeting was a prominent attorney, who manifested a deep interest in the subject discussed.
Wednesday, December 6, in company with Brother Weaver, I went to Buffalo, N. Y., where I spoke to our people in their commodious church. There was a most excellent attendance present for a midweek meeting. The Lord has certainly blessed Elder T. B. Westbrook and his wife in their earnest labors in that city. Harmony and unity prevail in the church, and the workers are succeeding in reaching with the truth a most excellent class of people. It is indeed gratifying to see the work in this important city being placed upon such a strong, substantial basis after so many years of trials and difficulties.
I would have responded to other calls for meetings during this trip in the West had it not been for the extra work demanded of the Religious Liberty Department because of the opening of Congress.
K. C. RUSSELL.
A Visit to the Foreign Mission Seminary
By R. A. UNDERWOOD
WHEN in Washington at the recent council, it was my privilege to stop at the Foreign Mission Seminary during my stay. I was greatly pleased with the character of the students in attendance, and with what I saw and heard.
I well remember when definite instruction came through the spirit of prophecy to the General Conference Committee concerning the establishment of this school. The instruction was clear and very definite, but some of us could scarcely see how it was possible to find a place for another school, located in Washington. When the change was made about four years ago to make the training in this school definite in lines of foreign missionary work, the spirit of prophecy sustained the move, and it met with general approval.
Prof. J. L. Shaw, who is qualified to speak from ten or more years’ experience in India, and who for a time acted as president of the school, says:—
“The aim of the Foreign Mission Seminary is to give the necessary training for the mission field. Missionaries who have spent a number of years in mission fields have a very definite conviction regarding the preparation required by those who go to the regions beyond. They urge that volunteers for missions should obtain a good knowledge of the geography of the country to which they are going; should be familiar with the history of the people and their customs and habits; and should have a knowledge of the history of Christian missions, and the many problems which must be met and surmounted. Still more important is it that they should have a knowledge of the religions to be met, the specious, subtle errors they contain, and the wise and effective manner of displacing these by the Word of God. These alone, if no other reasons were presented, made necessary a place of special training for foreign missionaries.”
The spirit of prophecy has stated that this school should be a place “where students are to be tested and proved, that it may be seen what their adaptability is.” Great saving has come to the cause already as a result of the establishment of this Foreign Mission Seminary. A large number of those who have attended have already gone to foreign fields, or are under appointment. It is true that in some cases, after medical examination or months of close contact with the teachers, persons have been advised to take up work in the home field. Had these been sent out without this careful “testing process” that goes on in the Seminary, the Mission Board would have been to great expense in returning them, or in some cases the loss of life would have been the result.
It has been a great advantage to have such teachers as Elder J. L. Shaw, who spent years in India, and Elder J. N. Anderson, who spent a number of years in China. Some of our brethren think that if they have an academy or a college, with the advantages of a sanitarium in close proximity, they have all they need to train men and women for the foreign fields. Recognizing fully the advantages of having a sanitarium in connection with any of our schools, we make a great mistake if we conclude that a sanitarium cooperating with one of our schools is all that is necessary in fitting individuals for the foreign fields. If the reader will note what Professor Shaw has said, as a result of years of experience in a foreign country, he will see that the work of the Seminary takes in a much broader field than would be possible for one of our colleges or academies to cover in its ordinary round of work.
The Sanitarium at Takoma Park, located on the same campus as the Seminary, cooperates in giving the students of the Seminary special training; but this is not sufficient. The Seminary has arranged with the Central Dispensary and Emergency Hospital, in Washington, for those in preparation for foreign fields to take a course of twelve weeks in this Emergency Hospital. The experience that our young people get in this institution is very valuable from the standpoint of such medical work as they will at times be compelled to do in foreign fields. A nurse, speaking from the standpoint of one who has been graduated from one of our sanitariums, in relation to what can be secured in connection with the Foreign Mission Seminary by a course in this dispensary in Washington, says: “I saw more wounds and bruises and putrefying sores in one day than I would observe in twelve months in one of our sanitariums.” The Seminary has arranged for a postgraduate course for nurses who have been graduated from our sanitariums, which is especially helpful to those who may be sent to foreign fields. Thus the advantages of both hospital19and sanitarium experiences are being given in a way that it is impossible to receive outside of this institution.
I was pleased to go out to the farm that the Seminary has rented, about three quarters of a mile from the school. This farm comprises about one hundred twelve acres, and scarcely a weed can be found on the premises. There is on the farm at the present time fifty-three head of stock, among which are thirty-one fine-grade dairy cows. A rotation of crops is planned so as to utilize the ground for more than one crop in the season in many cases. Those in charge raised millet, cow-peas, rye, corn, etc., as forage for the cows. The past season they had 11,000 tomato plants, five acres of sweet corn, and 8,000 Lima bean poles which looked like a forest the last of October. They also raise cabbages, spinach, squashes, and such things as are grown in truck-farming. They raised sweet potatoes that averaged two hundred fifty bushels to the acre and were of fine quality. They sell milk to the Sanitarium and school, besides running a milk route in Takoma Park. The farm gives employment and self-support to a number of students who are attending the Foreign Mission Seminary, besides a practical experience in this kind of work.
Of course the expense of running the farm is necessarily very heavy, but the farm has paid for its rent and other expenses, and has given a clear profit of $495 the past year. If the farm was owned by the Seminary, of course it would be much better. All that now is put onto the farm in the way of improvement must necessarily be a benefit to the owner, and not to the school. Some brethren who have means could make no better investment than to put ten or fifteen thousand dollars into a good farm for the Foreign Mission Seminary at Washington. Who will do this? I am sure we have brethren in different parts of the field who could do this, and it would be a great blessing to the school, and a source of pleasure and eternal gain to the donors.
The Seminary gives most thorough work in lines of historical, prophetic, and Biblical study. The total enrolment for last year was one hundred ten. Special classes for training ministers and Bible workers are organized. One day each week is set apart for practical missionary work in the city by the students.
I asked the president of the school what the greatest needs of the Seminary are at present. He enumerated three things as most important: First, a good farm, owned by the school; second, a city dispensary and hospital of our own in Washington to do as thorough work in emergency cases as the city can do, which would be a great advantage over our present arrangement; third, a large extension of the library, which is greatly needed. Here is an opportunity for our brethren to remember this institution.
We should encourage our young people to avail themselves of the splendid opportunity at the Seminary to fit themselves to do successful work in foreign fields. Life and money have already been saved to the cause by the instruction this school has given to those who go out to the more difficult fields in heathen lands. This institution should have our prayers, our sympathy, and our means, and we should encourage our best young people to avail themselves of its advantages. R. A. UNDERWOOD.
Censored Views in the Philippines
By S. B. H.
WITH the coming of school-teachers from the United States to connect with the public-school system of the Philippine Islands, there has arisen what seems to some a crisis regarding free speech in that territory. Searching for the source of information upon which the Michigan Presbyterian Synod based resolutions condemning the federal order that required public-school teachers to maintain silence in and out of school hours regarding Protestantism, the following was located:—
“BUREAU OF EDUCATION
“MANILA, MARCH 11, 1908.
“Circular
“No. 32, s. 1908
“RELIGIOUS TEACHING FORBIDDEN
“To Division Superintendents.
“It appears from one or two cases recently occurring that former decisions relative to religious teaching by teachers are not now generally known by all concerned. In a case arising in 1902, the secretary of public instruction, in forwarding the papers to the civil governor, laid down the following rule:—
“‘Criticism by teachers of doctrines20of any church, religious sect, or denomination, and attempts by them to influence the pupils of any public school for or against any religion, are definitely prohibited by law. Under, and by virtue of, the terms of Act 74, Section 16: “No teacher or other person shall teach or criticize the doctrines of any church, religious sect, or denomination, or shall attempt to influence the pupils for or against any church or religious sect in any public school under this act. . . .” The law can not be construed to mean that it was intended to regulate the conduct of the teacher in public only, and that privately, not to say secretly, the purpose of the enactment might be defeated beneath the shadow of his own roof with impunity; and even if it could, the teacher must not hope to escape administrative condemnation for his attempt to circumvent a law whose purpose is so plain and unequivocal. One of the most serious obstacles which the American system of education has had to encounter and is now encountering in the Philippine Islands, is the suspicion of the native inhabitants that the school is to be used to undermine and destroy the faith of their children. That this suspicion is wholly without foundation goes without saying; but the American teacher who fails to recognize that it is a factor to be reckoned with, and to conduct himself accordingly, is a detriment to the service. . . . The first commandment of the insular government is: Respect all religions, war with none, favor none, teach none. The failure to be neutral in religious matters . . . not only seriously impairs his usefulness and efficiency as a teacher, but also hampers the administration in its work of maintaining good relations with the people of the islands, and serves to discredit its frequently announced policy of non-interference in purely religious matters.’”
“In returning the above paper, the civil governor, among other things said:—
“‘We occupy a peculiar position in this country in the teaching in public schools, which grows out of the fact that most people in the islands are Catholics, and have been used to the close union of religious and secular instruction. The priests and the people, many of them, are naturally suspicious that the introduction of the new system bodes no good for the orthodox religion. If, now, agents of the government, in carrying on its schools, manifest opinions which are adverse and hostile, either to the church, their ministers, or their religious methods of instruction, they disable themselves from performing the duties which they are employed and paid to perform, and much interfere with their powers for usefulness. The question whether the Bible shall be freely read by the young and the old without the assistance of ministers or others who can explain its texts, is a question upon which churches have differed; and whatever may be thought of it, it is not for the teachers in public schools in this Catholic country either to encourage the study of the Bible—especially of the Protestant Bible—among their pupils, or to say to those pupils anything upon the subject.’”
“In deciding upon a similar case, it was held by the secretary of public instruction in June, 1904, that:—
“‘In view of the intimate personal relation of a teacher to his pupils, no religious instruction of any nature should be given by him at any time, even outside of the schoolroom.’”
“It is not believed that anything further can be added to make more clear the attitude of the department and of the administration on this point. The above excerpts are published for the information and guidance of all teachers.
“DAVID P. BARROWS, Director.
“Exhibit ‘G.’”
Without doubt, the policy outlined in the above order subserves the interests of the Roman Catholic Church, and indirectly favors the same.
In an act for establishing religious freedom in Virginia, adopted in 1785, the American principle of freedom of speech was expressed in the following language:—
“Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.”
It must be admitted that teachers of public schools should be debarred from teaching religion in the schoolroom, during school hours; but to restrict a public-school teacher or other officer of the government from exercising the right of free speech outside of the schoolroom or office, should be cause for serious alarm. If the federal government can promulgate and enforce such a rule in the Philippine Islands against the right of free speech on the part of public servants, what assurance have we that a similar order may not be promulgated and enforced in this country?
S. B. H.
Field Notes
Two adults in Kingston, Ontario, have begun to observe the Sabbath.
On November 25, five new Sabbath-keepers united with the company at Englewood, Chicago.
The First Seventh-day Adventist Church, of Troy, N. Y., was recently organized, with thirty-one members.
Elder J. A. Strickland administered the ordinance of baptism to three candidates in Halifax, N. S., November 14.
Several weeks ago two students in the Gravel Ford Academy, in Southern Oregon, were baptized by Elder F. S. Bunch.
November 5, the new church building at Jackson, Mich., was dedicated. Special services were held at the time, Elder William Ostrander assisting.
Elder J. F. Piper reports that the meetings on Cliff Island, Maine, are continuing with good interest. Some have already decided to obey the truth.
Several weeks ago four new Sabbath-keepers united with the church at Indianapolis, Ind. These had accepted the truth as a result of the tent effort held in that city.
Several weeks ago Elder W. A. T. Miller baptized a believer, who united with the church at Alamogordo, N. Mex. She accepted the truth through reading the Signs of the Times.
Four adults have accepted the third angel's message in the vicinity of Bluford, Ill. On Sabbath, November 11, Elder William Woodford baptized four new believers at Orchardville.
Elder B. W. Brown recently held a ten days' meeting with the church at Louisville, Ky., at the close of which three were buried with the Lord in baptism, and united with the church there.
Elder T. G. Lewis reports from Wisconsin: “At Oshkosh we had a good quarterly meeting. After the service two persons were baptized.” Three sisters were baptized a short time ago by Elder P. C. Hanson.
The Lord richly blessed the workers at Omega, Ohio, as they presented the truth to the people during the tent effort just closed. Seven are now observing the Sabbath, and many others are deeply interested. Elder F. H. Henderson writes from Zanesville: “We have two new Sabbath-keepers, and hope for more soon.”
Elders T. H. Watson and Fred Brink, of the North California-Nevada Conference, report that at the close of the tent meeting which they have been holding in Orland, two persons were baptized. Three adults have recently accepted the truth at Stillwater. During the past season the fruits of two months' tent effort in Sacramento are eighteen souls taken into the church, and many more interested.
Christian Liberty
Reports, notes, and comments pertaining to the current history of the rights of conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL · · · · Secretary
S. B. HORTON · · · · Assistant Secretary
The Joy of the Sons of God
By L. D. Santee
L. D. SANTEE
Ye shall grieve no more, on the other
shore;
For the toils of the way are past,
And words are weak when the soul
would speak;
Thank God, you are home at last.
O’er the streets of gold is the Shepherd’s
fold,
Where sin has never trod:
Ye shall walk in white, with the saints in
light,
In the joy of the sons of God.
O, the eyes are bright, and the heart is
light,
For sorrow shall flee away;
With the loved you’ll stand in the dear
home land,
In the light of an endless day.
No pain, no tears in the coming years;
Ye shall walk where the angels trod,
In that city above, in that home of love,
In the joy of the sons of God.
Ye shall see each face, with its tender
grace,
And eyes with love shall glow;
And brows so white, where the curls lay
bright,
Like sunbeams o’er the snow.
Ye list for the song of the blood-washed
throng,
Ye would leave this earth’s low clod,
Till desires grow strong, and your spirits
long
For the joy of the sons of God.
Moline, Ill.
A Truly Significant Occasion
By S. B. H.
AT the recent Thanksgiving-day service conducted at St. Patrick’s Church in Washington, a situation was presented that is in keeping with the usual political strategy of the Roman Catholic Church.
Thanksgiving-day services in American churches are held presumably out of deference to and in response to the Thanksgiving proclamation of the President. The occasion is distinctively Protestant and American in its conception and practise. But the possibility of turning this national custom to her own advantage dawned upon the Catholic Church leaders in 1909, and accordingly a scheme was devised to make that which distinctly pertains to the United States a Pan-American affair. In this arrangement, the church apparently pays deference to the President’s Thanksgiving proclamation, and at the same time proposes that all the incidents connected therewith shall be arranged in such a way as to indicate that the church is carrying out an occasion of its own creation.
Upon the occasion referred to, the most notable personages present were President Taft and Cardinal Gibbons. As the clock struck eleven, a retinue of priests and altar boys came down the aisle of St. Patrick’s Church, leading in their wake the special ushers to the President, Mgrs. Russell and Cerretti. Then came the President, and, after a few minutes elapsed, a stately and more august incident came to pass,—Cardinal Gibbons, in gorgeous array, attended by a brilliant entourage of priests and pages, was ushered to the altar premises.
The services over, Mgr. Russell ascended the pulpit, and requested the audience to stand and remain so until the President and other distinguished guests had left the building; and, as if to deny to the executive of this great republic even a brief moment of fitting courtesy in permitting his exit to be first, he had to wait until the cardinal should pass down the aisle.
This Pan-American Thanksgiving service is without doubt an official function of the Roman Catholic Church. The local press of Washington in referring to this service spoke of it as follows:—
“The only official celebration of Thanksgiving will occur at St. Patrick’s Church this morning at eleven o’clock, where the third Pan-American Thanksgiving-day service will be held. President Taft, Secretary of War Stimson, and Secretary of the Interior Fisher, Chief Justice White of the United States Supreme Court, Justice McKenna, and representatives of all the Latin-American countries, will be in attendance. Cardinal Gibbons will assist at the mass.”—Washington Herald, Nov. 30, 1911.
Impressed with the pomp and circumstance of the incident, the Washington Herald, of Friday, December 1, again referring to the Pan-American Thanksgiving service, gives utterance to the following suggestive language:—
“If the state and the church were united in this country, the pomp and circumstance with which the third Pan-American Thanksgiving mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church yesterday morning in the presence of President Taft, members of his Cabinet, justices of the Supreme Court, members of both houses of Congress, the diplomatic representatives of twenty Latin-American republics and other countries, and members of official and resident society, could not have been more beautiful and impressive.”
S. B. H.
Congress and Sunday Legislation
THE regular session of the Sixty-second Congress of the United States convened in Washington December 4. This Congress will doubtless have before it many important questions vitally affecting the interests of the people. Its deliberations will be carefully noted from day to day. Already a Sunday bill has been introduced. What will result from it, we can not now tell. In the meantime we should be doing all we can to educate the people with reference to the principles involved in such legislation. We can never hope to save the United States government from, in the end, committing itself to Sunday legislation; but we may save individuals from becoming ensnared by these evil principles. The object of the conflict which we wage against such legislation should be to present the principles of the gospel of Christ, seeking in this way to retard as long as possible the passing of such laws, and to enlighten each individual citizen with reference to the evil of such legislation, that he may take his stand in the final conflict upon the side of God and his truth.