Review and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 1.
Behold, He Cometh!Page 1
Earlier text: Temperance and HeredityCentral America
By H. C. Goodrich
SITTEE RIVER, BRITISH HONDURAS.—I came to this place night before last, and we had our first meeting last night, under a mammoth breadfruit tree. Ropes were stretched across, and lanterns were hung up, and we had a congregation of ten. I believe there is an interest to hear. The Lord is giving power to the message. Brother Cary is with me, and is selling a few books. But the people all feel very poor, as the quarantine has hindered the sale of fruit. We have spent eight days at Manatee, four at Mullins River, a week at Stann Creek, and are now at Sittee River for a longer stay. At Manatee we left five sisters keeping the Sabbath, who we hope will prove faithful. At Mullins River we had a little interest, but none to warrant staying. Brother Cary found a family eight miles up the river, who believed the truth, so I got a horse, and visited them. I found the wife favorable, but she said she could not start alone. We had a Bible study, and left them, after urging them to begin at once to obey God. Stann Creek is a place of about twenty-five hundred inhabitants, mostly Carib Indians, and nearly all Catholics. We could not sell them any books, nor get them out to meetings. We had some open-air meetings, but only a very few came, so we went on to Sittee River. I am very thankful for the evidence from day to day of God's presence and overruling power, and pray daily that our Father may be able to do with us, his poor instruments, all that can be done. SYDNEY, N. S. W.—We are now nearing the close of our camp-meeting at Marrickvale, a suburb of Sydney. We have had an excellent meeting, with the largest attendance of our people that has ever been known in New South Wales. I have seldom seen a better ground. It is a fine, enclosed paddock, nicely shaded with trees, not too large. We have had considerable rain during the time, but no storms whatever. The attendance from the outside has been very good; still the rain and the cold have doubtless kept some away who would otherwise have attended. The Spirit of the Lord has wrought in our camp. There has been no undue excitement, but a very perceptible deepening of earnestness. Every testimony meeting has been improved to the fullest extent; no delaying or dragging whatever. This is a feature that is always encouraging and interesting. The different lines of work, such as mission fields, book work, health work, educational work, Sabbath-school and religious liberty work, have all been taken up, and a day given to each. We have found the study of these various questions very profitable; so that our conference business meetings, instead of being altogether business, have really been instruction meetings. And there has been a growing interest from first to the last. We have decided to continue the camp-meeting another week. Some will go away, and others will come to take their places. The ministers and workers will remain, and after that a corps of workers will stay to follow up the good work. We hope to see a good, strong church raised up in this portion of Sydney.
O. A. OLSEN.
Oct. 22, 1905. The Week of Prayer at Walla Walla College
By M. E. CADY
The special period set apart and called the “week of prayer” is now in the past, but we earnestly hope and pray that the good results obtained and the blessings received will be made stepping-stones to a continuous life and growth in spiritual things, and that each succeeding week until the Lord comes shall be made more and more a week of earnest, prevailing prayer. In the first reading we are instructed that “the people of God should make mighty intercessions for help just now.” The church at College Place and the college united in the services which were held each evening in the week. These meetings were held in the college chapel, and were preceded by a half-hour season of prayer. These early seasons were quite well attended, and the meetings following were well attended by the brethren and sisters living here, and by the students of the college. These meetings were marked with the presence of the Spirit of God, and at the social meeting of the last Sabbath of the week of prayer many testified to a new experience in the things of God, and their determination to live on a higher plane. In addition to the meetings that were held in the evening, the chapel hour was spent each day in giving instruction to the students, and this was followed by a season of prayer, the students going to the different class rooms, and there with the teachers earnestly seeking God for his blessing. On two occasions the Lord came very near to the school during the chapel service. It was evident to teachers and students that a heavenly visitant was in their midst, and desired to instruct them in the ways of the Lord. The regular program of the school was laid aside, and there was earnest heart searching by the students and teachers as the Spirit of God worked upon their hearts. Many confessions were made, and the occasion was one to be long remembered on account of the fulness of the blessing received. The second meeting was better than the first. In these two meetings all present yielded themselves to God. Individuals who had scoffed at religion, and whose hearts had been steeled against the truth, yielded to the convicting influence of the Spirit of God, and sought earnestly a right relation to the Lord. There was no excitement in connection with these meetings. The work of surrendering and yielding was calmly and deliberately done. As we look over the work of the past week, we thank God for the blessings of the week of prayer that have been brought to our school, and earnestly hope and pray that the work done will be but a beginning of better experiences for both the teachers and the students of Walla Walla College. On the last Sabbath, after the reading was given on the “Finishing of the Work,” the offerings for the work in foreign lands were gathered up. These offerings amounted to $400.05. Following this, the congregation was divided into four divisions, with a leader over each. For a half-hour the time was fully occupied in each of these divisions in offering praise to God for the blessings received, and giving, in addition to their means, themselves for service in the closing work of the message. It was a good meeting. It was known that there were some in the congregation who had not been attending the meetings during the week, and who had not as yet received the blessing of God during the week of prayer. It was announced that at three o’clock in the afternoon a meeting would be held especially for those who had not as yet received the blessing of God, and were desirous of obtaining it before the week of prayer would close. About fifty assembled in the afternoon, and earnestly sought God in the meeting, some coming who had received a partial blessing, but who were longing for more. Many of these found a greater blessing in a more full surrender to God. Others who had been careless and indifferent, and who had fully made up their minds to remain in their present condition, were so impressed by the Spirit of God that they rose and asked for the prayers of God’s people that they might be able to surrender to the Lord. This last meeting, which ended with the close of the Sabbath, brought freedom and deliverance to many who were bound with the cords of sin. It was decided to continue these meetings, in order that others might still have an opportunity to seek the Lord and gain the desired blessing. Arrangements are being made that an hour each Sabbath afternoon may be spent in studying the instruction the Lord has given us in “Early Writings” and “Great Controversy” regarding the times in which we live, and the future developments that will take place in connection with the closing work of the third angel’s message. Time will also be given to the study of the prophecies and the foundation points of our faith, that we may become rooted and grounded in the truth, and be able to give an intelligent reason for our faith. We believe that these meetings will have an influence in watering the good seed that has been sown, and tend to a healthy growth in Christian character. The Work in Costa Rica
By H. LOUIE MIGNOTT
The last warning message that is to go to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” is sounding in this land, and preparing a people for translation. Many who sit in darkness have seen its light, for unto them it has shone. As a result, some have “cast off the works of darkness,” and are rejoicing in the light. Many thousand pages of our literature have been placed in hundreds of homes by faithful canvassers. They are left to do their silent work. We may not now fully realize the amount of good they are doing, but shall in the near future, in the time of “the18 latter rain,” when the earth shall “be made to bring forth in one day,” and “a nation be born at once.” Three years ago the writer came to this country, and was started in the canvassing work by the direction of the late Elder F. J. Hutchins, and has since remained in it. The pioneer canvassers in this field were Brethren Moulton (now in Porto Rico), Horton, and Brooks. In a hired room where the writer and another devoted brother lived, Bible readings were held every week; as a result some souls were brought to the saving knowledge of the truth, and were baptized by Elder I. G. Knight, during his first visit to this place. As time went by, others accepted the message, and were added to the band of believers. This company was finally organized into a church by Elder Knight. Our room had then become too small for the gathering. While contemplating the erection of a church building, providentially we learned of a house for sale, in a good location, and well adapted to our need. Although we had not the amount to pay for it, through the good hand of our Lord it was offered us on the instalment plan, and thus we were able to pay the sum of $227.27, its cost. This church is at Pacuarito, thirty-four miles from Puerto Limon. The building was finally dedicated, and is the first memorial in this land. By the energetic toils and quick movements of Elder Knight, the truth has been placed on a good footing. After a tent effort at Puerto Limon, the number of believers at that place was increased, a neat church building was erected and dedicated, and the company organized. Another tent effort was made at Cairo, thirty-nine miles from Limon; as a result another band of believers was brought out. There are isolated believers at other places, also some in the valley of decision. We labor and pray for their salvation. This is a land of great moral corruption. Murder and robbery are of almost daily occurrence. Drunkenness, licentiousness, and immoralities of every class and type are witnessed on all sides. This is a papal country. The churches of Rome are erected all over the land, teeming with their papal frauds and superstitions. By the power of this message, we hope to see many turn from the adoration of dumb idols to “give glory to God,” “and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” It is with great joy that God has made it my privilege to report to the REVIEW the result of the week of prayer just ended, enjoyed by the brethren and sisters of the Addington church. Each day was spent in a study of the readings, in prayer and thanksgiving to a loving Heavenly Father for blessings already enjoyed and the manifest presence of his Spirit. On Sabbath at the closing meeting our hearts were thrilled with sacred joy as we saw two of the Saviour's little ones, both members of the Instructor class, step forward and offer themselves to become members of the church, subject to baptism. Also a brother and his wife were united in full membership, both of whom had been previously baptized. The donations amounted to $23.14. Let us all work with true humility and pity for the perishing, that when the third angel's message has found every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, each of us can have the assurance that our work was wrought with God. Cook Islands
By A. H. Piper
RAROTONGA.—Our work in this field is gaining ground, but it goes slowly. The Cook Islanders are very slow in comprehending the message and the necessity of obeying it now. The most familiar word in their language is arikana, which means “by and by;” and to procrastinate is one of the great weaknesses of the Maori. It is seen in all that they undertake. All around us are half-finished houses, which have been in this condition for years. In some cases, trees have grown up within the four walls, so long have they been waiting to be finished. But from every “nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” are God’s people to be gathered; hence, the inspiration to work for these poor people. As opportunity presents itself, we are still working with our literature, and are using every means possible to spread it throughout the group. A few months ago I sold to a Mansahiki native two of our books, and a few days after, he came to me, and wanted me to let him have some literature to take to his own island. I made up a parcel for him, and he was much pleased to have it for his relatives and friends. I did not think that he would want to give me anything for it; it is unlike the native to give money when he is not asked; but this man gave me fifty cents and a beautiful wreath of shells, which quite covered the cost of what I gave him. I was very glad to get the opportunity of sending something in the way of literature to this island, for an opportunity presents itself only once or twice a year for reaching it, so infrequent is the shipping thereto. Sister Gooding’s health was such that she was obliged to leave us. We were very sorry to lose her, as she was a most faithful worker, and had a great burden for the souls of the people. Her successor is a young man. This young man may be able to take burdens that will free me and let me go to the other islands of the group, so long neglected, as far as our personal presence there is concerned. A compelling power seems to urge me onward in this work. Although literature has been distributed on several of the other islands, no personal work has been done, and this must be done without delay. This group is in such an out-of-the-way place that no map of it has been published. Rarotonga is the only island on which some have fully committed themselves to the Sabbath truth, although we have friends scattered on all the islands. I have no doubt that with a little personal work some of them would take their stand with us. One man sent his son to us to educate; he was converted and baptized, and is now in our training-school at Raiatea, in Brother Cady’s field, six hundred miles to the east of us. Two young people have recently been baptized, and are doing well. One, a young man, is anxious to be trained as a missionary for New Guinea. He is living with us, and studying hard. Thus the Lord is going before us, and preparing workers for that great island. Another instance of how the Lord prepares matters for the prosecution of his work lies in the fact that the deacon of our church here, an excellent man, knows three island dialects, one of them being that of Savage Island, the people of which so long refused to receive the gospel, and at last did so by permitting a native and his wife from Tonga to teach them. This man is desirous of giving his life to the work. I wish you could have heard him preach last Sabbath afternoon, on the tithe question. It seemed to me no white preacher could have put the matter more plainly before the people. His banana plantation is a verification of Mal. 3:10, and is the wonder of the community. We are of good courage in the Lord, and full of hope and good cheer for the future. Our health is very fair, although Mrs. Piper is not so well as I would like to see her. But we are thankful for the many blessings that are ours, and above all, for a part in this glorious work. A. H. PIPER. During the Week of Prayer
By J. H. KRAFT
“FEAR not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things. . . . Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.” This promise was realized by the five churches with whom the writer met during the week of prayer. At Sioux City, Iowa, the Lord came very near, and the message for this time was given with great power. Those who had become indifferent made a new start, and testified to God’s power to save. Assisted by Brother J. C. Clemens, I held six meetings at this place in two days. In all my former experience in the service of God, I never witnessed such a demonstration of God’s Holy Spirit as at this time. It was indeed a foretaste of what the Lord will do for his people when they make a complete surrender to him. The donations of this church were double those of last year. This is also an evidence that God’s Spirit is working upon the hearts of his people. Praise be to his name. This week of prayer has marked one of the most important eras in my life. Brethren, let us press on and carry the battle to the very gates of the enemy.
J. H. KRAFT. [We take the following article from the Boulder (Colo.) Herald of Dec. 8, 1905.—Ed.] “YESTERDAY articles of incorporation were filed for the formation of a new corporation known as The Colorado Medical Missionary Association, for the purpose of taking over and operating the Colorado Sanitarium of this place. This step has been contemplated for the last two years, and was consummated yesterday, to the satisfaction of all concerned. The membership, or constituency, of the new corporation consists of the following:— “1. The executive committee of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “2. The executive committee of the Central Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “3. The executive committee of the Colorado Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “4. The board of directors of the Colorado Medical Missionary Association. “The board of directors for the new association was chosen for four years. It consists of the following-named persons: Dr. Howard Rand and Francis M. Wilcox, of Boulder; George F. Watson, of Palisades, Colo.; Edward T. Russell, of Lincoln, Neb.; Dr. Ida S. Herr, of Boulder; James G. Weller, of Denver; Dr. Kate Lindsay and Charles L. Burlingame, of Boulder; and Watson Zeigler, of Fort Collins, Colo. “This change brings behind the institution a stronger constituency than ever before in its history, and it is believed by the local management that this will make greatly for the future benefit of the institution.” A CORRESPONDENT of the Harrogate (England) Times recently visited the sanitarium at Caterham, of which Dr. Alfred B. Olsen is the medical superintendent, and then wrote quite a long letter giving a full account of his experience. This letter is interesting as showing how an Englishman is impressed with the general regime at one of our health institutions. We quote the following paragraphs:— “It may be safely said that the majority of illnesses are due to errors in diet. Here, the resident physician takes your case in hand, and it is dealt with as though it were the only case he had in the world. You are put on a special diet, you undergo special tonic treatments—baths and so forth—and you dine at the same time and at the same table as the doctor. . . . Animal flesh, in the shape of butchers' meat, never enters the place, and tea is not kept on the premises! And yet people who enter the establishment as physical wrecks, leave it, after due treatment, like unto giants refreshed. The diet, here, is reduced to a science; it is a matter of education, and it is an education you acquire, and that without your being aware of the fact. “And then, the spirit of good fellowship that pervades the whole establishment! You may feel a little shy and nervous when you sit down for your first meal, but you are not allowed to remain long in this uncomfortable condition. The superintendent sits at one end of the table, his good wife at the other end; introductions take place, and before you are really aware of it, you are drawn into some argument raised from the morning paper. The serving maids, too—bless their bright, happy faces! They know you are strange, and they, therefore, pay particular attention to you. They point out this and that article of food; the superintendent recommends this, his wife that, your neighbor something else, and you rise from the table thoroughly satisfied with yourself, and feeling one of the large family. . . . “Dinner is laid for 1:45. ‘Dinner.’ I hear some one snort in disgust. ‘What kind of a dinner can it be without meat or Yorkshire pudding, with good rich gravy?’ I repeat, dinner is laid at 1:45, and a splendid, satisfying repast it is. Moreover, it is tasty; indeed it is a revelation as to what may be done without meat and rich meat gravies. On this question of diet there is always this to be borne in mind: Every ounce of food that is consumed has an effect for good upon the system. This is the grand secret of this method of feeding. There is no crowding the stomach with unsuitable food; taxing that organ to its utmost capacity, and yet doing the body harm instead of good. “The evening meal is timed for 6:30, and three hours later the retiring gong is sounded, and, early as this hour may appear, you are ready for your couch. Take the word of one who has tried it—one who has been in the habit of retiring on the stroke of midnight, who had been accustomed to taking tea four times a day—I tell you it is an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.” BUFFALO GAP.— Two precious souls took their stand for the truth during the week of prayer. On the last Sabbath at the consecration service all in the house (some were not of our faith) bowed in token that they desired to give themselves wholly to the Lord, and to help give the third angel’s message to the world. The collection that followed amounted to a little more than one dollar for every Sabbath-keeper present. Some of the younger members of the church gave all the money they had. One young sister gave her wedding ring, and with tearful eyes said that the ring had been in her way as an ornament, that she had no money, but would give this ring, and would love the giver none the less.
N. J. ETHERIDGE. ELDER H. CLAY GRIFFIN reports several new converts at Sunset, Ark. ELDER C. N. MARTIN reports the recent baptism of three persons at Yuba City, Cal. A SABBATH-SCHOOL convention is announced to be held at Healdsburg, Cal., January 6, 7. SIX persons were recently baptized at Walla Walla, Wash., four of whom were academy students. SEVEN persons were recently added by baptism to the membership of the church at Eschol, Miss. A YOUNG People's Society of twenty-one members has been organized in the church at Wright, Mich. THE Spokane, Wash., church has gained fifty-five in its membership between June 1, 1904, and Dec. 1, 1905. THE company at Vallejo, Cal., have purchased a lot, and have a fund started toward the erection of a church building. A CHURCH of eleven members was organized at Florence, Mo., December 9. Two persons received baptism the following day. A CHURCH of fourteen members was recently organized at Marlow, Ala. Several other Sabbath-keepers are there who are expected to join this company. A CHURCH of nineteen members was organized near Hattiesburg, Miss., November 19. Other Sabbath-keepers are there who may unite with this company later. A RECENT report from Prattville, Mich., stated that most excellent meetings were then in progress. Six more have just taken their stand for the truth at that place. A REPORT from southern California states that as a result of Elder Wm. Simpson's meetings in San Diego, Cal., which were closed December 10, fully fifty believers have been added to the conference membership there. THE East Michigan Banner says of the week of prayer at Holly: “The blessing of God came during the week of prayer. No special demonstration marked any of the meetings, but a quiet conviction settled upon all of the nearness of the end. New consecrations were made, and we know eternity will show that this week has been a distinct gain.” ELDER W. L. MCNEELY, president of the Alabama Conference, reports from Birmingham: “I have all the work I can do in Birmingham. The principal of one of the leading schools here came and asked me to give Bible studies there once each week. This I am doing each Thursday night. I have been asked to come two nights instead of one, and shall do so.” Week of Prayer at the Paradise Valley (Cal.) Sanitarium
By C. H. Castle
This occasion at this institution was a very interesting one, and we believe it was also profitable. A committee of four was appointed to plan for the meetings. A plan was suggested differing somewhat from the usual course, which seemed to meet the approval of all. As the helpers are very busy during the day, our services were held in the evening, from seven to eight. The meetings were begun and closed promptly at the appointed time, which feature was much appreciated by all. Not one service was allowed to drag. Different leaders were appointed to conduct the services as their minds were directed, and each was to choose an associate, so that every reading was divided, being read by two individuals, thus bringing varied talent into the service. Usually one or two stanzas of a hymn were sung at the change of readers. On one evening, in addition to the reading, a prayer service would be the order of meeting; at another time a testimony meeting, thus avoiding a sameness. In order to allow all or a large proportion of those in attendance to participate in the service, only sentence prayers were offered. Whether praying or speaking, no time was allowed to be wasted. The attendance was about thirty-five, varying but little from this number. Nearly every person took some part in the service. Singing was a prominent feature of the program. On Sabbath, owing to regular meetings held at National City, our attendance was reduced nearly half. Notwithstanding this fact, we had an excellent meeting, and at the conclusion of the reading we engaged in a very interesting social service; following this the annual offering was taken up, which amounted to over one hundred and fifteen dollars. Only once during the week had this matter been referred to, and then but briefly mentioned. Altogether, the week of prayer was a spiritual feast. One blessed result of the meetings was that one lady, a patient for ten months, gave herself to the Lord, making a complete surrender. This brought great rejoicing to all. This week marks a bright spot in the experience of many here. All felt to consecrate themselves anew to this grand and glorious work, that the coming of our blessed Saviour may be hastened. A Voice From Ohio
By K. C. RUSSELL
ELDER C. A. PEDICORD, the Ohio Conference religious liberty secretary, writes a stirring appeal in the Welcome Visitor of December 13, in behalf of the religious liberty work, from which we take the following:— “We must educate the masses regarding true freedom and the possibility of true believers in Christ Jesus losing their liberty by heeding the teachings of the National Reformers. “W. B. Wheeler, superintendent of the Ohio Anti-Saloon League, voiced the sentiment of a majority of religious voters when he said, as noted in the Springfield Sun of Nov. 27, 1905: ‘A new type of Christian citizenship is forging to the front, which will see that all candidates for public office stand right on moral questions.’ “Last Sunday morning, the Rev. Mr. Shepherd of Pilgrim Chapel, Cincinnati, preached in favor of Sunday laws. After quoting the fourth commandment and denouncing all who broke it by working or going to places of amusements on Sunday, he said: ‘I trust that Mr. Pattison, our governor elect, will come up to the demands of the law and the honor of God in the early days of the new year, that we may see our State honoring the laws by having them enforced, and that God’s name will be glorified in the stand that his people will take on the Sabbath-day-amusement question.’ “In view of the earnestness of the opponents of religious and civil freedom, it behooves the Lord’s people to more perfectly organize themselves for active work. “The Religious Liberty Department of the General Conference recommends the following (which is also indorsed by the president of the Ohio Conference): ‘That at the regular election of church officers, a religious liberty secretary be chosen whose duties shall be to keep posted on movements for and against freedom of conscience in his territory, to keep in correspondence with the State religious liberty secretary, and with him plan for aggressive work.’ “It is also recommended that a religious liberty convention be held in each church during the coming year, time to be determined by correspondence with the State secretary of this department. “Now, if each church will attend to this matter, it will be a double aid. Our people will all become educated on this subject, and many honest people will read or hear of the message.” Intolerance in Canada
By A. O. BURRILL
The Lord's Day Alliance of Canada is now making a vigorous effort to induce parliament to enact religious legislation. The Alliance is bent upon securing a Canadian Sunday law for the whole Dominion. The following plan for operation is given in the December Lord's Day Advocate, published at Toronto, Ontario. It states that the meeting of the executive board on November 9, is reported as follows: “The principal business was to determine what course should be followed in the light of the decisions of the supreme court and the privy council. The Board was unanimous and unhesitating in its decision immediately to renew its application to the government and parliament of Canada for the enactment of the Draft act submitted seasons ago. . . . It was decided (1) to send at once a written communication to the premier and the minister of justice, who have already practically committed themselves in favor of this measure [religious legislation]; (2) to personally interview these honorable gentlemen before the end of the year; (3) to have a large representative delegation wait on the full cabinet about the time of the opening of parliament; (4) to circulate petitions throughout the Dominion for signatures to be presented to the senate and commons by members of each; (5) to arrange as far as possible for interviews with each member of parliament by his constituents before he goes to Ottawa. . . . It was decided to secure, if possible, the services, as counsel, to watch legislation at Ottawa, of some capable barrister, perhaps a member of the House.” This effort is well organized, and will be likely to succeed at the next session of commons and parliament unless the lovers of civil and religious liberty in the whole Dominion shall arise and meet the issue (1) by personal interviews with the lawmakers; (2) by representative delegation to wait upon the full cabinet, about the time of the opening of parliament; (3) by circulating petitions from one end of the Dominion to the other for signatures to be presented to the senate and commons against such class legislation. These are perilous times for our civil and religious liberties. The next Canadian Messenger will be an extra, double its usual size. A copy of it will be mailed to each subscriber of the REVIEW AND HERALD in the Dominion, and a blank petition for signatures, with samples of the religious liberty tracts which have been prepared for such a time as this. These tracts are on sale at the Canadian Publishing House, Box 178, Toronto Junction, Ontario. Every one who loves liberty and righteousness can do a noble work by returning to Elder W. H. Thurston, 555 McLeod St., Ottawa, Ontario, these blank petitions well filled with names of those who want this iniquitous thing held in check. This affords a grand opportunity to go to your neighbors with reading-matter upon the issues of the times. To do nothing now means imprisonment tomorrow. Let us work and pray that the winds of persecution may be stayed for a season. A. O. BURRILL. The success of our work depends very much upon the spirit of unity which characterizes the workers. It is ever necessary that we should stand ready to advance, and successful advancement will depend upon seeing eye to eye. Many features of our school work are in a state of development. There should be the freest interchange of thought among the workers. Those who have succeeded in developing valuable ideas should be free to express them. We should not be afraid of criticism, and no one should criticize unkindly. The plans and methods of the progressive teacher may seem to her to be very simple; but if they were known, they might answer questions which some other teacher has been struggling with and is unable to solve; they might inspire the teacher who is not thinking most earnestly concerning her work. There is much for our teachers in all departments of our school work to learn, but particularly in our primary school work is there opportunity for advancement in better plans and methods. We have often spoken of the necessity of questions being asked by those who desire some solution of certain difficulties, and have suggested answers being given by those who had a solution to offer. We have also suggested that our teachers tell in a few words about any plans or methods which they are using that might be of help to any one else. As an illustration of what is meant by this, see school notes on “Busy Work” in this number of the Review. This is made up of three short selected articles. They offer suggestions in themselves valuable, but they offer the more valuable suggestions to our teachers of telling any21 thing which may be a help. If teachers in public schools have such a spirit of co-operation as to lead them to tell to others any little device or method which they find of help, why should not our teachers be much more ready to help one another? We hope that our teachers will be freer in writing short articles of one or two hundred words concerning some point in their school work which may be helpful to others. In this way as well as in many others we may be workers together. F. G. Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Elder H. F. Ketring in the Kansas Worker, under date of December 13, concludes his report of a National Reform Convention which convened in Wichita, Kan., November 27 and 28, with the following important appeal:— “Let no one suppose for a single moment that because they say little or nothing about Seventh-day Adventists, the National Reform Association has given up the fight against God’s law as he wrote it, and against those who are willing to walk in harmony with its teachings. They have the same purpose; but as Lucifer masked his real purpose when plotting against the government of God, so they have concealed their purpose in plotting against his people. “They are preparing the way for the final blow, by educating the people up to their ideas; but what are we doing to educate the people of our cities and neighborhoods in the true principles of the religion of Jesus Christ, which invites all and compels none? Shall we not improve the remainder of the winter in distributing religious liberty literature?” Sunday Blue-Law Prosecution in Connecticut
A MR. LAFAYETTE F. MAINE, of Ledyard, Conn., a farmer, was fined eleven dollars and costs recently under an old blue law, on complaint of a cousin, for drawing some corn fodder with his oxen on Sunday. The cousin stayed from church, and saw the “unlawful” deed committed; hence the prosecution. Neighbors for miles around came to attend the trial. Mr. Maine appealed the case. Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference.
FREDERICK GRIGGS, Chairman,
C. C. LEWIS, Secretary.