p. 22 | Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 7. (2/15/1912)

Earlier text: The Southeastern Union Conference

Christian Liberty

By K. C. Russell; S. B. Horton

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 — Corresponding Secretary

News and Miscellany

Notes and clippings from the daily and weekly press

— King George and Queen Mary returned to England Feb. 4, 1912, from their coronation trip to India.

— Great Britain and Russia will shortly advance to Persia another $2,000,000 in order to relieve the immediate necessities of the Persian government.

— The bombardment of Hodeida, on the Red Sea, was begun Feb. 5, 1912, by the Italian fleet. According to news from Constantinople, a part of the Turkish port has been destroyed.

— A determined movement toward furnishing supplies to the poor in New York City at cost has been set on foot by Rev. Madison C. Peters and the Woman’s League. A market is being started in the congested district, at which the poor may buy coal and provision at cost.

— The fine herds of elk, moose, and deer in Yellowstone Park are said to be starving to death. The sheep and cattle of ranchmen eat the grass so close that when the big game come down from the mountains for the winter, there is nothing for them to live on. The government is taking steps to have feed provided for them, hoping thus to save them from utter extermination.

— Violent earthquake shocks were felt along the coast and far into the interior of Alaska on the morning of Jan. 31, 1912.

— President Taft recently signed a proclamation inviting the nations of the world to participate in the Panama Pacific Exposition, to be held in San Francisco in 1915.

— Norway, Germany, Australia, England, Japan, and America have all organized arctic exploring expeditions which are at present attempting to reach the south pole.

— Fourteen persons lost their lives when a submarine of the British navy collided with a gunboat, and sank at the entrance to Spithead harbor, England, on Feb. 4, 1912.

— Officers of the British navy have received word that German experts have brought well toward completion a new internal combustion engine which, if it fulfils the expectations of its designers, will give the German navy great advantages in its race for supremacy.

— The situation in Mexico is critical. On Jan. 31, 1912, the garrison of Juarez rose in revolt, and the uprising against the government has become quite general throughout the country. President Taft has ordered that the entire mobile army of the United States, representing an armed force of 34,000, hold itself in readiness for service on the Mexican border.

— Affairs in Portugal have reached a point where the newly formed republican government finds itself in a crisis, from which it may not be possible to escape. Industrial strikes, particularly in the Lisbon district, have made military intervention necessary to preserve order, and the occasion is seized by the reactionaries to restore the monarchy. Don Miguel of Braganza and King Manuel are said to have come to an agreement, and both are working for the restoration of the young king to his throne. Activity in the Spanish fleet and what appear to be well-founded rumors in Madrid, indicate that Spain is preparing to intervene at the proper moment, and in that case Manuel would most likely be returned to power.

— Mr. Ernest A. Eggers, letter-carrier and reformer, reports that ninety per cent of the post-offices in the United States are now closed to callers for mail on Sunday. Mr. Eggers is the pioneer of this reform. The first office to be closed was that at Colorado Springs, Colo., where the ministerial association, acting in cooperation with the Lord’s Day Alliance of the United States, conducted the successful campaign. The second city to follow the example set at Colorado Springs was Detroit, where 25,000 persons signed cards requesting the closing of the post-office on Sunday. Evanston, Ill., and Toledo, Ohio, followed, and the movement grew to such an extent that the First Assistant Postmaster-General referred favorably to the vigorous movement for Sunday-closing in his annual report. Congressman Mann has introduced a bill into Congress, known technically as House Bill No. 9433, which provides for discontinuance of Sunday deliveries at all post-offices in the United States.

“Dechristianizing Our Country”

By S. B. H.

IN the February Christian Statesman appears an editorial on the subject of the Jews in the United States, in which is said, among other things:—

“The position of prominence and influence acquired by the Jews in the United States within the past few years has become a subject of frequent comment by many thoughtful people. In some quarters it has occasioned no little uneasiness and even alarm. Grave fears are entertained lest they succeed in dechristianizing our country. It has even been said that they entertain the purpose of dechristianizing the Christian church itself.”

The article goes on to say that in the year 1818 “the Jews in this country numbered 3,000; in 1824, 6,000; in 1840, 15,000; in 1848, 50,000; in 1880, 230,000; in 1888, 400,000; in 1897, 973,000; in 1905, 1,508,435; in 1907, 1,777,185; in 1910, 2,044,762.”

We do not believe that the fears of the Christian Statesman are well grounded. Granting that there was a possibility of this country’s being dechristianized, whatever that may mean, it is absolutely impossible for the Jews or any other race of people to dechristianize the Christian church.

It is true that the Jewish people have had experiences, particularly in Europe, with the “Christian church” as it exists in Spain and Russia, which would warrant their protest against the Constantinian brand of Christianity. And it is just possible that the Jews, seeing the possibilities which will certainly be the outcome of the success of the National Reform movement in this country, would attempt to exercise an influence upon the body politic to prevent a recurrence of experiences through which they have passed in so-called Christian nations of Europe.

The National Reform Association is, in our judgment, more of a menace to this land of liberty and freedom than are the Jews; for the Jewish people are not asking for Constitutional amendments and legislation which will inure to the benefit of the Jewish religion; whereas, the National Reform organization has been incessant in its demands for that character of legislation which would result in the persecution of every individual not in harmony with the views of that association. We will give a concrete case or two suggested by the literature that association circulates:—

“Those who oppose this work now will discover, when the religious amendment is made to the Constitution, that if they do not see fit to fall in with the majority, they must abide the consequences, or seek some more congenial clime.”—Dr. David McAllister, in National Reform convention at Lakeside, Ohio, August, 1887.

“Let those who will, remember the Sabbath to keep it holy, from motives of love and obedience; the remnant must be made to do so through fear of law. We have no option.”—Christian Nation, Sept. 28, 1887.

“To be perfectly plain, I believe that the existence of a Christian constitution would disfranchise every logically consistent infidel.”—Rev. W. J. Coleman, in Christian Statesman, Nov. 1, 1883.

It may not be amiss to ask the Christian Statesman why it does not express alarm at the strides being made for supremacy in this country by the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Why does not the Christian Statesman discuss the impropriety of the resolution adopted by the Federation of Catholic Societies in 1910 and 1911 looking to the amending of the postal laws so as to prohibit from the mails any literature that may “contain scurrilous and slanderous attacks upon our faith”?

In the light of National Reform utterances, backed up by carefully planned movements, it must appear evident that one of the greatest menaces to civil and religious liberty in this country is the association of which the Christian Statesman is the official organ.

S. B. H.

Business Notices

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

Conditions

Any person unknown to the managers of this paper must send with his advertisement satisfactory written recommendation. The fact that one is a subscriber does not necessarily make him “known” to the managers, nor constitute sufficient recommendation. Such recommendation should come from one of our ministers, or from the elder of a Seventh-day Adventist church. It is not enough to refer to some individual by name. Secure his recommendation in writing, and send it.

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

A charge of two dollars will be made for each insertion of forty words or less. Each additional word, initial, or group of figures in excess of forty, will cost three cents.

No discount for several insertions.

FOR SALE OR RENT.—Well-equipped treatment-rooms doing a business of $50 a week. An excellent opportunity for man and his wife who are energetic. For particulars address W. E. Lohman, 946 N. Main St., Princeton, Ill.

COOKING OIL direct from refinery; pure, healthful, delicious. Barrel (50 gallons), at 58 cents; 30 gallons, at 59 cents; 5-gallon can, $3.25; 10 gallons, $6.25; 8 1-gallon cans, $5.90. Cash with order. Lookout Cooking Oil Co., Chattanooga, Tenn.

SANITARIUM Cooking Oil. Noted for quality. Free from animal fat. Eight 1-gallon cans, $6.60; 5-gallon can, $3.90; two 5-gallon cans, $7.60; 30-gallon barrel, 66 cents a gallon. Cash with order. Sanitarium Cooking Oil Co., Louisville, Ky.

COOKING OIL.—Finest quality. Guaranteed. Extensively used by best cooks. Nutritious, delicious, odorless, keeps sweet indefinitely. 5 gallons, $2.25; 8 1-gallon cans, $5.80; 10 gallons, $6.25; 30-gallon barrel, $17.60; 6 5-gallon cans, $18.60. Purity Cooking Oil Co., Chattanooga, Tenn.

TWO FARMS FOR SALE.—One thirty, one forty acres. Buildings on each; wood; pure, soft water; mild climate, choice fruit, well-distributed rainfall; near railroad, good markets. Will sell separately or together. Called to Cuba, reason for selling. Geo. M. Brown, R. F. D. 1, Greensboro, N. C.

DELICIOUS PEANUT-OIL BUTTER, 10 and 25 lbs., 11 cents lb.; 50 lbs., 10 cents lb. Pure Olive-Oil, $2.70 gal.; $2.50 gal. ordered with Peanut Butter. Peanut Oil, 55 cents qt.; $2 gal. Pure Vegetable Cooking Oil, $1.10 gal. White House Cereal Coffee, 10 cents lb.; 25 lbs., $2.25. B. Coleman, South Capitol and N Sts., Washington, D. C.

BIBLE MOTTOES, 12 x 16, express prepaid. New Father and Mother lead. Special: 20, $1; 50, $2; 100, $3.75; 200, $7; 300 and 100 Post-cards, $10. We also sell one of the highest grade Cooking Oils made. 5 gallons, $4; 10 or 20 gallons, 70 cents a gallon; 50 gallons, 60 cents a gallon. Guaranteed. We do not deal in cheap oil. Hampton Art Company, Nevada, Iowa.

The Watchman, the Present Truth Evangelizer

By Editor

THE February Watchman was well received, and we had no difficulty in disposing of the entire edition. The prospects are bright for the March issue, as one glance at the facsimile of cover page appearing herewith will indicate. In this present world of strife and different movements having for their object the establishment of peace and equity among mankind, surely Christ is the much-neglected “world’s hope.”

The grand conception appearing on the cover page in the majestic figure of our Saviour rising superior to all these would-be reforms is the best we have had yet. Will you not permit Him to speak peace to the soul of your neighbor, by ordering a supply for distribution?

The following is but a brief mention of some of the leading features:—

“World Hopes, the False and the True,” editorial.

“The Church With a Definite Message.” In this the editor will show how Seventh-day Adventists are sounding a true note in this world of discord.

“July, the Twenty-Fourth, the Awakening of Turkey,” is the latest contribution of our well-known writer, Prof. Percy T. Magan. Surely the events in the East warrant a close study of this interesting article.

J. S. Washburn will show in a striking manner how the popular clergymen are seeking to revise the decalogue. Surely this is by the reason in the sight of high heaven, but the Word has said that in the last days men will do this and other things without reference to the power of God. This is one of the striking signs of the times.

R. A. Underwood will show “the power of godliness,” how God’s Spirit when earnestly sought will influence the human heart.

A question always of great interest will be thoroughly considered in “Our Earth in the Future,” by Wm. Covert. This article will show from the Bible what the future has in store for our earth.

The Watchman is steadily gaining ground, and our motto for 1912 reads: “Average monthly circulation of the Watchman for 1912, 50,000 copies.” Surely this is a minimum figure for a magazine of this high standard. Will you not help us to attain it, by ordering through your tract society to-day?

Rates in quantities: Five to forty copies, five cents each; fifty or more, four cents each. Yearly subscription price, one dollar.

St. Helena Training School for Missionary Nurses

By GEO. THOMASON, M. D.; MYRTLE B. HUDSON, M. D.

On April 2, 1912, we would gladly welcome thirty-five consecrated young men and women to our spring class.

A call for a class of this size has never before been made, but it is now possible because of the expansion of the sanitarium and hospital work, and the opening up of additional facilities in San Francisco,—the laying of the foundation for a more extensive work in anticipation of the great opportunities offered by the world's fair of 1915.

The sanitarium board has decided to open treatment-rooms in the best part of the city of San Francisco in addition to the Laguna Street Dispensary. This added work will necessitate more workers; but the cities must be warned.

Believing that “medical missionary work is the door through which the truth is to find entrance to the large cities,” and realizing the need of medical missionary workers in foreign fields as well as in the home field, we urge our young people to come now and enter this branch of the cause.

With a large four-story hospital connected with the sanitarium, those in the training-school have the advantage of a thorough preparation in surgical work. A laboratory course in gastric and urine analyses is also now part of the required work.

It is necessary that students shall have completed at least the eighth grade of preliminary school work.

The training-school calendar and an application blank will be forwarded upon request.

Read the testimony given June 1, 1909, in Volume IX, page 167.

GEO. THOMASON, M. D., Med. Supt.; MYRTLE B. HUDSON, M. D., Sec.

Notice

By H. W. COTTRELL; J. B. GIDDINGS

THE fifteenth annual meeting of the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association for the purpose of electing four or more members of the board of directors, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting, will be held at Sanitarium, Napa Co., Cal., on Wednesday, March 13, 1912, at 2 o'clock M.

H. W. COTTRELL, President; J. B. GIDDINGS, Secretary.

The Canvassers' Institute for Eastern Pennsylvania

By J. H. McEACHERN

KNOWING that the REVIEW is read by a majority of the Sabbath-keepers of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, I take this opportunity of calling attention to the canvassers' institute to be held in Reading, Pa., Feb. 20-29, 1912. The brethren and sisters of this church offer free lodgings and breakfast to all attending this institute who will consecrate themselves to the sale of our books and magazines during the coming spring and summer. Arrangements have been made whereby meals (dinner and supper) can be secured at a nominal price. To those who do faithful work, the conference offers liberal inducements on the matter of railroad fare to and from the institute.

This institute will be an important occasion, and will mark an advance step in the canvassing work in this conference. Good help will be provided. In addition to the practical training that will be given by the general agent of the union on the art of successful salesmanship, we are praying and planning that the devotional spirit of the institute may result in a real “upper-room” experience to those who are going out into the highways and byways to search for souls hungering for the bread of life.

The rapid fulfilment of prophecy indicates that the coming of Jesus is very near; but preceding this event must come the loud cry of the third angel. “And in a large degree through our publishing houses is to be accomplished the work of that other angel who comes down from heaven with great power, and who lightens the earth with his glory.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, page 140.

Let consecrated men and women attend this institute, and receive a course of training which will qualify them to become efficient laborers for God. We need your help in Eastern Pennsylvania, where thousands are waiting to welcome the intelligent, God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser.

“Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” Correspond at once with the undersigned. We entreat the prayers of all for the work in this field.

J. H. McEACHERN,

Field Missionary Agent.

4910 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Publications Wanted

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

Literature pertaining to the Sabbath truth is desired for distribution by Mrs. Josie E. Cole, 2402 South Second St., Shelbyville, Ill.

Copies of Our Little Friend, Youth’s Instructor, Signs of the Times, Watchman, and tracts for use in reading-racks are requested by J. S. Moore, Gentry, Ark.

Gertrude Schwarz, Decatur, Ark., desires late clean copies of the Youth’s Instructor, Signs of the Times, Watchman, Life Boat, and Bible Training School for missionary work.

Mrs. A. L. Gallion, of Arapaho, Okla., desires copies of the Signs of the Times, Youth’s Instructor, Watchman, Liberty, Protestant Magazine, and REVIEW AND HERALD.

Liberty, the Protestant Magazine, the Signs of the Times, Watchman, Life and Health, the Youth’s Instructor, and Our Little Friend, also tracts, either in German or English, will be appreciated by Jacob Klooster, Holland, Mich., R. F. D. 10.

A continual supply of the Signs of the Times, REVIEW AND HERALD, Youth’s Instructor, Our Little Friend, Life and Health, Watchman, and also French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Greek literature is desired by J. Gregory, Paradise Valley Sanitarium, National City, Cal.

Addresses Wanted

The Boulder, Colo., church would like to know the whereabouts of the following persons: Caroline Bixby, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Britton, Maud Butcher, Helen Carlton, and Laurence Kerr. Any information should be addressed to the church clerk, Mrs. F. W. Alcorn, 805 Maxwell Ave., Boulder, Colo.

NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS

Obituaries

KIMAMAN.— Melissa Kimaman was born Jan. 30, 1848, and died Jan. 8, 1912, aged 63 years, 11 months, and 8 days. She accepted the third angel’s message about three years ago, and united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church at Elma, Wash. She is survived by her husband and seven children. Funeral services were conducted by the writer. O. L. DENSLOW.

BLAKE.— Died at Stroud, Okla., at the age of 75 years, 7 months, and 5 days, Mrs. Leonora Thompson Blake. She was born in New York, and at an early age moved with her parents to Michigan. She was married to Bowers Blake and they made their home in Iowa, later moving to Oklahoma, where Brother Blake died seven years ago. When but a child Sister Blake accepted present truth and remained faithful till her death. Three sons and one daughter survive her. The funeral service, conducted by the writer, was largely attended. R. W. HANSON.

WAGAR.— Mrs. Sarah Luchinbill Wagar was born in Venice, Shiawassee Co., Mich., April 18, 1864. While in apparently perfect health she was called to rest Dec. 16, 1911. When eighteen years of age she gave her heart to the Saviour and accepted present truth. Seven years ago her companion was taken from her by death. She leaves one son, two daughters, two sisters, and three brothers to mourn their loss. A large number of friends and relatives attended the funeral service which was conducted by the writer. D. P. WOOD.

PERRINE.— Mary C. Perrine was born in Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., July 22, 1815. She married John G. Perrine in 1833. They came to Michigan the following year, and purchased from the government eighty acres of land near the town of Spring Arbor. Her cheerful disposition has added much to the happiness of others. For many years she was a believer in present truth. Sister Perrine fell asleep Jan. 5, 1912, aged 96 years, 5 months, and 14 days. Five children and one sister are left to mourn. Funeral services were conducted by the writer from Job 14:14. D. P. WOOD.

DUDLEY.— Wylie Jerome Dudley, son of Brother and Sister Frank Dudley, of Hartford City, Ind., was born April 15, 1910, and died Dec. 31, 1911. Words of comfort were spoken to a large congregation, from 2 Sam. 14:14. U. S. ANDERSON.

CHAMBERS.— Ludie Chambers died at her home in Danville, Va., Jan. 8, 1912, aged 60 years. She united with the Danville Seventh-day Adventist Church about twelve years ago, and remained a faithful member until her death. She leaves eight children to mourn their loss. Funeral services were conducted by the writer, and Sister Chambers was laid to rest until the Life-giver comes. FRANKLIN G. WARNICK.

AYARS.— Died at his home in Grand Rapids, Mich., Jan. 12, 1912, Brother George M. Ayars, in the fifty-eighth year of his life. He had lived in Grand Rapids since he was seventeen years of age, and for years was a member in good standing of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of that city. He leaves a wife, two sons, two daughters, several brothers and sisters, and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss. The funeral was conducted by Elder C. A. Hansen, assisted by the writer. WM. OSTRANDER.

SMITH.— Sister Anna Smith died at Saginaw, Mich., Jan. 20, 1912, being over seventy years of age. For many years she was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at that place. About four years ago her health began to fail, and since that time she has been a great sufferer. We laid her away to rest, with full assurance that she will come forth when Jesus calls his sleeping saints to awake. She is survived by her husband and many friends. The funeral service was conducted by the writer. WM. OSTRANDER.

YOUNG.— Lodemia Burdick was born in Hanover Township, Jackson Co., Mich., May 5, 1841. On July 2, 1869, she was married to Henry Young. To them were born four children, two sons and two daughters. Early in life she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour, and later embraced present truth. She was a consistent member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church until her death, Jan. 23, 1912. Her husband and three children are left to mourn. The funeral service was conducted by the writer, from Job 14:14. D. P. WOOD.

WESTON.— Sarah J. Weston was born at Waterville, Vt., Nov. 3, 1859, and died at her home in Algona, Iowa, Jan. 15, 1912, aged 72 years, 2 months, and 12 days. While yet in her teens she was married to A. J. Weston. To this union two sons were born, one of whom is still living. Several years ago her husband, while on a business trip to Florida, died of fever. Since that time she has lived alone. Sister Weston was a true Christian and she died with the bright hope of eternal life. The funeral service was held on January 18, in the little church where she had loved to worship. REV. F. C. TAYLOR, Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

TAYLOR.— Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor was born in Williamstown, Mass., in 1832. Early in life she gave her heart to God and united with the Methodist Church. In 1857 she was married to Rev. T. B. Taylor, and joined earnestly with him in his religious work. A crucial test came to her in 1877 when her husband espoused Spiritualism, and tried to persuade her to join him. Her words, “I shall never deny my God, my Saviour, and my Bible,” have been a strength to her children. Our beloved mother retired as usual on Monday night, January 8, and in the morning she was found lifeless upon her knees by her bedside, having passed away while communing with the God she loved. For the last three years she made her home with her eldest daughter, Mrs. W. H. McKee, at the Michigan Home and Training School for Girls. Three daughters and one son survive. Her joy in the third angel’s message is a comfort to those who miss the godly influence of her life. Funeral services were conducted by Elder C. A. Hansen. W. H. McKEE.

McMINDES.— Died at Correll, Minn., Jan. 17, 1912, Jennie L. Mc Mindes, aged 42 years, 8 months, and 21 days. She was a great sufferer, being for ten years blind and confined to her bed; but she bore all her afflictions with fortitude and resignation, longing for the day of sweet release. The writer spoke words of comfort from Rev. 14:13. W. A. ALWAY.

FISKE.— Died at her home in Danvers, Mass., on Jan. 10, 1912, Sister Abbie O’Fiske. She accepted present truth in 1878, and was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from that time until her death. She was ill only a short time. The funeral service was attended by a large number of relatives and friends. Her husband, two stepdaughters, and two brothers are left to mourn. F. C. GILBERT.

SIMONS.— Sister Catharine Simons died Jan. 4, 1912, at the home of her daughter in Saginaw, Mich. She had been an Adventist about five years, and was a faithful member of the St. Charles church at the time of her death. Seven children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive her. Her remains were taken to Garfield where the funeral service was conducted by the writer. WM. OSTRANDER.

WILLIAMS.— Sister Mary A. Williams died at Long Beach, Cal., Dec. 23, 1911, in her ninetieth year. She was born in Virginia, July 14, 1822. For forty years she was a slave and was sold three times, twice at public auction. She accepted present truth through reading the Signs of the Times. She was privileged to attend a few of the meetings of the last week of prayer, and her testimonies were always an inspiration to those who heard them. We laid her to rest in the hope of meeting her in the resurrection morning. C. E. FORD.

SELTZER.— Nathaniel Seltzer was born Aug. 25, 1834, in Fremont, Ohio, and died at Wichita, Kans., Jan. 16, 1912. In 1855 he was married to Katherine Edwards. To this union six children were born, four girls and two boys. In 1871 he came with his family to Kansas, and settled on a claim near Council Grove. For many years he had a good Christian experience, and in his declining years he became very favorable to the Seventh-day Adventist doctrines. He was especially cheered by those texts of scripture which speak of the soon coming of our Saviour. Three daughters, two brothers, and six sisters survive. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, assisted by H. E. Kirk. E. A. MOREY.

Missionary Work in Japan and the New Hebrides

MISS BESSIE M. YOUNG, who at one time labored in Japan, has so far recovered her health that she has accepted an invitation to labor among the Japanese in the Hawaiian Islands, as a self-supporting missionary. She left St. Helena, Cal., last week, sailing from San Francisco for Honolulu. There are many Japanese in these islands, for whom nothing has as yet been done in the way of giving them the message, and thus a fruitful field for gospel seed-sowing awaits Sister Young.

ELDER C. H. PARKER and his wife sailed from Australia Dec. 29, 1911, for the New Hebrides. They expect to spend two months on Norfolk Island, to assist in the work there. The New Hebrides has been listed as one of the unentered fields, and it is encouraging to know that the message will now be given to the islanders in that group.

To Our Periodical Agents

By A. J. S. Bourdeau

WILL our tract society secretaries and periodical agents please note that the publishers will not accept periodical or magazine subscriptions amounting to less than fifty cents, retail, the only exceptions to this rule being yearly subscriptions for Liberty and The Protestant Magazine, which, of course, call for only twenty-five cents. Through a misunderstanding a number of our agents and tract societies have been forwarding three months’ subscriptions to Life and Health at twenty-five cents. Only yearly and half-yearly subscriptions are accepted for Life and Health. Kindly bear this in mind in sending your next periodical orders to your conference tract society office. A. J. S. BOURDEAU.

“The Acts of the Apostles”

ELDER G. A. IRWIN writes as follows concerning the new work by Mrs. E. G. White, bearing the above title:—

“Having just finished the reading of ‘The Acts of the Apostles,’ Mrs. E. G. White’s latest book, I feel constrained to speak a few words in commendation. I have always believed that the book of Acts is both historical and prophetical: historical in that it gives the history of the rise and progress of the early Christian church, the opposition it encountered both from God’s professed people and from heathenism; prophetical in that it portrays in advance the trials and conflicts through which the remnant church will pass in the final effort to set before the world the faith once delivered to the saints, and prepare a people for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

“These two leading features of the book of Acts are so vividly brought out in ‘The Acts of the Apostles’ that in perusing the book one can not help catching the spirit of those faithful men who stood so nobly in defense of the truth in their day. The book in its every detail brings out the parallel between their time and ours so clearly that one’s confidence in the third angel’s message and the foundation upon which it is based is greatly strengthened.”

“There were apostates then as there are now. There were false brethren then as now. There were false prophets then as now. There was fanciful interpretation of the Scriptures then as now. Men arose in the church speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them then as now. Unconverted men and women were found in the church then as now. Covetousness was manifest in church-members then as now. And yet, in spite of all these influences, the early church accomplished its mission, for inside of thirty years of its establishment the gospel of a crucified and risen Saviour was preached to the then-known world. Although having the same hindering causes to contend against, the third angel’s message will accomplish its mission inside the generation allotted for its work.”

“In addition to the parallels of which I have spoken that are calculated to inspire confidence in the certainty and victorious triumph of the third angel’s message, the book is full of practical lessons drawn from the experiences of those times, and made applicable to our time and needs.”

“While the book is especially helpful and valuable to Seventh-day Adventists, and should be in every Adventist home, at the same time it should have a place in the front rank of commentaries on the Holy Scriptures, and as such should meet with a large sale outside our ranks.”

“To those reading this article I would say, Purchase this book at your earliest opportunity, and read it carefully. And while the early influence produced by the book is upon you, speak of it to your friends and neighbors, and induce them to buy a copy, and thus increase its circulation, influence, and usefulness.”

This splendid book can be had in cloth binding for only $1.50; in leather, $2.

Encouraging Report from Riga

FROM a letter written by Elder J. T. Boettcher, dated at Riga, Russia, January 25, we glean the following encouraging item:—

In Riga we had very good meetings during the week of prayer, followed by a baptism of twenty-four persons. Among them was an old lady ninety-one years of age. Others were held back because they had not obtained their official dismissal from their former church, without which we are not allowed to baptize. Our offering was six hundred dollars during the week of prayer. Since New-year's we have organized a third church in Riga, our membership altogether being over three hundred. Our tithe in Riga during 1911 was almost four thousand dollars. Last Sunday our young people gave an interesting program on our African missions. The collection for that field amounted to forty-seven rubles, or twenty-three dollars.

Temperance Leaders Visit Foreign Mission Seminary

A MOST interesting meeting was held in the chapel of the Foreign Mission Seminary on Friday evening of last week. At this meeting there were present Mrs. Lillian M. N. Stevens, national president of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union; Miss Anna A. Gordon, national vice-president; and the W. C. T. U. leaders of the District of Columbia. Interesting and eloquent addresses were given by both Mrs. Stevens and Miss Gordon on the temperance work in general and the campaign in Maine in particular. Mrs. Stevens made mention again and again of the good work done by our people in Maine in that campaign, and of how that work was appreciated by herself and her co-workers, mentioning particularly the distribution of the fifty-five thousand copies of the Temperance Instructor.

Russell Plans Religious Liberty Tour

Elder K. C. Russell left Washington last Thursday for Portland, Maine, to hold a series of meetings in behalf of religious liberty and the temperance campaign. Returning, he will visit Melrose, Boston, and South Lancaster, Mass., and Brooklyn, N. Y., New York City, and Philadelphia, speaking in all these places, upon the topics mentioned, as opportunity offers.

Call for Eastern Pennsylvania Institute

The brethren and sisters of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference should not fail to read the call for the institute to be held at Reading, Pa., Feb. 20-29. This call will be found on page 22 of this issue.

Liberty Magazine Sent to Washington Editors

FROM Brother W. F. Martin, religious liberty secretary of the North Pacific Union Conference, we learn that the Upper Columbia Conference has raised the money to send the magazine Liberty to all the one hundred eighty editors in Washington State, within the bounds of that conference.

Claremont Union College Begins 1912 Work

The Claremont Union College, South Africa, began its work for 1912, January 24. Prof. C. P. Crager is still in charge of the college, and the prospects are good for a prosperous year in the training of workers for that part of the field.

Missionaries Sail for Maori Work

BROTHER J. A. CHANEY and his wife, of Australia, sailed January 3 for their new field of labor among the Maori people in New Zealand. Elder J. E. Fulton accompanied them, and will spend a little time prior to the New Zealand camp-meeting in helping to open the work among that people.