p. 17 | Review and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 23. (6/9/1910)

Earlier text: ***Roman Purpose and American Liberties—No. 1***

The Only Regenerating Power

MAN has devised various methods to bring about the regeneration of his fellows, but all of these human devices have been without adequate results. Says Mr. Begbie in his book, “Twice Born Men:” —

Religion alone among all the forces at work for the improvement of humanity has power to alter the character and regenerate the soul of evil people.

This is a statement of vital truth. In harmony with this are the words of Holy Writ. Says the apostle John, in his Gospel:—

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Man can not be born into the kingdom of God through the flesh, or by the will of man, but only through the regenerating power of the Lord Jesus Christ. The operation of this power can not be explained. Neither the physiologist nor the psychologist can determine the process by which the unregenerate heart is transformed, and the human soul is created in the image of Christ Jesus. This is the mystery of godliness, and will be one of the sciences of the universe throughout eternity. But while reason can not analyze it, faith may accept it, and rejoice in it, to the salvation of the soul.

Maryland

By Carlyle B. Hayne

BALTIMORE.—Just after the Columbia Union conference held last December, thirty new converts were admitted to membership in the united church here, twenty-four of whom came in by baptism. In February the writer began a series of meetings in a large hall, continuing until the middle of April. As a result, ten accepted the message, among them a preacher from the United Brethren Church. Six of these have united with the church, subject to baptism. This brings our present membership up to one hundred twenty.

The union of the two churches in this place has been a great blessing to the work. Since the organization of the new church, everything has moved along very smoothly. About five hundred dollars a quarter is being paid in to the conference in tithes, and generous offerings are made.

Through the appropriation of $1,500

for city work in Baltimore, we have been able to procure a new quarter-pole tent, twice as large as any used in the city heretofore. Arrangements are now under way to secure a good corps of workers to connect with the tent effort this summer, and we feel that God will go before us, and give us a harvest of souls. We are praying that he will enable us to secure a good location upon which to pitch the tent, as the city regulations are so stringent that it takes very earnest effort to get a suitable lot.

CARLYLE B. HAYNE.

Printing Work in Shanghai, China

By B. A. Roberts

As we have received several letters from brethren in the home land since they saw the account of the fire which burned part of our office last December, asking if we were still printing literature, we thought it would be well to make a statement regarding our present situation. We have our presses all running again, and have bought new type. We are still in rented quarters, which are very unsatisfactory, but we are prepared to supply all orders for our Chinese Signs of the Times or any of the other literature which has been advertised in our paper. We thank our brethren at home for the interest manifested in our work. B. A. ROBERTS.

Utah

By W. L. Gardner; Eva M. Gardner

SALT LAKE CITY.—The loss occasioned by fire in our treatment-rooms a few weeks ago has been fully repaired, and our work is again going forward, with a better prospect for success than ever before. We are receiving an excellent class of patients, and with more and better facilities, we feel sure that the Lord will add his blessing to our perseverance. Thus what seemed to us as loss will prove to be gain; for our work is now, by reason of the fire, better known than ever before.

We are thankful for the efficient help of Sister Marie L. Guerne, a graduate nurse and Bible worker, whom the California Conference Committee asked to come to Utah and help in our work. We also expect an experienced health food man and his wife here from California in a few days, to take up the food and restaurant work. With an efficient corps of experienced and consecrated workers, we feel confident that the health work in Utah will go forward to greater success.

W. L. AND EVA M. GARDNER.

Michigan

By K. C. Russell

BATTLE CREEK AND BERRIEN SPRINGS. — Sunday evening, May 22, I spent in Battle Creek, Mich., and had the pleasure of listening to a missionary program presented in the Tabernacle by the students of the Battle Creek church-school. The main auditorium was well filled, with quite a number in the galleries. In all the exercises, which were under the supervision of Prof. Clifford Russell, principal of the school, the missionary feature was made prominent. Such a training can not fail to result in molding the minds of the children in harmony with the self-sacrificing principles of the gospel of Christ. At the conclusion of the exercises, a missionary offering was taken up. There is an enrolment in this school of about one hundred, with four teachers employed. We shall expect to see recruits for the mission field, from this school, who will help to carry the third angel’s message to those who sit in darkness.

While in Battle Creek, I spent the night at the hospitable home of Elder G. W. Amadon, who has been in very poor health for some time. It is a satisfaction to meet the pioneers of the work of God, and to see them as firm and loyal to the principles of the truth as they were in earlier days, when they were young and vigorous. Even in his advanced years, Brother Amadon finds plenty to do in the way of imparting counsel, speaking encouraging words, and praying for those who are sick or in trial,—work that is spoken of as “pure religion” by the Lord through the apostle James. Let none who are advancing in years feel that their days of usefulness are over; for the exhortation given under the influence of the Holy Spirit, “In the evening withhold not thy hand,” evidently refers to those who are in the evening of life, or old age.

Elder J. M. Wilbur, who has been faithfully serving as the pastor of the Battle Creek church for the past year, is soon to connect with the work in the East Michigan Conference. He will reside in Saginaw, Mich.

The church at Battle Creek is anxiously awaiting the time when Elder E. W. Farnsworth will enter upon his work in that place. The members seem greatly encouraged at the prospect that the annual camp-meeting of the West Michigan Conference will be held in the vicinity of Battle Creek.

On the evening of May 23 the graduating exercises of the Emmanuel Missionary College were held in the college chapel at Berrien Springs, Mich. The chapel was appropriately decorated for the occasion, and stretching above the platform was the significant class motto, “Forward, Come What May!” The address was delivered by the writer, on the subject, “The Resultant of Spiritual Forces.” The exercises were well attended by our people who reside in the vicinity of the college and by the parents and friends of some of the students. The graduating class numbered nineteen, representing the collegiate, advanced normal, commercial, and academic courses.

One of the most encouraging features in connection with the closing of this term of school was the spiritual victory gained. During the term nearly every student has taken a firm stand on the Lord’s side.

This college is soon to be incorporated, so that degrees can be granted to its students. Its prospects for the future are bright. The location makes it especially desirable, as it is away from the evil influences of a large city. Our people in the Lake Union Conference who have children should place them in this school, where they can be speedily trained to become efficient workers in the cause of God.

K. C. RUSSELL.

North Pacific Union Conference

By G. B. Thompson

MAY 9 I left Washington to attend meetings in the North Pacific Union Conference. My first stop was at Walla Walla College (Wash.), where I had the privilege of giving the baccalaureate sermon to the graduating class on Sabbath, May 14.

This was my first visit to this school, and I appreciated the opportunity of meeting the faculty and students during the closing days of another successful year of work. I found a large number of strong, earnest students attending the college, most of whom are preparing for a place of usefulness in the message. An excellent spirit pervaded the institution. Including the normal departments, about three hundred sixty students have been enrolled during the year. The graduating class numbered twenty-five, some of whom are already under appointment to foreign fields.

The year just closed is perhaps the best in the history of the college, and the outlook for the future is excellent. Some changes are made in the faculty, some of its members being called to responsibilities elsewhere. Prof. M. E. Cady, however, will remain as president for the coming year.

The location of the college is certainly a beautiful one. The weather was fine, nature was at her best, and it seemed to me an ideal place for parents to send their children to receive a training for the work of God. An artesian well filling a six-inch pipe with a flow of clear, pure water, has recently been opened on the campus; this furnishes water for the buildings and farm, and is surely a great blessing.

The sanitarium, which is on the college grounds and closely co-operates with the school, is enjoying a good patronage, every room being filled when I was there. Dr. W. H. Warner is the medical superintendent.

From Walla Walla I went to Boise, Idaho, where I spent a day at the hospitable home of Dr. J. E. Froom. He and his family are engaged in medical missionary work at that place. Treatment-rooms have been established in the best block in the city, and they have all the work they can do, and are exerting a strong influence in favor of the message. While here, I enjoyed a short visit with Harry Orchard, with whose history all are somewhat familiar. Though serving a life sentence in the penitentiary, he has found the peace of God, and is seeking to live a Christian life.

I am now at the Idaho camp-meeting, and an excellent meeting is in progress. From here I will go on to attend other meetings in this union conference.

This section of the country has great resources, and is filled with a thrifty, progressive class of citizens. The message is firmly established here, and its work is being carried forward in an enthusiastic way. G. B. THOMPSON.

The Organization of the Convention

By Frederick Griggs

It may be of interest to our people and to educators generally to learn a little more definitely of the plans outlined for the coming educational convention at Berrien Springs.

One prominent feature will be the department work. The teachers in our advanced schools have never before had the opportunity of meeting together to confer about the interests of their departments. Many problems confront them, upon which counsel and suggestions from others will be of great value. Accordingly, sections have been formed which will cover all the various branches followed in this grade of school. For instance, there will be Bible, mathematics, and history sections, in which the teachers of these special lines will meet together, and organize for a careful, detailed study of the special features of their work.

We hope to have some permanent form of organization established at this meeting for these sections; for without doubt such an organization, resulting in correspondence between the teachers of each department, with occasional meetings, can be made a source of inspiration and advancement, and a means of permanent good.

We have suggested various persons as temporary secretaries, and have asked these to outline a plan of procedure for their departments at the convention. This is necessary in order to insure a successful meeting of these sections. After there has been time to consider this question at the convention, the sections may be organized for permanent service.

It has been impossible for us to secure the names of all the teachers who will be connected with these schools the coming year, and some names may have been unintentionally overlooked. We trust, however, that all our teachers in the different departments, even though they have not received a notification from the secretary of the section to which they will naturally belong, will feel perfectly free to enter heartily into its organization and plans, and will contribute in every way possible to the success of the convention as a whole.

FREDERICK GRIGGS.

Baptismal Decisions at Loveland

As a result of the labors of Brother Gaede at Loveland, Colo., among the German brethren, ten young persons expressed their desire to go forward in baptism and unite with the church.

Making a New Sabbath

By C. M. S.

THERE are certain organizations in the United States that are setting for themselves a gigantic task,—the creation of a sabbath adequate to the needs of the present day. The Catholic Church and certain branches of the professed Protestant church have agreed together to work for the exaltation of Sunday, and to bring that about by legislation.

But the Catholic Church repudiates the idea of a sabbath that shall partake in any sense of the nature of what it terms the Judaic Sabbath. The strictness of the regulations of the divine Sabbath are not to her liking. Said the Catholic Lay Congress at Baltimore, on Nov. 12, 1889:—

“We should seek an alliance with non-Catholics for proper Sunday observance. Without going over to the Judaic Sabbath, we can bring the masses over to the moderation of the Christian Sunday.”

Various Catholic priests have declared that it is not their purpose to put strict Sabbath-keeping into their Sunday observance. They propose to have a day of rest which shall be in harmony with their own desires and purposes. Members of that church who attend mass on Sunday morning may do about as they please for the remainder of the day, and there are no questions asked. A Catholic saloon-keeper, even, is not required by his church to close up his business on Sunday. A Catholic section-hand may work every Sunday through the year, and still be a good Catholic, provided he attends mass once during the year. Of course, as that church established that sabbath, it is but logical that she should determine the manner of its observance.

But when Protestants, who repudiate the idea that they are observing a man-made institution, and claim that the day they observe is divinely appointed, take a position similar to the Catholic Church in reference to the manner of observing the day, their position is a very inconsistent one. Having had nothing to do with the establishment of that rest-day institution, it is certainly not for them to say how the day shall be observed. But this is being done in more than one pulpit. In a sermon at Providence, R. I., on May 22, Rev. George Kent set the matter before his congregation in this manner:—

“I do not hesitate to tell you men whose outings will be almost limited to these few coming summer Sundays, that you have all the absolution I can give you from attendance at church service. I’m not afraid that you or your religion will be lost. The church has a better and vastly harder business than condemning a man’s Sunday sport.

“This modern man must have a sabbath made for him radically different from the type adapted to the tropic Oriental world of long ago. And the church has no braver or harder task than to make such a sabbath for man,—for the man that is in our civilized world today. Instead of opposing, it must lead him in a manly, wholesome use of Sunday out-of-doors. . . .

“To make a sabbath for man, with all the needed and blessed ends it can be made to serve, amid all the complex and conflicting conditions it has to harmonize, is indeed a problem to take the wisest, largest, and most patient handling.”

And so the matter of legislating righteousness into mankind, regulating man’s relation to God by civil enactment, enforcing a sabbath by human law, etc., has blossomed out into such a flower as this! We have always taken the position that to attempt to enforce a real religious institution by civil law would result in putting the religious institution on a level with human institutions; for by that process they are both made to appear to be standing upon the same foundation—human law. It has had, and is having, that result. They have come to look upon the Sabbath institution as something which they can manipulate according to their own ideas. And if they can do that, they can abolish the institution, and make one of their own, with requirements of their own, or without requirements. Such a foundation is no foundation at all. But it is the logical outcome of the idea that men have anything whatever to do with the enforcement of a divine requirement. As soon as they lay hold upon it to enforce it, they take it out of God’s hands, so far as its effect upon them is concerned, and all the rest is bound to follow.

C. M. S.

The National Reform Association Before Congress

By Franklin Bliss

The National Reform Association is not satisfied with the brief religious introduction to the preamble of the Constitution proposed in Representative Sheppard’s joint House resolution, which runs simply, “In the name of God;” and at the recent hearing granted the association, Rev. T. P. Stevenson, their spokesman on the occasion, and editor of the Christian Statesman, gave them to understand as much by his very first utterances.

“When the nation undertakes to supply the defect which many statesmen and publicists have deplored ever since the Constitution was framed,” said Dr. Stevenson, “the work should be completely done. Such an amendment ought to express the exact body of ideas which are involved in the relation of our nation and government to religion. . . . The ideas involved in our national character and institutions are not merely theistic but Christian; and only through a distinctly Christian amendment can they find expression in our fundamental law. . . . If it is our duty to acknowledge Almighty God, it is no less our duty to acknowledge his Son, whom he has made the moral governor of the world.”

If the “exact body of ideas” of which he speaks were to find “expression” in our Constitution, that instrument would expand to most amazing proportions, and be the oddest thing of its kind ever yet seen.

The doctor presented these four propositions in his argument for the amendment: “This amendment is necessary to bring our national Constitution into harmony with other organic acts in the history of the nation; to fulfil a plain duty of the nation to God; required by the actual Christian character of the American nation; in order that the Christian purpose of the nation may be suitably expressed in our fundamental law.” He further declared that “the national Constitution is an anomaly in American history, in that it is almost the only instrument of government framed on our soil which is wholly devoid of any religious acknowledgments.” “The nation itself, as a moral being [*italics ours to emphasize the iteration here of the old fallacy of national moral personality], lies under the obligation” to worship the Author of its being.

At one point Chairman Moon, of Pennsylvania, of the committee before which the hearing took place, ventured this remark: “We have no time at this late hour to enter into a discussion of the point; but you will allow me to suggest that you would probably be disappointed in the legal effect of your amendment if you should secure its adoption. Being only in the preamble, it would only be a declaration, not having the force of law.” To this Dr. Stevenson replied: “Even so, it would still be the acknowledgment of the Christian principle that the moral laws of Jesus Christ are of supreme authority in the realm of national life, and that acknowledgment could not but effect powerfully all our legislation. Its educative power . . . would be incalculable.”

It is a curious fact that the “defect” which Dr. Stevenson and his colaborers have found in the national Constitution is the very thing that has made this country the attraction it has been to the oppressed people of all lands. But so it is. Without that defect—which insures our religious liberty—this nation would be no more attractive to us than Spain, Portugal, Austria, Russia, or Bolivia, where no such defect exists in their fundamental laws. We prefer to see that defect remain where it is, and continue to insure the liberties of the people in religious things. The Constitution as it is affords a guaranty of liberty; changed as proposed, it would be used as an instrument of oppression.

Dr. Stevenson sees more clearly than does Representative Moon the results of the “Christian amendment” which the National Reform Association is seeking. The Constitution now stands impartially meting out justice to all, irrespective of religious affiliations; but when that or a similar amendment is made, the very soul of the document is altered, and laws regulating the religious concerns of the people will then be as constitutional as laws regulating their civil affairs, and there will be nothing to prevent the state going to any lengths in its interference with the religious rights of men, even to the complete subjugation of the civil to the ecclesiastical.

FRANKLIN BLISS.

Governor Harmon’s Sunday Baseball Veto

THE Christian Statesman congratulates Governor Harmon, of Ohio, for his veto of the recent Sunday baseball statute passed by the Ohio Assembly. It may be that Governor Harmon is among those who believe the state should come to the rescue of the First-day sabbath, but nothing in the text of his veto indicates such a state of mind. His objection was wholly upon constitutional grounds.

Christian Liberty

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

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

Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau

K. C. RUSSELL - Secretary

C. M. SNOW - Corresponding Secretary

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. Hansen

More Reasons for Sanitarium Debts

LAST week attention was called to some of the reasons for sanitarium indebtedness, such as the original and initial debts resting upon a number of our sanitariums when first secured or established, the heavy annual interest accounts, and the want of sufficient constituency to support. Other things have materially affected sanitarium finances, some of the most important of which are herewith given.

Recent Organizations and Difficulties

Our sanitarium work has not had the advantage of many years of organized effort on the part of the denomination as a body. While it is now a department of the organization, and receives attention as such, there is even yet much to do in perfecting plans for its oversight and conduct. Its present stage of organization has been reached only by much hard work on the part of men of responsibility.

As is known to us all, a peculiar situation surrounded the medical work a few years ago, the adjustment of which gave much perplexity, and demanded a great deal of attention. At that time our work in general was assuming new phases in its formation and relations. The medical work was at a point where large interests were involved. To place it in the position it now occupies in denominational interests, time and means were required, which, if spent in connection with its direct management and administration, would doubtless be evident now in the financial strength of our sanitariums.

A turn for the better has come in this respect, however; and men in charge of the work are now free to devote their time to supporting and fostering this branch along with the rest. Their counsel is available in questions involving matters of operation and conduct, thus insuring a success that could not be so well attained under other conditions.

Limited Experience

As already suggested, our denominational experience in the actual conduct of sanitarium work does not extend over many years. In assuming the responsibility of a number of large institutions, we took up a work for which we had at the time comparatively few men who were prepared, by training and otherwise, to manage it. The number of competent workers has at no time been equal, either at home or abroad, to the demands made by the rapid growth of our medical missionary work in the field and in institutions.

In manning our sanitariums it has at times been necessary to use workers who were new to institutional work. The weight of responsibility is usually laid upon the medical superintendent and the business manager. Sometimes they are the only ones of the entire board of directors who are at all acquainted with sanitarium requisites and methods of operation.

When, in order to strengthen the work or place workers to the best advantage, changes are made in the heads of institutions, there is incurred for the time being an expense and loss. The successful management of a large sanitarium, with its varied interests,—medical practice, business, religion, education, training, discipline, and other matters,—can be assured only by the most favorable conditions. The highest capabilities are needed, and the most sympathetic co-operation is required. Spiritual strength is of paramount importance.

It is little to be wondered at that in the beginning of our experience in these large enterprises we should have come short of doing all that needed to be done. But here, too, we are making progress, we are gaining experience. Men and women are being trained, greater co-operation is seen, economical methods are being learned, and, as a whole, greater efficiency is developing.

Success Not Immediate

It may be reasonably questioned if our sanitariums can be expected to make a success from their beginning. It is claimed by good authorities that institutions of this character require a few years to become self-supporting. Many hospitals and sanitariums are fortunate in having an endowment fund, or help from city or State, or assistance in some other way; but this is not the case with our institutions. They are dependent upon their earnings to meet running expenses, and the expenses can not always be made to fit the income. If for any reason there is a lack in the receipts, a deficit will result.

Financial Panic

Only those directly concerned can know how sanitarium patronage is affected by conditions in general. It fluctuates very much with the prosperity of the times. For example, the last financial panic had a disastrous effect on the business of these institutions. In some cases practically the entire patronage was lost, while in others a large portion of it went. This was not simply for a brief period, but extended over several months. Some of the sanitariums are only now recovering from its effect. As people find it necessary to curtail expenses, they begin with things they think they can least afford, and, strange as it may seem, the care of the health is one of the first items on which they usually try to save. This means the actual loss of income to health institutions while they are not in position to make a corresponding saving in their operating expenses.

Misfortunes

As most of our people are aware, our sanitariums have not been immune from disasters. Serious loss has been felt in some instances by fire, accident, or other misfortune, which may mean loss of patronage for a time, as well as property loss. In one or two instances an unfortunate location for the institution has been chosen, and it has been utterly impossible to make a success of the work.

Other items might be mentioned as affecting the financial condition of our sanitariums, but enough has been said to indicate that the matter may well be looked upon as one of cause and effect. Conditions that would affect other enterprises with a large volume of interests will more or less affect our sanitarium business. As we realize this, we shall be the better prepared to meet emergencies, and to provide against things that can be avoided.

As the matter now stands, we are all asked to put forth a little personal effort in a plan that is simple in its accomplishment, and yet effective in meeting the situation created by the adverse conditions presented. Having done all that we can, we may the more reasonably expect that God will add his special blessing. L. A. HANSEN.

Current Mention

— Charles H. Treat, treasurer of the United States from 1905 to 1909, died suddenly of apoplexy, May 31, in New York City.

— A gale that swept the north Atlantic coast on June 1 resulted in the death of eight persons and the loss of a number of vessels.

— John Marshall Harlan, associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, celebrated his seventy-seventh birthday on June 1. He has spent thirty-three years on the supreme bench.

— Eight rear tenements owned by the Trinity Church corporation in New York City, which has been subjected to much criticism on account of the conditions of its tenements, have been ordered torn down. Their removal will result in more air and larger yards for the front tenements.

— Word was received May 30 of a cyclone off the coast of Mazambique, East Africa, which did immense damage to shipping, and resulted in the loss of many lives. Among the boats lost was a coasting vessel carrying 400 natives, who were on their way to work in the Rand mines. All were drowned. Extensive damage was also done along the coast, and many persons were made homeless.

— Probation officers connected with the juvenile court of Cincinnati are authority for the statement that “juvenile delinquency has increased alarmingly in that city since the multiplication of the cheap moving-picture shows.” The increase is placed at fifty per cent. In many of the cities and larger towns, a strict censorship of all such amusement-halls is recommended. It is pointed out that in addition to the depraving influence of many of the pictures themselves, the associates, the late hours, and the often unsanitary surroundings can not but work harm to the boys and girls who are among their most enthusiastic patrons.

— On May 29 Glenn H. Curtiss flew from Albany to New York City in an aeroplane, thereby winning the prize of $10,000 offered by the New York World. The distance of 137 miles was covered in 2 hours and 32 minutes, an average flying speed of a little more than 54 miles an hour. The Twentieth Century Limited train, running between Albany and New York, has an average speed of 49.6 miles an hour. This flight by Mr. Curtiss is said to “surpass any record ever made by an aeroplane in long-distance flight, and in its entirety his feat perhaps eclipsed anything man has attempted in a heavier-than-air machine.”

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