p. 24 | Review and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 46. (11/16/1911)

Earlier text: The Opening of Our Schools

Bible Knowledge

By F. M. W.

THIS is an age of Bible distribution. In civilized countries the Bible is everywhere in evidence; but are Bible study and Bible knowledge keeping pace with Bible distribution? This is questionable. At least this is the view taken by the Catholic journal America in a late issue. Speaking of a recent test made among seventy-eight students in Ann Arbor, Mich., America says:—

“The test was not made offhand, but nearly an hour was allowed to write down the answers. The results were startling. One volunteered the valuable information that the Old Testament was written before Christ, the other was not; another affirmed that ‘the Old Testament represented Hebrew fable,’ while ‘the New dealt with historical characters.’ Another, again, that ‘the Old was composed largely of stories and proverbs which are not any longer believed to have actually happened.’ ‘By the law,’ said one wise youth, ‘is meant the laws given by Christ to his disciples, while the gospel simply means the Scriptures as taught to the people.’ We can quote only a few of the hundreds of other ridiculous replies. ‘The Gospels,’ for instance, ‘were the letters which St. Paul wrote to the churches.’ ‘The temple of Solomon was in Babylon.’ ‘Sinai was the place of the landing of the ark, or the mount from which Christ spoke.’ ‘Nazarene was the mother of Christ; Nazareth was his father.’ ‘Levi was a name applied to Jews who were small in stature compared with Leviathan, which meant large.’ ‘Levi was a Jewish male; Leviathan a woman.’ ‘The Isle of Patmos was the place where the children of Israel were fed in the wilderness.’ ‘Thou art the man,’ are words said by Judas to Christ, or by a prophet in his chariot teaching Christianity to the man at his side.’ ‘Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice,’ was said by Christ to one of the thieves hanging beside him in the crucifixion.’ ‘Abraham was called by God to preach the gospel.’ ‘Jacob’s ladder was a vision that Jacob had one night when he slept outdoors near a mountain, which looked like a pair of stairs.’ ‘The mess of pottage referred to the Lord’s supper.’ ‘Aaron’s rod brought the manna and doves to the ground when the tribes of Israel were without food.’ ‘The thirty pieces of silver’ were one of the parables,’ etc.”

Frontispiece, “Protestant Magazine,” Current Issue

America feels that the explanation for this is found in the fact that “the Reformers of the sixteenth century were deadly enemies of the Bible, though they professed to base their whole religion on it,” and that the final result has been the discarding of the Sacred Book. Protestants, of course, will be slow to accept this conclusion.

We question if the students of Catholic schools would be able to give even as intelligent answers as were given by the students in Ann Arbor. It is a sad fact that many of all classes to-day are losing their old-time veneration for the Scriptures of truth. It is a significant sign of the times in which we live. It indicates the growing spirit of indifference to God and of infidelity which is stealing in upon the world. The reason may be found in the general spiritual declension which exists everywhere, a declension affecting Catholics as well as Protestants, rather than in the cause assigned by America. F. M. W.

Christian Conduct Toward Authorities

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.”

Prayer for All People

“I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

“I AM the way, the truth, and the life.”

NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS

By Editor

The December “Signs” Magazine

No effort has been spared to make the December Signs magazine what it ought to be. The cover is beautiful, attractive, and appropriate, with just enough of the sentimental to reach the heart at first glance. The situation in Europe, which is always a live topic, is reviewed by the editor. The conditions in America, including national, labor, and social unrest, are considered by A. O. Tait. Both of these articles present the subjects in the same clear, definite, forceful manner characteristic of the Signs, and make the prophetic application. These articles will prove strong-selling features for this number. They should be in every home. This continued unrest, culminating in the last great strife, is one of the closing acts in the great drama. Let us give the trumpet no uncertain sound. It is a fact that this class of reading-matter is welcomed by deep-thinking people. “The Men and Religion Forward Movement,” by R. A. Underwood, is a live article on a live topic. It is a brief, clear presentation of the work of the Men and Religion Forward Movement Convention recently held in Minneapolis. “The Mighty Struggle for Health,” by David Paulson, M. D. “From Death to Life,” by J. O. Corliss. “Is College Life Degrading?” by M. C. Wilcox. This is a subject that is being widely discussed by leading men. Let us give the people a clearer view of the conditions. “What Redemption Does for Man,” by William Covert. “How to Avoid Cancer,” by D. H. Kress, M. D., showing its cause, cure, and prevention. This article will sell the magazine. Mrs. E. G. White continues her articles on the life of Wesley. The usual array of current topics, and a good line of illustrations throughout. A real Message number from cover to cover. Let us use these papers freely. Ten copies, 50 cents; 20 copies, $1; 50 copies, $2. Order from your tract society.

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.

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Obituaries

MANSFIELD.—Died at Winchester, Md., Oct. 23, 1911, Mrs. Hattie Mansfield, aged 47 years. Sister Mansfield accepted present truth nineteen years ago. She was a faithful member of the Ford's Store church, and her loss will be greatly felt in the community. Her husband, three sisters, and many friends are left to mourn, but we mourn not as those who have no hope, for we believe she will be among those who arise first. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer from Isa. 26:19. JOHN F. JONES.

MOURER.—Elizabeth Farney was born in France, March, 7, 1848. When she was but five years old, her parents moved to America, and settled in the Middle West. She was united in marriage to Joseph Mourer in 1874, and together they accepted the truths of the third angel's message in 1895. Sister Mourer was an earnest worker in the cause she loved, and a faithful wife and mother. Her husband and ten children survive her. Words of comfort were spoken by Elder M. H. St. John. J. A. CHILTON. (Central Union Conference paper, please copy)

CROUSE.—Paulina Stevens was born at Paris, Maine, Nov. 12, 1825, and died at Moline, Kan., Aug. 20, 1911. She shared the bitter disappointment of God's people in 1844, and was among the first to accept the Sabbath truth. In 1866 she was married to John Helligass, with whom she lived until his death, in 1896. Two years later she was united in marriage with William F. Crouse, who survives her. Sister Crouse was one who enjoyed her religion, and never wavered in her faith in the final triumph of the third angel's message. J. M. GIBBS.

McFALL.—Truman McFall was born in Pennsylvania in 1849. He was married in 1882 to Amanda Storer, who, with two daughters and an adopted son, survives him. Seven years ago he accepted the third angel's message. Although a constant sufferer for several years before his death, Brother McFall was never known to speak an unkind or impatient word. He died at his home in Ogden, Utah, Oct. 19, 1911, aged 62 years, 4 months, and 4 days. His loved ones are comforted by the blessed hope of the Saviour's soon coming. W. L. SIMS.

PADEN.—Dorothy Paden, daughter of William and Daisy Paden, was born in Hagerstown, Md., Feb. 6, 1910, and died Oct. 21, 1911, aged 1 year, 8 months, and 15 days. Funeral services were held at the home of her parents on October 22. W. L. ADKINS.

BROWN.—Mrs. Stella Brown died Sabbath morning, Sept. 30, 1911, at the age of thirty-three years. For about twelve years Sister Brown has been a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and has lived a consistent Christian life. Her greatest desire was to train her two little boys to love the Lord. The funeral was held from the home near Spartanburg, S. C.

LETSON.—Fell asleep at his home in Covert, Mich., in his seventy-third year, Dr. Osmer Letson. He was born in New York, but when he was a small boy his parents moved to Michigan. For three years he served as a soldier in the civil war. Dr. Letson was a very active missionary, especially in the Michigan Soldiers' Home, where he spent much of his time. We shall all miss his help, but are glad that he rests in the hope of a soon-coming Saviour. C. A. HANSEN.

YOUNG.—Mrs. Martha Young was born July 4, 1804, at Wilmington, N. C., and died Aug. 24, 1911, at the age of 107 years, 1 month, and 20 days. She was a slave in Wilmington for fifty years, but in 1854 was liberated and sent to Liberia, on the west coast of Africa. Later she came to Sierra Leone, and made her home in the village of Waterloo. Several years ago she accepted present truth. She was very zealous for the cause she loved, and faithfully attended church, walking a distance of one and one-half miles as long as she was able to do so. A husband and an adopted daughter are left to mourn their loss. The funeral services were conducted by the writer. W. H. LEWIS.

PATERSON.—Hazel Patterson died at Robey, Va., Nov. 6, 1911, aged one year. Baby Hazel's death was the result of an accident which occurred the day previous, and its effect upon the community was such as to bring a large number of persons to the funeral services. The majority of these persons for the first time listened to the truth of the future life as taught by Seventh-day Adventists. Eph. 4:8 was used as the text from which to present the truth of Christ's victory over sin and its consequences. Although we left the little grave with saddened hearts, we looked with hope to the bright future, when death shall be swallowed up in victory. JOHN N. QUINN.

WATSON.—After an illness of several months, Mrs. Ada C. Watson passed away on Wednesday evening, Oct. 25, 1911. Early in life she gave her heart to the Lord, and about twelve years ago accepted the truths of the third angel's message. Since that time she has been a faithful member of the church at Fargo, N. D., rendering at all times the best she had to give. Her life was full of good works, and we laid her to rest, feeling assured that she will be awakened by the call of the Life-giver at the first resurrection. Sister Watson leaves two daughters and one son to mourn their loss. Elder A. V. Rhoads conducted the funeral services, assisted by the writer. E. L. SPENCER. (Lake Union Herald, please copy)

HOWELLS.—William H. Howells was born near Cardiff, Wales, March 6, 1840, and died in Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1911, aged 71 years, 6 months, and 8 days. He was married to Hannah Evans at Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 5, 1870. Mr. Howells spent much time in study and research, and often took an active part in Sunday-school work. He secured our literature many years ago, and at times defended the truth, but never fully accepted it. His wife, however, has for twenty-three years been a faithful believer in the third angel's message. Sister Howells, four sons, three brothers, and many friends are left to mourn. The funeral service was conducted by the writer, who based his remarks upon the words found in Ps. 37:23, 24. JOHN FRANCIS OLMSTED.

SILBAUGH.—Margaret Ann Silbaugh, née Carl, was born in York, Pa., Sept. 20, 1838. On Oct. 20, 1911, she fell asleep in Jesus at St. Helena, Cal., aged 73 years and 1 month. In 1871 she was married to Marion Silbaugh, in Carl Center, Iowa. Two years later they moved to California, where they have since resided. An accident made treatment at the sanitarium necessary, and it was while there that Sister Silbaugh accepted the third angel's message. She loved God and his Word, and fell asleep in the hope of immortality when Jesus comes. She leaves a companion and many friends to mourn their loss. Funeral services were conducted by the writer. H. A. ST. JOHN.

ANDERSON.—On Sept. 25, 1911, Peder Anderson died at his home in Granum, Alberta, aged 84 years, 3 months, and 21 days. He was born in Norway, where he accepted present truth in 1879, under the labors of Elder J. G. Matteson. In 1881 he came to America, and settled in Iowa. Later the family moved to northern Minnesota, and in 1905 to Alberta. Brother Anderson was an earnest Christian and a zealous missionary among his friends and neighbors. Three of his nine children were with him during his last sickness. He was laid to rest beside his first wife to await the call of the Life-giver. Funeral services were conducted by the writer, assisted by the Presbyterian minister. Words of comfort were spoken from John 14:1-4 and 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. JOHN C. CHRISTENSEN.

STEINHAUER.—Helen Augusta Steinhauer was born in Louisville, Ky., July 13, 1840, and died at the Nichols Hospital, Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 22, 1911. Her father, the Rev. Daniel Steinhauer, was a Moravian missionary. When she was five years of age, the family went to the West Indies, where they remained several years. At the age of eighteen she returned to the United States, and engaged in the work of teaching, being principal of a large school for girls, located in the South. In 1878 she first heard the third angel's message in Chicago. Later coming to Battle Creek, she united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, of which she has ever been a faithful member. She was a contributor to our various periodicals, especially the Youth's Instructor and the Signs of the Times. The texts above the hymns in “Hymns and Tunes” were selected by her. She was the last of a family of nine. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer, from Rev. 14:13. Elder Eugene Leland, pastor of the Battle Creek church, assisted in the funeral services. C. N. SANDERS.

News from Italy and Prayer Week Greetings

By Editor

AN announcement in Italian comes from across the sea of the death of Sister Maria Creanza. Rev. 14:13 is quoted as the comforting word from God to those who die in the Lord from henceforth. And this comfort is extended to those in every nation who accept the Sabbath reform messages preceding this precious promise. It is encouraging to know that some in Italy have experienced this “blessed hope,” which proves a light through the dark portals of the tomb.

THIS week begin short greetings for the coming week of prayer season, from our missionaries in different parts of the earth. We hope every REVIEW reader will consider each of these loving messages as a personal letter from a worker whom his offerings have helped to send forth with the glad message of Jesus’ soon coming. He will thus be the better able to pray intelligently for these absent ones, presenting their needs before the throne on high. “Pray one for another. . . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Greetings From Afar

As we near the week of prayer season, the hearts of our missionaries in distant lands turn toward the little praying bands in the churches at home. Their words of hope and cheer will be read with deep interest. Brother Robert S. Greaves writes from Turkey:—

“At this season of the year we are thinking of our brethren in the home land, and of the many earnest prayers that will ascend to heaven, and of the strivings and longings after a higher life which will be experienced by many souls. May God grant that we shall be one with you in seeking for grace and humility of heart. We long for a closer walk with our Saviour and for more power in our lives, that this work may be carried forward to completion. We are thinking of you as you gather for the week of prayer meetings; the seas are only able to separate our bodies, for we are united with you in prayer, faith, and love. We wish to send you our greetings, and a word of courage and hope. There are some perplexities, but the Lord draws closer. We are looking forward to the time of reaping, and know we shall all rejoice to find that from every nation some are gathered out to sing the song of victory over sin and death.”

FROM the great Chinese empire, which is now in the throes of a revolution, Brother W. E. Gillis sends these words:—

“China knocks at the door to join you in the bond of the covenant and harmony of the Spirit that will hasten the day of Jesus’ coming. Can any who sees the travail of sin and its harvest of death as witnessed here in the last few months, do less than weep in anguish of soul for the Spirit’s power and a coming Saviour? We have read in the daily press of the manipulations of wicked men to make gain from the gifts to famine sufferers. Have the brethren in the world-wide field read in ‘Desire of Ages’ a similar description of those who are selfishly diverting heaven’s message and God’s gifts from those who are in a worse famine for spiritual succor?”

BROTHER GEO. F. ENOCH writes from the India Mission field:—

“In our corner of the field twenty million Marathi and ten million Gujerati, and Bombay, one of the great cities of the world, with one million inhabitants, mutely appeal to us for the message of life. Working in their behalf are two married and two single workers, engaged at present for the most part in the study of the difficult language and the training of the little company of native workers. Facing heathenism in its darkest and most subtle forms, and Mohammedanism in its fanatical self-complacency, we crave the prayers of our people for the guidance of God in the laying of the foundations of the work of the message, that a band of consecrated workers may be trained for effectual service, and also for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that the written and spoken word may bear fruit to the glory of God in the salvation of souls.”

A MESSAGE from Java swells the chorus. Of the work there Brother R. W. Munson says:—

“Our field and our need are very great. Forty millions are in darkness. When shall they get the light of the third angel’s message? We all send you greetings and implore your sympathy and your help. The religion of the false prophet holds sway here. I speak especially for Java. God is blessing our labors. A native of west Java, in the employ of the Roman Church, heard of the Sabbath, and six times walked twenty miles to Batavia and back to find a brother who could tell him the truth. The sixth time he succeeded, after an all-night walk. He sat for six hours waiting till the brother came from work. After three hours’ study he went back home to tell his people on the following day (Sunday) all he had learned about the Sabbath. As a result, he was dismissed from their employ, and his wages ceased. But the Lord has fed him. He has a large family. He is very enthusiastic and deeply in love with the truth. There are other hungry souls, but our small force is to be depleted by the departure of two workers on account of the malaria, our worst enemy healthwise. Who will come to take their places? There is precious ‘gold’ in this land. Who will come to give Java and the Indies the message of the glorious third angel? The enemy is powerful. ‘We must advance on our knees,’ as said the godly Neesima, of Japan. Come over and help us.”

November Life and Health Orders

LARGE orders are being received daily for the beautiful November number of Life and Health. Many of our agents are enlisting new recruits, who are also ordering from twenty-five to one hundred copies a month. There is still plenty of good territory unoccupied.

Missions Signs Orders Exceed 472,000

A NIGHT message received November 12, says this of the orders being received for the Missions Signs: “Orders now exceed 472,000. Twenty-nine conferences have now exceeded last year's orders.” This is indeed most encouraging. We trust that everywhere those who have not already taken part in this good missionary cause will do so before the close of this month.

Persian Request for Protestant Publications

By Editor

From far-off Persia comes an order from a Protestant clergyman, asking us to send all the back numbers of the Protestant Magazine, in book form, also two yearly subscriptions for Liberty and the Protestant Magazine. These two magazines have many warm friends on both sides of the Atlantic. The principles they advocate are world-wide in their scope, and consequently appeal to true Christians everywhere.

A Day With the Harvest Ingathering Signs

Last Friday the General Conference Office and the Review and Herald Office closed for the purpose of letting all connected with them go out with the Harvest Ingathering Signs. It was indeed a cheering sight to see so many, young and old, form into bands, and with a bundle of these good papers start for those portions of the city allotted to the different bands, in which to work. It is too early to state the amount of the harvest, but one thing is very evident, many interesting experiences crowned the day’s effort. The blessing of the Lord was manifest with all as they cheerfully did what they could in this good work.

Missionaries Returning from East Africa

In a note regarding mission stations in German East Africa, Brother Guy Dail says: “We are sorry to learn from a letter just at hand that Brother A. A. Carscallen and the brethren in British East Africa have found it necessary to return Brother H. H. Brooks to England on account of ill health. We also expect to see Sister Raessler here in Hamburg in a few days from the Victoria Nyanza Mission, as she, too, has had to return. Brethren Munzig and Bornath, whom we selected for German East Africa, have begun their course of training at the Colonial Institute here in Hamburg, and will be ready to sail for Africa next spring or summer if all goes well.”