A Proposed Religious Amendment to the Constitution of the United States
By W. A. C.
ON Feb. 4, 1909, Senator Richardson, of Delaware, introduced in the Senate of the United States, by request, the following joint resolution proposing a religious amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which was twice read and referred to the Committee on Judiciary:—
“JOINT RESOLUTION
“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution acknowledging the Deity in this foundation document of the government.
“Whereas said acknowledging of the Deity is reasonably desired by many citizens of this country, and is in the interests of the highest vital truth, morality, and fitness; therefore be it,—
“Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following prefix be proposed to the legislatures of the several States as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as part of the Constitution; namely,— “The preamble to the Constitution shall begin with the words and sentence:—
“‘In the name of God.’”
The proposed amendment consists simply of the last five words, “In the name of God.” And although apparently so trifling and insignificant, and though put in a phrase so familiar and friendly to the ear, in this proposed amendment contained in these five short, monosyllabic words, is couched all the evils of National Reformism,—the making of the image of the beast, the worship of the beast, and the enforcement of the mark of the beast. Add these words to the Constitution, and the whole document will be leavened with National Reformism. Add these, and National Reformers all over the land would hold mass-meetings and shout, “Glory halleluiah!”
Did we not know the deep-seated and evil design behind this, the proposition to add so few, so simple, and otherwise such harmless words to the great charter of the land, would seem almost ludicrous. It would remind us of the man in Texas, who, being himself unable to write, asked an amanuensis to write a letter for him to his lady friend. He said he did not know just what to say, but there was one word he desired in the letter, and he was not particular, he said, where it was inserted, whether at the beginning, in the middle, or at the close of the letter; and that was the word “nevertheless.” That, he said, was such a beautiful word he wished it in the letter.
So the National Reformers think of this phrase, “In the name of God.” It is such a beautiful phrase they want it in the Constitution, and they are not very particular where it goes in, at the beginning, the middle, or at the close, just so it goes in. And their request might be granted without protest were it not for the evil that would go along with it. But once let them succeed in this, and everything would be made of it, and a new impetus would be given to the movement to establish religion and enforce religious observances, particularly Sunday observance, by law in this country. For this reason we are opposed to the proposed amendment.
W. A. C.
Petitions Presented During the Sixtieth Congress
By W. A. C.
As reported in the last number of the REVIEW, in the concluding report of the recent hearing on the Johnston District Sunday bill before the House District committee, some might get a wrong idea of the number of petitions against Sunday legislation that have been sent in during the Sixtieth Congress. The petitions presented at the hearing were those simply which we had collected, or which had been sent to our Office, and did not include those which had previously been sent in by us, or which had been sent directly to Congress from the country at large.
In presenting the petitions before the committee at the hearing, we said: “The same section in the Constitution which prohibits Congress passing a law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, grants the right of petition. In addition to the numerous petitions, containing many thousands and tens of thousands of signatures, which have been sent to Congress directly from the people all over the United States, we herewith present petitions as follows,” and then gave the different items in the list, totaling 345 petitions and 22,797 signatures.
Two days after the hearing we had the privilege of counting the petitions which had previously been sent to the House during the Sixtieth Congress, and referred to the committee on the District of Columbia. These we found to contain about thirty thousand signatures. Adding all together, we find the total to be 1,331 petitions and 52,097 signatures.
W. A. C.
Christian Liberty
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the
Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL Chairman
W. A. COLCORD Secretary
From North Carolina
By K. C. R.
Word has just been received from Elder T. H. Jeys, the president of the North Carolina Conference, that the Sunday bill which was before the North Carolina Legislature has been reported unfavorably by the House Committee, and that it is not likely to go any further. He adds that our people in that conference sprang to the work nobly; for within three days after he sent out his circular calling for petitions, they began to roll in. We are glad, indeed, to note this victory for the cause of religious freedom.
K. C. R.
Important to the New York Conferences
By K. C. R.
THERE is to be another hearing held in the New York Legislature at Albany, N. Y., Wednesday, March 17, at which time no less than eleven Sunday bills will be considered. Now is the time for every Seventh-day Adventist in New York State to secure signatures to petitions, and write courteous but strong and earnest letters of protest against this proposed legislation which is for the purpose of securing the enforcement of Sunday as a day of rest. Do not delay writing to your representatives; but get others also who are not Seventh-day Adventists to write letters of protest against the passage of Assembly bills Nos. 204, 219, 367, 448, and 521.
The officers of the Religious Liberty Bureau in Washington hope to be in attendance at this hearing. Pray that the Lord may bless in not only defeating these measures, but in enlightening those who may listen to the arguments.
K. C. R.
Religious Liberty Campaign in Lincoln
A very vigorous religious liberty campaign has been conducted in Lincoln, Neb., during the past two weeks, the opportunity for such work being offered by the introduction into the Nebraska Legislature of a bill to repeal the law which makes Sunday baseball a crime. Two large mass-meetings have been held, the first one attended by about fifteen hundred, and the second with an attendance of about two thousand, including members of the legislature and other men in prominent positions. Addresses were made by Elder E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union Conference, Elder John S. Wightman, field director of the Central States Religious Liberty Association, and Mrs. Lulu Wightman. Excellent music was furnished on each occasion by special soloists and the orchestra of Union College. A discussion of the principles involved has been carried on in the daily papers, and great public interest has been aroused.
The Church
By T. E. Bowen
Instruction Pertaining to the Duties and Responsibilities of Officers and Members
The Church Clerk
The office of church clerk is one vitally related to the prosperity of the church. This office should, with all others, be filled by a spiritually minded person. In brief, the duties of the clerk might be classified under three heads: (1) Keeping the church records; (2) reporting statistics to the conference secretary; (3) corresponding with absent members.
1. KEEPING THE RECORDS.—Every church should procure, upon its organization, a “Church Record Book.” This is kept in stock at our publishing houses, and can be procured through any State tract society office. A place will be found in this book for recording the names of those making up the church membership. On the page used for these names, and on the one opposite, are columns with printed headings for recording when the members were received into the church, and how,—whether by baptism or by letter,—also when removed, and how,—whether by death, transfer by letter, or dismissed because of apostasy from the truth. The clerk should be accurate in making a complete record of these details in connection with every name, so that at a glance at these pages the preceding items may be known of each member, by any one not familiar with the record of the church. This book is for the information of the other church officers, visiting ministers, or any one who is interested in the work of the church. Much confusion results if the information is not accurate and reliable.
On blank pages further over in the book, record of the quarterly meetings, as well as of yearly business meetings of the church, should be kept. A brief account of the meeting, the number of members present, and number reporting by letter at quarterly meeting, the election of officers (giving names), etc., can be recorded.
Filling out church letters, and sending to the clerks of churches where members wish to be transferred, also the prompt returning of letters to the clerks of churches from which members have been received into the church by vote, form part of the clerk’s work of keeping the records, and should be attended to faithfully and promptly.
2. REPORTING STATISTICS TO THE CONFERENCE SECRETARY.—The furnishing of statistics which go to make up the denominational records devolves upon clerks, treasurers, etc. As soon as the yearly election of officers takes place, the clerk should promptly forward to the conference secretary the information asked for on the blank furnished him by the conference secretary for this purpose. This blank calls for the membership (as it stood at the close of the year just passed), also names and addresses of newly elected officers. If the records have been kept up during the year, it will be but the work of a few moments to fill in the items called for. The clerk should obtain from the church treasurer and Sabbath-school secretary the items of information called for on the blank pertaining to their departments of the22church work, and when all is filled in, he should forward the report immediately to the State office. Promptness of the clerk at this point is a virtue greatly to be commended.
3. CORRESPONDING WITH ABSENT MEMBERS.—Here is a service that the live, spiritual clerk can do that will bring much strength to the church. Often members live at a distance, and can meet with the church but seldom, if at all. Such should be made to feel that they are not forgotten. Good, friendly letters from the church clerk, breathing the love of Christ, will be a source of much encouragement to these members who are thus deprived of the association and help of their brethren and sisters. They have their struggles with the enemy, and often feel their isolation keenly. Let the church keep in touch with them. Where the list of isolated ones is quite large, the clerk can invite other members to assist him in writing to them. The answers received from these absent ones will often help greatly in making the quarterly meeting one of interest. These letters should be read by the clerk as the names of the absent members are reached when the roll is called on the Sabbath of the quarterly meeting. If the names are not called by the clerk (which is certainly a good old custom of the church) on the Sabbath of the quarterly meeting, then he should be given opportunity at this time to read the letters received from the absent ones, so that the church may understand their spiritual condition. As the church clerk will be to some expense if he faithfully corresponds with absent ones, it would be a very courteous act for the church to at least offer to cover the expense of postage.
In brief, this covers the duties devolving upon the church clerk. His work is important, and honor is due those who faithfully, as unto the Lord, perform the duties pertaining to this office.
T. E. BOWEN.
Current Mention
— The wireless telegraph station at Los Angeles, Cal., has succeeded in establishing wireless communication with the Hawaiian station, 2,200 miles distant.
— An effort is now being made to arrange a conference between anthracite coal-miners and coal-mine operators, with a view to forestalling a threatened strike of the miners.
— Another attempt was made on March 3 in the California Legislature to enact anti-Japanese legislation, by which all Asiatics were to be excluded from the public schools of that State. The measure was voted down.
— Within the last two years three ship-subsidy bills have been defeated in Congress. The last bill to receive this treatment was the Senate ship-subsidy bill that has claimed much of the attention of Congress during the present session. It was defeated in the House on March 2 by the narrow margin of three votes.
— One of the last speeches delivered in Congress was by Representative Tawney, chairman of the committee on appropriations. His speech consisted of a warning against the extravagant expenditures of the government. He stated that the appropriations made at this session amounted to $1,044,014,298.33, and even this was over fifty-nine millions less than the estimated expenditures. It stands, however, more than thirty-five millions above the appropriations of the last session. The present appropriations are an increase of sixty-three per cent over those of 1902.
— On March 4 William Howard Taft, in the Senate room of the national Capitol, took the oath of office as President of the United States, the second of the twenty-seven presidents to be inaugurated in that room. Extensive and elaborate arrangements had been made for conducting the ceremony in the open. The whole east front of the Capitol building from wing to wing had been formed into an immense amphitheater in which a small portion of the great throng was to be seated during the ceremonies. This and other portions of the day’s program was completely disarranged by one of the worst storms which Washington has ever experienced. During that and the following day Washington was almost completely cut off from the rest of the world so far as telegraphic communication was concerned. After the conclusion of the inaugural ceremonies, the retiring President took a train for his New York home, and the incoming President and Vice-President, with their wives, led an imposing procession from the Capitol to the White House. The procession included the governors of fourteen States, with troops or escorts; West Point cadets; soldiers of the regular army; State militia; sailors from the fleet, which had recently completed its voyage around the world; and the members of civic bodies and clubs, liberally interspersed with bands. The President reviewed the entire parade at the entrance to the White House grounds. The inaugural program was concluded in the evening with an extensive display of fireworks, and a brilliant ball in the Pension Building Hall.
— A report from Belgrade, Servia, states that in spite of all denials, the mobilization of Servian troops continues.
— A representative of the merchants of Manila, P. I., is now in Washington, D. C., on a special mission to induce the government of the United States to grant relief to the Philippines in the matter of free trade with the United States.
— The 1907 census of Cuba, an abstract of which is now published, shows a gain of thirty per cent in population since the close of the war. The population is now 2,048,980. A large proportion of the children are in the schools, and illiteracy is rapidly declining.
— The Commercial Cable Company has made arrangements for a new Atlantic cable from Europe to Newfoundland and thence to New York. This means the laying of 1,700 miles of new cable, and the abandonment of 900 miles of cable now in use, which will be picked up and put in service in some other part of the world. It is claimed that this arrangement will increase the speed of the service about thirty-five per cent.
— The joint commission on immigration appointed by Congress on Feb. 20, 1907, has issued a preliminary report of its findings. In this preliminary report it is declared that the present immigration laws, though severe in theory, are lax in application, and that great numbers of the undesirable class from foreign lands are annually brought into this country. The commission asks for a further appropriation of $250,000 to enable the immigration officials to deal adequately with the situation.
— The storm which ushered in President Taft’s inauguration caused great damage throughout the Central Atlantic States to public service corporations, such as telephone, telegraph, electric light and power, and railway companies. Some telephone and telegraph lines of large capacity have to be entirely reconstructed. Baltimore alone suffered in this respect to the extent of about one million dollars; and both Baltimore and Washington were practically isolated from the rest of the world for several days, save for wireless communication. The Postal and Western Union Telegraph companies each estimate their losses at a million dollars, and railroads in the storm-stricken area, up to March 7, were running without the use of the telegraph.
— The Interstate Commerce Commission has had before it for a year and a half the suit instituted by the city of Spokane, Wash., against the Great Northern and the Union Pacific railroads, and has finally rendered its decision in the matter. Spokane complained of unjust discrimination in freight rates, the rates to points much farther west being considerably less. The commission decided that it was not unlawful for the companies to charge a higher rate to an interior destination than to a seaport destination at a greater distance; but held also that the rate charged to Spokane was unreasonably high. What applies to Spokane applies also to other interior cities. It is, therefore, believed that this decision will have a marked effect in reducing freight rates between Eastern cities and cities of the West that are not situated on the coast.
Business Notices
THIS department is conducted especially for the accommodation of the Seventh-day Adventist readers of this paper.
Brief business notices will be published subject to the discretion of the publishers, and on compliance with the following—
Conditions
Any person unknown to the managers of this paper must send with his advertisement satisfactory written 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 one dollar 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.
WANTED.—On farm near Cleveland, where other Adventists are employed, farmer and working housekeeper in widower’s family. Married couple preferred. Excellent place for right parties. State wages desired, and time you can report. Address W. S. Dunscomb, Twinsburg, Ohio.23
WANTED.—Competent help to cook and do general housework in farm home. Address J. C. Kraushaar, R. F. D. 1, Alden, Minn.
WANTED.—Young man to work on farm in southwestern Nebraska. Will pay $25 a month. Steady job to right person. Must be young and a Sabbath-keeper. Call on or address C. G. Cog lizer, R. F. D. 1, McCook, Neb.
FOR SALE.—In Graysville, Tenn., two acres of orchard, with seven-room house, small barn, excellent well of soft water, good location near academy, church, business places. Terms easy. Address B. E. Nicola, R. F. D. 7, Battle Creek, Mich.
FOR SALE.—Sanitarium Cooking Oil, pure and healthful; no odor, keeps indefinitely: 5-gal. can, $3.50; 10-gal. can, $6.75; 62 cents a gal. in half barrel and barrel lots; 30 gal. and 50 gal. Address Sanitarium Cooking Oil Co., Louisville, Ky.
A BARGAIN.—On Pacific Coast; good climate; near station, Adventist church and school; eighty-five acres, with fences, house, wood-shed, barn, orchard, spring and creek, making good living for small family. $600. Address J. E. Wilson, Chitwood, Ore.
WANTED.—Strong Seventh-day Adventist sister to learn all our sanitarium treatments by actual work under graduate nurses of ten years’ experience. Wages for first year, $90 and half received from outside nursing. Address Jared Sanitarium, Logansport, Ind.
FOR SALE.—Peanut Butter, 10 cents a pound. Write for special low prices on Cocoanut Oil, Olive Oil, Vegetable Cooking Oil, Cereal Coffee, and other health foods. All guaranteed absolutely pure. Low transportation rates. Address Vegetarian Meat Co., Washington, D. C.
WANTED AT ONCE.—Several bright, consecrated, Seventh-day Adventist young ladies, to take a nurse’s training in the Tri-City Sanitarium Nurses’ Training-school for Missionary Nurses. Telegraph or write at once for application blanks and requirements. Tri-City Sanitarium, Moline, Ill.
FOR SALE.—Fever Thermometers, the dollar kind, 50 cents each; half dozen, $2.70; dozen, $4.80, post-paid; guaranteed, one minute, magnifying lense, hard rubber or metal case with chain,—the kind we furnish our Nashville Sanitarium and nurses. Address Sanitarium Supply Co., Nashville, Tenn.
BUFF ORPINGTONS.—All our spare stock was sold; but we have just bought a fine flock, so that we can now offer a few singles at $2; six pullets and a male, $10; eleven pullets and a male, $16; five Barred Plymouth Rock pullets and male, $6. Eggs, $1.50 a dozen. Incubators, brooders, and poultry supplies. Satisfaction guaranteed. Address Union College Poultry Yards, College View, Neb.
KANSAS LAND.—640 acres, Trego County; near Union and Missouri Pacific railroads. Elder C. A. Washburn’s family estate; value increasing, but deaths in family, etc., cause us to offer whole section, $10 an acre. Splendid farming land. Climate excellent. Purchaser’s fare paid. Address J. S. Washburn, 665 Decatur St., Memphis, Tenn.
FOR SALE.—400,000 new mottoes, all of foreign design, 12 x 16 inches. The most beautiful mottoes you ever looked at. Two have these words: “What is Home Without a Father?” (the first “father” motto ever issued), and, “What is Home Without a Mother?” Both have beautiful roses, with nice border. These two mottoes are companion pieces, and will be sent to any address for 50 cents. The world is ready for these two beauties as well as for our ten other new designs. (We have about 75 old designs in stock). Prices: Father and Mother mottoes, per 100, $8; per 200, $15; 12 new designs, assorted, per 100, $6; per 200, $11. Special rates in 5,000 lots. Over 25,000 sold since January 5. We guarantee our goods. Write us if you mean business. Address Hampton Art Company, Lock Box 257, Hampton, Iowa.
We are treating a general class of patients, but we are making a specialty of the care and treatment of the insane, and we are having most excellent success. We are also making a home for a limited number of elderly people and chronic invalids. We have an Adventist physician. Low rates. Address Otter Lake (Mich.) Medical and Surgical Sanitarium.
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
Canvassers' Institutes for 1909
COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE
West Pennsylvania, Clearfield....March 5-19
Ohio, Columbus....March 19 to April 2
Foreign Mission Seminary, Takoma Park, D. C....April 2-16
Mount Vernon (Ohio) College, Mount Vernon....April 16-30
CENTRAL UNION CONFERENCE
Kansas, Ottawa....March 12-22
NORTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
Minnesota....March 22 to April 1
South Dakota....March 15-25
North Dakota....March 25 to April 5
LAKE UNION CONFERENCE
North Michigan, Petoskey....March 5-15
East Michigan, Holly....March 16-28
Wisconsin, Grand Rapids, March 16 to April 5
Indiana, Beechwood Academy....April 8-18
Emmanuel Missionary College, Berrien Springs, Mich....April 18 to May 2
NOTICES AND APPOINTMENTS
Church Officers and Finance
By I. H. EVANS.
EVERY set of church officers ought immediately to lay definite plans for bringing their church-members to see the importance of giving systematically for the advancement of this message in the world. You say, How would you bring it about? I believe that the mission offering ought to be mentioned before the offering is taken up. First, see that every individual has an envelope, then perhaps give a little talk on the needs of the mission fields, and the importance of giving regularly and systematically for the carrying on of this work, and then take up the offering. In a few weeks you can have the whole church working as one man. It is purely a matter of unceasing perseverance. Never forget to mention it; always have the envelopes distributed, always pass them to every individual. The money should always be placed in the envelope, the amount noted in its proper place, and the name of the giver signed. Then the church treasurer can keep proper records and give receipts. It is our duty to give this message to the world, and it is the duty of God's people to supply the necessary funds. It is your duty before God, as church officers, to gather in these funds faithfully.
But you say, I can not mention it; I am ashamed to talk finance all the time. My dear friends, I believe that if you will talk it in the spirit of the Lord, it will be the best part of the meeting.
Our people love to hear of the progress of this message in foreign lands, and it is our duty as church officers to tell them of its triumphs from week to week, and urge them to give more freely, that it may advance more rapidly. If you do not succeed in getting the required ten cents a week, talk more, work harder, pray more, and give more. A conference treasurer wrote me recently that he had been appointed to take charge of the ten-cent-a-week plan. He said: “I have always been giving twenty-five cents of the Sabbath-school collection each week; this means I must give fifty. I have, for the last few years, been giving forty cents a week for foreign missions; now I will have to give eighty.” That means $1.20 each week for foreign missions from him.
I. H. EVANS.
Publications Wanted
[SPECIAL NOTICE.— We learn that objectionable literature is being sent in response to these requests, and urge all to examine with special care any periodicals or pamphlets received outside of our well-known denominational publications. Be sure that the literature which you distribute teaches the truth. Those responding to requests for papers should send only clean copies, neatly folded, securely wrapped, and fully prepaid.—Ed.]
Chester P. Vincent, Box 801, Amarillo, Tex., Signs, Liberty, tracts.
A. V. Rhoads, Box 721, Minot, N. D., denominational papers and tracts.
W. T. Dawson, 971 Joseph Place, Memphis, Tenn., REVIEW, Liberty, and Life and Health.
P. C. Shockey, Harlingen, Tex., denominational papers and tracts in English and Spanish.
Mrs. W. Malony, 2219 S. Elm St., Muncie, Ind., Signs, Watchman, Liberty, Life and Health, and tracts.
E. J. Harvey, Box 851, Winnipeg, Manitoba, denominational periodicals and tracts in English and foreign languages.
Mr. Sydney King, 211 Garza St., San Antonio, Tex., a continuous supply of Signs, REVIEW, Liberty, and Life and Liberty.
Mrs. Anna L. Gallion, Arapaho, Okla., desires to thank those who have mailed her literature, and requests that a continuous supply be sent.
Mrs. J. M. Guilliams, 630 Eleventh St., Bowling Green, Ky., a continuous supply of Little Friend and Instructor for use in a mission Sunday-school.
Special Meeting of the British Columbia Association
By W. M. ADAMS
NOTICE is hereby given that a special meeting of the members of the British Columbia Association of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at the office of the association, at Port Hammond, B. C., April 13, 1909, at 11 A. M., to take into consideration the advisability of selling the lands of the association hereinafter described, upon the terms and for the price hereinafter set forth, and, if thought advisable, to pass the following resolution:—
Resolved, That it is expedient for the association to sell and to dispose of fifty (50) acres, more or less, being and lying on the west part of the east half of section thirty-five (35); also lots nine (9) and ten (10), subdivision of section thirty-six (36); also all of lot eleven (11), except one acre on the southeast corner of said lot, which is to be reserved for a church building. Also lots (to be surveyed) facing the road, lying on the east part of section thirty-six (36). Said lands to be sold for the price of one hundred dollars ($100) an acre, some more and some less, and upon such terms as the executive committee may determine.
At this time trustees will be elected for the ensuing year.
W. M. ADAMS,President.
Address Wanted
Any person knowing of the whereabouts of Ira D. Sheffler will confer a favor by sending his address to the clerk of the Seventh-day Adventist church at Duluth, Minn. Address Miss Alice Burghart, 903 East Fourth St., Duluth, Minn.
Address
The address of Elder H. F. Graf is 2325 East Eighty-seventh St., Cleveland, Ohio.
For Free Distribution
THE management of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium has just issued an attractive booklet containing a number of colored views of scenery in Southern California. These will be sent free on request for Booklet No. 10. Address Paradise Valley Sanitarium, National City, Cal.
Obituaries
JAFFRAY.—Died of general debility, Sister Loretta Jaffray, in the seventy-fifth year of her age. Nearly all her life had been spent in Belvidere, Ill., and she sleeps in its beautiful cemetery. She accepted the truth over thirty years ago, under the labors of Elders Andrews and Stewart, and was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Belvidere. She was the mother of nine children, the most of whom are still living. Her children selected 2 Tim. 4:7, 8, for the sermon text.
L. D. SANTEE.
TURNBALL.—Brother John Turnball died Feb. 4, 1909. He was born in Scotland in 1819, and came to Minnesota nearly forty years ago. Later he moved his family to the West, where he has since resided. He gave himself to the Lord in his youth, to serve and obey him. Twenty years ago he accepted present truth, and united with the Seventh-day Adventist church at Natchez, Wash. He was ready to lay down the cares of this life and rest in slumber until Jesus comes to receive the faithful unto himself.
E. W. CATLIN.
KUNS.—Dr. Nathaniel Kuns was assassinated, Oct. 8, 1908. He was born Dec. 8, 1845, in Union County, Pennsylvania, and was married in the year 1868. Four children—one son and three daughters—were born to this union. Dr. Kuns was married again in 1901, to Sina Spears, and both he and his wife united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1905, in the first series of tent-meetings held by Elder Wm. W. Simpson. Brother Kuns was loved and respected by all who knew him, for his earnest Christian life; and we expect to meet him when Jesus comes. The funeral service was conducted by the writer.
C. E. FORD.
GANIARD.—Died at the home of his son, Wm. Ganiard, in Petersburg, Neb., Feb. 2, 1909, Jehiel Adoniram Ganiard, aged 84 years, 5 months, and 6 days. Father Ganiard accepted the truths taught by the Seventh-day Adventists about forty-one years ago in Waterloo, Wis., under the labors of Elder I. Sanborn. Our ministers and workers always found a welcome at his home, and he and his wife did all they could for them. His wife died in 1903, and he has been very lonely and feeble since, but through it all very patient. He always loved to talk and read about the truth, often repeating his favorite text, Rev. 3:10. No Adventist minister being near, the funeral services were conducted by the Congregationalist minister, from Rev. 14:13.
LILLIE A. GANIARD.
WHEELER.—Died at the home of her parents, at Talent, Ore., Feb. 11, 1909, Sister Esther Wheeler, aged 20 years, 6 months, and 27 days. Esther was born in Coos County, Oregon, where she spent her early childhood. When nine years old, she moved with her parents to Salem, Ore. It was at a camp-meeting held at this place in May, 1898, that she gave herself to God, was baptized, and united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 1903 she accompanied her parents to Vancouver, Wash., where she remained until a few months before her death. She was a faithful, earnest Christian, taking an active part in the Sabbath-school and in the young people's work. She always had a cheerful word for those in sorrow, and was an affectionate daughter and sister, loved by all who knew her. The funeral services were conducted by Elder W. L. Black, of the Western Oregon Conference.
W. O. WHEELER.
LAUGHLIN.—Helen C. Laughlin, wife of Hugh L. Laughlin, died Jan. 31, 1909, at their home in Bainbridge, Ohio, aged fifty-nine years. Sister Laughlin was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and was a sister of Elder C. C. Webster. She accepted present truth twenty-eight years ago by reading, and has loved it ever since. She has rejoiced to see her husband and her three grown children in harmony with her. She has always had a missionary spirit, and distributed our literature wherever she lived. The family and relatives sorrow not as others which have no hope. Words of comfort were spoken from Ps. 50:5, by the writer.
C. P. HASKELL.
RICE.—Mrs. Eliza Christopher Rice, was born at Brookfield, Nova Scotia, in 1838. She was reared among the Baptists, and in 1877 saw the light of the third angel's message. She was a godly woman, a faithful mother, and a devoted member of the church. She died quite suddenly, Feb. 9, 1909, as the result of a fall, at New Bedford, Mass., living only forty-five minutes after she fell. She leaves a husband and five children to mourn their loss, but they mourn not as others who have no hope. Funeral services were conducted by the writer at Acushnet and Danvers, Mass., and we laid her to rest till the resurrection morning.
F. C. GILBERT.
REINKE.—Died at Tacubaya, D. F., Mexico, Feb. 4, 1909, of typhoid fever, Brother Arthur A. Reinke, aged twenty-five years. Brother Reinke was born in Pennsylvania, where his parents still reside. After reaching mature life, he accepted present truth, and went to Healdsburg College to receive preparation for service in the cause of the Master. Having had a good experience as an evangelistic canvasser in California, he was invited to come to Mexico to engage in the same work. In company with three other young men he reached Mexico City last July, and began work. He had, we believe, fully consecrated his life to the winning of souls. We laid him to rest in Dolores Cemetery, awaiting the voice of the Life-giver. The funeral services were conducted in English and Spanish by Elder G. W. Caviness and the writer.
G. W. REASER.
CRANE.—Died in Alameda, Cal., Feb. 12, 1909, Henrietta M. Crane, aged 48 years, 10 months, and 15 days. She was the mother of seven children,—five boys and two girls,—all of whom survive her, and were present at the funeral services. Her religious experience dates back to about thirteen years ago, when she was baptized in Oakland, by Elder W. N. Glenn, and joined the Seventh-day Adventist church in Alameda, Cal. Living a consistent Christian life, she was a great blessing to the church, and served as deaconess for several years. She was always full of courage and hope, and had a cheering word for everybody. The church has lost a most excellent member, the children a kind, affectionate mother. The funeral services, which were held in the Alameda church, were conducted by the writer, assisted by Prof. G. W. Rine.
ANDREW BROERSEN.
FOSTER.—Mrs. Kate Foster, née Kitcher, was born in Hampshire, England, May 29, 1869. She gave herself to the Lord in her childhood, and became a member of the Episcopal Church. She was united in marriage to William Foster, April 9, 1902, and moved with her husband to California, where she resided till her decease. She, with her husband, embraced the Adventist faith about one and a half years ago, and later was baptized and united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her sickness was brief, and Nov. 26, 1908, she quietly fell asleep, not having been conscious of much suffering. She leaves a husband and infant daughter, also a father and mother, two brothers, one sister in England, and many other relatives and friends to mourn her decease. Her Christian experience was especially bright, and she rejoiced in the light of present truth. Words of comfort were spoken by the writer.
C. M. GARDNER.
Sunday Legislation Defeated
By Editor
As was intimated in our last issue, the Sixtieth Congress closed March 4 without passing any Sunday legislation. The Johnston Sunday bill, which was acted upon by the Senate, was not reported to the House by the Committee on the District of Columbia, and other bills introduced either in the House or the Senate were treated in a similar manner. Thus, through the good providence of God, the national legislature has not committed itself to a course of religious legislation, and still further opportunity is granted for the dissemination of right principles before men in responsible positions take an action fraught with such tremendous results to the American nation. We shall be guilty of the most serious neglect of duty if we do not use to the very best advantage the favorable opportunity thus granted.
SEVERAL who were associated with us in the work before the removal from Battle Creek have visited Washington during the past week. Among them are Brother Oscar Reuchel and wife, and Brother A. L. Bayley. Brother Bayley is now secretary and treasurer of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.
