Our Work in England by W. H. Wakeham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

Our Work in England

By W. H. Wakeham

Undoubtedly the readers of the REVIEW will be glad to hear of the progress of our work here with reference to the “Sunday” campaign. The forces operating in behalf of Sunday legislation received something of a check in the government when a motion in the House of Lords toward a stricter observance of the day was met with a positive refusal from the leader in the House of Commons.

While we know, of course, that this is only a temporary check, yet we are thankful that the Lord is thus holding the winds of strife, that our people may get this special truth before the world. The agitation for a better observance of Sunday is rapidly spreading in every direction. Especially is it being urged on by the non-conformists.

Our people are doing good work with the little paper, Sunday Notes on the National Campaign, which has recently been published at the office here. Nearly one hundred and fifty thousand of these papers have been sold during the past few weeks, and we know that many are reading them, and we believe that they are being influenced thereby. We are grateful to God for these opportunities that he is giving us of sounding this message.

The following is a resolution which was unanimously adopted by the South England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists on March 12, and forwarded to the members of the British cabinet, together with a publication dealing with the Sunday institution and the dangers of Sunday legislation:—

“Resolved, That this conference of Christian observers of the seventh-day Sabbath has seen with pleasure and thankfulness the attitude of His Majesty’s government toward the Sunday legislation asked for by Lord Avebury’s motion.

“They wish respectfully to express their conviction that no institution of a religious character should ask for or receive the support of the state, but should stand or fall by its own intrinsic worth, and should rely for its promotion on spiritual methods alone.

“This conference, recognizing that ‘the powers that be are ordained of God,’ prays that by his help and blessing, the government may be strong to accomplish all needed reforms and to stand firmly against any proposal that is contrary to liberty of conscience and religious equality.”

Responses to these letters have been received from six members of the cabinet, including the prime minister, the chancellor of the exchequer, and others in high official position in the government.

W. H. WAKEHAM.