Wide Publicity in Boston Newspapers by W. L. Burgan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1915

Wide Publicity in Boston Newspapers

By W. L. Burgan

A MOST convincing demonstration of the power of the secular press or newspaper in bringing the principal beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination to the attention of the world was recently given in the large city of Boston, where one of our brethren was dismissed from the police force because he refused to perform his duties on the Sabbath.

This brother, who had been connected with the police force of that city for twelve years, was considered a model officer by his superiors; but they felt that he was violating the regulations of the department in not working on the Sabbath, when he had sworn, upon receiving his appointment, that he would devote his entire time to the service. For a considerable length of time he observed the Sabbath while still on the force, but the day arrived when the chief officials concluded to put a stop to his absence on

that day or cause him to lose his position. He was true to his convictions, and was dismissed from the department, with only the refusal to work on the seventh day against his good record.

The daily newspapers of Boston became interested in his case because of the unusual feature connected with it, and gave considerable space to reports concerning him. Some of the papers published their reports on the front page, with large, attractive headlines, and in each article the name “Seventh-day Adventist” was given prominence. The papers continued to write about him for several days, until his case was widely discussed not only in Boston, but throughout all New England.

The reporters called upon Elder Archer V. Cotton, who is stationed there, for statements concerning our belief; and when our brother was baptized, a large crowd assembled, as well as several reporters, who gave interesting accounts in their papers of the occasion. One paper also published a photograph of the baptismal scene. The influence these newspaper reports had for the good of our cause has already been felt to the extent that our brethren in Massachusetts have, either directly or indirectly, heard from persons in different parts of New England where these Boston papers circulate. It is the belief of many that the Lord used this brother to attract attention to the great truths we hold. It is quite probable that there will be similar instances when men in public office will lose their positions for the truth’s sake, and our cause will be given very wide publicity. The newspapers in many parts of the world are paying more attention to our cause each day, and no one should let an opportunity slip by to give various phases of the truth while the editors are so liberal-minded toward our work.

W. L. BURGAN.