Washington, D. C by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 23, 1904

Washington, D. C.

By J. S. Washburn

As will be seen by the list of donations on page 20, one eighth of the needed amount has now been received. We are receiving a large number of donations, but as the actual work of building is now to begin, we are in great need of at least $20,000 within the next two weeks. Thus far we have kept entirely out of debt, more having been received than has been paid out. We are certain that those who are supporting the work desire to see it pushed on at once during the present season. If this is done without borrowing, we shall need immediately a large number of donations from $500 to $1,000. We know that you are all interested in this work. The work is yours. We are praying that the needed means will come, and believe that God will answer our prayers for the good of his work. If all our brethren and sisters would act as agents for the work in securing funds from their friends, we believe they would accomplish a double purpose, that of raising the needed means, and of interesting many outside of our denomination in the great work of the third angel's message.

On Thursday, June 16, I attended the trial of Brother J. H. Parritt, of Portsmouth, Va., who had been arrested for “Sabbath-breaking.” The special work done on Sunday was photography. No complaint was made of disturbance, but the ministers had started an agitation against the true Sabbath, and had Brother Parritt arrested directly for “Sabbath-breaking.” He was fined two dollars and costs by the mayor. The case was appealed, and on June 16 Judge Crocker dismissed the case after five minutes' hearing. We felt that God had wrought wonders in the turning of the hearts of men who we had feared would be carried away by the tide of public sentiment in that place, which sweeps strongly against freedom of conscience.

J. S. WASHBURN.