Editorial Notes and Current Events
By Editor
THIS week concludes the series of articles on "Man's Sin and Saviour;" we hope the whole series has been faithfully read. A NUMBER of questions from interested correspondents await reply. We will endeavor to answer them, or at least a part of them, in our next issue. NEXT week we begin a series of articles on the great threefold message of Rev. 14:6-12. It consistently follows the series on "Man's Sin and Saviour." The reader's understanding of these articles will be materially assisted by an outline chart or cut specially prepared for this purpose. THE papers report, what we long ago predicted, that Father M'Glynn has been reconciled to the Catholic Church, and this reconciliation effected here has been confirmed by the pope. M'Glynn has been called by many Protestants "the modern Luther." There was this difference, Dr. M'Glynn was a convert of Henry George, and Martin Luther was converted by the gospel of Christ. It is only the "mystery of God" which can fully and finally separate from the mystery of iniquity, whatever form the last named may take. THE American Sabbath Union suffered an unexpected defeat at Chicago on the 17th inst. The Union was holding its annual convention, and arrangements were made for four mass meetings. Everything seemed to be going along smoothly, until a series of resolutions were read condemning the efforts being made to have the World's Fair open on Sunday. When the vote was taken on the adoption of the resolutions, there was a strong majority against them. The result was a marked surprise to the leaders of the Union, and, to make matters worse for them, the chairman was indiscreet enough to ask some explanation for the action of the majority, and he got it from Elder A. T. Jones, a Seventh-day Adventist minister, in pointed remarks against the action of Congress in closing the Fair for theological reasons. Although personally indifferent whether the Fair was opened or closed on Sunday, he showed that Congress had no constitutional right to legislate on religious matters, and that it could not in any way establish or legalize a Sunday law, according to the Constitution. When charged with being an infidel, he replied: "No, sir; I am a Christian. God never gave his pledge in favor of Sunday. He always said the seventh day was the Sabbath, and when you say he meant the first day, where is your respect for the law of God?" A MOST excellent social meeting was held in the afternoon of Sabbath, December 17, in Oakland. After the regular reading for the day, with some remarks of exhortation and a short season of prayer, opportunity was given for testimonies, exhortations, etc. From one to fifteen were on their feet at once, till nearly the close of the Sabbath. Many more would have spoken if there had been opportunity. Some who had not been heard from for months broke over the restraint of the enemy and started anew. Far greater blessings are expected before the week of prayer closes. God is very good, and the door of mercy and blessing does not simply "stand ajar," it is wide open. IN another column is a note concerning the blessed work of the Lord in the office at Battle Creek, Mich. We rejoice because of it; we rejoice with them in some degree of the same blessings. There is one point which we wish to emphasize here, and that is that at one of the best meetings there, there was no preacher. Oftentimes the preacher is depended upon altogether too much, and he comes in between the soul and Christ. This should not be. The fountain of God's grace is always open for all who will come and drink. A preacher may be a help, but it is God that giveth. Therefore, brethren and sisters, go direct to the Fountain as you are, as individuals, as needy ones, and in faith claim the promises of God. Be assured he will not send you empty away.