EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY.
By Editor
SINCE our last issue we have received the following expressions of sympathy in the loss that has come to us, for which we are very grateful indeed: Mr. C. M. Everest, Missionary Secretary of the Minnesota Conference, writes: “You may be sure that we sympathize with you in the great calamity that has befallen our Pacific Press Publishing House,” and kindly gives to us ten or twelve volumes of the Signs which he has been preserving for his own use. We need not say that we are very grateful. Prof. M. E. Olsen of London, England, writes: “While we joyed over the large edition of the Signs at the time of the earthquake, we have felt to sympathize deeply in the loss of the institution in the way of damage; and now the news of the terrible fire redoubles our sorrow. For one I feel like doing as Job’s friends did to begin with, sitting still in silent sympathy. When they began to talk they were all wrong, and that is likely to be the case to-day. No doubt there is some lesson for every one of us in every calamity that God permits to come upon our institutions or upon some individual, but the lesson may take years to be perfectly understood and comprehended. I feel to pray with all humility of heart: “Teach me Thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.” . . . May God abundantly bless you, and may the Pacific Press, rising out of the ashes, become in time an even more powerful factor in spreading the beautiful light of the Gospel than ever in the past is the prayer of your brother.” Mr. Wilbur A. Reaser, the artist, writes us: “Three days ago the first shocking news reached us of your terrible loss. With all our hearts we sympathize with you. This is a great mystery why the Pacific Press should be called upon to make so great a sacrifice at such a time as this. It may be some great light will come to us when we shall be literally saved as by fire.” Elder H. A. St. John, chaplain of the St. Helena Sanatarium, writes: “I feel that the loss of the Pacific Press Publishing House is my loss, but I further see and feel that to you, more than any other person, it seems to me, the loss must be greatest. How many things pertaining to your connection with the office were doubtless consumed that money or memory can never reproduce. But after all I believe it to be a chastisement upon us all, and if we are rightly exercised by it, its full meaning will be seen in the peaceable fruits of righteousness that will follow. I expect great good to each of us, and much to the cause of God will come out of it.” Prof. J. L. Derby, who had a series of articles, nine in number, destroyed by the fire, writes: “My present solicitation is only how to get the Pacific Press rebuilt. It will rise again, rise through the self-sacrifice of a determined people. When they recover from the confusion of the shock, they will, slowly perhaps, but none the less surely, lift anew. In the final reckoning the adversary can not complain that he was not given every advantage—money, talent, government; while the Lord took the poor in this world, the mean in natural gifts, the victims of governmental oppression, and has accomplished and will accomplish His purposes.” Elder R. A. Underwood, president of the Northern Union Conference, writes from Minneapolis, July 31: “We have heard of the terrible loss of the Pacific Press. We were almost appalled by the news. God has something in it for us, and I believe our brethren will rally to the support of the Press as never before. Wishing you abundance of success, and with the assurance that your calamity is our calamity, I am your brother.” Mr. Wm. Thomson, of Thomas Nelson & Sons, publishers of the American Standard Revised Version of the Bible, writes: “We regret very much to learn of your serious loss by fire and earthquake, and beg to assure you that you have our sympathy and that we will do everything in our power to assist you in rebuilding your business. We appreciate very much your kind expressions with reference to the American Revised Standard Bible, and for your information and assistance.” Pastor R. C. Porter, president Kansas Conference, writes under date of August 1: “I assure you I was very glad to learn more of the facts concerning the burning of your plant at Mountain View—I say your plant; I should have said our plant. I am sure we are all equally interested in these publishing plants that have been established by our people for the dissemination of the message of truth we hold so dear. Anything that touches the publishing houses touches the hearts of our people. . . . We stand ready to join in any plan to further the work. . . . Assuring you of my hearty co-operation and sincere sympathy, I am sincerely yours.” Elder A. G. Daniells, president of the General Conference, writes from Washington under date of August 2: “It is not necessary for me to use many words in telling you how terribly we have all felt over the destruction of your plant. You have no doubt had many letters of sympathy. Words from us can not tell you of the terrible impression this disaster has made upon us. . . . We join with you in earnestly praying the Lord to teach us the meaning of this calamity, how to learn the lesson and secure the blessing He designs we shall. We are deeply interested in the plans you may develop for the restoration of your plant. . . . Closing, I wish again to assure you of our sympathy and our fullest desire to co-operate with you in placing your institution on vantage-ground.”