p. 24 | Review and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 1. (1/7/1904)

The Chicago Calamity and Its Warning

By Editor

The whole civilized world was shocked last week by the awfulness of the calamity which overtook Chicago just as the old year was going out. The particulars of this dreadful visitation are given in our news columns. To us this terrible catastrophe, appalling in its suddenness and the wholesale loss of life, speaks most impressively of the nature of the times to which we have come. A playhouse was suddenly changed into a charnel house, and Death assumed the title role. There came at once to our minds the words of Jesus: “Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” God is dealing with this generation. He is making his final call to a world in wickedness such as characterized Sodom and Gomorrah. In the unusual calamities which are following one another with alarming frequency, he is reminding the people of the earth of the day of judgment, and is calling upon them to escape from those things which are coming upon the unrepentant sinner. We ourselves have experienced the visitation of God's judgments because of a swerving from right principles, but in the great property loss there was a merciful sparing of life. In the Chicago calamity the destruction of property was altogether overshadowed by a death roll reaching to about six hundred. What thoughtful person can fail to note the difference? When we say that the judgments of God are in the earth, shall we remember that God has spoken to his church as well as to the world? Let the church hear and repent, and then carry the call to repentance to a world on the very verge of eternity. “How is it that ye do not discern this time?”

Revised Edition of Journeys by Land and Sea

A REVISED edition of that interesting book of travel, “Journeys by Land and Sea,” written by Elder G. C. Tenney, has now been issued. The purpose of the author is to present in an easy and pleasing style the results of his own observations in his journeyings “through five continents,” and also to set forth, as naturally connected with his own experience and labors in these different countries, some of the leading features of the message which is designed for all nations and peoples. Thus although it is not primarily a religious book, it may sow seeds of truth in minds which are not yet open to a more direct teaching of the gospel message, and so prepare the way for other efforts. The book is quite fully illustrated, including an excellent full-page portrait of the author. A clean and wholesome book of travel, like this one, is good reading for the young people, and will help them to a clearer understanding of some of the distant countries in which they may yet have the privilege of working to hasten the coming of the King of kings. Parents can remember this when they are providing reading for their children. The price of the book is $1.50, postpaid, and it can be ordered of any of the tract societies or publishing houses.

1904 Year Book

THE Year Book for 1904 is nearly completed. Orders should be sent at once to conference tract society offices, or to the General Conference, when more convenient. Price, 25 cents.

A Long Step Toward Finishing the Work

Word comes in from all parts of the fields abroad telling of the fresh courage and confidence the workers feel as they see how the providence of God has led in the removal to Washington. They see in recent events a long step forward toward the finishing of the work.

Death of Brother A. Druillard

By Editor

JUST as we go to press with this issue, we have received a brief announcement of the death of Brother A. Druillard, which occurred at Berrien Springs, Mich., at 11 P. M., Dec. 29, 1903. Brother Druillard was known and loved by many who will sincerely mourn his loss. We hope to give a more complete notice of this sad event in a later issue.

Iowa Sanitarium Training-School Commencement

The commencement exercises of the Iowa Sanitarium Training-School for Missionary Nurses were held in the church at Des Moines, Tuesday evening, Dec. 29, 1903. Addresses were given by Dr. J. Edgar Colloran and Dr. Emma A. Perrine, and diplomas were presented to fifteen graduates by Brother C. H. Parsons. The class motto was “Redeemed by Love, Saved for Service.”

Death of William Gifford

By Editor

WE publish this week a notice of the death of one of the oldest Sabbath-keepers, Brother William Gifford, who had reached the very advanced age of one hundred and five years. Brother Gifford was born in 1798, the year which marked the beginning of “the time of the end,” and was therefore thirty-five years of age when the great star-shower of 1833 occurred. Thus the aged men of “this generation” are passing away, and we are reminded that soon the coming of the Master must take place. “A little while! How short! How short!”

New Editor of the Youth's Instructor

By Editor

AFTER five years of faithful and acceptable service as editor of the Youth's Instructor, Miss Adelaide Bee Cooper has resigned that position, and her resignation has been reluctantly accepted. Under Miss Cooper's direction the Instructor has been true to its name—a safe instructor of the youth, filled with matter which is wholesome, helpful, and inspiring. The influence of this work has been felt in many hearts and homes. By joint action of the General Conference Committee and the trustees of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, Miss Fannie M. Dickerson has been chosen to succeed Miss Cooper as editor of the Instructor. Miss Dickerson is already quite well known to many of our families, especially in the East, as a teacher of young people, and her work at the South Lancaster Academy has been very highly esteemed. The new editor brings to her work such ability and experience as warrant the confidence that the high standard of the paper will be maintained.

Our First-Page Message

THE epistle of Jude contains warning and instruction applicable to our own time and work. It should be read as if addressed to Seventh-day Adventists.

This is the conclusion which can properly be drawn from the following paragraphs taken from a communication from Sister White, dated Aug. 27, 1903:—

At this time, Jude's testimony is of great force to all who desire to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Jude bears this message to guard believers against the seductive influences of false teachers, men who have a form of godliness, but who are not safe leaders. In these last days, false teachers will arise and become actively zealous. All kinds of theories will be presented to divert the minds of men and women from the very truth that defines the position we can occupy with safety in this time when Satan is working with power upon religionists, leading them to make a pretense of being righteous, but to fail of placing themselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

False theories will be mingled with every phase of experience, and advocated with satanic earnestness in order to captivate the mind of every soul who is not rooted and grounded in a full knowledge of the sacred principles of the Word. In the very midst of us will arise false teachers, giving heed to seducing spirits whose doctrines are of satanic origin. These teachers will draw away disciples after themselves. Creeping in unawares, they will use flattering words, and make skilful misrepresentations with seductive tact.

The Lord is guarding his people against a repetition of the errors and mistakes of the past. There have always been abounded false teachers who, advocating erroneous doctrines and unholy practises, and working upon false principles in a most specious, covered, deceptive manner, have endeavored to deceive, if possible, the very elect. They bind themselves up in their own fallacies. If they do not succeed, because their way becomes hedged by warnings from God, they will change somewhat the features of their work, and the representations they have made, and bring out their plans again under a false showing. They refuse to confess, repent, and believe. Confessions may be made, but no real reformation takes place, and erroneous theories bring ruin upon unsuspecting souls because these souls believe and rely upon the men advocating these theories.

New Jersey Conference Session

By J. E. Jayne

Notice!

THE second annual session of the New Jersey Conference will be held in Trenton, N. J., commencing on Thursday, January 14, and continuing over the following Sunday. It is hoped that there will be a full attendance.

J. E. JAYNE, President.