Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 45. (11/7/1907)

Review and Herald

Nov 7, 1907

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Nov 7, 1907

Training for Service

LET the youth who need an education set to work with a determination to obtain it. Do not wait for an opening; make one for yourselves. Take hold in any small way that presents itself. Practise economy. Do not spend your means for the gratification of appetite, or in pleasure seeking. Be determined to become as useful and efficient as God calls you to be. Be thorough and faithful in whatever you undertake. Procure every advantage within your reach for strengthening the intellect. Let the study of books be combined with useful manual labor, and by faithful endeavor, watchfulness, and prayer, secure the wisdom that is from above. . . . Let every student take his Bible, and place himself in communion with the Great Teacher. Let the mind be trained and disciplined to wrestle with hard problems in the search for divine truth. Those who hunger for knowledge that they may bless their fellow men will themselves receive blessing from God.—“Christ’s Object Lessons.”

GOSPEL MINUTEMEN

One of the best means we have of passing the light of truth on to others, is through the distribution of our tracts. They are put up in convenient size, and the subjects are handled in a brief and interesting way. Many who now enjoy the light of present truth were first interested in it by reading some tract taken from a reading-rack, or handed to them by a friend.

The following list gives a few of the best tracts we have on the subjects mentioned. A complete list will be sent on application. In all, we have nearly three hundred tracts, covering every phase of the message.

THE SABBATH

	W. T. S. No.	Each
How the Sabbath Came to Me	2	$.03
A Challenge to Protestants	4	.00½
Personal Questions and Answers	7	.03½
The Law in Christ	11	.01½
The Perpetuity of the Law (Spurgeon)	40	.01
Elihu on the Sabbath	46	.01
An Appeal to Clergy	43	.00½

SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

	W. T. S. No.	Each
Coming of the Lord	1	.00¼
Come, Lord Jesus	14	.00¼
Is the End Near?	22	.00½
We Would See Jesus	36	.01
Second Coming of Christ	42	.02

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

	W. T. S. No.	Each
Signs of Our Times	37	.01
What Do These Things Mean?	39	.01

SPECIAL POINTS

	W. T. S. No.	Each
It's and Why's of Baptism	17	.01¼
Ownership and Tithing	24	.00½
The Seven Last Plagues	29	.03

FOR MISCELLANEOUS DISTRIBUTION

	W. T. S. No.	Each
Present Truth	34	$.02
The War Between Capital and Labor	12	.02
Court Week in Heaven	47	.00¼
The Open Letter	26	.01
Third Angel's Message	35	.00¼

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

No.		Each
1	Principles Too Little Understood	$.00½
2	Sunday Laws	.00½
3	Logic of Sabbath Legislation	.00½
4	The Civil Sabbath	.00¾
5	Civil Government and the Church	.00¼
6	Religious Liberty — What Eminent Authorities Say	.00¾
7	The Church's Greatest Need To-day	.00¼
8	Church Federation	.00¾
9	Limits of Civil Authority	.00¼
10	A Vital Question — Is the Sabbath a Civil Institution?	.00½
11	What are Works of Charity and Necessity?	.00¼
12	“Backward States”	.00½

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Bondage or Liberty?

In writing to one of his members who had decided to keep the true Sabbath, a pastor of a Christian church described this people as follows:—

They are like those Jewish teachers in the early church who were reproved by Paul in his letters because they deluded the people back into the bondage of the law, trusting in the law rather than in Christ himself. An unprejudiced mind that will stop to consider the facts will admit this is true of the Seventh-day Adventists.

It is plain that this pastor is not acquainted with the teachings of Seventh-day Adventists, for had he known what they really are, he could not have honestly made such a charge against this denomination. What are the facts? Seventh-day Adventists believe and teach that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, according to Paul’s reply to the jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved;” that we are justified by faith, and not by the deeds of the law; that we are saved by grace wholly, and not through any works of our own; and that no man can save himself by keeping any one of the commandments, or all of them. On the other hand, Seventh-day Adventists believe and teach that we do not make void the law through faith; that the righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ is to be witnessed by the law and the prophets; and that the fruit of our salvation is seen in a life in harmony with the law of God.

These views have been before the world for many years in printed form, and have not been written up merely to answer a charge. The following extract will show this:—

There are two errors against which the children of God—particularly those who have just come to trust in his grace—especially need to guard. The first, already dwelt upon, is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God. He who is trying to become holy by his own works in keeping the law, is attempting an impossibility. All that man can do without Christ is polluted with selfishness and sin. It is the grace of Christ alone, through faith, that can make us holy.

The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption.

But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love. The law of God is an expression of his very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of his government in heaven and earth. If our hearts are renewed in the likeness of God, if the divine love is implanted in the soul, will not the law of God be carried out in the life? When the principle of love is implanted in the heart, when man is renewed “after the image of him that created him,” the new covenant promise is fulfilled, “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.” And if the law is written in the heart, will it not shape the life? Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the scripture says, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments;” “he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.

We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith. . . .

That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption. “By grace are ye saved through faith.” But “faith, if it hath not works, is dead.” Jesus said of himself before he came to earth, “I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart.” And just before he ascended again to heaven, he declared, “I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” The scripture says, “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. . . . He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” “Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.”

The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been,—just what it was in paradise before the fall of our first parents,—perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness. If eternal life were granted on any condition short of this, then the happiness of the whole universe would be imperiled. The way would be open for sin, with all its train of woe and misery, to be immortalized.—“Steps to Christ,” pages 74-77.

When the matter is correctly understood, it will be found that Seventh-day Adventists do not attempt to lead people “back into the bondage of the law,” but out into the liberty of Christ, that gospel liberty which is retained by an obedience which is the fruit of faith. This is the experience described by the psalmist: “I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” But Seventh-day Adventists do not believe in that perversion of liberty which makes it a license to walk contrary to the commandments of God under the specious plea that pure love is free from law. This is free love, but it is not the love of God. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

After he has read this article, this pastor will not again make this same charge against Seventh-day Adventists, if he is an honest man and desires to represent this people fairly.

Come Up Higher

By Editor

Editorial

The grace of Christ is all sufficient that every one, no matter how far he may have wandered from God, may have the image of divinity restored in him. In Christ God calls to every soul, “Come up higher.” Some who profess to call themselves Christians, are content to live in the dark valley, but God calls every one to the mountain top, to the higher life, even the life with Christ in heavenly places. Let every heart that believes in Christ respond to the call.

To accept every ray of light which comes to him, and to walk in that light, both being done by faith, is the very substance of Christian experience. We are responsible neither for the sunrise nor for the sunset, but we are under obligation to walk in the light while we have it. “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Accept the light and walk in it, and receive the promised blessing.

Is your faith weak? Strengthen it by feeding upon the Word. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Is your testimony a dry one? Drink fresh draughts from the wells of salvation. “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him,” said Jesus, “shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Food and drink are as essential for spiritual life and power as they are for the physical well-being.

Simple Truths Stated Simply

At a recent religious service several presented, according to previous appointment, five texts which contained a summary of gospel truth. One of the lists read was the following:—

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

“Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25.

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.” Gal. 2:20.

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6.

“Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3.

The first text shows that the greatness of God’s love was measured by the gift of his only Son, and that through faith in him we are delivered from death and receive the gift of everlasting life.

The second text declares that the Saviour through whom we approach unto God is able to do a most complete work, since his life is devoted uninterruptedly to intercession in our behalf.

The third text shows the secret of the inner life of the believer—the indwelling Christ—and that the life of faith is to be lived here in the flesh. It also makes clear that wonderful truth that Christ gave himself for each individual, and not merely for the world in general.

The fourth text sets forth what the fruit of abiding in Christ should be,—a daily walking in his footsteps, following his example.

The fifth text presents the glorious consummation of all hope in Christ, the second advent and the home with the Saviour in the Father’s house.

What a summary of the gospel in few words!—the Father’s love, the gift of the Son, salvation through faith, an everliving Saviour constantly interceding, the indwelling Christ, walking like Christ, and the eternal home with Christ. These five texts ought to be committed to memory and frequently repeated. They contain simple truths stated simply.

God's Plan Working Out

By C. M. S.

NEVER in the history of the world was so great a work given to so small a people to be accomplished in so short a time, as this great work committed to us to be done in this generation.

That being true, it is also true that we can not do that work upon plans laid down by other organizations for the accomplishment of other kinds of work. We must have plans in harmony with the character and magnitude of the divinely appointed undertaking. The work is a specific work. Its boundary lines were established by the Giver at the time of the giving—“to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.”

David dared not essay the great task of overthrowing the giant of Gath while clothed in the unproved, cumbrous armor of Saul. Neither can we accomplish the great undertaking placed before us if we take up the work upon plans inaugurated by men for doing an altogether different work.

That is why we have developed a system of church-schools.

We have no quarrel with the public schools. They were designed for a certain, definite object, the education of children in the knowledge believed to be essential to success in this life. So far as we know, they are, in the main, accomplishing this object in a creditable manner. They were not designed to teach the Word of God or train pupils for missionary work either at home or abroad. To expect them to do so would be unreasonable in us. Such an undertaking for them would be an impossible task. Their system is not built up on that plan. Such a result is not within their contemplation.

But there is a system of education designed to accomplish that purpose. In it the Word of God is made much of; faith in God and in the atoning work of Christ is taught; the needs of the mission field are studied; the progress of the cause is followed; and the ideal is held before the children of becoming workers in that cause. The whole trend of the instruction is away from the ideals of the worldling and toward the ideals of the better country. In place of worldly gain is set forth the principle of the sacrifice of self for the uplifting of others. Above the importance of position and the great value of worldly commodities is set the importance of a Christian character and the great worth of a soul. Thus is developed in the child from day to day a longing for a part in the work of God, and naturally a shaping of his life into harmony with that ideal.

We are seeing this year the outworking of this principle. Never in the history of our work has the attendance at all our schools shown so great an increase over previous years. It is the

direct fruit of the church-school undertaking. Our youth, educated under church-school influences, are seeking further preparation for the closing work of God. It is the almost universal testimony of our school managers that their attendance on the opening of school this year is larger than ever before, and that the class of students entering have, generally speaking, a definite purpose to fit themselves for the work of carrying the third angel's message to the world. This is not a mere matter of chance, a happen-so. It is the result of following the Lord's leadings in educational matters; and that result will soon be seen in the rapidly increasing army of laborers going out into the field to finish the work. These earnest, educated young men and women, full of zeal for the cause, will soon be mastering the most difficult languages in the regions beyond, and giving the people this message in their own tongue.

Need it ever be a question, then, in the mind of any loyal Seventh-day Adventist whether he should send his children to the church-school? If we desire our children educated in the fear of God; if we desire to see them efficient workers in this cause; if we desire their soul's salvation more than worldly advancement and worldly ideals, we shall not question and hesitate over the matter. It is God's plan, not man's, and he will bless those who bring their purposes into harmony with his.

C. M. S.

On Which Side?

By William Ambrose Spicer

It makes all the difference on which side one gets out of a perplexity or trial.

Christian and Pliable were both journeying toward the Celestial City. They fell together into the Slough of Despond.

Then said Pliable, Ah, neighbor Christian, where are you now?

Truly, said Christian, I do not know. At this Pliable began to be offended, and angrily said to his fellow, Is this the happiness you have told me all this while of? If we have such ill speed at our first setting out, what may we expect betwixt this and our journey's end? May I get out again with my life, you shall possess the brave country alone for me! And with that he gave a desperate struggle or two, and got out of the mire on that side of the Slough which was next to his own house; so away he went, and Christian saw him no more.

Wherefore Christian was left to tumble in the Slough of Despond alone; but still he endeavored to struggle to that side of the Slough that was farthest from his own house, and next to the Wicket-Gate.

Both got out—Pliable, on the side toward the world and the old life, Christian, on the side toward the wicket-gate and the way to the holy city. The world was in Pliable's heart, the Celestial City in Christian's.

How often is the story repeated! All of us meet trials. Even Christian, in Bunyan's allegory, failed to see the steps through the Slough. But when he fell in, he struggled toward the side of the Kingdom. Every difficulty, every trial, every quagmire of depression, has a side toward the eternal city. That is the way out for us. Not a pilgrim but will find the way if but the name of the city of his God, which is New Jerusalem, is written on the heart.

“They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward.” That is the attitude that finds and keeps the way. Some ask with faces toward the world. They nurse questionings and objections as excuses to justify turning back. In any perplexity or trial the stepping-stones are not at once apparent, they find the way out toward the side of unbelief and the world. Pliable's way out will never do for us. With faces set like a flint Zionward, every step is to be forward, because the “blessed hope” is written in our hearts. W. A. S.

The World's Missions Number of the “Signs”

By T. E. Bowen

THIS special issue deserves a wide circulation, and we believe it will have it. The time is certainly ripe for a strong effort missionward—not alone financially, but with the settled purpose of taking the message itself to the waiting millions who know not God's comforting love.

Heaven is looking to this people to whom so much light and truth has been committed, to enlighten the world concerning very important impending events.

The fatal mistake of ancient Israel in not enlightening the nations round about must not be repeated by this people. As a people greatly favored of God, we are brought to a time of wonderful opportunity. Eternal consequences hinge upon our action now.

The World's Missions number of the Signs presents an opportunity for hastening the message that rarely comes within our reach. Filled with excellent articles, it will give the people, especially those in our bustling cities, something to think of besides their mad rush for gain and pleasure, by holding up before them the argument of the cross of Calvary, displaying as it does the wonderful love of God for a lost world. Think of the self-sacrifice displayed on this uplifted tree!

Perhaps it is unnecessary to say that the Mission Board is very much interested in this special issue of the Signs, because it is wholly devoted to the interests of the great world missions, for which the Board is constantly laboring.

We believe that the publishing of this World's Missions number of the Signs carries with it great possibilities for accomplishing a splendid work for our missions, and that God's special blessing awaits all who, with love for God and perishing souls, unite in making this effort another strong uplift in behalf of this great cause in the regions beyond.

T. E. BOWEN.

Demoniacal Possession

For months past a strong wave of fanaticism has been sweeping over India, greatly hindering true evangelical work. While some of the religious leaders have looked upon it with more or less complacency, others have denounced it as “demoniacal possession.” A tract is now being circulated there dealing with the matter and pointing out the dangers of yielding to the control of that influence. We quote from it the following:—

The way they get hold of persons is as follows: A soul goes through a great struggle, and is wonderfully blessed. Floods of light and emotion sweep through the being. The shore lines are all cut. The soul is launched out into a sea of extravagant experience. At such a juncture these demons hover around the soul, and make strange suggestions to the mind of something odd, or outlandish, or contrary to common sense and decent taste. They make these suggestions under the profession of being the Holy Ghost. They fan the emotions, and produce a strange, fictitious exhilaration, which is simply their bait to get into some faculty of the soul.

One good man says he felt like running around the camp and climbing every tree, but had enough discernment to “try spirits,” and found the impulse was not of God. But another person at the same camp-meeting felt the same impulse and yielded to it, and went yelling and screaming through the woods, climbing trees, tearing his clothes, exhausting his body, and in a short time became utterly useless to the work of God.

These displays are strikingly analogous to those manifested in different parts of this country recently by individuals who “come through” the experience of receiving the “gift of tongues.” If “demoniacal possession” is the cause of these demonstrations in India, it is not even supposable that the same demonstrations in America are produced by the Holy Spirit.

Harking Back

THERE seems to be a growing tendency in this progressive age to reach back into the past and resurrect the dead forms of intolerance which crushed out liberty in those dark days. We see frequent reports of the burning of Bibles in certain parts of the world, and the Protestant world cries out against the outrage. Recently a Kansas City clergyman is reported as saying that if he could have his way, every book in the world but the Bible would be burned. The Evening Standard, of New Bedford, Mass., likens this utterance to the declaration of Caliph Omar when destroying the great library at Alexandria: “If these writings of the Greeks agree with the Book of God, they are useless and need not be preserved; if they disagree, they are pernicious and ought to be destroyed.” Now a recent declaration by the head of the Catholic Church suggests a revival of the strictest censorship. A Philadelphia clergyman is represented as saying that if he could have his way, he would restore the rack, the stake, and the guillotine for blasphemers. All this looks to the eradication of evil or supposed evil by the “stamping out” process—a process entirely out of harmony with the gospel plan. A time will come when sin will be “stamped out,” but it will be done only when every soul has made his choice, and it will be done by God, and not by man. The National Reform idea of government is based upon the same “stamping out” theory. But it goes farther, and while “stamping

out” iniquity would “stamp in” righteousness. But this is out of harmony with the design of God—“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Note and Comment

Out of the Cities

THAT the instruction which has come to us in reference to moving out of the cities was founded in wisdom is being continually verified. The purpose of that instruction was that both parents and children might escape the corrupting influences of the artificial life of the populous centers. The difference between the general country attitude and the general city attitude toward the liquor question gives forceful evidence in this matter. One instance, characteristic of many similar situations, will suffice:—

Jefferson County, Alabama, after one of the hottest campaigns in its history, has voted to oust the liquor business. The majority for the whole county in favor of prohibition is reported to be about fifteen hundred. But the city of Birmingham, with about forty thousand inhabitants, gave a considerable majority against the prohibition measure.

The liquor traffic, as all other forms of vice and corruption, finds its most fertile soil in the cities. While they are still to be fields for missionary effort, their atmosphere is so infected with the virus of evil as to make them dangerous places in which to bring up our children. All that is evil grows luxuriantly there.

The Fruit of Intolerance

According to press reports, there is much agitation among the various Catholic orders of Italy. They fear that the law not recognizing them will be enforced, and that the government will seize their property. It is reported that many of these congregations are disposing of their lands and buildings by sale and otherwise. Those of foreign origin will apply to their respective governments for protection. Concerning this situation the Northwestern Christian Advocate says:—

Such a situation is the result of Roman Catholic intolerance. It is not surprising that a people who have ben taught intolerance toward Protestants should turn against their teachers and display the same spirit toward them. Roman Catholic institutions are for this reason safer in Protestant countries, like England and the United States, than they are in Roman Catholic countries, like Italy and France.

Yet in spite of this fact, in spite of the hierarchy’s record along that line, there is in this country a growing spirit to apologize for the Rome of the past and to welcome the Rome of the present, which are one and the same. It is that spirit that is making the American Federation of Catholic Societies powerful now in carrying out the purposes of the church, and that will make it increasingly powerful and overwhelming in the years to come.

Sunday Baseball in the Army

THERE is considerable agitation among certain religious bodies over the matter of Sunday baseball playing in the army and navy. The sailors from the League Island Navy-yard, Philadelphia, have been playing ball on Sunday, and the secretary of the Pennsylvania Sabbath Association entered a protest to the commandant of the navy-yard against this “desecration” of the day, and requested that it be stopped. The commandant refused to prohibit the game on Sunday, declaring that the sport was good for the men. This did not satisfy the Sabbath Association, and the protest was taken up to the secretary of the navy. The acting secretary replied, asking whether the complaint was because of the noise and disturbance, or simply because of the affront to those who held to strict sabbath observance. If the latter, the acting secretary said that he would not order the discontinuance of the Sunday sport. The question of Sunday baseball in the regular army was up for discussion at the annual convention of the Maryland Baptist Union Association at Baltimore on October 25. A resolution was introduced calling for stricter Sunday observance, and criticizing the regular army for its Sunday ball playing. Rev. Mr. Nicoll took a decided stand against the resolutions, declaring that he did not think “this matter of the soldiers’ playing ball on Sunday is any of the business of this association, and that the association should therefore keep its hands off.” Another prominent delegate took the same stand, and an attempt was made to amend the resolution. The amendment failed, and the resolution was passed as read.

Undermined by the Bible

In the Church Times of Cape Town, South Africa, there appeared an article condemning the work done by the Bible societies in giving the Bible to all the nations of earth in their own language. The writer thinks that the various peoples should be evangelized without the Bible, as its free distribution has a tendency to undermine the authority of the Greek and Roman Churches. For this reason he urges churchmen not to give of their means to support the work of the Bible societies. Concerning this the South African Sentinel says:—

We are indeed sorry for the church that finds its authority undermined by the very Word upon which it is supposed to build its teaching. The acknowledgment certainly should be an eye-opener to the communicants of those churches; for the church whose teaching can not bear the closest test of God’s Word can not possibly be the church of Christ. Matt. 7: 21-29. To his disciples Christ said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” His command to all peoples is, “Search the Scriptures; for . . . they are they which testify of me.” Thank God for the Bible societies whose faithful devotion to the needs of heathen lands submerged in spiritual darkness have laid the foundation for a glorious harvest to be gathered from all the world for the kingdom soon to come.

Sunday Reform in Germany

The work of the Sunday reform element in Germany is naturally awakening some opposition in that country. A dispatch from Berlin says:—

The “English Sunday” is not wanted in Germany. A mass-meeting was held at Frankfort to-day (October 19) to protest against its introduction into the country. The meeting was convened to counteract the effect of the congress just closed at Frankfort, the object of which was the promotion of the observance of the sabbath [Sunday] and the introduction of the rigid laws concerning that day which prevail throughout England.

The meeting is said to have been an enthusiastic one; and yet the fact that they considered it necessary to hold one shows plainly that the Sunday movement is growing there. A strongly worded resolution was drawn up in opposition to the movement, and declaring that the German people would rise up in thousands to oppose the threatened “English Sunday” invasion. The statement is no doubt true; and yet the advancing tide of Sunday enforcement is destined to overwhelm all such opposition, and that right soon. Its progress in this country is an indication of its triumph in other lands as well.

The Moslem Menace

In the September number of the Nineteenth Century Magazine Capt. H. A. Wilson, of the British army, says:—

Let me once again reiterate my firm conviction that the next twenty years will see Europe struggling in the throes of an African war against forces so great that at the end it is unlikely to a degree that a single white man remains in Africa.

Captain Wilson is well informed regarding conditions in Mohammedan countries, particularly Africa. In support of his views, he tells of the existence of a Mohammedan society whose organization ramifies all Africa, and whose purpose is to unite all Islam under one banner, drive every white man out of Africa, and free Mohammedans from the yoke of “the infidels.” The writer states that secret depots of arms and ammunition are established in numerous places throughout the country, and that the native soldiery in Africa is largely made up of members of that secret organization, which is only waiting the opportune time to strike an effective blow. Captain Wilson states that when the flame breaks out in Africa, it will at once spread to the whole Mohammedan world.

Sunday-Reform Movement

The movement for “Sunday reform” is rapidly growing throughout the world. The steady, insistent work of the Sunday-law advocates is having its effects. Ministers are advocating Sunday-law enforcement, various church organizations are helping it on; and the labor organizations also are giving unmistakable evidence that they are being swung into line. The United Presbyterian declares exultantly that the movement—is gaining in popular support. Men of all classes are in it; there are no denominational or sectarian lines; there are no party boundaries.

The Sunday-enforcement movement is the movement that is destined to unite the world under one head. This we have long believed. But now we see denominations, States, and nations forging ahead toward the fulfilment of that prediction, and we know that the culmination of the work is drawing nigh.

One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund

By I. H. Evans

For Special Work at Home and Abroad

Can It Be Done?

THIS week's report shows $98,919.13 already received on the large fund. This amount is the result of about eleven months' work. There remains about $51,000 yet to raise. Some of this, in fact a considerable amount, has already been pledged, and will be paid as the pledges provide. Naturally, we would conclude that the unpledged portion would come in slowly, and at considerable effort. This depends, however, upon the co-operation of the entire field.

When we were raising the $100,000 for Washington, it will be remembered that after $65,000 had been reported, there was a very slow growth for a time, when suddenly the whole amount was raised, and some $15,000 besides. This, too, all came within the short space of two months. That amount of time yet remains of the year 1907. Should we take hold of this fund, and definitely plan to raise the whole amount before the new year, it would certainly be possible. What we need is the watchword to pass along from heart to heart, and a word of good cheer to fall into line and lift.

Once I was at a “barn raising” where the timbers were heavy, and the men but few. We had a bent about half up, and it seemed to stick fast in the air. It scarcely moved. Some said, “We can never lift it.” Others said, “It will surely come down on our heads.”

I saw we were powerless to hold it steady in mid-air long. No one was doing his best. Every one was looking to see what the others were going to do. I said to a neighbor lifting on the same pike with me, “You go, take off your hat, and shout, ‘Hee-o-hee,’ and we will put this up. Otherwise, some one will be killed.” He stepped out and said, “Now, men, get ready for a lift. Every man to his pike. Now, Hee-o-hee!” and it started. “Again, now, Hee-o-hee!” and up again it went. “Step right up now, and give it another lift. Ready now, Hee-o-hee!” and in the time it takes to read this, the bent was up.

This was accomplished by united effort. No ten men could have ever raised the bent. When all lifted unitedly, their combined strength made what otherwise would have been an impossibility, an easy task. So in this large fund, if each would do his best, the task would soon be finished.

Fifty thousand dollars is not a large sum for this people to raise in a short time. There are many who can give a goodly sum. A few thousand-dollar men would help wonderfully just now.

When the Thank-offering for the Episcopalians was taken recently, a million dollars was received in a few days. Men of wealth came forward and gave liberally. Two men gave each one hundred thousand dollars. They were millionaires. We have no members in our ranks of such wealth, but there are not a few to whom God has given means, who can give a liberal donation.

Many may have to give more than their pro rata share, but can not this fund be raised before the new year?

What is done, must be done quickly. We need to pass the word of courage along, and let each step to the front and do his best till the work is done. It can be done in 1907. Shall it be done?

I. H. EVANS.

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