Not very long ago there was published in the REVIEW a short report telling the experience of a Mexican boy who was converted by the study of the Sabbath-school lessons, through the influence of a sister who was spending a little time with her son on a Mexican plantation in the State of Tabasco.
From California, where this boy is now attending school, he writes me a letter, from which I make a free translation: “Yes, Mr. Brown, I smoked cigarettes, but when God enlightened my understanding so that I comprehended his Word, I earnestly wished to be rid of this habit, and during the night the desire for cigarettes was taken from me. God does his own work, and I hope for a place in the new earth.”
This shows how the Lord works in behalf of these people when they give themselves to him.
Encouraging reports of the work are coming from all our workers. Our colporteurs are having excellent success. During the month of January Brother Colunga secured about one hundred and fifty subscriptions for the paper. Brother Harzman is now on a trip through the southwest part of the republic, having visited Yucatan, Tabasco, Campeche, and Veracruz. In Merida, the capital of Yucatan, he took sixty-one subscriptions in six days.
The recently formed companies at Torreon and San Luis Potosi are doing nicely. Two members have recently been added to the Tacubaya church, and persons are awaiting baptism in Guadalajara. The sanitarium at Guadalajara is having quite a good patronage now, and the workers are greatly encouraged. Thus the work advances, for which we thank the Lord, take courage, and go forward. GEO. M. BROWN.
THE FIELD WORK
Newfoundland
By C. H. Keslake
St. John's.—Accompanied by my family, I came to this island, arriving here Oct. 27, 1905, after a very pleasant trip of five days from New York. The weather while en route was all that could be desired, and we were all thankful that we escaped the disagreeable experience usually incident to sea voyages. I shall never forget my impressions of St. John's, as the good steamer “Rosiland” turned her prow toward the land, after sailing for several hours along the lofty, rock-bound coast of Newfoundland. The weather was summer-like, the sun shining radiantly upon the city. As we approached, I was reminded of the words of Jesus: “A city set on a hill can not be hid.” How true this is of St. John's! The entire city is built on the side of a large and very steep hill, presenting a splendid view from the sea. Towering above all other buildings was a massive beautiful structure which none could fail to recognize as the Roman Catholic cathedral, while all around it were the beautiful houses of worship of the Church of England, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational denominations. As we passed through the narrow entrance—called “The Narrows”—to the harbor of St. John's, the sight was goodly to behold. But we were soon reminded of the old saying, “Distance lends enchantment to the view;” for upon landing, the whole aspect was changed, and varied were our emotions and impressions. But whatever conditions confronted us, we remembered that there were precious souls here for whom Christ died, and whom he was anxious to save in his soon-coming kingdom.
We were met at the wharf by Elder Tracy, who took us to his home, where we were hospitably entertained, thankful to the Lord that he had brought us safely to our destination. The evening of that day was the Sabbath, and so we were not long in meeting the little company of believers, who gave us a warm welcome. This church is small, but it is endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; not that it has not had its trials and temptations, not, however, through personal petty jealousies and dissensions, but rather through an insidious attempt on the part of the enemy to destroy “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” and to obscure the precious light shining from the sanctuary. This was the situation that confronted Elder Tracy when he first came to this city. However, God gave him and the church a precious victory, and all are seeking to live up to their covenant vows to “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
The week of prayer was a season of refreshing to all. The Lord came very near to his children, as they sought to draw near to him. All seemed anxious to take advance steps in the message, while some who had not yet united with the church, but who were keeping the Sabbath, decided to lay aside all hindrances and take a position shoulder to shoulder with the people of God. Besides all this, we had the joy of seeing six dear souls give themselves for the first time to God. The annual offering to missions amounted to one hundred and nine dollars, which exceeded that of last year by over thirty dollars. Here I may note that there was also a substantial increase in the tithe last year, the increase being nearly one hundred and twenty dollars. We see no reason why a still greater increase should not be recorded at the close of 1906.
A club of one hundred and fifty copies of the Present Truth has recently been subscribed for, and with them it is hoped the members will do good missionary work. Three services each week are held. This does not include the regular Sabbath services. The meeting on Sunday nights is well attended. Good reports of the sermons are being given in the daily papers, one paper giving us at times over a column. By this it is hoped that some will be attracted to the truth.
One unsatisfactory condition should be mentioned. I refer to our church-school. It must be understood that there are no state schools in Newfoundland. All are under denominational control, each denomination having its own school. These, however, receive governmental support financially, and ordinarily speaking, they are able to provide a good curriculum. There is one exception to this, and that is in the case of our own school. Not having been registered, we are not recognized as a sect, and therefore do not receive any help from the government; and as we believe in the separation of church and state, such recognition has not been sought by us. We therefore have to rely upon our own resources. The result is that our school is not properly equipped, and its work is largely inefficient. As our children advance, they must go to the other schools. This is wrong. Something should be done to alleviate these conditions, but the local church here can not do it all.
Soon after our arrival, Elder Tracy went north to Twillingate. The use of the Congregational church building had previously been promised him, but upon arriving he found that it was closed to him. I do not know but that in the end this will be better for the cause, as surely the truth could be preached with much more freedom in a place that was under our own control. Besides this, Brother Tracy found himself practically boycotted, as the people would not sell to him. He had to send to St. John's for provisions and coal, the latter costing him $10.50 a ton. A letter received from him a few days ago informs me that he now has the use of a new storeroom owned by a friend of the cause, and is now conducting meetings, the attendance being from fifty to one hundred. He writes that the Methodist minister had denounced him from the pulpit, but this made him friends rather than enemies, and later the minister had to make a public apology for his unchristian course. The truth must and will prevail.
In closing this report I wish the friends in the States could understand that Newfoundland is in no sense a part of Canada, and therefore the rates of postage are not the same. Both Brother Tracy and myself find this a serious matter, as frequently we are called upon to pay deficient postage and fines. A two-cent stamp will never pay the postage of a letter to this place. The cost is not less than five cents for a letter a half ounce in weight, or any fraction thereof. It is pleasant to receive letters from friends in the States, nevertheless it is proving quite costly—at least to the writer.
We are of good courage in the Lord, and request the prayers of all God's people for this field.
C. H. KESLAKE.
Caterham (England) Sanitarium
By A. B. Olsen
The thirtieth of next May will be the third anniversary of the opening and dedication of the Caterham Sanitarium. Since the opening there has been considerable growth in the size of the institution and the patronage. When the institution was dedicated, it consisted of twenty bedrooms for guests and workers, five reception rooms, including the dining-room, kitchen, scullery, store-rooms, and bath-rooms. During the first year seven additional bedrooms were acquired, also a storeroom and a laboratory. During the second year fourteen bedrooms and several other rooms were added, and during the past year another villa of seven rooms. An adjoining villa, forming an integral part of the institution, was purchased by some friends of the institution soon after the dedication, and the sanitarium has been able to advance more than half the cost already. The other two villas have been rented at £65 ($325) per annum. We have an option to purchase these villas at any time at a reasonable price, should we decide to do so.
THE CATERHAM SANITARIUM
From this brief description it will be seen that the Caterham Sanitarium at the present time consists of thirty-five bedrooms for patients and twelve bedrooms for nurses. During the past year the institution has enjoyed a large patronage, numbering at various times from twenty-five to fifty guests. We really do not have accommodations for fifty, but that maximum was reached at Easter time, and some of the nurses gave up their bedrooms for the benefit of the guests, and others slept in the bathrooms.
Our patronage has included not only patients from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, but also some from the States, South Africa, India, Australia, and the continent of Europe. Many of the patients have remained but a short time, others have stopped six months, a few as long as a year, and several for even a longer period. These latter have been chronic cases that required a long physical training in order to produce a permanent improvement of the health.
At the present time our staff numbers twenty, which is made up as follows: two classes for nurses, with six and eight members respectively, two graduate nurses, physician, matron, and two additional workers who are giving their whole time. Besides these we have the help of several charwomen more or less, as required. Our senior nurses’ class will be graduated next October. It numbers six, three ladies and three gentlemen. We have no junior class this year, as we are still in the developmental stage of the institution. Our freshmen class numbers eight, seven ladies and one gentleman. We expect to take in another class of six or eight in July. Thus far we have secured the majority of our nurses from the Missionary Training College of London, consequently most of our nurses have had the benefit of the missionary training for one year at least. This we find a great advantage, and as far as possible we endeavor to secure all our candidates from the college.
The routine of our home life at the sanitarium is very simple. The workers rise at six, attend worship at twenty minutes before seven, and start duty promptly at seven. The patients rise at half-past seven, come down to worship in the drawing-room at eight, breakfast at a quarter past eight, after which they have a light gymnastic drill in the gymnasium; then the ladies go to their treatment in the bath-rooms. The Caterham Sanitarium possesses only one suite of bath-rooms, which is utilized by the lady patients in the morning until two o’clock, and by the gentlemen in the afternoon and evening from three to eight. This arrangement works very well, everything considered. The dinner is served at a quarter of two, and supper, consisting chiefly of fruit and bread preparations, at half-past six; after supper there is a dumb-bell drill in the gymnasium.
Sabbath morning at eleven we have a Sabbath-school in the gymnasium, to which all are invited, and it is well attended. Sunday evening at seven there is worship in the gymnasium for the benefit of patients and workers. At eight o’clock there is a Bible study for the workers. Both these services are18conducted by Brother W. T. Bartlett, editor of Present Truth, who comes from London for this purpose. On Monday and Thursday evenings lectures on health and hygiene are given in the gymnasium by the resident physician. These are also well attended, and many questions are asked by the guests, indicating a desire to learn about the body and its care. On Friday evening there is a Testimony study for the workers and members of the family. Besides the Sabbath-school, we have two other organizations at the Caterham Sanitarium,—the missionary society, which meets monthly, and a Good Health League, which also holds monthly meetings. Handbills are circulated throughout the town announcing the meetings, and there is usually a large attendance, the gymnasium being quite full. Some of the leading citizens have taken an interest in these services, and have commended the educational work being carried on.
It might be of interest to some of the readers of the REVIEW to know that the Caterham Sanitarium is a freehold property occupying about two acres, but adjoining the garden behind is a beautiful hillside of meadowland of twenty-two acres. This we have on a lease, which has still about twelve years to run, and we find it a great advantage, since it gives ample opportunity for walking exercises for the patients. In this meadow we have a good lawn-tennis court. That, with croquet, are all the outdoor amusements that are provided by the institution. In the vicinity of the sanitarium are many delightful roads, lanes, and cross-country paths that furnish charming walks. Since part of the treatment consists of exercise, those guests who are able to get outdoors, go for walks daily.
Caterham is located in Surrey, one of the most beautiful of the hill counties of England. It is seventeen miles due south of Westminster Bridge, London, and, consequently, is within easy reach of the metropolis, and yet beyond its smoke and fog. The climate is comparatively mild for England, and the location an ideal one in many respects.
A. B. OLSEN, M. D.
Who Will Go to the Rescue
“O, who will go to the rescue?
The world mere pittances doles;
’Tis the Christian saved by redeeming
love
Who must help the perishing souls.”
The Central Union Conference
By A. O. Tait
The Central Union Conference held its second biennial session at Kansas City, Mo., January 18-28. Nearly all of the eighty-five delegates entitled to seats in the conference were present.
The tone of the conference from beginning to end was strong in its expressions of determination to stand firmly on the old foundation platform of the third angel’s message, and to push the work to the ends of the earth in this generation, so that the end may come.
It was very interesting to hear the different conference presidents tell of the number of laborers that they are supporting in foreign fields. Several of the conferences are paying both the wages and the expenses of five or six workers, in such distant lands as Africa, China, and Japan.
In reporting the work being done in foreign lands by the Colorado Conference, Elder Watson told of the experience of Paul Branch, a boy of twelve who had gone to Africa with his father as a missionary. Paul was an earnest
$133,180. This shows an increase for 1905 over 1904 of $6,770.
Elder R. A. Underwood, the president of the Northern Union Conference, was present during the greater part of the meeting, and gave some important and much-appreciated instruction upon the mission and work of the Spirit of God, showing that every one in this time must become familiar with the Bible teaching upon this subject in order to have the strength to stand in these closing hours of time.
Elder W. C. White gave some facts in regard to the manner in which the Testimonies are given, showing that the human instrumentality is under the control of God’s Spirit in doing this appointed work. The charge that has been so often made that various individuals influence Sister White in giving her testimonies is without foundation.
Elder Geo. A. Irwin gave instruction on church organization, and the principles and methods that should govern us in the choosing of church officers. He also set forth in several discourses the necessity of standing firmly upon the established pillars of our faith. Certain well-defined truths have made us the people that we are, and these truths are the message we are to bear to the world. The Testimonies have been a very important factor in developing our work, and we must not listen to the insidious teachings of men who are discrediting these messages sent us under the guidance of the Spirit of God.
The Testimonies, the tithing, and the health reform have been the questions over which the most of those who have apostatized from us have stumbled. Therefore it behooves us to look well to our bearings upon these important Bible doctrines.
The hearty response from those present, as Elder Irwin was dwelling upon this theme, showed that the matter was appreciated as meat in due season.
Elder J. G. Hanhardt, of the Kansas Conference, has responded to a call to go to Jersey City, N. J., and Elder H. Meyer, of the Missouri Conference, has responded to a like call to Philadelphia; both are to labor among the Germans in those fields. The conference voted to defray the expenses incident to the transfer to their new fields.
Elder E. T. Russell was re-elected president, Elder A. T. Robinson was chosen vice-president, and Elder B. E. Huffman secretary.
Owing to the poor health of himself and some members of his family, Elder Crane resigned the presidency of the Kansas Conference, and Elder R. C. Porter, the president of the Missouri Conference, was requested to go to Kansas and take the position made vacant by the resignation of Elder Crane. Elder Stewart, the vice-president of the Missouri Conference, will act as president in that field until the time of the next annual conference.
It was never my privilege to attend a conference where everything moved more smoothly. Perfect harmony characterized the discussions, and there was a spirit of hospitality, friendliness, and brotherly love that was indeed good for the soul. The Lord is surely training a strong class of men and women who will courageously, cheerfully, and speedily carry this message forward to its great consummation. A. O. TAIT.
Central Union Conference Report
Christian with a deep desire to assist as a missionary when he left this country. With this spirit in him, he threw himself into the work of learning the language of the natives as soon as he landed in the field of his father's future operations. In much less than a year the boy had so far mastered the native language of the tribe for which they were laboring that he was able to act as interpreter to his father, translating his discourses from the English as he spoke them.
Elder E. T. Russell, the president of the Central Union Conference, in presenting his biennial report stated that the condition of the several local conferences was that of marked prosperity. There has been a large increase in the tithe, so that the various conferences of the union have been able to support their laborers amply, and in addition they have sent thousands of dollars from their tithe to the General Conference to assist them in advancing the work in foreign lands. The union conference had over five thousand dollars in the treasury, and as it would take less than a thousand dollars of this to finish paying the laborers in full, it was voted to send two thousand dollars to the Mission Board to assist in its work in the regions beyond. This amount is, of course, in addition to the sums already sent by the several local conferences.
The Kansas Conference has erected eight church buildings, and has dedicated ten, during the biennial term. Elder Russell expressed his disappointment that he had not received the reports from the other conferences, as he was sure that they had also had a good degree of prosperity.
No feature of the conference seemed to draw forth more earnest discussion than the subject of religious liberty. Some excellent papers were presented on this question, and all were exhorted to labor earnestly for a revival of this work. Seeds have been sown in a quiet manner during the last eight or ten years that are crystallizing into church federations that will soon bring in the establishment of the image to the papacy, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Revelation 13. And during this same period we have been asleep on the question, and have been doing but little to educate the people upon this subject of such vital importance.
Elders N. P. Nelson, C. A. Washburn, and W. B. Hill have been called to rest from their labors during the past biennial term, and resolutions of respect and condolence were passed concerning them.
Other resolutions were passed upon such important topics as the circulation of our “dedicated books,” “Christ’s Object Lessons” and “Ministry of Healing;” the necessity of our ministers’ returning to the old method of selling large quantities of our tracts, pamphlets, and books, in connection with their meetings, both among those of our own faith and among others; the continuing of the effort to place the REVIEW in every Seventh-day Adventist home; a general and prolonged effort to get all our people to using our missionary periodicals, the Signs, Watchman, and Life and Health; religious liberty; our health and temperance and our sanitarium work.
The Kansas City branch of the Pacific Press reported its book sales for 1904 to have been $65,205, and for 1905, $69,975, or a total for the biennial term of
Special Notice Concerning the Sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons”
By E. R. Palmer
Since the work with the “Ministry of Healing” was begun in behalf of our sanitariums, new interest has been manifested in the completion of the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” In some parts of the field there is a conviction that a strong effort should be made within the next three or four months to finish the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and thus give a clear field for “Ministry of Healing.”
We appreciate this spirit very much indeed, and wish to co-operate with all our conferences and schools where such campaigns are proposed. Please note carefully the following arrangements under which “Christ’s Object Lessons” can be secured:—
1. The old material fund, which paid for such a large number of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” is exhausted, and it is now necessary to make a small charge for this book.
2. We now have two editions on hand. There are about ten thousand copies in stock at the Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal., and about ten thousand copies at the office of the Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tenn. These books are partially paid for by the material fund and by the continuance of the generous gifts of the publishing houses.
3. While these editions last, these books can be obtained by conferences, State tract societies, and schools at thirty cents a copy, freight to be prepaid by the publishing houses.
4. Books for the Pacific, Central, and Northern Union Conferences will be supplied from Mountain View, Cal. Books for the Atlantic and Lake Union Conferences should be ordered as usual from the Review and Herald Publishing Association at Battle Creek and at Washington, and the Review and Herald will secure its supply from Nashville, Tenn., while the present edition at Nashville lasts.
5. These prices will continue only while these two editions last. As soon as these are sold, it will then be necessary to place “Christ’s Object Lessons” upon a self-supporting basis; that is, sufficient charge will have to be made to pay for manufacturing and handling. In ordering these books, tract societies, conferences, and schools should order only what they can use promptly and pay for within thirty or sixty days. This special offer should not be an encouragement to any organization to put in stock a large number of books for use at an indefinite time, and to be paid for when sold. Each organization wishing copies should secure what can be paid for promptly and disposed of, so that these books under these special terms may go to conferences and schools which will use them promptly. Those who are ready for quick work are the ones who should receive the benefits from this special offer.
The information and instructions given above are primarily for the benefit of schools, conferences, and tract societies. Our lay brethren in the churches should, as usual, order their books through their State tract societies.
We trust the Lord will move upon the hearts of his people to complete this splendid work. No other movement has ever been started among this people which has yielded such great returns as the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” First and above all, stands the blessed fact that about three hundred thousand copies of this book have been placed in the homes of the people. This has been a missionary effort by all the people which has never been excelled in the history of our work. And then follows the second great blessing, the relief of our denominational schools from a burden which was too grievous to be borne. By this one means, more than two hundred thousand dollars of the principal of these school debts has been paid, and thus our educational institutions have been placed upon an unquestionably sound financial basis.
E. R. PALMER,
Sec. Gen. Conf. Relief Bureau.
The Inter-Church Conference on Federation at Baltimore
By V. H. Lucas
PURSUANT to announcement, an Inter-Church Conference on Federation was held in the city of Baltimore under the auspices of the local Ministerial Union, on Tuesday, January 30, at the Eutaw Place Baptist church. The conference was confessed to be the direct “fruit of that most significant and world-reaching Inter-Church Conference on Federation held in the city of New York during the month of November.” The presiding20officer, W. H. Dunbar, D. D., president of the Ministerial Union, said, in answer to the question, Why this gathering of the representatives of the church of Jesus Christ to-day?—
“First, it is a sign of a growing systematic union of the churches of Jesus Christ in our midst.
“Second, it is the result of the advancing spirit of the church of Jesus Christ to evangelize the world for Christ.
“Third, it bears testimony of the union of purpose on all the essentials of Christian creed and fellowship.
“Fourth, we are gathered to concentrate our powers to unify the influence of the church in molding public sentiment and creating the demand for more effectual legislation.
“Fifth, we are met to exemplify the unity of Jesus Christ as expressed in the words, ‘One is your Master.’ ‘All may be one, as I and my Father are one.’”
Then followed, in the order set forth by the neatly arranged and printed program, the reading of papers bearing the marks of careful arrangement and earnest study. The one significant note of the entire conference was the labored effort to unify the hopelessly divided human creeds of the professed Christian church. But alas! human federation is not divine union. Human compacts and agreements are not the bonds of divine life. All that the human can do is to confederate around a human standard called a creed, or denomination, or ritual, which is but the worship of an image on paper. Isa. 8:11-13. Union in and by and through Jesus Christ is the only union that possesses the power of the life of God.
It is as true as it is sad that the churches of this day are centering their efforts and marshaling their forces around man-made standards, around human institutions which have their origin only in pagan and papal philosophy. But, thank God, there are many yet in all these confederacies who cleave to the gospel alone to save, who believe in the true gospel methods for reforming and warning the world. While they mistakenly are holding to human institutions, they believe in no power save the Spirit to regenerate hearts, no means save the Word of God to enforce the claims of religious conviction upon men. It is for these that the Lord is offering a last warning, saving message.
Out of all these organizations, out of the world of sin, from every nation, God is calling a company washed by the blood of the Lamb by faith, who will stand loyal to God and his law in the closing conflict. Now is the believer’s time to work. V. H. LUCAS.
Field Notes
SISTER CLARA SILVER reports three new Sabbath-keepers at Moline, Ill.
Two new members have been recently added to the Argonia, Kan., church.
THREE young people recently went forward in baptism at Worcester, Mass.
SEVEN new members were recently added to the church at Denison, Tex.
ELDER J. W. LAIR reports the conversion of five persons to the truth at Hepler, Kan.
A SABBATH-SCHOOL has been organized at the Swedish tabernacle, Chicago, North Side.
ELDER P. G. STANLEY reports from Lewiston, Ill., that four persons who had given up the Sabbath there have been reclaimed.
FIVE persons were baptized at South Lancaster, Mass., January 28, and on the same date a church of fourteen members was organized at Fitchburg, Mass.
AT a recent session of the Tennessee River Conference it was decided that at least three tent companies should be put at work in that field the coming summer.
BRETHREN O. J. NERLUND and F. Johnson, who have been working among the Swedes in Minnesota, report that one family has accepted the truth at Silver Creek Siding.
ELDER WILLIAM COVERT reports the recent addition of eight persons to the membership of the Englewood, Chicago, church; also the baptism of five at the Chicago South Side church.
SISTER NANCY M. BLAND says in a report from Leavenworth, Kan.: “Since camp-meeting four have united with the church, two more are waiting to be received into the church, and three desire baptism.”
TEN persons, five of whom are colored, have lately accepted the truth in Independence, Kan. It is thought a little effort among the colored people there might result in the organization of a church.
Christian Liberty
By W. H. Thurston
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Experiences at Ottawa, Canada
It has been officially stated that the Lord's Day Alliance represents all the churches, Protestants and Catholics, and that both Protestants and Catholics want a Sunday-observance bill.
In the Telegraph of St. Martins, New Brunswick, a brief article appeared January 15, from which we quote as follows: “In the Catholic church of this diocese yesterday was read a pastoral letter by Bishop Casey, in which the people were urged to sign a petition asking the Canadian Parliament for legislation according to the views expressed by Catholic bishops of Canada in their recent communication to the minister of justice concerning the proper observance of a Christian Sunday.”
From an article which appeared in the Ottawa Evening Journal, February 5, entitled “For Sunday Observance,” we quote the following: “It is understood that the minister of justice will introduce next session of Parliament a Sunday-observance bill. The legislation will be on the lines of the draft bill presented to the government by the executive of the Lord's Day Alliance, and indorsed by all the churches, Roman Catholics and Protestants, as well as by the labor bodies of the Dominion.”
This shows clearly that Protestantism in Canada has stretched her hand across the gulf, and has grasped the hand of the Roman power. We are doing what we can in a proper way to oppose the proposed Dominion Sunday law, and to enlighten the people upon this matter of religious liberty. We have in our office at Ottawa over six thousand signatures to the petitions opposing the bill, and more are being received from all parts of the Dominion.
By invitation I spoke last Sunday to an audience of men in the Jewish synagogue, on the subject of religious legislation. After carefully considering the matter, they agreed that the principles upon which we stood were correct. They are signing petitions opposing the Sunday bill.
It has been announced that Parliament will open the eighth of March. We have the assurance that God will work in behalf of his people if they will call upon him in faith. Let all unite in earnest prayer that God will restrain the forces of darkness, and that the warning may soon be given, not only to Canada, but to all the world.
W. H. THURSTON.
Religious Liberty Notes
By K. C. Russell
THE Ottawa Evening Journal of Jan. 30, 1906, in commenting upon the resolution of the Protestant churches to have religious instruction incorporated into the public schools, plainly indicates where it thinks the children should be taught religion. It says: “A committee representing Toronto Protestant churches has passed a resolution calling for fixed periods of religious instruction in the public schools, which looks like progress backward. If there is anything in Protestantism, it is individual responsibility to conscience, which we imagine includes the doing of one’s duty to one’s children at home.”
January 30. Mr. Stump, of Allegany, Md., introduced a bill into the Maryland Legislature at Annapolis, Md., exempting from the provision of the Sunday law of that State druggists, hotelkeepers, and newsboys.
The Ottawa Journal of February 5 says that the Protestant and Roman Catholic Churches, and also the labor bodies, will unite in presenting a Sunday bill in Parliament. Why should not Rome accept of the Protestant’s hand which reached across the gulf in forming such an alliance as this?
We are in receipt of a copy of The Progress, of Minneapolis, Minn., bearing date of February 3, which contains an interesting first-page article on Church Federation, by Elder H. F. Phelps. The article occupies over one column in space, with large headlines. Why should not our people everywhere make use of the public press in presenting the truths for this time while the columns of the press are wide open to receive them?
There is a case to be tried before the United States Supreme Court sometime between March 12 and 20 next, to test the constitutionality of the Georgia Sunday law. It came about in this way: Something over a year ago Superintendent of Trains J. N. Seale, of the Southern Railway Company, was convicted on the charge of running freight-trains on Sunday, and was fined one thousand dollars. He was refused a new trial, and the State court was sustained by the Georgia Supreme Court. As indicated above, the case has been appealed to the United States Supreme Court on the ground that the Georgia law prohibiting the running of freight-trains on Sunday is unconstitutional, because it interferes with interstate commerce, and no legislative body has a right to regulate State commerce, except the Congress of the United States.
Dr. Nicholson, of the Trinity M. E. Church, of this city, addressed the Preachers’ Association at the Y. M. C. A. the 6th inst. Among other things, he said that Sunday laws had been declared constitutional by the Supreme Courts of twenty-five States in which the principle had been tested, and that the first amendment to the Constitution was against the establishment of state religion, that the fathers of this country were familiar with the impediments of state religion, and that the Constitution prohibits such an alliance of church and state, “but it does not follow that the state is indifferent to religion and its institutions.” It is remarkable how the enemy has succeeded in blinding the minds of men concerning the principles upon which this government was founded. The facts are that our forefathers understood very keenly the meaning of a union of church and state when that first amendment was framed, because they had plainly before them the examples of intolerance of colonial times. K. C. RUSSELL.
