Barcelona.—As we read in the Review, from week to week the live reports from different parts of the great field, how the Lord is leading out in the establishment of our work in Washington, etc., we are able to appreciate the fact that soon this message shall have been heralded to earth's remotest bounds. The one desire of our hearts is that we may know the part the Lord would have us act in the great drama just before this people.
Thus far we have seen no extraordinary demonstrations in the advancement of the work here; but we are thankful to be able to announce that a few dear souls have accepted the message for this time. A house-to-house canvass with tracts has been started here in Barcelona, and we are conducting public services five evenings each week, in the best part of the city. Very few, however, attend these meetings. We have put out handbills inviting the people; but the enemy has such complete control that, comparatively speaking, no thought is given to spiritual things.
Last Thursday I returned from a short visit to Valencia, a coast city of one hundred and seventy thousand inhabitants. It is about one hundred and seventy-five miles south of Barcelona. Most of the city is very ancient, but it is not without interest to the foreigner. Quite a number of gardens, or small parks, here and there through the city give a very pleasing effect. Valencia has one of the most important cathedrals in Spain, and its art gallery contains paintings by some of the most famous Spanish artists. The scenery that interested me most is that to be found in the country near that city.
The province of Valencia is, without doubt, the most fruitful spot of all Spain. Oranges, bananas, grapes, and almost all other fruits are here produced in abundance. Watermelons and muskmelons are very plentiful. The Valencian declares that he sees three uses in a sandia (watermelon)—eating, drinking, and washing his face. Valencia produces a very superior quality of rice. I enjoyed watching several of the country people thrash rice, and later visited a rice mill. Is there not some one in the home land who would like to come to so fruitful a place, to assist in heralding this saving truth to those who know it not?
One morning I went out with a few tracts. The first person to whom I sold one was a young man, who, after looking at it for a moment, tore it up. Before noon I had sold fifty. The following morning I returned to the same neighborhood. The first place I entered was a fonda (restaurant), where I sold fourteen tracts. One of the fourteen who purchased here also destroyed his tract. It seemed that the devil was trying hard to discourage me, in order that the message might not be given in that place. I continued fighting under the banner of Prince Emmanuel, and before eleven o'clock had sold fifty tracts. How good the Lord is! How blessed it is to be able to appreciate the verification of the promise, “Lo, I am with you all the days.”
The Baptist minister, who is a Swede, was visited several times, and it was my privilege to talk with him on the coming of Christ, the Sabbath question, and other points. He believed in the second coming of Christ, and presented but little objection to the truths on the Sabbath question. He promised to read literature that I might send him. Thus the seed is being sown. The Lord only is able to give the increase.
We shall be glad to hear from any who may wish more information with reference to opportunities for missionary work in this country.
FRANK S. BOND.
British Central Africa
By Thos. H. Branch
PLAINFIELD MISSION, CHOLO.—This is a heathen land, where darkness abounds. Only the wisdom of God can make our work effectual. One needs often to prostrate himself before God, not only in the appointed times of prayer, but in the night season, when one can be alone with God, and can plead for wisdom to act in this most important time of earth's history, when eternal interests are at stake—yes, when men are dying all around us without a knowledge of God, and without even hearing of Christ, who died to save them from their sins.
Many come to the mission to school, but all can not be taken in. I do not think it wise to take those who come, not from a love for knowledge, or a desire to learn of Christ, but for a good, comfortable place to stay and be cared for. This we can not know at a glance; it takes a little time to discover these. But since we have tried to find out those who really wish to learn, by requiring a certain amount of work for small pay, not a few have gone, among them some whom we really thought were most earnest. The reduction of the shillings was a true test. But we were not left without a good school, for this is a people who generally do not tarry long in one place; so as fast as some left, others came.
Many of the boys would like to make an agreement to join with us in keeping the commandments of God if we would promise to keep them employed. But of course we can not make any such agreement. We are teaching them to trust God. I am teaching them daily the promises of God, and am leading them, gently and slowly, so they can see that to be hired to obey him is not serving him, but is serving man. This is one of the reasons why we have not organized a church here. But I believe there are a few who are storing up in their hearts this knowledge of God for eternity, and are even now trying to help others who are less favored. Some of the boys go out to the villages nearly every Sabbath, to tell what they have learned about the love of Jesus, and they have willing listeners to their simple narrative of the story of the cross, which is all so new to the villagers. I believe there will be many raised up to bear witness to the truth in this land of darkness, and I desire to be instrumental in the Lord's hand of doing what I can as long as he bids me labor.
The farm work is moving on nicely. Our corn is gathered, and stored away in the nkokwe (cribs). We have a mission garden, and expect to try to make some little income for the mission. Of course this is a large estate, and the two hundred and fifty or three hundred acres I had under cultivation is nothing to that which is lying idle. A few natives are17living on the estate, but so many, many acres are unused.
Notwithstanding the prevailing circumstances, the prospects are promising for a good work spiritually as well as temporarily. Our school is advancing, our village pupils are punctual and earnest. All the church services are well attended, and last Sabbath four precious souls followed their Lord in baptism, and others are anxiously waiting to do likewise. But I must first lead them by the written Word into the light of baptism, so they will not take this step in darkness.
THOS. H. BRANCH.
Chile
By H. F. Ketring
VALPARAISO.—The Spirit of God is working upon hearts in this field, preparing them for the latter rain. But it is his plan that men should work in harmony with his Spirit. Even with the fresh recruits for this field, we shall still be but a mere handful. With a population nearly as great as the combined Central and Northern Union Conferences, the magnitude of the work before us nearly staggers us at times.
Calls are coming from every direction. Traveling is very slow and expensive when one must go by steamer. Thus we are always behind, and can never answer all the appeals for help that come to us. O that we had still more laborers!
I will translate here a part of a letter that I recently received. It is from a young man in the interior, in the mines. He has had no one to instruct him in the truth, which may account for some strange expressions in his letter; yet any one can see that he has the truth in his heart:—
“Dear Brother in the glorious faith of our Lord Jesus Christ: My object in writing you at this time is to ask you what I must do in order to be baptized, and thus blot out the ‘mark of the beast.’
“In April, during the week of prayer, I sent an envelope with my offering to Brother —. I do not know whether he has received it yet.
“Brother, the priests have great power over the poor people here, and for that reason they do not want to receive our papers. They say that they are heretical papers, and contain false doctrines. What they like is illustrated reviews and bad books that corrupt their spirit more and more. I explain to them as my Lord commands me, and my answers to them are plain and according to the Word of God. There is one other man here who believes in the Saviour, and is in sympathy with present truth. He also, like myself, desires to be baptized in the gospel of Jesus.
“Dear brother, no one visits us here, no one enlightens us, no one explains to us, neither do we understand what we should do.
“They say here that I am proud and vain, because I do not go to the taverns to drink liquor with them; neither do I go to the gambling houses; and they say that since I have known God better, I am crazy. But the sane and educated people and my employers see in me a serious young man, honorable, and of good conduct, and they wonder at the change in me during the last two years. I tell them that God has made the change in me, and he is my best Master; he teaches me how I must conduct myself with my superiors.
“May the Lord accompany you with his blessings, and all our brethren in the faith of our Lord Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords.
“Your humble brother in the faith of our Lord.
“JUAN PUJADO, JR.”
It is such appeals as this, and our utter inability to meet their requests, that has caused us to appeal to you so urgently for help that we may go to them. I have never seen this young man. He inquires what they must do to be baptized, as there is no water in that part of Chile, and arrangements must be made for them to come to the seacoast.
May the Lord still move on the hearts of others to “come over and help us.” The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few.
H. F. KETRING.
A Baptismal Service at the Buluwayo Mission
By W. S. Hyatt; M. C. Sturdevant
BULUWAYO, RHODESIA.—For several weeks we have had a class of young people in preparation for baptism. We find that it is not best to be in a hurry to baptize those who desire it, so we form a class, and spend several months educating them for the occasion. Then if there are those whose fitness we have reason to doubt, we put them off till another time. We find that it pays in the end to do faithful work before we baptize and admit them into the church.
Sabbath, June 18, we had our Sabbath-school as usual, and then all went to the river. There we found a company of about two hundred and fifty natives gathered. To one who had never seen such a gathering, it would be a sight long to be remembered. Very few of them were clothed in the garments of a white man or woman. A few skins or bits of skins about the loins constitute most of the clothing. Some of the men had a shirt on, or possibly a vest, or some other one portion of a man's clothing, while a few of the women had, in addition to their skins, a small piece of print tied about their shoulders. The babies, of which there are always plenty present, are usually naked.
To this company of people we delivered three short sermons. Elder Sturdevant spoke to them about our leaving our homes and coming to this country. He showed them that it was not to get their cattle or money, but it was that we might win souls to the great God who made them, the earth, and all things. He gave a very solemn appeal to them. Brother Sparrow showed them that God had created man without sin. At that time man was pure and holy. But sin had come into the world, and man was sick from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, but God had provided a physician in Jesus. Would they have this Jesus to be their doctor? I then gave a short address to the candidates, showing them how they had left the ways of their fathers to walk in another path. We then appealed to the parents to walk in the path that their children had chosen. The children were praying for them to come, the great God, their Father, wanted them to come, “and the Spirit and the bride say, Come.” Then followed a few words from each of the twelve to be baptized, and a deep impression was left on the minds of all.
One by one these young men and women were buried with their Lord in the watery grave, and as they arose, a song of praise was offered by those present. It seems good to hear the song of praise to God in this dreary land, where only heathenism has reigned so many long years. This poor people bow down and worship three small stones that they have taken out of the river. If they see a snake, they offer it food; for they think that it may be that the souls of some of their ancestors may be in him. They do not kill the snake, for this reason. But, thank God, the “good tidings,” yes, the “glad tidings,” is being sounded to this poor people, and some of them begin to believe it to be true.
One old chief of a native village gives evidence to all who know him that he is serving the Lord the best he knows how; and another is believed to be a Christian. Many others are deeply interested, but they are slow to break away from their old ways. The power of the gospel will triumph in the end.
After the baptism we returned to our mission, and partook of our dinner. This being over, we again assembled at the chapel to celebrate the ordinances of the Lord's house. It was good to gather about the Lord's table with these converts from heathenism, and there partake of the emblems of the Lord's broken body and spilt blood. There are now sixty-three members in our church. It was a good day for this mission, and all felt that the Lord had been very near to us.
W. S. HYATT,
M. C. STURDEVANT.
Montana Mission
By W. A. Gosmer; Paul Iverson
Montana
ELLISTON.—Several weeks ago we came to this place with a tent, and began meetings; but although we personally invited the people out, they would not come. We saw that our only hope was in God. We resorted to prayer, and besought him to send the Holy Spirit to awaken the people from their terrible lethargy and indifference. No religious services had ever yet succeeded in the town. But we knew that God does not send his servants out with this last message to be ignored by the world; for it is to go for “a witness.”
God heard our prayers, and the people themselves were astonished at the way our meetings were attended. The town was thoroughly aroused; and when the Sabbath question was presented, it created a furor in this little place. There were many Catholics in our congregation, and though we endeavored to speak in a manner not to offend unnecessarily, some were greatly exercised, and some threats were made.
At the close of our meetings, which all the way through had been deeply characterized by light and power from heaven, twenty took a stand with us, eighteen of whom were baptized. Among these were three Catholics, two men and a woman, the latter of whom is now superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which numbers about forty.
We are deeply impressed that the time has come to live wholly for God, and for the advancement of his last message, and to seek for power from on high. Self-sufficiency and self-salvation form no part of the message whose very warp18and woof is righteousness by faith in Christ alone. We rejoice in “the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith,” and accept with rejoicing the sufficiency and help of him who “is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”
W. A. GOSMER,
PAUL IVERSON.
Greater New York Conference
By H. W. Cottrell
The third annual session of the Greater New York Conference was held in a large pavilion, and lasted only five days. The meeting was an excellent one, in many respects the best ever held in connection with our work in the City of New York. The Spirit of the Lord had control of all the services, so that it was an heavenly sitting together. The evening meetings were devoted to the interest of the general public, and were largely attended. The business meetings were in spirit like praise services, and were enjoyed by all present. Several of the laborers rendered very encouraging reports of their summer's work.
The Greater New York Conference is one division of the old Atlantic Conference, which, by the credit system so generally practised years ago, became heavily involved in debt. It can now see its way out of its embarrassed condition, and is moving rapidly forward in aggressive work. The outlook for the growth of the work in this great conference of four million people was never more favorable than at the present time.
A good work is being carried on for the Scandinavians, Germans, and the African people, in addition to the regular work. There is an educated Indian brother who has accepted the truth, and has been connected with tent work during the summer, that he might become more familiar with the truth and better acquainted with our people before taking up work for the people of his nationality in the city. He has already translated into his mother tongue some tracts, which he has in manuscript. Almost every nationality is represented in the conference. Labor should be put forth for these people, and especially should proper literature be prepared and circulated among them. A good work is being done here for the colored people, for whom so little has been done in the past.
Elder C. H. Edwards was again elected president of the conference, and E. H. Hall secretary and treasurer. The executive committee remains about the same as last year. The conference laborers and people enter anew upon the work with courage and vigor, and with the hope that the final victory will soon be won, and peace and quiet reign eternally. H. W. COTTRELL.
Tennessee River Conference and Camp-Meeting
By N. W. Allee; Ella M. Osborn
This meeting was held at Hazel, Ky., August 19-28. The attendance from all parts of the conference was better than was expected. A beautiful grove near the Baptist church, and the use of the seats of the building, were freely granted us by the Baptist people of the town of Hazel. This, together with the new tents, made a very attractive camp-ground.
The attendance from outside was quite good, and excellent attention was given to the word spoken. The Southern people are noted for the respect they show to religious services, and the good order they observe while in attendance. The preaching was of a close, searching character, based on the distinctive doctrines of the present message, our own conference laborers sharing largely in the services with the brethren from other fields.
Prof. J. E. Tenney, of the Southern Training School, with Professor Stone, of our Hazel Intermediate School, presented the principles of Christian education, also the Sabbath-school work. Dr. O. M. Hayward and L. A. Hansen, of the Nashville Sanitarium, represented the health and temperance phases of the message. A substantial interest was shown in the labors of these brethren by liberal donations to both the Nashville Sanitarium and the Hazel school.
Dr. O. C. Godsmark was in attendance part of the time, and did excellent service. His health is improving, and his courage is good. The coming of our much esteemed Elder S. N. Haskell, although at the closing days of the meeting, was a source of encouragement to the entire encampment. His discourses were highly appreciated, and much interest was shown in his recital of the early experiences of this great last-day message. How thankful we should be that God has preserved some of the pioneers of this movement to instruct us concerning the labors and sacrifices of those who were called to first proclaim the evidences of the soon-coming Saviour.
Six meetings of the conference were held, which were characterized by a remarkable degree of union and harmony. Some of the recommendations passed may be of interest to others:—
“Recognizing the good hand of the Lord in the work in this conference during the past year, and thanking him for the degree of prosperity that has been vouchsafed to the cause in this field, we— “Recommend practical thanksgiving in increased faithfulness on the part of all ‘in all holy conversation and godliness,’ in personal devotion and study of the Scriptures, and in the payment of the Lord’s tithe.
“Whereas, Our intermediate school at Hazel, Ky., is in immediate need of means to erect buildings and pay for stock recently purchased, therefore,—
“Resolved, That steps be taken at this conference meeting to raise two thousand dollars for this purpose.
“Whereas, It is a recognized fact that the future work of our conference will rest largely upon the youth among us to-day; and,—
“Whereas, Not only their conversion, but thorough preparation will be needed for this work, therefore,—
“Be it recommended, That ministers and lay members throughout the conference in every way encourage our young people to avail themselves of the privileges of our school at Hazel, Ky.
“Whereas, The Indiana Conference has sent us an efficient laborer in the person of Elder R. S. Donnell, whom they are supporting in this field; therefore,—
“Resolved, That we thank the Indiana Conference for its Christian liberality.
“Recommended, That two canvassers’ institutes be held the coming year at the most convenient time of year, and in the most suitable places.”
Ministerial credentials were granted to N. W. Allee, C. P. Bollman, R. S. Donnell, W. R. Burrow, R. G. Harrett; ordination to C. L. Stone; ministerial licenses to W. S. Lowry, H. C. Balsbaugh, Walter Jones, Frank Mosebar, L. A. Hansen, B. W. Spire; missionary credentials to Mrs. E. C. Spire, Mrs. H. C. Balsbaugh, Ammy Welsh, Ella M. Osborn, Mrs. C. L. Stone, G. W. Rich, F. T. Wales.
The following officers were elected: President, N. W. Allee; Vice-President, W. R. Burrow; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. E. C. Spire; Conference Committee, N. W. Allee, W. R. Burrow, C. L. Stone, I. A. Ford, and W. D. Dortch; Educational Board: C. L. Stone, N. W. Allee, C. P. Bollman, L. A. Calicott, W. H. Mason, R. L. Smith, W. R. Burrow, W. D. Dortch, T. L. Carr; Educational Board, C. L. Stone, N. W. Assistant Secretary, Mrs. C. L. Stone.
N. W. ALLEE, President,
ELLA M. OSBORN, Sec. pro tem.
Southern New England Conference
By H. W. COTTRELL
The Southern New England Conference met in its first annual session at Middletown, Conn., September 1-10. The camp was located on a grassy plot within the city limits, but quite well to one side. I was present the first week, and the weather was delightful. The delegate and membership representation was good, all that could have been expected. The attendance from the city was fair.
In addition to the local conference laborers, Mrs. E. G. White, Elders A. G. Daniells, J. S. Washburn, S. H. Lane, A. E. Place, and C. H. Edwards, Drs. C. C. Nichola and G. A. Hare, and Brother F. E. Painter were present a portion of the time.
It was at Middletown in 1849 that the REVIEW AND HERALD was first published19under the title of Present Truth, by Elder James White and Mrs. E. G. White. Sister White spoke several times with her usual freedom. All were thankful to have the aged servant of the Lord with us. She recited some of her early experiences in the pioneer work of the message in this section of the country, which were both interesting and educational. The message in that day had but few adherents, and they were poor. Then one man carried in a carpet bag at one trip, an entire issue of the paper, which represented largely the literature of the denomination. Now we have grown from a little handful of believers to an army of eighty thousand adherents, and many publishing houses with scores of periodicals and books too numerous to mention.
Elder Daniells stopped one day at the camp, delivered a missionary address, and passed on to meet an appointment in Canada. Drs. Nicola and Hare gave several talks on health topics, which were much appreciated. Brother Painter represented the Review and Herald book work, and gave valuable instruction to a class of young people who were planning to enter the field as canvassers.
The Sabbath services were seasons of refreshing to the campers, and several young people were converted.
The people of the conference plan to push the work forward among their one million five hundred thousand inhabitants with vigor. All are of good courage in the Lord, and are confident in the glorious triumph of the truth.
The conference voted to take steps to establish an intermediate school in its borders, and received subscriptions to the amount of six hundred and ninety-nine dollars, one mowing machine, one wagon, set of double harness, one cow, an organ, and a clock. Sixty-one dollars was subscribed to the Washington, D. C., building fund; twenty-one dollars to the tent and camp-meeting fund; and one hundred and eighty dollars to the Union Conference Academy.
Elder G. E. Langdon was elected president, D. B. Parmelee vice-president, Miss Irene J. Cady secretary and treasurer, Mrs. S. A. Whittier Sabbath-school secretary, H. C. Wilcox canvassing agent. Executive Committee: G. E. Langdon, D. B. Parmelee, G. P. Coates, D. A. Bidwell, T. T. Tucker.
H. W. COTTRELL.
West Virginia
By B. F. Purdham
I CAME to my new field of labor in West Virginia, September 12, and had the privilege of attending the excellent camp-meeting in Clarksburg. I was requested to remain in Clarksburg, to follow up the work, and Brother J. S. James was invited to assist in a short series of tent-meetings.
We had good meetings in the tent, and a good impression was made on the people. Seven have accepted the truth since the camp-meeting, and we hope others will yet obey. The tent-meetings closed October 10, and Brother James was entered upon his work as field secretary.
We have an excellent hall in the best location in the city. Our first meeting in it was held last Sabbath, with good attendance and interest. We organized a Sabbath-school of twelve members, and others expect to join in a short time. I have invitations to hold meetings also in other parts of the city.
I held quarterly meeting at Grafton, October 8. It was an excellent meeting, many members being present. Two united with the church by letter. I am of good courage in the Lord.
B. F. PURDHAM.
East Michigan Conference Proceedings
By J. D. Gowell; E. K. Slade
The third annual session of the East Michigan Conference was held at Flint, Mich., Sept. 15-25, 1904. About one hundred delegates were present from the churches throughout the conference. There was a good attendance and a pleasing interest during the entire meeting. The laborers from abroad were Elders Wm. Covert, A. O. Burrill, and W. R. Matthews, Prof. J. G. Lamson, Brother J. B. Blosser, and Miss M. Bessie De Graw.
Elder J. D. Gowell, president of the conference, in his annual address to the conference reported some developments of the work during the past eight years that he has been connected with the conference. He also recommended that decided efforts be made to carry the work forward in all departments in the year to come. It was reported that two hundred and eighteen had been added to the church-membership during the past year, that three new church buildings had been erected, and a fine sanitarium had been erected and dedicated to the work. Other companies were reported as waiting for organization.
Reports were received from the secretary, treasurer, superintendent of education, secretary and treasurer of Sabbath-school work, and the Missionary Department of the conference, showing a decided advancement in the work in all lines.
The following committees were appointed by the Chair: On nominations, Daniel Wood, Isaac Monroe, M. Shepard, L. G. Moore, G. P. Bailey; on credentials and licenses, B. F. Stureman, A. R. Sandborn, A. O. Burrill; on recommendations, O. F. Butcher, J. G. Lamson, C. N. Sanders; on baptism, Wm. Ostrander, O. Soule; on seating of delegates, P. C. Hayward, John Stowe.
The following recommendations were unanimously adopted by the conference:—
“Whereas, The field is the world, and the tithe is the Lord’s,—
“1. Resolved, That our laborers in this conference be placed subject to the call of the Mission Board for service in the regions beyond, and that if any accept the call as from God, they be released, and that they be supported from the tithe of this conference until such time as other arrangements are made by the Mission Board and the executive committee of this conference.
“2. Resolved, That the executive committee of this conference be authorized to allow full time and full pay to those accredited laborers in this conference who become sick while in line of duty.
“Whereas, God has been calling the attention of our people to the importance of this message going to the people in the larger cities, and as it has also been shown us that this work has been much neglected, therefore,—
“3. Resolved, That we ask the conference committee for the coming year to give this matter careful thought, and plan for the training of workers to do efficient city work.
“Whereas, No Seventh-day Adventist can be truly abreast of the times without a knowledge of the progress of the work in the home and foreign fields,—
“4. Resolved, That all our laborers and church officers enter immediately upon a vigorous campaign to place THE ADVENT REVIEW AND SABBATH HERALD, and the East Michigan Banner in the home of every Seventh-day Adventist.
“Whereas, The General Conference has recommended the conduct of an energetic missionary campaign for the spreading of our literature, beginning the first of November this year and continuing during the winter months, said campaign to begin with a special effort of three days,—
“5. Resolved, That we urge our people to enter heartily into this missionary effort, and that special plans be laid in each church to carry out the design of the General Conference in this work.
“6. Resolved, That we take immediate steps to raise five thousand dollars for the purpose of starting an industrial academy in the East Michigan Conference.
“Whereas, Our dear Brother Gowell has rendered our conference such long and faithful service; and,—
“Whereas, He now feels it his duty to lay down the heavy burdens that he has borne as president of the conference, therefore,—
“7. Resolved, That we extend to him our most hearty thanks and express our appreciation for the faithful service rendered in the past, and for his kind and fatherly counsel for so many years, and pray that he may be spared to continue in the service of God in this conference or elsewhere as the Lord may direct.”
Officers were elected for the coming year as follows: President, E. K. Slade; Vice-President, A. R. Sandborn; Secretary and Treasurer, Frank Hiner; Secretary and Treasurer of Missionary Department, Frank Hiner; Field Secretary, H. B. McConnell; Superintendent of Education, Prof. J. G. Lamson; Secretary and Treasurer of Sabbath-school work, Tillie E. Barr; Executive Committee, E. K. Slade, A. R. Sandborn, J. G. Lamson, Daniel Wood, E. I. Beebe.
Credentials were granted to J. D. Gowell, E. K. Slade, L. G. Moore, J. L. Edgar, A. R. Sandborn, B. F. Stureman, M. Shepard, O. Soule, Wm. Ostrander, C. N. Sanders, J. G. Lamson; ordination and credentials to O. F. Butcher; ministerial licenses to E. I. Beebe, F. G. Lane, Delmer P. Wood, E. R. Lauda, P. C. Hayward, John Stowe; missionary licenses to Mina Pierce, Clara Kiep, Lucy Tyte, Tillie E. Barr, Marie P. Harriman, Anna L. Boehm, Rose Peters, Frank Hiner, Daniel Wood, H. B. McConnell, Mrs. Rose V. Lane, Mrs. Maude R. Lauda, Nina Nelson.
J. D. GOWELL, President,
E. K. SLADE, Secretary.
The International Sunday Rest Congress
By R. C. Porter
The International Sunday Rest Congress was held in the Hall of Congress, at the St. Louis World's Fair, Oct. 11-14, 1904. The first meeting was held in Festival Hall, Tuesday night, October 11. The leading address was delivered by S. J. Niccolls, pastor of the Second Presbyterian church of St. Louis, and was enthusiastically applauded.
The remaining meetings were held in the Hall of Congress. They were not largely attended, there being less than one hundred present at any meeting. Yet they were very representative. The program for the congress showed representatives who were to prepare papers from various parts of the United States, from Canada, Cuba, Porto Rico, Scotland, Ireland, England, Italy, Russia, Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, India, South America, Syria, Africa, and China.
Most of these papers were read, and they all bore the same testimony of petitioning state and national legislative bodies for the passage of Sunday rest laws, with more or less satisfactory results.
Besides these papers there were papers or addresses on The Sunday Telegraph and Telephone Service; Sunday Baseball; Sunday Theaters, Shows, and Fairs; The Sunday Newspaper; Sunday Traveling; Sunday Excursion by Boat and Rail; and Sunday Work in the Postal Service. There were also a number20of other papers bearing more or less directly upon the topic of Sunday Rest. One subject of special prominence was assigned Father Francis P. Cummins. It was “Catholics Should Work with Non-Catholics for Sunday Closing.”
The enthusiasm manifested in the convention I have not seen surpassed in any meetings which it has been my privilege to attend. The more emphatic and striking statements in favor of enforced Sunday rest were cheered most lustily. Resolutions were passed memorializing President Roosevelt in behalf of Sunday rest for the Post-office Department and other departments of the government.
The Sunday following Easter Sunday was especially set apart as a day to pray and speak in the interests of Sunday rest.
The following questions were handed to the secretary, with a request that they be read by the moderator, and answers solicited:—
“1. Did Jesus Christ ever ask the state to enact laws for the enforcement of Sabbath observance or any other religious doctrine?
“2. Was not the enforcement of Sunday laws, the first step taken by the papacy in religious legislation which ended in religious persecution and the martyrdom of the Dark Ages?”
“3. In our demand for Sunday laws are we not in danger of becoming responsible for a period of religious legislation that will fulfil Rev. 13:14 by making an image to the papacy?”
These questions were not read, and they may not have reached the moderator, as the moderator for that afternoon was a Catholic priest. They were passed on to the secretary of the Pennsylvania Sunday Rest Association, who, in response to them, introduced substantially the following resolution:—
“Whereas, Seventh-day Sabbatarians have in the past interfered with the passage of Sunday laws, we recommend that Sunday rest literature, and especially the work on the change of the Sabbath by S. W. Gamble, be freely circulated to meet their influence.”
It was developed during the discussion that the reason they especially recommended the work by Mr. Gamble was that they understood that no Sabbatarian had ever attempted to reply to it.
If our people would make the use of Elder A. T. Jones's reply to that work, which the times demand, those people would soon be undeceived as to that matter.
As an illustration of the zeal manifested by this congress in their work, I will cite the fact that during the convention of druggists held in connection with the World's Fair, they succeeded, through a committee sent to meet with them in securing the passage by that body of a resolution favoring Sunday rest. They succeeded in the same manner with the undertakers' association. Committees were also appointed to wait on other general organizations, soon to convene, to secure like recommendations from them.
These are only a few of the items of interest I noted in that gathering. The spirit of the movement can not be expressed in words so as to correctly convey its expression. It was confident and determined to a very unusual degree. Considerable discussion was caused by the frequent use of the expression “Lord's day,” instead of Sunday rest. It was finally decided that in order to capture the laboring men who cared not for the Sabbath, but desired a day of rest, they must make their demand for Sunday rest, and not for Lord's day observance. Great stress was laid upon their success in securing Sunday closing of the World's Fair.
It is very plain to the observer of the signs of the times that time is short. What is done in warning the world must be done quickly. What is not done now in times of peace must be done under adverse circumstances. It is time that literature containing the warning message be scattered like the leaves of autumn. Shall not every lover of truth awake to his opportunities, and go out quickly with the last call of the gospel, ere the day closes and the work is done?
How little do those who are so ardently working for Sunday legislation realize that the next step beyond their success in this unrighteous act is to place them, unsheltered, beneath the awful judgments of the wrath of God as manifested in the seven last plagues. What responsibility rests upon a people who know what is coming, to hasten with the light to a world in such danger!