To the Young People of the Central Union Conference
By E. T. Russell
For the benefit of the young people of the Central Union Conference, Nov. 4, 1905, has been set apart to be observed in all our churches as Young People's day. Readings have been prepared by Prof. M. E. Kern and Mrs. L. Flora Plummer to be used in connection with the forenoon service.
In the afternoon it is expected that the young people in each church will carry out a suggestive program which will be sent to all the churches by the committee on Young People's work.
Shall we not make the most possible of this occasion? Lost opportunities, like wasted moments, can never be recovered; therefore it is essential that we make the most of our privileges. Like the Spirit's call to the unsaved, so it can be said to the young in regard to making the most of present opportunities, “Now is the accepted time.” God desires that we make the most of every experience and opportunity of life. Therefore shall we not make the most possible of this occasion by inviting our young friends to attend the convention, and by studying, that we may be well prepared to take part in the exercises, as many interesting topics will be considered?
Please do not forget the date for Young People's day, and from now until that time be preparing to take part in the discussion of the topics to be considered.
E. T. RUSSELL.
Missouri Conference Proceedings
By W. S. Cruzan
THE twenty-ninth annual session of the Missouri Conference of Seventh-day Adventists convened at Liberty Park, Sedalia, Mo., August 3-13. Seventy-five delegates were present, representing twenty-eight churches. Two new churches were admitted into the conference.
The resolutions passed by this conference covered the following points:—
1. Praise to God for his abundant mercies during the past year.
2. Recommending that churches choose for officers only those who are in harmony with all points of truth.
3. Inviting the bookmen’s convention and the Central Union Conference to hold their sessions in Kansas City, Mo.
4. Indorsing the action of the General Conference in recommending a continuance of the great missionary campaign begun last year.
5. Asking the churches to place at least one canvasser in the field from each church.
6. Recommending the granting of a canvasser’s missionary license to regular canvassers.
7. Favoring the sale of the North Hall of Union College to the Nebraska Sanitarium Association.
The following-named officers were elected: President, R. C. Porter; Vice-President, H. M. Stewart; Secretary, Mrs. R. C. Porter; Treasurer, Pacific Press Publishing Company; Educational Superintendent, to be supplied by the conference committee; Sabbath-school Secretary, Mrs. James Cochran; State Agent, G. Phillips; Conference Committee, R. C. Porter, H. M. Stewart, W. T. Millman, W. F. H. Schroeder, James Cochran; District Superintendents, (No. 1) W. T. Millman, (No. 2) H. M. Stewart, (No. 3) E. A. Merrell, (No. 4) L. W. Terry, (No. 5) D. E. Scoles; Missouri Conference Association Trustees, R. C. Porter, W. T. Millman, T. M. Clark, H. K. Willis, W. A. Johnson.
Ministerial credentials were granted to R. C. Porter, H. M. Stewart, W. S. Cruzan, W. T. Millman, E. A. Merrell, L. W. Terry, H. K. Willis, D. E. Scoles, A. P. Heacock, C. H. Chaffee, Henry Meyer; ministerial licenses to D. P. Zeigler, W. F. H. Schroeder; missionary licenses to M. E. George, Eva Hough, Ella M. Merrell, Birdie Cruzan, G. Phillips, T. L. Limerick, A. F. French, W. A. Theo. Miller, James Cochran, L. W. Graham, Mrs. James Cochran, Mrs. R. C. Porter, Mrs. A. P. Heacock, Mrs. M. E. George, T. M. Clark, Harvey17Steele, H. C. Tarr, Mrs. H. C. Tarr, Mrs. A. E. Daniels, J. L. Burgess, Mrs. H. Meyer; church-school teacher’s licenses to Mary Wilbur, L. Belle Mathews, Annie Nordlind, Vita Morrow, Bessie Barnhart, Vita Tindall, Sadie Tindall, Florence Burgess, Edna Ingalls, Abbie St. John, Annie Didrickson, Jennie Metcalf, Grace Chilson, Gulah Brown, Nora Hough, Mary E. Allen.
The city papers gave quite an extended report of the meetings. The work of the conference passed off harmoniously.
W. S. CRUZAN, Secretary pro tem.
Vermont Conference and Camp-Meeting
By F. M. Dana
IN fond hope and expectation that the Lord would meet with his people as in their annual assemblies in the past, the Vermont camp-meeting and conference was held in Windsor, August 17-27, near a grove of stately elms, which added to the attraction of the grounds. The Connecticut River near the camp, and the beautiful hills of Vermont and New Hampshire on either side, with almost perfect weather during the ten days' meeting, made the occasion enjoyable as well as interesting.
Elders Prescott and Colcord from Washington, D. C., and Elders Cottrell, Mattson, and Griggs from South Lancaster, with Elder Smith Sharp in behalf of the Southern work, and Brother Painter in the interest of the missionary work with our literature, together with our home workers, were excellent help, and the occasion was one long to be remembered. We were made glad by seeing some of the young give their hearts to the Lord, while some who had become careless and negligent regarding their spiritual interests again found their way with those who honor the Lord by walking in the way of his statutes. Four were buried in baptism in the river, the ordinance being administered by Elder Purdon, while others are waiting until a little later.
The usual resolutions were passed pertaining to the work in our conference, while special consideration was given to the needs of the regions beyond. Aside from taking special work in China, we continue our support of a teacher in the academy at South Lancaster, Mass. While the conference is not large in members, nor rich in things of this world, yet there is a willingness and a love for the message which will increase as the days come and go, eventually fulfilling the will of the Lord.
In the absence of a conference president, Elder Cottrell, our union conference president, during his visit with us took the chair by request of the conference. The officers for the year were elected, as follows:— President, to be supplied by the General Conference through the union conference; Vice-President, T. H. Purdon; Conference Secretary and Treasurer, also Tract and Missionary Department Secretary and Treasurer, W. E. Fortune; Sabbath-school Department Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. A. E. Taylor (Brownington, Vt.); Sabbath-school Department Field Secretary, Frank A. Page (R. F. D. 1, Hartland, Vt.); Canvassing Agent, A. W. Boardman (North Wolcott, Vt.); Educational Secretary, F. A. Page; Conference and Tract Committee, T. H. Purdon, F. M. Dana, A. W. Boardman, Dr. C. F. Ball (Rutland, Vt.), Geo. M. Dean (West Burke, Vt.).
Full reports by the educational and Sabbath-school secretaries, together with statements and report by the conference secretary and treasurer, will be found in the Atlantic Union Gleaner.
Ministerial credentials were granted to T. H. Purdon (Rutland, Vt.), honorary credentials to I. E. Kimball (now in New York State), and ministerial licenses to F. M. Dana and F. A. Page.
The work in Vermont is nothing of which to boast, yet we believe that we are set for the defense of the gospel in this part of the vineyard; and as the Lord grants ability, we desire to do what we can to uphold the standard of righteousness in all parts of the earth till Jesus comes.
F. M. DANA.
The New Jersey Conference
By C. H. KESLAKE
THE fourth annual session of the New Jersey Conference was held in Burlington, N. J., Sept. 12-17, 1905, in connection with a tent effort which is being conducted by Elder E. E. Franke. For the accommodation of the delegates a number of tents were pitched, causing the grounds to present the appearance of a camp-meeting. Quite a number of our people who were not delegates, availed themselves of the opportunity of spending a few days under canvas.
The business of the conference was transacted quite harmoniously. The spiritual interests of the session were well looked after. Besides an early morning praise service, three preaching services were conducted daily, the services in the evening being quite well attended by the public. The laborers from outside the conference were Elders W. J. Fitzgerald and Morris Lukens, of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference; Dr. Knapp, of the Philadelphia Sanitarium, was present in the interests of the medical work. These, together with the laborers of the New Jersey Conference, did the preaching. Help from the General and Atlantic Union Conferences was expected, but at the last moment it was found impossible to supply it. The preaching throughout was most helpful. The Sabbath services will long be remembered. At the close of the forenoon service, conducted by Elder Jayne, a number went forward for prayers. The next day four willing souls, two of them the daughters of Elder Jayne, were baptized in the Delaware River by Elder Franke.
The reports of the treasurer and others showed that there had been a substantial gain in membership and tithe during the year. This was very gratifying, and all present felt to praise God for his mercies and blessings. One new church was received into the conference. Elder Jayne was unanimously re-elected president of the conference. During the year one of the ministers, Elder J. C. Stevens, had left the conference, having accepted an invitation to labor in another part of the Lord's vineyard. Another, the writer, closes his connection with the conference at this meeting, to go to Newfoundland.
As yet no general camp-meeting has been held in this conference since its organization, but the blessings derived and the interest manifested at this time plainly reveal that a “feast of tabernacles” is a necessity. A fund for a camp-meeting next year was created, and quite liberally subscribed to by those present. Home and foreign missions were provided for.
The tent effort, conducted by Elder Franke, promises to be fruitful. At this writing the Sabbath question is being presented, and already some have decided to obey.
The outlook for the work in New Jersey the coming year seems to be encouraging, and it is the prayer of the writer that the Lord will continue to bless the New Jersey Conference.
C. H. KESLAKE.
“Ministry of Healing” in California
By E. R. PALMER
ON the evening of September 23 the officers of the California Conference met with the officers of the St. Helena Sanitarium Board in the chapel at the St. Helena Sanitarium to consider plans for handling “Ministry of Healing” in the California-Nevada Conference, which is the territory set apart for the benefit of this sanitarium. The officers of the Relief Bureau, with a number of other workers and friends interested in the enterprise, were present, and in all the councils there was a strong spirit of harmony and good-will.
There are some special reasons for encouragement as the brethren unite in an effort to give this beautiful book a large circulation in the California-Nevada Conference. They have one of the best volumes ever published, as their relief book; and, therefore, every effort put forth to circulate it will be a missionary enterprise of the highest order, even though there were no relief plan connected with it.
But in addition to this splendid incentive for work, there is that other object which is worthy of the best effort of all our people in this conference,—the relief of the St. Helena Sanitarium from its heavy liabilities. For many years this sanitarium has stood firmly for right principles, and has fought many hard battles for the principles of truth. God has seen fit to add his blessings in many ways to the efforts put forth, and to-day the sanitarium stands among the first of our old well-tried institutions. And now, when our other institutions and all the people are ready to make a heroic effort to lift the financial liabilities of the sanitarium, it is a cause for courage and thanksgiving that the sanitarium is in such splendid working condition.
Last year the institution was able to keep up expenses and repairs in good shape, and after paying a tithe to the California Conference on its net earnings, about eight thousand dollars was paid on the liabilities; and this was not done at the expense of the general appearance of the institution. In every department and all through the grounds there is an air of thrift, neatness, and order which is really refreshing.
This year the patronage is larger than ever before, and the business manager was able to assure the visiting brethren that the sanitarium would be able to pay off still more of its liabilities than last. With this institution standing firmly for the truths we hold, and with the work in such good condition, the people may18well take heart in putting their shoulder to the wheel which is already rolling onward.
The following plan was adopted for managing the sale of “Ministry of Healing:” The work is to be under the direction of five persons, two to be selected by the executive committee of the California Conference, two by the managing board of the St. Helena Sanitarium, and the fifth to be appointed by the two boards in council. This fifth member is to give his entire time to the work, and act as chairman of the committee. The expenses of the work will be divided equally between the conference and sanitarium. With this strong, united arrangement we believe that the work will be a splendid success.
E. R. PALMER,Secretary Relief Bureau.
The Death of Elder N. P. Nelson
By E. T. RUSSELL
ELDER N. P. NELSON
MRS. ANDREA NELSON
ELDER NELS PETER NELSON was born in Denmark, Jan. 6, 1844, and died at College View, Neb., Sept. 22, 1905, aged 61 years, 8 months, and 16 days.
In the year 1866 he left his native land and came to Iowa, and in 1867 married Miss Andrea Kier, with whom he shared the joys and sorrows of life in a most affectionate relationship for thirty-eight years. To them were born seven sons and two daughters.
In the spring of 1871 he, with his little family, moved in a covered wagon to Turner County, Dakota, where he settled on a homestead, living in a sod shanty for six years. Here on the wild prairies of Dakota Territory, the precious truths of the third angel's message in printed form fell into his hands, and he and his companion, and a few others, after careful study joyfully accepted the same; but when opposition came, all but he and his faithful companion gave up the truth. They stood alone for one whole year, when Elder J. F. Hansen came into their neighborhood and explained the truth more fully. As the result of his labors, a church was organized at Swan Lake, S. D., this being the first Seventh-day Adventist church in that territory. Of this church Elder Nelson and his wife became charter members. From the beginning of his acceptance of the truth, he labored in every way possible to make known to others the message he loved so dearly.
When the Dakota Conference was organized, he was a member of the conference committee, which position he held until he was called to Nebraska Conference. For six years he was president of the Dakota Conference. In 1898 he was requested by the General Conference to take the presidency of the Nebraska Conference. He labored in that capacity for five years, during which time he was also president of the Union College Board. He was officially connected with the school from its beginning, being one who assisted in locating it.
In 1902 he was chosen a delegate to attend the conference meetings in Europe. On this trip he attended the meetings in England, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Switzerland. He also visited Rome and other places of historic interest.
In 1903 he was called by the General Conference to take the presidency of the Southwestern Union Conference. In the same year he was also elected president of the Texas Conference. The conditions existing in that conference made his burdens very heavy, and told in a marked degree on his health. But because of his interest and love for the work of God, he stood at his post until he fell.
At the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, held at Washington, D. C., in May, 1905, he was chosen to take the general oversight of the Danish-Norwegian work in the United States, with the understanding that he was to lay aside his official duties in connection with the Southwestern Union Conference. He felt that his health was failing, and that he was in sad need of rest and a change of climate, but he finally concluded to continue at least until after the annual camp-meetings in the Southwestern Union Conference, and, notwithstanding the fact that he had had fever every day for a year, he continued his arduous labors in his enfeebled condition.
He took charge of all the business meetings but one in connection with the late Texas Conference, and then, accompanied by his son Andrew, he attended the Arkansas camp-meeting, where his health began to fail more rapidly. But still he continued his work. From Arkansas he went to the Oklahoma camp-meeting; the trip quite exhausted him, yet he attended the first business meeting of the conference, and spoke to the delegates. That was the last meeting he attended. Following this he had chills which were very severe, and he came near death's door, but his life was spared.
About midnight of August 31, while he was thought to be lying at the point of death in Oklahoma, his wife died at their home in Keene, Tex., after an illness of eleven days of typhoid malaria. He so far rallied from his sickness as to be able to make a journey to College View, not knowing of his wife's death. He was buoyed up on this journey with the hope of meeting her on his arrival. After their arrival he asked, “Is mama dead?” On being told that she was, he said, “I do not want to live any longer if mama is dead.” He again rallied, however, and strong hopes were entertained of his recovery, but he afterward grew worse, until just as the western sun was about to usher in the sacred hours of the Sabbath, which, with his faithful companion, he had loved and observed for thirty-two years, he peacefully passed to his rest.
Brother Nelson was a man of sterling integrity, and one who truly loved the cause which he had espoused, as has been shown in his willingness to sacrifice for the promotion of the same. He was also a man of clear business perception, and was esteemed by his colleagues as a man of superior judgment in financial matters.
They leave five sons and one daughter, and one foster daughter, to mourn their loss. Andrew, the oldest son, was recently elected president of the Oklahoma Conference; Dr. Nels P. is in charge of the sanitarium in Fredrikshavn, Denmark; Chris N. is pursuing a medical course in the Nebraska State University; Theodore is a successful farmer in College View; Ida has served as a faithful and efficient assistant to her father in his official duties, and has also filled the office of State Sabbath-school secretary in Nebraska and in Texas; William, the youngest son, is connected with the faculty of the Walla Walla College (Wash.); and Anna Olsen, the foster daughter, is a church-school teacher.
It was their greatest joy to know that their children were true to the cause of God. They tried to bring them up in the right way, and the Lord has, in a marked degree, blessed their efforts. It can be truly said of them, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”
The funeral service was conducted in the College View church by Elder J. H. Morrison, who spoke from Heb. 9:27 and Ps. 39:4.
The writer accompanied the remains to Swan Lake, S. D., for interment, where services were also held for the benefit of friends in the vicinity of Brother Nelson's old home church.
From letters written by Elder W. A. Spicer to the children at College View, we quote the following action of the General Conference Committee:—
> “Voted, That the secretary be authorized19to express to the family of the late son Elder N. P. Nelson the sympathy of the committee in the loss sustained, a great loss to the committee and the denomination as well as to his own family.”
E. T. RUSSELL.
North Michigan Conference Proceedings
By Edith McClellan
The third annual session of the North Michigan Conference convened at East Jordan, Mich., in connection with the camp-meeting, August 31 to September 9. Reports were given by the secretary and treasurer of the tract society and by the educational superintendent.
Among the resolutions and recommendations adopted were the following:—
“Whereas, There is a lamentable lack of system in reporting and keeping accounts among many of our church treasurers, librarians, and Sabbath-school secretaries, thus causing confusion in the business of the conference, therefore,—
“1. We recommend, That greater care be used in the selection of persons for these important offices, that an earnest effort be put forth by this class of workers in the cause of present truth to improve in business methods, and that the one going out of office shall not consider his duty done until he has thoroughly instructed the one newly elected.
“Inasmuch as the report of the tract society secretary shows a large number of local tract society and personal accounts,—
“2. We recommend, That all such accounts be settled every month on receipt of a statement of such account from the secretary, and that once in three months the canvassers’ accounts be balanced either by the full amount of money for their accounts or by their books being invoiced.
“3. We recommend, That a vigorous campaign be carried on by holding local educational, Sabbath-school, and young people’s conventions, and by such other means as seem advisable.
“Whereas, The conducting of our church-schools is a work requiring careful planning and good counsel, has therefore,—
“4. We recommend, That no school be established or discontinued without advice or counsel from the educational superintendent; and further, we urge upon our local boards the necessity of refraining from employing teachers without counseling with the head of this department.
“Whereas, There is need of about forty new tents in our conference, and some of those which we have are in need of repair, therefore,—
“5. Resolved, That we raise a fund sufficient to cover this expense as soon as possible.
“Inasmuch as our subscription books are an efficient means of spreading the truth, and since this work is largely self-supporting, therefore,—
“6. We recommend, That an aggressive attitude be maintained toward this work, and every effort possible be made to secure suitable persons to take up this work, and that a canvassers’ institute be held next spring, at such time as may be arranged by the conference committee, and that the members of each church select at least one suitable person from their midst, and pay his expenses to the canvassers’ institute.
“7. Resolved, That in view of the shortness of time to close up this message, and the urgent need that every one should have a part in it, we heartily indorse the plans outlined at the last General Conference for a mighty missionary campaign.
“8. We recommend, That this conference adopt the plan recommended by the General Conference for collecting tithe and offerings by using the printed envelope furnished by the General Conference.”
Ministerial credentials were granted to S. E. Wight, W. R. Matthews, M. W. Lewis, Geo. G. Johnson, and M. C. Guild; ministerial licenses to O. Montgomery, E. A. Bristol, and R. J. Bellows; missionary licenses to Isabella Campbell, Mrs. M. M. Faulkner, E. Tenny Lane, Nellie Clough, Ethel Peters, Edith McClellan, Myrta M. Kellogg, and Sophie Wahlberg; canvasser’s licenses to A. M. Byers, J. O. Stedman, K. V. Bjork, H. W. Johnson, Donald Ross, Fred Hoxie, E. C. Collard, and Effie Walker.
Officers for the coming year were elected as follows: President, S. E. Wight; Secretary, Edith McClellan; Treasurer, North Michigan Tract Society; Secretary and Treasurer of North Michigan Tract Society, E. A. Bristol; Field Secretary, to be filled by the conference committee; Educational Superintendent, Myrta M. Kellogg; Executive Committee, S. E. Wight, W. R. Matthews, M. C. Guild, Geo. G. Johnson, and Morton Stephens; Trustees of North Michigan Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists, S. E. Wight, M. C. Guild, W. R. Matthews, E. A. Bristol, and Geo. G. Johnson; Delegates to Lake Union Conference, S. E. Wight, M. C. Guild, W. R. Matthews, M. W. Lewis, and Andrew Maples.
EDITH MCCLELLAN, Secretary.
Louisiana
By S. B. HORTON
OWING to the quarantine regulations on account of yellow fever in New Orleans and other Louisiana towns, it has not been possible to hold our annual meeting for the election of officers and the transaction of other conference business. And while the epidemic has made it somewhat difficult to do much work in the way of public effort, still the Lord has blessed the little which has been attempted. Our tent effort in New Orleans has resulted in accessions to the church, besides the organization of another church, which is composed of colored believers. This organization took place on Sabbath, October 7, the day upon which the special collection in behalf of the colored work in the South was taken, making the occasion fitting and suggestive. The church is not large, numbering but eleven, including the five baptized recently; but the membership is an intelligent and energetic force. Brethren Page Shepard and John Campbell, both natives of New Orleans, were set apart for the work of church elder and deacon, and Sister Edmonia White, who has had considerable experience in the work, was chosen clerk and treasurer of the church. After the ordination services the company celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, which proved a refreshing spiritual portion from the Lord.
We are glad to say that each family of this new company is on the REVIEW AND HERALD list, and all are taking up the missionary work in earnest.
We are planning to hold our conference meeting early in December, which is the only time when we can have the presence of Elder Butler and other Southern Union Conference laborers. It is hoped to make this meeting the best ever held here. The place of meeting will probably be New Orleans, as no general meeting has thus far been held in that city. More definite information concerning the coming conference will appear in the REVIEW later on. I am glad to say that nearly every family of believers in the city of New Orleans is now on the subscription list of the good old REVIEW, and we hope to see this the case with every family in the State.
S. B. HORTON.
A Workers’ Council
By K. C. RUSSELL
WEDNESDAY, October 11, the evangelistic workers in the District of Columbia met, according to appointment, at the Memorial Seventh-day Adventist church in this city, for prayer and counsel concerning the various lines of gospel work at this important center. In addition to our regular District laborers, there were in attendance several of our General Conference brethren, among whom were Elders A. G. Daniells, G. A. Irwin, W. A. Spicer, G. B. Thompson, and Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, besides a goodly number of our brethren and sisters here. There were two sessions of the council—one in the forenoon and one in the afternoon.
The forenoon session consisted of stirring addresses and testimonies concerning the necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit as one of the greatest needs of our time. It was emphasized by all that this is a necessity in order that this message may be carried to the world in this generation. Elders Daniells and Irwin, and others spoke at length upon this glorious theme, emphasizing the importance of a Spirit-filled ministry and church, in order that the truth may be exemplified in their lives, and the message be given effectively to those who are in darkness. A strong impression was made, and all persons felt a deep sense of the importance of reaching that condition where they might receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. A most earnest season of prayer followed these Spirit-filled addresses, that we might receive this most precious endowment, in whose train follows every other blessing.
After a short recess for dinner, the afternoon session opened along the same spiritual trend that characterized the forenoon meeting. There were other testimonies borne, and then another earnest season of prayer was engaged in, after which the regular business of the council was taken up, which was chiefly receiving reports from our various District workers. These reports, in the main, were very encouraging as to results, and also as to the future of the work in the District of Columbia.
Three different tent-meetings have been held in the city of Washington during the past season, and upward of fifty persons have embraced the truth as the result of these meetings, and many others are deeply interested.
Elder J. S. Washburn’s tent was20located in Southeast Washington, from ten to fifteen minutes’ walk from the Capitol and Congressional Library. The interest was so encouraging to the very close of his effort that it seems advisable to follow it with hall meetings, and, possibly, hold another tent effort in that section of the city again next season.
Elder L. C. Sheafe conducted two efforts in Northwest Washington. His attendance has been excellent from the beginning, and at the closing service the tent was filled to its utmost capacity, besides a large number standing on the outside. Hence the outlook for the future of the work in that section of the city is also very promising.
The tent-meetings which are being conducted in the Anacostia suburb of the city by Brethren A. J. Bristol and V. H. Lucas are encouraging, although the attendance has been small.
Our Bible workers gave very encouraging reports of their work, one reporting that seven had embraced the truth, and another four. There was an urgent appeal made to the District Committee to consider at once the question of treatment rooms for the colored people of Washington. There seems to be a very great demand for this kind of work among a number of influential citizens.
Following the presentation of these reports, Elder G. A. Irwin gave the workers some most excellent words of counsel, exhorting them to greater earnestness and diligence in the Lord’s service in view of the brevity of time, and the importance of the message that has been committed to us.
As a most fitting climax to this profitable and spiritual day’s service, Elder A. G. Daniells gave an interesting Bible reading on the theme of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the idea that the Holy Spirit is given to us for service. As Christ was sent forth with the message of salvation, even so are we.
May the workers not only in the District of Columbia receive the anointing of the Holy Ghost for service, but may this same anointing be received by every worker in this message, that greater power may attend their labors in the salvation of precious souls.
K. C. RUSSELL.
A Second-Sabbath Service
By W. A. S.
THERE is a growing interest in the second-Sabbath missionary service, the program for which is sent out monthly by the Mission Board to all church elders. Elder W. J. Stone, of Indiana, writes an interesting report of the service which they carried out according to program even at the camp-meeting:—
“Instead of having a regular preaching service, as some thought we ought to have at a camp-meeting, we had our regular missionary reading, as it was the regular missionary day. I conducted the services, and read Elder Evans’s article, then Elder Farnsworth and Elder Young read the second and fourth readings, and in the Sabbath-school we had the part published in the Worker. We had the large missionary map of the world, pointing out on that all the places mentioned in the readings; and when we were through with the services, many who had heretofore taken but little interest in the missionary readings said that hereafter they would take a greater interest in the second-Sabbath services. It was one of the best meetings, if not the very best, that we had during the whole camp-meeting. We took a rising vote at the close of the service to see how many would go to their homes and carry out the plan of second-Sabbath services, and nearly every one present voted to do this. We talked to them about the weekly offerings, and the collections were good each Sabbath of the meeting.”
W. A. S.
Religious Liberty Notes
By K. C. RUSSELL
BROTHER J. S. WIGHTMAN, religious liberty secretary of the New York Conference, is organizing the Religious Liberty Department in that State for thorough and aggressive work. Let the good work go on.
The organ of the New England Sabbath Protective League, the Defender, contains the following inquiry in its October number: “Have you interviewed your candidate for the House or Senate? If not, will you do so, and see how he stands on temperance and Sabbath observance?”
An editorial in the October number of the Christian Statesman, setting forth the need of introducing religious instruction into the public school, says, “We welcome the assistance of our Roman Catholic fellow citizens in urging their ideas on the attention of the people.”
Elder F. M. Wilcox, in Echoes from the Field, the Colorado Conference paper, under date of October 4, presents the Colorado and New Mexico laws as compiled by a Boulder, Colo., attorney, and adds that “no exemption whatever exists in the New Mexico law, while the only exemption provided by the Colorado statute for the observer of the seventh day is the one relating to jury or witness duty.”
The Norwich (Conn.) Bulletin of October 6 states that the city attorney has issued a notice to the citizens of Norwich, Conn., that all secular business and labor should cease on Sunday. The Druggists’ Association of the city have decided not to open at all on Sunday; for they claim that it would not pay to open to fill prescriptions. The paper further adds that “people who believe that Saturday ought to be observed as the Sabbath and do not work on that day, can work Sunday, providing they do not disturb people attending public worship.”
Elder H. F. Phelps has contributed an article to the Minneapolis Journal under date of September 21, setting forth in a clear way what is involved in the Sunday closing question. He shows that the American people have given the rum traffic an air of respectability in recognizing it as a legitimate business every day but Sunday, and further prescribes a remedy for the liquor traffic: “Let the American people disrobe it of the garment of legal respectability with which they have covered its shame, and let it appear in all its naked deformity, and deal with it according to its merits. Truly the power that can close the saloon one day in the week can close it every day.”
The World To-day says, “The mutual fear of Socialism is the power which is drawing them (Germany and the Vatican) together.” It further states: “The great iron-manufacturing city of Essen (Germany), the seat of the Krupp gunworks, where the emperor had made a bitter attack upon the Socialist party, rolled up a vote of 22,405 against one of 4,400 in 1898. In the face of returns like these, is it any wonder that the German government and the Catholic Church have struck hands and forgotten their old grievances? The repeal of the anti-Jesuit law of 1872, in December of last year, is a signal proof of this co-operation.” K. C. RUSSELL.
