THE second session of the Northern Union Conference was held March 1-11, in the church at Minneapolis, Minn. The various parts of the field, and different departments of the work, were well represented by the delegates present. A large share of the laborers in the union attended the meeting. Elders A. G. Daniells, G. F. Haffner, and S. Mortensen, Dr. J. E. Froom, and the writer, from outside the conference, were present during some part of the meeting. All were sorry that Elder Daniells was unable, on account of important business elsewhere, to remain till the close of the meeting. His counsel on important matters pertaining to the work of the conference, and the studies given on the office and work of the Holy Spirit, were greatly appreciated.
Many important questions were considered during the meeting, and the fullest freedom was exercised in the discussion of the various matters brought before the conference. A most excellent spirit prevailed throughout. The good Spirit of God seemed to be especially manifest as we neared the close of the meeting.
This union comprises in its territory the States of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada. Careful attention was given to planning for the advancement of the work in the Canadian field. The Lord has greatly blessed the cause in that territory during the past two years, and it is confidently expected that a union conference can be organized in this territory at no distant day.
The reports rendered from the various fields and departments of the work, indicated a healthy condition of the work. During the past biennial term three conference schools have been established at a cost of about thirty thousand dollars. Four schools are now being operated in the union, with a property value of over forty thousand dollars. A number of young people are attending these schools and are receiving a training for service in the message. During the meeting I had the privilege of spending an evening at the Maplewood Academy, located about twenty miles from Minneapolis. I was much pleased with the general appearance of the school. The enrolment is over eighty, and a most excellent class of students is in attendance. A very encouraging meeting was held with them, and nearly all are fitting themselves for work in the message. Encouraging reports were received from other schools.
The labor in new fields has been quite fruitful, and several churches have been organized during the term. There are now about five thousand Sabbath-keepers in the union; these paid an average tithe the past two years of $12.56. The total amount of tithes and offerings paid into the general work was $47,083.43. About eighty per cent of this, I understand, has been used in the foreign work.
The organization of the union was further perfected and systematized at this meeting. Advance steps were taken especially in the development of the educational and medical branches of the message. All seemed enthusiastic in their desire to develop the medical work as marked out by the spirit of prophecy. Plans were laid to push the sale of the “Ministry of Healing,” and it is hoped that funds will be realized from this source for the development of the medical work in this field.
The headquarters for the union were located in Minneapolis. It was also voted that a union conference paper, called the Northern Union Reaper, be started. It is designed that this paper shall materially aid in the development of the various phases of the work in this field. Some experienced men have been secured to lead in the book work in the different conferences, and the prospect is good for a marked increase in the sale of our various books and periodicals.
Although this union conference has a vast field in which to operate, their interest in the mission fields and their hearty sympathy and co-operation with the general work, were shown by appropriating five hundred dollars17to the General Conference to be used in aggressive work. The North Dakota Conference, through its executive committee, appropriated five hundred dollars to be used in the same way. Other conferences in the union will no doubt make donations later.
Elder R. A. Underwood was re-elected president of the union. The other officers are as follows: Treasurer, C. M. Everest; Recording Secretary and editor of the Reaper, C. L. Emmerson; Chairman of the Medical Department, Dr. E. P. Hawkins; Secretary of the Religious Liberty department, E. G. Hayes; Secretary of the Educational department, Otto Graff; and Field Secretary, J. S. James. All were glad to see present during a portion of this meeting Elder C. W. Flaiz, who has been unable for some time to engage actively in the work because of feeble health. Many are praying that our brother may be restored to health that he may again enter the field to do valiant service for the Master.
The unity, harmony, and love manifested among God's people at this meeting, as well as others which it has been my privilege to attend recently, are most encouraging. To my mind this presents unmistakable evidence of the final and speedy triumph of the message. The people who have espoused this message love it. It has hold of their hearts. They are sacrificing for its advancement, and purpose to stand by it. They are making no plans to forsake its fundamental principles, which have been their comfort and strength for over half a century. They are drawing together, and renewed activity is being manifested everywhere. The suggestion that the platform upon which they are standing is being tampered with has aroused them, and the latent energy and power of the message is being revealed.
There is no power that is able to stand against this message. It is its own defense. No weapon formed against it shall prosper. The time for the Lord to favor Zion has truly come, and while a power from beneath is seizing hold on satanic agencies, a power from above is seizing hold upon God's people who are not dead in trespasses and sins. The keynote of this meeting was the receiving a greater fulness of the Holy Spirit to finish the work speedily in this generation. G. B. THOMPSON.
Egypt
By W. H. Wakeham
ALEXANDRIA.— Just now I am with the little company at Alexandria. The work here has a more encouraging outlook than at any other time since I came to Egypt. Brother Ouzounian has been hard at work for more than a year and a half, and some fruit is now being seen.
Good use is being made of the organ so kindly donated by the Mt. Vernon (Ohio) Sabbath-school. We have quite a regular Sabbath congregation, of twenty to twenty-five. Three persons have recently begun to keep the Sabbath, one a converted Jew. Several Jews are much interested, and attend quite regularly. Since the last General Conference I have thought much of what Sister White said about the Jews, and in every place I see evidences of the truth of it. They are much more easily reached than ever before.
I am sorry to report that the Catholic priest, whom I baptized at Sidon in Syria, has been accused by the bishop as a disturber, to the government officials, and has been put into prison. I have no details, but have written Brother Zarub to do what he can for him. Pray for this brother, that his faith fail not in this hour of trial.
The brethren here had a blessed time during the week of prayer. This poor little company gave an offering to “foreign missions” amounting to nearly seventy-five dollars cash, and some gifts that will be sold, besides. We are all of good courage. Pray for us. Some good souls here now are hanging in the balance.
W. H. WAKEHAM.
Nebraska
By L. Johnson
DANNEBROG.—After stopping a few days at Columbus, where our good institute was in progress, I went to Dannebrog in company with Brother Lindahl. He and his wife have labored there since the early part of October, and while the people generally are satisfied with the condition they are in, yet there are some who gladly hear what the Scriptures say about the time in which we are living.
Sabbath, February 24, nearly all our brethren in that vicinity met at Dannebrog, and a church with ten members was organized. We also celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, and had the joy of seeing one sister with us for the first time, whom the Lord Jesus had drawn to him. Another sister who had looked forward to the time when there would be a church in Dannebrog, was not permitted to be with us. She fell asleep in Jesus the same day in the forenoon. We expect soon to have more members added to the church, as some desire to be buried with Christ in baptism.
At present I am at Wolbach. Brother and Sister Lindahl are also here. The believers in this place have not been visited by any of our brethren for over a year, yet they seem to be of good courage in the Lord.
L. JOHNSON.
The Washington Branch Sanitarium
By G. T. Harding, Jr.
We believe that the readers of the REVIEW will be glad to learn that the medical work in Washington is making definite progress. The growth of the work here has been slow, but it is steadily increasing as we are becoming better known among the physicians and the people. We feel sure that if our own people were made to better realize the advantages of their medical institution in Washington, it would receive more of their patronage.
While the Branch Sanitarium was established mainly to introduce our medical work to the citizens of Washington in order to create a local patronage for the Washington Sanitarium to be operated at Takoma Park, it was so equipped as to enable it to carry on first-class sanitarium work for the benefit of those who must leave their homes for treatment, until such a time as the suburban sanitarium is ready for occupancy.
Although the institution is small, it can nicely accommodate more than twenty patients; and for what it lacks in elaborate equipment for the entertainment of its convalescent guests, its location in the beautiful and interesting city of Washington, with all its attractions and opportunities for sightseeing, more than compensates. The location of the Sanitarium in such a medical center as Washington makes it possible for its patrons to have the advantage of the best consultation in difficult and serious medical and surgical cases.
The greatest power for good in the institution is the spirit of self-sacrifice, of consecration, and of devotion manifested on the part of the workers. It is such as can not help but please and inspire confidence in the sick, and to warrant the belief that the Lord can bless their efforts.
The sanitarium family meets together for worship every morning, for vesper services at the beginning and the end of the Sabbath for the study of the “Ministry of Healing” every Sabbath afternoon, and for helpers’ meeting every Sunday at noon. The nurses are studying the life of Christ in “The Desire of Ages,” and meet twice a week for this purpose. As far as possible all attend the regular services in the Memorial Seventh-day Adventist church.
The nurses’ classes are necessarily small, but we are endeavoring to give the pupil nurses a good training in the various departments of the institution, and a thorough drill in text-book work, and in practical nursing, both in the institution and among outside cases where the sick can not afford to employ graduate nurses. A nurses’ bureau is maintained, of graduate nurses who are willing to work in the institution or on outside cases.
Our physicians and nurses have been taking an active part in the programs of the four health schools conducted in our churches in Washington. Every Monday evening one of the physicians gives a parlor talk on some health topic to our patients, and we can see that these efforts are doing something toward developing an interest in our work.
The cost of rent and living in Washington is comparatively high, and makes the cost of caring for the sick correspondingly large; but we are anxious to be of benefit to those of our denomination and their friends who need treatment, and have so arranged it that patients can be cared for at a rate of from thirteen to forty dollars a week. In the case of persons of very limited means, and of those dependent on the generosity of others, the sanitarium reduces the charges to the actual cost of maintenance if the cheaper rooms are selected. Certain of these cases can be treated for as low a cash payment as six dollars and a half a week.
The management is anxious to serve the needs of our people, and will be glad to answer any inquiry about this work that may be made. We need the hearty support and co-operation of every loyal Seventh-day Adventist for the upbuilding of the work as quickly as possible. The Washington Sanitarium should receive encouragement from, and the helpful prayers of, all who are interested in the advancement of the cause.
G. T. HARDING, JR., M. D.
Central America
By Garfield Smalley
BONACCA, BAY ISLANDS.— Our days are full. I have all that I can do. At present I am teaching school for five days in the week, and conduct two services on Sabbath, at the North East Bight church, besides nursing the sick. Often I am called to go some distance.
My heart burns within me when I see so many people, created in the image of God, growing to manhood and womanhood without God. Many of them from earliest infancy—while yet in their mothers' arms—smoke the cigarette. Central America is a field neglected by Protestants. How glad I am that there are representatives of the truth in this land! May we not rest until we have done the duty that we owe to Christ and to our fellow men.
GARFIELD SMALLEY.
South Africa
By Herbert J. Edmed
MARITZBURG, NATAL.— While our staff is small, yet the cause in this land is prospering. Quite a number of persons have embraced the truth this year, and the Zulus, of whom three have begun to keep the Sabbath recently, are stretching out their hands for the true light. We are having some literature translated for them, which we hope can be published while such earnest appeals are being made from the finest race of natives in Africa.
Our workers are all of good courage. Our four companies are holding well together, and working for the advancement of the message. We hope to hold a conference and camp-meeting at Pretoria, the capital of the Transvaal, next April.
HERBERT J. EDMED.
Notes of Progress
By E. R. Palmer
“WHILE we live, we grow.” When a tree ceases to grow, it dies. Reckoning from the same basis, a publishing work which is growing is alive, and the work that is decreasing is dead.
When we say the work in a certain field is dead, we do not mean that it is entirely stopped, but that it is decreasing; the elements of decay are in it; it is disintegrating and falling to pieces.
It is a good policy to study statistics, comparing our progress with that of others, and then examine our principles, and if we are on the wrong track, we should turn squarely about and make progress.
Our workers will find reason for good cheer in the summary for January, 1906. This month is doubtless the hardest month of the year; particularly in the United States, for our book work; yet in many parts of the United States the work was held at a good, firm standard during the cold wintry months.
There are many blank spaces in this report. Surely the report does not represent the full work being done. Some have neglected, some have forgotten, some have procrastinated, until too late. It will be well if our workers watch the summaries and check up the items from their corner of the field, and see if improvement can not be made.
The bleak Atlantic and Canadian Union Conferences deserve special mention for the good work they have done during January. If this standard is held until the coming of the pleasant spring and summer months, we shall look for a strong rise in the book work along the Atlantic coast during 1906.
The Southern Union shows almost a full report with a fairly good average in several States where the book work is more difficult than in the North. May the Lord bless the work and the workers in the South.
We are glad to see Colorado coming well to the front with the beginning of the new year. Recently Brother A. G. Bodwell, who has had a long experience in the book work, has been called to that State to take charge of the canvassing work. It is doubtful if any State in the Union has greater possibilities for the canvasser than Colorado. Our prayers will follow the workers there during the season.
We must mention again the large company of faithful men and women who are standing by the circulation of our literature in far-away Australia. Last year there were from sixty-five to seventy-five agents in the field, the largest number ever employed in that colony at any one time. This report for last November shows eighty-seven agents in the field, and sales amounting to nearly ten thousand dollars. This stands as the banner month in the history of the Australian work, both in the number of agents employed and in the value of books sold. We rejoice with them in their prosperity, and earnestly pray that they may never take a back step. The sales for next month will be light, for practically the entire force will be employed making their large deliveries.
Reports from all parts of the field indicate that the general tone of our subscription book business is improving. State and union conference agents feel stronger and more confident than one19year ago. Conference committees are more determined that the work shall be a success, and the publishing houses are joining in a more definite way with the workers in the field to build up the prosperity of this department.
We are of good courage, and are confident that the spirit of the first nine verses of the first chapter of Joshua is taking possession of the field.
E. R. PALMER,Sec. Gen. Conf. Publishing Dept.
Summary of Canvassing Work for January, 1906
AGENTS
HOURS
ORDERS
VALUE
Atlantic Union Conference
Central New England
7
379
124
$ 492.35
Chesapeake
1
47
13
34.75
Eastern Pennsylvania
9
553
371
477.25
Greater New York
....
Maine
....
New Jersey
....
New York
7
327
179
270.00
Southern New England
4
152
65
145.75
Vermont
2
32
21
23.25
Virginia
3
138
89
148.15
Western Pennsylvania
5
107
41
218.05
West Virginia
4
225
77
153.75
Total
42
1,960
980
$ 1,963.30
Canadian Union Conference
Total
10
....
248
$ 365.25
1Lake Union Conference
East Michigan
3
80
28
$ 48.50
Indiana
....
....
....
Northern Illinois
1
54
24
34.00
North Michigan
6
264
95
212.70
Ohio
12
130
171
537.45
Southern Illinois
5
114
86
302.85
West Michigan
....
....
....
Wisconsin
18
337
31
98.60
Total
45
979
435
$ 1,234.10
Southern Union Conference
Alabama
3
115
....
$ 93.75
Cumberland
7
256
....
431.85
Florida
3
105
....
136.75
Georgia
2
89
....
98.75
Louisiana
1
167
....
172.50
Mississippi
....
....
....
North Carolina
6
163
....
90.50
South Carolina
6
610
....
326.75
Tennessee River
8
579
....
693.45
Total
36
2,084
....
$ 2,044.30
Northern Union Conference
Alberta
1
138
43
$ 203.50
Manitoba
....
....
....
Minnesota
....
....
....
North Dakota
....
....
....
South Dakota
3
295
57
144.75
Total
4
433
100
$ 348.25
Central Union Conference
Colorado
14
720
247
$ 826.10
Iowa
11
....
136
180.00
Kansas
6
273
84
207.78
Missouri
3
166
49
136.25
Nebraska
3
130
32
82.90
Total
37
1,289
548
$ 1,433.03
Southwestern Union Conference
Arkansas
....
....
....
Oklahoma
....
....
....
Texas
12
474
129
$ 318.90
Total
12
474
129
$ 318.90
Pacific Union Conference
Arizona
....
....
....
British Columbia
....
....
....
California-Nevada
5
222
217
$ 408.30
Montana
....
....
....
Southern California
....
....
....
Upper Columbia
....
....
....
Utah
....
....
....
Western Oregon
1
31
61
91.65
Western Washington
3
100
25
56.85
Total
9
353
303
$ 556.80
1British Union Conference
Irish Mission Field
5
643
437
$ 139.64
North England
17
1,330
761
897.87
South England
17
1,333
575
792.86
Scotch Mission Field
16
1,581
865
1,262.02
<page-break/>
| Welsh Mission Field | 4 | 568 | 558 | 270.81 |
| Students and Miscellaneous | 6 | 216 | 38 | 96.06 |
| Total | 65 | 5,671 | 3,234 | $ 3,459.26 |
| Australasian Union Conference | | | | |
| Victoria | 9 | 1,352 | 554 | $ 2,762.75 |
| South Australia | 13 | 804 | 239 | 978.50 |
| Queensland | 6 | 178 | 86 | 520.75 |
| New South Wales | 31 | 2,371 | 918 | 2,962.29 |
| West Australia | 5 | 228 | 56 | 231.25 |
| New Zealand | 17 | 1,200 | 491 | 1,731.62 |
| Tasmania | 4 | 242 | 49 | 279.87 |
| North Queensland Mission | 1 | 87 | 9 | 80.75 |
| Malaysia Mission | 1 | 88 | 15 | 127.50 |
| Total | 87 | 6,550 | 2,417 | $ 9,675.28 |
| General Summary | | | | |
| Atlantic Union Conference | 42 | 1,960 | 980 | $ 1,963.30 |
| Canadian Union Conference | 10 | .... | 248 | 365.25 |
| Lake Union Conference | 45 | 979 | 435 | $ 1,234.10 |
| Southern Union Conference | 36 | 2,084 | .... | 2,044.30 |
| Northern Union Conference | 4 | 433 | 100 | $ 348.25 |
| Central Union Conference | 37 | 1,289 | 548 | 1,433.03 |
| Southwestern Union Conference | 12 | 474 | 129 | 318.90 |
| Pacific Union Conference | 9 | 353 | 303 | 556.80 |
| British Union Conference | 65 | 5,671 | 3,234 | 3,459.26 |
| Australasian Union Conference | 87 | 6,550 | 2,417 | $ 9,675.28 |
| Grand total | 347 | 19,793 | 8,394 | $21,398.47 |
This report for eight weeks ending Jan. 12, 1906.
This report for November, 1905.
Labors in Battle Creek
By E. W. Farnsworth
We know our people everywhere are anxious to learn of the developments taking place in the work in this city. Some time ago I was invited by the General Conference to go to Battle Creek and labor for a few weeks, and accordingly I went there the last of January and remained until the sixth of March, with the exception of one week when I was absent attending general meetings.
It had been fifteen or sixteen years since I had been in Battle Creek to labor, and, of course, one might expect to see many changes. Where the Review Office had stood with its three hundred busy workers, there is to be seen to-day only the tall smoke-stack, naked foundation walls, and ruins. The old sanitarium and hospital, too, are gone, and an immense structure fills the place, and large factories where health foods are made stand near by.
But the changes in these external things seemed more marked than the faces in the congregation that welcomed me. The audiences attending our meetings were large, numbering from two to three thousand on the Sabbath. So many acquaintances of former years were there, that it seemed like meeting those from whom we had been separated but a brief time.
Never before had I received so hearty a welcome from the church in Battle Creek as on this occasion, and the people seemed greatly to appreciate every effort made in their behalf. It is well known by those best acquainted with our work, that there are in Battle Creek a large number of Sabbath-keepers who do not belong to the church there, nor do they seem to belong to any other, and how this element stands at the present time it is not easy to state.
It is a pleasure to say that in the controversy that has arisen, the Battle Creek church, as a body, stand like a rock in defense of the truth and the message as it has been proclaimed the past fifty years, and as it is being now, and will continue to be proclaimed until the end of time, with its enlargement of scope, its development of light, and its increase of power. The brethren and sisters are united in the message, and with the people giving the message. We believe them to be as loyal as any church in any place, and this is true under very trying and perplexing circumstances.
We did not go to Battle Creek to engage in controversy. It seemed wiser and better to call attention to the special features of truth, its development in the past, and its present progress. We therefore preached “the present truth” for the present time to the best of our ability. It was encouraging to note how heartily the message was received by the great congregation.
The labors of Elders Daniells and Irwin had prepared the way for this. They had read the messages sent to the church, and had labored earnestly for the people, and their labors were effectual in arousing the church to a sense of the true situation.
With reference to the controversy past and present, connected with the sanitarium and its management, I wish I could write more hopefully. We have longed to see evidence that the Testimonies recently sent were received and believed by those prominent in the work there, but we have no encouragement to think that they have either been received or believed.
In a general way it is admitted that things are not as they should be; but that there is anything vitally wrong as set forth in the words of counsel and warning sent them, they do not admit, as far as we know. The very points the Testimonies emphasize and severely reprove, are passed over, and we heard nothing to indicate that they were believed or accepted. Some affirm that they believe the Testimonies, but at the same time declare that they do not think we have had a Testimony given for twenty years. Whether these sentiments are generally entertained, the writer will not say. It did seem to be quite generally believed, however, that all the later messages sent forth were written under the inspiration and influence of men, that they are therefore full of error, misrepresentation, and contradictions, and are wholly unreliable as messages of instruction or guidance.
It seemed strange to the writer to hear, as he did in numerous conversations with different ones, that they believed the Testimonies, and at the same time they would say that these Testimonies were unreliable, and they would immediately proceed to try to prove that they contradicted themselves and were wholly untrue. Those who took this position seemed to see no inconsistency in it.
While I was in Battle Creek, there seemed to be a rapid increase in a spirit of opposition to the truth on the part of some. Before we left, an address lasting two hours was given in the chapel at the sanitarium, dealing with the present issue. The larger part of the address had reference to the General Conference and its organization in 1901 and 1903. It consisted largely of an arraignment of the General Conference and its work for the past six years. One would suppose from listening to the description given, that the organization recognized among Seventh-day Adventists is a system of tyranny, and the people composing it are in the most abject slavery. The references made to the Testimonies, and the use made of them was of such a character as to give the impression that they were unreliable.
We could but query what the result would be of listening to such teaching, and what impression would be left on the minds of young or old who might be placed under such instruction for three years in a course of study. They certainly could have little or no faith in the truth or message, and for our people to place their children or youth under such influences to be educated could end only in disaster and ruin. If the address to which we listened is in either spirit or letter a fair sample of what is being taught to our young people in Battle Creek, then the sooner they are removed, the better.
The Testimonies made no mistake when they gave us the instruction to move the college away from Battle Creek. They made no mistake when they opposed the reopening of the college, or any similar institution there. They make no mistake when they tell us that it is not a proper place to send our “children of whatever age, to be educated.” The Testimonies have made no mistake in describing the condition of things as they exist in Battle Creek.
Many who are there and are true to the message, declare that the reading of these Testimonies is like the reading20of an open book. Some who have never before believed that God has spoken through his servant in these last days, have seen that the Testimonies sent have so accurately described existing conditions that they have received the messages sent, and have obtained a new spiritual experience. The warnings sent are having a deep and abiding influence. Many are preparing to leave Battle Creek as soon as they can arrange to do so.
The church at Battle Creek appointed a week of prayer with fasting, which began the day we left. We are sure God will hear and answer the petitions of those who are seeking him with all the heart, and his arm will bring salvation. With his infinite resources God may see a way out, and we believe his arm is not shortened that it can not save, neither is his ear heavy that it can not hear.
In closing, I will say that I enjoyed great freedom in speaking the truth while in Battle Creek, and we were never more conscious of the blessing and presence of God than while laboring there. This was in harmony with a message sent us before we went, and to his name be all the praise.
E. W. FARNSWORTH.
Sunday Evening Services in Baltimore
By K. C. Russell
By the urgent request of the Baltimore Seventh-day Adventist churches we have been supplying help from our corps of Washington workers to conduct the services which are now being held every Sunday evening in that city.
Sunday evenings, February 25 and March 4, Elder J. S. Washburn spoke to good audiences, and Sunday evening, the 11th inst., the writer spoke to a full house of earnest listeners.
The attendance and interest which has already been realized at these services has demonstrated the wisdom of the undertaking, which is a source of encouragement to the brethren and sisters here.
The Baltimore churches Numbers 1 and 2 are uniting their forces in these efforts. The first series for the month of March are being held with church Number 1, and during the month of April it is understood that a series will be held with church Number 2.
I was pleased to meet a goodly number of the dear ones with whom, and for whom, I have labored in years gone by. I was also gratified to meet a brother who attended a series of meetings which were conducted by me about six years ago, but who has only recently taken his stand for the truth.
Elder O. O. Farnsworth, who has served as president of the Chesapeake Conference during the past six years, will leave for his new field of labor as president of the Vermont Conference the 20th inst. Elder Farnsworth has just closed a successful series of meetings in Wilmington, Del., where he reports that twenty-three souls have accepted the third angel's message.
Elder Morris Lukens, who has labored successfully for years in the Pennsylvania Conference, will take the presidency of the Chesapeake Conference, which has been made vacant by the appointment of Elder Farnsworth to the presidency of the Vermont Conference.
Elder Lukens began his work in the cause as a book agent in Pennsylvania, and afterward served efficiently for years as their State agent. He was later licensed to preach, and subsequently was ordained to the gospel ministry, in which capacity he has labored for several years.
We bespeak for Elder Lukens the hearty support of the brethren and sisters of the Chesapeake Conference, and our prayer is that a great work may be accomplished in establishing the truth more firmly in the city of Baltimore, which is one of the important commercial centers of the East.
K. C. RUSSELL.
A Baptismal Service in “The Eternal City”
By CHAS. T. EVERSON
WHILE we are not gathering a large number of persons by our work in this center of Catholicism, yet every once in a while some honest soul breaks the spell of papal superstition and emerges from the darkness into the sunlight of the present truth.
Of this city it can truly be said, “Behold the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people;” but then each jewel that is gained for the truth under such circumstances shines so much brighter for being surrounded by a dark setting. Thus far those that have been gained through the proclamation of the message at Rome have been drawn from the educated classes. Two weeks ago we had the privilege of baptizing two dear souls who have come to us straight from the Catholic Church, and who with us for the first time studied the Protestant religion. One is a young lady, a teacher in the public schools, who has suffered much for the sake of her religion. She was always opposed to the Catholic religion from her earliest childhood. And although brought up in a family very strongly Catholic and in the midst of a community very clerical, yet not even once could she be induced to make use of “holy water” on entering the church. She has two sisters who are nuns, and there was a strenuous effort made to induce her to follow their example, but she was always opposed to the idea. At one time she was induced to teach in a convent, and there the sisters were very kind to her, thinking to win her to the life of a nun. But when they saw that she was entirely set against it, they became bitter, and made life miserable for her. She left there as soon as possible and procured a position in the public schools.
When she first came in contact with us, she had very little confidence in religion of any kind. But under the influence of earnest prayer and private Bible studies, the hard heart began to melt, and she obtained a clear experience in God. And now she exercises a great care to see that she performs everything exactly according to the truth which she professes.
The other candidate was a professor of music, who, among the younger generation, is considered the best organist in Rome, which is saying much for one in the midst of a musical nation. From his earliest childhood his father dedicated him to church music, in order that he might be in close contact with the church, and thus remain a fervent and devoted adherent to Catholicism.
But as the professor expresses it, in this his father made a grave mistake in his calculations. For coming in such close contact with the priests and the innermost workings of Catholicism, he became persuaded that the church is only a great business where everything is done on a money basis. He has often expressed the idea that the Catholic Church is like a great theater; for the priests, when they are before the lighted candle, try to act with solemnity, but when behind the scenes they almost devour one another. Therefore, in his contact with this system of iniquity, he lost all confidence in religion. But with the study of the message his eyes became open to the great realities of the truth, and he marveled when he began to see what a wonderful book the Bible truly is; for, as he often expresses it, “Why, in the Bible one finds an answer to every difficulty.”
While studying the great German masters of music, he was first led to see some beauty in the Protestant religion; for God enters at the point in our character that can most easily be penetrated by the truth. But not until he came in contact with us, did he study into the religion itself. He has studied under the famous composer Mascagni, and is also a composer of some merit himself. Just recently one of his compositions was published by a leading firm of this city.
We pray that all these talents that God is winning for the truth may be made subservient to his will and useful in the furtherance of his cause in the land of the papacy.
After the baptism he told me that one can not imagine beforehand the experience of peace and joy which comes to the one that is baptized and blessed by heaven. We see, therefore, that conversion is the same, and the blessing of God remains unchangeable, in every country. CHAS. T. EVERSON.
Christian Liberty
By K. C. Russell
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
Some Significant Expressions
Extracts From the February Number of “The Defender,” the Organ of the New England Sabbath Protective League
“SUNDAY laws date back to Constantine, and form a part of Christian civilization. Our country inherited such laws from the mother country.”
“If the Sunday laws are too antiquated or extreme, they can be repealed. Until that time, the duty of every executive officer is clear,—not to amend, not to interpret, but to enforce. Faithful to his oath, he has no other choice.”
In speaking against the encroachment of political parties in this country on the Lord’s day, it says: “Perhaps the only way to settle this question for the future is to obtain a national law forbidding the use of the Lord’s day for election and partisan purposes.”
Bishop McVicker, of Rhode Island, says: “When I remember, as a result of my observation and experience in life, that with Sunday goes religion, I21begin to realize our awful danger. . . . Sunday is the day upon which religion depends; with Sunday goes religion, with religion goes manhood and womanhood.”
Dr. Martin Kneeland, the secretary of the New England Sabbath Protective League, reports that Senator Hoar made the following statement a little time before his death: “I see many signs of advance. The Sunday is gaining in its hold on the mind and conscience of New England.”
We quote the following words, which, it is reported, will be engraved upon the monument of Senator Hoar: “I have no faith in fatalism, in destiny, in blind force. I believe in God, the living God. I believe in the American people, a free and brave people who do not bow the neck or bend the knee to any other, and who desire no other to bow the neck or bend the knee to them. I believe that a republic is greater than an empire. I believe, finally, whatever clouds may darken the horizon, that the world is growing better; that to-day is better than yesterday, and that to-morrow will be better than to-day.”