Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 26. (6/27/1907)

Review and Herald

Jun 27, 1907

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 27, 1907

The Ten Commandments

And God spake all these words, saying, I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I Jehovah thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation of them that hate me, and showing loving-kindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Remember the sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is a sabbath unto Jehovah thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee.

Thou shalt not kill.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Thou shalt not steal.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.

The Educational Number of the YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR

By Editor

The Youth's Instructor for July 9 will be a special Educational number, intended especially for the young people of the denomination, its mission being to encourage our young people to prepare themselves for service in the Lord's work, and to assist the adult members to recognize the truth of the following statement, and to reform:—

“The church is asleep, and does not recognize the magnitude of this matter of educating the children and youth.”—Mrs. E. G. White.

Among the many good things this Educational number will contain, the following will be presented: Importance of Immediate Preparation for Service; The First Thing—an education; Get an Education—the advice of an experienced worker; It Is Worth While—is an education essential? Expanding Our World—how it is being done by education; Is a Training Necessary?—convincing; Two Pictures—the cultured and the uncultured mind; The School of Preparation—its importance; What Students Say—good testimonials; Get into Line—out of line, out of the race; Turning-Points in Life—turning the right way at the right time; Religious Education—its importance; Our Schools—reasons why our young people should attend them; I think I Can—“As he thinketh in his heart, so is he;” Can One Earn One's Own Way?—affirmed; Read Law in a Smithy—lesson, study while you work; Precious Years—the years of youth valuable; You Are Wanted—assurance of the need of the young; Ambition—the right kind; Don't Sacrifice the Greater Good for an Immediate Gratification—needed advice; The Cliff Was Scaled—God helps; Why the Arrow Sped True—point: trust, fidelity; What a Blind Man Accomplished—Dr. James Gale's work; The Success of Charles D. Walcott—an object-lesson; How William Cobbett Got an Education—a suggestive lesson for the youth; Whosoever Will, Let Him Come.

Liberal supplies should be ordered by all churches, and freely given out to all the young people. The price will be only 2 cents a copy, sent out to different addresses; twenty-five or more copies sent to one address, 1½ cents a copy.

JULY ISSUE OF LIBERTY

By Editor

A Young People’s Number

The third number of Liberty for 1907 will be a special Christian Endeavor number. It will be prepared with a view of giving the young people of the Christian Endeavor Societies a clear understanding of the true principles of Christian liberty and the obligation of the rising generation to maintain them against the growing tendencies to National Reform principles. It will be full of live, bright, fresh, and interesting matter especially adapted for our young people to read and circulate among their friends and other young people’s societies.

It will contain articles on The Flag, Christian Citizenship, Christian Endeavor, The Spirit of the Gospel, Kingdoms Compared, Walking as He Walked, Lessons from History, Religious Liberty through the Christian Era, The Struggle for Religious Liberty in Virginia, Patrick Henry’s Great Speech before the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, A Thrilling Story, A History of Liberty Bell, Our Position, Why We Oppose Sunday Laws, The First Sunday Law, Civil or Divine, Legislative Superstition, Enforcement of Sunday Laws Ruinous, Survey of the Field, etc.

It will be thoroughly illustrated, and will present some excellent matter on Christian temperance and the importance of following the authorized guide-book, the Bible.

READY JULY 1

Subscription price, one copy, one year, 25 cents; ten or more copies one year, to one address, 15 cents.

COPIES TO SELL

Single copy, 5 cents; ten to twenty-five copies to one address, 3 cents; twenty-five or more copies to one address, 2½ cents a copy. Order through the usual channels or

Review & Herald Publishing Association

Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.

Editorial Letter

By William Warren Prescott

Jottings from the Editor’s Note-Book

THE first missionaries to China were the representatives of the Roman Catholic Church. The names of John of Montecorvino, Nicholas, and the Italian Jesuit, Matteo Ricci, head the list of the apostles of Rome. Of the last it is written: “Being more a politician than a theologian, he discovered the secret of remaining peacefully in China. The kings found him a man full of complaisance; the pagans, a minister who accommodated himself to their superstitions; the mandarins, a polite courtier skilled in all the trickery of the courts.”

That this has been the continuous policy of the Catholic missionaries may be seen from the following statement by a writer of some prominence on mission work in China: “Imposing churches have been built, in one case with a roof of imperial tiles surreptitiously secured and painted, so that their real character would become only slowly apparent, and the progress is evident all along the line. . . . From the outset they have sought to adapt themselves to the people and to the popular need. If curiosity filled the mind of officials and the court, curious clocks and other Western novelties were used. . . . Catholicism’s relation to Protestant missionaries and their work is a blot on the name of the church, from which one would gladly turn away. Until comparatively recently their policy was simply that of ‘let alone,’ but at present it is quite otherwise. Beginning first as a system of proselyting among Protestant Chinese, it has proceeded to most active opposition, amounting often to bitter persecution of Chinese Christians. Being fearless of lawsuits because of Catholic protection, and unscrupulous as to method if only the church is the gainer [the same principle is adopted all over the world], they have repeatedly attempted to blot out weak Protestant communities. . . . It should be added that most of the criticisms of missions made by the Chinese and by anti-missionary foreigners, including every item of any validity, are chargeable to the policy and work of Catholic missions, though these critics do not discriminate between Catholics and Protestants in their accusations.” In confirmation of this testimony I might add that an intelligent Chinese student told me exactly the same thing before I left America.

The story of the first Protestant missionary to China is briefly told in the inscription upon his tomb at Macao: “Sacred to the memory of Robert Morrison, D. D., the first Protestant missionary to China, where, after a service of twenty-seven years cheerfully spent in extending the kingdom of the blessed Redeemer, during which period he compiled and published a dictionary of the Chinese language, founded the Anglo-Chinese college at Malacca, and for several years labored alone on a Chinese version of the Holy Scriptures, which he was spared to see completed and widely circulated among those for whom it was destined, he sweetly slept in Jesus. He was born in Morpeth, Northumberland, Jan. 5, 1782, was sent to China by the London Missionary Society in 1807 [just one hundred years ago!], was for twenty-five years Chinese translator in the employ of the East India Company, and died at Canton, Aug. 1, 1834.” It may be of interest to our people to know that the memory of this pioneer worker in China is kept fresh in the minds of our workers in Canton from the fact that Brother E. H. Wilbur has named his boy Robert Morrison Wilbur.

Varied has been the history of missions in China since the death of Robert Morrison. Sometimes progress has been very slow. Sometimes wars have been overruled so that access has been obtained to hitherto inaccessible provinces. Sometimes massacres of foreigners have been the lever for prying open doors that had been tightly barred. The Boxer uprising in 1900 was a turning-point in the history of China, and the expression “New China” is now used to indicate the changed condition. To just what extent this has been favorable to genuine missionary work it is rather difficult to say. On the one hand there are external evidences of progress, but on the other hand there seems to be a strong tendency to compromise with heathenism and to combine Chinese and Christian creeds. It is quite likely that this is simply one of the fruits of the New Theology—the substitution of human philosophy for the revelation of the gospel as set forth in the Scriptures. At all events, it is certainly true that there never was a time in the history of the Middle Kingdom when there was such an evident demand for the teaching of the message for this generation, and the way has been fully prepared for this movement. Thoughtful observers must recognize the providence of God in this situation, and the call of God for consecration to the closing work.

It is interesting and suggestive to note how the introduction of modern facilities for travel and communication in these countries in the far East has been followed by the opening of work for the spread of the closing message of the gospel. Thirty-five years ago the first railway was opened in Japan, a short line extending only from Tokyo to Yokohama, a distance of eighteen miles. Since then lines have been built covering the main parts of the empire. There was no railway in Korea until the time of the recent Russo-Japanese War, when a line was constructed the whole length of the country from south to north by the Japanese as a military line. A journey which occupied weeks five years ago is now accomplished in two or three days, and this time will soon be reduced. It is only about one year since the railway line from Peking to Hankow, in

China, was completed, a line which opens up a great territory in Central China, and brings it into comparatively easy touch with the port cities. The last few years have witnessed almost a convulsion in these three countries, and it has been during these very same years that we have really occupied these countries with this message. Thus it is evident that the providence of God has prepared the way for a quick work, and at the very same period the representatives of the truth have appeared in these fields to carry forward the work.

As the result of my visit to Japan, Korea, and China, I have been deeply impressed with the conviction that the time has fully come for a great forward movement in these fields. The events of recent history in that part of the world are of the most far-reaching significance, not simply to those who are interested in the extension of earthly kingdoms, but also to those who are working to hasten the coming of the everlasting kingdom of our Lord. Decades, and even centuries, seem to have been compressed into a few short years. This is a sort of prophecy of what will be accomplished in a short period in proclaiming this message in these same countries. The difficulties of the field, as viewed by one who speaks especially of China and from a human standpoint, are summed up thus: “The Chinese language is so difficult, the adaptability to native customs and ideas that are so essential to success is so hard to cultivate, the absence of quick religious responsiveness is so discouraging, the opposition of friends of the inquirers is so powerful, the multitudes needing Christian ministry are so overwhelmingly numerous, that the strongest, wisest, most versatile, and most spiritual young man or woman need have no fear but that every talent will have opportunity for the fullest exercise.” At the same time this writer says that “some of the most fruitful workers in China are persons whose Chinese is halting and imperfect, but whose life speaks eloquently of the love of God as evidenced by love for his needy children.” The call for workers may be well put in these words: “Come with a love that is undying for those who would perhaps put you to death, if they dared; come above all as a manifest child of God, endued with all those spiritual graces which spring from the Holy Spirit, and which are daily renewed in a consecrated closet.” To those entrusted with the closing message this call comes with double force, and I earnestly hope that many will respond to it in the near future.

“China, with its teeming millions, Souls for whom the Saviour died, Knowing heaven, but not the pathway, Lost, is waiting for a guide. “Now the Word from home has reached them, Are there none to lead the way? Ere the harvest-time is over, Will you help as well as pray?” W. W. P.

Go Forward

By Editor

Editorial

Go Forward

CHRISTIAN experience is a battle and a march. Every battle should result in victory, and every march should be an advance. Our Leader never sounds a retreat. When the difficulties seem to be the greatest, then his command is, Go forward. There is much territory yet to be entered, and the time is short. This message is for the world. Let every one obey the instruction of the Great Commander: Go forward.

Swinging Back to Rome

By C. M. S.

At the time of the great volcanic disaster on the island of Martinique a professed Protestant minister of New York City took occasion to pray for the dead whose lives went out in that disaster. The prayer attracted considerable attention at the time, in view of the fact that Protestantism is supposed to stand opposed to that Catholic practise. The Catholic Mirror at the time said of it: “Protestants, of course, believe in prayer, but prayer only for the living. What means this praying for the dead? It is not for their material welfare, not for their bodies. Then it must be for their souls, and implies a belief in purgatory.” In introducing his article, the editor says:—

Catholic writers have often noticed the tendency of Protestant minds to a belief in such a future state as Catholic faith holds purgatory to be. The most advanced thinkers in the Anglican Church now regard purgatory as an article of belief in the ritualistic communion, and prayers for the souls of the departed are one of the features of the High Church development in England, which has most deeply stirred the resentment of the Kensitites. This phase of Anglican thought development has not made as marked strides in this country as in England; but the doctrine, founded on the Bible and taught by an infallible church, has something in it which appeals to the hearts of men.

From the time of the utterance of that prayer for the dead of the Martinique disaster, we have noticed from time to time outcroppings of that belief. Among one of the most prominent denominations in the land quite a discussion is now going on over the matter of prayers for the dead. While some are strenuously opposed to it, it has many advocates who stand in high repute in the denomination. A few years ago no man would have been rated as a member of a Protestant denomination who would assert his belief in the efficacy of prayers for the dead. Now it is openly avowed, and the practise advocated. We would ask, in the words of the Catholic Mirror, “What means this praying for the dead?” It means a bridging of the gulf between Protestantism and Romanism, and that that bridge is being thrown out from the Protestant side of the gulf only.

We also have noticed the tendency on the part of Protestant clergymen to revert to the dogmas of that church against which the fathers of the Reformation protested. In fact, there is a very strong tendency in fashionable church circles to minimize the differences between Romanism and professed Protestantism. The chief cause of this reverting to the beliefs of the Roman Church lies in the fact that those who came out from Rome did not come out from Romanism. They came out from the body, but brought with them those essential dogmas of darkness and unbelief, the immortality of the soul and the sacredness of a day God had not blessed. Believing in the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, the doctrine of purgatory is the logical sequence. Only they who believe in the immortality of the soul and conscious existence in death, can pray for the dead. It is no exaggeration to say that the teaching of the soul’s immortality from Protestant pulpits is filling the pews of Catholic churches with those who once were Protestant in name. If the soul is immortal and conscious in death, purgatory is logical and reasonable. But the Bible abounds with proof to the contrary, and they who know God’s truth on this question will not be heard praying for the dead, will not believe in purgatory, will not be found going over to the Church of Rome. More than that, they will not be found in spiritistic seances, or supporting the subtle delusion of Spiritualism. The foundation for purgatory and spiritism is the belief in the immortality of the soul. Without that belief neither of those unscriptural doctrines is possible.

This agitation of the question of praying for the dead indicates a swerving from the track of the true gospel, a turning unto fables. It means that Rome’s doctrines are gaining adherents and advocates in the churches of professed Protestantism. It means that the gulf between these two great bodies is narrowing to an almost imperceptible line; not that Romanism is coming over to Protestantism, or even coming half-way, but that professed Protestantism is gradually but surely swinging around to the doctrines of the papacy.

Had the early reform church thrown aside the spurious sabbath of the apostate church, and uplifted the Sabbath of the Lord, upon which that church had trodden with sacrilegious feet; had the early reformers thrown aside the unscriptural doctrine of the immortality of the soul, upon which purgatory is founded and the eternal torment of the wicked is based—then the issue would have been sharp and distinct for all time. But coming out from her and bringing some of her essential doctrines with them, there was bound to be a swinging back to the fountainhead of those beliefs, even as we see it to-day. This retrogression toward Catholicism is not imaginary; it is real and rapid. The great trend now is toward those beliefs which are fundamental in that system;

and this is preparing the way for the triumph of that system over all who are not rooted and grounded in the truth of God; preparing the way for the fulfilment of that prophecy which declares that all the world shall wonder after the beast, and worship the beast, except only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 13: 4-8); and those whose names are there written are they who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14: 12.

In such a time as this, the only safety lies in implicit obedience to God’s commands, casting off all the doctrines of superstition and the commandments of men, and standing squarely on the rock of his Word. That is the citadel of God that will save the remnant when the destruction of that ever-hastening day of God shall burst upon the world.

C. M. S.

The General Conference Committee Council at Gland, Switzerland

By William Ambrose Spicer

Fourth Report

The council afforded opportunity for those specially connected with the publishing work to lay plans for strengthening this department. Actions were taken covering the following points:—

Publishing Work

The wider use of the literature brought out in Europe by our forces in America and other lands where the European languages are spoken; the Hamburg house to act as wholesale agent for Europe, for literature in languages other than the English; and recommendations to our publishing houses as to terms and basis of co-operation.

Plans were laid by which, through the General Conference Publishing Department, the printing houses among us can keep in closer touch with one another as regards stock of books, new editions, or translations into other languages.

In view of calls for an Italian paper in Italy, New York City, and other parts, it was voted that as soon as possible an Italian illustrated quarterly journal be brought out in Italy.

The following actions were taken:—

Whereas, Through the blessing of God, our literature has been the means of bringing many souls to a knowledge of the third angel’s message; and,—

Whereas, Our means and workers are insufficient to do for many needy fields what ought to be done there in evangelistic lines; therefore,—

We urge upon all the managing boards in our mission fields that they give special attention to the preparation and distribution of suitable literature, clearly setting forth the message for this time.

That all our fields be urged to consider the matter of producing leaflets bearing on special features of the message, to be sold at a nominal price for free distribution, also of planning an extensive and judicious use of the same.

That for the preparation and distribution of literature we make an appropriation, for the year 1907, of five thousand dollars, this sum to be paid out under the direction of the Mission Board, as the need arises, and as the money can be raised.

Whereas, Our people in the United States have within their own borders an extensive and needy foreign field, representing a large number of nations; and,—

Whereas, Periodicals containing the third angel’s message are now being published among many of these nations in their own countries; therefore,—

Resolved, That we appeal to all our brethren in the United States to take advantage of this means of reaching the stranger within their gates, by subscribing for clubs of such papers wherever there is opportunity to use them; and—

That we further appeal to all our churches to carefully consider this matter in their planning for missionary work.

That in fields where, on account of the poverty of the people, it is impossible for them to purchase our books as originally produced, we encourage the publication of abridged editions in the cheapest possible form.

Whereas, Some of our foreign papers published in America can not be used in other lands at the regular rates, on account of disproportion in the value of money; therefore,—

Resolved, That where such is the case, our foreign periodicals be supplied to such fields at the actual cost of material and labor.

Medical Missionary Work

The subcommittee on medical work made a report which was the basis of a most helpful and interesting discussion in the council. The following actions were taken:—

Whereas, We find that recommendation three (3) under resolutions No. 17 of the proceedings of the thirty-sixth session of the General Conference provides for the appointment of medical departmental committees in each union conference; and,—

Whereas, We can not find from the Year-book that any such committees have been appointed in Europe,—

Resolved, That we recommend (1) that the union conferences of Europe be urged to act in harmony with the above-referred-to resolution and appoint in each a committee whose duty it shall be to plan for and look to the prosecution of aggressive medical missionary work in that union; and (2) that the officers of these committees keep in close touch with the medical secretary of the General Conference and the officers of the union conference in which they are working.

Resolved, That we encourage the unifying of opinions and plans for the prosecution of the medical missionary work by requesting (1) that there be held a European medical convention, which shall be attended by as many doctors, nurses, conference officers, and laymen as possible, for the purpose of studying principles and methods of work; (2) that one special point to be considered at the convention be the fixing of a standard curriculum for our nurses’ training-schools; (3) that the chairman or secretary of the Medical Department of the General Conference be requested to be present at this convention; (4) that we hasten forward the preparation and circulation of literature, especially in the form of small tracts and pamphlets, which shall define these principles from the standpoint of the Bible and the Testimonies; (5) that our physicians be encouraged to take an active part in the preparation of this literature by each one’s writing at least twenty-five pages a year, the manuscript of the same to be sent through the medical secretary to the General Conference Publishing Committee.

Whereas, The spirit of prophecy has repeatedly emphasized the importance of our ministers’ giving a helping hand in the medical missionary work, by means of health and temperance lectures in connection with their public efforts; and,—

Whereas, Those who have followed this instruction have been blessed in their efforts, and have found it a valuable aid in holding the interest and confidence of their hearers; therefore,—

We recommend, That the union and local conference committees be requested to encourage their workers to act in harmony with recommendation “e” of resolution 19, of the General Conference proceedings of the thirty-sixth session, which reads as follows:—

“By inviting all our ministers to unite heartily in this campaign by preaching more frequently on health and temperance, and encouraging all our churches to engage in this work.”

The latter resolution called forth remarks from many laborers, who told of blessings experienced in presenting health and temperance topics in connection with evangelistic work in America, New Zealand, Russia, Scotland, Sweden, Germany, France, England, and India. Wherever this message is received, it leads people to the platform of Bible temperance and healthful living.

Credentials

Credentials were granted to a number of new workers in the mission fields, and the following report of the committee on the credentials granted two years ago to Elder A. T. Jones was unanimously adopted by the council:—

In the matter of the ministerial credentials held by A. T. Jones, declaring him to be an ordained minister of good standing in the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, we present the following statement and recommendation:—

That Alonzo T. Jones’s work and influence have ceased to be helpful to the denomination from which he received his credentials; that his public utterances and published statements which have been widely circulated, show his attitude to be antagonistic to the organized work of the denomination which granted him his credentials.

We therefore make this protest against his course as not being consistent with right principles, in view of the fact that he has during this time retained the ministerial credentials granted to him by this body before such evidence of his disaffection had appeared, and we hereby declare that he does not now properly represent this denomination before the public, that he is no longer authorized by this body to do so, and we request

him to return to the General Conference Committee the credentials which were granted to him.

The Mission Fields

During the session of the council the meetings of the Latin Union Mission field and of the French-Swiss Conference were held. Elder L. P. Tieche, president of the French-Swiss Conference, was elected superintendent of the Latin Union. The Latin Union training-school, which Elder J. Vuilleumier has been conducting at Gland, received encouraging consideration. It was voted to raise three thousand dollars as an educational fund, to be used in training the youth of these dark Catholic fields as workers in the message. When a young Catholic in France or Spain or Italy takes hold of this truth, help is needed to afford this necessary training. The local believers propose to raise one thousand dollars of the fund, and the council approved of calling for the two thousand dollars from America. Half the amount to be raised locally was pledged at the meeting, within a few minutes. The brethren and sisters of the French-Swiss and Latin Union fields love the message, and are ready to do their utmost to send it forward.

As representatives of France, French Belgium, and Flemish Belgium told of the use that could be made of tents for public meetings, different union conference brethren present from America cheered the hearts of these workers by promising to lay the need before their committees.

It was voted to open medical missionary work in Italy, and to send another German nurse to Syria. It was advised that the believers in France be organized into a conference. It was agreed that Prof. W. E. Howell and family should make Athens their first place of labor in Greece.

Day by day, throughout the council, the reports from the fields have been presented. Elder G. A. Irwin presented the needs in the South African Union, which calls for a number of additional workers. These calls made deep impressions on the hearts of all, as also the appeals brought by Elder W. W. Prescott from the far East. In Japan, Korea, and vast China, our missionaries are looking with anxious eyes to see helpers coming in to occupy unentered posts and to strengthen work already established. Brother Prescott devoted two evening sessions to the far East, besides presenting detail needs in the business meetings of the council. We are working in but four of China’s eighteen provinces, and the blessing and success attending this beginning but urge us on toward the many hundreds of millions beyond. From Peking southward Brother Prescott traveled many hours by train through populous regions before reaching our northernmost China stations. In South Africa our missionaries, working single-handed in stations already established, long for helpers to join them so that they themselves can go on to seek new outposts still farther into the depths of Africa’s regions beyond.

Elder O. A. Olsen, of the Australasian Union, with its fifty millions among the islands, and Elder J. W. Westphal, of the great South American Union, sent addresses to the council, reviewing the blessings and progress of the last two years, and setting forth immediate needs in a way that touched all hearts, and made the council feel that surely the grace of God will help this people to respond to the calls of Providence as never before. Elder I. H. Evans spoke on Sunday afternoon of the work in the West Indian Union, with its more than three thousand believers, and of the experiences in the Kingston earthquake.

The summarizing of the calls from the fields and of further addresses by European workers in attendance must be deferred to another report. From morning to night the council is reviewing the mighty work of God in sending the message onward, and through it all sounds the solemn call to consecrate all to service and attempt yet greater things for God.

W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

Note and Comment

ONE of the chief characteristics of this generation is combination for the purpose of coercion, and it is manifest already in nearly every walk of life. It is seen in the great trusts formed for the purpose of coercing purchasers of material to pay more for the material than they are willing to pay or accustomed to pay, while they make it impossible for concerns outside the combination to engage in their accustomed traffic. It is seen in the great labor trusts—labor unions—formed for the purpose of coercing employers to pay more for labor than they are willing to pay or accustomed to pay, while they make it impossible for men outside the labor trust to sell their labor where they will. Already certain merchants dare not sell supplies to a certain class, for fear of losing the custom of an organization upon whose patronage they chiefly depend. Each year the country draws nearer to the realization of the long-threatened farmers’ trust, designed to coerce the consumer into paying more than he is willing to pay or accustomed to pay for the necessities of life. And that union, or trust, or combination can become a success only by coercing with both hands as the commercial trusts and the labor trusts have done. That is, it must coerce not only the consumer of its products, but also those of its own class who are not desirous of joining the combination.

The farmer who has conscientious scruples against being a member of that trust must be coerced by the boycott to come into the organization or go out of the business. That is the way it has been with the labor trusts and with the commercial trusts; and as they are all founded on the same principle, that is how it will be with the American Society of Equity, which is the farmers’ trust.

Already the organization has a membership of over five hundred thousand. It has members in all but three hundred of the three thousand counties of the United States, and has neighborhood and county unions in twenty-eight of the States. The president of the organization, James A. Everitt, in the New York Independent says:—

We are in thorough accord with the great army of union labor, since the objects for which it is working are so similar in many respects to ours. . . . Already organized labor has recognized the benefits of co-operation with this society.

It originated in Indianapolis, the home of John Mitchell, and has been heartily indorsed by Mr. Samuel Gompers. That the president of the organization understands the tremendous power in the hands of his organization, as well as the cruel danger, when its plans are complete, is shown by the following:—

The founders of the society chose the word equity because they realized the tremendous power that would be in the hands of the farmers organized and in possession of all the food and other supplies on which the comforts and very life of human beings and domestic animals depend, and desired that there should always be the motto before them to do equity while they are demanding equity.

But if a good motto were a sure safeguard against injustice and the desertion of principle, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States ought surely to have protected the inhabitants of this country from religious persecution. As those great documents have been unable to do that, we can not expect much from the little word “equity” in the name of the farmers’ trust. These combinations indicate plainly that the world is rapidly getting ready for the universal boycott foretold by the revelator in Rev. 13: 17.

Evangelical Christianity in the Philippines

John R. Mott, secretary of the World's Student Christian Federation, recently made a tour of the Philippine Islands, and in his report speaks very encouragingly of the progress of evangelical Christianity there. His report indicates that the example set by the lives of the Protestant missionaries has made it necessary for the Catholic Church there to purify its own actions that it might hold its people.

One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund

By Wm. Covert.

For Special Work at Home and Abroad

How Long Yet?

How much more time do our people think should be assigned them in which to finish raising the $150,000 fund? If all had made a commendable effort to see this money gathered in when the call was first made, the whole amount might have been raised before January, 1907. The interests that are to be benefited by this money are needing it, and there should be no more delay in the matter.

Since we have a message that must be given to all the world in the shortest possible time, consistency demands that the small task of securing the sum in question for the enterprises previously stated, should be dispatched in the effort that is to be made Sabbath, June 29. It is then that our people are to make their midsummer offerings, and as the General Conference has planned that this offering should all go into the $150,000 fund, it is to be hoped that the offering will be large enough to secure all that is lacking of this fund.

Let many large sums be donated on the day set apart for this offering. A small effort will not accomplish the work. Not only should large sums be given, but all our people should join in the business of gathering in this money. The amount yet due is a greater sum than was ever made up by our denomination in one day. We should therefore make our calculations accordingly. Please to understand that many thousands of dollars are to be placed in the treasury on that day, and that it will require some planning and largeness of heart to insure against a shortage. As we often ask large favors of the Lord, let us cultivate largeness in giving to this, the Lord's cause.

We have many larger enterprises before us than the raising of the $150,000 fund, and as these larger tasks are knocking at our doors, asking that we begin upon them at an early date, let us hasten to get this one finished so we can proceed with the business for which we stand in this world.

As the time given us to do this work is very short, we must make great speed if we get it done. But we can accomplish it if we do our best. Who will try? Wm. Covert.

The Germans and the Fund

By G. F. Haffner

“I was glad indeed when I found our German brethren so willing to take hold of this fund and help to raise this amount. There has been some feeling against building institutions; and as most of this money was for institutional work, I was somewhat afraid that our German brethren would not do their part; but as far as I have learned, they are willing to do their share. Some have already paid much more than their share; others have paid their share; and still others have asked for a little time until they could reap another crop. Now if we would all lift together during the next two months, the whole amount could be raised easily. Will not those who are able to do so, do a little more, although they may have paid a good share already? There is plenty of money among our people; and if we all join in this movement, it will be an easy matter to raise the remainder of this fund in the near future. Why not finish up on the twenty-ninth of June? May this be the case is my prayer.

G. F. HAFFNER.

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