KINGSTON.—These last days are so filled with stirring events that the great disaster which befell the city of Kingston, Jamaica, the fourteenth of last January, seems to many more like a story of fiction, or dead history, than a recent event. No doubt the readers of the REVIEW will be interested in the accompanying picture showing the temporary refugee camp upon the race-course, which is north of the city. The large tent at the rear in the center was sent them by the New York Conference, to be used during the West Indian Union Conference session to be held January 11-21. We succeeded in getting the tent pitched the Friday following the earthquake, and it was here on the Sabbath that the wonderful meeting was held of which Elder Evans wrote, when nearly one hundred gave themselves to the Lord and decided to obey all the commandments. A rope was stretched across the tent, dividing it into two parts. One end was seated with the benches from the ruined church at 32 Text Lane, and the other given to the refugees from the city. It was under these conditions that meetings were continued for four weeks after the great disaster.
REFUGEE CAMP ON THE RACE-COURSE, KINGSTON
Every night as soon as the congregation was dismissed, men and women would crowd forward, occupying the benches for sleeping purposes. The one who could find a space long enough to permit him to lie down, was counted fortunate. Under this canopy of canvas the Kingston church gathered for worship and carried on their regular work for some weeks. The upper story of the old church building was taken down, and a temporary roof placed over the basement, the walls of which seemed to be safe enough for a meeting-place.
The members of the Kingston church have been faithful in their efforts to establish themselves in new quarters, and to build up a fitting memorial of the truth in the principal city of Jamaica. They have adopted plans for systematically saving all they can from their earnings, but with all their efforts they can not keep this work moving as it should. They must have help. They are grateful to all the brethren and sisters who have so willingly contributed to the fund for their new church building. They expect that the meeting of Sabbath, September 28, will be held in the new building. This does not mean that it is nearly finished. It is enclosed, with the roof on and floor in, and now the building operations must cease till more means can come in and all bills be paid up.
It was my privilege to be with the church in Kingston last Sabbath, September 21. This was the first time I have been there since last February, soon after we took down the tent from the race-course and began to hold meetings in the basement of the old church. As I looked over the congregation, I saw a number of new faces. The work in this city is growing, and people of standing are inquiring after the truth. Some of these have begun to observe the Sabbath.
This building which is in process of construction is not merely for the purpose of having a church building in Kingston. Would to God our work was finished there; but it is not, and during the short time that remains for us to do the work, we must have some place in which to call together those who are reaching out after the truth.
A church building means more here than it would in some countries. This building is plain and neat; there is nothing showy about it. It will be a credit to the church, and a sanctuary to which all can be invited to come. Who will help just now to finish this building by sending a liberal donation to Elder I. H. Evans, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.? Be sure to state for what purpose the money is sent. I pray that in the hearts of all who are led to consider this matter there will be created a real desire to assist this needy work, and that all will be willing to use every opportunity for helping that may be presented to them.
U. BENDER.
Another Church Organized
By William Covert
By special request of the brethren and sisters at Hinsdale, Ill., it was my privilege Sabbath, October 12, to organize a church there. After the Sabbath-school, held in the sanitarium chapel, a congregation of about eighty persons, composed of helpers, patients, and friends, attended the noon services.
In the afternoon a congregation of about fifty persons met, and we organized a church of forty-nine members, and following the organization the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated. The whole membership by a rising vote requested that the newly organized church be admitted into the Northern Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
The church elected a full corps of officers, and starts out in this relation to the cause with courage and earnestness in working for souls.
Probably twenty of the forty-nine had previously been members in our Chicago churches. The others were persons who came from other conferences, or who had lately received baptism at some of our meetings, or who belonged to depleted churches where letters could not be obtained. Some of these have lately come into the truth through the teaching of the sanitarium helpers. The Lord blessed in the services of the day, and the friends were made glad because of the important step which they had taken. We believe that the Lord was in the move that was made.
Wm. COVERT.
Asia Minor
By Z. G. Baharjian
MALATIA.—I remained here twelve days, holding meetings every evening for Bible study. About ten from outside were always present. Many others would have come if the owner of the house had permitted them to do so, but to prevent any commotion, he let only those come in who really wished to hear. I spoke more about the true faith in order to save them from the human traditions. All saw very clearly that anything that is not spoken by the Lord can not be a foundation to the faith. I took some Bible examples to show them how to be justified. I expect that the seed sown will bear fruits to the glory of God. The burden of my soul was the revival of the brethren. They had accepted the truth, but were not sanctified through it. They had not yet seen the real character of sin. After dwelling some on the present message, last Sabbath (August 31) I held four studies about the mystery of iniquity, or sin, that is enmity against God. I was glad to see that the Spirit of the Lord melted the hearts, and the victory was ours.” The next day four brethren were baptized, and we had the Lord’s supper, too.
As I had to go as far as Erzinjan and return before the mountains would be covered with snow, I was obliged to leave Malatia, hoping to stop there several days on my return. On my way to Eguin I stopped about three hours in Arabkir, a city of about two thousand houses, where are about two hundred Protestants. I called on their pastor. He despised me because I keep the Sabbath17and sow such seeds. He said that the days of the week have been changed, so that we don’t know that the days are the same as those of creation. I asked him to give me a Bible to read a few passages, but he refused. Then I required from him historical or Bible proofs to show that the days have been changed. He was ashamed not to show even one. So I took my turn, and advised him not to be a despiser, but to hold to the truth. We parted with a better spirit.
There I talked with an Armenian school-teacher, who showed an interest to hear our message. As we had no brethren in this city, I left it soon, and in company with twelve soldiers I came to Eguin. These soldiers were going to keep the way from Eguin to Erzinjan from the assaults of Dersin Kurds, who were robbing the travelers. Thank the Lord, he kept me safe through this journey also.
Z. G. BAHARJIAN.
South Africa
By J. V. Willson; Sara E. Willson
KIMBERLEY.— While reading the reports from the various fields, our hearts have been stirred to see the advancement of the work all over the world, and we can say we wish to keep step with the message. It is eight years last August since we began medical missionary work in Kimberley. There have been times of great trial and perplexity, and sometimes the way has looked very dark ahead, but the good hand of the Lord has been over the work, and has brought it through every trial and difficulty, and the outlook is the best now of any time since we began.
Our hearts have been deeply afflicted by the loss of our only child, our daughter Floy, whom we sent to America to receive a fitting up for missionary work in Africa; but the Healer has been here, and has given strength to go on and not faint. Our anchor holds. We trust in our God, and desire to press forward in the Master's work as long as life and strength shall last.
J. V. WILLSON,
SARA E. WILLSON.
British Union Conference
By Eugene E. Andross
The annual camp-meeting for the British Union Conference held at Nottingham, August 2-12, was the most successful one that we have ever held in this field; at least, this seemed to be the opinion of all who were present. It was certainly the most largely attended, and the results seemed to be the best. The Lord gave freedom to all who assisted in the public labor. But it seemed to me that the chief reason for its success was in the fact that our people responded heartily to the messages the Lord sent to them through his servant Sister White.
The day the meeting opened, I received several Testimonies that were designed to be read at our camp-meetings, some for all the congregation, others for our workers, and some for our young people. These were read, and there was a hearty response on the part of all to the messages they contained. A sweet spirit brooded over the entire encampment. Our people returned to their homes full of courage, and very hopeful for the speedy triumph of the message.
Since the meeting closed, I have made a visit to Ireland, where I found the work progressing favorably. Two tent efforts are being conducted, one at Londonderry, in the far north, and the other in Dublin, the capital. In both of these a fair interest in the truth is being manifested, and some fruit is already beginning to appear. We hope that good churches will be raised up in each of these cities as the result of these efforts. One of the tents came from our brethren in California, and the other from the brethren of the Colorado Conference. Our people in Ireland are very grateful for the generous assistance thus rendered them in their efforts to carry forward the work in that field.
The Rostrevor Hills Hydro, which has recently been removed from Belfast to a very beautiful location in the country, is enjoying a good patronage, and the outlook for its future is encouraging. A most excellent work is being done by those connected with it. The influence that is going out from the institution is very favorable to our work, and some patients are becoming deeply interested in the truth.
Ireland is not an easy field in which to labor; it seems to be very difficult to reach the people, as a large portion of them are intensely Catholic. They seem to be very firmly held in that faith, and it is next to impossible to lead them to investigate anything else. I do not doubt but that Catholicism has a stronger hold upon the people of Ireland than upon those of any other country. They seem to be more devoted to Catholicism than any I have met of other nations; and yet we are fully convinced that the Lord has a people among them, and that the message will search these out.
We ask for the prayers of our dear people in behalf of the work in this most difficult field. At present, Ireland is passing through a trying period. There seems to be a condition of greater restlessness on the part of the people of the south and west than has appeared for many years. Recently five counties have been placed under martial law, and the police force has been largely increased. Extreme precautionary measures are being taken by the government to prevent serious trouble, and we believe the angels of God will restrain the winds of strife until the work of giving this message has been accomplished.
We have now about finished the transfer of our publishing interests from London to Watford. The larger part of our machinery is installed, and is operating at Watford, and the business is being conducted from that place. Also, the food factory is getting pretty well removed; but the machinery is not yet up, and perhaps it will be two or three weeks before they will be running all their plant.
Yesterday (October 2) our college opened with an attendance of fifty-six. I think this was as favorable as the opening of any year since the school has started, with as fine a class of students. The enrolment will doubtless be a little larger this year than any previous year. One hundred fifty applied for entrance, and we were compelled to refuse at least half that number, because of our inability to accommodate them, and also because of their lack of means. I think this situation ought not to be allowed to continue very long, since we are in such desperate need of workers. I would be glad if we could take a much larger number, and be prepared to give them some further financial assistance, enabling those to attend the school who do not have means. But we are going to do our best to enlarge our means, and to do more to assist worthy young people.
We are fully persuaded that the Lord has guided us in the selection of our institutions, and that this move will result in great blessing to the work here. We are doing all we can to raise funds from our people in this field to build up this work, and we are very grateful to our brethren in America for the assistance they are rendering us. We feel sure that when the judgment reveals the work we have accomplished, no one will have occasion to regret having invested his means in the work in the British Union Conference.
The Lord is blessing the efforts we are making to advance his cause, and throughout the field there is a general forward movement. Our numbers are increasing, and our people are settling down upon the foundation principles of the third angel's message, determined to press forward until the work is finished. I think the third quarter's report will be as good as any previous one, if not better.
E. E. ANDROSS.
Western New York Camp-Meeting
By Eugene W. Farnsworth
THE city of Rochester was chosen as the place to hold this conference and camp-meeting. The camp was located in the highest, best part of the city, near the reservoir that furnishes the water-supply. This had the appearance of a small lake with a beautiful fountain in its center.
There were about fifty tents on the ground, and nearly three hundred campers. The weather was favorable, and a spirit of courage and progress pervaded the entire meeting. I did not reach the ground until the fifth day. Elders Eugene Leland and C. F. McVagh, Profs. W. W. Prescott and B. F. Machlan, and the writer united with the laborers in the conference to make the meeting a success. This proved to be one of the busiest camp-meetings of the season.
The conference reports showed a good financial condition, and advancement in all departments of work. During the past nine months the book sales amounted to twice the value of the sales of the previous year by the whole State before the conference division was made. The canvassers are certainly having an encouraging experience. Quite a number of students have been working for scholarships with good success. As they now return to school, others stand ready to enter this department of work, so we look for it to grow in efficiency and power.
The same officers, with few exceptions, were chosen to bear responsibilities in the conference the coming year. We were glad to see the confidence of the people in their laborers, and the harmony and love existing among all the brethren.
There was some outside interest, but not so much as in other meetings we have attended. Some are accepting the truth in Rochester as the result of the labors of Elder J. W. Raymond and those connected with him.
Considerable attention was given to the matter of changing the location of the Buffalo Sanitarium. It was decided to purchase property at Gowanda, a small town about thirty miles from the city, which seems very desirable, and can be secured at a reasonable figure. There are buildings already erected, about thirty acres of land, and from the description given it would seem that all the advantages desired are to be found in this locality. The brethren and sisters will give the new institution their hearty support.
At one of the meetings Professor Prescott related some of his experiences while visiting China and other Eastern countries, and also told us of some of the needs of these great fields. Though no call was made, yet two hundred dollars was given at the close of his address. The Sabbath-school offerings amounted to sixty-four dollars, which was all given to missions. On Sunday, the last day of the meeting, the conference voted to give one thousand dollars of its surplus tithe to the Mission Board. We feel sure that God will bless the liberal spirit manifested by the brethren in lifting up their eyes to see the needs abroad as well as those at home.
Quite a number of young people from western New York will enter our schools this year to prepare themselves as laborers, and we hope soon to see an army of youthful workers developed who will give18the message not only in their own conference, but also in other lands.
About five hundred dollars was given to the Tunesassa School in cash and pledges, and it starts on its second year with good prospects of success. Three hundred dollars was given the tent fund, and this will enable the conference to purchase a more complete camp-meeting outfit. It was truly encouraging to see the ready response to the calls made for different needy enterprises, and the spirit of freedom and good cheer that pervaded the entire meeting. On the Sabbath many started in the Christian life for the first time, and some who had backslidden consecrated their lives anew to God. The outlook before this conference is a hopeful one, if all will unite humbly and earnestly to push forward the work till it is done.
E. W. FARNSWORTH.
Indiana
By B. Hagle; U. S. Anderson
ROCHESTER AND AKRON.—I visited Rochester in January, and held a two-weeks' meeting in a schoolhouse six miles north of town. In the midst of the interest the schoolhouse was closed. One family of five, however, took their stand for the truth.
After holding a meeting for a few weeks in our church in Rochester, I held a two-weeks' meeting in the church at Akron. Here the church had been rented, and the few Sabbath-keepers that were left had not held any meetings for over two years. The Akron church was greatly revived. Backsliders returned, and two united with the church for the first time.
After visiting other places, we pitched a tent near the schoolhouse mentioned above, and four took their stand for the commandments of God. Thirteen have united with the church since January, nine for the first time.
The Lord be praised for success. My courage in the message is good, and I expect to push the work until its close. B. HAGLE.
MUNCIE.—I began meetings at this place the latter part of August. The Lord has come very near, and the church has been greatly revived. We had a good attendance after the first week, and good attention has been given to the word spoken. As a result of these services, four souls were buried yesterday in baptism.
This is a city of forty thousand inhabitants. Quite an interest has been awakened, and it seems that now is the time to labor for the people here. The brethren and sisters have been doing active missionary work, and holding cottage meetings at night after working hard all day.
The church here had almost given up the idea of having a church-school, but have now decided to have a school, and have engaged a teacher. We believe there are better days for the Muncie church. A little later we hope to hold another series of meetings here. May the Lord add his blessing to the Muncie church. U. S. ANDERSON.
The Worthington (Ind.) Camp-Meeting
By R. C. Spohr
THE location of the camp, in the well-shaded fair-grounds just outside of Worthington, was ideal. It was an excellent place to commune with the Lord.
About one hundred and fifty brethren and sisters, nearly all from churches in the southwestern quarter of the State, were in attendance at this meeting. From the first day, the presence of the Lord was manifested. As the meeting progressed, more of the power of God was realized.
Deep, spiritual lessons from the Bible and the Testimonies were daily given by Elder H. R. Johnson, of Wisconsin. The labors of Elder Johnson and the other ministers were a source of much encouragement to all.
Elder G. A. Irwin, vice-president of the General Conference, gave a series of impressive lessons on the spirit of prophecy, which were a source of great encouragement to those whose faith in this gift was wavering, for many saw more clearly than ever before the goodness of the Lord in bestowing this gift upon the remnant church.
Several times during the camp-meeting, printed invitations were scattered throughout Worthington, and every home in the town was visited by our workers two or three times. The citizens were personally invited to come to the meetings. As a result, the tent was comfortably filled nearly every evening, and when the weather was most favorable, the seating capacity was taxed. Quietness marked every meeting, perfect attention being given by the large congregations to the word spoken.
The power of God was imparted in large measure to the ministers who spoke to the evening congregations, enabling them to set the truth before the people in very clear and unmistakable terms.
Daily meetings for the young people were held by Prof. C. L. Stone and Sister McMahan; an excellent spirit prevailed in all the young people's gatherings.
Every afternoon at half-past four the children of the camp and from twenty to thirty from Worthington assembled in meetings conducted by Sister Stone. We feel confident that lasting impressions were made upon the minds of many of these little ones.
Brother Wright held several meetings with the canvassers and those who expect to enter this work. God's blessing will rest upon these pioneers as they enter the harvest-field.
Dr. W. W. Worster, superintendent of the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, was able to spend two days at the camp. His help was much appreciated. One afternoon was devoted to the medical work and to the consideration of plans for broadening its influence and building the new structure at Lafayette.
The importance of Christian education for both children and young people was discussed by Professor Stone in two meetings. A fund for helping worthy young people to obtain a Christian education was given material assistance by a number of those present at this meeting.
The minister of the Presbyterian church spoke against Adventists on the last Sunday night, but he became so personal in his attack that a number of his own members did not approve of his course. He continued his warfare in the town paper Tuesday. On the Friday following, our workers there were given one column in which to set the true seventh-day Sabbath before the people in incontrovertible terms, using authorities which even the scholars of the present-day churches can not deny.
A company of ministers and Bible workers are following up the interest in Worthington. The people are much stirred over the truths that have been presented, as well as over the attacks that have been made against us, so that there is a deep interest to hear the truth. A tent in which meetings are being held was located near the fair-grounds, in which the camp-meeting was held. On the last Sunday of the meeting eleven persons were baptized.
In concluding this report of one of the best camp-meetings ever held in Indiana, we can only express the hope that our people will make a much stronger effort to attend the camp-meetings next year. In these perilous times, when the dragon is warring against the remnant church, we need all the spiritual food and strength that can be obtained from the annual convocations of God's people.
R. C. SPOHR.
India
By H. C. Menkel
CALCUTTA.—It hardly seems true, but nine months have already passed since we left Denver for India.
They have been months of great profit to me, for I have had a view of the world, its conditions and needs; also a view of God's plan for the world, such as I never could have had at home.
I have often thought if all our people could have a real look at the world, they would go back and work in a way which would send this message in a short time; but many must view it by faith.
The message is going to the people of India with power, and from among the native preachers the Lord is converting to his message several men who will be able to do a work which no European could do.
Heretofore much effort has been spent upon the Europeans who are in this field, but a new spirit has taken hold of the workers, and there is a burden and strong effort to master the languages of India, and the indications seem to be that whatever is done for the native must be done quickly, as there is a power working among these people which brews trouble, and it is only a matter of time till it is bound to break forth. Truly the “spirits of devils” are at work. But the golden opportunity is now. How many of India's children will be among the one hundred forty-four thousand we do not know.
The climate is very hard on the workers, nearly every one who has been here any time breaks down, but in spite of it India takes hold of one's soul. The medical work is gradually gaining ground among the Indian people. They are slow, but when once they are won over, they come with their whole soul. You ought to see the crude way some of our nurses must work in the villages. The treatment room is in the open air, with only a piece of thin cloth hung up on one or two sides. Operations are performed on the floor. Children are born without any clothing for either mother or child, to say nothing about a home; and there are millions of these people who live in this way. Tell the young people India is worth all they can invest in it. It will yield a good return. H. C. MENKEL.
The Sunday-Closing Crusade at Kansas City, Mo.
By K. C. R.
As the result of instructions given by Judge Wm. H. Wallace on September 30, to the grand jury and city officials of Kansas City, Mo., directing the enforcement of the State Sunday laws, a Sunday-closing crusade was begun in that city recently.
The instructions of the judge were aimed particularly at Sunday theaters and the closing of grocery stores and the like after nine o'clock on Sunday mornings.
This crusade was different in one particular from other crusades of this character, in that the clergy were not apparently as prominent in it as is generally the case. It was evident, however, that the churches were exerting their influence in favor of the crusade, as was seen by the sermons preached during its progress, and resolutions passed by different congregations in favor of the movement.
Knowing the logical outcome of such movements, that they must end in persecution to God's people and ruin to the state, we proceeded to point out the results of such a course, as outlined in the history of the past. We further endeavored to show the limits of civil authority, and emphasized the fact that if the theaters and other places of amusement were proper on Monday and other days of the week, they were proper on Sunday also.
We sought to take advantage of the opportunity to disseminate the principles of religious liberty and proclaim the third angel's message. The Kansas City church was awake to the issue, and contributed liberally toward a fund for carrying on a campaign to enlighten the people as to the real principles involved in the issue.
Among other things we prepared an open letter covering over two and one-half newspaper columns, and one of the leading daily papers of the city published it without cost on the front page, with large display head-lines. A large number of the papers containing the letter were sent to different city and county officials.
We also secured one of the best halls in the city, where we delivered three lectures, speaking upon different phases of the subject. The attendance was good, and the lectures were well reported in the daily papers. We feel thankful that the Lord helped us in getting these gospel principles on the subject of religious liberty before the people.
At the closing lecture a number of resolutions setting forth our position on the question of religious liberty were submitted to the audience, and were unanimously adopted by a rising vote. These appeared the following morning in the first column of the front page of the Journal, one of the leading papers of the city.
We learn that regardless of the vigorous protest made, the law is to be enforced. We feel to praise the Lord, nevertheless, that we were enabled to place the true principles of religious liberty before so many of the citizens of Kansas City. This campaign we believe has proved a blessing not only to those who were unacquainted with our views, but also to our own people in both Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan., who joined in the effort.
Elder D. U. Hale, the president of the Missouri Conference and chairman of the Religious Liberty Department of the conference; Elder J. W. Norwood, religious liberty secretary of the conference; Elder and Mrs. E. A. Merrell; Brother James Cochran; and others of the Missouri Conference workers were present, and rendered valuable assistance.
K. C. R.
Religious Liberty Notes
ELDER A. J. BREED, Religious Liberty Secretary of the North Pacific Union Conference, writes: “The subject of Sunday closing is coming to the front in the State of Washington quite rapidly. Religious liberty literature must be placed where every thinking, reading person can have it.”
The Kansas Worker, bearing date of Oct. 9, 1907, contains the following note concerning the contagion of religious legislation: “The spirit of Sunday legislation seems to be spreading like some contagious disease. It has jumped from city to city, and now this plague is endeavoring to fasten itself upon our State capital. The churches are making a vigorous campaign, intending to compel the civil authorities to follow the clerical dictation. We do not believe the Sunday theater is a good thing; neither do we believe the Wednesday theater is a good thing. But we do believe that a state domineered by a church is a positive evil combination. Watch your local happenings, and do not neglect to improve every opportunity of educating the public mind in the principles of religious liberty, without arousing prejudice. Blessed is that servant whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching.”
The following significant statement was taken from an address delivered by the president of the Texas W. C. T. U., and appeared in their official organ, The White Ribbon, of October, 1906: “Never before in our history have there been so many God-fearing men in public office, nor the time when the majority of the people so much wanted righteousness expressed in law enforced. It has come to pass that if a man wishes to be elected, he must stand for something besides pat. He must have a platform of moral ideas, and must particularly stand for enforcement of law. No less than eight governors of States now stand on platforms of righteousness. The better element is soon to control politics in these United States. The golden rule and decalogue are in politics. To illustrate how little a great leader may see into the future, remember when a certain United States senator declared that the sermon on the mount was an iridescent dream in politics. Texas has always stood for the American Sabbath, as our continental friends term our rest day.” This statement will doubtless remind the reader of similar utterances which have been made20by a representative of the same organization.
“We are going to sow Colorado knee-deep with literature.” These words were spoken by W. F. Crafts, as reported in the Colorado Conference paper, Echoes from the Field, bearing date of Oct. 16, 1907, in an article written by Elder H. M. J. Richards. He further says that Mr. Crafts has organized a department of the International Reform Bureau, in the Rocky Mountain District, and made a speech in which he said: “We have never had more than two per cent of the people with us, but we have learned that with two per cent persistently at it and making demands by letters and petitions, we can get whatever we want.” He said, “There is opposition, but [he was making a call for money] we’ve got the enemy on the run, and we want this money to buy ammunition to shoot him in the back.” “We have established our headquarters for the Rocky Mountain District right here in your midst, and we are going to sow Colorado knee-deep with literature.” These words should be a signal to arouse our people to a most earnest effort in scattering literature upon the true principles of religious liberty.
The Kansas City Journal of Oct. 13, 1907, contains the following: “Sunday rest in Germany is to be enforced in future more strictly than hitherto, in pursuance of orders from the minister of the interior, who is determined that no labor, unless absolutely necessary, shall be done on the sabbath. Factory inspectors have been making inquiries into the possibility of closing the factories in various branches of industry which until now have been accorded permission to work seven days a week. The result of their activity has been that the minister decided not to renew the permissions at their expiration in a large number of cases. Shops are already closed on Sundays in both town and country during church hours in the morning, and the whole afternoon and evening; but the question now under consideration is whether to allow in future only those where necessary articles are on sale to open for a few hours on Sunday mornings. The regulation will not affect in any way the restaurants and cafés.” This wave of enforcing Sunday rest is indeed becoming an international one.
The Philadelphia Press, bearing date of Oct. 17, 1907, contains the following concerning the Inter-Church Federation movement in Trenton, N. J.: “The Inter-Church Federation of this city, which is composed of representatives of nearly all the Protestant denominations here, has taken decisive steps for the more rigid enforcement of the laws against sabbath desecration and the liquor laws. It will also inaugurate a general temperance and evangelistic campaign.” “The organization has also decided to test the candidates for governor as to how they stand with reference to legislation pertaining to the ‘open Sunday’ question.” The reader should not fail to note that the organization has “decided to test the candidates for governor, as to how they stand on the open Sunday question.” This illustrates again that the chief work of this Inter-Church Federation movement is that of dictating to civil authorities what they must do concerning Sunday legislation.
Eight Baptized at Peoria
THE president of the Southern Illinois Conference, Brother W. D. Parkhurst, recently held a ten-days' meeting in Peoria, and as a result eight persons have asked for baptism.
Six Added to Wheelock Church
BROTHER A. O. BURRILL writes that six have recently been added to the Wheelock (N. D.) church. Two more have begun to keep the Sabbath, and others are interested.
Ten Cedar Lake Students Baptized
SABBATH, October 12, ten of the students of Cedar Lake (Mich.) Academy, who had consecrated their lives to the Master, were buried with him in baptism. The number was made up of three young women and seven young men.
Eight Baptized at Manchester
BROTHER U. S. ANDERSON baptized eight persons recently at Manchester, Ind., where he and Brother Busz held a tent-meeting early in the summer. It is expected that these will unite with those who have recently embraced the truth at Sunman, in a church organization in the near future.
Sabbath Keepers Added at Richmond
Six are keeping the Sabbath with the Second Seventh-day Adventist church at Richmond, Va., as a result of tent-meetings conducted by Brethren F. G. Warnick and L. Munce. There is still a widespread interest, and a good attendance is reported from the meetings now being conducted in a hall.
Fifteen Baptized Near Pana
FROM Pana, Ill., Brother J. B. Locken writes: “The work of gathering in souls is moving on quite nicely in this field. I spent a few days last week with one of our churches where one of the brethren of the church had held meetings in an adjoining village about one-half mile away, and it was my pleasure to baptize fifteen there. I baptized ten at this place a little while ago, and there are five or more to be baptized soon.”
Four Added at Willow Lake
FROM South Dakota Brother R. E. Harter writes: “September 16 I left Chamberlain for Willow Lake, where I remained nearly two weeks, holding meetings with the church in the country, and also with the company in town. Four persons were added to the church, and several are ready for baptism; but there being no suitable place, it was postponed until a convenient place can be found. A woman recently accepted the truth at Willow Lake as the result of earnest work on the part of one who came out a year ago.”
Four Join the Remnant at Axline
MEETINGS were begun at Axline, Ohio, August 31, by Brethren F. M. Fairchild and J. J. Marietta, with a small attendance that did not increase materially, although they visited the homes of the people and distributed literature. They write, “Believing that God’s word would not fail to accomplish that for which it was given, we continued to sow the good seed, hoping in due time to reap precious sheaves for the kingdom of God; and we were not entirely disappointed, for four yielded themselves willingly, coming out of Babylon, and joining the remnant people of God.”
Field Notes and Gleanings
ANOTHER baptismal service was held at the South Side church, Chicago, Sabbath, October 5, when eight souls were buried in baptism.
Christian Liberty
By K. C. Russell; W. A. Colcord
Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience
