Review and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 12. (3/21/1907)

Review and Herald

Mar 21, 1907

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 21, 1907

Christian Trust

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. . . . Ye can not serve God and mammon. Therefore I say, unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? . . . And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? . . . Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Our Publishing Work

By Editor

The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. Psalm 68:11.

See last paragraph on this page for instructions where to order.

Liberty No. 4 is being ordered by the thousands. It seems to be much appreciated. Many of our workers regard it as the best number yet published. They say it meets the issues of the day in a clear, convincing, and dignified manner.

“MY GARDEN NEIGHBORS” was written especially for our young people as a substitute for the harmful fiction and vicious literature that is being prepared for the young. It is full of beautiful illustrations and true stories. Every parent and friend of the youth, who is interested in keeping them away from fiction and harmful stories, will be interested in seeing that this book is placed in the hands of all our young people. Besides presenting something that will fill profitably the time, its stories of birds and other of nature’s creatures, give an outlook on nature that will enlarge into a world of pleasure and profit. It is impossible in this limited space to make mention of all you will find in this book. It is for sale by the Review and Herald, but you may order it through your tract society. 256 pages. Price, $1,

“THE GREAT SECOND ADVENT MOVEMENT,” by Elder J. N. Loughborough, accurately cites the progress of the denomination from the beginning down to the present time. The author having been intimately connected with the denomination from its beginning, and having been a close observer, and possessing a special gift for record-keeping, he is prepared to speak with accuracy and authority. There is no other book circulated at the present time of such importance and thrilling interest to the readers of the REVIEW. It will strengthen the faith and confidence of every individual who reads it. Its readers will have a more perfect knowledge of the dealings of God with this special people and the message they are giving, and will be better prepared to unite their efforts in advancing this great work. Let all not only read it, but study it. Price, $1.50.

AGAIN we call the attention of our readers to the pamphlet entitled “The Church: Its Organization, Order, and Discipline,” by Elder J. N. Loughborough, author of “Rise and Progress,” “The Great Second Advent Movement,” and other denominational works. Elder Loughborough is well qualified to prepare a work on church organization. He has been actively associated with our denominational work from its beginning, and has ever been a close observer. He has made a special study of church organization, and his manuscript has been carefully examined and approved. His new work will, therefore, come from the press sanctioned by those who are expected to pass upon a publication that deals so vitally with the affairs of the denomination. This new pamphlet will contain much valuable information upon all subjects pertaining to the church and the denomination. It will answer many questions that have in times past been rather perplexing to those who have recently connected with this work. The probable cost of the pamphlet will be 25 cents, post-paid.

“BIBLE HERO CLASSICS” is the title of a series of pamphlets comprising stories of the heroes of the Old Testament, written in Bible language, arranged and printed in a way that young people will read them as they do other stories. The set of books is composed of twelve volumes, put up in a tasty card board box. The object of this series is to give the young people of this time a knowledge of the principal characters of the Bible, and to present these biographies in such an attractive form that they will be more interesting to the young people than the great bulk of light, trashy reading that is now placed before them. The full set of books will be sent to one address for 80 cents, post-paid.

“HARD NUTS CRACKED” is the title of Words of Truth Series No. 45, which is just being published. It refutes many of the common objections to the position held by Seventh-day Adventists on the Sabbath question. It is written especially in answer to a list of seventeen objections recently printed and circulated by A. Sims, of Toronto, Ontario. These objections are answered in a dignified, Christian manner, and the questions with their answers should be carefully studied by all who believe in the seventh-day Sabbath. “Hard Nuts Cracked” ought to be placed in every home. It will answer about every objection made to the Sabbath and its observance. The price will be announced later.

OF “The Christian Educator Reading Series,” Prof. H. G. Lucas, of San Fernando College, says: “I received a copy of your True Educator Reading Series, and was greatly surprised with the way you had prepared it. It is a credit to our work. We shall want a supply of the entire series.” Nettie Eaton, secretary of the Southern Illinois Conference, says: “We have examined a copy of the True Educator Reading Series. I am highly pleased with it. It is just what our teachers have needed for so long. I am sure it will be a great help to the educational work. I am sure the Reader Series will fill a long-felt need.” Prof. J. E. Tenney, of Graysville, Tenn., writes: “A copy of the True Educator Series is at hand. I am very much pleased with it. I shall ask our Nashville House to keep these readers in stock, and shall encourage their use in the schools of the Southern field. To my mind, they are the most perfectly adapted to our work of any school readers that have been brought to my attention.” This book may be secured through the regular channels. Price of Nos. 1 and 2, is 75 cents post-paid. These two books are now ready. Nos. 3 and 5 will be ready in a short time. The other numbers of the series will probably not be ready before next summer.

Orders for any publication mentioned on this page may be sent to any conference tract society, or to Review and Herald Publishing Association, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C., or Battle Creek, Mich. Also Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, Cal.; Portland, Ore.; Kansas City, Mo.; Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tenn., and Fort Worth, Tex.

Editorial Letter

By William W. Prescott

Jottings from the Editor's Note-Book

We left Peking early Tuesday morning, January 22, and formed quite a procession from the hotel to the railway station, a distance of a mile or more.

First came our baggage on a cart drawn by two Chinese coolies. This was piloted by the porter of the hotel, who carried at the end of his staff a large globe-shaped Chinese lantern, covered with red dragons, and also having the name of the hotel on it. Behind him were the rikishas in which we rode. There was something almost weird in our procession among the foreign legations to the gate of the city through which we passed in the darkness.

After securing our tickets we found a compartment in the train. Everything was Chinese, although the railway was built and is controlled by French-Belgan capital. The ticket seller and the train men, including the engineers, firemen, and conductors, were all Chinese; and the same was true all along the line, although they employ foreign inspectors who travel with the trains.

We journeyed all day through great plains which in many respects resemble the great flat prairies in Illinois, western Minnesota, and the Dakotas. It was nearly evening when we arrived at Chang-ti Fu, where the train remains overnight, since these local trains do not run nights. There is, however, one through express train which runs direct between Peking and Hankow, making the whole trip in about thirty-nine hours.

At Chang-ti Fu I had the first experience of staying at a Chinese hotel. As there were three of us in our party we took two connecting rooms. These rooms were about seven by ten feet in size, with dirt floors and one small window. The bed consisted of a raised platform topped with brick and covered with a Chinese straw mat. Every traveler is expected to carry his own bedding. We made up our beds on this solid foundation, and had “solid” sleep.

In the early morning we packed up again and took the train which left a little before six o'clock. About ten o'clock we crossed the Yellow River. The bridge which spans this is considered a remarkable piece of engineering. It is about two and one-half miles in length, and contains one hundred and eighty spans. The train passes over this bridge slowly, and it required fourteen minutes for us to cross. The bridge rests on iron piles driven into the ground about fifty feet, which are then filled with solid cement. This is necessary because of the treacherous current of the river and the nature of the soil, which is so sandy and loose that in high water the channel is sometimes dug out in new places to a depth of thirty or forty feet. The construction of this bridge was the last work in the completion of the line between Peking and Hankow. After crossing the river we passed through a long tunnel, then found ourselves in the midst of sandhills of a peculiar formation, in which the Chinese have dug out caves for homes.

At about 4:30 we arrived at Si Ping, a small village where we left the train to go to points inland. At the railway station we found a native evangelist from the nearest mission station who had come with a donkey cart to meet us. A donkey-cart means a heavy two-wheeled cart to which is attached one donkey in the shaft with two leaders whose traces are ropes reaching clear back to the axle of the cart. The top of the cart consists of Chinese woven mats fastened on a frame which is so low that it is impossible to sit upon a seat in the cart without hitting one's head. The only way to sit under this cover is to sit practically upon the bottom of the cart, Turk fashion. It has been said of the Korean chair that the most comfortable way to ride in it is to get out and walk. And this applies in a general way to the Chinese cart also.

We piled our luggage into this conveyance and started for Shang-tsai, a city about eighteen miles distant. We reached our destination about ten o'clock after what would be called, under the circumstances, a comfortable journey. Here we found Brother J. J. Westrup and family, who with the native evangelist, constituted the corps of workers at this station. We were heartily welcomed and well cared for. The next day it rained, and we remained in the station under cover nearly all the time. In spite of the rain, we planned to go by cart the next day to Hsiang Cheng, a city about thirty-seven miles distant, east of Shang-tsai, where Dr. A. C. Selmon and his wife with the native helpers are carrying on mission work. We arose at 2 A. M., had breakfast at 3 o'clock, got our cart loaded, and left the station promptly at 4 A. M.

It was quite dark, and the air was filled with moisture, and the roads were muddy, and, in some places, miry. When we reached the gate of the city, which was still closed, it required much vocal effort to arouse the old gatekeeper and get the gate open. We had a good American lantern which served an excellent purpose in enabling us to keep the road. Part of the time the mist blew in our faces, and it seemed to threaten rain, but we kept on, and the rain held off. At 11 o'clock we reached Tsai Ku, a small inland town about half way to Hsiang Cheng, where we stopped for lunch. Foreigners in foreign dress are as much of an attraction in these inland towns as a circus in America; and before we stopped we had a good company walking on each side of the cart looking at us. As soon as we stopped we were completely surrounded.

We entered a shed to eat our lunch, and the crowd gathered around until they had filled the shed and stopped up the opening, and there was a great crowd outside. They were quiet enough, but full of curiosity to see such strangely dressed creatures as we were. We made friends with them by giving them some little things from our lunch; and at 12 o'clock we started on our journey again.

The afternoon wore away, and it became evident that at the rate we were traveling we should not reach Hsiang Cheng before Sabbath. We could not explain this matter to the driver, but the evangelist who accompanied us seemed to fully appreciate the situation; so we

began to make efforts to quicken the pace of the team. Finally, in order to accomplish this, we got the old driver on the cart and the evangelist took the big whip on one side of the team and I got on the other side, and Brother Anderson walked. Thus, all the passengers but the driver were out of the cart. Under these circumstances he did not object to hurrying on the team, and we walked and ran for two hours or more.

By this means we reached the station just as they were gathering for worship at the beginning of the Sabbath. We joined them so far as we were able in the Chinese services, after which we went to the rooms occupied by Dr. Selmon and his wife, who gave us a very hearty welcome to their home. As the next day was Sabbath, we had the privilege of the Sabbath services. First was a Bible study which was led by Brother Anderson. At 11 o'clock I spoke to a Chinese congregation with Dr. Selmon as interpreter. I dwelt upon the need of our becoming acquainted with the true God, who is the creator of all things, and that it is his power as Creator which is revealed in the gospel of salvation from sin. It was interesting to see some of the faces of the Chinese light up as these truths were presented to them. The afternoon was spent in talking together concerning experiences and the work in the field.

W. W. P.

An Illogical Invitation

By C. M. S.

While a revival effort was being conducted at Logan, Kan., recently the evangelist circulated invitation cards designed to assist in bringing sinners to the Saviour. The editor of the Republican News, of that place, has sent us one of these cards from which we quote the following:—

DEAR FRIEND: You and I are immortal. Beyond the grave is eternity. And eternity means for me and for you either heaven or hell. I choose heaven, and want you to do the same. I invite you to Jesus Christ who alone can give us heaven.

Jesus, the Saviour to whom this evangelist invites the sinner, said to the impenitent of his day and of our day, “Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” There can be no immortality without life. Therefore those who do not come to Christ can not have immortality. Their refusal to accept Christ forever estops the possibility of immortality. God has never said there was immortality for both wicked and righteous—that the one would be immortal in hell and the other immortal in heaven, the one ever burning and praying for death and the other ever praising and joying in life. The Word of God nowhere presents such unthinkable contrasts. Neither does the Word anywhere declare that man is now immortal. Christ says, “I am come that they might have life.” If we are immortal, we already have that life which he says he came to give, so he need not have come for that purpose. If we are immortal, Paul did not know it; for he said, “When this mortal shall have put on immortality.” Again, in speaking of God, he said, “Who only hath immortality.” If we are immortal, Inspiration did not know it, for Paul spoke by inspiration. If we are immortal, Christ did not know it; for he came to bring “life and immortality to light through the gospel.” Nay, verily, the falsehood spoken in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die.” “ye shall be as gods.” has never been metamorphosed into truth. Man is mortal; immortality comes through Jesus Christ. Man is clothed with it in the resurrection of the just.

C. M. S.

Organization—No. 8

By A. G. Daniells

A Brief Account of Its History in the Development of the Cause of the Third Angel’s Message

In tracing the proceedings of the Council held in Battle Creek the latter part of September, 1860, in the interests of denominational organization, we have shown that an agreement was reached that the churches should be advised to organize, that a legal corporation should be organized to hold the Review Office and manage its affairs, and that a committee was appointed to form the corporation, and to act as the first trustees.

This having been done, the next step to be taken was to choose a name by which we as a people should be known. The report of the proceedings of this council as printed in the REVIEW AND HERALD tells just how this was done. This is the original report of those proceedings, and, so far as I know, it has never been reprinted since it appeared in the REVIEW in 1860. Believing that thousands of our people will at this time be interested to know just how the name we bear was suggested, discussed, and agreed upon, I shall venture to give the full report just as it was prepared for publication by Uriah Smith, the secretary of the conference.

It should be understood that there had existed a great deal of confusion and prejudice in the minds of our people regarding the use of a church or denominational name. The first, and strongest, and most oft-repeated objection to the proposal in behalf of organization was that this would lead to the taking of a name. The fear and prejudice of many at that time is revealed by a letter written by a brother to the editor of the REVIEW, requesting that his paper be discontinued, and giving the following as his reason:— Brother White has taken such a position about organizing churches, and also of making us a name, that I see no consistency in his former position. I do not wish to point out his former position, for all the brethren know what that was. I must say that a good many in this church have lost a great deal of interest in reading the REVIEW, as well as myself.—Review and Herald, Vol. XVI, page 148.

It will be remembered that the Council had adopted Elder Loughborough’s resolution advising church organization. It appears that after this was done, and after adopting plans for organizing an association to hold the Review and Herald property and manage the affairs of the Office, there still lingered in the minds of some of the brethren at the Council so much fear and uncertainty regarding the advisability of what was being done, that it was agreed to rescind the vote recommending the organization of churches. It was at this point in the proceedings of the Council that the discussion began regarding the name that should be chosen. The report of this discussion reads as follows:—

Brother [J. H.] Waggoner: “I have a matter of business as I stated last evening to bring before the conference. The vote of recommendation adopted by yesterday morning’s session was not unanimous; I therefore move that it be rescinded.” Carried.

Brother [E.] Brackett: “I now move that we adopt a name, as we must have a name if we are to organize so as to hold property legally.” Seconded.

Brother [E. A.] Poole: “The reason I should have against the adoption of a general name by the body is, that our influence would be hurt as a people; and our object would be likely to be to advance our denomination among the denominations, and not to advance the cause of truth.”

Brother [J. B.] Frisbie: “I have been opposed to a sectarian name; but to having a variety of names among us, I am equally opposed. There seems to be a necessity for a uniformity.”

Brother [Moses] Hull: “If we could have the churches designated by their locality I should like it better, or, as the church worshiping on the seventh day in such and such places.”

Brother [James] White: “This is a point in which I am extremely interested. I do not see how we can get along without some name. If we do not take one, we shall have a variety applied to us. And it is not possible for us to hold property without a name. The law specifies upon this point. As to being reckoned a part of Babylon, I have preached considerable about Babylon, but never found any fault with them because they have a name. I see nothing unscriptural in their having a name. But it is objected that we shall be classed among the denominations. We are classed with them already, and I do not know that we can prevent it, unless we disband and scatter, and give up the thing altogether.”

Brother [M. E.] Cornell: “There are three churches in Iowa, waiting to go forward immediately to build meeting-houses; but they are waiting the action

of this conference. Something should be done; it is expected. When the brethren speak of our going into Babylon because of the name, it seems to me they lose sight of the aid and assistance that God has given us as a people. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, is a distinguishing feature between us and the other denominations; and so sure as they are Babylon, and in the enemy’s hand, the enemy will stir them up to war against us. It looks to me too that the gifts of the church are lost sight of, and are not held in so important a light as they should be, if we give way to so much fear of our becoming Babylon merely by adopting a name. There is confusion in the names already chosen; and if something is not done here, churches will go on choosing different names still. A general name will bring us into unity and not confusion.”

Brother [T. J.] Butler: “The objections which formerly had weight upon my mind, do not now have the weight they had. I think they may be surmounted. What do we profess to be here? Is it not a fact that we profess to be, and are striving to be, that lively material that the apostle speaks of, striving to be built up a holy temple, etc.? This being the fact, what does the Lord himself, the great Framer and Deviser of this building, declare it to be? This same building is declared to be the church of God. If God has named us as parents have a right to name their children, does it not denote a lack of modesty to try to slip out and take no name, or another?”

The discussion on this subject was prolonged till eleven o’clock, when it was voted to adjourn one hour.

Meeting opened by prayer by Brother White and the Chairman. The question was again brought before the meeting, “Shall we adopt some name?” Some who had previously been averse to such a step, here signified their change of opinion, and their readiness to co-operate with their brethren in this course.

Brother [C. W.] Sperry: “It looks to me that it is perfectly right and pleasing to the Lord, if we are not in harmony on this subject, to talk the matter over in the Spirit of the Lord. I have this confidence in the Spirit of the Lord that it will lead us into the same mind and judgment. And these brethren who can see the matter clearly, are prepared to enlighten us who can not see it so plainly. I believe that when we touch the right thing, and move in harmony with the Spirit of God, his blessing will follow our action. My mind was enlightened somewhat this forenoon in regard to it. My prejudices have been great; but in order to get light, I wish to lay my prejudices on the subject on the altar. I hope we shall not be hasty in the matter, but help each other on these points as we did last night. I believe God will give wisdom. I understand that at some time God’s people will have a name; for John saw them having their Father’s name on their foreheads.”

Brother [S. T.] Belden: “Going without a name, would, in my opinion, be like publishing books without titles, or sending out a paper without a heading.”

Brother White followed with remarks apologizing for some of his brethren who seemed to be afraid of a name. He had been in the same position once. In times past when we were comparatively few, he did not see the necessity of any such steps. But now large bodies of intelligent brethren are being raised up, and without some regulation of this kind will be thrown into confusion. He then gave a review of the past, mentioning the opposition which had been manifested by some all the way along, first against publishing a paper, then against issuing pamphlets, then against having an office, then against the sale of publications, then against church order, then against having a power press. It had been hard to bring the minds of some of the brethren to the necessity of these things; but they had all been essential to the prosperity of the cause. He thought the opposition to the steps proposed of the same nature precisely.

The question, “Shall we adopt a name?” was then called for. The motion was put and carried. None dissented, though a few declined to vote.

Brother Ingraham remarked that though he did not feel perfectly clear, he was so far inclined to the position taken, that if compelled to vote, he should vote in favor of a name.

Having voted to adopt a name, the discussion now turned on what that name should be. The name Church of God was proposed and zealously advocated by some. It was objected that that name was already in use by some denominations, and on this account, was indefinite, besides having to the world an appearance of presumption. Brother White remarked that the name taken should be one which would be the least objectionable to the world at large. The name Seventh-day Adventists, was proposed as a simple name, and one expressive of our faith and position. After some further remarks, Brother Hewitt offered the following resolution:—

Resolved, That we take the name of Seventh-day Adventists.

This resolution was freely discussed, but was finally withdrawn to make room for the following from Brother Poole:—

Resolved, That we call ourselves Seventh-day Adventists.

After a somewhat lengthy discussion, the question was called for, and the resolution adopted, Brother Butler dissenting, and Brethren Lawrence, Sperry, Andrews, and Ingraham not voting. On explanation that this resolution had reference only to those present, Brother Sperry gave his vote in favor of the resolution, and Brother Andrews signified his assent to the same.

Moved, by Brother Hull, that we recommend the name we have chosen to the churches generally. Carried, Brother Butler dissenting.—Review and Herald, Vol. XVII, pages 178, 179.

This decision settled the question that had troubled the leaders for a long time; namely, whether or not this people should be designated by some name, and if so, what that name should be. The name selected — Seventh-day Adventists — seems to have been made, coined, or invented during the Council. This is the first time it appears to have been used by any of our people. It can not be found in any of our papers nor other literature previous to the publication of the report of these proceedings. From the minutes, it would seem that Elder James White suggested the name.

The spirit of prophecy bears this testimony in behalf of our name which was chosen as described above:—

I was shown in regard to the remnant people of God taking a name. . . . No name which we can take will be appropriate but that which accords with our profession and expresses our faith and marks us a peculiar people. . . . The name Seventh-day Adventist carries the true features of our faith in front, and will convict the inquiring mind. Like an arrow from the Lord’s quiver, it will wound the transgressors of God’s law, and will lead to repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, pages 223, 224, first published in 1861.

A. G. DANIELLS.

Is This the Loud Cry?

By I. H. Evans

“AND the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice.” Every believer in what is known as the third angel's message, has looked forward to the time when the message represented by the third angel should go with a loud voice to all the world. It is true that many years ago our people had but little idea of the magnitude of the work represented by this angel. Early in our denominational history we did not fully appreciate the extent to which the third angel's message would be preached in other lands than the United States of America. Still, every true Seventh-day Adventist believed, however indefinite his ideas may have been, that the work of the third angel was to extend to every nation under heaven.

When we go back to the year 1874, we find that our first missionary was sent to Europe. From that time forward our work in that country has steadily grown until to-day Europe has fifteen organized local conferences, three organized union conferences, and twenty mission fields. There are already more than ten thousand Sabbath-keepers scattered throughout the European territory who are paying an annual tithe of more than one hundred thousand dollars. These Sabbath-keepers are contributing about twenty-five thousand per annum to mission fields aside from their tithes. We have in this territory large institutions representing the investment of many thousands of dollars. In Great Britain we have a printing plant known as the International Tract Society, Limited, which has an investment of nearly fifty thousand dollars. We are operating two sanitariums in Great Britain.

A new site for the publishing house and a permanent location for the school has been purchased and suitable buildings must be erected. All this means much to the growth and progress of our work in that field. The printing plant located at Hamburg, Germany, is issuing vast quantities of literature, making an annual net profit of from five thousand dollars to ten thousand dollars.

This surplus of earnings is voted each year to the extension of our missionary work in other lands, and the bringing out of new literature. A school and sanitarium have been built at the cost of many thousands of dollars, at Friedensau, Germany, giving our work a standing in that country such as it could not have had without these institutions. Then we have a sanitarium at Skodsborg, Denmark, and another at Frederikshavn, Denmark, while our people are quite familiar with the printing plant that has existed for many years at Christiania, Norway. Sweden has a school, and also operates a small printing business at Stockholm. Finland and Iceland are scattering considerable quantities of literature in the languages spoken in those countries. At Gland, Switzerland, we have another institution representing the investment of thousands of dollars.

Up to the present time there has never been a general council of the Conference Committee in Europe. We have had many such councils and committees in the United States. Generally our European brethren are invited to send delegates to our General Conferences and General Conference Committee sessions held in this country. A few years ago, several of the General Conference men went over to Europe and made a short visit to the various institutions, and brought back most cheering reports of the growth and progress of the work in that field. From that time forward our work has taken on a new missionary spirit in this country, and our local and union conferences have been generous with their funds, for the advancement of our work in other lands.

It seems that the time has come when this large constituency contributing so much of their money for the advancement of the work, should have some of the councils of our General Conference Committee held in their midst. After much prayer and consideration, the General Conference Committee decided it was their duty to call the spring session of the General Conference Committee this year in Europe.

Again, it has been earnestly urged that many of the workers in the European field have never had the privilege of meeting in general council. They have come into the truth in the territories where they are laboring and have never been in attendance at one of our general meetings. It was thought that it would be very helpful for these laborers to attend a General Conference Council.

The expense of bringing these workers to the States would be great, while a few of our leading workers can go over there for a small outlay.

About April 6-10, a number of the members of the General Conference Committee will sail for Europe, spending a few days in England, visiting institutions in that country, when they will pass on to Skodsborg and Copenhagen, Denmark. There they will remain about three days, and will then proceed to Hamburg and Friedensau, the German centers, spending in the neighborhood of five days there. Then they will go to Gland, Switzerland, where our new sanitarium is located, and hold a two-weeks' meeting. This council will be attended by representatives from the conferences and missions in Europe. It is planned that Elder G. A. Irwin, vice-president of the General Conference, who has been in Australia and Africa this last fall and winter, will attend this council. Prof. W. W. Prescott and Elder G. B. Thompson, will return from their work in the Orient, and bring reports concerning the growth, progress, and needs of our work in these fields.

The council in Europe will be one of the most important that has ever taken place in behalf of our work in other lands. It is indeed an international council of many of our leading workers, and means much to the progress of our work in days to come. We bespeak for this important meeting the prayers of our people everywhere that the Lord in his mercy will give his servants wisdom to rise to the greatness of the work before them, and to understand what ought to be done in these times.

We are sure our people everywhere will rejoice at the wonderful growth and progress of the third angel's message. Is it not true that we are in the days of the ‘loud cry’ of this message? Almost every nation under heaven has been entered. Missions are established in all the leading countries of the world, and many of these mission stations have grown into organized conferences, and these fields in turn are contributing thousands and tens of thousands of dollars for the upbuilding of the work in all parts of the world. When we think of the various enterprises that have been established, the number of Sabbath-keepers scattered throughout the world, the number of missionaries who are preaching the truth and scattering the printed page, the schools that are giving a training to nearly ten thousand of our children, directing all their energies for this specific work, does it not indeed seem that the loud cry of the third angel's message is at hand? It is not a time for discouragement or complaint, but for faith to lay hold of the promises of God that we may arise and give this message to the world in this generation.

Our people will watch with interest the reports that will come from the council in Europe, and look with longing desire for enlarged plans and a rapid extension of the work.

I. H. EVANS.

“Ye Have Done It Unto Me!”

By H. W. Cottrell

The Collection of April 6

CHRISTIANS can not pass carelessly by the aged fathers and mothers in Israel, who may have been less fortunate than themselves in accumulating property, and retaining it for self-support in their declining days. Neither can we as Christians afford to neglect to provide for the tender lambs of the flocks — the fatherless and motherless little ones in the church of Christ to-day.

It may be that there is a providence in our having among us the destitute aged and the helpless orphans. Their crying need for financial aid and home sympathy tests the generosity and love of professed Seventh-day Adventists. Have we not from every outward appearance given up all for Christ and present truth for this hour? Christ says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Again, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.”

At the general council held at Washington, D. C., last spring, it was decided to make a general call to our people in the United States, Sabbath, April 6, 1907, for the above-mentioned interests. Will not each Seventh-day Adventist who can do so esteem it a privilege to act his part in contributing to this important interest, and thus all working unitedly make a generous offering of many thousand dollars to the Lord.

It was the decision of the Washington council that henceforth all money contributed for the aged and orphans should be retained by the several union conferences from which it was contributed, and sacredly devoted to the work for which it was designed. The several union conference executives will have in charge the distribution of the funds. The president of each local conference, together with the leading men in the various local conferences, compose the union conference executive committee which will direct in the use of the offering.

For many years before the decease of Elder James White he was greatly exercised over the question of providing for the aged and orphans among us. Finally a home for aged was established at Battle Creek, Mich., which was called “The James White Memorial Home.” An orphanage was also established at Battle Creek, both of which have been diverted in a technical, legal way from denominational ownership and control, hence the need of our coming to the relief of the helpless of our people at once. “Ye have the poor always with you.”

H. W. COTTRELL.

Pres. Pacific Union Conference.

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