FOLLOWING what we believe to be the leading of the Lord, and in harmony with the action of the General Conference Committee at Loma Linda, Cal., we decided to leave the scene of our labors for the past few years, and devote our lives to carrying this glorious message to the Karens of Burma. So we said good-by to our many friends and loved ones in California, and came to Washington, D. C.
Knowing that the Seminary was closed for the summer, we did not at first see much light in the request of the brethren that we come here instead of sailing direct to Burma from San Francisco, as we had hoped to do. However, the17good Lord brought us safely on our way; and during the journey we had several opportunities to speak for Jesus, and to give out some of our truth-filled magazines and tracts.
July 28 we entered upon our duties at the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary. One day was sufficient to convince us of the wisdom of the committee in planning to have us come here first. We are very thankful that we came, even though our stay will be short. It is a real inspiration to us to become acquainted with the officers of the Mission Board. We see also the hand of God in the removal of the headquarters of our work to Washington. There is probably not another city in America where the educational advantages are as good from the standpoint of our work as they are here. To illustrate: We are studying tropical diseases, and we go to the National Medical Museum to study the specimens there. This museum has the finest collection of its kind in America. The wax productions of various parts of the human anatomy showing the diseased conditions, are marvels of workmanship. The Seminary itself has an excellent library, and in the city the student has access to the famous Congressional Library.
The fact that it is vacation time has not hindered our work. On the contrary, we get more individual attention than if school were in session. Able instruction may be received here the year round from men who have done successful work in the mission field.
A brief word about the new dispensary and city mission in the slums of Washington, will doubtless be of interest to all our people. Our workers from the mission fields tell us that the conditions met in and around the dispensary are very similar to what we shall meet in the mission field. The institution has been opened only a short time, but when the hour comes for the clinic, from twenty to thirty persons, mostly colored, are waiting. They are taken in turn, examined, treated, admonished, and encouraged. It is a blessed work, and we believe that the smile of Jesus rests upon it. They come by scores (hundreds have already been treated), sick, diseased, wretched, and miserable. Not a harsh word is spoken to any. They get nothing but love and sympathy. The doctors and nurses alike, treat them all with the same kindness and consideration that would be extended if they were paying liberally for treatment. Already a profound impression for good is being made upon these people. They are seeing a new light; some will surely respond to it, and finally unite with us in the song of the redeemed around the throne of God. We are in love with this work, and always feel a pang of regret when the last patient passes out for the day. Some are being treated that have been turned away from other medical institutions in Washington to which they applied for admission. How we wish we could take these poor, wretched people, and bear them in our arms to Jesus, and hear him say to them, "Thy sins be forgiven thee;" "Be thou whole;" "Go and sin no more."
Our impressions of the Seminary and the plan of the General Conference in its operation are very favorable. The spirit of missions seems to be in the air. There is manifested an unselfish interest on the part of the ministers, teachers, doctors, and nurses to give us every opportunity to learn. The school is admirably adapted to do the work for which it was established. It specializes in Bible study, missions, medical missionary training, and practical training for ministers, Bible workers, and colporteurs. It is especially adapted to the needs of mature persons who want a thorough course in the fundamentals of the message, whether they are going to foreign fields or not. It would greatly advance our evangelistic work at home, we believe, if many young ministers and Bible workers would spend some time here. Persons of some experience in Christian work who have recently accepted the truth, find here just what they need to acquaint them with the great principles of the advent message and with our denominational organization and work. We had the pleasure of meeting Elder and Mrs. M. D. Wood, who recently embraced our faith, and have been studying here the past year. Brother and Sister Wood were for many years missionaries in India, and are about to return there to carry the additional light they have received.
We are made glad to see what we have seen, and our hearts are made tender as we look over the past and think of the Christian love and kindness extended to us by our beloved fellow laborers and people in California, and then come and find the same sweet spirit at work in the hearts of God's people here in Washington. We love this cause and people. We are determined by his grace to join in the anthems of the redeemed in that day when Christ shall be to each one of us, forever, our exceeding great reward.
MR. AND MRS. G. A. HAMILTON.
The Kansas (Colored) Camp-Meeting
By J. W. Dancer
This meeting was held in the city of Little Rock, July 11-21. The attendance of our people was quite good. As the camp-meeting for the white people convened in this city at the same time, we were favored with a sermon or other instruction by one of the white ministers nearly every day at either eleven or three o'clock, and also at two of the evening meetings. The message given afforded "meat in due season" to those not of the faith.
I might especially mention the evening Elder G. F. Watson, our union conference president, and his son, spent with us. The sermon on "The Saints' Inheritance" was delivered in the power of the Spirit. When Elder Watson invited those who desired to obey the Lord to take the front seat, two, a man and his wife, came forward. Prayer was then offered that the Lord might grant them power to continue in the faith. The songs rendered by Elder Watson and his son were very pleasing.
Our believers contributed quite liberally to the calls, both local and general, as far as their circumstances would allow.
The last Sabbath of the meeting was a blessed day. On this day the ordinances were celebrated. These were especially enjoyed by those who, because of isolation, do not often have this opportunity.
The Sabbath following the close of the camp-meeting, a church of eight members was organized in this city. Elder J. W. Norwood, assisted by other ministers, perfected the organization.
J. W. DANCER.
Chicago, Ill.
By K. C. Russell
It has been previously announced in the columns of this paper that the writer has been released from the secretaryship of the Religious Liberty Department of the General Conference for the purpose of engaging in evangelistic work in some of the large cities of this country. Owing to the need of more evangelistic work being done in the city of Chicago, it was recommended by the General Conference Committee that I begin my work here.
In harmony with this recommendation I reached Chicago June 11, and proceeded at once, in company with others, to find a site upon which to locate the tent. Much time and effort were consumed in getting a desirable lot, but one was obtained in Austin, one of the finest suburbs on the western side of Chicago. For many years previous to the time that Austin became a part of the city of Chicago, it maintained strong prohibitory laws against the liquor traffic; and when it was finally made a part of the city, it was upon the condition that its prohibition ordinances would be continued.
Our location is on Chicago and Laurel Avenues, Chicago Avenue being one of the principal thoroughfares of the city, where thousands of persons daily pass on the street-cars. As we are some distance from any of our churches, but few of our people attend; hence our audiences are almost wholly composed of those not of our faith. We have not had any overflow congregations, but have had a good, substantial attendance of an intelligent class of people. When we introduced the Sabbath question last Sunday night, we had a congregation of between three hundred and four hundred, notwithstanding the fact that the evening was uncomfortably cool. Two began the observance of the Sabbath before we had presented it from the pulpit; and we found another person, who had previously been a Roman Catholic, observing the Sabbath, a knowledge of which she had obtained from her personal study of the question. There are a number of deeply interested persons in attendance who, we have faith to believe, will take their stand for the truth.
Whatever success may attend our work here must be at least partially attributed to the earnest prayers of the consecrated members of our churches. For in harmony with the instructions given in "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. VI, pages 80, 81, we have appealed to our churches in Chicago to unite in prayer between the hours of twelve and one each day for the success of the tent efforts in this city. This instruction is as follows:—
"It is by no casual, accidental touch that wealthy, world-loving, world-worshiping souls can be drawn to Christ. . . . We should hold convocations for prayer, asking the Lord to open the way for the truth to enter the strongholds where Satan has set up his throne, and dispel the shadow he has cast athwart the pathway of those whom he is seeking to deceive and destroy. We have the assurance, 'The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' James 5:16. Solicit prayers for the souls for whom you labor; present them before the church as subjects for their supplication. It will be just what the members of the church need, to have their minds called from their petty difficulties. . . . Select another and still another soul. . . . As you do this, God will give you the Holy Spirit to convict and convert the soul."
We have endeavored to follow the most approved and up-to-date methods in conducting our meetings. We have aimed to advertise in a dignified and attractive way, using folders and cards neatly printed on good material, but not copiously illustrated. Besides, we have two large printed signs giving the location of our tent and the time of our services. One of these is displayed near the center of this section of the city, adjacent to a park where thousands of persons assemble from time to time, and where multitudes of others can see it as they go to and from the steam railroad, the elevated and the surface street-car station.
Our meetings are also advertised by means of large bulletin-boards, upon which the subjects for each day are painted in large letters. In addition to these means we have access to three weekly papers, in which our weekly programs have been published, so far, free of charge.
Our daily program is as follows: Breakfast at 7:30 A. M.; workers' meeting at 9, at which every worker is expected to be present, and which consists of a study of the Bible and the Testimonies, methods of labor, and planning for the work of the day; house-to-house visitation from 10 to 12; dinner at 12:30; house-to-house visitation from 2 to 5 P. M.; prayer for the evening service, and brief reports of the work for the day at 7.18
The weekly program of public meetings consists of preaching every evening, except Saturday, and on Sunday at 3 P. M. Besides these services we have children's meeting at 5 P. M., Sunday; school of health, Monday, at 3:30 P. M., conducted by Lauretta Kress, M. D.; public Bible readings, Wednesday and Sabbath at 3:30 P. M.
The school of health conducted each Monday afternoon, and the gospel of health lecture delivered each evening of the same day by Dr. D. H. Kress, are of more than ordinary interest to the people. We are confident that this feature of the work should constitute a part of every series of tent-meetings.
Our company is of good courage, and we most earnestly desire the prayers of our people in behalf of the work in this great city. K. C. RUSSELL.
Medical Missionary Department
By L. A. Hansen
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
GEorge Thomason, M. D. - - - - Secretary
L. A. Hansen - - - - - - - Assistant Secretary
The Graysville (Tenn.) Sanitarium
THIS institution is one that has seen considerable struggle in its development. Having been started with limited means, it was for some time compelled to carry forward its work with incomplete equipment. Away from centers of traffic, located near a small village, it does not have the advantage of publicity that it might otherwise have. Its location is none the less suited to its work. In fact, it is favored with many unusual natural advantages. Were the sanitarium well known, its natural location would attract patronage.
A good support from a cultured class of people has at various times been shown the institution. But the patronage has not been continuous, there having been periods when it was very low. This has, of course, told on the institution. It has also seemed advisable to make several changes in the managing force of the sanitarium, resulting unfavorably, in some respects, to a steady and normal growth of its work.
At the present time, the institution is well prepared to care for patients. The equipment is good, and the accommodations all that need be. An efficient staff of workers, now headed by Dr. M. M. Martinson, who was connected with the work at the first, has oversight of the work. Dr. Martinson holds the confidence of all who know him as an excellent physician and skilled surgeon. His wide practise and his general practical experience give him qualifications well suited to his present work. He is assisted by his wife, Dr. Stella Martinson. She also holds a reputation as an able physician.
With the good preparation that this sanitarium has for doing satisfactory service, it should have a larger patronage than it has had of late. In this our own people can be of great help. Send for advertising literature, and make use of it. Talk to others about the excellent facilities and advantages of the institution. Sell "Ministry of Healing," and help to bring some of the many good results that will come in that way. Recognize the obligation and privilege of supporting the institution in every way possible.
Those who have visited the Graysville Sanitarium will agree that a more beautiful location would be hard to find. A good climate prevails. Many from distant points would find benefit by a stay at this quiet mountain retreat. We bespeak for it an earnest support by all its friends.
L. A. H.
Sanitarium News Notes
By Editor
THE following items have been gathered from various sources, and are here given with the idea that others will be interested to know of the good progress that is attending some of our sanitariums. Some of our medical workers are faithful in reporting, and it is from these particularly that we can get items to pass on to others. It would, no doubt, be mutually helpful if our people could know more of what is being accomplished by our sanitariums. Union conference papers are glad to publish items, and the readers are interested in them, and the institutions would thus become better known.
Many will be especially interested in the good news that comes from the Nashville (Tenn.) Sanitarium. While but a few months ago conditions were so discouraging as to warrant, in the minds of many, closing the institution, it now reports prosperous conditions. It is a problem how to accommodate all who come. Men and women of intelligence and of business and social influence are showing a most hearty support. Satisfied patients return home and send other patients, thus spreading a favorable knowledge of the institution. Some effective advertising has been done, and no doubt it shared in the upbuilding of the work. Our own people are cooperating actively in the distribution of advertising matter, and are helping effectively by their prayers. Probably no more striking illustration has been seen among us of what can be done to help a sinking institution by a full cooperation of all than has been seen in this instance. Conferences have taken hold earnestly, churches and individuals have given help, and the management and workers of the sanitarium have done their part. Results must come from such work, and the Nashville Sanitarium is reaping the fruit of this effort.
PROSPERITY is attending the New England Sanitarium at Melrose, Mass. The capacity of the building has been taxed a number of times this season, with several rooms occupied by two guests, and with some guests rooming outside of the main building. The outside health missionary work has been productive of excellent results. In the institution there is also a marked missionary spirit. The sanitarium young people have been organized into a mission band, about twenty-five of them signifying their willingness to go to any field to which the Lord may call them.
DR. J. D. SHIVELY is now the medical superintendent of the Nebraska Sanitarium at College View, Nebr. His long and practical sanitarium experience, and his established reputation as a surgeon, qualify him for entering readily upon institutional duties. Dr. Eva Shively connects with the institution as lady physician. As these doctors were formerly in charge of the medical work of the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium, an institution of the same union conference, they are already at home as to location and people.
DR. ORVILLE ROCKWELL, former superintendent of the Nebraska Sanitarium, connects with the medical staff of the Long Beach (Cal.) Sanitarium. His four and one-half years' faithful service in the former place has been appreciated, and his release comes at his own request.
THE Nebraska Sanitarium at Hastings, also reports a liberal patronage. A number of heavy surgical cases have received attention. Among recent construction improvements are the fire-escapes and an electric elevator. A new training class of carefully selected students is just beginning study.
THE Kansas Sanitarium has seen some very encouraging fruit of spiritual labor. Individuals of prominence have been reached, even to a full acceptance of the truth. Cooperation on the part of the local church helps to carry forward this work. The management is intent on making the work of the institution a strong factor for thorough missionary effort. A favorable and appreciative patronage is seen.
THE Madison (Wis.) Sanitarium has had a house full of patients at times this season. Considerable surgical work has been done, the patients making good recovery. A number of the lady nurses have been selling Life and Health and distributing advertising matter. Some much-needed improvements have recently been made in the buildings. Great care is being exercised in the outlay of means. Material help is coming in from the sale of "Ministry of Healing."
THE Wabash Valley Sanitarium, La Fayette, Ind., has enjoyed an unusually good patronage this summer, the main building and cottages having been filled and a number of tents brought into use. Several patients have come regularly from the city for treatments. Critical surgical operations have been performed with favorable outcome. A substantial interest is shown in the institution by our own people. The sanitarium makes frequent reports through the union conference paper, thus securing a closer touch with our people.
THE Portland (Oregon) Sanitarium has seen the banner week of its history this season. Several prominent persons have been numbered with the patients. A feature of special interest is the spirit of labor seen among the nurses for the salvation of souls. Precious results have followed. Three patients decided recently to follow the Lord by fully accepting the truth. This sanitarium makes frequent reports in the union conference paper, thus giving its constituency due information.
THE Walla Walla (Wash.) Sanitarium reports a season of excellent patronage, the institution having been taxed at times to find room for all its patients.19
A spirit of harmony prevails in the family, with a good interest in missionary work for others. Within three months four persons have begun the observance of the Sabbath. Many of the patrons are Sabbath-keepers, showing a confidence on the part of our own people in the sanitarium. John Reith, M. D., is now fully installed as house physician. The doctor was one of the few applicants who successfully passed the recent State board examination.
THE Kansas City (Mo.) Sanitarium, owned and operated by Dr. G. A. Droll, is having an encouraging patronage. The doctor is active in local church work, bearing official responsibilities, and also making a special effort by Sunday night temperance lectures. Promising results are seen in the wide field of usefulness that presents itself.
E. DOLPHUS HAYSMER, M. D., has been appointed medical superintendent of the Huntsville (Ala.) Sanitarium, filling the vacancy made by the removal of Dr. M. M. Martinson to Graysville, Tenn.
A CLERGYMAN guest of the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium was presented with a copy of "Ministry of Healing" by the workers of the dining-room. The man was much affected by it, and with tears in his eyes said: "I never heard of such a thing! I understand that things are reversed here. You are giving me something. Usually we expect to give the waiters tips. I'll read every word of the book." The weekly prayer-meeting is well attended. Patients testify to the spiritual benefits received at the institution. Great appreciation is expressed for the privilege of association with the sanitarium and a knowledge of the work. Many prominent persons are numbered among its guests.
Gospel Workers' Department
By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells
Their divine calling, qualification, and preparation. Methods of labor, plans, etc.
Conducted by A. G. Daniells
The Call to the Gospel Ministry
Some Valuable Quotations
IN last week's REVIEW we gave a number of selections from various writers regarding "The Call to the Gospel Ministry." This week a few quotations are given on the evidence all may have that the call is from God.
How Does This Call Come? and How May It Be Known That It Is From God?
"If there is this special call of God to the ministry, how is this call certified to the individual?
"The first element in the certification is the conviction that one ought to preach the gospel.
"This sense of duty or prevailing feeling of obligation is vital. . . . No man should dare be guilty of stepping toward the Christian ministry whose mind is a blank concerning this matter, so far as a sense of obligation goes. In any case, and for any occasion, the conviction should be lodged more or less clearly in the consciousness. The direct and efficient cause of the conviction is the Holy Ghost. The occasions, coincident with the conviction and leading to it, may be various, as used by the Spirit. Favoring circumstances, sense of adaptation, considerations of usefulness, providential indications,—these may be incidents and attendants instrumental. But these are not the call, nor are they the efficient cause of the conviction."—The Ideal Ministry, page 113.
"It was not Paul's fitness, or taste, or circumstances, or any consideration of greater usefulness, that based his 'Woe is me.' It was God's call,—I must preach.
"A second element certifying to the divine call is the desire to preach the gospel. This may antedate conviction, or it may follow. The desire may be present when there is great doubt as to fitness, or when circumstances may seem to hedge up the way. When it exists and continues, without any conviction, and the man enters the ministry with no profound feeling of duty, then it befits the candidate to consider whether the desire is not born of selfishness and the devil, instead of love to God."—Id., page 114.
"A third element certifying to the divine call is the possession of the natural physical and mental qualifications. Any serious defect of voice, unfitting for effective public speaking, any serious bodily infirmity, any looseness of mental machinery, constituting a radical and incurable defect, should be evidence that the following of some other pursuit would be more likely to honor God and to be in the line of his purpose.
"A fourth element certifying to the divine call, is the approving judgment of the church. This publicly corroborates and authenticates individual conviction. It is certainly an element of considerable importance in defining and settling one's duty. For the personal judgment may be blind and partial. There may be a sense of conviction, and an honest, earnest desire, along with real unfitness, because of mental defect or idiosyncrasy. And this defect may not be patent to the candidate, though very plain to others. Duty in such case is imperative. The church should deal kindly, but frankly with the candidate, and make known the adverse judgment.
"This adverse judgment should suggest a doubt of fitness, beyond all question, and lead to a careful reexamination of the grounds of the conviction that one ought to preach, and of the motives prompting the desire to preach. . . .
"Thoroughly possess a man with the conviction that he has been summoned to preach the gospel by a direct divine agency, moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon himself the office of a bishop, and it can not fail of spiritualizing all his activities and uplifting his whole life. If he feels that God has called him into the ministry in a way in which men are called to no other pursuit, then at once and forever it is to him a peculiarly sacred, divine work, not to be undertaken and prosecuted save with an active and absolute consecration, and to be secularized or made subservient to selfish interests or ambitions at the peril of his soul."—Id., pages 115, 116.
"And what patience, what courage, what steadfastness, what power, must be born of the conviction of being called of God! He who can say, 'Lord, I heard thy call. It was thou that didst send me.'—what can he fear to do or dare or suffer!"—Id., page 117.
"This call and consciousness of God is essential to a man at the outset of his ministry. Unless he has it, he had better not start out. The ministry is a vocation, not a profession. 'Wherefore wilt thou run, . . . seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?'
"But it is also essential when the man is actually at his work. The church can only echo and authenticate the call, and unless the minister is ever conscious that he is where and what he is because God has called, placed, and equipped him, his ministry must necessarily suffer in power and blessing.
"And, not least of all, this consciousness of a divine vocation is essential all through a minister's life. We must keep in touch with God. Only thus shall we preserve our freshness, and not grow stale. Only thus shall we keep our glow, and never become dull. Only thus shall we walk, and not faint. People are quick to see both the presence and the absence of this divine consciousness in their clergyman's life."—The Work of the Ministry, by W. H. Griffith Thomas, D. D., page 6.
The Evidence One Should Give to Others of His Call to the Ministry
"But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." 2 Tim. 4:5.
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." 1 Cor. 9:1, 2.
"But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles)." Gal. 2:7, 8.
"The conversion of sinners and their sanctification through the truth is the strongest proof a minister can have that God has called him to the ministry. The evidence of his apostleship is written upon the hearts of those converted, and is witnessed to by their renewed lives. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. A minister is greatly strengthened by these seals of his ministry."—Acts of the Apostles, page 328.
The Bible Survives Its Critics
Bishop Quayle says: "The Bible allows itself to be destroyed with impunity. It has no apparent thought for self-preservation. All kinds of men have done it to death. Sapient critics have shot it full of holes, and cheered themselves in their inglorious task; and then the Bible went straight on, gloriously on. While the Bible was being destroyed, pared away, by naturalists, it was published in more tongues, read by more eyes, leaned over by more hearts, thanked God for by more converts, than in all the years past. God's Word, God's church, God's day, will stand while eternity stays on its feet."
Kindness to Animals as Education
"Kindness to animals is not a mere sentiment, but a requisite of even a very ordinary education. Nothing in arithmetic or grammar is so important for a child to learn as humaneness. As a discipline it is most valuable."
Sunday Closing of Post-Offices
By Editor
After being in the hands of the Committee on Post-offices and Post-roads for some weeks, the Post-office Appropriation Bill has been reported to the Senate. The bill, as passed by the House, contained the following proviso:—
"*Provided, That hereafter post-offices of the first and second classes shall not be opened on Sundays for the purpose of delivering mail to the general public. But this provision shall not prevent the prompt delivery of special-delivery mail."
As has already been reported in these columns, an effort was made to secure a hearing upon this subject, but without success. A statement, however, was submitted, setting forth the reasons for opposition to this proviso, but in submitting the bill to the Senate, the committee, in its accompanying report, took pains to recommend that this proviso be retained. We quote from its report:—
"In making appropriations for the compensation of postmasters and clerks, the House bill provides that post-offices of the first and second classes shall not be open on Sunday, but that this provision shall not prevent the prompt delivery of special-delivery mail. The Senate committee joins in recommending the adoption of this provision.
"While it is true that Sunday closing of post-offices of the third and fourth classes would greatly inconvenience the people in rural communities who are accustomed to go to town on Sundays and get their mail, this inconvenience is not felt by patrons of first- and second-class offices, who are almost entirely residents of cities. In a large number of first- and second-class offices the distribution and delivery of mail either at windows or from boxes has been discontinued already and without any material complaint from the people.
"It has been suggested by some that the provision be changed so as to permit the delivery of mail for one hour or for delivery of mail through boxes on Sunday, but on a moment's reflection it will be readily apparent that the delivery of any portion of the mail for any portion of the day necessitates handling and distributing the entire mail, and, consequently, the employment of a considerable number of clerks, thus defeating the purpose to be accomplished. We believe that so long as the law applies to all alike, and does not permit one man to secure his mail while denying it to others, this provision, which insures post-office clerks one day's rest in seven, is a wise one, and should be adopted. Senders of mail reaching its destination on Sunday can insure prompt delivery by affixing a special-delivery stamp."
As soon as this report was laid before the Senate, a letter was prepared and sent to each senator, stating in a brief form the grounds of objection to this proviso. The body of the letter follows:—
"The Post-office Appropriation Bill, now before the Senate, contains the following proviso:—
"*Provided, That hereafter post-offices of the first and second classes shall not be opened on Sundays for the purpose of delivering mail to the general public. But this provision shall not prevent the prompt delivery of special-delivery mail.'
"In behalf of this association, I beg to submit the following reasons why we are opposed to this proviso, and request that you use your influence to have it eliminated from the bill.
"1. The proposed legislation is unnecessary. As pertinent to this case we quote from the report adopted by the Senate in 1829, in reply to petitioners who asked that the mail service should be discontinued on Sunday:—
"‘It is the opinion of the committee that the subject should be regarded simply as a question of expediency, irrespective of its religious bearing. In this light it has hitherto been considered.21Congress has never legislated upon the subject. It rests, as it ever has done, in the legal discretion of the Postmaster-General, under the repeated refusals of Congress to discontinue the Sabbath mails. His knowledge and judgment in all the concerns of that department will not be questioned.’—American State Papers, page 240.
"We wish it to be clearly understood that we are in favor of the observance of the Bible Sabbath, and are not urging that employees of any service be required to work seven days in the week; but we believe that this whole matter ought to be left within the discretion of the Postmaster-General. If he should decide to direct that post-offices be closed on Sunday, we should make no protest.
"2. The proposed legislation would violate a precedent which has been followed for over a century.
"Congress has thus far consistently refused to legislate upon the question of Sunday rest, and we urge that it should not now depart from this wise and well-established principle.
"3. This proposed legislation will commit Congress, to a certain extent, to taking sides in a religious controversy. This is the position maintained in the House Report of 1830 on Sunday Mails as stated in these words:—
"‘If Congress shall, by the authority of law, sanction the measure recommended, it would constitute a legislative decision of a religious controversy, in which even Christians themselves are at issue.’—Id., page 250.
"The designation of Sunday as a day of rest in the Post-office Department makes a distinction between that day and other days of the week, which, in the last analysis, is based upon the supposedly religious character of the day. In view of the difference of opinion which exists as to which day is the Sabbath, it would be highly proper for Congress to refrain from any legislation which could be cited as tending to settle this question, or could be appealed to as a precedent for a law requiring Sunday rest.
"I hope the reasons here given will be deemed by you sufficient to warrant you in making an effort to have this proviso stricken from the Post-office Bill."
The most of the replies received to this letter were of a mere formal nature, but one senator expressed himself as being in hearty accord with our position.
At the present writing, the bill is still before the Senate, but inasmuch as it is one of the large appropriation bills, it must be acted upon before adjournment.