p. 17 | Review and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 40. (8/12/1915)

Earlier text: In the Punjab, North India

In French Quebec

By Jean Vuillefumier

MONTREAL has just witnessed a reproduction on a small scale of the festivities of the 1910 Eucharistic Congress. Twenty-five bishops and archbishops and two thousand priests are said to have attended the congress. The lectures were for the priests only, and were given in both French and English in separate halls. But there were special evening services in many churches in the city, at which some distinguished guests officiated.

On the second day, in the forenoon, an open-air mass was celebrated on the grassy embankments of Mount Royal. It was, of course, a gorgeous affair. Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Begin, of Quebec, surrounded by the bishops and archbishops in their purple robes, while he was attired in a fiery-red gown and tall miter. A solemn moment was reached when, at the offering of the host, the signal being given by firearms, thousands of worshippers, estimated at 20,000, fell on their knees, and remained there for several minutes, not a sound being heard.

But pageantry cannot take the place of truth, and many souls here are longing for light. An interesting case of this kind has recently come to our notice. Nearly two years ago a young man chancing to see our French magazine, wrote me for some publications, but did not acknowledge my reply. A few months ago he wrote again, saying that another copy of the magazine had been sold to him, and this time he sent money for some publications.

He explained that his confessor had forbidden him to read our publications, hence his long silence. He added that even now, for conscience’ sake, he could not attend our meetings, but should be glad to talk with me personally on Bible themes. He wrote as follows:—

“The question of the end of time, which until now has been almost rejected, is most interesting to me. The terrific events which are transpiring in Europe seem to wake up the masses from their torpor, and many are asking if this is not the end. ‘On all sides, in spite of the general indifference and iniquity, we hear people say that this great war is the war of the end. They are mistaken in this view, this is only a preparation for it. But we see that people are waking up a little.

“At the present time, French papers are filled with all kinds of more or less authentic prophecies on the war. Many leading thinkers feel that the end is not far. The last day cannot always be postponed. Says Mohammed, ‘The hour of the end will come, there is no doubt of it,and yet most men do not believe it.’” — The Koran 40:61.

“Anyhow, in order to demonstrate the truth of this, we need but to refer to the testimony of the Holy Scriptures, the Fathers of the church, the doctors, important documents of the Middle Ages, the lives of the saints, the Roman liturgy, the apparitions of the most holy Virgin, the scientific data.”

I had several most interesting interviews with this young man, after which, one day, I received from him the following letter:—

“MONTREAL, May 6, 1915. “Sir: Contrary to my desire to continue our Bible studies, I am now obliged to stop all correspondence, talks, and appointments with you on these questions. Considering the fact that you do not belong to our church and do not believe as we do, the ecclesiastical authorities have absolutely forbidden me (to my great amazement) to keep up my talks with you. They have duly warned me that if I did, I should be excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. They have done so in order to save me from error and apostasy. Obeying without a moment’s hesitancy the higher authority, I hereby notify you that henceforth all relations between us will be a thing of the past.

Very obedient servant of His Holiness Benedict XV.

A “higher authority” still, however, has this interesting and honest young man in hand. I have since had two interviews with him. He is as friendly as ever, and has from his own will asked me some very testing questions about the Catholic Church and the history of Protestantism. JEAN VUILLEFUMIER.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Camp Meeting

By B. G. Wilkinson

THE Eastern Pennsylvania Conference held its annual session in connection with its camp meeting, at Allentown, June 17-27. This is the fifth year in succession that the camp meeting has been held on these grounds. Nevertheless the attendance of our brethren was good, a little larger than in previous years. The camp ground in Allentown is an ideal one, yet it is probably not to the best advantage of the conference as a whole to have the camp meeting there each year.

From the first, the Spirit of God was present in the meetings. Elder S. N. Haskell was in attendance throughout, and his labors, especially his early morning talks, were greatly appreciated. The writer arrived about the middle of the camp meeting, with the helpers who came from the West Pennsylvania camp ground. Dr. D. H. Kress was with us, and rendered valuable service; also Elder A. F. Prieger, of Haiti, and Sister Della Burroway, of India. Other union laborers were present, and the labors of all were greatly blessed.

The annual address of the president, Elder H. M. J. Richards, declared an increase of growth in all departments of the conference during the year 1914. This year noted the increase of the liberality of those who held notes against the conference, and this, together with the liberal donations of others, made possible the wiping out of obligations against the conference, in the form of direct debts, notes, annuities, etc., to the amount of $4,000. There was a splendid financial report, the conference showing all, too, a good increase in both tithes and offerings.

Especially was the influence of the Spirit of God seen in the surrender and consecration of the young people. On the last Sabbath nearly two hundred of them took their places on the rostrum, signifying their intention to surrender their hearts and lives definitely to the service of the Lord. Donations for foreign missions to the amount of $3,500 were taken, practically wiping out the deficit of this conference on the twenty-cent-a-week plan.

Elder H. M. J. Richards was again unanimously elected president of the conference. Practically the same corps of officers as last year was also elected to serve again.

This is a splendid conference. In 1914 three new companies of Sabbath keepers were organized. These are at Lehighton, Blossburg, and Tunkhannock, and will soon be formed into churches. The laborers in this conference baptized 163 persons, 117 of whom accepted the message during the year. Three church buildings were dedicated, one each at Williamsport, Stroudsburg, and Sayre. The Covington church has purchased, at a very reasonable figure, the Presbyterian church of that village; and a new church building is under construction at Blossburg. The Wade church has secured a lot, and made arrangements, whereby they can erect a neat little church. Our brethren at Wilkes-Barre, by a remarkable providence, manifesting itself largely through the kindness of those who are not yet members of the church, find themselves able to contemplate the early building of a house of worship.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, which formerly received an appropriation from the North American Division Conference mission fund to help it in its large city work, is able to report that for 1914 it was self-supporting.

Altogether, the camp meeting was a great blessing to the people of God in this conference. It marked an advance step for this field, and will be a great blessing to the churches throughout this conference for the coming year. B. G. WILKINSON.

Northwestern California Conference Camp Meeting

By J. Adams Stevens

THE first annual camp meeting of the Northwestern California Conference was held at Santa Rosa, June 17-27. Santa Rosa is a city of 12,000 inhabitants, and the camp was located in the residence section, on a plot covered with large trees. Family tents to the number of 110 were pitched, and quite a number secured rooms near by.

Everything was in readiness for first service, and the people came with an earnest purpose to get nearer to God. The Holy Spirit was very markedly present from the beginning. Elder A. G. Daniells had just returned from the Orient, and was with us during the first four days of the meeting. At the eleven o'clock hour on Sabbath he gave a stirring account of the progress of the truth in heathen lands. He told of the imperative need of men and means, and showed that now is the opportune time to gather a glorious harvest. When he made a call for those who were willing to consecrate all, to go or to help others to go, nearly the whole congregation arose.

More than one thousand persons were present at the last Sabbath services. Elder E. E. Andross made an earnest plea for all to surrender wholly to God, and a large part of the audience came forward, many for the first time. Brother C. S. Prout was set apart to the sacred work of the gospel ministry. Elder E. W. Farnsworth offered the prayer, and Elder Andross gave the charge.

Every phase of the work was presented and received appreciative attention. The various calls for offerings met with a generous response. The bookstand reports $646.95 sales. Twenty-eight persons were baptized, and a good interest was aroused in the city. The evening attendance was six to eight hundred. Visiting workers included Elders A. G. Daniells, E. E. Andross, E. W. Farnsworth, J. L. McElhany, W. S. Holbrook, G. W. Reaser, and F. E. Painter, Brother Ernest Lloyd, and Sister Petra Tunheim of Java.

J. ADAMS STEVENS.

Report of the Maritime Camp Meeting

By C. M. Sorenson

THE annual conference and camp meeting of the Maritime Conference were held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 7-13. The meeting of the conference was preceded by a workers' meeting of four days' duration. All the conference laborers, including the colporteurs, attended this meeting. Harmony and unity prevailed as the laborers sought the Lord for his blessing, and studied how they might better carry forward the work.

On Monday morning the conference

opened. The churches were well represented by their delegates and members. Two new churches had been raised up during the year, and were received into the conference.

The treasurer's report showed that the conference had paid in its full share of offerings, and there was a determination to do even better the coming year.

The conference president, Elder M. M. Hare, had been called to bear other responsibilities, and Elder George H. Skinner had been chosen to fill out the unexpired term. Elder Skinner has the confidence of the people and of his laborers, and at this conference was elected president. No important changes in the officers were made, except in the case of Sister Lulu Van Buskirk, who has efficiently served as secretary and treasurer for several years. On account of the state of her health, it was thought best to release her, that she might have the benefit of a more favorable climate for a time.

The Williamsdale Academy is doing good work under the direction of Prof. L. O. Machlan. Steps were taken to install a new water system and make other needed improvements in the school property. Several of the class of this year are working for scholarships, and expect to continue their education at the union conference school at Oshawa, Ontario.

The attendance of the citizens of Halifax was good, and Elder D. J. C. Barrett and a company of helpers are continuing the effort. In addition to the conference laborers, Elder M. M. Campbell, the president of the Eastern Canadian Union, and the writer were present.

C. M. SORENSON.

Wyoming Camp Meeting

By C. S. LONGACRE

The Wyoming annual camp meeting was held on the fairgrounds at Crawford, Nebr., June 3-13. The town does not have many attractions, and consequently the camp meeting was one of the great events of the year for the people of Crawford. Despite the cold and rainy weather, the big tent was packed with attentive listeners every night. Ft. Robinson is about four miles from this town, and many of the soldiers were in attendance every night, and often in the daytime.

About two thirds of the membership of the conference were present, and an excellent spirit prevailed throughout the entire conference and camp meeting. This was particularly manifested in the forward movement of the home missionary work, the liberal offerings for missions, the determination to liquidate the Union College debt by Jan. 1, 1916, and the spirit of revival and consecration. A goodly number were baptized on the last day of the camp meeting.

Elder N. T. Sutton was again elected conference president, and there were practically no changes in the conference and tract society officers. The union conference laborers present were Elders R. A. Underwood and J. W. Christian, Brother J. H. McEachern, and Dr. Anna B. Durrie. The writer was the only general worker in attendance.

The meetings were a great blessing to the town, and it was decided that Elder C. H. Miller should bind off the interest with a tent effort. C. S. LONGACRE.

The 1915 Washington (D. C.) Tent Effort

By R. C. TAYLOR

The meetings are being held in a tent fifty-two by seventy-two feet, located at the corner of Eleventh and C Streets, Southeast, near Lincoln Park, in one of the most desirable sections of the city, and are being conducted by Evangelists R. E. Harter and S. B. Horton. Valuable assistance is rendered by a substantial corps of experienced Bible workers, who call from house to house during the day, distributing announcements of the meetings and giving out personal invitations to attend, followed by special attention to strangers at the tent.

A chorus choir of sixty members, in charge of Brother I. A. Steinel and assisted by the Review and Herald Orchestra, plays a large part in securing the attention of the public and drawing the people to the tent. A half-hour song service is held each evening while the audience is gathering.

The first meeting was held Sunday evening, June 27. The subject “The Crisis of the Ages” was given to an audience of fully one thousand persons. Preliminary subjects were covered during the first week; and on Sunday evening, July 4, the studies on the prophecies of Daniel were begun.

On Tuesday evening, July 6, Elder Horton presented a stereopticon lecture to a congregation numbering more than six hundred, on the meaning of the present war in the light of God's Word, bringing out some vital points which were evidently appreciated by the attentive audience.

On Sunday evening, July 18, Elder Harter spoke to an audience of about eight hundred persons on the subject of “Spiritualism.” The frequent rains have hampered the attendance more or less, but a sincere interest has been manifest from the first, and is increasing daily.

In addition to this effort, Elder J. M. Campbell, in charge of the work among the colored people in Washington, began an effort on July 11, at the corner of Twenty-second and M Streets, Northwest. Elder Campbell has carried the work thus far alone, humanly speaking, and reports a nightly attendance of from three hundred to five hundred, and an excellent spirit and interest among the seriously thinking colored people. Good music contributes very materially to the success of these meetings, and nicely illustrated handbills distributed in the neighborhood during the day, with a cordial invitation to attend, have a large influence in arousing the curiosity of the people and bringing them to the tent.

Work is also progressing in other parts of the District of Columbia Conference. Elder F. E. Gibson, assisted by Brother J. W. Hall, pitched a tent at Rollins Fork, Va., a prettily situated spot in the country about thirteen miles from Colonial Beach, and opened a series of meetings June 20, with an audience of about one hundred and seventy-five. This good attendance has continued through the succeeding evenings, ranging from one hundred to two hundred each night, and a favorable interest has been awakened. Brother Gibson presented the Sabbath question Sunday evening, July 18, to an audience that could not be fully accommodated within the tent. At the end of the four weeks' effort in this new field, the people are voluntarily suggesting the building of a church, one neighbor having offered to donate land in a favorable location and lumber for the building, while several others have expressed a willingness to contribute material and labor that this hope may be realized.

On July 11, Elder W. L. Bird and Brother W. A. Nelson began meetings at Reedville, Va., a coast town of about nine hundred inhabitants. The people there are rather backward about considering our truths, but encouraging meetings are reported for the first week, some of the most prominent people of the town being numbered among the audiences. R. C. TAYLOR.

Dedication of the Jacksonville (Fla.) Church

By O. Montgomery

It was the privilege of the writer, in company with Elder W. H. Heckman, past president of the Florida Conference, to spend Sabbath and Sunday, June 26 and 27, with the church at Jacksonville. The new church building was dedicated Sunday afternoon. The former building had been entirely outgrown by the church, which now numbers ninety-six members, eighteen of whom have been baptized and added to the church during the past year. The old building was moved to the back end of the lot, and was made a part of the new building. The new auditorium will seat about three hundred persons, and is provided with a splendid baptistery. The cost of the new building, including labor, would be $3,500, but by careful management and the donation of labor the cost in actual cash to the church was $1,679.35. A part of this amount was unpaid when we came to the dedication. We presented the matter to the congregation, and in a very little time there was raised in cash and pledges $707.60, which fully provides for the

paying of every dollar of the indebtedness. The Lord's blessing was with us in all the services held, and we feel greatly pleased with the success of the work in Jacksonville.

Elder W. H. Smith and his daughter, Miss Bessie, who is associated with him in Bible work, closed a successful tent effort just before the dedication, as a result of which several precious souls accepted the truth and were added to the church. Elder Smith has now been in charge of the work in Jacksonville two years; and the Lord is blessing his efforts, as is demonstrated by those who are continually coming into the church and by the erecting of this neat and attractive church building.

The work in the city of Jacksonville is an indication of the splendid advancement that is being made throughout the State. O. MONTGOMERY.

Church Dedication at Sayre, Pa.

By C. S. Longacre

THE brethren and sisters of the Sayre Seventh-day Adventist Church are rejoicing over their new church building, which was dedicated Sabbath, May 22, at 2:30 P. M. The church is located in the best section of the town, and is a beautiful building, fittingly representing the exalted character of God's message and truth for this time.

Elder C. S. Baum raised up a company of more than a score of substantial believers, and they immediately set themselves the task of erecting a suitable place of worship. The church building is valued at about $4,000, and most of the work was done by the pastor, C. S. Baum, and by the members and friends of the church. A sufficient amount was raised in cash and pledges to enable them to dedicate the church free of debt.

Elder H. M. J. Richards, the president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, offered the dedicatory prayer, and the writer preached the sermon. The church, which seats about two hundred and fifty, was crowded to the doors. A favorable impression was made upon the strangers present, and we trust that many may soon be added to the church. The church building is so constructed that a good-sized church school can be conducted in its spacious basement, which is well above ground. The interior of the building is finished in mission effect and has an elegant appearance. The accompanying cut shows the outside of the building, which is finished in white pebble dash.

Our prayer is that this church may be a beacon light to guide many weary pilgrims to the eternal haven of peace, and be the means of establishing the faithful in the blessed hope of a soon-coming Saviour. C. S. LONGACRE.

The Anti-Saloon League Convention

By L. A. HANSEN

THE sixteenth biennial convention of the Anti-Saloon League of America, held at Atlantic City, July 6-9, was the largest gathering of protest against the drink evil ever seen. About 10,000 persons met in two large halls on the Million-Dollar Pier, and devoted earnest attention to a program of four days of most serious consideration of the problem of combating the liquor forces.

Leading temperance workers were present from all parts of the country, including many orators of first rank. The set speeches delivered numbered about one hundred. Some of these were masterpieces in oratory, and will add to those holding permanent place in temperance literature. Among the speakers were governors and ex-governors, Senators and ex-Senators, Congressmen and ex-Congressmen, judges, lawyers, physicians, college professors, clergymen, business men, politicians, labor union workers, philanthropists, settlement workers, W. C. T. U. members, and men and women representing all walks of life.

The Catholic Prohibition League, organized a year ago, also held a convention, some of its speakers holding places on the Anti-Saloon League Convention program. Resolutions were adopted, pledging the support of the Catholic League in the work of the Anti-Saloon League, and a committee was appointed to co-operate with it in its campaign.

The speakers from the Catholic League acknowledged that an organized movement for prohibition as represented by the league was a new thing among Catholics. Other speakers expressed their gratification at this addition to the temperance forces, and said that if the question of drink could be rightly settled with the Catholic membership, the problem as a whole would find much readier and easier solution.

The public press was well represented, and gave liberal space to reporting the proceedings. About thirty special corps of respondents for metropolitan papers were on the ground. The press in general received its share of severe scoring from the platform for its support of liquor interests and for carrying liquor advertisements. It was repeatedly stated that much money is expended by the liquor interests in molding public sentiment through newspapers.

The varied program kept the interest at the full entire time. The subject of general consideration proved a many-sided one, and those presenting its various aspects demonstrated expert handling of it. Song, poetry, declamation, dialogue, dramatic recitation, character delineation, humor, trenchant wit, statistical summary, concise fact, hard argument, pointed truth, logic, grave reasoning, eloquent appeal, vigorous denunciation,—all had their place, and each was used by different speakers to the best possible advantage in presenting the curse of strong drink.

The occasion was a revelation of the fact that the battle against intemperance is a stupendous one; but it also disclosed a growth of sentiment never before seen, which will probably develop to the limit of human possibilities in meeting the evil. One could hardly fail to see that the large body of men and women here gathered was determined to utilize every possible means of legislative power in bringing about prohibition.

One speaker gave expression to a truth that received the usual share of approval. Said he, “After all is said and done, there is but one real held for intemperance, and that is the power of Jesus Christ.” One could not but wish that the realization of this truth were the one objective of every man and woman at the convention.

One sensing the tendency of men to rely upon outside forces could hardly help feeling that the successful use of legislative power in bringing about enforced prohibition will encourage some people to resort all the more to the use of the same power in securing other laws regulatory of men's conduct, moral and otherwise. There is need, as ever, to point the way to saving truth as it is in Jesus.

The resolutions of the convention embodied a renewal of effort to secure Congressional action favorable to a national prohibition amendment; prohibition for the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Alaska, Porto Rico, and the Philippines by Congressional enactment; elimination of intoxicating beverages from interstate commerce; barring from the mail newspapers carrying liquor advertisements; and a number of other measures. L. A. HANSEN

Corsicana (Tex.) Camp Meeting for the Colored

By M. G. Nunes

Our camp meeting, which was held July 1-11, was indeed the best in the history of the work in the North Texas Conference. The Spirit of the Lord was manifested in the camp during all the ten days of our stay. There was seen a coming together in the experience of the people. Old wrongs were made right, and there was great rejoicing among the people of the Lord. While we should have been glad to see all differences put away at the respective churches prior to the camp meeting, still we were glad to see the people break down under the influence of the Spirit of God at the meeting.

Elder G. F. Watson, president of the union, was with us, and gave excellent help. Among our colored ministers were Elders Jones and Lightner, from Arkansas and Oklahoma, respectively. These brethren contributed much to the success of the meeting.

This meeting was indeed a season of refreshing to all. At the night services there were present a large number of friends not of our faith. These were much impressed with the truth spoken from the desk. A few have expressed their desire to obey the truth. We hope they will stand by their conviction.

M. G. NUNES.

Home Missionary Department

By E. M. Graham; F. W. Paap

E. M. Graham General Secretary F. W. Paap N. Am. Div. Secretary

The “Review and Herald”

By F. W. Paap

In appealing to our dear people at this time we feel very anxious to secure their fullest cooperation. We have launched a campaign in behalf of the REVIEW AND HERALD, our church paper. We feel that no means must be spared to place it in the home of every Seventh-day Adventist family. This can and must be done.

The matter of placing the REVIEW AND HERALD in every home is not a sentiment. It is of paramount importance from the standpoint of keeping our dear people abreast of this great world-wide movement. Every family deprived of the weekly visit of this “able minister,” this keeper of the flock, sustains a great loss.

In order that those particularly interested in this campaign might know the progress made, we shall send out a weekly report. This will show the standing of every conference in the North American Division. It will point out the progress we are making.

We want every believer to subscribe. The REVIEW costs less per week than the daily paper. While in the West, I noticed we usually had to pay five cents for a daily paper. The REVIEW AND HERALD will cost but four cents a week—and it has the principal news items plus the church news. Let every reader of the REVIEW use his influence, in a proper way, to secure the subscription of his brother church member who is without it. Let the value of this great factor be known.

We are sending to each church a card to be placed in some conspicuous place as a constant reminder of our plans. We shall depend upon those who are reading the REVIEW to help us out very materially in this campaign. To place the REVIEW AND HERALD in the homes of our people is missionary work of the highest order. In connection with the fourth Sabbath home missionary program for the month of August, a special subscription blank will be supplied to all the churches. Thirty days will be given our people to pay the yearly subscription price for the REVIEW AND HERALD. We hope every effort will be put forth to secure the desired results. Be sure to hang up the REVIEW goal card in your church, and keep it in sight till the goal is reached.

F. W. PAAP.

Medical Missionary

Department

W. A. RUBLE, M. D. — — General Secretary

L. A. HANSEN — — Assistant Secretary

H. W. MILLER, M. D. — N. Am. Div. Secretary

THE FASCINATING

Health and Temperance

COVER DESIGN FOR SEPTEMBER

will persuade the most wary customer that the contents of this number are worth ten cents to him.

Our War Pictures Show Realities

The curse of war—the blessings of humanity.

Our School of Health

Enjoys a short lecture by Dr. Geyser of New York City, on “Water as a Tonic; Why Buy Tonics?”

The Home Cooking School

Lunches of two kinds—for the picnic, and for the workshop and school. Substantials and dainties that you will want to try.

For the Mother

The prevention of acute rheumatism, a disease which frequently begins in children, and is usually overlooked by parents. Symptoms and treatment, by Dr. Poynton.

EIGHT OTHER DEPARTMENTS of equal interest. Lack of space forbids description. See the magazine itself.

Health and Temperance, Washington, D. C.

A NEW MOVE INAUGURATED

By Roman Catholic Commission on Religious Prejudice

By the Roman Catholic Commission on Religious Prejudice

A letter mailed to some of the largest business corporations in the United States is evidently the carrying out of one of the plans to be adopted by the Knights of Columbus for the expenditure of the $50,000 raised for the purpose of investigating the cause of the present anti-Catholic agitation.

The “Protestant Magazine” for September

will contain an article entitled “An Impudent Interference With Private Business,” giving this letter in full, the names of firms to which it was sent, and showing the real animus of such communications and the nature and promptness of the replies. This is but one more step in Rome’s aggressiveness. See that your friends read it.

The September “Protestant” Will Have a Big Sale

Send in Your Orders Early

ADDRESS YOUR STATE TRACT SOCIETY

The Protestant Magazine :: Washington, D. C.

Continue reading: Colporteurs’ Summary for June, 1915