COLLEGE.—I met with the little company at this place, July 7-9, and organized a church of fourteen members; the church organization was perfected Sabbath afternoon, and was followed by the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord's house. A number of visitors were present at this service; and lasting impressions were made upon many of those not of our faith, as for the first time they witnessed the proper celebration of the ordinances of humility and of the Lord's supper.
Sunday afternoon I spoke to a large congregation upon the subject of getting acquainted with God, and at the close of the service, administered the ordinance of baptism. Some desired to go forward in this rite who had not obtained the victory over their tobacco. They promised by the Lord's help to overcome this health-destroying habit, and thus purify themselves that they might unite with us.
The Lord is greatly blessing the self-supporting missionary work that is being carried on at this place by Brethren White, Gruesbeck, and Woodman, and their families. This school work is wholly in behalf of the children, and is done without any remuneration whatever. Last year the attendance at the school ran from fifty to one hundred. The public school in the neighborhood was greatly crippled by this large attendance. This year the trustees of the public school asked our brethren if they could not secure for them an Adventist teacher. Not only have the people been won by the school, but they enjoy having our brethren preach to them the truths of the third angel's message. Each Sunday the brethren can be seen riding in different directions to fill their appointments. At the request of Brother Woodman I went with him on muleback eight miles up the mountain to fill his appointment. I enjoyed this experience very much, and took great pleasure in preaching the truth to the mountaineers assembled.
We have great faith in the growth and prosperity of the little church organized at this place. The Lord has helped these Christian workers to win the hearts of the people and their children, and as a result of their efforts we look for a strong church to be raised up.
P. G. STANLEY
Training for the Bible Work
By M. E. Kern
In this great campaign for the cities, we must have a greatly enlarged and more efficient corps of Bible workers. Large public efforts will be made by successful evangelists; but it is the Bible worker, very largely, who follows up the interest among the people, and studies the Bible with them in their homes; and it is the Bible worker who stays by the work month after month, gathering the fruit of these efforts.
How important, then, that our Bible workers shall be women of culture, education, and experience! Inexperienced girls or untrained women can not do this critical work, on which so much depends. It is doubtless true now, as it was a few years ago, that “missionary operations are constantly embarrassed for want of workers of the right class of mind, and the devotion and piety that will correctly represent our faith.”
There are doubtless many women of education among us doing successful work in their homes, or in business or professional lines, who by making a special effort can transfer their service to the cause of God.
Our city missions can do much in the training of Bible workers if they have the proper persons to train; but our schools must redouble their efforts to give young women that broad foundation work which will make them successful in this branch. And those advanced schools which are prepared to do so should give special instruction in the theory and practise of this important work.
The Foreign Mission Seminary, situated as it is near one of our large Eastern cities, and having other excellent advantages, feels that it has a duty to perform in the training of competent Bible workers to meet the great demand from the cities of our own country as well as from the great cities of the whole world. Our course includes Bible doctrines, theoretical and practical Bible work, pedagogy, general diseases and simple treatments, history, denominational organization and work, public reading and speaking, an industrial subject, music, and art. English is studied by those who are deficient therein. The training in Bible work is given by a woman who has had years of experience in this work. Several young women received this training last year, but the demand for Bible workers far exceeded the supply.
There are many who ought to enter school this fall with the Bible work definitely in mind. Let any who are interested in the course given at the Seminary write at once for further information and application blanks.
M. E. KERN, President.
Wyoming Camp-Meeting
By W. F. Kennedy
This meeting was held at Crawford, Neb., June 8-18. About two hundred were present, representing all the churches in the conference. The key-note of the meeting was, “Our great need as individuals and churches of a closer walk with God.” From the very beginning there was a ready response on the part of the people to the appeal of the ministry for a higher standard of personal experience in the love of Christ. It was demonstrated that nearly every person in the camp was there to seek God. The camp being pitched in a grove afforded good opportunity to seek the Lord. Every day individuals and bands were seen praying for victory over sin, and for the success of the meeting. Camp-meetings are never a failure where the people come together seeking God for victory for the entire camp.
The first two or three days the wind blew hard and continuously, to the discomfort of the campers. We finally had a good rain, which gladdened all hearts, as the crops were drying up for lack of rain in that section.
There was a spirit of harmony in all the business sessions of the conference. Elder E. A. Curtis was unanimously re-elected president.
The past year showed a marked increase in tithes and offerings. We did not enjoy the privilege of having any of our General Conference brethren with us, on account of their attending the General Conference Council in Europe. However, Elder A. T. Robinson and Prof. F. Griggs were with us the first part of the meeting, and rendered valuable help. Their instruction and counsel were appreciated by all. Elder Meade Mac Guire, secretary of the Young People’s department of the union, and C. G. Bellah, canvassing agent for the union, and the writer were also present. Elder J. W. Christian, president of the Nebraska Conference, and Dr. H. A. Green, medical superintendent of the Boulder (Colo.) Sanitarium, were present part of the time. The instruction given from time to time by both the visiting and the local brethren was timely. Day by day the message lifted the people higher and higher in Christian experience.17
Three revival services were held. In most cases those in attendance were converted, and yet at each revival meeting there was a deep moving of the Spirit of God. With few exceptions the campers reconsecrated their lives to him. Hearts were made tender, and many victories were gained. Loved ones were prayed for. It was a time of weeping between the porch and the altar by both ministers and people. Four persons were baptized.
At the close of the meeting all present expressed themselves as well repaid for having made the effort to attend.
W. F. KENNEDY.
Church Dedication at Colonial Beach, Va.
By W. A. Hennig
COLONIAL BEACH is one of the main summer resorts for the people of Washington, D. C. For a long time some of our people felt that we should establish our work there, and a sister offered the conference one thousand dollars toward the expense of maintaining a worker and the erection of a church building in case one would be needed.
Brother G. A. Stevens with some helpers conducted a tent-meeting two years ago; but the interest was not very good, and the results were not satisfactory. Still some were interested in the truth. From that time till the present Brother Stevens and his family have been working there. Over six months ago we had the privilege of organizing a church of thirteen members, and since that time several others have been added to the company.
Sunday, July 9, we dedicated a good church building to the service of God as a place of prayer for all who may desire to seek him and his truth. Brethren A. W. Anderson and Stevens assisted in the dedicatory services, which were enjoyed by the goodly company present.
The church proper cost over one thousand dollars; of this amount Sister Eaton gave $560, while other members of the Washington Memorial Church gave freely to this worthy object. The balance was made up by the brethren and friends in Colonial Beach and elsewhere.
The brethren at Colonial Beach are of good courage, and feel anxious to do what they can for the cause that has done so much for them.
W. A. HENNIG.
Sanitarium Relief Campaign
Interested in All Lines
WE sometimes hear persons plead as an excuse for not showing more interest in some branch of the work, that it is out of their line. They are engaged in some specific work, and must devote their entire attention to that particular thing, and are to be excused from engaging in anything else. While it is true that every man has “his work,” and should give special thought to making the most of it, it does not follow that he has no responsibility in the rest of the work.
A medical worker can not regard the ministry with indifference; ignore the duties of church and Sabbath-school; give a deaf ear to the call for help to missions; be indifferent to educational and young people’s work; care little about the circulation of literature; give no heed to the religious liberty issues; take no interest in anything but medical work, and still be a true and faithful worker, even in that branch. Such a one will not be evenly balanced; he will lose in his own experience, and will fail much in his full duty to others. The same thing is true of workers in other lines. We must regard God’s cause as a whole, and, so far as we can, respond to its calls for our support and help.
The following from Elder James E. Shultz, educational secretary of the Columbia Union Conference, gives strong suggestion that our various workers can render assistance in the relief campaign now on. What each one can do is a measure of his responsibility, and can probably be determined only by trying.
“At one place I had been doing my utmost to interest the church in the campaign work, but had failed, only one sister in the congregation ordering books. After the close of the service, I could see that some were much worried with the course they had taken, but I appeared not to notice it, and shook hands cordially with all. One brother went to his home with a heavy heart. He was much surprised to find that the family had not retired; for the hour was late. He sat down and unburdened his heart to those people, told them he had shrunk from doing one thing for our work, and how he had refused to order one book, though he knew that it was a good one, but knew of none of his friends who would be interested in it, so refused to invest his earnings in such a manner. At this the lady asked him to tell her something about the book in question. He did so, and when he had finished, she said: ‘That is the identical book for which I have been longing. Did you not know me well enough to understand that I wanted one? Here is the price of the book, and I want you to go immediately and purchase one for me.’ It was then eleven o’clock at night, and after some persuading, our brother convinced her that she could wait until the next morning. That was the beginning of a good work there; for one member found out the needs of his intimate friends. Possibly we may find less difficulty in disposing of our quota when we ascertain the needs and wishes of ours. ‘After we had presented the importance of the campaign in Coudersport, Pa., some of our people became so enthusiastic over the work that they started selling books immediately.
“In Cincinnati a sister insisted that she could not sell ‘Ministry of Healing;’ she said she knew none of her neighbors would be interested in the book, and for that reason she refused to invest her money in one with which to make exhibitions. However, the question was urged home so forcefully that she decided to confirm her doubts by trying a little without one. She therefore talked to three neighbors, who gave their orders on the strength of her representations. She came back to the church the next week, and ordered her full quota.
“When Elder Robbins and I visited the Huntington, W. Va., company in the interest of the campaign, we found that the meeting which had been called for the purpose was quite largely attended by outsiders. It was then decided that I should give a regular address, and we would discuss these, and hold an after-meeting in the interests of the book. We did so, and told those who were not Adventists that they were at liberty to go, as the matters we wished to present were for our own people alone. However, we added that all who wished to remain could do so. Not one person left the house, so Elder Robbins briefly outlined the plan of the campaign; and when he made a call for subscriptions, what was our surprise to see all in the house raise the hand for one or more books. This was voluntary on their part, and convinced us that the public is interested in our good health book.
“These are some of the good experiences I have had. You will remember that I am an educational man, and this was out of my regular work; but I believe that when workers in all departments become interested in all the plans for the advancement of the Lord’s work, we shall see many of his providences which we should otherwise fail to discern.”
In a letter from Elder A. A. Meyer, a German worker of the Oklahoma Conference, he gives assurance of his interest in this work in connection with his regular duties. He says:—
“I can say that I have an interest in the ‘Ministry of Healing’ campaign. I presented the matter recently in one of our German churches, and the Lord helped, almost every one present taking a number of the books. One German church had already taken its full quota of six books for each member, and that without being asked to do so. How I wish all our churches everywhere would take hold of this work! So far, I have sold only twelve books, but I am at the work wherever the opportunity offers itself.” L. A. HANSEN.
Linha Torres (Brazil) General Meeting
By F. W. Spies
The Linha Torres general meeting was held at the place of worship of the Linha Torres church, April 26-30. In the southeastern part of Santa Catharina we have four churches, comparatively close together, and all these were represented at this meeting. Although the time was somewhat unfavorable, the general meeting coming in the midst of rice harvest, there were 115 present at the Sabbath-school on Sabbath morning, and the small meeting-house was packed to its utmost capacity.
At the Linha Torres meeting the work was principally of a nature to help the brethren spiritually. No business was transacted, except to consider and discuss the resolutions adopted at Tijucas. This gave a good opportunity to speak of the need of faithfulness in the payment of tithes and offerings, in circulating our literature, and of individually engaging in missionary work.
The Linha Torres meeting, the same as the Tijucas conference, was a season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Old troubles were put aside. Special and definite sins were confessed, and we believe victories were gained. The Lord also came near to the hearts of the young people, and at the close of the meeting the writer baptized eight of these. At this meeting, at which the work was almost entirely in the German language, Brother Frank Belz, a German licentiate, assisted.
I am now on my way back to Tijucas, where I hope to spend a short time before returning to Rio de Janeiro. As I look at the many needy fields in this vast republic, the many states yet unentered, and see the great need of more workers in the fields already entered, I feel constrained to ask the prayers of our people that the Lord of the harvest will send more reapers into his harvest.
F. W. SPIES.
Field Notes
THREE believers were recently baptized at Milwaukee, Wis., and four at Beaver City, Neb.
THIRTEEN persons were baptized in Jacksonville, Fla., June 12, to unite with the colored church at that place.
BROTHER C. S. BAUM reports five new Sabbath-keepers as the result of a hall effort at Souderton, Pa., during the early spring. At Wilkes-Barre eight adults were recently baptized; and at Johnstown, nine.
Wait for the Storm to Pass
By Jean Dwight Franklin
O, CHEERILY smile
And wait awhile;
For the storm will soon be over.
There's a bit of blue
In the sky for you,
There's sweetness yet in the clover.
O, rest and wait
Though a burden great
On thy heavy heart is pressing;
For a hand of Love
Will the cross remove,
And leave, instead, a blessing.
— Jean Dwight Franklin.
Independence Day and the Declaration
By S. B. H.
FROM press reports it is learned that an appreciable decrease in deaths and wounds followed the “safe and sane” Fourth. It is also a source of satisfaction to note that the basic idea of the nation’s birthday, and the value of our Magna Charta, which made that day the most important of all holidays, are still recognized and kept before the world. We give extracts from two editorials which appeared in the Washington Herald on the morning of July 4:—
“Independence Day
“The basic idea of the old-fashioned Fourth was patriotic. It was intended to foster and keep alive the spirit which brought about independence, and gave Americans a country and a government of their own. The explosion of gunpowder was merely incidental to the main purpose. The fourth-of-July oration was, for the elders, at least, the most important feature of the day. But in recent years the fourth-of-July celebration had degenerated into a carnival of noise and a day of license. . . .
“Increased safety is the main value of a sane Fourth. If, at the same time, a less noisy and more rational observance of the day can be made popular, the spirit of John Adams’s patriotic prophecy will be fully observed.”
“Saving the Declaration
“Every one remembers the tradition, now said to be untrue, that when the British entered the national capital by way of Bladensburg, Dolly Madison cut the portrait of George Washington from its frame in the White House, rolled up the canvas like a blanket, and hurried in her coach to a place of safety. It is almost unknown, however, that the engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence was saved from falling into the hands of the enemy by a clerk in the State Department, who carefully put it into a canvas bag, and carried it to a grist-mill on the Virginia side of the Potomac, just above the Chain Bridge. The story of the incident is not in the official archives of the State Department, but the clerk who saved the precious document wrote a letter which has been preserved:—
“On this day of days, when we celebrate the signing of our Magna Charta, it is worth while to remember the thoughtful patriotism of a man who, a century ago, rendered his country a great service. Happily, the document to-day is not menaced by any foe, within or without. It rests securely in the State Department, where future generations may regard with veneration its fading characters, and thank God for the wisdom and the courage of the men whose signatures still remain as mute witnesses of their devotion to the cause of human liberty.”
How different from these words sound the pronunciamentos issuing from some of our national universities about three years ago, when Mr. Bolce, a magazine writer, after various interviews was compelled to report:—
“Out of the curricula of American colleges a dynamic movement is upheaving ancient foundations, and promising a way for revolutionary thought and life. Those who are not in touch with the great colleges of the country will be astonished to learn the creeds being fostered by the faculties of our great universities. In hundreds of class-rooms it is being taught daily that the decalogue is no more sacred than a syllabus; that democracy is a failure; and the Declaration of Independence only spectacular rhetoric.”
America is to be congratulated upon the possession of an intelligent and free press, which keeps its columns open to the consideration of the achievements wrought by the forefathers. It is also to be congratulated upon having statesmen who still dare to stand for those achievements. S. B. H.
The National Reform Convention at Detroit, Mich.
By H. A. Weaver
APRIL 2, 1911, a meeting was called in the Y. M. C. A. hall at Detroit for the purpose of organizing the Michigan Branch of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America. At that time a permanent organization was effected, and officers were chosen. A tentative constitution and set of by-laws were presented, discussed, modified or strengthened, and finally adopted. The following significant statement, which was embodied in the “Statement of Principles,” discloses the real spirit of the leaders of such a movement:—
“Federation does not mean making the churches one, but convincing the public that they are one by evading in the future the errors of . . . overlapping fields.”
This newly formed organization apparently became industriously busy at once by arranging for a State convention, known as the Michigan Christian Citizenship Convention, under the auspices of the National Reform Association. This convention was held in the spacious hall of the Y. M. C. A. at Detroit, June 20, 21. On the cover of the program appeared the following:—
“Governor’s Indorsement
“The work of the National Reform Association is of first importance to the character of our people, and should have the indorsement of every citizen of Michigan. Its great purpose is unselfish, and its object will be to restore the equilibrium between moral and material development. No movement of greater import has ever been inaugurated in our country. CHASE S. OSBORN, Governor of Michigan.”
Dr. Martin, and a Mr. Conden, who has been engaged as business manager of the scheme, laid special emphasis on the fact that this is the third of a series of State conventions to be held in every State in the Union within the next two years, culminating in a World’s Christian Citizenship Convention on the Pacific Coast, which is destined so far to outdo the World’s Christian Citizenship Convention held in Philadelphia, as to make the latter appear “like a committee meeting.”
Circuit Judge J. W. Donovan, of Detroit, spoke on “The Genius of Good Citizenship.” He dwelt entirely upon points which Seventh-day Adventists can heartily indorse. He emphasized the need, in all phases of human experience, of practical helpfulness and brotherly uplift by men in whose hearts the spirit of Christianity has taken root. Not once did he hint at forcing men to be moral by law.
The Puritanical spirit was most pronounced in the papers read by Rev. Dr. J. H. Potts, editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate, whose subject was “The American Sabbath,” and by Rev. J. T. Le Gear, of Lansing, on “The Sabbath a Civic Necessity.” These men followed along the same line of argument that has been used by that class of opposers of the Constitution in the person of ministers of the gospel from the times of John Cotton to the present. One statement was to the effect that those who are opposed to Sunday laws are to be “feared more than the worst of anarchists.” Rev. Le Gear spoke of those who keep another day than Sunday, and contend for it in the face of all opposition, as being “victims of a slavish Israelitish custom.” “The Sabbath is a civil as well as a religious institution,” he said; and “those who would blot out Sunday laws are the worst of citizens.” A discussion followed in which Dr. Martin gave an example of how difficult it is, under the present state of things, to secure a uniform observance of Sunday. He said the association sought to bring to time some of the great corporations. Application was made to one officer, and then to another, each one shifting the responsibility to the next higher, until the very heads of these concerns were reached, when they, in turn, shifted the responsibility to the great railroads, and the railroads to the federal government. Then he drew the usual conclusion that the fault lies in the failure of the Constitution to recognize God and the Christian religion.
Perhaps the best address of the convention was made by Rev. J. M. Barkley, Detroit, on the subject, “Men and Christian Citizenship.” His talk must have been a complete surprise to the National Reformers gathered there; for it was a mighty argument against the very principles being advocated so assiduously by that company. He quoted freely such passages as Matt. 22:21, John 18:36, and John 12:47. One of his statements was that “those who are more concerned about justice than justification are blinded to the principles which Christ came to inculcate in the hearts of men.” He said: “If we are to Christianize the functions of government, we can do so only by Christianizing those who exercise the functions of government; that is, the men of the republic, and not the republic as an entity.” One would almost be persuaded that Dr. Barkley had been associated with the Religious Liberty Association, and had been filled with the Christian principles it holds, so strong was his argument for the separation of church and state.
Before the convention closed, a complete State organization was formed, with officers located all over the State similar to the machine-like organization which has been operating in Pennsylvania for some time past.
H. A. WEAVER.
Christian Liberty
Reports, notes, and comments pertaining to the current history of the rights of conscience
Conducted by the Religious Liberty Bureau
K. C. RUSSELL — — — — — Secretary
S. B. HORTON — — — — — Assistant Secretary
International Christian Endeavor Convention
By K. C. R.
The Twenty-Fifth International Christian Endeavor Convention was held on the Million Dollar Pier at Atlantic City, N. J., July 6-12, 1911. It is reported to have eclipsed, in both attendance and interest, any previous convention of this body.
Among the prominent speakers were President Taft, Hon. Champ Clark, speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks, former vice-president of the United States, Judge Ben Lindsey, and Booker T. Washington.
President Taft’s address consisted in a eulogy of the Christian Endeavor movement, and of its leader, Dr. Francis E. Clark. He also spoke of the present favorable outlook for the securing of his great peace pact between this and other nations. He expressed his confidence that a great body such as the Christian Endeavorers would do what they could to promote the cause of international peace.
The address of Mr. Fairbanks consisted in a glowing report of the great part the peace missionaries are playing in the destinies of the Orient. He also paid a high tribute to the work of the Christian Endeavor movement. “Everything in our State and national life must be settled in the light of the moral law,” he declared. “Our government must be founded upon the law of God.” “The prosperity and safety of our country depend upon the Christian churches of this nation.”
One of the prominent leaders in the convention of the Christian Endeavor movement said, in substance, in referring to some of the addresses of the distinguished speakers, that he rejoiced because the state is recognizing the Christian Endeavor movement as a religious factor, as is shown by the attendance of prominent statesmen.
We do not question the sincerity and devotion of this great body of young people to what they believe to be right. To a degree the name of the organization is expressive of its mission. Their activities are directed principally toward the evangelization of the world. Both home and foreign missionary work occupy a large place in all their efforts. Their uncompromising attitude in opposition to the liquor traffic is one that can not be too highly commended, especially in these times when so many professed followers of Christ are occupying a neutral position regarding this evil. Their position on this question is clearly voiced in a resolution that was adopted at their recent convention, a portion of which is given herewith:—
“Now as always Christian Endeavor is an uncompromising, implacable foe of the saloon, and it is the faithful friend of every sincere and sane agency, society, union, league, or individual laboring for the abolition of the liquor traffic, local, State, national, and international. We rejoice in the recent triumphs of the temperance cause, and are happy in the fact that Christian Endeavorers everywhere have generously aided, often led, in achieving these notable prohibition victories. We oppose the manufacture, exportation, importation, sale, and use of intoxicating liquors, and we favor such constitutional provisions and the enactment of such laws by Congress and by State, Territorial, provincial, and municipal legislative bodies as will forever destroy this unjustifiable and intolerable evil.”
Many commendable and praiseworthy things might be mentioned regarding this mighty organization of young people in this and other lands. It is to be regretted, however, that a movement which embraces so many grand and noble principles has been deceived into adopting methods in promoting its work which are contrary to the principles enunciated by Jesus Christ. The particular feature of their work to which I refer is that denominated “The Christian Citizenship Department,” or, in other words, the securing of their cherished ambition by the means of civil legislation.
The following drastic resolution on Sunday observance was unanimously adopted by the convention, as reported in the Philadelphia Press of July 12, 1911, from which we quote:—
“Realizing that the growing encroachments of business and pleasure upon Sunday are not only making the work of the churches difficult and injuring public morality, but are also endangering the right of all men to a rest day, we urge all Christian Endeavorers to set the example of Sunday observance, and to throw all their influence in favor of the preservation of Sunday as a day of rest and worship. We most heartily commend and indorse the action of the Postmaster-General in closing the post-office on Sunday in large measure, and pledge our united support as representing four millions of young people in the United States to this action in the interests not only of the post-office employees, but also of public morality and proper respect for the laws of God. We urge also upon civic authorities the enforcement of Sunday laws without discrimination.”
Could one imagine anything more drastic than this resolution, which urges that civil authorities enforce Sunday laws without discrimination? One can scarcely recall in all the history of the past a more sweeping enforcement of Sunday laws than this resolution calls for. In order that Sunday laws might appear less odious, the champions of Sunday legislation have had incorporated into these laws a clause exempting from their penalties those who observe another day of the week. But not so with the resolution passed by the Christian Endeavorers; for it plainly declares that the Sunday law should be enforced without discrimination. From this it will be seen that the exemptions which have appeared in some Sunday laws will be swept away, and thus will go with them the boasted toleration which some have said accompanied such laws. This resolution very plainly voices the spirit that those who have carefully studied this question have long maintained was lying back of such laws; for the whole scheme of Sunday legislation is intolerant, and therefore contrary to the principles of religious freedom.
It should be the earnest prayer of every saint of God that the members of this great organization may be brought to realize how they are misdirecting their influence and power for good in the world by turning their backs upon God’s power in seeking help from the puny arm of the state. Instead of attending the primaries for the purpose of exerting political influence, Christians should attend the prayer-meeting to obtain power from God, that they may influence souls to come to Christ. Instead of spending their time and effort in making some favorite candidate’s election sure, the children of God everywhere should be seeking to make sure their own calling and election and that of others for the kingdom of God. Instead of compelling men by law to keep the day they regard as the sabbath, they should persuade them to do so. In short, they should depend alone upon the power of God in their endeavors; for it is “not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”
K. C. R.
The Johnston Sunday Bill
By S. B. H.
TUESDAY, July 18, witnessed a move against the Johnston District Sunday bill (S. 237) which practically kills it for this session of Congress, and places it at great disadvantage for the remainder of the Sixty-second Congress. Until the date referred to, the bill occupied an advantage in that it could be considered under Senate Rule VIII any day the calendar might be laid before the Senate. Under that rule it would not be necessary to await the presence of any senator who might have objected to the bill previously, so that the one in charge of a bill could take advantage of an objecting senator's absence, and rush the measure through.
On the day above referred to, Senator Heyburn moved that all District bills to which repeated objection had been made be transferred to Rule IX, under which rule a bill is not taken up unless a motion to proceed to its consideration is passed, and the objecting senators have been notified in advance that an effort will be made to pass it. The first bill to be affected by this motion, which carried, was the Sunday bill. Senator Johnston was not in the Senate chamber at the time, and a member thought it unfair to take action on the matter in his absence. Senator Heyburn, replying to this suggestion, said: “I am not violating any courtesy. . . . The only point is that we may not be kept continually on the watch.” Other District bills were likewise affected.
Let no one think, however, that this means the defeat of the Sunday bill. It may be called up by vote of the Senate at any time. All must keep vigilant watch, and continue to send in earnest protests. S. B. H.
Do Not Let Jesus Pass By
By Theo. C. Gardiner, D. D.
WHEN Jesus passed the gates of Jericho on his last journey to Jerusalem, Bartimaeus, the blind man, heard his footsteps, and quickly cried for help. The poor man did not know that his last opportunity was passing. If he had known, of course he would have improved it, even though others did try to keep him still. We never know when the last opportunity is passing, and many a poor soul has lost his last chance. Felix lost his when he sent Paul out of the judgment-hall. What a blessing it was that the blind man did not let Jesus pass by that day without calling for help! How glorious the world must have looked, and how bright the prospects, to one who had thus been brought from darkness to light! How much happier he must have been following Jesus “in the way,” than sitting as a blind beggar by the wayside.—Theo. C. Gardiner, D. D.