As we have listened to the reports submitted to this Conference from the various departments of this great work, we have been impressed with the marvelous developments made in this message. These things to this people must be a significant sign of the times. While these reports of the work of God, both at home and abroad, greatly strengthen our faith in the speedy triumph of the third angel’s message, there is perhaps no phase of this work that shows more rapid fulfillment of prophecy than that for which this department stands. Upon the authority of the Bible and the spirit of prophecy, we have for a long time advocated that the things which are now taking place in the religious and the political world were to take place, and that the prophecies relating to this phase of the message were to meet a speedy fulfillment. Now much in this line of work which has been a matter of faith in the past, has become a matter of sight. Indeed, if we were not now witnessing a rapid fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the formation of the image to the beast, we would have sufficient cause to question the correctness of our position concerning the prophecies contained in the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of Revelation; but thanks be to God, we have the most unmistakable and infallible evidences that this message, which we have so long proclaimed, is the truth of the everlasting gospel.GCB June 1, 1909, page 243.29

A Review of the Work

WASe

In our review of the work of the department, we shall not be able to enter into the details of our survey of the field and the work which has been accomplished as fully as we would be glad to do, owing to the large proportions the work has assumed since the last session of the General Conference, and especially so during recent months. It is well understood that for a number of years previous to the last session of the General Conference in 1905, comparatively little religious liberty work was done, and that the work was practically in a disorganized condition. During this time, therefore, it has been necessary to build the work up from its very foundation.GCB June 1, 1909, page 243.30

The officers of the department began at once to urge the appointment of union and local conference religious liberty secretaries, also the appointment of religious liberty, secretaries in the local churches. This has been followed out to quite an extent, and we feel certain that it has added very materially to the efficiency and dispatch with which our work has been performed. Thorough organization in this department of the work is, if possible, of more vital importance than in any other, owing to the fact that national issues arise in various countries which demand the officers of the department being in direct touch, as far as possible, with every Seventh-day Adventist in their respective fields. There is nothing better calculated to unify our religious liberty work than a thorough organization of our forces throughout the field. Without this we would doubtless find our union and local conference religious liberty workers running counter to each other, both regarding the application of the principles of religious liberty, and as to methods of work. The present organization of our religious liberty work, although incomplete and defective, has proved a great blessing in our efforts here at headquarters in defeating Sunday legislation in Congress. As the result we have been able to quickly bring the influence of our union and local conferences to bear against the religious measures that were pending in Congress.GCB June 1, 1909, page 243.31

The same principle is equally true in our work in the States, and in other countries where similar legislation is being urged. The religious liberty secretaries in these various fields can rally the members of the local conferences to exert their influence against the measures proposed.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.1

During the unparalleled prosperity in our work for the past four years, with our headquarters located here at the national capital, it hardly seems necessary to make more than brief reference to the importance of this location, it being an ideal one for our general Religious Liberty Department.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.2

The influence of the religious liberty work accomplished at the nation’s capital upon the States throughout the Union, and even upon other nations, can not be overestimated. This fact is recognized by the champions of Sunday legislation, as is evidenced by the statement that they desire to obtain a national Sunday law, in order that it may give effect to the State laws. This largely accounts for their untiring zeal in their efforts to get Congress committed to Sunday legislation by enacting a Sunday law for the District of Columbia. It is also a recognized fact that this nation is exerting a far-reaching influence upon other nations in this particular. Numerous instances might be cited in proof of this. Dr. Stanley, former secretary of the American Sabbath Union, in illustrating the influence of the United States upon the Celestial Empire, says that the United States battle-ships throughout the world hoist a different colored flag every Sunday morning above all the other flags in honor of the day; and that when this flag was hoisted one Sunday morning in a Chinese port, some Chinaman exclaimed, “The American joss is better than our joss, for he gives the people one day for rest in seven, while our joss does not.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.3

The action taken recently by the Chinese government in behalf of the Sunday institution, forbidding work, as far as possible, in all governmental departments on that day, is well known to the delegates assembled at this Conference, and hence requires no further comment.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.4

The Bishop of London, on his return from this country, said, in an address on Sunday rest: “Since I have been over to the other side of the Atlantic, and seen how very much more the churches are united in Christian progress there, I have determined to try and unite them on all the points we can in this country. In regard to Sunday, we have one of the greatest points on which Christians can be united. I look on the observance of Sunday as one of the finest pieces of Christian evidences we have. And it is a piece of evidence which can not be refuted.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.5

These illustrations will suffice to demonstrate the influence that is exerted upon other nations along the line of Sunday legislation by this country.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.6

In view of this, therefore, it must appeal to all that everything possible should be done to strengthen this department of our work at the capital of this nation, financially and otherwise, remembering that the prosperity of the work here at the heart of this great movement and nation means prosperity to the world-wide field.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.7

The past four years have been historical indeed in this department of the third angel’s message, not only here at the nation’s capital, but throughout the entire field. During this period nearly a score of Sunday bills have been introduced into Congress, but praise to God, all these, except the Sunday-closing provision attached to the appropriation to the Jamestown Exposition, have been defeated, by the help of the Lord, and through the hearty co-operation of our people with the general department.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.8

It may be proper to say, in this connection, that in one particular the friends of Sunday legislation have made some progress, as both Houses of Congress have committed themselves during this period to Sunday legislation. The House of Representatives has upon two different occasions passed Sunday bills, but they failed to become law, having died in the Senate. The Senate about one year ago committed itself for the first time to the policy of compulsory Sunday legislation in the passage of the celebrated Johnston Sunday bill; but this likewise failed to become law on account of the measure having died in the committee of the House. We therefore feel that, in view of the prestige that has been gained by the enemies of God’s Sabbath, in bringing sufficient pressure to bear to influence Congress to even go to the extent it has in this direction, it will be with great difficulty that similar measures will be defeated in the future.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.9

Again, it should be borne in mind that the forces which are arrayed against the Sabbath of the Lord and are standing in defense of the child of the papacy, the Sunday institution, are becoming more aggressive and formidable every passing year, and that those who once stood with us in opposing these religio-political forces, have nearly all forsaken us. We are therefore practically alone, as far as this world is concerned, in this mighty and closing conflict in defense of truth and freedom.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.10

It will be remembered that the great federated Protestant churches of America have plainly voiced themselves on this question in a most emphatic and unmistakable manner, when at their late council in Philadelphia, they refused to tolerate, either inside or outside of their federation, those who observed another day as the Sabbath.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.11

The National Lord’s Day Alliance, which was launched last December in Pittsburg, Pa., designs to do much in the future in the matter of securing and enforcing Sunday laws.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.12

The Roman Catholic Church is uniting heart and hand with Protestants in enforcing the recognition of Sunday upon all classes. Two years ago, when the Washington Ministerial Association began its campaign for a Sunday law in the District of Columbia, the association sought the aid of the Roman Catholic clergy by obtaining the consent of Cardinal Gibbons for representatives of his church to join with Protestant ministers in Washington to secure a District Sunday law. This is another remarkable fulfillment of the statement by the spirit of prophecy that “Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.13

In addition to these movements, with their adherents, which it is alleged, number over sixty-five millions of people, there is the great Federation of Labor, which has already committed itself to the question of Sunday legislation.GCB June 1, 1909, page 244.14

The Jews are beginning to forsake the position they have hitherto maintained in their opposition to Sunday legislation. A prominent Jewish rabbi in Washington, D. C., who has stood in defense of the principles of religious liberty until recently, declared to the officers of the Religious Liberty Department that he believed that all should be required by civil law to observe one day in seven. Another prominent rabbi in New York City has also forsaken the position that this people have maintained so long in defending the rights of conscience in this particular.GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.1

The Seventh-day Baptists, who have identified themselves with the Federal Council of the Protestant Churches of America, it seems, are doing very little in this line of work of opposing Sunday legislation of late, as is evidenced by the fact that during the Sixtieth Congress, so far as we were able to learn, not a single petition or letter of remonstrance was sent to Congress by them against the Johnston Sunday bill, nor did any representative from this denomination appear at the hearing on this bill last February.GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.2

With these mighty hosts arrayed against the Sabbath of the Lord, and those who have stood with us in defense of the principles of Christian liberty, opposing Sunday laws, now lining up with the enemies of religious freedom, we stand practically alone in the mighty conflict; yet not alone, “for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.3

Victories Won

WASe

The remarkable success that has attended the efforts of our workers in the States in their opposition to Sunday legislation during the recent past has been unparalleled. Never before have there been so many Sunday bills introduced in the various State legislatures as during the past winter. In the New York State Legislature alone, no fewer than thirty bills, involving the question of Sunday legislation, were introduced.GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.4

Among the most signal victories which have been gained in our battles against the numerous efforts to secure Sunday laws, may be mentioned those in the States of California and Missouri. Our brethren in the California Conference, under the leadership of Elders Corliss and Healey, we feel, should be complimented for their earnest and persistent efforts, which resulted in defeating a proposed religious amendment to the constitution of that State, which, if secured, would have opened the way for a State Sunday law; also for their defeat of the California Sunday bill.GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.5

An excellent work has also been accomplished in the Missouri Conference and other States in the Central Union Conference by the Religious Liberty secretary of that union, his wife, and others. The delegates are more or less familiar with the reports which have appeared in the Review from time to time concerning the work done in this union conference. It is evident that one of the candidates for governor of Missouri, who was a champion of Sunday-law enforcement of that State, was signally defeated as the result of the State-wide campaign consisting of public addresses, the circulation of our religious liberty literature, and articles in the public press, conducted by our religious liberty workers in the Central Union. Two unusually large religious liberty meetings were held in Lincoln, Neb., with an attendance of 1,500 people at the first meeting and 2,500 at the second. Among those in attendance were Hon. W. J. Bryan and Governor Sheldon, besides senators, legislators, and other prominent people. An unusual opportunity was recently granted to Sister Wightman to speak before the Missouri State Legislature, the Assembly of that body inviting her by resolution to speak before them on the principles of religious liberty.GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.6

Sunday bills have likewise been defeated in Maine, North Carolina, New York, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, etc.GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.7

The religious liberty mass-meetings which have been held in different places since the last General Conference have also been occasions of special interest, and have resulted in creating public sentiment that has apparently brought defeat to the Sunday-law advocates on more than one occasion. As an illustration showing how the Lord is going out before us by the aid of his Spirit, the following incident may be related: Elder Colcord and I were attending a mass-meeting recently held in Hartford, Conn. After the meeting a fine-looking young man came to us, and stated that the question of Sunday enforcement by law had come up for consideration in his home church (the Episcopal), and that he was to take the negative side on the question in a discussion to be held a little later. That morning he had gone to the town library to see if he could find some work against Sunday legislation to aid him in preparing his argument; but he was informed by the librarian that there was nothing in the library of the character he wished. Upon looking over the morning paper, however, he observed an announcement of our mass-meeting at Hartford in the evening, which he at once decided to attend, although he had to travel about ten miles by train to do so. Later he reported to us the results of the debate as follows:—GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.8

“I anticipated an ‘up-hill job,’ and confess I felt a little gloomy when I found the hall packed with people, with three of our ministers present. It was advertised in all the churches, and a great deal of interest centered in it. I used almost entirely material gotten from Religious Liberty Leaflets sent me by Mr. Edwards of Hartford, and won both points in ‘weight of argument’ and ‘manner of delivery.’GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.9

“The newspaper account called it the best debate we have had this winter, and after it, scores of people came to me and told me they didn’t suppose there was another side. I think this is the general opinion on the Sunday question. We Christians are too narrow in our opinions; we jump at conclusions too quickly before giving the other side thought. I have often found myself criticizing other people for doing things I did not think right to do on Sunday, but I do it no more. As I said in my debate, a man is responsible alone to God for his conscience, and the state can not dictate what that conscience shall be.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 245.10

One of the most interesting religious liberty mass-meetings was recently held in Sanford, Me., at which Elder C. S. Longacre spoke. The expense of the meeting was met by the citizens, and at the close of the meeting a resolution calling for the repeal of all State laws of a religious character was passed almost unanimously by a rising vote.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.1

Crusades against Sunday laws have been conducted both by the general department and by our religious liberty workers throughout the field, which have largely defeated the purposes of the enemies of the Sabbath where they have been held.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.2

While the storm-center of this line of work has been, and doubtless always will be, largely centered in this country, yet the same leaven is working in all countries to a greater or less extent.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.3

England

WASe

The situation in England is one of interest and significance. Questions involving the principles of religious liberty are kept in the foreground by the encroachments of Romanism and the agitation over religious instruction in the schools. A national Sunday campaign for securing the better observance of Sunday has brought about the formation of an Imperial Sunday Alliance, which combines in one powerful organization all smaller societies working to the same end, all the great religious bodies (including the Roman Catholic), and many influential representatives of labor and capital.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.4

The English government is feeling the pressure, and has lately instructed its ambassadors at the various courts of Europe and at Washington to ascertain what Sunday legislation is in force in the countries to which they are assigned, and how it is working. Thus one nation influences another in this matter, and the faithfulness of our brethren in the United States in maintaining the principles of religious freedom may hold the forces of error in check elsewhere.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.5

Australia

WASe

There has been a growing spirit of intolerance and a recognition of the beast power in Australia. In every state religious bills have been introduced into the parliaments. A compulsory unitary training bill was introduced into the Federal Parliament. This caused our people much anxiety, but they were pleased when the measure was lost. Strenuous efforts have been put forth by our people to enlighten the people on the principles of religious liberty by way of public lectures, distribution of literature, and the public press. This work has done much to hold things in check in this country.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.6

Russia

WASe

Religious liberty does not prevail in Russia to the extent that many in this country have supposed, in consequence of the czar’s manifesto of Oct. 3, 1905, guaranteeing liberty of conscience. One’s religious belief must be given in securing permits from the government even to hold services with our own people. The circulation of religious liberty literature is prohibited. Therefore, we are unable to enlighten the people upon the principles of religious liberty in this way. During the past few years some of our brethren connected with the army there have been sent to prison for from two to four years because of their loyalty to the Sabbath of the Lord.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.7

Egypt

WASe

In Cairo and Alexandria, strenuous efforts are being made to secure Sunday-closing of various places of business. The American missionaries are very desirous that the government should require Sunday observance, as some of their converts are in the employment of the government.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.8

Finland

WASe

Religious liberty in Finland is enjoyed, as the church has lost its power to a very large extent. There is, however, an effort on the part of some to create a sentiment for Sunday laws, by advocating the same through the public press, and in the circulation of literature on Sunday observance.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.9

Japan

WASe

Generally speaking, there is no religious intolerance in Japan, although the government exercises a sort of supervision over all religious sects and organizations. Church property is exempt from taxation. Sunday is becoming more and more observed there as a sort of civil holiday. Through the influence of Protestant missionaries some years ago, an organization was formed, called “The Japan Sabbath Alliance,” having for its object the better observance of Sunday. In contrast with this, of late, there has arisen a question on the part of the Japanese authorities involving a possible serious situation for our people because they understand we teach that a person should not serve as a soldier on the seventh day of the week. We pray the Lord will overrule in this matter.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.10

Norway

WASe

Freedom to worship God is enjoyed by the inhabitants of Norway. There are, however, movements on foot to prohibit Mormons proselyting, and to absolve the state church, and place in its stead an organization known as the Evangelistic People’s Lutheran Church. It has not yet seemed wise for our people to enter a protest against any of the proposed measures. Our young men in the army are not compelled to drill on the Sabbath. It is a source of joy to our people in Norway that they can still enjoy freedom.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.11

South Africa

WASe

The different colonies in South Africa have Sunday laws on their statute-books. The clergymen are quite generally agitating this question in their pulpits, conferences, and synods. In many leading towns, conferences have been held where the leading subject discussed was church federation, and the churches have already federated on the Sunday question.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.12

In Kimberley on one occasion the municipal council authorized the chief of police to arrest any who were desecrating the Sunday ordinance. The Dutch Reformed ministers are especially active in this work, and in opposing Seventh-day Adventist missions. Our people are endeavoring to enlighten the inhabitants of these colonies in South Africa by the use of the South African Sentinel.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.13

South America

WASe

There are Sunday laws in at least three South American republics,—Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. In Ecuador there is no union between church and state, and three years ago, religious liberty was proclaimed in Bolivia. With the exception of Peru, public meetings can be held anywhere.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.14

The young brother who was arrested some time ago for refusing to do military service on the Sabbath, and suffered much for a time at the hands of the officers, is now well treated by his superiors. He was given special privileges, and not obliged to complete his term of military service. Aside from this case, our people have not been arrested for Sunday law violation, owing, no doubt, to the fact that they are located principally in the country.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.15

While in some ways the Roman Catholic power seems to be waning, yet in other ways it is gaining strength. It is evident that South America is watching the United States carefully, and will follow quickly in every backward step toward persecution.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.16

Turkey

WASe

Prior to July 25, 1908, there was no religious liberty in Turkey in fact, though in the theory of Moslem law there was liberty. This liberty applied only to such churches as were recognized by the Sublime Porte, and not to the individual.GCB June 1, 1909, page 246.17

In the Young Turk revolution, it has been the aim to follow in the path of the American idea, as regards the rights of the individual. There is at present freedom of the press and of speech. Public services can be held without hindrance from the government. Marriage can now be contracted without the consent of a church. The old Christian churches are decidedly against this phase of the movement for liberty, however, as it deprives the church of its former power over the individual. Naturally, as all law and jurisprudence lie quivering in the throes of a revolution, both civil and religious liberty rest in uncertainty until the government becomes more stable.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.1

Our Religious Liberty Literature

WASe

If it be true that all things pertaining to the kingdom of God and its advancement have small and humble beginnings, the official organ of the Religious Liberty Bureau may safely occupy a place among the essentials in the promulgation of the special gospel message for this time, for its beginning was indeed small.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.2

On an exceedingly dark and stormy night a little over three years ago, two members of the Religious Liberty Bureau faced a storm in compliance with a call for a meeting of the Bureau members present in the city of Washington. These two being all the members present, they planned for the preparation and circulation of a series of pamphlets that would contain some of the fundamental principles of religious liberty, which conception, supported by advice received by the secretary of the Bureau from Sister White about this time, finally developed into a regular, organized, official organ of the Religious Liberty Bureau,—a thirty-two-page pamphlet, magazine size, bearing the name of Liberty, 10,000 copies of which were printed. Before these were all disposed of, the pamphlet, slightly remodeled, was developed into a regular quarterly magazine, and named Liberty. It was entered as second-class matter, and at one leap became a popular publication, with a circulation of 50,000 copies per issue. From the first, Liberty has been appreciated not only by our own people, but by many of the best thinkers throughout the country; and though it is as yet only in its infancy, it has an enviable record in defeating error and defending truth.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.3

Up to the present time we have issued a set of fifteen Religious Liberty Leaflets, besides thirteen or fourteen other tracts and leaflets, making an aggregate of about 275 pages of literature. Hundreds of thousands of these leaflets have been published.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.4

Great care has been exercised in the preparation of these publications, especially of the regular series of Religious Liberty Leaflets, to write them in such a way that they would be of general character and universal application, and so always be up to date, thus obviating the necessity of frequent revision and the difficulties incident to placing a large number of tracts on the market.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.5

We have had in mind preparing for publication several additional leaflets, dealing with the questions of Sunday legislation and the laboring man, prohibition, and appeals to various bodies, such as the Baptists, the Lutherans, the Methodists, and the W. C. T. U.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.6

“American State Papers” has just been revised, and it is expected that a new edition of this work will soon be published. The series of articles on “The Rise and Fall of Religious Liberty in America,” by Brother C. M. Snow, which appeared recently in the Review, have been prepared for publication in permanent form, and will doubtless be issued some time during the present year.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.7

During the past four years about fifty million pages of religious liberty literature, issued directly under the auspices of the Religious Liberty Bureau, have been published. In addition to this, many millions of pages have been published in foreign countries and in foreign tongues. It is true that this is only a beginning of what is needed in this line, but we are glad for the awakening that has come.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.8

Enlargement of the Religious Liberty Work

WASe

The following concerning the importance of utilizing the public press, and our relation to the prohibition question, was a portion of a report prepared to be read before the Council of Union Conference presidents which convened in Washington a year ago last April, but which, owing to the press of other business, was not presented:—GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.9

“The importance of employing the public press in teaching the principles of religious liberty, can not be overestimated, for we know that this avenue will soon be closed to us. There is already a bill pending before Congress that gives the Postmaster-General the authority to exclude such publications as, in his judgment, are not for the best interests of society and the government. The following is a copy of the proposed bill:—GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.10

“‘A BILL to amend Section 3893 of the Revised Statutes.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.11

“‘Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Section 3893 of the Revised Statutes be, and the same is hereby, amended by adding, “And when any issue of any periodical has been declared non-mailable by the Post-office Department, the periodical may be excluded from second-class mail privileges at the discretion of the Postmaster-General.”’GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.12

“In order to do effective work through the public press, it will be necessary to educate our young men and women who are best adapted to this work to write. Why should not our schools include newspaper reporting in their curriculums? We are thoroughly convinced, from the newspapers which are being continually sent in to our people, that the public press is open to receive matter which is well written and bristling with live, wide-awake articles. No one can scan the ordinary newspaper of to-day without being impressed with its great lack of meritorious matter; this fact should furnish food for thought to the intelligent reader.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.13

“Again, we should not fail to consider the multitudes who might be reached through the public press, and would more readily read upon questions of the character we would furnish them from a newspaper, than they would from a book, tract, or religious journal. To many, the newspaper is school, college, church, theater, everything in the way of public education. A newspaper enthusiast says that if he can make the newspaper of the day, he cares not who makes the religion and the laws. Nor should the inexpensiveness of this method of teaching the public be overlooked in our study of this question.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.14

“During our first campaign here in Washington, there appeared during the space of four months’ time no fewer than 130 columns of matter concerning the third angel’s message, quite a large portion of which was supplied by our people. This was published and circulated practically without any expense on our part, and reached a larger number of people in a shorter space of time than we could have possibly reached in any other way.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.15

“From these facts, I am sure that none of you will question the feasibility of such a line of work. We would, therefore, urgently request that you, as presidents of the various union conferences, begin at once, on your return home, to agitate this question, and see that each local conference and school take this matter up in an earnest and vigorous way.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.16

“We have considered the matter of urging our conferences to supply all the newspapers within the limits of their territory with regular subscriptions to Liberty, encouraging the editors free use of any matter contained therein.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.17

“We have also considered the question of including in the work of the department the idea of supplying the public press throughout the country with short, pointed, well-written articles, bearing upon this great question. In order to do anything like the amount we have in mind doing, and which we think ought to be done, it will necessitate the entire time of the religious liberty officers to devote exclusively to the work of the department.GCB June 1, 1909, page 247.18

“We submit these questions for your consideration, and shall be pleased for any advice or council you may give us.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.1

Prohibition and the Religious Liberty Work

WASe

“For some time we have been impressed with the importance of having our department embrace the legislative aspect of prohibition. Our attention was first attracted to this feature by reading a paragraph from The Ministry of Healing, 346, as follows:—GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.2

“‘The honor of God, the stability of the nation, the wellbeing of the community, of the home, and of the individual demand that every possible effort be made in arousing the people to the evil of intemperance. Soon we shall see the results of the terrible evil as we do not see it now. Who will put forth a determined effort to stay the work of destruction? As yet the contest has hardly begun. Let an army be formed to stop the sale of the drugged liquors that are making men mad. Let the danger from the liquor traffic be made plain, and public sentiment be created that shall demand its prohibition. Let the drink-maddened men be given an opportunity to escape their thraldom. Let the voice of the nation demand of its lawmakers that a stop be put to this infamous traffic.’GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.3

“You will observe from this language that we are clearly and plainly instructed by the Lord to appeal to earthly governments to help in subduing the monstrous evil of the liquor traffic. This instruction is in perfect accord with the Word of God, for the rum traffic comes within the legitimate sphere of civil government. There is no class of people who can so fearlessly oppose the evils of intemperance and the liquor traffic in general as Seventh-day Adventists; for we are uncompromisingly opposed to it in all its various forms. The Lord also teaches that we should do all we can before the final crisis overtakes us, to disarm prejudice. What more effective way can we do this than by taking our position clearly and squarely against this evil, when, of course, it is not in any way linked with Sunday legislation?GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.4

“Two other considerations also had something to do in leading us to decide that we should connect the question of temperance and prohibition with our religious liberty work: first, the fact that this question has been connected with the Sunday-law movement, and second, because, while our opposition to Sunday legislation necessitates our taking a negative stand in regard to civil government, and saying what it should not do, the question of prohibition affords us an excellent opportunity to assume a positive attitude toward civil government.GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.5

“Our enemies frequently accuse us of being allied with the saloon element, because liquor men are quite generally opposed to Sunday legislation. During our former campaigns here four years ago, W. F. Crafts referred to us as follows:—GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.6

“‘Many persons are puzzled to understand why Seventh-day Adventists, who are personally religious and moral, so take a position against moral movements, sometimes joining with the saloons to prevent such a movement as the improved teaching of morality in the public schools, when they have shown no such activity in canvassing the city for the restraint of intemperance, impurity, gambling, divorce, or any other form of evils.’—Washington Post, April 5, 1906.GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.7

“While in the main this is a misrepresentation of our real sentiment and attitude, nevertheless, we must confess that there is an element of truth in what Mr. Crafts states. This, however, he can not truthfully say any more, for in our work of late we have taken a most decided stand upon the question of prohibition.GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.8

“In taking our stand for prohibition, we do not mean that we should link up with the Prohibition party; for we are separate and distinct from any political party. We oppose the liquor traffic simply upon principle. In the past, it has been embarrassing for us, at times, while attending public hearings on the Sunday question, to have saloon men applaud our efforts in opposing Sunday laws. But when we make a clean-cut statement that we are unalterably opposed to the liquor traffic on all days of the week, and show plainly that we are thoroughly opposed to it because it is a menace to society, the welfare of the home, the city, and the nation, then the liquor men will not be so anxious to applaud us.GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.9

“It may be said that when we seek to invoke the civil arm in our opposition to the liquor traffic, we will thus close the ears of some people who are engaged in the liquor business, and who have been our hearty supporters in opposing the wickedness of Sunday legislation. Granting that this may be true, I wish to ask this question: Of the two classes, the liquor element of the temperance element of society, which would you think the more hopeful class of eventually bringing to a knowledge of the truth? The opposition to Sunday legislation on the part of these liquor men, with scarcely an exception, is wholly from a selfish standpoint. And we know that multitudes of the very best class of society are as honest in their efforts to secure Sunday laws, as we are to oppose them. What we need to do is to break down the walls of prejudice that separate us from them, in order that we may be able to reach them with the true principles of religious liberty. We believe this will be a way for us to drive that opening wedge farther than it has yet been driven.GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.10

“The argument that we should not oppose a wrong thing because it will offend a certain class of people is not one that is well founded, for that would close our mouths in defending every reform, as of course some people would be opposed. We should be guided and controlled by truth and right, even though it may separate us from our dearest friends. We believe our position upon this question of prohibition will give us prestige with the better class of people, and thus enable us to reach them more readily with the third angel’s message.GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.11

“It should be remembered that in our efforts in behalf of prohibition, our department is in no way trespassing upon the work of our regular temperance department; for we are opposing the liquor traffic for the reason already stated, and because the question touches the legislative feature; hence it rightfully comes within the scope of our work. We might wield an influence that would be far-reaching upon this question, if we would do as the Lord has outlined in the words I have read from ‘Ministry of Healing.’GCB June 1, 1909, page 248.12

“A leading W. C. T. U. worker in the State of Oregon recently stated that if Seventh-day Adventists would put forth one fifth the effort against the liquor traffic that they do against Sunday legislation, they would close every saloon in that State.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.1

“Shall we not, then, inaugurate a campaign against this monstrous evil of the liquor traffic, which will command the attention of the people, the same as we have done against Sunday laws? We are recognized by nearly every congressman and legislator in the country, and by multitudes of others, as in opposition to Sunday legislation. The fact that we have been successful in molding to a large degree public sentiment on this question, suggests that we can have an influence as the champions of temperance reform even more quickly, for in this we have the sympathy and support of many of the best citizens in our land. In this manner, we would pave the way to their hearts, and thus be able to reach them with the truth that we hold so dear.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.2

Religious Liberty Institutes

WASe

We believe that the holding of religious liberty institutes by our union and local conference religious liberty secretaries, assisted as far as consistent by the officers of the general department, is indispensable to the development of strong and competent workers in order to meet the rapidly growing demand of this important branch of the work. We would recommend that these institutes be held at such times and places as will be the most convenient for our field workers to attend. We believe it would also be well if religious liberty institutes were held in our colleges, academies, and intermediate schools at some convenient time during the school year. The studies in this line of work should embrace the true principle of civil and religious liberty, and our practical campaign work in enlightening the people.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.3

The importance of institute work can not be questioned, for it has been demonstrated to be of untold value in different departments of our work. Should any be in doubt as to the need, they have but to read some of our correspondence coming from the field, and note the questions asked.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.4

Selecting Suitable Persons to Attend Hearings

WASe

In view of the frequency with which Sunday bills are introduced into the various State legislatures, and hearings on these held, we would further recommend for your consideration the advisability of appointing a man in each union conference to attend these hearings, not only for the purpose of enlightening the legislators upon the principles of true liberty, and to defeat certain measures, but with a view to instructing local religious liberty workers in this particular feature of our religious liberty work.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.5

Financing Our Religious Liberty Work

WASe

The question of financing our religious liberty work in the general, union, and local conferences, should receive most careful consideration by the delegates of this Conference, for the increasing demands of the work upon us require a corresponding increase in the means with which effectively to prosecute the work.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.6

Religious Liberty Literature

WASe

If there is any one line of work to which the oft-repeated phrase that our literature should be scattered like the leaves of autumn, applies, more than to another, we believe it is to this work. We therefore urge that during this Conference more than ordinary attention be given to this feature of the work. Not only should we consider how we are to place the literature in the hands of the great masses of people who know little or nothing of these principles, but also study the question of preparing other literature to meet the ever-increasing emergencies.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.7

We would further recommend the wisdom of appointing competent persons to visit congressmen and State legislators at such times as these lawmaking bodies are not in session, as it has been demonstrated that this is a much more favorable time to interview these men than when they are in the whirl of legislative work.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.8

Meeting Sunday-Closing Crusades

WASe

We would also recommend that special consideration be given to the question of how best to carry on religious liberty campaigns where the opponents of the Bible Sabbath are advocating the evil principles of religious legislation, and thus prejudicing the people against the principles of true liberty. We believe that wise and careful methods should be employed in our campaign work, that nothing may be done which will in anywise reflect upon the cause of right that we are so justly maintaining.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.9

In conclusion, we desire to express our heart-felt gratitude to God for the degree of peace, freedom, and prosperity which we have enjoyed during the past four years. We also hope and pray that the winds of intolerance and persecution may be held in check a little longer until the last warning note of the third angel’s message has been sounded, and victory is won.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.10

As It Is in Russia

WASe

Following this report, Elder J. T. Boettcher, of Russia, said:—GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.11

While Brother Russell was giving his report, and saying that in the United States we are sometimes classed with the saloon element when opposing Sunday legislation, I was thinking that if he were permitted to deliver his speech in Russia, he would be classed among the revolutionists, and a band of policemen would come and take the whole of us. Not one of us would escape. We would be led off to prison.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.12

There is quite a difference in the minds of people in the United States, and in Russia, as to the meaning of the term “religious liberty.” In Russia “religious liberty,” as such, is practically unknown. The people do not understand such a term as this. They have no voice, so to speak, in the framing of laws.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.13

I wish to read to you a translation I have just prepared of the manifesto issued by the czar in 1905: “To grant to the people an unshaking foundation of civil liberty, founded upon personal liberty, liberty of conscience, of speech, of meetings, and of societies.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.14

That sounds very well—on paper—does it not? and we wish it were true. This is what is being reported as regards the manifesto of freedom of speech and of conscience; this is really what the czar intended to give to the people; but at present this freedom is, so to speak, only “on paper,” and is not a reality.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.15

Some may inquire, “What is personal liberty—freedom of person?” In Russia the police may come into your house at any time, search through your personal property, and, if they think there is in your possession anything that is against the government, you and your property are in the hands of the police, and you can not escape. Your best course is to stand and look on calmly, quietly, and be thankful if they do no more than take you into custody.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.16

Liberty of conscience! A person is not supposed to have any conscience in Russia; and a great many have no conscience. You will find out that this is so, wherever you may go throughout the entire kingdom.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.17

As to liberty of speech, as has already been reported, we are not permitted to hold public meetings, without special arrangement. Our people received liberty for themselves; that is, provided there are fifty or more in a certain community. When this number can gather together, they send a petition to the governor, and if he feels favorably inclined, he grants them liberty to meet for worship; but in many places we can not gather fifty of our faith in one place; so we work quietly until we can gather out a number sufficient to entitle us to the privilege of applying to the authorities for liberty to hold regular services.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.18

Elder A. J. Clark next presented the following report:—GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.19

Religious Liberty Campaign in New York

WASe

From the very beginning of the legislative session just closed in the State of New York, the Assembly began legislating for the observance of Sunday. The sixth bill presented was a Sunday bill; and between this and the close of the legislature twenty-eight bills of this character were introduced. Some of these had to do with making the present laws more lenient, while some looked to more stringent laws for the observance of the day. Seven hearings were given on these bills, before three different committees, and at each of these hearings our brethren were given every consideration. There were bills seeking to close the canals; to close places of business that at present are permitted to be open either all or part of the day; to close places of amusement, etc. Bills were also presented to permit more than is permitted at present in each of these lines. Then again, the Jews of the State sought to have an amendment made to the present exemption for Sabbath observers. At present the law says that any person observing any other day as the sabbath is exempt. The amendment sought to have this bill read that any person observing the day from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.20

Nearly all of these twenty-eight Sunday bills were referred to the Codes Committee, and they gave three hearings on them. The first hearing had to do with the bills concerning places of business, the second with those dealing with exemption, and the third with those dealing with places of amusement. In the bills that were up for consideration at the first hearing before this committee, there was a bill to close all grocery stores all day Sunday, and one to permit these stores to sell certain articles all day. It is the custom in the New York Legislature to have those in opposition to a bill to follow. Those who had come to this hearing to favor a stricter observance of the day had formed a plan by which they hoped to occupy all of the time. They planned that when the chairman called for the opposition, they would speak in opposition to the bill seeking for the sale of articles on that day, and when he called for those who favored, they would speak in favor of the bill seeking for the close of all grocery stores; thus they hoped to shut us out, and any others who might be opposed to them. Having learned of this plan, I called on the chairman of the committee, and told him what was on foot, and asked him to give us some time; and he promised us that we should have as much time as they had. So when we came into the committee room, we were told to leave it with him. This we willingly did, and while we had to wait until the last to speak, and had a committee that was all tired out from a four-hour hearing, they gave good attention while Elders Russell and Colcord spoke, and manifested a deep interest in the truth presented.GCB June 1, 1909, page 249.21

The next week the exemption bills came up, and the opposition to these bills was waged by a strong force of ministers of the leading denominations. The real object of the promoters of Sunday laws manifested itself in a marked degree at this hearing. Such statements as the following were made: “These Jews knew, before they came to our land, that this is a Christian nation, and that the Christian Sabbath is observed, and they should have consulted their conscience before they decided to start for these shores to see if they could transform their conscience to comply with our customs.” “If these Jews continue to seek to tear down our Christian institutions, a boycott will be introduced.” After these men had finished, the Jews were given an opportunity to speak. One of the speakers was the introducer of one of these bills and a member of the committee before whom the hearing was conducted. Previous to the hearing he had been to our brethren and asked them to unite with them in seeking for this law. We explained to him the reason why it was impossible for us to do this, and our position appealed to him so that in his speech before the committee he gave us an excellent introduction, and stated our position perfectly, telling the committee that we were not in harmony with them, but that we had the right of the matter. He said, These people are Christians, and are the highest type of Christians. He gave us this introduction when he knew that we were going to oppose the bill. After he had finished, Elder F. C. Gilbert occupied about fifteen minutes in presenting our views, and the Lord was with him as he pointed these men to the truth, and pictured to them the outcome of some of the arguments which they had heard.GCB June 1, 1909, page 250.1

The last hearing was on the bills to close all places of amusement on Sunday. At this hearing there were present to look after the interests of Sunday legislation some of the leading men of the country, such men as Dr. Laidlaw, Dr. Crafts, Dr. Hubbell, and many others. At this hearing these men were so persistent in presenting their views and doing as they pleased, that they were nearly shut out, being allowed only about three minutes apiece, while Elder Longacre was given about fifteen minutes in which to present to the committee our views.GCB June 1, 1909, page 250.2

No doubt the Conference will be anxious to hear the outcome of these bills. Only two of them were reported out of the committee, and both of these were defeated on the floor. The success of our work was due largely to the interest taken in the campaign by our brethren and sisters throughout the three New York conferences, and their faithfulness in sending letters, literature, and petitions to the members of the committees to whom the bills had been referred.GCB June 1, 1909, page 250.3

We do not believe for a moment that the greatest success in the effort put forth at Albany was the fact that no Sunday bill passed the legislature, but the impression made on the men of our work in general. The kindly interest which they took in us and in our work, and the desire they manifested to read our literature, were by far the greatest source of joy on our part. One of the men of the committee to which nearly all the bills was referred became very much interested in our work, and subscribed to some of our literature, and said he would read anything that we would send him. He expressed a desire to know more of our people and what they believed. He is a Jew, and said that he never before took any stock in Christianity. “In fact,” he said, “I do not now, in the so-called Christianity; but you people are different than the rest of them.” I believe that the highest aim of the Religious Liberty Department should be to bring people to a knowledge of this truth, and not merely to kill Sunday bills.GCB June 1, 1909, page 250.4

C. S. Longacre: There is one item that Brother Clark did not mention. In my speech at the Albany hearing, I had quoted from five different histories, three volumes of the Religious Liberty Library, “Sunday in History,” and another book written by Dr. W. F. Crafts, chairman of the National Reform Association. At the close of my talk, a member of the committee said: “I want those five books,” and he laid the money down on the table.GCB June 1, 1909, page 250.5

The Jewish People and Religious Liberty

WASe

Elder F. C. Gilbert was next called upon by Elder Russell to make a few statements, speaking as a Christian Jew.GCB June 1, 1909, page 250.6

F. C. Gilbert: I think it is evident that the Religious Liberty question is getting to be a very lively one in this country. As many of you doubtless know, a large number of the Jews are turning their attention and their thought to professional lines, especially to law. During the last few years many of them have studied this question of religious legislation and religious liberty. They are getting to realize more and more two strong facts. One is that persecution in this country is imminent, and another is that there must be somewhere to turn for relief when it does come. And not one nor two nor three are beginning to realize that there is a body of people in this land, as well as in other lands, that has a good deal of sympathy for the Jews, and that is Seventh-day Adventists.GCB June 1, 1909, page 250.7

To illustrate this, I might mention an incident that occurred at the close of the hearing referred to by Brother Clark. I said to one of the Jews, “Did it ever occur to you that you Jewish people ought to be Seventh-day Adventists?” He bowed his head. I said: “This is certainly a strange situation; here are people that call themselves Christians; they have the Jewish Sabbath; they have a Jewish Christ; they have a Jewish New Testament; and they are taking a position to-day identical with that of Daniel and other prominent Jews of that time. Doesn’t it seem strange that Christians should come in and take the position that the Jews ought to occupy? Well, he stood there with his head bowed a moment, and finally, raising his head, he said: “I do not know but what that is so.”GCB June 1, 1909, page 251.1

There is no people in any position today that is doing more to advance the cause of Christianity among the Jews than Seventh-day Adventists. The day is not distant,—yea, I believe it is a great deal nearer than many of us think,—when scores and hundreds of Jews will turn their eyes and attention to this people. Some time ago there were printed two articles of two columns each in one of the leading New York dailies. It seems that the writer of this article had been in one of our sanitariums, and had studied our doctrines; for he gave us one of the best descriptions I have ever seen from the pen of any one.GCB June 1, 1909, page 251.2

I am sure that if our people everywhere could but realize the influence that this truth and our literature, especially along religious liberty lines, is having on the Jews, they would do all they could in behalf of these people.GCB June 1, 1909, page 251.3

Conference adjourned to 5:30 P. M.

A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

THIRTIETH MEETING

Health Topics - SIMPLE LIFE