On page 4 of this issue we begin a series of articles on the general subject of human relations. This traces certain main points of the story of our work in the South, particularly in relation to the Negro American. This series presents in chronological order the record of the difficulties and the opportunities. The prejudices and the providences, that have marked our evangelizing activities in that area of the United States.

What distinguishes these articles is that they are woven around the many and stirring counsels Sister White gave in behalf of missionary work for a then sorely benighted and neglected race who had so recently gained the status of free men. The spirit of temperateness, restraint, and balance marks her counsels on this subject as on all others. The writer of the series, Arthur L. White, has effectively placed Sister Whites words in their historical context. The result, we believe, is that a harmonious line of inspired counsel on race relations is woven throughout this series.

It is in this setting that we can best call attention to an article by Ellen G. White on page 1 of this issue. The title of it well describes its range: "The Bible Provides Guiding Principles on Race Relations." This article originally was an address she gave to church leaders in 1891. It marks the real beginnings of Adventist labor for the colored race, particularly in the Southern States. This extended article, which will be concluded next week, provides the true background for many articles Sister White later wrote on this theme.

Let us take heart that the God of the Advent Movement is leading, not a stray segment here or a racial group there, but a united body front every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Living as we do in a divided world where problems social, economic, religious, and racial threaten havoc and destruction, may we ever seek for unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. That kind of unity must ever distinguish the Advent Movement. We are nearly home. That we believe. Increasing unity can quicken our pace. The United Nations is constantly struggling to preserve a sufficient semblance of unity to prevent war. The people of God must provide the world and an onlooking universe with something this earth so sorely lacks, a unity and fellowship both genuine and joyous.

God has helped us hearteningly toward this heavenly goal. It is our devout hope and belief that Sister Whites article and the series by Arthur White that we are starting in these columns this week will bring us ever nearer to this radiant goal. We plan, in counsel with the leadership of the movement, to reunite in future months further articles on this subject from Sister White. The current articles will later be reprinted as a pamphlet.

All these endeavors in print reflect, in part, the plans worked out by a special committee set up by the General Conference to promote ever better human relations. We need hardly add that this committee, which represents both Caucasian and colored brethren in leadership, is wise, not in the ways of the world in seeking for unity - proper as some of those ways may be. But it is humbly wise concerning the power and the possibilities that reside in praying together, planning together and going forward together. The people of God always make their most rapid advances on their knees. That is why we commend that all of us read these current articles on race relations in a mood of prayer.