Earlier text: EVOLUTION AND GEOLOGYWORLD’S FAIR OBSERVATIONS.
By R. C. Porter
There is in St. Louis at the present time an admirable display in grounds, buildings, and exhibits, which, alike in vastness and variety, make the Louisiana Purchase Exposition unequaled in impressiveness and educational values in the history of world’s fairs. The marvelous achievements of recent years in art, in science, and in the industries, have brought together, from all parts of the world, thoughtful, intelligent persons, concerned not only in what they may be able to acquire or to communicate in their special callings, but interested in all matters which affect the advancement of society. Much space was devoted to exhibits of horticulture, agriculture, live stock, manufacture, mining, and the fine arts. These exhibits were all very instructive and of great educational value. As nearly all nations were represented in their native home life, this feature afforded an opportunity to see much of the world in its varied phases of natural life in a brief space of time and with little expense. The special industries from all parts of the world, accumulated as they are within the small compass of thirteen hundred acres of ground, passing in review before the eye as a panorama, is a rare opportunity for the student of history. These features of the Fair are in themselves of great educational value to the student of limited resources and means. But these are not the most important or most highly-prized features of the Exposition to the careful Bible student. There were called together by the occasion those societies interested in humanitarian work, mission work, and those interested in Sunday rest work. The Vegetarian Society and Sanitarium and Life Boat Mission Societies held conventions that were eminently practical and highly educational in their lines of work. The mission work of some churches brought together from the various fields of the world, in hand-to-hand and heart-to-heart touch, those interested in this line of work. This must certainly prove a blessing to those darkened lands where the needs are so great. One sad feature of the work of religious conventions held during the Fair was the clamor of the International Sunday Rest Congress for enforced Sunday observance. No doubt the assembly, gathered in the interest of this special work, like Paul, when persecuting the church before he became fully acquainted with Jesus Christ, verily thought they did God service. But, like the great apostle, zealous tho they were with a zeal worthy a better cause, they were certainly misguided. The whole tenor of the Sunday Rest Congress was demands for compulsory Sunday laws in the interest of a better observance of the day religiously. They seemed to forget that religion ceases to be Christianity whenever it is forced. The Gospel of Christ, as presented by Himself, is, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” “Whosoever will, may come,” not Whosoever will not, must come. A lover of religious liberty, aroused by the anti-christian demand for religious legislation by the Sunday Rest Congress (a body of professed Christians), submitted the following questions to the secretary of the convention, with the request that they be read, and answers solicited: - Did Jesus Christ ever ask the state to enact laws for the enforcement of Sabbath observance or any other religious doctrine?
- Was not the enforcement of Sunday laws the first step taken by the Papacy in religious legislation which ended in religious persecution and the martyrdom of the Dark Ages?
3. In the demand for Sunday laws are we not in danger of becoming responsible for a period of religious legislation that will fulfil Rev. 13:14 by making an image to the Papacy?No attempt was made to reply to the above questions. It is so apparent that it is antichrist and not Christ who is the author of all attempts to enforce religious doctrines, that no thoughtful Christian would attempt to defend such a movement with his eyes on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. But John, in the book of Revelation, has described this movement (13th chapter), declaring that it will proceed to use the boycott to the extent that none can buy or sell unless they have the “mark of the beast” or worship his image; even declaring that those should be martyred who should refuse to allow others to control, by civil enactments, their religious belief and practice. The indications, from what appeared at the World’s Fair Sunday Rest Congress, are very plain that we are on the eve of the fulfilment of this prophecy, the development of that “beast” power in the accomplishment of its cruel work. Every reader knows that a beast represents mastery by force. Christ’s Gospel is controlled by love. So here that kind of force in the enforcement of religious doctrines constitutes the image of the beast. The mark or sign or first great step by the Papacy in this direction was the enforcement of Sunday laws to make Sunday a day of rest. It afterward appealed to this great achievement as an evidence of its authority to command other religious observances. It was very noticeable that, in this Sunday Rest Congress, the enforced closing of the World’s Fair gates on Sunday, which was claimed to be the direct result of the labor of this Sunday rest movement, was the first great achievement in the work of this body and a mark of their influence or power with the state; and it was this that gave assurance of success in their movement for the accomplishment of their further purposes in religious legislation. In Revelation 14 a company is presented who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. They are giving a warning against this movement for religious legislation, and warning against the making of an image to the Papacy or receiving its mark of authority, enforced Sunday rest. From the presentation of this company as keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus in contrast with those making an image to the beast, it is plain that those who demand religious legislation neither keep God’s commandments nor exercise the faith of Jesus. If they kept God’s commandments they could not demand religious legislation; and if they kept the faith of Jesus they would not want such legislation. The company here presented as keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus are declared to have gained the victory over the beast, his image, and his mark, and they stand in the holy city singing redemption songs. The conflict before the world is here made plain. The results of the work of this movement in connection with the closing of the gates of this Exposition on Sunday will give new inspiration to their work. Every lover of truth, every soul that rejoices in the blessed hope of the soon coming of Christ, should gird himself afresh for the work of giving the warning message to the world. Those who are true to the work of living the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and giving the warning message, will soon stand victorious in the City of God. The class who make the image to the beast, and receive his mark, will be recipients of the wrath of God under the seven last plagues. This is no common time, and the lesson drawn from a careful study of this greatest of world’s expositions is no common lesson. Let us catch the true import of these lessons, reflect the image of Jesus, whose we are and whom we serve, and go forward to victory. Liquor Power Eyes Panama Boom
The American Friend says: “Already, before a spade is stuck into the ground in Panama, far from the restraints of civilization, the liquor power is looking forward to a ten years’ orgy in which to roll up a great aggregate of wealth.” “THE EARTH WAS FILLED WITH VIOLENCE.”
JESUS put on record, especially for the instruction of the church in the last days, the statement that “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” This statement is a positive refutation of all arguments that a condition of righteousness will greet the Lord at His coming. When we turn to the history of the “days of Noah” we find a state of affairs that was truly appalling. Two statements describe the condition most vividly: “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Gen. 6:5. “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted His way upon the earth.” Verses 11, 12. We may depend upon it, that the Word of the Lord never fails. We may depend upon it, that Jesus knew just what would be the condition of the world when He should return to gather His people to Himself. Therefore, when He tells us that “as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be,” we may know that at His coming the earth will be “filled with violence” instead of righteousness. It matters not that business or politics or social policy will induce many to join the popular churches, for Christ has revealed the fact that “Babylon” (the apostate church) will “become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Rev. 18:2. This proclamation is made through an angel “having great power.” And concerning this very thing, the Lord said, in His Sermon on the Mount: “Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” The great efforts to enforce peace and righteousness in the earth by religious-political laws, and by large armies and navies, furnish the direct means of violence. The former beget persecution; and persecution begets violence; and the latter are schools of bloodshed, of which the present death struggle between Russia and Japan is an apt illustration. Japan is being lauded the world over, by both Christian (professed) and infidel, for her rapid progress in “civilization;” and the evidence given is her skill in the art of war—her prowess in the violence of life destruction. As long as success in war is held up as the crowning evidence of progress in civilization, and immense armies and navies are made the basis of peace among nations, violence stands at the doors awaiting the opportunities that are sure to come. As long as the “Christian” head of a “Christian” nation counsels his young soldiers that “a good soldier is not only ready to fight, but anxious to fight,” the prospect of a Christian, Golden-Rule peace on earth is far off. The doctrine thus instilled into soldiers and sailors paves the way for such disgraceful scenes as occurred in San Francisco recently. A morning paper says of it: “Two battles were fought last night in front of the Hall of Justice between a mob of frenzied soldiers and sailors and a squad of police. Policemen were knocked down and kicked. The heads of many of the coast artillery and sailors of the U. S. S. Pensacola were broken. Finally, by using their clubs savagely and by charging the mob, the police, under Lieutenant Green, broke up the riot and captured all the prisoners they could handle. While the fight lasted the noise could be heard for blocks. The men from the army and navy had been drinking, and as soon as they clashed with the police, they forgot that they were unarmed. So long as they could stand the fast pace they used their fists and feet against the bludgeons of the police.” Surely the world is being prepared for violence to the full, and so sure “the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” THE LABOR CONVENTION AT SAN FRANCISCO.
There is now in session in the city of San Francisco the annual convention of the American Federation of Labor, with representatives in attendance from all the various labor organizations. Samuel Gompers, president of the Federation, John Mitchell, president of the United Mine Workers of America and vice-president of the American Federation, are present, together with the leaders of state Federations. This convention is recognized as being one of the most important meetings of the Federation ever held, and the speeches of the delegates and leaders indicate a firm determination to push the interests of organized labor unremittingly toward the goal they have in view. Just what that goal is has not been yet stated in the convention. It was evident from Mr. Gompers’ remarks on the evening of the 14th that the condition in the retail stores where early closing is now in practise is not yet satisfactory, but only comparatively so. While disclaiming any desire to promote strife, the president plainly indicated the determination of the organization to allow nothing to stand in the way of the attainment of its object. Five speakers addressed the meeting on that evening. No one who listened to these speeches could fail to be impressed with the earnestness of the speakers in the cause they had espoused, as well as with the perfect faith of the audience in these men to whom they were listening. These labor leaders claim to represent three million men and women in the federated trades, and the number is growing rapidly with every year. It is perfectly plain that in organized labor the nations have a power to reckon with; and that the organization will brook no interference where it has the power to carry out its designs was shown by the angry hisses that greeted the mention of the name of Governor Peabody of Colorado, who has been carrying on a campaign of attempted extermination against unionism and union methods in Colorado. The American Federation of Labor aims to bring all the labor organizations under its direction and control, so that organized labor can deal as one man with any situation, unfavorable to itself, that may arise in any part of the country. The officers of the Federation lost no opportunity to impress upon the audience the great advantage of such a consolidation. It is very easy to understand how the culmination of this purpose will tend to make harder and harder the conditions of labor for those who can not conscientiously bind themselves to the union’s chariot wheels. That it is not a charity or philanthropic organization is shown in the attitude it sustains toward the laborer in general—one of aggressive warfare. It is anticipated that there will be a strong effort made at this convention to elect officers favorable to Socialism. That element is strongly on the increase in labor’s ranks, and aims to secure the control of the organization that the Socialist Commonwealth may be ushered in at the earliest possible moment. That purpose will not be accomplished without a struggle, but when it is accomplished, it will be no harder for the organized laborer to bow to it than it is now to yield to the dictates of his own organization. To the one who is watching the unfolding signs of these times there is much food for serious thought in the developments of these days. The Lodge and the Church.
The following array of differences between secret societies and the church of Christ, as led by His Word, which appeared in the November issue of the Christian Cynosure, is worthy of serious consideration: Accepts only those who have money. Receives neither women nor children. Helps only those who have paid. Doubts a man’s word until he swears. Has degrees which form society into castes. Forbids a man to take his wife to the lodge meetings. Requires a man to hide something from his wife. Makes a man leave his family alone on lodge-meeting nights. Persecutes and sometimes kills those who tell of its ritual and secrets. Demands approval before telling what is to be approved. Draws good men into bad company. Calls the Bible “furniture.” Calls conscience the highest rule. Puts the Koran and other books on a level of comparison with the Bible, and declares such to be of equal authority. Prays without the name of Christ. Avoids the confession of Christ, so as not to offend unbelievers. Considers all religions of equal value. Fosters pride by high-sounding titles. Sends the grossest sinners to “the Grand Lodge above.” Says: Every kind of faith is saving. Way of salvation: Good works. Denies the Trinity, atonement, and Christ’s divinity. Advises to go in yoke with unbelievers. Often chooses scoffers to lead devotion. Sits at every meeting in “the seat of the scornful.” Helps the poor as far as possible. Warns against vain oaths. Believes every man until he deceives. Asks a man to take his wife to meeting. Advises married people to hide nothing. Asks a man to take his family with him. Sends out witnesses to proclaim its faith and ceremonies. Demands knowledge before approval. Draws bad men into good company. Calls the Bible “the living Word of God.” Calls the Word of God the highest rule. Puts the Bible above all other books. Prays in the name of Christ. Confesses Christ tho they die for it. Calls Christianity the only true religion. Fosters humility by convincing of sin. Avoids a worldly life, and says: “Blessed are the pure in heart.” Says: None cometh to the Father except through the Son. Way of salvation: Faith in Christ, bearing fruit in virtue. Confesses all these truths. Warns against going in yoke with unbelievers. Chooses believers to lead devotion. Says: Blessed is he that “sitteth not in the seat of the scornful.” EXPERIMENTS IN AIR MAKING.
Scientists have long been experimenting with the substances of which the air we breathe is composed, and much study has been placed upon the properties of the constituent parts. They have tried different combinations of these substances; but have been unable to find any combination which could be substituted for our atmosphere, without resulting in the death of the creature that breathed it. Professor Marcacci, of Palermo, Italy, has recently shown that an atmosphere artificially constructed with an equal amount of hydrogen substituted for the nitrogen can not support life for any length of time. He tried to keep animals in such an atmosphere, but he found that they soon died, the same effects being noticed as would result from cold. This is explained by the fact that hydrogen possesses greater conductivity for heat than does nitrogen. All of which shows that the Creator knew best when He prepared a home for men and beasts and an atmosphere for them to breathe. In his recent decision that the California Anti-injunction Law is unconstitutional, Superior Judge Hunt, of San Francisco, says: “The courts generally hold that the boycott is illegal. It has been thus held in Virginia, New Jersey, Kansas, Michigan, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Minnesota.” This statement is made in connection with a perpetual injunction to restrain the Stablemen’s Union from carrying on any of the usual boycott operations against a certain livery-stable. His decision is based on the rights of property. He holds that it is the duty of the courts, under the laws, to protect the property of an employer, and also the non-union workman’s right to labor. He holds that “the right to labor is a right of property, and the duty to protect it is the highest office of our laws. No syndicate of employers or union of employees can bar one of the right to labor, for the right to labor is the right to live. But how can it be said that a right is inviolate if, when violated, the law affords no redress?” ORIENTAL reports indicate a renewal of activity in northern Manchuria where the armies of Russia and Japan are now in close contact. It is reported that the Russians are pressing the Japanese left wing, and that the booming of artillery is continuous. Both armies are bringing up provisions and re-enforcements and more strongly entrenching the positions which they now hold. The weather is very cold at this season, and the troops on both sides are protecting themselves by burrowing into the ground. It has not been expected that a general engagement would be fought at this time, and the activity reported may be simply skirmishing on a large scale. In spite of rumors of Port Arthur's intended capitulation, the garrison is still holding out, tho the Japanese have succeeded in blowing up one of the large magazines and arsenals by concentrating their artillery fire upon the place where it was located. There has been much fighting under ground in the deep trenches and galleries that have been dug by the besiegers and defenders. The Japanese are seeking to undermine and blow up the walls, and the Russians meet their tunnels with counter tunnels, where hand-to-hand encounters occur. Both Russia and Japan are seeking in every way possible to obtain war-vessels to replace those lost during the war, and Russian consuls are offering large sums to those who will run the blockade with supplies for the Port Arthur garrison. AMERICAN BOARD DONATIONS.
THE ninety-fifth annual meeting of the American Board of Foreign Missions convened at Grinnell, Iowa, October 11. The report of the home department was read by the treasurer, Frank H. Wiggin, of Boston, who also read a report concerning the treasury. The report of the prudential committee for the home department showed that thirty-nine missionaries had been appointed during the year. The total receipts of the middle district from all sources during the last twenty-four years were $4,691,211. There had been a financial increase in the district on the Pacific Coast over the previous year of 14 per cent., and two new churches had been added to the list of those supporting their own missionaries. The report of the treasurer showed receipts, including balance of $725,570, and disbursements of $748,308, an increase of $7,725 over the previous year. A brother writing from a certain section of the United States says: “Almost everybody here, from the preacher down, uses tobacco—either in chewing, smoking, or dipping snuff. All use swine’s flesh, warm biscuit and sorghum molasses. Hence I see more ‘risings’—boils, carbuncles, felons, etc.—than I ever saw before.” [The following appeal to women,—from an editorial in a prominent daily,—tho not always phrased in the choicest form, we present to our readers of the gentler sex, assured that it will appeal to their common-sense, and we hope favorable and positive action:] When you see a beautiful female creature looking off into space, her round eyes shining like stars, her whole mentality riveted on some problem, it is shocking to think that she is trying to think about some new foolishness in dress. We observe with regret that woman has inaugurated this fall a brand new kind of foolishness. WE REFER TO THE SKIRT, LONG IN FRONT, THAT A WOMAN FALLS OVER—the skirt that gathers up microbes ahead, as the trailing skirt used to gather them up behind. We realize what an important work women have to do in the world, and we try to divert them from foolish littlenesses that check their progress, waste their time and thought. If you catch a cannibal and want to make a good clergyman out of him, you must first cure him of cannibalism. If you want to make a high-class citizen out of a clay-eating Indian, you must first get him to stop eating clay. If you want to make a thoroughly useful human being out of a woman, you must coax her away from the foolish fashion ideas which are the stamp of mental inferiority. Women, don't you see how men have outstripped you in their sensible attitude toward dress? Men used to wear wigs, powdered hair, false calves on their legs, clothes of satin, silk, lace, and velvet. They have stopped all that nonsense, and see what progress they made. Woman, on the other hand, still wastes her time on frivolities that are meaningless—or worse than meaningless—because they injure health or detract from modesty. In the past we have denounced the following things, among others: The kangaroo shape and walk that make women squeeze themselves in below the waist, twist themselves out of nature's shape, and project themselves through space all out of plumb, like foolish kangaroos. The foolish, transparent shirt waist, made out of something like mosquito netting, which displays all sorts of ribbons, buttons and other contrivances that ought naturally to be invisible, like the springs of a watch. The crazy desire of women to appear thin, leading them—so the doctors tell us—to wear brutally tight rubber bandages around their hips, and to starve themselves, or poison themselves with drugs, to make themselves thinner. These and many other things we have had to denounce, including the foolish rows of buttons down the back of a dress, the preposterous and unsightly way of walking along with the skirts drawn tightly to one side—not very modest; the eternal high-heeled shoes which prevent deep breathing and spoil digestion; the tight lacing which is a feature of every foolish costume, as bread is a feature of every meal. Now comes this idiotic invention of dresses, with skirts so long in front that they must keep kicking out their feet unnaturally in order to keep from stepping on them and falling down. Women, we don't ask you to be logical, but be ALMOST logical. Why do you suffer the tortures of the seventh circle of the inferno to make your feet small, and then invent a dress that will keep anybody from seeing your feet?11 Why do you spend your girlhood going to dancing school, learning to walk gracefully, and then put on a dress so long in front as to make you walk in a hesitating, shuffling manner, like the cow you see in a lot with a board in front of her eyes to keep her from jumping the fence? Won't you try to realize that the great Power which created you knows a great deal better than the man milliner what you ought to look like? Get small hats that fit your skull, not huge things with a crown the size of a thimble, that make you walk stiff-necked for fear they will blow off. Wear loose, comfortable waists that will give you a chance to breathe. Have short skirts and good, broad shoes with low heels in which you can walk or jump comfortably. If you think a man wants to marry two deformed feet, you are mistaken—China is the market for such goods. Wear your gloves one size too large, not two sizes too small. Your heart uses up its energy trying to pump blood to the extremities, your hands and feet, and you use all your infantile ingenuity to squeeze those extremities so that the blood can not go there. Your hands and feet get cold, the tip of your nose gets pink, you suffer, and you look like a half-frozen hen as soon as cold weather comes on. Why do you do it? Wear sensible things, simple things, clean things—and you will be much more popular than the poor, foolish female who makes herself the victim of every foolish fancy.