D. Carlos I, Late King of Portugal, Assassinated Feb. 1, 1908.
IN the evening and night following the first day of February, 1908, the world was startled by the report of a terrible crime perpetrated in the capital of Portugal. The King D. Carlos I and Crown Prince Luiz Filippe were assassinated by shots from a revolver and Winchester carbine in the hands of two regicides, who, in their turn, were slain by police and other officials.
The royal family were returning from an outing and disembarking from the ferry in front of Lisbon; they greeted the prime minister and other prominent officials, after which they took their places in an open carriage to go to the palace. A few rods away the deed was done which dethroned one king and enthroned another. The dailies have given many details of the affair, so we will not occupy space in recounting them.
We are reminded of our Saviour's words in His great prophecy: "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." An Englishman who has been in Portugal thirty-eight years told us that if any one had asked him if it was safe for the king to be without protection, up until the first of February, 1908, he would have replied, "Yes, certainly!"
He believed this people to be very pacific, but did not count with the false teaching of centuries the evil result of the union of church and state. When the young king took his place, he swore to support the religion of the state,—the Roman Catholic,—that one which has robbed the people of more money than has entered the coffers of the kings. This is a fact recognized by the majority in the nation.
For instance, after the death of a certain countess, a last will and testament was published providing for over three thousand masses to be said for the souls of herself, relatives, and other souls in purgatory. Such wills are very common, altho the masses have different prices.
The people are not taught that the Bible says, "But the dead know not anything." "His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish." Therefore all this money is spent for nothing as regards the purpose for which it is given. It helps support the priests.
People that have been trodden upon for years, having their life-blood drawn by unsupportable taxation to sustain two institutions which have come down arm-in-arm thru the Dark Ages, sooner or later rise up to overthrow the oppressor. But sad is the result of a sin-burdened heart which knows not the way of salvation, the Saviour or a loving heavenly Father. Such broods over his fate until he determines to avenge himself and his downtrodden fellows. We see the result, terrible in its nature.
The dead king was said to be a liberal man in regard to religious tolerance. While he was in England at the funeral of Queen Victoria, the queen who was regent gave orders thru the prime minister to close all Protestant houses of worship. The Protestants complained to friends in England, who sent a delegation which delivered to D. Carlos I an address. He replied by sending back a telegram, "Let my people have their liberty of worship."
However there seems to be very little sorrow manifested by the people at large. The soldiers and public officials are in mourning. The court is in mourning for two months. The fort and war-ships in the harbor have been firing salutes every fifteen minutes both day and night. Representatives of nearly all nations are or will be here to attend the funeral. Telegrams of sympathy have been received from all parts of the world. Eight or ten days after the death, the funeral takes place.
The bodies of the king and prince will be deposited in the pantheon of the kings of Portugal, a room in an old church built about seven hundred years ago. Forty-four years were necessary to complete it. The worker received two cents a day or as much bread. By the earthquake of 1755 the church was partially destroyed but was rebuilt by D. Jose I then king. It has a basilica done in wood, being an imitation of that in St. Peter's in Rome.
Crown Prince, Luis Filippe, of Portugal, Age 21 Years, Assassinated with His Father, Feb. 1, 1908.
Amelia, Queen Regent of Portugal.
Here are to be found the coffins of quite a number of royal families of different centuries, made according to the style of the times. Those of interest are D. Jose I, king in the year 1755, and D. Pedro II, emperor of Brazil, who was expelled from there by the forces that proclaimed the republic. Pastor Ernesto Schwantes, who is the superintendent of the Portuguese mission, was a commander in the Brazilian army fighting for the monarchy and his emperor. The body of this monarch is shown to the visitors by the guard.
The accompanying photo shows the room, occupied by silent men, women, and children, who await the same judgment day and resurrection that do others the places of whose sepulchers are unknown to mortals.
Revolution Imminent.
King Manuel II, of Portugal, Age 18 Years, Crowned on the Assassination of His Father.
Altho Portugal has been emerging from horrible spiritual darkness, as is shown by religious tolerance and permission given for the Bible to be circulated, yet there is a great alarm felt that the people might rise up in a revolution, not only to overthrow the monarchy,11but also the richer classes. The unconverted man goes from one extreme to the other. O, that the Portuguese people would see in God's great message their joy and happiness; that they would hail their Saviour, Redeemer, who will soon come as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
Would that the people of God in the free land could cross the water to see what this people are and have been, to see the number of convents, churches, begging monks and nuns, and common beggars; to see the oppression of a church-state! I am sure they would return to struggle with greater energy to stay the religious persecution in the United States of America. If those who are so eager in demanding national Sunday laws could have a few years' struggle against persecution, they would be glad to repeal every Sunday law on every statute-book in every state.
Poor Portugal, once so proud in her discoveries and conquests, is lost in sin! How many are ready to show their sympathy by more than words? Our hearts are sad, yet we believe God has a faithful few here. Who will help us in carrying the message to this people who helped open South America, Africa, and India to the Gospel by her discoveries?
Portuguese possessions in Africa are waiting. The isles call for help before they disappear from sight beneath the waves of a tempestuous ocean! Who will go?
C. E. RENTFRO.
Feeling in Japan
Feeling in Japan.—Dr. Carl Peters, the well-known African explorer and author, issues a warning against the Oriental issue, "Asia for Asiatics!" He declares that the British situation in India is critical, and reasserts what we have already reported of Japanese agitation. Okuma declares that 300,000,000 of the Hindus look upon Japan as their "natural protector;" that in South Manchuria the Japanese respect the open door as little as did the Russians, and ignore any rights that the British may have in those parts; that the Japanese army officers are busy in teaching Chinese, Hindu, and Siamese students how to slaughter white people scientifically and successfully; and all this notwithstanding the fact that the students are nearer related to the Indo-Germanic races than to the Mongolian. Japan's program, Dr. Peters tells us, includes the ruling of Asia. Dr. Peters also declares that there is a possibility of Japan's possessing the ambition of colonizing America, because it is a tradition generally accepted that 600 or 700 years before Christ, Chinese or Japanese landed on the shores of North America, and they feel that the whites are usurping a Japanese or Chinese province. At any rate, whatever their plans may be for the future, Dr. Peters feels that there is danger to England and America.
Forced into Almost Seeing
Discussing various theories of matter, Mr. B. Latour, in the Cosmos of Paris, November 2, says: "In this bold and triumphant flight of science toward the larger and more comprehensive synthesis, we may detect an homage,—perhaps too unconscious,—to the unity of the divine truth and to the simplicity of that eternal wisdom which, at the basis of the created universe, has disposed all things regularly in number, weight, and measure." And that is what the Bible teaches; but it teaches further that this balance has been interfered with by sin. Why can not scientists in their grouping grasp the true? Is it because it is too simple?
True Catholicity Not in the Catholic Church.
By Bishop of Carlisle
"THE Catholic Church: What Is It?" [From a contribution of the Bishop of Carlisle to the January Hibbert Journal, issued in this country by Sherman, French & Company, Boston.]
It is impossible to imagine how different, how marvelously and gloriously different, might have been the course of Christianity, its moral dominion and spiritual conquests, but for the financial greed and the lust of authority which have characterized the efforts to establish an imperial and hierarchial Catholicity—efforts which have driven simple-hearted, high-souled, God-fearing men by millions into noble exile, contemptuously called "schism" by those guilty of the exile.
A thousand years of trial on a scale which can never recur, and under circumstances favored by ignorance and nourished by the feudal spirit, impossible of repetition, have conclusively shown that, wherever else Catholicity may be found, it is hopeless to seek for it in the Roman Church, unless, abandoning her hierarchial pretensions and forsaking her medieval superstitions (Which may God of His goodness grant!), she returns to primitive truth and primitive simplicity.
Infallibility will not do instead of truth; especially a self-constituted infallibility proved both by experience and the reason of the thing to be palpably absurd. Nor will a specious, but spurious doctrine of development stand against the assaults of undeniable facts. The capital property of development is upwardness. The true name for downward development is reversion. But whether regarded from the point of view either of reason or faith, the developments of the Papacy for a thousand years have been downward—reversions in the direction of Judaism and Paganism. While the world has been moving onward and upward, the Church of Rome has been falling downward and backward. Catholicity is a grand and heavenly ideal, and can not be found in any organization so long as it continues of the earth, earthy.
Some of the Churches.
According to Dr. H. K. Caroll, the net gains of all religious denominations in the United States in 1907 were 2,301 ministers, 4,214 churches, and 627,546 communicants. The total membership is given at 32,983,156, of which the Roman Catholics number over 11,000,000, more than one-third of the whole. Sadlier's Catholic Directory reports 13,890,353. The seventeen Methodist bodies number 6,660,784, and gained 101,696. The fourteen Baptist bodies number 5,224,305, and gained in 1907, 103,358. The twelve Presbyterian bodies number 1,821,504, and gained 49,627. The twenty-three Lutheran bodies number 2,022,605, and gained 65,172. The Disciples of Christ number 1,285,123, and gained 20,365. The two bodies of the Protestant Episcopal Church number 830,659, and decreased 15,833. Spiritualists are placed at 150,000; Congregationalists at 699,327, with a gain of 2,604. Mormons number 398,000. Salvation Army is placed at 28,000. United Brethren number 289,652. The smallest body listed is the Friends of the Temple, 340. Christian Scientists are listed at 85,096. These figures are, of course, approximate, but the proportions are probably fair. The percentage of gain is only one and nine-tenths per cent. In other words, it has taken fifty-two souls to win one. Native Christians in foreign fields increased from 995,700 to 1,800,000. The hardest and most unresponsive field of all seems to be the "Gospel-hardened" home field.
Japan's War Status.
Mr. Hudson Maxim, the great gun inventor, in a recent letter declares: "Whether or not we may agree with Captain Hobson in what he says about the imminence of war with Japan, it is certain that if we are not fully prepared for such a war it is a matter of very serious concern to every American citizen." After saying that he had been a close student of war history and had much to do with invention and manufacture of war materials, he declares: "Japan is preparing for war, and preparing for that war with the United States which she believes to be inevitable. Not a war that she will force upon us, but a war that we shall force upon Japan, the moment she gets strong enough to be no longer an under-dog. Japan will not fight us unless, or until, she feels sure of winning; she will try to lead us to precipitate the war.
"Japan recently purchased of Sir William Armstrong, Whitworth & Co. the entire output of their torpedo works for two years. The Krupp Works at Essen are working rush orders, turning out huge guns for Japan. The Crucible Steel Works at Newark, N. J., have just completed an order for three thousand tons of rifle barrels for the Japanese, rifles enough to arm 750,000 soldiers. The Japanese have a veteran army of about 750,000 men. We have an army of only 75,000 serving our country, largely as servants and common laborers." In comparison with the navies, he declares: "Our present navy is perhaps twice as powerful as that of Japan. The torpedo flotilla of Japan is at least twice as powerful as ours." Statements like these from such a man as Hudson Maxim will have their effect upon the nations of earth.
And it is such talk as this, of course, which will tend to prepare for war and precipitate war. Looking at it from the Christian standpoint we can see God's hand controlling things. And according to His prophetic word, the winds of war will be held until His work is finished. And then will come the great conflict of Armageddon. Then men's safety will not lie in ironclads or great navies, but in the refuge which Jesus Christ alone holds out to the world in His righteousness and life.
The Destruction Caused by War Material
The destruction of life in peace from war material totals tremendously. February 21, 10,000 pounds of dynamite exploded in Pinole, near Oakland, Cal., and twenty-eight lives were snuffed out in an instant. The effect of the explosion was felt twenty miles distant. Of course, no one knows how it was caused. How frequently we read of such accidents, as the above, of explosions on battle-ships, of sinking of battle-ships. Some of Russia's greatest losses were caused by accidents within her own lines. Sherman's characterization of war is often true in its preparation as well as its execution.
China with Its Unwarned Millions.
By F. A. Allum
Unentered Provinces.
WHEN we speak of China’s having 426,000,000 people, we think it is a large number; but really we get no conception of what 426,000,000 means until we divide it into the provinces, as it is divided in this great empire. Let us look at some of these provinces, and make some comparisons. Take Szechuen; it has over 68,000,000 people, nearly as many as in the entire United States, and no representative of the third angel’s message there. Shangtung, a comparatively small province, has a population of 38,000,000, one-half the population of the United States, and no representative of the message. Chili, the seat of this country’s government, with its 20,000,000 souls, also has no worker. Then there are Hupeh, with 35,000,000; Nganhwei, with 23,000,000; Kiang-su, with 26,000,000; and the eight other provinces which have a population of anywhere from 5,000,000 to 13,000,000. These we have noticed have no representative of the message. Is it not a solemn thing to think that over 295,107,000 persons have never even heard of this message? This is the population living in the unentered provinces. Now let us view the situation in the provinces that have been entered, and you will see that it is much the same.
Entered Provinces.
Kuan-Tungin, in the south, has a population of over 31,000,000 people, and we have ten workers; Fukien has a population of over 22,000,000, and we have four workers there; Hunan also has a population of over 22,000,000, and we have but two workers there; in our own province of Honan, we have a population of over 35,000,000. Seven times the population of Australia and only nine workers! How would Australia get along with only one worker to 5,000,000, which would be in nearly the same proportion? How would the workers in the homeland feel if each one were held responsible for the carrying of the last warning message to nearly 4,000,000 persons? Can you imagine how difficult it has been for us who have been in China a little over a year to wait all thru this time with these millions all around us, and yet not be able to tell them of the Saviour’s love? These are some of the experiences that make the life of the missionary for the first year or two extremely hard. He sees the great need all around him, and is unable to do anything, owing to his inability to speak the native tongue. Our prayer is that as this letter is read, God will lay the burden on some that they, too, may join us in carrying the truth to this people. Think of the mighty problem that faces the workers already in the field. We now have twenty-five workers, and the population of the provinces already entered is 112,228,000—twenty-five workers to over 100,000,000 persons! Are we able to go up and possess this land? Human reason would say emphatically, “No.” But we, in the strength of an almighty God, whose the battle is, say more emphatically, “We are able.”
Pagnols, Monastery and Temple, China.
China Helping Another Mission Field.
An interesting resolution of the late Shanghai conference was that the donations from the Sabbath-school department in China for this year be given to the work in New Guinea. It does seem rather strange for a heathen land like China to be sending money to another mission field. But we all felt that it would do the native Christians good to know that their donations were going to help a people who are in a somewhat worse condition than are the people of China, if such a thing be possible; and I know that you will be interested to hear how the Chinese have taken up this idea. I will speak of our station. Previously to the Shanghai conference, we at Sin Yang Cheo had not organized any Sabbath-school, as we had been there but a short time; but just before Dr. Miller left for America, the committee on nominations recommended me for superintendent, and our evangelist for secretary.
Itinerant Barber, China.
We also planned the next Sabbath to place before our Chinese brethren present the idea of giving to the work in New Guinea. Dr. Miller was not there that Sabbath, and I can assure you I found it very difficult to give them a very lengthy missionary talk on New Guinea. However, I obtained a Chinese map, and pointed out the position of the island, then proceeded to tell them that these people have no church, and that at the present time they are man-eaters. They were greatly interested in this fact, for they were horrified to learn that there is a portion of the globe where men eat one another, and they with us concluded that this would be the best place for our donations to go. This is proving a blessing to our Sabbath-schools here in Honan; and I believe that when we get the whole donation from the entire field, it will prove to be a valuable one. Brother Westrup from the Shang Tsai station, in speaking to me of this matter, told of the interest the Chinese Christians at his station are taking in this matter. Their donations for the last quarter amounted to five dollars gold. Our donations for the same time amounted to six dollars gold. These may not seem large amounts to you in the home churches; but if you take into account the poverty of the native Christians in this part of China, and also the other demands that call so largely for help in this empire, I am sure you will say that it is a good beginning in this work. On an average, in this part of China, many live on less than fifty cash a day. Many do not earn over 120 cash a day, and then they have to support a family on this, and so do not have much to give. (Twenty cash equal one cent.)
F. A. ALLUM.
Stone Quarrying at Wei-hai-wei, China.
Upheld by His Hand.
By Annie Johnson Flint
(“I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” Isa. 41: 10.)
I REMEMBER the years of His hand’s upholding—
Its help how mighty, its clasp how strong.
Almost I slipped when my steps were sliding.
Almost I fell when the way was long;
But never once did His strength forsake me,
And when I leaned on His wondrous might,
On wings I mounted, I ran unwearied,
I walked unfainting, by day or night.
—Annie Johnson Flint.
God’s Love and Everlasting Life
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Help for China.
ON March 2, a company of workers took passage for China from Seattle, on the steamer Minnesota. At the head of the company is Dr. H. W. Miller, who has spent about four years in China in medical, evangelical, and publishing work. With him is his wife who is a trained nurse from the Washington Sanitarium. The other members of the company are Prof. Roy F. Cottrell and wife, B. A. Roberts and wife, Mrs. Botilda Moultrop, formerly connected with the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium, and little son. Professor Cottrell leaves the position of teacher of Bible in South Lancaster Academy (Mass.), where he has been for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are young people from the Pacific Press. Mr. Roberts goes to take charge of the electrotype foundry in the new Chinese printing-house soon to be started, while Mrs. Roberts will study the language preparatory to doing Bible work and reading proof on the Chinese publications. For the last year she has been proofreader in the Pacific Press. With these workers, Miss Etta Deehn, of the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium, will sail as far as Japan, where she will assist in the Kobe Sanitarium. The Minnesota will spend a week in Japanese ports on her passage.
This makes a strong company of capable, devoted workers, among the best the home field could find. It is expected to be life-work with all of them. The prayers of God's people go with them that the blessing of the Lord may rest upon them in the labors and trials and temptations of a difficult heathen field. The SIGNS will report their progress and the progress of the work in all lands where the Gospel of the kingdom is being proclaimed.
Our Work and Workers.
By Editor
RECENTLY twelve persons have begun to observe the Sabbath in Saskatchewan, Canada.
TWENTY-FOUR of the students of Elk Point Academy (S. D.) recently gave themselves to the service of the Lord.
ELEVEN were baptized at Longmont, Colo., by G. F. Watson, February 15. This is the result of labors begun by Brother M. Warfle.
M. L. WOODALL, Secretary and Treasurer Georgia Conference and Tract Society, has changed his address from 26 Beecher St., Atlanta, Ga., to 16 Whitehall Terrace, Atlanta, Ga.
BROTHER L. E. SUFFICOOL'S labors at Spring Hill, W. Va., have brought four earnest souls to accept the message. One of these is a minister who is anxious to carry the good news to his people.
BROTHER C. H. BATES, reporting a meeting held at Cline, Colo., says: "Twelve signed the covenant, and two others are keeping the Sabbath. I organized a church with eight members and a Sabbath-school with twenty-two members."
REPORTING from Binghampton, N. Y., Brother D. G. Turk writes: "For some time past we have been circulating our literature in this city, endeavoring to interest people in the study of the Bible. Two have accepted the message as a result of our efforts."
BROTHER LUTHER WARREN has been conducting a series of meetings with the students of Pacific Union College, at Healdsburg, Cal., with most gratifying results. Practically every student in the college has made public profession of conversion, and a splendid spirit has come into their midst.
AT a recent conference meeting the following were chosen as the officers of the Ohio Conference: President, H. H. Burkholder; vice-president, R. G. Patterson; secretary and treasurer, C. V. Hamer; missionary secretary, N. S. Miller; educational superintendent, Bessie E. Russell; field secretary, E. R. Numbers; medical missionary secretary, H. M. Jump; religious liberty secretary, A. C. Shannon.
Two new and beautiful songs have come to our people, entitled, "Footsteps That Never Come," and "Homeward." They have sweet melody, and the words aside from their musical association are elevating, refining, and inspiring. These songs may be obtained in folder form for 25 cents by addressing Chas. P. Whitford, Orlando, Fla.
Wanted for Missionary Work.
CLEAN copies of SIGNS, Liberty, Watchman, Life and Health. Address, Miss Georgia Love, 300 Montezuma St., Prescott, Ariz.
ENGLISH, Dutch, and Scandinavian denominational literature of all kinds. Address, Mrs. W. H. Stirling, Box 558, Ogden, Utah.
Matthew Twenty-four Second Coming of Christ
An exposition, verse by verse, of one of the most striking chapters in the New Testament; covering our Lord's great discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the world, and the special signs of His second coming to reward His children.
Matthew Twenty-four Second Coming of Christ
The facts of fulfillment given make this pamphlet worth many times its price. 94 pages, price 10c. PACIFIC PRESS Mountain View, Cal.
Two Republics, The.
By Alonzo T. Jones
By Alonzo T. Jones. A comparative history of the two greatest republics, Rome and the United States. The study of years and elaboration of many volumes are presented in a concise and pleasing manner. In reviewing the history of the Roman republic, the rocks upon which she stranded are clearly pointed out. It contrasts the principles underlying enforced religious observances with the true principles of religious freedom for every man, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. One octavo volume of 899 pages, clearly printed on fine, tinted paper, beautifully and substantially bound, and illustrated with over 67 full-page engravings. Cloth, marbled edges, $2.50; cloth, gilt edges, $3.00; Library, marbled edges $3.50. Address this office.
THE HIGHLAND STRAWBERRY
Most prolific of 146 varieties tested at the Ohio Experiment Station.
Send for free Catalogue to
GEO. JORGENSEN & SON
Box 50 Poy Sippi, Wis.
IMPORTED BEAUTIES
BIBLE CARDS Size, 4 x 7 ins. 12 verses on 12 cards. Each has silver letters, a bouquet of flowers, and a cord by which to hang it. One dozen makes a beautiful assortment for a home. By mail, $1.00. Address
HAMPTON ART COMPANY
Lock Box 257
Hampton, Iowa
HALLOWED HYMNS NEW and OLD
By I. ALLAN
Son of IRA D. SANKEY
WORTH WHILE SEEING—EVEN OUT OF CURIOSITY
256 pages
100 new songs
JUST PUBLISHED
Scripture Readings
Boards $25—Cloth $30 per 100—35c & 40c postpaid
Returnable copies mailed to "earnest inquirers"
THE BIGLOW & MAIN CO., New York or Chicago
Church-School Manual for Parents and Teachers.
By Editor
THIS book is nearly ready. It furnishes ample instruction from the Spirit of Prophecy and from our leading educators concerning the principles of Christian education. The proceedings of the General Conference Educational Convention, held at College View, Neb., June 29 to July 10, 1906,—probably the most important educational meeting in the history of our denomination,—are outlined quite fully. The "Manual" gives exhaustive outlines of courses of study, including not only the common branches, but manual training as well, with suggestions on materials and where to procure them; also chapters on Drills, Daily Program, Text-books, School Organization and Management. The paragraphs on discipline and the chapter on the Home School alone are well worth the price of the book to parents of children under school age.
Contains about 400 pages, well bound in cloth. Price, 50 cents, post-paid. Address your tract society.
