THE mayor of a large city, in publicly lauding his administration, gives the following in course of an appeal for re-election:
They say we must have reform. Reform came here four years ago, when the wage-earners rose up and cast off their shackles and voted for a man who was of their kind, and who did not allow the police to use clubs on his own kind.
Thus this man poses as a patriot, because he protects his own kind. And it has come to be regarded in politics generally that only the winners have any special claim to protection of their interests. The theory of confederation, of classism, of partyism, of unionism, of allianceism, of leagueism, or any species of cliquism, is to protect their kind. The great political “bosses” and the great trust “magnates” not only act, but exist, on this theory. But in no way does the system appear so vicious as when espoused by the executive head of a great state or a great municipality who is sworn to maintain the interests of all the people impartially. But the vicious partiality of the boast that he protects his own kind is emphasized when he speaks of those not of his kind as scabs. Now the men who use that term concerning their fellow-men usually maintain, in effect, that a “scab” has no legitimate right to live. But this candidate, who seeks to rule a city—“scabs” and all—boasts that he specially protects the “kind” who regard their fellow citizens as no better than “scabs,” unless they join the “kind” or otherwise support its claims to special privilege. How can such an executive be expected to deal justly and to work reform?
This, however, is only a sample of present-day “reform.” The instance to which we allude is only more conspicuous because of the boldness and boastfulness of the expression of the principle involved. The great so-called National Reform movement is but a strenuous effort of a like character. It is a movement designed to place a certain political-religious element in control of the government. When that class shall have succeeded, then, according to boasts that have been publicly announced for years, all not of their “kind” will be reckoned as outlaws, entitled to nothing more than toleration—and that only on conditions more or less variable.
The word “reform,” in these days of hypocrisy and deception, is a word of questionable and variant significance. The only true reform is on the basis of “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” This basis calls for the Golden Rule in all human association.
G.
"THE INTER-CHURCH CONFERENCE ON FEDERATION"
By Editor
Objects, Aims, and Fruits.
UNDER this head the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will present next week the first report from the great Congress of Churches, which met in Carnegie Hall, New York, November 15 to 21. This report is written by our own special correspondent, who is uniquely capable by reason of religious and historical knowledge, experience and training, to grasp the salient features and to present them clearly to our readers. You will miss much in the making of history if you miss this.
Carnegie Hall, New York, where the great Congress was held.
POSSIBILITY OF A CHANGE.
By Editor
What Men Are Thinking Regarding Future Punishment.
WE take the following from a recent book, entitled "The Ideal Church," by the Rev. W. H. Zweizig, of Reading, Pa.:
"It is within the range of possibility that the church of the future will incline toward the belief in 'Conditional Immortality' as the best solution to this intricate problem, laying special stress on the eternal life of the believer and the eternal deprivation of the sinner. There are many statements in the Scriptures which seem to substantiate this belief, and the future unfolding of interpretation may bring the Bible more and more into harmony with this idea."
The late Bishop John P. Newman, discussing this subject in the Methodist Review of May, 1892, said: "What ends of justice are involved in the deathless consciousness of sin and misery, of rebellion and torment, of rejection and loss, to such a spirit! The old world was destroyed; Sodom was consumed; Jerusalem was left a desolation; and the mightiest empires, whose cup of iniquity was full, have passed from the vision of the world. Why not the cessation of the existence of the incorrigible soul? Will a clearer and better exegesis of Scripture justify this conclusion? Opinions are changing. Biblical philology is a progressive science. Marvelous changes have taken place. Half of the Protestant world has changed its interpretation since Calvin died. Spurgeon led the Baptists to a more generous creed. Nearly all Christendom has abandoned the old-time rendering of a physical hell, a 'lake of fire and brimstone.' There was a time when the opinion commonly prevailed that the six days of creation were periods of twenty-four hours each; that prior to the fall there was neither animal nor vegetable death; and that the world was to be destroyed in the sense of annihilation. Other and greater changes are possible; but the accepted exegesis of to-day is for life, and not for death."
In the same article, after quoting several extracts from sermons by John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards, containing very vivid and realistic descriptions of the literal burning of sinners in hell, Mr. Newman says: "So rapid has been the return of all Christendom to original Christianity, so intense has been the light of Biblical philology upon the sacred text, and so enlarged and exalted are our ideas of the justice and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ, that such sermons would find no tolerance now in the house of God the Lord."
It is undeniable that a readjustment of thought and interpretation is taking place on this subject.
ARE WE EXTRAVAGANT?
OUR foreign trade for September, says the New York World, shows exports larger by nearly two million than ever before, and imports larger by eighteen million than ever before. The comparison in each case is with last year, until now the record. Three times this year imports have exceeded one hundred million a month. Only five times before had they exceeded ninety million.
With expanding prosperity, bumper crops, and busy factories, our exports for nine months have been $56,000,000 more than in the same months of 1901. Imports are $226,000,000 greater. The balance of trade for the period was smaller than in any recent year. Once before, in the twelve months ending Sept. 30, 1903, we passed the billion mark in imports. This year we passed it by $157,000,000. The most striking increase in value of imports is in sugar. But furs, diamonds, large red automobiles, and distilled liquors show considerable activity at the custom-houses.
A SORRY PICTURE.
THE report [of Mr. F. L. Cutting, Insurance Commissioner for Massachusetts] is exhaustive in its review of methods employed by big insurance officials during the past several years, to whom he alludes in some instances as "Judases," and to one company as the "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Company," and contains a recommendation that the Legislature, at its next session, take up the matter of deferred dividends, and the relations between insurance companies and their allied trust companies, and other questions, with a view of compelling reform.
The report considers insurance in connection with "the gambling instinct of the age," and tells of the influence on the officials of insurance companies from the "dubious schemes," "schemes for getting enormously rich," with "graft by city officials, state officials, national officials, petty legislators, congressmen, United States senators, and courts subservient to the great moloch, money," that they have all seen about them, and they also saw "tainted money eagerly sought by college and pulpit."
AFTER THE INDIAN FUNDS.
PROF. E. L. SCHARF, the Roman Catholic lobbyist, has again appeared upon the scenes in Washington to "do the politics" for the Roman Catholic Indian School Bureau. This appearance of Professor Scharf is primarily to serve notice on all senators and congressmen whose election is to occur soon to "stand in" or they will incur the wrath of the hierarchy within the bounds of their respective districts. If any of these senators or congressmen waver or hesitate, Professor Scharf will show them the political grave of the Hon. Thomas R. Bard, one of the bravest and truest patriots in the State of California. This astute, unscrupulous representative of the hierarchy has been to see the President, and is quoted as saying that Mr. Roosevelt favors the general looting of the Tribal Funds again this year. This announcement is made to give "face" to the steal.
This is an interesting "professor" to the people of California. He attempted to bulldoze Senator Bard by making a showing of the Catholic vote in a score of districts which, by the aid of the California hierarchy, were to be turned against the senator if he refused their blackmailing scheme.
We do not think Professor Scharf, of the Roman Catholic University, Washington, D. C., nor the hierarchy in California, will agree with us, but in our estimation this whole Scharf Roman Catholic Indian School matter, from top to bottom, is black treason. Now that President Roosevelt knows how despicably he was deceived by these treacherous Jesuitical scoundrels, who falsified when the truth would have served them better, we have no idea that he will lend himself to such a nefarious scheme.
We have reason to believe that Commissioner Leupp knows the real inwardness of the Roman Catholic Bureau for Indian Schools, and that whatever he does will be done with his eyes wide open. If such work as that carried on by Scharf does not menace the freedom of America, then it can not be menaced.—California Christian Advocate.
PLAIN, BUT TRUE.
THE New York Sun gives a pithy report of President Roosevelt's reception at Little Rock, Ark., and of his speech on that occasion. Governor Davis, of Arkansas, had preceded the President, and in his remarks used words that might be construed as something between an apology for and a defense of lynching. The Sun report says:
Mr. Roosevelt spoke only for a moment or two by way of greeting to the people in front of him and then turned suddenly toward the Governor, who started perceptibly in his chair, so unexpected was the President's movement. "Governor," he said, "you spoke of a heinous crime that is often heinously avenged. The worst enemy of the negro race is the negro criminal, and above all the negro criminal of that type; for he has committed not only an unspeakably heinous and infamous crime against the victim, but he has committed a heinous crime against the people of his own color, and every reputable colored man, every colored man who wishes to see the uplifting of his race, owes it as his first duty to himself and to that race to hunt down that criminal with all his soul and strength. (Great applause.)"
"Now for the side of the white man. To avenge one heinous crime by another heinous crime is to reduce the man doing it to the bestial level of the man who committed the bestial crime. (Great applause and cheers.) The horrible effects of lynching law are shown in the fact that three-fourths of the lynchings are not for that crime at all, but for other crimes. And above all other men, Governor, you and I, and all who are exponents of the law, owe it to our people, owe it to the cause of civilization and humanity, to do everything in our power, officially and unofficially, directly and indirectly, to free the United States from the menace and reproach of lynch law." (Applause.)
And They Call This Christian!
By Editor
We clip from the Christian Advocate the following translation of a new Bengali hymn, the "production of a Bengali Christian," "one of the most affecting and popular hymns" of "Babu Rabindranath Thakur, the most eminent of the living poets of Bengal:"
I know that when the day breaks the bark of Thy mercy
Will convey me to the other shore of the ocean of Life, O Lord,
I do not fear; I shall go away, singing Thy praise,
And shall stand at Thy eternal gate, O Lord.
I know that from age to age, inclosing me with Thy arms,
Thou hast kept me in Thy infinite world,
Thou hast let me be borne from light to light,
And hast led me from life to new life, O Lord.
I know, my God, that whether in sin or in holiness, my soul always
Is lying before Thy eyes, O Lord.
Thy hands are always on mine, day and night,
In all paths, or when I go astray, in weal and wo, O Lord.
I know, I know, that my life will never be fruitless,
Thou wilt not cast it upon wilds full of the fear of death;
A day will come when, in mercy, Thou in person
Wilt pick it up as a flower, O Lord.
Like so much of our New Thought theology, this is Christian with Christ left out. It is Hinduism, with its transmigration of soul, but it is not Christian. The sad thing is that a Christian should call it Christian. It is purely pagan.
A National Church for Korea
By Editor
A national church for Korea is the latest proposition, and, strange as it may seem, that proposition comes from Protestant sources. The suggestion on the part of "Methodist and Presbyterian missionaries" to unite forces, and to become one church—one in "educational, evangelistic, literary, and medical work"—is commendable; but that "the time is ripe for the establishment of one Korean National Church," savors of an effort to establish among that people a state church of Christ. Yet we are told in the Missionary Review that such a proposition was solemnly resolved at a meeting in Seoul. That Protestants should seek to establish the very thing against which Protestantism originally protested, is an ominous sign of the times.
Fortifying Against Religion
Fortifying Against Religion.—The modern, high-grade flat in New York, with its only entrance an elevator, and with clerks to receive cards and admit callers, is proving, in many instances, an inaccessible fort against clergymen and the parish workers. It is affirmed that many remove to such for their seclusion, and the irreligious to escape the annoyance of that class of workers. In one of these great flats, housing forty families, it is said that not one acknowledges connection with any church. “Going after the masses,” even, is hardly equal to solving this part of the problem in the great metropolis. —World's Crisis.
Premier Witte’s Illness
The Russian perplexity is further complicated by the fact that Premier Witte has been so overworked as to suffer an attack of paralysis in the arm. Inasmuch as he has been so afflicted once before, and his burdens are sufficient to crush a very strong man, it would not be surprising if he should fail altogether before long. Since his appointment to his present position, he is said to have worked practically night and day. So much is dependent on Count Witte just now, that if he were to fail altogether there would doubtless be a greater demoralization than ever among the people.
Rockefeller’s Influence in Church
The hold that a rich man may have on a modern church is illustrated in a recent visit of Mr. John D. Rockefeller to a Cleveland Baptist Church. After an extended absence in the East, he attended the prayer meeting of the Euclid Avenue Congregation. In response to the pastor's words of welcome, Mr. Rockefeller indulged in a quite lengthy speech, and then suddenly remarked: "I have talked too long, I am afraid. There are others here who want to talk. I don't want you to think I am a selfish monopolist." Then he laughed, and the congregation joined in the laugh, adding a hearty applause by clapping of hands.
Blessed for His Sake
By William S. Sadler
LESSONS FROM THE EXPERIENCES OF JOSEPH. No. 2.
BY W. S. SADLER.
JOSEPH was the particular favorite of his father, and received from him a coat of many colors. This made his brothers envious, and their envy caused them subsequently considerable trouble. May we not learn that we should not feel envious toward those who are the objects of favoritism? For while our envy will not perhaps make trouble for the one favored, it may, and probably will, bring down undesirable consequences upon our own heads.
And there is another side to this giving of a coat of many colors. The father of Joseph undoubtedly acted very imprudently in thus displaying his partiality. The most unwise and most cruel thing any parent can do to a child is to show partiality. The Josephs do not think, perhaps, that their parents pet them unduly, but they can not be blamed if they assume that father or mother recognizes their superiority. Any parent who shows favoritism is to that extent perverting the true office of parenthood. Yet in what family to-day is there not some Joseph with a coat of many colors?
A parent's love should be supreme, all-embracing, and so much a reflection of the divine love that minor matters will not be considered. Jacob should have recognized that there was a principle, a truth, in the matter, and this would have eclipsed the thought of the two boys' being the children of his real wife. Naturally it would involve a struggle, because by nature we are sinful. But we must only follow our longings as far as they accord with principle.
Blessed for His Sake.
In the fifth verse of Genesis 39, we read that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake. Joseph served Potiphar so faithfully that the Lord blessed him for Joseph's sake. Similarly, God would have saved Sodom and Gomorrah had there been even but a few righteous people in the cities. When Joseph's candle was burning, so to speak, it caused the whole of his employer's house to be brilliant. We may well seek to imitate Joseph in this regard, that our diligence and faithfulness may be the cause of other's being richly blessed on our account, for then verily we shall not have lived in vain.
Another remarkable testimony to the manner in which God was with Joseph, is shown in the third verse of this chapter, where we are told that "his master saw that the Lord was with him." What a powerful testimony to the grace of God in a life? Potiphar may have been the most devoted of idol-worshipers, but he could not shut his eyes to the fact that there was some power in Joseph's life that could only be traceable to his communion with his God. So we should seek to live so near our Father that onlookers will instinctively recognize that we have been with Jesus and have learned of Him. If such is not the case, we may be sure something is lacking; people should be able to detect the influence of the grace of God by our lives more than by our words, or profession of being followers of the Master.
When the temptress tried to induce him to sin he resisted the temptation, and fled. In so doing he parted with some of his attire, but it was far better to leave the scene of temptation with a marred garment, than to stay and preserve his coat intact. We should always flee from temptation, and be willing to leave behind us anything that it is necessary to leave in order that we may escape the tempter's snares. We should hasten away from the tempter's ground, and not allow any seductive inducements to lead us to remain; for the longer we stay near the temptation, the less grow the probabilities of escape.9
A Blessing in Prison.
As we read of Joseph's being given charge and oversight of the prisoners, are we not struck by the course which events took? It would appear that God allowed Joseph to be sent to prison that those already prisoners might have a good master over them. It was far more for this than it was to confine Joseph. How often does it occur in our lives that the trouble, which would seem to be so exasperating and well-nigh unbearable, is but the ladder that shall lead to promotion and high honor, with ample opportunity to minister to the needs of our fellows. So it was in the case of Joseph. That which would have seemed the least likely method of reaching exalted position, was in the hands of God just the very thing that led directly to such a station. May we not take courage from this, and reflect that tho we may have to go through fire and water, as it were, it may only end in our being brought into a wealthy place? We must indeed walk by faith rather than by sight.
In Gen. 40:7 we learn that Joseph inquired of his fellow prisoners, when he noticed their troubled countenances, "Wherefore look ye so sadly to-day?" Here again we see the far-reaching significance of a trivial thing, such as the mere asking how a person is feeling. But for this demonstration of practical, kindly sympathy, who knows but Joseph might have languished in prison till the day of his death? But his inquiry was the means of ultimately bring him to the king's notice, with the happy ending with which we are familiar.
Joseph did his best to help a poor prisoner, and it proved but the first of a long train of circumstances that led him to being a high ruler in Egypt, and a benefactor to his race.
Recognizing God.
At the close of Joseph's checkered career, we find that when he has risen from the valley, and is on the mountain top, he is not puffed up, he does not attribute his prosperity and the change in his fortunes to his own efforts or ability or shrewdness; no, he rightly and humbly acknowledges that God was the author of it all, and to Him ascribes the glory and the credit of his triumph. What a lesson for us! Whenever we are blessed and prospered, let us not take credit for it to ourselves, but rather let us attribute it to the One whose we are and whom we try to serve, for "without Me ye can do nothing."
When we receive a mighty blessing, let us reflect the glory of Him who sends it. Remember that when the Saviour wrought some miracle of special blessing to an individual, He commonly bade His beneficiary to abstain from advertising Him, and in this is sets us an example of modest behavior and humility. Let us acknowledge the marvelous goodness of God, rather than affect merit of our own, when we receive His gifts.
NATURE SPEAKS OF GOD.
By Ellen G. White
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
THE glory of God is displayed in His handiwork. Here are mysteries that the mind will become strong in searching out. Minds that have been amused and abused by reading fiction may in nature have an open book, and read truth in the works of God around them. All may find themes for study in the simple leaf of the forest tree, the spires of grass covering the earth with their green, velvet carpet, the plants and flowers, the stately trees of the forest, the lofty mountains, the granite rocks, the restless ocean, the precious gems of light studding the heavens to make the night beautiful, the exhaustless riches of the sunlight, the solemn glories of the moon, the winter's cold, the summer's heat, the changing, recurrent seasons in perfect order and harmony, controlled by infinite power; here are subjects which call for deep thought, for the stretch of the imagination.
If the frivolous and pleasure-seeking will allow their minds to dwell upon the real and true, the heart can not but be filled with reverence, and they will adore the God of nature. The contemplation and study of God's character as revealed in His created works will open a field of thought that will draw the mind away from low, debasing, enervating amusements.
The knowledge of God's works and ways we can only begin to obtain in this world; the study will be continued throughout eternity. God has provided for man subjects of thought which will bring into activity every faculty of the mind. We may read the character of the Creator in the heavens above and the earth beneath, filling the heart with gratitude and thanksgiving. Every nerve and sense will respond to the expressions of God's love in His marvellous works.
God, who created everything lovely and beautiful that the eye rests upon, is a lover of the beautiful. He shows us how he estimates true beauty. The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is in His sight of great price. Shall we not seek earnestly to gain that which God estimates as more valuable than costly dress, or pearls, or gold? The inward adorning, the grace of meekness, a spirit in harmony with the heavenly angels, will not lessen true dignity of character, or make us less lovely here in this world.
The Redeemer has warned us against the pride of life, but not against its grace and natural beauty. He pointed to the glowing beauty of the flowers of the field, and said, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Here He shows that, even though persons may toil with weariness to make themselves objects of admiration, that which they value so highly will not bear comparison with the flowers of the field. Even these simple flowers, with God's adornment, would outvie in loveliness the gorgeous apparel of Solomon. In the growth and development of nature, learn the principles of Christ's kingdom. Thus the light of heaven will quicken the mind. Christ Himself will be your teacher. Those who combine with their school education a knowledge of God's working through physical life, in the garden of nature, will receive lessons simple, yet full of instruction, in regard to His working through spiritual life, in the garden of the heart.
FAITHFUL STILL.
By Julia Balch
I CAN not do great things for Him
Who did so much for me,
But I would like to show my love,
Dear Jesus, unto thee.
Faithful in every little thing,
Dear Saviour, may I be!
There are small crosses I may take,
Small burdens I may bear,
Small acts of faith and deeds of love,
Small sorrows I may share.
And little bits of work for Thee
I may do everywhere.
And so I ask Thee, Give me grace
My little place to fill,
That I may ever walk with Thee,
And ever do Thy will,
And in each duty, great or small,
May I be faithful still!
