p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 39. (10/10/1906)

STATISTICAL ITEMS.

By Editor

[From the General Conference Report.]

THE total tithes paid by Seventh-day Adventists of the world in 1905 was $858,014.91, being an increase over the previous year of $166,195.58. Besides the tithe, there were offerings amounting to $169,335.11.

The total appropriation for mission fields in 1905 was $267,032, being an increase of $39,288.69 over the year 1904.

There was contributed in the North American Conferences in the year 1905 for special work, such as orphanages, religious liberty work, colored work in the Southern States, etc., where funds are sent outside the church but not to a foreign field, $95,232.75.

The grand total of all funds raised by the denomination for 1905, for evangelistic work, was $1,180,917.64. This was an increase over the previous year of $324,203.36. This is a per capita contribution of $14.34 for North America, and $11.13 for all other countries.

The membership of the denomination in Russia at the close of the year 1905 was 2,457. The three mission fields of Russia—northern, middle, and southern—are divided with respect to language rather than territorial lines.

The total church-membership is placed at 77,443 for 1905, while the number of Sabbath-keepers, including unorganized companies and isolated persons not formal members of the church, foot up 87,311. The gain over the previous year was slightly over seven per cent.

The total number of regular laborers of all grades, including book agents, in 1905, was 2,797. Of these, there were 647 ordained ministers, 339 licentiates, and 719 licensed missionaries.

The total value of book sales for the year 1905 was $548,067.

The total Sabbath-school donations for the year 1905 amounted to $68,613.71, of which $49,894.97 went as donation to missions.

Wild Beasts.

A statistical paper on India, recently issued, shows that in 1904 there were killed in that country by snakes and wild beasts, 24,034 persons. Of these, 21,880 deaths were by snake-bites; 796 by tigers, 393 by leopards, and the rest by other animals. The number of cattle killed was 48,482. The other side of the account shows that 65,146 snakes and 16,121 wild animals were killed. The suffering of the people of India by snakebite is largely the result of their false worship. Especially in the past, many of the people regarded snakes as sacred, and would not kill one on any account. A missionary of the Salvation Army who lived for several years in native style among the Hindus, found a large serpent in his bungalo one day and unceremoniously killed it. He soon found out that he had aroused the superstition of his neighbors almost to the danger point, because he had slain one of their deities. But they calmed down when they found that no vengeance from the gods fell upon him, and no disaster befell the community. The harboring of 'the serpent' in any form is sure to beget evil, and to worship false gods of any kind must end in disaster. How much better to worship Him who gave His own life to save men's lives. Read Rev. 6:8, last clause.

China Orders Abolition of Opium

A Chinese commission recently made a tour of the United States and Europe, looking into such matters as might be of advantage in their home affairs. As a result of their recommendation, together with that of Tang Shao Ki, vice-president of the board of foreign affairs, an edict has been issued ordering the abolition of the use of opium, both foreign and native, within ten years. The edict strongly condemns the vice, and commands the council of state to devise regulations for the enforcement of the law against opium-smoking and the cultivation of the poppy.

Rats and the Plague in India

Rats are themselves deemed a plague wherever they exist to any considerable extent, but in India they are accused of being a cause of the malady known as "the plague." Their connection with this dread disease is now said to have been proved by an extraordinary success in decreasing the scourge through a war of extermination against rats, carried on in sixty towns in the Punjab. The operation is still incomplete, but the experiment is regarded as of immense importance in view of the fact that a million people have already died from the plague in the Punjab alone.

France Seeks Japanese Military Efficiency

"Good as the Japanese," is the latest standard of military efficiency. And this comes from France, the once military leader of the world. Just after the recent near-collision of France and Germany over Moroccan affairs, which was patched up by "the powers" at the Algeciras Conference, France began to brush up her military situation and put things in better order for whatever might suddenly happen again. So it is said that the regular year's "maneuvers" have been as near as possible to real war. "The problems solved have been those that would actually confront fighting forces upon the actual field of battle." For the last few years, it is said, "the maneuvers have been more like play," but this year they have been conducted with a view to putting the army in good fighting trim. Officers and men entered upon the work with real enthusiasm of expectancy. And now that the exercises are over, it is claimed that in point of excellence and endurance the French soldier "is not excelled by even the Japanese." So it appears that the Japanese have suddenly arisen to an eminence where they are not only to be reckoned with, but to be emulated, by "the powers that be." But all this is far from auguring a time of peace in the world.

New Series and Important Matters

By Editor

We have made some changes in our make-up this week. It may not be permanent, but occasional.

In noting the donations on the Earthquake Fund in our issue of September 12, the amount given was too much by $5,614.75. This was included in items numbered 2 and 4.

We begin in this issue two series of articles. The first is a subject of great importance, "The Papacy in Prophecy." It ought to be studied. We should know the meaning in God's surer light of the events now occurring. The other series is, "The Great Salvation," always a subject of paramount importance, treated in these articles in a new form.

Our report of the American Federation of Catholic Societies closes with our last issue; but this is not the last of the Federation discussion. The subject has come to stay, and he who would deal with the signs of the times must give heed thereto. The articles on "The Papacy in Prophecy," by Abdiel, will help us better to understand the character and future of Federation.

On the point of paying debts, we find this item going the rounds, and deem it worth often repeating: "Neglecting to pay debt will ruin anybody's spiritual influence, blind the soul to clear moral distinction, undermine any religious life, and render a person unfit to be used by the Lord, in spite of the greatest gifts or the most thrilling experiences in religion. If any who read this are slack about paying their debts, begin at once to pray earnestly that the Lord will awaken you to its true magnitude, and to inspire you with perfect integrity to begin at once the settling up of all your financial matters in perfect righteousness, and you will find God will begin to bless you both inwardly and outwardly."

It is a conglomeration of sentiments to raise a banner with the following inscription: "One Flag, One God, One Country, No Saloon." What about the other fellow who lived under another flag, the Union Jack, for instance? Could we not have "one God" with him? Is He the God of the Americans only? Should the flag be placed before God? What is such a god worth? Is he god of that flag and country alone? Then he is not the true God. If it is a selfishly patriotic banner, let it be content with "one flag, one country." If it is purely religious, let it be "one God." If purely temperance, emblazon "no saloon," and ask the world to help you, liquor sellers and all. But don't seek to make such a mixture. They make an indigestible and highly noxious compound.

The Pope Wants More Money.—A press despatch of September 25, says: "The pope will soon issue an appeal to Catholics throughout the world to come to the financial assistance of the Vatican and increase their contributions. In view of the French crisis and falling off in income from that source, Cardinal Vannutelli has started the ball rolling in Germany, where the response is liberal. It is expected that every bishop in America will also appeal for aid in replenishing the Vatican deficit through enlarged contributions to the Peter Pence fund. The Jesuits' order, reputed to be the richest in the world, will now send a yearly contribution to the Vatican, to be added to the subscription started by their Roman organ, the Civilita Cattolica, and a similar movement has been started in Austria." As soon as France sees an increased liberality on the part of Germany, Austria, and the United States, there will be started a reaction there that will surprise those who are not counting on the fulfilment of prophecy. The time is at hand when no country will want to be left behind in the race for papal favor.

Renaming Indians.—Dr. Eastman, himself an Indian scholar, is renaming all that are left of the Sioux tribe. In some cases we do not see how he is helping it. For instance, Tatcyohnakewastewin signifies She-who-has-a-beautiful-house. Dr. Eastman renamed her Goodhouse. Why not call her Kewastewin, or Wastewin, or Yohnakewa. None of these are hard to manage, and they retain the musical Indian sound. How much better would it have been if we had the state of Takoma instead of the state of Washington. How beautiful are most of the Indian names of our lakes and rivers! How soft and smooth they flow,—Mississippi, Ohio, Chautauqua, Oneida, Tennessee, etc. How beautifully Mrs. Sigourney has expressed it:

"Within the forest, brave and bold, There rings no hunter's shout. But his name is on the waters yet; You can not wash it out."

Let the musical, beautiful Indian names live.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THIS?

By Editor

IN presenting opportunity for our readers to have a part in the rebuilding of the office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, we are making no selfish plea. We are receiving no profit personally in any good which may come to our office. The work is the Lord's. The institution is His; the publications are issued to bear His Gospel to the world.

By affliction God would have the sympathies of His children quickened and made practical. By giving us opportunity to help His needy suffering cause, we come into fellowship with His sufferings and identify ourselves with His work. Christ saw our needs, and became one with us in the suffering, that we might be one with Him in the glory. The conflict is still on. The field is still demanding reapers. The cause of God still demands sacrifice, and will till the work is done.

We report those who have donated to the work thus far. Some have been transferred from our pledge list to the cash list. If there are any mistakes, kindly inform us. We want it just right. If any do not wish their names published, let us know it in time, and their wishes will be respected.

Previously reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,977.95 Mrs. Louise Ross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00 Mr. and Mrs. McAlexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 Mrs. Fannie Fenton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Minnie Gillespie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Geo. M. Sheldon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.25 S. Fern Kintner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 A. Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.00 John Hicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.16 Mary H. Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Dr. P. R. Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 Lois and Ethel McCoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Brother Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00 Mrs. M. Rudolph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 Robert Grierson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.60 Alonzo Beauchamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Rellah Beauchamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Mrs. S. Pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 N. J. and J. N. Payne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.00 Victor Weed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 J. F. Buford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Mrs. B. Tough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 J. F. Beatty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.00 N. P. Union Conf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56.06 J. M. Whitney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.00 Mrs. A. C. Campbell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 W. H. Lashier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 Abbie J. Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Charles Beater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 A friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 B. M. E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 Chester Kinsley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Mrs. A. Lamb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.50 Vern B. Crandall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 Veterans of Yountville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.05 Irene Griffith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Caroline Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 L. E. Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00 W. B. James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 P. Padurson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Mrs. Jesse Hoopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Mrs. Lydia Cris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.75 Mrs. Emma Sakuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Max W. Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00 Mrs. Mary Cott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00 Primary Class, Spartensburg S. S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Mrs. H. Busing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 L. J. Carlstrand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.50 M. M. Jorgenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 Mrs. W. B. Tucker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 C W. Porter and wife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.00 Mrs. S. Whitinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00 H. Rust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.50 Nellie A. Barnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Friend, Mountain View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 Brother Anliker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Percy Sanford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Mrs. B. B. Barrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Gorthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 E. R. Hartman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00 Mrs. Ella Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Henry Obermeyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Miss Gladys Neun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Felix Grindal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 G. W. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Adelbert C. Fry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Louis Oberti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80.00 Robert Grierson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.00 Mrs. Edna Edgar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Mrs. R. Zinn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.00 M. E. Whipple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Mrs. P. C. Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Mrs. W. O. Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.00 Mrs. B. Dickens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Total to September 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,560.06

The Practical Politician

By Editor

"The Practical Politician."—Incidentally American Industries, of September 1, offers a suggestion which national and other political reformers would do well to heed. In speaking of a class which advises its members to vote for old-party candidates "if those candidates will make a few promises," it asks, "and what practical politician will be slow in making promises before election, or in forgetting them afterwards?" Erect a standard of reform as high as the moral law, and if it becomes popular, the old-time corruptionist in politics will swear by its chiefest god that he always believed in that standard and will vote for it. And he catches the votes as a sugar-and-water mixture catches flies; but his heart is the same, and he is the same old corruptionist in a new role. Reforms do not come that way.

Papus, a Spiritualist, says the Christian Advocate, has given fifty seances to the czar, receiving twenty-five thousand dollars as compensation. The Russian czars have been very superstitious. Henry Slade utterly fooled Alexander II. No wonder the czar has been vacillating. The press has revealed the situation and brought out so many facts that Papus has gone abroad for medical treatment, his nervous system being shattered by the attacks upon him. The czar must be on the intellectual and moral grade of Saul when he went down to see the witch of Endor. It is a case of the blind leading the blind.

Three days of race riot in Atlanta, Ga., September 22-24, resulted in the death of twenty persons, two whites and eighteen negroes. The arrest of 257 persons by the militia succeeded in quieting the storm. A meeting of business men demanded vigorous action on the part of the authorities in the matter of closing the saloons. There is one thing always notable where social trouble arises, and that is, the open saloon invariably adds fuel to the fire—which, in nine cases out of ten, originates by the combustion of saloon goods.

The apostle does not exhort us to deceive God; for he knows that God can not be deceived; "God is not mocked." Our greatest danger is self-deception, and the only thing which can save us from that is God's revelation of self and Himself. Thus will we learn to distrust self and trust Him more.

Only God can know the motive; only God can deal with the heart, and religion is a matter of the heart.