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Mountain View, California
1109 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo. Calgary, Alberta, Canada 61 Park St. N., Portland, Oregon
Among the Indian Women
By Mrs. J. L. Shaw
A S we are writing to-day, all life seems awake to activity. At our next neighbor's house musical instruments are beating, and the sound is resounding over all the near-by hills. People of all rank, style, and description are assembling. The great event of the day is the wedding of an Indian king of a district near by, to a queen, the daughter of a rajah of a near district. The bride is a little child, scarcely out of the nursery, a dear little girl of twelve. She is leaving her father's home, possibly never to return, and her husband is what might be termed an old man. There has been revelry for days, but to-day is the great day of all. Indian gentlemen of position and rank have come to the wedding, bringing scores of people, to show thus their prominence. Poor people by the hundreds have come to enjoy the food furnished in abundance. Three have died from the revelry, and have been carried to the burning ghats a short distance down the hillside.
Scene in Jaipur, capital of the province of Jaipur, India
While all is gay, a sad picture is seen of the daughter parting with her parents. The scene is a pathetic one. Their baby girl leaves their protection and care as the parents turn their faces homeward. But last of all there is a parting gift from the father to his daughter,—six little girls of her own age, from his country, he presents as a last tribute of his love to his little daughter, to be her companions, and we may well say playmates, as she goes to her new home.
Our hearts go out in pity for this little child, and we wish that we might bring her to our school, and let her enjoy freedom with the other children rather than be placed behind purdahs and always kept carefully screened from the eyes of the outside world. But this little child is only one of thousands, and it is to be hoped her lot will be better than that of a widow. She will probably have many comforts that the poor can not enjoy; and yet there is nothing that can take the place, in her heart, of the love and companionship of her parents.
Recently I visited the home of a child bride thirteen years old. Her father has one of the finest palaces in these parts of India, and in many ways has adopted Western ideas. In the education of his children, he has been very liberal, and this little princess can talk English very fluently. She seemed to enjoy our visits, and we had some good talks together, and she begged that I come often and see her. In one of her talks, she was inclined to open her heart and tell me how unhappy she was. Her mother-in-law is an uneducated Indian woman, and afraid to have her son's wife under English environments, and in many ways makes the life of the young princess very unhappy. One day while I was visiting her, she referred to the difference in the home life of the Indian people and that of those in other lands. She said, "When you come, there is sunshine for a few minutes; and when you are gone, the shadows gather."
We were sitting in an enclosed veranda, just outside the drawing-room. The windows were open which led into the adjoining room; and we afterward heard that the husband was lying in that room, seeking to catch some word with which to condemn his wife. After I had gone, he and the mother-in-law flew at her and gave her a beating, and then wrote to the father, asking him that his daughter be prohibited from receiving calls from the outside world. But he replied that he was very pleased to have his daughter mingle with English ladies.
Group of child widows of India
The little princess has now gone down to her home on the plains, and we wonder what the future has in store for her. Fortunately her husband is young, and she is not so liable to be left a widow as the little queen in the home above us, whose husband is along in years. When he dies, she — poor little thing! — will be said to be the cause of his death, and will have the sad future that awaits the majority of Indian wives.
Occasionally we find a woman who has come in touch with Western ideas through the influence of the missionary of the Gospel, and resolves at all costs to make something of her life. We were very pleased the other day to receive a visit from a woman of the "Arya Samaj." Tho young, and left a widow, she resolved to get an education to fit her for a teacher. This she has done. It is really refreshing to meet such an Indian woman, and she a widow, eager to give her heart and time to help her companions in their life. But she is only one of a few, among the thousands who simply sink into oblivion.
A missionary who spends her entire time among these women, gives us a little glimpse into the narrow life of the poor child widows of India as she sees it:
One of the saddest pieces of work is to visit one of these newly made widows. After one outbreak of plague, I heard of three of our old Kanarese scholars whose husbands had died of plague. I went to the house of one. The mother-in-law came to the door. I asked to see Subbamanne. She said, "You can not see her; she is too full of trouble to see any one." I said, "But Subbamanne has been so friendly, I am sure she would like to see me." Again she said, "It is impossible." I said, "I have come to see Subbamanne, and I will wait here until I see her." Then she asked me to go into the house, and opening a cupboard in the wall, without any light or ventilation, showed me Subbamanne. What a change! The bright, strong girl had become in a few days stricken and old. She was being kept shut up until the day when her relatives would be invited to see her degraded, her head shaved, her jewels taken off, her pretty clothing exchanged for widow's red cloth.
Some time since, I was in Samane and saw a young widow, apparently not more than sixteen years of age, sitting at the door with a tiny bit of humanity in her arms. The child looked so ill that I felt that I must stop and inquire about it. I was invited into the house, and found no fewer than seven widows. The others were all much older. I was told that the young widow's husband had died six months before her child was born. One meal a day and fasting for twenty-four hours each month, no water being allowed however ill she might be, had resulted in an emaciated, diseased child. I had with me our school nurse, who had been trained in a Zenna hospital. I asked her if she had seen such a case before. She replied that they were innumerable in the hospital where she lived.
It is only by getting in close touch with these people, that one knows the inner life of these "shut in" women. In many cases very little is known of them; but to the missionary who spends her life in visiting these secluded women, is the inner life revealed. What is needed to-day to help Indian women is scores, yea, hundreds, of well-trained, consecrated, warm-hearted women who will be contented and glad to give their lives in an unselfish struggle for these souls. Workers should adapt themselves to the customs and ways of a land like this, so as to be able to give the Gospel message in such a manner that these secluded sisters shall not become discontented with their lot or get out of touch with their people, but15rather show them the Gospel that brings peace and contentment into the life.
A burning ghat, India
There are down-trodden women in India,
And many child widows as well.
They know not the voice of the Master,
O, hasten the story to tell —
The story that Jesus Christ loves them —
This blessed news often repeat.
In His infinite, tender compassion,
He says to us, "Give them to eat."
They are heart-sick and weary, dear sisters;
Do not say we can do nothing more.
Let us take what we have to the Master;
He will make it a full, ample store.
We may have but a few loaves and fishes —
His touch makes the smallest things
great.
The heathen are dying of hunger;
Let us hasten before 'tis too late.
Mrs. J. L. SHAW.
Mussoorie, India.
National Health Magazine
By Editor
An Illustrated Monthly
Its aim is to assist in the physical, mental, and moral uplift of humanity through the individual and the home. A practical journal for the common people. Tells in simple language: How to keep well; how to get well; how to treat simple diseases at home without drugs; how to eat, sleep, and dress for health.
Regular Departments
Questions and Answers, General Articles, Healthful Cookery, the Medical Missionary at Work, As We See It, Current Comment, Abstracts, Book Reviews, News Notes.
Not an exponent of medical or dietetic fads or fancies. Agents find it an easy and rapid seller. Send 10 cents for sample copy and particulars.
Yearly subscription, $1.00; six months, 50 cents; three years, $2.00; five years, $3.00; five copies, one year, $3.00; five or more copies mailed by publishers to one address, or to five or more addresses, post-paid, each 5 cents; fifty or more copies, post-paid, each 4 cents; single copy, 10 cents.
The "Instructor" Temperance Annual
By Editor
The cause of temperance will be greatly assisted this year through the circulation of an edition of 500,000 copies of the Instructor Temperance Annual, issued by the Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D. C.
The special temperance issue of the Instructor contains some of the strongest matter against the liquor traffic ever published. The curse of liquor is painted in its true colors. It is especially strong on the abolition of the saloon, presenting facts from the best authors in proof of all its claims. It does not condemn the men engaged in the liquor traffic, nor the men who are enslaved by alcohol, but gives its full force and power against governmental toleration and support. It will fight a good battle, and win many victories for prohibition. It will be a blessing to many liquor-cursed men, ruined homes, and the community at large.
It may be secured of the publishers in lots of 5 to 40 copies at 5 cents a copy; 50 or more copies, 4 cents a copy; single copy, 10 cents.
Six Pamphlets on Tithing Free
By Layman
I hereby offer to send without charge, postage paid, a package of six pamphlets on tithing, three of them new, to all ministers, church officers, and Sunday-school teachers; also to all members of missionary societies, Christian Endeavor unions, and kindred organizations, who will write for them during the month of March, 1912.
Most of these pamphlets are written from the financial standpoint. The author believes that tithing pays,—pays in furnishing more money for the spread of Christ's kingdom than is possible by any other method; pays the church in its temporal interests and spiritual blessings, whose members practise tithing; and also pays the tithers themselves in personal happiness and financial prosperity.
All orders must be personal. Requests to send pamphlets to others are not included in this offer.
The literature is not published for personal profit. The writer believes in tithing, and this offer is made in the hope of inducing others to study the subject especially from the dollars and cents standpoint.
It is absolutely necessary that you mention the paper in which you see this offer.
Address: "Layman,"
143 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill.
For Sale
25,000 pounds of finest mountain sage honey for sale. Orders filled by return freight. Samples free. C. W. Dayton, Chatsworth, California.
The LORD'S DAY
A Brief but Comprehensive Treatise covering the History and Doctrine of the Sabbath and Sunday Controversy from Creation to the Present. Truth supported by Scripture, Historical Fact, and Argument.
The LORD'S DAY
The Test of the Ages
A Multum in Parvo on the Sabbath Question. Illustrated; 128 pp.; price 10 cents post-paid.
PACIFIC PRESS Mountain View, Cal.
LIFE AND HEALTH
By Editor
Washington, D. C.
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By Editor
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DATE OF EXPIRATION
By G. C. Hoskin
The SIGNS wrapper bears date of last issue due on your subscription. Unless renewed in advance, paper stops with expiration date.
If herewith is an order-blank, you will know you have overlooked sending renewal. You will not wish to miss a single issue. Back numbers often can not be furnished.
G. C. Hoskin, Circulation Manager.
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The Vegetarian Cook Book
By E. G. Fulton
By E. G. FULTON
THE author has had years of experience in vegetarian cookery and in the management of vegetarian cafes and cafeterias. With its aid the chef, cook, or housewife is able to prepare appetizing, healthful meals without the use of any flesh food.
This book contains 419 pages, including a handy and well-arranged index of all the recipes given.
Tastily bound in cloth, price,
post-paid, $1.00
Pacific Press Publishing Assn.
Mountain View, California
Portland, Ore. Calgary, Alberta. Kansas City, Mo.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
By Editor
Editor ........................................ Milton C. Wilcox
Associate Editors .................................... A. O. Tait
........................................................ L. A. Reed
Manuscripts should be addressed to the editor. Address all business and make all money-orders, etc., payable to the Signs of the Times, Mountain View, Cal.
N. B. We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
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For the Lord's Day.
By Editor
The Christian Statesman, in its February issue, in its "Prayer Calendar" for April, heads it, "For the Better Observance of the Lord's Day." And it says: "Let us pray that right views as to the divine appointment of the Lord's day may prevail; . . . that the great social and economic and industrial forces of modern life . . . may be brought into and kept in obedience to just sabbath laws." And more. And we say, Amen. But the only book which can tell with authority what the Lord's day is, is the Lord's own book, the Bible; and that declares the Lord's day to be the Sabbath, the seventh day. And the only just Sabbath laws there are, are the Bible laws. No others are needed. Will the Statesman editor pray for these?
"Letter from Christ."
By Editor
A correspondent from Kansas sends us the alleged "letter written by Christ." We have received something like a half-score of these during the last year. This one happens to be signed "N. G.;" and while the SIGNS OF THE TIMES does not believe in slang, it thinks that this signature is very appropriate indeed, in its common acceptation of "no good." It is a characteristic production of a superstition of medieval times. It pronounces curses on those that work on the Sabbath; it advises fasts five days in the year, beginning on "Good Friday." It tells us that "he that hath a copy of this letter written by my own mouth [most people write with their hand], and keepeth it without publishing it to others, shall not prosper; and whoever shall have a copy of this letter, and keep it in their house, nothing shall hurt them, neither pestilence, thunder or lightning," and a lot of other just such nonsense. Evidently a number of the country papers are almost afraid not to publish it, for it has been published by a great many, like the man who fears to look at the new moon over his left shoulder. But we wish to say to our readers, one and all, "The curse causeless shall not come." Our dear Lord has left us His Word,—mighty, effective, life-giving, clear, strong, sound, elevating, pure. It would be a reflection on Him, nay, it would be a reflection on one of less than ordinary sense, to believe that He wrote such a production as this. Our correspondent asks if we will publish it. We haven't space for any such matter. Our correspondent asks if there was a day at that time known as Saturday. Perhaps there was in heathendom, but we do not believe that those who lived in Palestine, or used the language of the Jews, ever knew it by that term.
Contained in This Issue
By Editor
Question Corner
3698 — The Great God; 3699 — The First Love, Rev. 2:4; 3700 — Your Speech; 3701 — A Perversion of His Word; 3702 — Tormented Forever and Ever; 3703 — Bible Versions; 3704 — Loaning of Money; 3705 — The Sealed Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The Signs of the Times is not in politics; but to an outsider it does seem that the very course the suffragettes of England are taking to obtain recognition, is the very thing that would put off their hope for millenniums to come. If American women had taken the course that English women have taken, they would be a much longer way from their voting goal than they are now. It is pitiable that civilized women should resort to the tactics of a low, drunken mob in order to secure what they call their "rights." It would naturally seem as if it would alienate the sympathy of every lover of true womanhood.
Why Will They Not Do It?
By Editor
A great many of the misdirected reforms of the present day would be far better managed and less disappointing if they would but recognize the one great fact told us over and over again in the Word of God, and which every man of spiritual experience knows in himself. That fact is God's diagnosis of the human heart, for "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" And yet some of these reforms, like Socialism, are based on the idea that if we only had right laws, man would be reformed. There was never a greater fallacy in this world. There are many Socialists that we sympathise with in their diagnosis of conditions in the world at the present time, in their sympathy with the downtrodden, whoever they may be; but we have no sympathy whatever with the remedies, because these remedies are not based in truth. Any political State formed of selfish men will be selfish, and sooner or later will break through every hedge of law, and pervert every right course. The only hope there is for the regeneration of this world, is in Christ Jesus our Lord; and He regenerates not by masses, but by individuals. When the world itself becomes regenerated, it will be at the second coming of Christ.
Words Worth Heeding
By Editor
SPEAKING of religious antagonism in Germany on political questions, Ernst Richard, Ph.D., of Columbia University, in his new work "History of German Civilization," says:
"How much this religious disparity enters into secular questions, into politics, can hardly be imagined by Americans, who owe an undying gratitude to the founders of the Republic for having kept religious and State affairs completely separate. The experiences of European nations should teach them [Americans] that he is one of the worst enemies of this country who, no matter under what high pretext of justice or morals, will allow the smallest breach of this principle. [Boldface ours.] Both the commonwealth and religion suffer from this intermixture."
Would that every one saw it as clearly as does Dr. Richard? How few know or heed the lessons of history!
It Is Not the Old British Spirit of Liberty.
By Editor
Is it the present? For instance, a brother, Mr. Matt. J. Allen, writes us from Hamilton, Ontario, that God had greatly blessed the church in that place in the increase of twenty-six members in little over a year. Needing a church, one was found suitable in size and price, and for sale; but when it was learned that Sabbath-keepers wanted it, it was taken off the market. Another real estate dealer had it for sale, but not to those who observe the same Sabbath that Christ did. Three persons were ready for baptism; but the lake being frozen, Brother Allen went to two different Protestant churches to obtain the use of a baptistery, but both refused. Baptists ought to remember the days of old. But let our brethren hold no malice. "The good can well afford to wait."
Riding Two Horses.
By Editor
The Christian Statesman for February has the following:
A Baptist Minister in Washington, D. C.—I note, with very great pleasure, the intelligence of my being elected a delegate to the Portland Conference. I accept with appreciation this distinguished honor, because I believe that the principles held by the National Reform Association are the safeguard of our national life, and will ultimately triumph throughout the world; for it is as true to-day as when it was uttered that "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ." I will do all in my power to push forward this great and laudable movement.
Now that Baptist minister has either repudiated Baptist principles concerning union of religion and State, or he does not know National Reformism. It looks as if he were trying to ride two horses going in opposite directions at the same time. The fact is, he is riding backwards to destruction the pretty swift National Reform pony.
Germany and Socialists
Germany and Socialists.—August Bebel, the doughty old Socialist leader in German politics, came within twenty votes of election as president of the Reichstag. Doctor Peter Spahn, the leader of the Roman Catholic Center, was elected president, but refused because he could not work with a Socialist as vice-president. The 110 Socialists in the Reichstag mean something. The Catholic or Center party lost because of its alliance with others; but Bernstein, the Socialist, concedes that it is a power to be reckoned with. It is said that the Socialist leaders did not discuss so much their present gains as their "final triumph." Furthermore, controlling as they do four and one half million votes, rather than expect support from them in an unprovoked war, the government would as likely expect a revolution.
Losing Faith
Losing Faith.—The Rev. Thomas Whitelaw, M.A., D.D., in "The Fundamentals," volume 6, quotes the editor of the "Hibbert Journal" as saying, "Society abounds with earnest and educated persons who have lost faith in a living, personal God, and see their fellows and foresee themselves passing out of life entirely without hope." And he who comes in touch with society in general knows that the quotation utters a great, sad fact. The same thing is strongly and emphatically implied, or foretold, by our Lord in the question, "Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" It implies a great scarcity of simple faith; and how that scarcity ought to quicken the zeal and earnestness of God's children!
Tracts on Tithing
By Editor
We print in another column an offer from a gentleman in Illinois offering some tracts on tithing, which will be sent out free for a certain length of time. This is done by one who believes that it pays in a business way to pay tithes. Many of the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will take a far broader view than this: they believe that it pays spiritually, and they believe not only in tithe paying, but offerings besides tithe paying. The writer of this note would say that he has demonstrated for more than thirty years that it pays in every way to recognize one's obligation to God. These tracts are suggestive and helpful, and they offer some figures that are worthy of consideration by pastors, evangelists, preachers, church elders, stewards, etc.
