p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 1. (1/6/1909)

Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America

By W. H. Heckman

Held in Philadelphia Dec. 2 to 8, 1908

From Our Own Correspondent

[This report is from an experienced Gospel minister, a president of a conference, one fitted by experience to weigh principles and measures. It deals with a subject of not only nation-wide, but of world-wide importance. — EDITOR.]

Lyric Theater, Philadelphia, where a part of the meetings were held.

American Academy of Music, Philadelphia, where the opening meeting was held.

One of the most important and significant events in the religious world took place in the city of Philadelphia, Dec. 2 to 8, 1908, when for the first time in the history of Protestantism there convened a large body of delegates chosen by the highest legislative bodies of over thirty denominations, representing eighteen million adult communicants, and fifty million adherents. It marked a new era in American church history, for at this time the dream of the religious thinkers of the nation for many years became an accomplished fact; namely, “The Federation of the Churches of Christ in America.”

Like the other great confederacies of our day, this one can only be explained in the light of Biblical prophecy. During the past decade the most gigantic combinations among capitalists and among laborers have been effected. A few years ago the American Federation of Catholic Societies was formed, and now, behold, to cap the climax, we see launched this new combination—a union of Protestant churches in America.

A Representative Gathering.

That the federal council did not act unadvisedly in its deliberations is evinced by the fact that there were present hundreds of the most distinguished churchmen—recognized leaders in religious thought, including bishops, famous evangelists, secretaries of church boards, presiding elders, professors of colleges, and editors of religious journals,—who carefully discussed the various resolutions presented for their consideration and decision.

The Purposes of the Federal Council.

The chairman, the Rev. W. H. Roberts, D.D., LL.D., at the great opening meeting in the Academy of Music, in his introductory address, first outlined the history of the movement of which this council is the consummation, and then in speaking of the character, purposes, and spirit of the organization, among other things said:

“We believe that the great Christian bodies in our country should stand together, lead in the discussion of, and give an impulse to, all great movements that make for righteousness. We believe that questions like those of marriage and divorce, Sabbath desecration, foreign immigration, modern industry, the moral and religious training of the young, indeed, all great questions in which the voice of the churches should be heard, demand their united and concerted action if the church of Christ is to lead effectively in the thoro Christianization of our country.”

And so throughout the entire council, the striking feature of the speeches was a mighty appeal, not to get together on differences in doctrines and rituals, or governmental forms, but for unity on certain reforms as the maintenance of the “Christian Sunday,” the relation of labor to capital, temperance, the moral and religious training of the young, etc.

A Significant Statement.

In the speeches made for this unity, if there was one statement more significant than another, we must credit it to the Rev. Dr. Arthur S. Lloyd, general secretary of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church, who said:

“THERE NEVER WILL BE ANYTHING LIKE UNITY UNTIL THE GREEK AND ROMAN CHURCHES UNITE WITH US.

“The Roman church has its old traditions which are hard to break down. But some of the greatest minds in these bodies are now thinking on this question.”

Bishop Rudolph Dubbs of the United Evangelical Church evidently saw danger in such a union, for the following day, in speaking to a certain resolution, he became very eloquent and took occasion to say the following, “I do not want to see absolute unity, and hope the day will never come when we will have a Protestant-Roman Church.”

Danger in Federation.

There is no question but what the majority of those who spoke in favor of these reforms were well-balanced, well-meaning men; men who have the interests of humanity at heart and who realize that in unity there is greater strength and the possibility of more successful warfare against wrong-doing.

But there is a danger in the federation of churches even in the matter of presenting a united front to all influences that are unmoral and unspiritual, which does not appear on the surface—the danger that these very same sincere and conscientious men, in their zeal and enthusiasm to obtain certain reforms, will seek the arm of the state in securing them.

That this conclusion has not been reached without well-authenticated facts upon which to base it, will clearly be seen from the following significant statement by the president of the council and the resolutions which were discussed and adopted.

Dr. Roberts in an interview given to the Philadelphia “Evening Bulletin” said that the

churches are losing their hold on the people, and the church federation will enable the churches to retain their hold. He says:

“For instance, our action on Sunday labor will be put on an economic basis. We will try to have the Sabbath as a day of rest established by law for the same reason that it is established by law in France—the need of the working men for a day free from toil.”

Cooperation in Mission Work.

Among the significant resolutions adopted, was that on “Cooperation in Home Mission Work.” This practically gives the federal council or its executive committee, through its various local federations, a grand monopoly of the United States in missionary endeavor. They are to decide which communities are overchurched and relieve them, and supply unchurched communities. Joint committees are empowered to hold mass meetings and to take such action as they may deem expedient in the interests of the federated home-mission work.

The resolution on “Cooperation in Foreign Missions” was presented by Rev. Dr. James L. Barton of Boston, corresponding secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in which a much more liberal policy was set forth, recommending even the elimination of denominational distinctions and the establishment of single native national churches composed of all denominations.

Such a policy, as can readily be seen, put to full operation, would abridge the inherited and inherent rights and liberties of individuals and religious bodies differing with the federation of churches. No matter how essential to the people at large the truths preached and practised by others, this federation, if dissenting, will be prepared “to take such action as they may deem expedient in the interests of” their “work.” With the tremendous influence behind this religious union—18,000,000 members and 50,000,000 sympathizers—what opportunity will the minority have to promulgate its doctrines if considered peculiar? And yet there have been times when God’s truth was with the minority. This aspect of the picture is not hard to foresee by those who know the prophecy of Holy Writ respecting this very movement.

Council Indorses Crusade of Labor.

“With a view to an increase of power and of results in all Christian work,” special overtures, by way of an invitation to unite with the church in its work, have been made to the labor organizations. At a mass meeting on Sunday afternoon, twenty-seven labor organizations were represented. It may be of interest to state in this connection the fact that the chairman of the meeting, Mr. Dennis A. Hayes, fifth vice-president of the American Federation of Labor, is a Roman Catholic. Mr. Hayes urged the labor men “to appreciate the stand the church had taken,” and to show the same by supporting the church in its battle for souls. The labor union represent a constituency of 2,000,000 members.

The resolutions adopted by the federal council, in its purposes to aid the labor unions, certainly contain many excellent declarations, among them being the following: “The Abolition of Child Labor,” “The Suppressing of the Sweating System,” “Abatement of Poverty,” etc., all of which appeal to every true-hearted Christian. Yet, beneath it all, it does not require special prophetic insight to observe that the church is depending very materially on the support of union labor to secure a legal Sunday; for when Dr. Frederick D. Power brought in the report on Sunday observance, he expressed appreciation of the efforts made by the American Federation of Labor to safeguard Sunday as a day of rest, and also of the work of the National Drug Association to have the sales of drugstores confined strictly to medicines. But the enforcement of such a law will abridge the freedom of those it is supposed to liberate. The outcome of ENFORCED SUNDAY IDLENESS is written on the pages of history of the fourth and fifth centuries. A recurrence of those experiences is before the working men of the 20th century.

W. H. HECKMAN.

[The second article from Mr. Heckman will report the action of the council on the matter of sabbath observance and the attitude of the council regarding religious liberty.]

Let Bad Enough Alone.

The mayor of East Liverpool, Ohio, seems to have the genuine good sense to at least let bad enough alone. In this it was manifest: Ohio has a Sunday law, not among the mildest by any means, yet it isn’t rigid enough to suit the ministerial association, at any rate its rigidity must be used to the very letter; and therefore the ministerial association of the city presented to the mayor a request that “the protection of the Lord’s day as a day of rest is necessary, not only to the well-being of the religious life of our people, but to the preservation of morality and good order of society;” and therefore they requested “a faithful and persistent enforcement of all our Sunday laws.”

The mayor responds that he believes the laws of the city “are well observed on the Sabbath,” and sees no outward evidence that would indicate anything else. The mayor contends that it is proper to keep soda-water fountains on Sunday that people may get good water to drink.

The Ohio Sabbath law has a fine for those who do any kind of common labor upon that day save works of necessity, or charity, of $25.00 for the first offense, and each subsequent offense not less than $50.00 nor more than $100; and in prison not less than five nor more than thirty days.

There are those in California at the present time who are demanding a much milder Sunday law than this, as “educational,” but “not the ideal,” which means in other words, that the Legislature having permitted this, more will be demanded. Ohio, with its much more rigid Sunday law, demands more. Having taken the first step, there will be constant yielding to the mistaken religio-political sentiment, until we have the repetition of the Dark Ages, simply and solely because some one’s religious ideas are not conformed to. Note also that Ohio wants the religious day protected. California ought to take warning from all these and never permit a Sunday law to be placed upon her statute-books.

Society and Its Influence

Sir Oliver Lodge, the great English Scientist, contends that society in England is deteriorating humanity and “performing the functions of the devil.” He believes that every child should have an opportunity of becoming a reasonable and proper human being. He longs that every person could have a bit of ground and put in a bit of labor there, land which one could call his own. He thinks that if the unreclaimed lands, which are held by corporations and large land owners, were open, labor could have opportunity to plant for food, and obtain all that was necessary. Mr. Lodge is only voicing what thousands have said before. If there could be but that recognition that “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof,” so much of it would not be held by so few. More of the people would have a little land. We would not see the great masses flocking to the cities, the most unwholesome place to live spiritually and morally; but while this is so reasonable, we have no hope of seeing it until Christ the Lord comes, and then the righteous will fill the earth as the waves fill the sea.

Ex-Senator United States Edward W. Carmack, of Tennessee, shot dead as a result of political quarrel, November 9. Postmaster Morgan of New York City, an attempt upon whose life was made November 9. Francis J. Heney, prosecutor of graft cases in San Francisco. He was shot November 13 by a rejected juryman, but will recover.

The Kaiser and the Pope

A despatch from Berlin, dated November 28, states that Pope Pius has received a magnificent jubilee gift from the German Kaiser in the shape of a massive seal, constructed as a facsimile of the celebrated Column of St. Mark in Venice, where the pope was patriarch for many years. The noted features are a massive lion finely chiseled in gold, surmounted by a large diamond; the handle of the seal is a deep blue amethyst embellished with crosses and laurel leaves. Embedded in the base is an inscription in diamonds setting forth the pope’s name and age. It was sent to the Vatican in a golden casket, bearing on the outside the papal emblem in diamonds. And this from the country of Martin Luther!

Attacks on Three Public Men

It is a startling fact that within five days in the month of November the lives of three public men were attempted in the United States, one resulting fatally. The portraits of the men appear on this page. Postmaster Morgan is an exceptionally efficient and accommodating official. Mr. Heney was shot while in discharge of his duty; and we can see no reason for such an awful penalty in the utterance of Mr. Carmack for which he was killed. These are evil times.

Other Causes

Dr. R. W. Corwin, division surgeon of the Missouri Pacific at Pueblo, stated a truth that is well worth heeding the other day at the New England Association of Railway Surgeons in New York. He declared that it is not overwork which produces railroad wrecks so much as gambling, jealousy, drinking, smoking to excess, domestic troubles, and social ambitions.” One will never know until the Judgment scrolls are unrolled how many derelictions of duty are due to the nicotine of the pipe, or the alcohol of the drink.

Signs of Moral Decadence

"The Homiletic Review" of November notes in its editorial comment what it calls "Signs of Moral Decadence." It quotes The Watchman (Baptist) of Boston as saying: "Any one who has carefully watched the trend of social life for the last forty years will be compelled to admit that the standard of morals in society has been seriously lowered." And this is strictly in harmony with what has been predicted by the Bible.

England Old-Age Pension Applications

Under the new old-age pensions act in England, it is stated that there have been not less than six hundred thousand applications. Many of these, of course, can not be pensioned, as they do not meet conditions.

A Word from India.

By W. W. Miller

I FEEL it my duty, through the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to thank those who donated so liberally to the fund that enabled us to purchase the Annfield Estate in Mussoorie for our mountain-rest home. Our hearts go out to God in gratitude for putting it into the hearts of our dear people at home to raise the money so quickly, tho so soon after the fire of the Pacific Press.

While the money was being collected, Professor Shaw would send us, from time to time, the good news of how the money was coming in, and it always filled our hearts with fresh courage. We were also interested in the list of names and donations which was published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. God only knows what sacrifices many others made that we workers in India might have a place to go for our health without having to return home.

That the “Mission Rest Home” has been a blessing I can truly testify. Brother Burgess was stricken down with a high fever while visiting among the native Sabbath-keepers. Sister Burgess at once took him to Mussoorie where a comfortable “Home” was ready to receive them. Many earnest prayers were offered for him, and he received careful nursing under the direction of Dr. Menkel. We praise the Lord that it pleased Him to spare our brother to the work he dearly loves, but had it not been possible for him to have received just the care he did here, we doubt if he would have survived.

I myself was taken down with thermic fever about the same time, through too much exposure to the sun in Lucknow. While I was ill, my little boy received a severe nervous shock from a fall which nearly ended his life. My wife was quite worn out caring for us, so we all felt the need of a change. How thankful we were that we could go to the “Mission Home” to regain our strength, and escape the heat which was becoming very trying, to say the least. What we would have done without our “Home” in the mountains, I do not know. It is such a comfort to know that we have a definite place to flee to, when we see we are beginning to fail in health.

As workers we enjoy the privilege of becoming better acquainted with each other, which is a great blessing. We are not idle all the time, but as soon as our strength permits, we engage in missionary work of some kind. This year we rented a hall and held public meetings in the town. The result was that several took their stand for the truth, and a church of seventeen members was organized. Twelve natives accepted the truth and were baptized. Brother and Sister Burgess with the aid of Brother and Sister Meyers have been conducting a school for natives during the past three months, and the Lord has blessed their efforts.

We all appreciated the efforts of Sister Shaw to make the “Home” pleasant for us. She saw that we were well provided for in every possible way.

In closing we want again to thank the Lord, and our dear friends at home for what they have done for us here in India.

W. W. MILLER.

The Weekly Signs.

By Editor

What They Are Saying About It.

In the middle of last year, amid conflicting opinions and advice, it was thought a safe compromise had been reached in the publishing of a monthly edition of the weekly, and in cutting down the number which followed the monthly edition to one-half size. But it, like many other things earthly, was altogether unsatisfactory all around; and after a long study and earnest prayer, we decided to separate the two journals—publish the monthly independent and restore the weekly to its original size.

Among the many expressions which have come from the great field—from union conference presidents of the United States, many conference presidents, ministers and laymen,—we take the following sentences:

“Cutting down the SIGNS OF THE TIMES would be a disappointment at any time. I am glad that you have decided to place it back where it was.”

“I am glad you have decided to make this change and I believe that the future will reveal the wisdom of it.”

“We can not afford to take any backward step, and the restoration of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to its original size is a step in the right direction.”

“I want to tell you that I feel good to know that our good old missionary paper is to come back to its former page and size.”

“We need the original weekly SIGNS OF THE TIMES as a pioneer paper. We must enlarge, if anything—the times demand it.”

“In regard to restoring the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to its old form, I am very much pleased at this proposition.”

“I wish to say that it is the best news you have sent us for many a day.”

“The SIGNS OF THE TIMES was never a disappointment to me until the changes which you mention, were made during the past year.”

“I am heartily glad that you are to continue the weekly as of old. It will seem like the resurrection from the dead, of an old friend.”

“I am very glad indeed for the monthly gotten out as it is, but with all this, give me back the SIGNS OF THE TIMES restored to its old form—the number of pages—and we will all be rejoiced over here.”

“Surely the Lord has been guiding you in wisdom as you determine to restore the SIGNS OF THE TIMES weekly to its old form.”

“I am more than pleased to know that you are going back to the old size of paper.”

“I think we are all glad to know that we are again to meet our old friend whom we supposed had gone, never to return.”

“Will say that I am in harmony with you.”

“To my mind you have made no change to equal the SIGNS OF THE TIMES as it was.”

“I am indeed glad that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is to be restored to its original size and I trust, to its former usefulness.”

“When I read ‘For 1909’ I said, ‘Thank God, the old SIGNS OF THE TIMES is going to be restored.’”

“Concerning the weekly SIGNS OF THE TIMES, would say that I am glad to hear that it is coming back to its original size, strength, and beauty. I am sure that it will be appreciated more than ever if it returns to its former self.”

“I believe you have hit on a better plan for the greater success of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES than anything I have seen yet.”

“I would briefly say that I am pleased to know that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is to be placed on a settled basis, and more like that which we used to receive.”

“I believe the conclusion to which you have come regarding the issuing of the usual size weekly SIGNS OF THE TIMES, together with the monthly magazine, is wise. I know we will appreciate the SIGNS OF THE TIMES in its old form.”

“I am very glad you have decided to increase the weekly to a 16-page paper, and I indorse all you say in your letter.”

“I am truly glad you are planning to place the weekly issue back to its former size and page.”

“Brevity is the proper thing for all subjects; but brevity should never be at the expense of clearness.”

“I am glad you decided to restore it back as it was, as there is nothing so real homelike as the SIGNS OF THE TIMES we read the first year that we were living the truth. Its weekly visits furnished the food that was just fitted for our new-found needs.”

“The SIGNS OF THE TIMES was born into the Advent family at the right time and has been at its work ever since, and I believe is to continue until probation closes.”

“I believe all our people will be glad to hear of the change.”

“Am very glad to know of your final decision to issue the SIGNS OF THE TIMES in its original and proper form and size.”

“Your letter was read with sincere delight. We will welcome with open arms the change back to the old form and standing.”

“I think we need the original weekly SIGNS OF THE TIMES as a pioneer paper. We as workers, churches, and conferences can not afford to be without this most excellent paper as an advance guard in our work.”

“To make the paper smaller in these last days of the conflict, is to say we will retreat in our work.”

“I agree with you that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES ought to be published weekly, and I welcome it back again to its full size.”

“I am very glad it has been decided to bring the SIGNS OF THE TIMES back as it used to be. It will seem good to get the paper that we used to get.”

“When I read your letter, I just said right out loud, ‘Good.’ Now you will have space for more subjects and consideration of themes that ought not to be condensed into shriveled proportions. It is true I will not find time to read it all, but I can skim it and walk away with the cream, and the more milk, the more cream, you know.”

“I must say that my heart was made glad when I read that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES would again be sent out in its original form.”

“I believe your views concerning the change of the paper to be correct. I have always looked upon the SIGNS OF THE TIMES as a great missionary sheet—well edited and admirably gotten up.”

“I think, all things considered, that I can heartily approve of your plan to return to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES as it was before the change.”

“I am glad to know the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is to return soon to the old form; to simply say I am glad is not emphatic enough. I am very glad.” (This from a Methodist scientist outside, whose name is known in scientific circles around the world.)

“I am much pleased to learn that the dear SIGNS OF THE TIMES is to come back again, or in other words, to recover from its sad fall.”

“I am glad to hear that the weekly SIGNS OF THE TIMES is to be built up again.”

Now these are sample expressions of many other letters which we have received. They have generally come in response to a letter stating that the SIGNS OF THE TIMES was to be restored. Some of them in response to the announcement made in a former paper. They come from every union conference president in the United States and Canada; they come from conference presidents, from the Atlantic to the Pacific; and from the far regions of the North to the Gulf, and they are still coming. They come from ministers all over the field, old and young. They come from college professors, from men working in foreign tongues, throughout the great South, the Atlantic States, the middle West. There is no section of the country which is not well represented in these extracts which we quote. All are in favor of the monthly. All are warmly in favor of the restoration of the weekly to its former size. We say, all. There have been just two letters which expressed doubt, but with no feeling of dissent. There has been only one in opposition.

It cheers our hearts to know that there is but one letter of this kind which has come to the editorial rooms. It serves to make the others stand out all the clearer.

We wish to thank our brethren out in the great field for their words of sympathy and courage, and heartfelt appreciation. We wish we had space to quote all their letters, but this we could not do, nor would they wish it. The paper is given up to other purposes than that; but we sincerely pray and confidently hope that their prayers and good wishes may be answered in making the SIGNS OF THE TIMES a better exponent of the great truths of the last threefold message than ever before in its experience.

Search the Bible.

By Bishop Mant

Yes, 'tis a mine of precious jewelry, The Book of God; a well of streams divine! But who would wish the riches of that mine To make his own; his thirst to satisfy From that pure well; must ear, eye, soul, apply; On precept precept scan, and line on line; Search, ponder, sift, compare, divide, combine, For truths that oft beneath the surface lie.

Yes, there are things which he who runs may read, Nor few there are, which yield a harder part, To mark, discern, and know. With cautious heed, 'Tis God's command, survey thy safety's chart; Lest arduous things, distorted, deathward lead The mind unlearned, and the unstable heart.

— Bishop Mant.

Incidents in Monthly “Signs” Work.

THAT the Signs Monthly is a good seller and that by this means good seed is being sown; may be gathered from letters received from agents. The following is from one who sells about 1,600 a month up in Oregon:

“I find as you say, the December number is very salable, in fact, they sell on sight; the numerous pictures are a great help; indeed many buy it for them and then they have access to the reading-matter.”

This St. Paul (Minn.) agent will order 500 of the January number: She says:

“The papers will sell readily as they are very attractive, and will appeal to the eye. I am of good courage.”

A Southern California worker writes:

“I am very busy at home caring for others, but spend every moment I can spare in this work, for one is always repaid by such good experiences. There are only small towns here in the valley, not over 400 or 500 people in each, and I am going to them as fast as possible.”

If interested in this effective agency for reaching the masses, address your tract society, or

SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.

Additional Maps for Note Books 1, 2, and 3.

All who are using Nature Study Note Books in their school work will be pleased to know that the author and publishers have arranged for a new set of Outline Maps to accompany these excellent books.

The set for No. 1 contains eight pages; for No. 2, twelve pages; and for No. 3, sixteen pages, with from one to four maps on each page.

In order to give every school the benefit of these new maps, it has been decided to furnish them with the Note Books absolutely free of charge, and all who are now using these books can have the maps, free, by addressing the publishers. Please state plainly with which number of the Note Book the maps are to be used.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSN., Mountain View, Cal.

Notice of Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Pacific Press Publishing Company.

By H. W. COTTRELL; H. G. CHILDS

NOTICE is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Pacific Press Publishing Company, a corporation, organized and existing under, and by virtue of, the laws of the State of California, will be held at the office of the Company, on Villa St., in the Town of Mountain View, California, on Monday, the 25th day of January, A. D., 1909, at 10 o’clock A. M.

The election of directors for the ensuing year, the advisability of amending, repealing, or adopting new by-laws, and such other business as may be necessary or proper to be transacted will come before the meeting.

By order of the directors, H. W. COTTRELL, President, H. G. CHILDS, Secretary.

Notice of Annual Meeting of the Members of the Pacific Press Publishing Association.

By M. C. Wilcox; H. H. Hall

NOTICE is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that the annual meeting of the members of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, a corporation, organized and existing under, and by virtue of, the laws of the State of California, will be held at the office of the Association on Villa St., in the Town of Mountain View, County of Santa Clara, State of California, on Monday, the 25th day of January, A. D., 1909, at 11 o’clock A.M.

The election of directors for the ensuing year, and such other business as may be necessary or proper to be transacted will come before the meeting.

By order of the directors,

M. C. WILCOX, President. H. H. HALL, Secretary.

The “Signs.”

By E. F. Johnson

By E. F. Johnson, LL.M.

Perhaps I am not what a man ought to be, Whose heart to religion inclines, But sinner or saint, courageous or faint, God knows that I love the old SIGNS.

For years I have read it at home and abroad, And treasured its Scriptural lines, When sad and perplexed, or impatient and vexed, It has helped me—the blessed old SIGNS.

No cold condemnation, no caustic rebuke, Finds space in its holy designs; But mercy and love from the Father above Are declared by the faithful old SIGNS.

God grant that its readers may strive to attain The standard it clearly defines, And preach as it preaches, and live as it teaches, Consistent and truthful old SIGNS.

Continue reading: Welcome, Thrice Welcome, Dear Old Signs