Review Questions.—(a) What is the beast and his image? (b) What is the mark? (c) In what two ways may it be received?
1. Until what time did God declare that a true theocracy or literal kingdom of God on the earth should be no more?
“And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, thus saith the Lord God: Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.” Eze. 21:25–27.
2. Yet, as soon as the church apostatized, what false theory came in?
Ans.—“There had in fact arisen in the church . . . a false theocratical theory. . . . This theocratical theory was the prevailing one in the time of Constantine.”—Torrey’s Neander, History of Church and Christian Religion, vol. 2, p. 132. Augustine was the propounder of this theory. Id., p. 217.
3. What did this theory carried out put in the place of God?
“Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” 2 Thess. 2:3, 4.
4. What is declared at the present time by a body of world-wide influence?
Ans.—“A true theocracy is yet to come, and the enthronement of Christ in law and law-makers.”—W. C. T. U. Monthly Reading for September, 1886. See note 1.
5. What does the prophet say of those who predict this good time?
“And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. Therefore thou hast forsaken the people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.” Isa. 2:3–6.
6. When the political divisions of the earth decide themselves to be Christian, or that Christ reigns through them, as many have already done, whom will they put in the place of God? 2 Thess. 2:3, 4. See text under question 3.
7. What will then be fulfilled?
“And his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him.” Rev. 13:3, 4.
8. What will the great harlot, Babylon, say?
“How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Rev. 18:7.
9. How great are her vain boasts? Ans.—She exalts herself to an equality with God.
“Now therefore hear this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, that sayest in thine heart, I am, and there is none else beside me.” Isa. 47:8, R. V. Compare with chapter 46:9.
10. In what and like whom is she deceived in all this?
“For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness; thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.” Isa. 47:10. Compare with Eze. 28:17, first part.
11. How many are deceived by this great apostate power? See answer to question 7.
12. What will be the mark of power in all this?
Ans.—The worship and the mark. Verses 8, 16. The world-wide message warns against both worship13and mark, and where the worship is, there will be seen the mark of the worshiper.
13. In fact, what will Sunday be thought to be by those deceived by Babylon?
Ans.—“The test of all religions” (Dr. W. W. Evarts, in Elgin Convention), “A mark of American religion to the present day” (Dr. J. G. Lorimer, in the Christian Treasury). See note 2.
14. What will they do against the people of God who oppose this false theocracy? Ans.—They will associate and confederate together to destroy them. Isa. 8:9, 10.
15. What will come in consequence of all this sin and transgression against God?
“Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth. And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare; for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.” Isa. 24:17–21.
16. That men may escape what they fear, what will they do? Ans.—Confederate together.
“For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.” Isa. 8:11, 12. See note 3.
17. How much will Babylon thus include?
Ans.—All the different confederacies of earth, endeavoring to open “a gate of God,” but which will prove confusion—Babylon.
“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Rev. 18:1, 2.
21. What will be the final result of this great wickedness?
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Rev. 14:9–11.
“The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” Isa. 24:5.
“Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” Rev. 18:8. See also Rev. 16:19; 19:20.
22. What is now our duty?
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isa. 58:1.
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand.” “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Rev. 14:9; 18:4.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
ONE aged man and one young man were baptized at Sisson, Cal., February 2, by Elder George A. Snyder.
ELDER R. D. HOTTEL is conducting a series of meetings in a portion of Baltimore which has not heretofore been worked by our laborers.
THE office of the American Sentinel and branch house of the Pacific Press Publishing Company has been removed from 43 to 39 Bond Street, New York City. Brethren and others desiring to communicate with the office will please note the change.
ELDER N. C. McCLURE, president of California conference, speaks a good word for the special classes recently organized at Healdsburg College for the benefit of the workers at large. He was especially pleased with the classes in English language, Bible, and history.
As a result of the work of the Bible readers in this city, eleven persons have recently begun to observe the Sabbath of the Lord. For some time past the number of Bible readings held has averaged forty-seven per week. This is in addition to tract distribution and benevolent work.
A VERY encouraging interest is reported in meetings being held at Millville, N. J., by Elder S. B. Horton and Brother John F. Jones. By special invitation Elder Horton addressed the Young Men's Christian Association, having an audience of about three hundred and fifty.
On the subject of practical church work Elder C. P. Bollman says: “The work is to be done through organizations, not by the organizations. Individuals must do the work. Organization is simply for the purpose of securing uniformity and concert of action. . . . Organization should never be allowed to take the place of individual effort, and will not be when properly used.”
THE interest in the work in New York City continues to increase under the labors of Elders O. O. Farnsworth and E. E. Franke. Twenty new Sabbath keepers are reported. The Bible workers also give an encouraging report. Sisters L. Maria Slocum and Worthie Harris say, under date of February 16: “At present we are kept quite busy visiting the people, answering questions, and conducting Bible readings. Some are so anxious to hear the truth that we have to visit them two or three times each week.”
ELDER A. T. JONES held a series of meetings at Banbridge, Ireland, February 14–22. He had previously held a successful series at Kettering, England.
ELDER Z. G. BAHARIAN reports twenty-four faithful Sabbath-keepers in Bardizag, Turkey. He also notes the favorable impression our people make upon the minds of the Turks by non-interference in politics.
It is only about two years since any public effort was begun by Seventh-day Adventists in Jamaica Island, but there are now about two hundred adherents to that faith. The interest was first awakened by the sale of literature by canvassers.
ELDER L. R. CONRADI, member of the General Conference Committee for the European field, in a report to the Review, says, “We are grateful to the Lord that we close 1895 with 1,500 Sabbath-keepers in the German-Russian field.” These all have come out in the face of persecution and exile.
ELDER O. S. FERREN, who has been inaugurating the work in northern Wyoming, reports the organization of a church of seventeen members at Sheridan, and more recently another company of ten at Big Horn, with a Sabbath school of about twice that number. Of the latter place, a town of about two thousand inhabitants, he says that he could find only about half a dozen Bibles for sale.
ELDER H. P. HOLSER writes as follows to the Review, concerning the work in Turkey: “Our brethren are now laboring in five different localities. Two are at work in the city of Constantinople; one of them is a colporter and ship missionary. He was arrested for selling the Ten Commandments, but as soon as it was learned that he was one of our people, he was released without examination, and still continues to sell publications in the city. [Our people are permitted to labor unmolested because it is known that they do not meddle in the political affairs of the government.] Among those who embraced the truth last year is a young man about to graduate from a Turkish medical college. He takes special interest in our health work, and at his own expense published a tract on tobacco using. We have also recently added three Armenian tracts to the list of our publications.”
CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
This work is written in clear, comprehensive, yet simple language. The narrative style is followed, thus making the story real, and the lessons practical. It is beautified by the use of
74 New and Appropriate Engravings
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First, we enter our Saviour’s home, and learn of his child-life. We see him in his early ministry, in his acts of mercy and love. His sufferings are recounted, and the closing work of our Saviour reveals through his death his wonderful love for man. His resurrection inspires faith and courage in the heart of every believer.
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ANGELS, Their Nature and Ministry.
Revised by the late J.H. Waggoner. In two parts. Part Two considers some hints on the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan, as gleaned from the Scriptures. Bible Students' Library No. 83. 140 pages. Paper covers. Price, 20 cents.
37. BLESSED are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching; verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
38. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
39. And this know, that if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40. Be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42. And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the men servants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46. The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
(Memorize verses 37, 38.)
Golden Text: “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph. 5: 18.
NOTE.—The whole of Luke 12 is instruction in watchfulness, and for faith in the promises of God and his power to do for his children. Texts giving similar instruction to that of the present lesson scripture are Matt. 24: 37-51; Mark 13: 28-37; Luke 21: 34-36, also the parables in Matt. 25: 1-13, 14-23. The golden text is selected for a special application of the lesson to temperance, as brought to view in verse 45, if so desired.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) Upon whom is a blessing pronounced? Verse 37. (2) What will the lord of those servants do? Same verse. (3) At what times might the lord come, and what would be the attitude of good servants? Verse 38. Note 1. (4) By what other figure is the lesson on watching impressed? Verse 39. (5) What important application did Jesus make from these parables? Verse 40. Note 2. (6) What question did Peter ask? Verse 41. (7) In answer, what parable did the Lord introduce? Verse 42. (8) What honor would fall to the faithful steward? Verses 43, 44. (9) On the other hand, what might the servant say and do? Verse 45. Note 3. (10) Consequently what would happen to him? Verses 46, 47. (11) What would be the punishment of him who knew not? Verse 48. (12) What principle did the Lord state? Same verse. Note 4.
NOTES.
1. THE lesson designed to be taught by this parable, and which should be learned by every follower of Christ, is constant faithfulness. In fact, there can be nothing short of constancy in complete fidelity. The watching is a duty, not a labor of curiosity or fear; hence an honest servant will, from a sense of obligation to his master or employer, occupy himself with what he is expected to do, tho the master may be absent. This is emphasized by the blessing pronounced in verse 38.
2. THE all-important event to every man is the coming of the Lord, and to be constantly living as in view of that event is the chief lesson of the Lord’s instruction at this time. Yet in order to be spiritually prepared for that coming, daily faithfulness in every duty, however small, is necessary for the perfection of character. The coming of the Lord, that is, his second coming at the end of the world, and the attendant resurrection of the righteous dead and the translation of the righteous living, has been the hope of the Christian and the godly since the fall. But the time of that coming is not definitely revealed in the word of God, hence the great need of constant watchfulness, of constant attention to development of character, that there may be readiness to meet the Lord when he does come. But not all may expect to be living at that time, tho it is near. Then does the Lord come to such at death?—Not at all, in view of the Scripture teaching. The dead know not anything (Eccl. 9: 5, 6; Ps. 146: 3, 4), but sleep in the grave until the resurrection (Ps. 13: 3; 1 Cor. 15: 51-55; 1 Thess. 4: 16, 17); so, even in an accommodated sense, in which way it is doubtless often used, such a statement is liable to convey a wrong understanding of the Lord’s coming. But it is at once evident that all watching or preparation for that event ceases for the individual that dies, and his life record must stand for judgment, as tho he had lived to see that coming. See 2 Tim. 4: 1. In view of the uncertainty of life, how important then that every moment should be a moment of watching, or its equivalent, character building and faithful attendance to duty. Note that the day of the Lord comes as a thief, that is, as a thief comes,—unexpectedly. See 2 Peter 3: 10; 1 Thess. 5: 2. It comes thus to the wicked world, to those that cry “Peace and safety” (1 Thess. 5: 3), and, “My Lord delayeth his coming” (Luke 12: 45). Although the day and the hour are not revealed to the righteous (Matt. 24: 36), yet, as the parable shows, they will be ready. Again it is said that there are many comings of the Lord, as at conversion, in trials, at crises in life. The Lord is ever near by his Spirit, ready to come into the heart if we will let him. He is ever near to help in every time of need, but these can not be called the “coming” of the Lord. See John 16: 7. The “coming” of the Lord as used in the Scriptures has reference alone to a particular event, which we have been considering. This “coming” is his personal coming. See John 14: 1; Acts 1: 11. The Lord does “come” to us at these times by the Holy Spirit. But the reality of the one event of such importance should never be detracted from by even a form of words which may introduce erroneous ideas.
3. THIS is the attitude of the world at large, and even of many who have charge of the Lord’s heritage. Selfishness and the pleasures that this world can give prevail, and license is taken to eat and drink, and lord it over others. The excuse is that the coming of the Lord is a long way off. As illustrating this point, the Lord had just given the parable of the rich man. See verses 15-21. A gratification of carnal desires will always deaden the sense of spiritual things.
4. IN the last statement the Lord answered Peter’s query, showing that of the ministers and representatives of Christ,—those who are expected to know of his teachings and his purposes,—will the most be required. Their responsibility is great, for to a large degree they will mold those under their charge. The first portion of the Lord’s instruction (verses 32-38) shows that all are included. The light is for all, and “lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1: 9. Hence all will be held responsible according to their opportunities and the uses made of them.
Illustrated Tract.
One of the late issues of the Bible Students’ Library, entitled “The Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast.” Contains 4 original illustrations. The subject is one of vital interest to all, and now is an opportune time to circulate this tract widely. Order B. S. L. No. 130. Address your State Tract Society, or Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; New York City, N. Y.
News and Notes
FOREIGN.
—Earl Grey has been appointed by the British Government administrator of the Chartered South African Company.
—A sabbath (Sunday) observance bill has been introduced in the Ottawa House of Commons by Mr. Charlton. The bill provides for the closing of all canals, the total stoppage of every traffic and of the publication of newspapers on Sunday. In support of his measure, Mr. Charlton stated that the Sunday newspaper was the cause of the widespread disregard for Sunday in the United States. Six similar bills, all presented by the same gentleman, have been defeated at as many former sessions of Parliament.
—Advices from Australia brought by the steamship Miowera state that unprecedented storms have been visiting the eastern coast of that continent of late, causing immense loss of property. From Sydney to the west coast also there have been hot waves, followed by electric storms. In one week 250 deaths were reported in Sydney, due to sun-stroke and the excessive heat. In one day 80 deaths were reported. The thermometer in different places stood at from 100 to 130 degrees in the shade. In the gold districts of Western Australia it is reported that hundreds have perished from this cause, the gold fields being barren and desolate, and reached only by crossing the burning plains.
—It seems that peace is able to reign at short intervals only, in Central America. A revolution is on again in Nicaragua against President Zelaya, who is said to have proclaimed himself dictator. The U. S. cruiser Alert has been ordered to Corinto to protect American interests, which port has already been ordered closed. A despatch from Managua intimates that discontent and clamors against Zelaya have been aided by the efforts of the priesthood, the reason being that there is a growing tendency in the government toward the liberal ideas of America, meaning the United States. Already a severe engagement has taken place at Matares, in which the government was victorious, and government gunboats have bombarded the town of Momotombo, on the west shore of Lake Nicaragua. It is feared that the trouble is liable to draw in other of the Central American republics. The entire province of Leon has declared for the insurrectionists. A despatch also states that the president of Honduras has offered the services of 2,000 men to President Zelaya.
DOMESTIC.
—San Francisco is soon to have its mail system improved by the introduction of two street railway mail cars.
—Seven persons were asphyxiated in a burning residence in Baltimore, February 23. Six others received injuries.
—The National Council of Jewish women, formed in 1893, had at the beginning of the year 1896, 2,650 members, in 35 cities.
—The New York Yacht Club has dropped the Earl of Dunraven from its list of honorary members because of his false charges against the owners of the Defender in the race with the Valkyrie III.
—The two Oakland boys, Majors and Willmore, who were captured, and confessed to numerous burglaries, have been sentenced to ten years each in Folsom prison.
—On February 27 Father Superior Bergmeyer, of the Franciscan monks at the old Santa Barbara Mission, this state, was shot and killed by an insane laborer who had resided at the mission for some time.
—Twenty-six Protestant ministers, representing about half the membership of the Kansas City Ministerial Alliance, have petitioned the board of education of that city to restore the Bible to the public schools.
—The secretary of the Senate of the state of Utah is a woman, Mrs. Lillie R. Pardee. Before the decision of the Utah Supreme Court against the legal right of women to vote at the recent election, the lady was a nominee for a seat in the Senate.
—About two hundred negroes from various parts of the south are en route to Liberia under the auspices of the International Migration Society. They sail from Savannah, and are promised land, oxen, and provisions from the Liberian Government.
—Paper cans made of pulp are being introduced to take the place of tin cans for fruit and other canned products. It is believed that this will do away with any danger of poisoning, as is now occasionally the case, besides offering other points of superiority for canners.
—A despatch says that President Hill, of the Great Northern Railroad, has threatened to remove the shops of that company from Hillyard, near Spokane, Wash., if the authorities do not disincorporate the town. It had recently been incorporated against that gentleman’s wishes.
—The two bank robbers who killed the cashier of the City National Bank of Wichita Falls, Tex., February 25, wounded the bookkeeper, and secured $400, were captured on the evening of the same day, and lodged in the city jail. On the following night a mob of several thousand people besieged the jail, battered in the doors, took forcible possession of the prisoners, marched them to the bank, and hanged them on an improvised scaffold.
—Professor Harper, of the Chicago University, in defending that institution against the charges that have recently been made, that its policy is controlled by the trusts and moneyed men connected with them, says that Mr. Rockefeller, who has already given the University several million dollars, has never visited the institution, never has written letters except those beginning, “Inclosed find check,” and never heard of Professor Bemis until that gentleman’s name was dropped from the list of instructors.
—There has been considerable talk, since the resignation of “Commander” Ballington Booth and wife, of the Salvation Army, at the call of “General” Booth, of establishing a separate American organization, with the two at the head. Already one, “Major” Peter Glen, has resigned, but other division commanders are reported as having taken the oath of allegiance to Miss Eva Booth, now in charge. The two former commanders have received numerous offers of support, and requests from pastors of churches in various large cities have been made for them to conduct series of meetings.
—The authorities at the government proving ground, Indian Head, are again surprised and gratified at the remarkable penetrating qualities of a new shot, the Johnson cast-steel shell. A plate of Harveyized nickel-steel seven inches thick was pierced by the shell, which continued its course through the heavy oak backing and twelve feet into a clay bank. The shell was hardly injured, while another shell, hitherto considered high grade, when subjected to the same test, was broken in pieces after penetrating the plate a few inches. So the tests and experiments go on, first for harder plates, and then for heavier and better shot to pierce them.
—The case of Miss Flagler, of Washington, D. C., daughter of General Flagler, Chief of Ordnance of the U. S. Army, who was arrested for shooting a colored boy who was robbing fruit from trees in her father’s yard, has been tried. The lady pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, claiming that her desire was only to frighten the boys. It is believed that a private agreement was arranged between her attorneys and the prosecution, for the case was called before regular hours of court. The sentence was a fine of $500 and three hours in prison. The fine was at once paid by her father, and the lady was taken to the United States jail, where, in company with a friend, the three hours’ imprisonment was undergone. It is generally conceded that the sentence was exceedingly light; still, the disgrace to one of Miss Flagler’s social standing may balance the scales of justice.
—The U. S. Senate on February 28 passed a resolution recognizing the belligerency of the Cubans. The vote was 50 to 6. The question will come up in the House on March 3 and will probably pass that body by a large majority. It is urged that the resolution be made a joint resolution, in which case it must be treated by the President the same as a bill, that is, he has ten days in which to sign or veto it. Or he may let it pass that time without action, when it will become a law. This action is what the country has been looking for for some time, as it is evident to all that the oppressive rule of Spain should be shortened in Cuba. Such action will enable the Cubans to fit out vessels and expeditions in the United States without molestation by this country. On the other hand, should Spain unexpectedly blot out the rebellion, she will be released from any claims for damages made by the United States in behalf of its citizens in Cuba.
—The House of Representatives on February 24 took up the Indian Appropriation Bill, and, after quite a spirited debate, adopted the amendment of Mr. Linton, of Michigan, cutting off all appropriations to sectarian schools. This saves $250,000 from going into the coffers of the Catholic Church. Mr. Linton characterized such action a union of church and state, and declared that both political parties were pledged to a divorce of the two. On the same line Mr. Cooper, of Wisconsin, referred to the statement of religious freedom found in the Declaration of Independence, and to the first Amendment to the Constitution, which forbids Congress making any law respecting religion. These gentlemen were followed by Mr. Walsh, of New York, a Roman Catholic, who said the motives actuating the opposition were not patriotic, but intended as a blow aimed at the Catholic Church. Nevertheless, he said the Catholic Church was able to take care of her scholars without the appropriation—a statement doubtless very true.
—On February 27 the Senate of the Kentucky Legislature by a vote of 26 to 8 killed the bill to repeal the Kentucky charter of the Southern Pacific Railroad. The fight has been followed with interest and especially by the people of California, who are most directly interested. The country at large is watching the efforts now being put forth in Congress to pass the Funding Bill, which is designed to grant the stockholders of the Central Pacific from 50 to 100 years longer in which to pay their debt to the government. This debt, including principal and accrued interest, is in round numbers $60,000,000, which represents, however, only a small part of the total indebtedness of the road. None of the principal or interest has been paid, and the road is now bankrupt, altho its four principal promoters have become since 1861 multi-millionaires. It is claimed on good grounds that the proceeds of the Central Pacific have been diverted to the building up of other lines, notably the Southern Pacific, owned by the same parties. The people of California have long groaned under what they consider the oppressive operations of this monopoly, whose Kentucky charter enables it practically to defy the laws of this state, because of the delays and roundabout methods of prosecution for grievances, and hence they desire to see government foreclosure, and many desire government management of the associated line if that can be brought about. At the present crisis, a repeal of the Kentucky charter—which state, by the way, has never been paid for its license for the same—would have crippled the efforts of Mr. Huntington to secure a refunding of his debt to the government for 100 years. The story is a long and complicated one, with its history of mortgages and prior claims and other matters too numerous to mention, which any one will judge who has followed the investigations of the House Committee on Pacific Roads. To an ordinary observer, it would appear that the government should proceed precisely as it would against a private individual, but men are beginning to learn that the ways of government are past finding out where the powerful influence of money is concerned. A strong fight is being made for and against the bill, but no surprise need be experienced if it passes the House as a relief measure in some form.
Interlinear Greek-English New Testament
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LOVE,
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Neatly bound in dark olive green cloth, stamped in gold. 670 pages.
PRICE $3.00, POSTPAID.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Kansas City, Mo., and New York OAKLAND, CAL.
SURE WORD OF PROPHECY.
A study of the book of Daniel.
A concise study of this important prophetic portion of the Bible. Fully illustrated. Paper covers. 96 pages. Bible Students’ Library No. 131. Price, 10 cents.
