We will give you a free scholarship of one year, including board, room, and tuition, in any one of the following colleges or academies:—
Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska
Walla Walla College, College Place, Wash.
Healdsburg College, Healdsburg, Cal.
South Lancaster Academy, S. Lancaster, Mass.
Mt. Vernon Academy, Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Keene Industrial Academy, Keene, Texas
Southern Industrial School, Graysville, Tenn.
Upon the condition that you secure for us a certain number of yearly subscriptions for THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, at one dollar ($1.00) each.
The number of subscriptions required to entitle you to a scholarship in Union College, Healdsburg College, Walla Walla College, South Lancaster Academy, Mt. Vernon Academy, and Keene Industrial Academy, is 140. One hundred subscriptions will entitle you to a scholarship in the Southern Industrial School, at Graysville, Tennessee. These subscriptions must be accompanied by the cash, $1.00 for each subscription, and must be sent to us direct.
If you are interested in securing an education without financial expense to yourself, write us for particulars and instructions. We are making you an offer of great intrinsic value,—an offer whose acceptance will mean much in your future usefulness, whatever your field of labor. Send for catalogues to the schools named above, and write us at once in order that you may begin work without delay.
Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
Subscription Dept.
Oakland, Cal.
International
International.—M. Felix Faure, president of France, died suddenly at his home in Paris, on February 16. Apoplexy was the cause of his death, induced, it is supposed, by the great strain upon the president's mind on account of the Dreyfus case and the threatened revolution. His successor, M. Emil Loubet, was elected by the General Assembly on the 18th. It is stated that the suddenness of the presidential crisis saved France from a revolution. The disorderly elements did not have time to organize. The anti-revisionists and many anti-Dreyfus papers are heaping insults upon the new president, who they fear will favor Dreyfus.....A five-foot seam of coal of a superior quality has been discovered within nine miles of Dawson.....President Zelaya, of Nicaragua, has declared that republic in a state of siege. He is sending troops to the seat of the rebellion as fast as possible.....The British Government has appointed a commission to arbitrate the Chile-Argentine frontier dispute.....M. Threaud, a French inventor, has perfected a bullet-proof coat of mail to be worn by soldiers. The coat is constructed of a secret combination of metal and cloth, and, tho light in weight, has proved its ability to stop a bullet from a modern rifle.....One hundred rioters were arrested in Paris on Sunday, February 19, while participating in demonstrations against the newly-elected president,.....A report from Stockholm states that King Oscar has again taken up the reins of government which ill health had compelled him to lay down for a time.....A serious conflict has taken place between Russians and Chinese at Talien-wan, in which 300 Chinese were killed. Talien-wan is a port which has been occupied by the Russians, who are administering its civil affairs; and the battle is supposed to have occurred over a question of taxes. .....The government forces of Ecuador have defeated the rebels, and the country is said to be again pacified......The United States and Mexico have agreed upon a new extradition treaty to take the place of the one which lapsed a few weeks ago. The new treaty is to be retroactive, so as to cover crimes committed since the expiration of the former treaty.....The rule of the Belgian king Leopold over the Kongo Free State, which is now being nullified by the natives, is said to have been for the past few years a veritable reign of terror. The country has been ruled for the purpose of making money out of the 42,000,000 ignorant blacks who inhabit it.....The governor of the State of Guarico, Venezuela, has started a revolution against President Andrade.....The Joint High Commission of Canada and the United States, whose sessions have been held in Washington, has adjourned until August 2, to meet in Quebec. The points of greatest friction were the Alaska boundary and the duty on lumber. Agreement was easily secured between the commissioners over many minor questions.
Domestic.—An amendment to the constitution of North Carolina has been adopted by both members of the General Assembly, which is designed to eliminate the ignorant negro vote of that State. It is to be submitted to a vote of the people in 1901......The government has under consideration the sending of a detachment of troops to the Alaskan boundary, where trouble is expected on account of the indefiniteness of the line.....The Central Pacific Railroad Company has finally been compelled to deposit with the government notes covering its debt of $58,812,715. The notes are twenty in number, each one calling for nearly three million dollars. Four of these notes are to be paid within one month, and the others in sixteen semiannual payments. In case of failure to make any of these payments on time, the whole amount becomes due at once, and as the government has a lien on the Central Pacific and all its branches, the security is regarded as ample.....The preparations of the Navy Department for the transportation of additional troops to the Philippines continue. Three additional transports have been chartered on the Atlantic Coast and three on the Pacific, and will be fitted up at once for carrying troops.....The chief of police of Chicago is preparing to provide the police of that city with bullet-proof vests. The cost of the vests will be $25 each, and they are supposed to be able to stop a forty-two caliber bullet.....Memorial services for the sailors who lost their lives in the sinking of the Maine at Havana were held in that city February 15, the anniversary of the destruction of that ship.....A separate bill appropriating $20,000,000 for payment to Spain under the provision of the treaty of Paris, was passed by the House under a suspension of the rules. Vigorous efforts were put forth to secure an amendment to the measure declaring the policy of the government in the Philippines; but none were successful.....The court of inquiry appointed to inquire into the charges made by General Miles in reference to the meat furnished the army during the late war, met at Washington and began its work on February 20, General Miles being the first witness examined.....The House has refused to attach the Nicaragua Canal Bill as a rider to the Sundry Civil Bill, thus taking a position directly opposed to the Senate, and rendering it extremely improbable that there will be any legislation during this session authorizing the construction of the canal.
The Philippines.—Every day brings reports of fighting of a more or less desultory character between the Americans and Filipinos around Manila. The Filipinos use smokeless powder and are hidden in the brush while trying to pick off the Americans. They are said to be gathering in force before some of the American outposts, with the evident intention of making another attack.....The United States transport Sheridan sailed from New York for Manila, via the Suez Canal, on February 19, carrying 1,835 regulars. Two other transports are already on their way with a similar number of regulars. It is said to be the plan to push the fighting vigorously as soon as these men arrive.....An engagement took place on February 21 between General King's division and the Filipinos who were massing on his front. The Filipinos were driven back two miles, leaving fifteen dead and four wounded on the field.
Scientific.—A plant for seasoning wood by electricity is now said to be in successful operation in Charlton, England, the process being of Franco-German invention. It is demonstrated that the results of five years' natural seasoning can be obtained in a fortnight by the new process. The timber is immersed in a solution of borax, resin, and carbonate of soda, and the electric current driven through the timber thus arranged, forces the sap out of the wood and fills the veins with the artificial substitute. A fortnight in the open air completes the work.....Walter Nernst, of Germany, has invented an electric light which requires no glass bulb to protect its filament, gives a light much brighter than the incandescent light, and requires about one-half as much power to operate.
Fires.—The Wisconsin Chair Factory, at Fort Washington, Wisconsin, was reduced to ashes on the night of February 20. The loss to the factory and adjoining property is placed at $360,000.....Fire destroyed three six-story business blocks on Market Street, Philadelphia, on February 16. The loss is placed at nearly $400,000.....Over a million dollars worth of government property was destroyed by fire at New York on February 15. The fire started in the machine shop of the Brooklyn Navy-yard, and destroyed many models, parts and plans of battleships, and practically wiped out the steam engineering department of the navy-yard.
Casualties and Calamities.—An express train at Forest, Belgium, telescoped a loaded passenger train, on February 18, killing twenty persons outright, and injuring more than one hundred. The locomotive of the express leaped upon the roof of the passenger coaches, crashed through them, and ground the passengers to death beneath its revolving wheels.....A great proportion of the Florida orange trees have been killed or almost hopelessly damaged by the recent severe cold wave that swept over the East and South.
New Trusts.—Arrangements are being perfected for the formation of a gigantic glassware trust, comprising all the principal glassware manufacturers of the country. Some of the largest firms have already joined the combination.....The Pipe Manufacturing and Machine Company, of Pittsburg, Pa., is the latest trust in the iron and steel line. Thirty-two manufactories throughout the United States were represented in the deal which was consummated February 16.
Unawares
By Editor
"YE DID IT UNTO ME."
"And He said, 'The sin is pardoned,
But the blessing is lost to thee,
For, failing to comfort the least of Mine,
You have failed to comfort Me.'"
Such is the closing verse of one of the two poems found in No. 54 of the Apples of Gold Library under the above title. They are very touching and very good. Price, 50c per 100.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
New York City. Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.
BEASTS, BIRDS, AND FISHES
will delight the children. It is a volume of 126 pages and 363 illustrations with descriptive matter in connection with each cut. Price, 50c.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
Oakland, Cal.
Perfect
Cereal
Coffee
Cof-farin
Pure
Healthful
Delicious
Makes Strong Nerves and
Regulates Digestion
Fifty per Cent. Richer than
Any Other Cereal Coffee
Manufactured
Made from the Choicest
Quality of California Grains
and Fruits Exclusively
1½lb. Pkg.
25 Cents
Sold by All Leading Grocers
Agents wanted everywhere
The Cof-farin Co.
121 California St.
San Francisco, Cal.
E. M. Morrison, Manager
A CARD.
By Editor
To ALL interested in carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of other lands, and who desire to assist in supporting missionaries already there and others who may engage in the work, the opportunity is given to make an offering to the Foreign Mission Board of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Such donations should be sent to W. H. Edwards, the Treasurer of the Board, 1730 North Fifteenth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.
"WILL A MAN ROB GOD?" is an important pamphlet on the tithing system. It treats every phase of this great question, and deserves especial attention in these days, when the Lord's means of supporting His cause is almost lost sight of. Price, 10c each.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
A NEW TRACT.
Spiritual Gifts. By Elder J. N. Loughborough. B. S. Library, No. 156; 40 pages; price, $2.50 per 100.
Especially good for general distribution, as it deals with principles only. It explains what the Spirit of prophecy is and how it is manifested. It contrasts true and false manifestations, and tells how to distinguish them. It gives the meaning of "open visions," and "night visions;" it speaks of "women as prophets;" of "prophecy in the early church," and the reason for its discontinuance, etc., etc. The main object, however, is to show from the Scriptures that this gift will be prominently connected with the remnant church. It is the very best publication ever issued with which to introduce the Spirit of prophecy.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
89 Bond St.,
New York City.
18 West Fifth St.,
Kansas City, Mo.
NATURE OF MAN.
Thoughts for the Candid. B. S. L., No. 47. By J. N. Andrews. This tract presents the harmony and beauty of the truth in contrast to the inconsistency of false views based on certain passages of Scripture in regard to man's condition in death, and the fate of the ungodly. 50 cents per 100.
Tormented Forever and Ever; or God's Testimony of Immortality. B. S. L., No. 111. By M. C. Wilcox. This number gives a new and reasonable exposition of Rev. 14:11; 20:10; Matt. 25:41, 46; Mark 9:43-48, and others. Much light is thrown on these important texts of Scripture by this tract, and the Bible doctrine of life through Christ is given added luster. It is indeed a clear and convincing argument, which shows the unity and harmony of Bible teaching on the subject of immortality. $1.00 per 100.
Rich Man and Lazarus. B. S. L., No. 146. An original interpretation of this much-talked-of text. $1.00 per 100.
Immortality of the Soul. B. S. L., No. 70. By A. T. Jones. The origin of this doctrine and its influence. This tract proves its falsity by the Scripture teaching concerning the resurrection, the second coming of Christ, the judgment, and the mission and work of Christ. It is an unanswerable argument on this important subject. $2.00 per 100.
Is Man Immortal? B. S. L., No. 51. Presents in a brief and concise manner the Bible doctrine of immortality by means of plain questions and Scripture answers. 50 cents per 100.
Jesus and the Resurrection. A. G. L., No. 42. When is immortality bestowed? In what sense are the dead in Christ alive? and other questions of like import, are here answered clearly and scripturally. 50 cents per 100.
The Thief on the Cross. A. G. L., No. 8. This tract presents two important truths. 1. Christ's faithfulness and fidelity. 2. The remarkable faith of the penitent thief. It proves incidentally that Christ's promise to the thief will be fulfilled when He comes in His kingdom. It was written to teach practical truth from a positive and not a negative standpoint, and combats error by simply presenting the truth. 50 cents per 100.
How Esther Read Her Bible. A. G. L., No. 7. Is a very interesting presentation of different points of Bible truth in the form of a conversation. Baptism, the Sabbath, the state of the dead, the destiny of the wicked, and the conversion of the world, are all brought in in a quiet and pleasing manner. 50 cents per 100.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 39 Bond St., New York City. 18 West Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo.
WONDROUS LOVE
This beautiful piece of music which first appeared in the Centennial Number of this paper is now published in sheet form. An attractive cover has been added, and the price placed at twenty-five cents post-paid.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO. OAKLAND, CAL.
THE SABBATH.
Elihu on the Sabbath. B. S. L., No. 42. A brief but clear and forcible setting forth of the Bible argument on the Sabbath question. $1.00 per 100.
Which Day Do You Keep and Why? B. S. L., No. 48. By G. W. Amadon. A clear, pithy tract, good for busy people. It gives God's answers to man's excuses for not obeying Him. 50 cents per 100.
From Sabbath to Sunday. B. S. L., No. 95. Among other important testimony concerning the Sabbath question, this tract contains "Father" Enright's $1,000 challenge for Bible proof of the sacredness of Sunday. It is unanswerable. 50 cents per 100.
Who Changed the Sabbath? B. S. L., No. 107. This is one of the best numbers of the Library, and has been thoroughly revised. It contains the testimony of Protestant and Roman Catholic authorities bearing on this great subject, which is now agitating so many minds. The plain testimony of the Scriptures and history is also clearly presented in answer to this important question. $1.50 per 100.
The Identical Seventh Day. B. S. L., No. 114. There are three common objections brought against the Bible Sabbath: (1) The round world; (2) lost time; (3) the seventh part of time. These objections are candidly considered and clearly answered in this little tract of sixteen pages. $1.00 per 100.
New Testament Sabbath. B. S. L., No. 137. The different texts in the New Testament referring to the first day of the week, and thought by many to prove its sacredness, are all examined carefully. "The New Testament Example for the Seventh Day;" "Which Day is the Seventh or Sabbath?" and "The Word Sabbath in the New Testament," all receive consideration. It is fully illustrated, and contains sixteen pages. $1.00 per 100.
Rome's Arraignment of Sabbath-breakers. B. S. L., No. 150. By "Father" O'Keefe, editor Catholic Mirror, of Baltimore, in reply to seven sermons from as many ministers of that city, demanding stricter Sunday observance. $1.00 per 100.
Sunday in the Greek. B. S. L., No. 154. Is the first day of the week called the Sabbath in the Greek? An examination of the Greek of Matt. 28:1 and parallel passages. 50 cents per 100.
The Seventh or One-seventh. A. G. L., No. 39. An illustrated treatise showing the demand for a definite seventh day. 50 cents per 100.
Historical Facts and Incidents. A. G. L., No. 45. Relative to the Sunday and the Sabbath, illustrated with photo reproductions from books published in 1635 and 1636. A history of the Sabbath in a nutshell. $2.00 per 100.
Day of the Sabbath. A. G. L., No. 50. A series of earnest questions on the Sabbath, covering most of its Scripture phases. It is calculated to convince without prejudicing. $1.00 per 100.
The Three Sabbaths. A. G. L., No. 58. The Lord's Sabbath, The Jewish Sabbath, The Papal Sabbath. Tho the subject is a familiar one, the treatment of it is remarkably terse and refreshing. You will enjoy reading it, and will receive an inspiration therefrom. 50 cents per 100.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
39 Bond St.,
New York City.
18 West Fifth St.,
Kansas City, Mo.
PILGRIM'S PROGRESS
BY JOHN BUNYAN
A new, clear-type edition of convenient size. Neatly bound in cloth, cover design in colors, 240 pages, size 5x7 1/2 inches.
Price, 50 Cents
Address . .
PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., Oakland, Cal.
43 BOND ST., New York. 18 W. 5th ST., Kansas City, Mo.
YOSEMITE VALLEY And Big Trees of California
Read All About Them in the Book
IN THE HEART OF THE SIERRAS
Nearly 500 Pages, with Many Illustrations. Limp Binding.
Price, 75 Cents.
Address
PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., Oakland, Cal.
Or 43 Bond St., N. Y. City
Terms of Subscription.
By Editor
Per Year (52 numbers), post-paid . . . . . $1 00
Six Months, 50 cts. Three Months, 25 cts.
To Foreign Countries, per year, $1.50.
SPECIAL TERMS.
One new yearly subscription and one renewal, or two new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $1.75.
Two new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or three new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $2.50.
Three new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or four new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $3.00.
Sample copies sent on application.
All orders sent direct to the publishers, either for single subscriptions or for clubs, must be accompanied by cash. If credit is required, please order through your State Tract Society. Club rates and terms to agents sent on application.
Signs of the Times,
Oakland, Cal.
Instructions for Ordering.
By Editor
1. REMIT by P. O. Money Order, Express Order, or Bank Draft on New York, Chicago, or San Francisco.
2. If paper money or silver is sent, register the letter.
3. Orders and Drafts should be made payable to the PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., or to SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Postage-stamps.—Please do not send postage-stamps, as they are liable to stick together, and are useless in this condition.
Foreign Money.—Do not send any.
Receipt.—No formal receipt is sent unless by special request. The address label on your paper will indicate the time to which your subscription is paid. In case of non-receipt of papers, or any other irregularity, please notify us immediately.
Expiration of Subscription.—All papers are discontinued at the expiration of the time paid for. Notification will be sent several weeks before date of expiration, thus enabling you to renew in ample time to secure unbroken files. Please be prompt, as we can not always furnish back numbers.
Change of Address.—When ordering change of address, please give both the old and the new address.
Important.—Use a separate sheet for SIGNS orders, separate for other papers, separate for books, for tracts, etc., and if you address the editor, use a separate sheet. All can be sent in one envelope, and the money all sent in one order, but write each kind of business on a separate sheet. In this way each order can be handed to the proper clerk and filled at once.
TO CONTRIBUTORS.
By Editor
The Signs of the Times is a purely missionary enterprise. For this reason it has felt free to ask for contributions from its friends. It pays nothing for contributions, either prose or poetry, unless solicited by the editor, and then the fact is stated when the articles are asked for. This is a plan rarely followed, but sometimes deemed expedient.
Articles Desired.—Those which set forth in the Spirit of Christ the great saving truths of God, short and to the point. It is better to treat one important truth clearly, in a short article, than many points vaguely in a long one. We desire no caustic, critical productions, which might minister to personal pride or pleasure, but can not save souls.
How Prepared.—Write plainly, with typewriter or ink, with wide space between the lines, to freely admit of editing, writing of subheads, etc. Write on one side of the sheet only. Sign the name to the manuscript, as it becomes oftentimes separated from accompanying letter. Anonymous contributions are not used, whatever their merit. If the writer does not wish his name to appear, let him furnish a pseudonym for the public. But we wish the name.
Manuscript Returned.—We will return all unused manuscript desired if stamp and directions are inclosed. We are forced sometimes to return good manuscript mainly for three reasons: (a) Sometimes the articles are too long; (b) sometimes we have a number on the same subject; (c) sometimes our plans are such that an article can not be used till it is out of date. We therefore hope that no offense will be taken by those who have freely contributed their best thought if their productions are returned. When we receive so much matter, we can not use all.
Faith Is Not Feeling
A correspondent of the San Francisco Call, writing from Queensland, Australia, gives an account of most shocking crimes that are being committed in that country. In concluding his report the correspondent says, "An epidemic of crime seems to prevail in Australia at the present time in the shape of murder and unmentionable offenses." As we read of the shocking murders and brutalities in all parts of the world the prophetic words of Jeremiah come forcibly to mind. He says: "For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Wo is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murders." Jer. 4:31. How long can the mercy and justice of God endure the appalling crimes of this age?
Faith isn't feeling, dear soul. More than all else, faith should be exercised when feeling is absent. There are those who imagine that they, or some one else, have great faith when they have great feeling. The feeling may be spurious. It may be an overflow of animal spirits. It may be mere excitement. It may be true joy in God, the fruit or effect of faith; but do not confound the two. We are nowhere told to feel, but to "believe," "have faith;" that is, accept God's Word. Know that that Word in you will do just what God says it will, if you will only let it, if you will receive it gladly. And then, however dark it be, however feeling may be, the Word abides unchangeable; and faith rests on the unchanging word. Read Mark 11:23, 24.
How They Promote.
By Editor
It has been stated by an ardent Sunday-law advocate that "Christian morality and the Christian religion tend powerfully to promote the best interests of the State;" but they do this only when separate and severed from State influences and statute law. The religious, separate, indirect, every-day influences of the true Christian are potent to uplift and transform. He is backed in this by Infinite Power. But his political influence is no greater, he can poll no more votes, than his unchristian neighbor. But if all were nominally Christian, neither man nor State can be voted Christian. California without a Sunday law is just as good as the other States which have the strictest laws of that character. California has God's law, and her men are free to obey if they desire. What Christian could ask more?
"FALSE CHRISTS AND FALSE PROPHETS."
THE twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew is the Saviour's answer to the questions, "When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
In verse 24 of this chapter He says, "There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Then not simply "signs and wonders," but "great" signs and wonders shall be shown by false Christs and prophets to deceive those who are seeking to follow God.
Have you given any serious thought to the wonderful things that so many are claiming to do to-day as mediums, hypnotists, faith healers, and the like? Some truly marvelous things are done, but make no mistake in regard to the source from which they come. God does miraculously heal the sick. This we know for a surety. But it does not follow that all "faith healing" is from God. We are warned in the foregoing scripture against false powers that shall work "wonders" to deceive.
We see only the beginning of the wonder-working that is soon to flood our world. God has asked us to be on guard lest we be deceived by that which is false. If ever there was a time when men needed to faithfully and prayerfully study the Bible, it is now. For all who do not have its light will surely make shipwreck of everything in these times of last-day perils.
Papers Sent Without Advance Pay
By Editor
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.
Trusts and the Prophecy of James
By Editor
Have you been keeping track of the facts that our news columns found on page 14 of each issue are giving in regard to the formation of trusts? Such colossal combinations of capital could hardly have been dreamed of in the past. You should keep the first eight verses of the fifth chapter of James well in mind. This scripture is being most remarkably fulfilled before the eyes of this generation. By how many will it be seen?
Church Dancing Schools
By Editor
A pastor in an Eastern city is having dancing taught as a part of the work of his church. Recently he cut the price to ten cents a lesson. The dancing masters of the place say they can not afford to teach for less than twenty-five cents a lesson, and are meeting to denounce church dancing-schools. Pastors who study the life and work of Christ until they become familiar with His character will see plenty to engage every capability of heart and mind and hand without conducting dancing-schools. Better get those young people interested in doing real work for the Master, and then dancing and everything else of its kind will be seen as too frivolous to furnish any pleasure.
"A CATHOLIC COUNTRY WITHOUT RELIGION."
This is the testimony of a Catholic priest concerning Porto Rico. It is the testimony of "Father" Sherman (son of the famous general), who was appointed chaplain of a Missouri regiment at the beginning of the war with Spain. In a Jesuit magazine, the Messenger of the Sacred Heart, for December, he has an article entitled "A Month in Porto Rico," in which occurs this admission:—
"Porto Rico is a Catholic country without religion. The clergy do not seem to have any hold of the people. They are part of the Spanish establishment. The Spaniards here are Catholics, some Porto Rican women are Catholics, the men are legally Catholic, which means they are baptized, married, and buried Catholics."
Supposing, of course, that he means they are without the Christian religion, his statement may be taken as fact. He might go farther, and say the same of Cuba and the Philippines, and every other Rome-ruled country. But the admission is decidedly damaging to the claims of Romanism as a Christianizing influence. In this connection we are reminded of the statement of a certain Catholic dignitary who, in emphasizing the pope's solicitude for this country, said that what "the church" had done for other countries, she would gladly do for the United States.
An Object That Will Surely Fail.
By Editor
A certain religio-political paper states its "object" in these words: "To make Christian principles operative in public affairs." In this object it must surely fail. First, because its aim is to do so by the aid of human law, which can not "make" Christian principles operative in any sphere. No human power can "make" Christian principles operative. Human government is altogether a power of force, while Christian principles can be made operative only by the power of love. Secondly, the Spirit of God is the only power that can set in operation the principles of Christianity. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of love, for "God is love." The basic principle of practical Christianity is, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Men can not be "made" to carry out such a principle as this. The civil government or any human power can not do it. The Spirit of God will not attempt it; for it wields only a persuasive, and not a compulsory, power in bringing men into harmony with Christian principles. The object of the paper referred to must surely fail, as will every other effort to make Christian principles an object of force.
The Bible and the Sword
By Editor
An item of current news reads as follows:—
"Galveston, Texas, February 15.—This afternoon a beautiful sword and Bible, purchased by the Sunday-school children of Texas, were presented to Commodore John W. Philip, who commanded the battleship Texas during the war with Spain. The sword was made by the firm that designed the Dewey sword, and it cost $3,500."
In the old dispensation, and under circumstances that were peculiar to that time, God directed the Israelites to use the sword. Just why that was, we may not, as yet, fully understand, but there need be no difficulty in understanding Christ's words to us now. He says, "Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matt. 26:52.
Just how any one can read the foregoing statement of Christ's and still think that the Bible and the sword should go hand in hand is something hard to be understood. He who actually and truly believes in the Lord Jesus Christ can surely find nothing in His life or teaching that harmonizes in any way with the use of the cruel sword. It is to be hoped that Commodore Philip will study this Bible that has been given him until he finds it to be the repository of the divine gems that are not to be compared with the carnal sword nor any of the other things that the men of this world hold so dear. And he who really knows Jesus of Nazareth, he who has been brought into actual touch with His strong yet gentle life, has found something that is not to be exchanged for any of the unsatisfying glories or superficial splendors of the battle-field.
