p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 32. (8/18/1909)

Doctor Judson on Dress

By Adoniram Judson

(Concluded)

[We present the following letter to Christian sisters in America from the great missionary, Dr. Adoniram Judson. Its appeal is equally as appropriate now as when written.]

At length, the evil which I most dreaded came upon me. Some of the Karen men had been to Maulmein, and seen what I wished they had not. And one day, when we were discussing the subject of ornaments, one of the Christians came forward in my face, and declared that at Maulmein he had actually seen one of the great female teachers wearing a string of gold beads around her neck!

Lay down this paper, dear sister, and sympathize a moment with your fallen missionary. Was it not a hard case? Was it not cruel for that sister thus to smite down to the ground her poor brother, who, without that blow, was hardly able to keep his ground? But she knew it not. However, tho cast down, I was not destroyed; tho sorely bruised and wounded, I endeavored to maintain the warfare as well as I could. After some conflict, the enemy left the field, and when I left those parts, the female converts were, generally speaking, arrayed in modest apparel.

On arriving at Maulmein, and partially recovering from a fever which I had contracted in the Karen woods, the first thing I did was to crawl out to the house of the patroness of the gold beads. To her I related my adventures—to her commiseration I commended my grief. With what ease, and truth, too, could that sister reply, “Notwithstanding these beads, I dress more plainly than most ministers’ wives and professors of religion in our native land. Those beads are the only ornament I wear; they were given to me when quite a child by a dear mother, whom I never expect to see again [another hard case]; and she enjoined it on me never to part with them as long as I lived, but to wear them as a memorial of her.”

O ye Christian mothers, what a lesson you have before you! Can you, dare you, give injunctions to your daughters directly contrary to apostolic commands? But to the honor of my sister be it recorded that as soon as she understood the merit of the case, and the mischief done by such example, off went the gold beads. She gave decisive proof that she loved Christ more than father or mother. Her example, united with the efforts of the rest of us at this station, is beginning to exercise a redeeming influence in the female department of the church.

But notwithstanding these favorable signs, nothing, really nothing, is yet done. And why? This mission and all others must be sustained by continual supplies of missionaries, male and female, from the mother country. Your sisters and daughters will continually come out to take the place of those who are removed by death, and to occupy numberless stations still unoccupied. And when they arrive, they will be dressed in their usual way, as Christian women at home are dressed. And the female converts will run around them, and gaze upon them, with the most prying curiosity, regarding them as the freshest representatives of the Christian religion, from the land where it flourishes in all its purity and glory. And when they see the gold and jewels pendant from their ears, the beads and chains encircling their necks, the finger-rings set with diamonds, and rubies, the rich variety of ornamental head-dress, “the mantles and the wimples and the crisping pins,” (see the rest in Isaiah 3); they will cast a bitter, reproachful, triumphant glance at their old teachers, and spring with fresh avidity to repurchase and resume their long-neglected elegancies. The cheering news will fly up to the Dahgvaing, the Laing-bwai, and the Salwen:—the Karenesses will reload their necks and ears and arms and ankles; and when, after another year’s absence, I return and take my seat before the Burmese or the Karen church, I shall behold the demon of vanity enthroned in the center of the assembly, more firmly than ever, grinning defiance to the prohibitions of apostles, and the exhortations of us who would fain be their humble followers.

And thus you, my dear sisters, sitting quietly by your firesides or repairing devoutly to your places of worship, do, by your example, spread the poison of vanity through all the rivers and mountains and wilds of this far distant land; and while you are sincerely and fervently praying for the upbuilding of the Redeemer’s kingdom, you are inadvertently building up that of the devil. If, on the other hand, you divest yourself of all meretricious ornaments, your sisters and daughters who come hither will be divested, of course; the further supplies of pride and vanity will be cut off; and the churches at home being kept pure, the churches here will be pure also.

DEAR SISTERS,—Having finished my tale, and therein exhibited the necessity under which I lay of addressing you, I beg leave to submit a few topics to your candid and prayerful consideration.

1. Let me appeal to conscience, and inquire, What is the real motive for wearing ornamental and costly apparel? Is it not the desire for setting off one’s person to the best advantage, and of exciting the love and admiration of others? Is not such dress calculated to gratify self-love, to cherish sentiments of vanity and pride? And is it not the nature of these sentiments to acquire strength from indulgence? Do such motives and sentiments comport with the meek, humble, self-denying religion of Jesus Christ? I would here respectfully suggest that these questions will not be answered so faithfully in the midst of company as when quite alone kneeling before God.

2. Consider the words of the apostle quoted above from 1 Tim. 2:9: “I will . . . also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness, and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.” I do not quote a similar command recorded in 1 Peter 3:3, because the verbal construction is not quite so definite, tho the import of the two passages is the same. But can not the force of these passages be evaded?—Yes, and nearly every command in the Scriptures can be evaded, and every doctrinal assertion perverted, plausibly and handsomely, if we set about it in good earnest. But preserving the posture above alluded to, with the inspired volume spread open at the passage in question, ask your hearts in simplicity and godly sincerity, whether the meaning is not just as plain as the sun at noonday. Shall we then bow to the authority of an inspired apostle, or shall we not? From that authority shall we appeal to the prevailing usages and fashions of the age? If so, please recall the missionaries you have sent to the heathen; for the heathen can vindicate all their superstitions on the same ground.

O Christian sisters, can you hesitate and ask what you shall do? Bedew those ornaments with the tears of contrition; consecrate them to the cause of charity. . . . We shall soon appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, to be tried for our conduct, and to receive the things done in the body. Will you, then, wish, that in defiance of His authority, you had adorned your mortal bodies with gold, and precious stones, and costly attire, cherishing self-love, vanity, and pride? Or will you wish that you had chosen a life of self-denial, renounced the world, taken up the cross daily, and followed Him? And as you will then wish you had done, do now.

Dear Sisters, Your affectionate brother in Christ, Maulmein, October, 1831.

Two Different Men

Two men toiled side by side from sun to sun, And both were poor; Both sat with children, when the day was done, About their door.

One saw the beautiful in crimson cloud And shining moon; The other, with his head in sadness bowed, Made night of noon.

One loved each tree and flower and singing bird On mount or plain; No music in the soul of one was stirred By leaf or rain.

One saw the good in every fellow man, And hoped the best; The other marveled at his Master's plan, And doubt confessed.

One, having God above and heaven below, Was satisfied; The other, discontented, lived in woe, And hopeless died.

—Anon.

Our Work and Workers

FIVE have already accepted the truth in consequence of the meetings at Oakland, Ore., and others are interested.

As a result of tent meetings at Peoria, Ill., held recently by Elder C. H. Bliss, five persons were baptized and added to the church.

FIVE were baptized at Port Angeles, Wash., May 30, at the close of tent meetings held at that place by J. J. Clark and George Barlow.

FOUR persons have decided to keep the Sabbath, and a few others are interested, as a result of meetings recently held in Adelaide, Australia.

At Kelseyville, Cal., Elder J. H. Behrens, assisted by Brother E. R. Button and wife, has been holding meetings; nine adults have fully decided to obey the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus as taught in both the Old and the New Testaments.

In a letter to the editor from H. E. Sawyer Hopkins, of Pomona, Cal., the writer says: “Perhaps a word in regard to our meetings here would be of interest. Yesterday was a blessed day with us, as some eight or nine took their stand with us. Others are interested but undecided.” Elder Warren is conducting the meetings.

A REPORT from Elder Wm. Covert, president of the Northern Illinois Conference, relates that “several persons were baptized in the 46th Street church, Chicago, two weeks ago. The same day two persons were baptized at Sheridan. Several candidates are ready for baptism at Streator, besides three or four at Galesburg, and as many at Aledo.”

IN connection with the tent meetings being held at Greenvine, Texas, an excellent interest is being manifested. The place of the meeting has been crowded every night, with a large number of people standing in the yard around, and all paying respectful attention. On several nights, fourteen to eighteen surrey loads of people came twelve miles to attend the meeting.

ELDER G. W. RINE reports from San Francisco that they are about to close the meetings being held at Valencia Street. There has been a good attendance. The young people of the church assisted in the singing, and Brother James Taphouse gave valuable help in visiting interested people, and holding readings with them. It is expected and hoped that a possible score will take their stand as a result of the work.

FROM a private letter from Brother J. W. Bressie, we take the liberty to make the following extracts: “I have just returned from Red Bluff, Cal., where I have been assisting in a series of meetings for the past four weeks. We had more than a score converted to the faith. We secured the court-house yard at Red Bluff in which to hold meetings, and last Tuesday evening we had about 300 present, and they desire me to speak in the same place next Tuesday evening. The town is all astir.”

BROTHER A. S. HUBBELL accepted the truth at Lake Charles, La., less than a year ago under the labors of Elder Hanson. In April he went to Sallisaw, the same state, to do contract work. He had never attempted to speak in public, but has a good education, and more than all, was deeply moved by the Spirit to labor for souls. He and his wife went to a school exhibition one night to announce a series of meetings which he had decided to hold at a schoolhouse about three miles in the country. After the exhibition, the announcement was made, and as it was raining, the teacher of the school invited him to use the time in talking to the people. He spoke for an hour and a half, and the best of attention was given him. He held five meetings a week. The teacher and his wife began keeping the Sabbath from the first. As a result of the work thus far a Sabbath-school of eight members has been organized. There is a deep interest in the town and country, and the good work will doubtless go on.

SPRING HILL MINES, N. S., is a town of over 5,000 inhabitants. It has no regular conference worker. Brother D. W. Dimock visits the town twice a month, delivering farm produce. Coming in contact with people as he delivers at the houses, he drops a word on the important truths for the times, as he has opportunity, or leaves literature. For some time three families have been keeping the Sabbath, and all of these circulate considerable literature. More recently a young married couple concluded to obey all the commandments of God. The young man was brought up in the Roman Catholic faith, but his wife was a Methodist. His family, excepting his father, has cast him off as lost, and will not speak to him. After Brother Dimock had held a Bible-reading with a young lady, a friend of the young wife mentioned above, she told him she would observe the Sabbath hereafter. She said she would be laughed at in her home, but she could endure that. Such are the results of faithful work in an unassuming way. It is not a solitary example.

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Daily News Bulletins

LIBERTY

THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BUREAU

An illustrated, 48-page, quarterly magazine, published as an exponent and advocate of true religious liberty; defending Christianity and the rights of conscience; upholding the Bible as the infallible word of God; recognizing the church and state as ordained of Heaven for specific and distinct purposes, but vigorously protesting against the alliance of the church with the state in the attempt to advance religion and to promote the state. Price 25 cents per year. Liberal terms to agents.

Address, LIBERTY, Takoma Park, D. C.

Life and Health

A PRACTICAL health journal, published with a view of meeting hygienic needs in every home; teaching how to care for the health and how to preserve life; prescribing simple home treatments to assist nature in throwing off diseases rather than adding more poison by using drugs or unnatural stimulants as remedies; teaching how to avoid disease as far as possible, how to manage in the home when sickness does come, and how to combat the disease by simple remedies which nature provides.

Send for sample copy and special rates to agents. Price 10 cents per copy or $1.00 per year.

Address, LIFE & HEALTH, Takoma Park, D. C.

Garden Neighbors, My.

By L. A. Reed

By L. A. Reed. A new nature-study book just fresh from the press. All will be interested in the true story of the sparrows who learned to imitate the bluebirds, of the cat that went wild, of the cowbird that imposed on a sparrow, and all the others in this instructive and entertaining book. It contains 256 pages with over fifty illustrations, several of them colored. Bound in cloth, $1.00. Address this office.

California Dried Fruits

Shipped direct from ranch of Mrs. E. G. White to families, schools, restaurants, and sanitariums. Large variety, extra quality, prompt shipment. Write for circular “S” giving full information. St. Helena Home Fruit Co., Sanitarium, Napa Co., Cal.

Blind Pigs and Temperance Law Enforcement

The reason why temperance laws are not enforced is shown in the following excerpts from an editorial in the San Francisco News Letter: “There is perhaps no other city in the Union that possesses more of what is known to the saloon trade as ‘blind pigs’ (a place that sells without a license) than San Francisco.” The News Letter declares that the people are aware of this, and the police should be, but these things are counted a “necessary evil,” and intimates that the police on the beat pass them by at a price. They seem to be miraculously warned of every possible informer. The authorities seem to rest content in the enacting of the law, and let its enforcement go.

The August Watchman Issue

“The Watchman” for August is at hand. Its cover is a semi-tropical scene reminding us strongly of some avenue of palms in California. It has a good, strong Outlook Department. Its striking articles are “Spiritualism Up to Date,” and “Protestantism Challenged.” Its nine departments furnish a vast amount of interesting matter for ten cents. It ought to be a good seller.

Self-Satisfaction Stunts Growth

When you become satisfied with yourself, you cease to grow, and the shriveling-up process begins.

The Work of Revealing Christ

The apostle Paul was not burdened as to himself; but his object was to preach “the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery.” This was to see the Father in Jesus Christ; for “truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” To reveal Jesus Christ is the work of every Christian.

Children Sold to Chinese

It is a sad revelation that is being made by the San Francisco papers of a home-finding society for children. According to the charges made, the one who had charge of the home was selling the children at so much apiece to Chinese, and that, too, white children. We can not believe that this is characteristic of many of the home-finding societies which exist. One of these children thus turned over to the Chinese can not be found.

Whose Word Do You Take?

Whose word do you take? God has given His word; His character is such as to guarantee its truth. Satan has also given his word; he has promised what reason knows is impossible; and his character places all he says under the strong ban of suspicion. Whose word do you take? It is simply this: Believe Satan and lose your life; believe God and regain it.

Abraham Forewarned of Sodom’s Destruction

Abraham was so near to God that he knew of the impending destruction of Sodom before even Lot who was in the wicked city. In view of God's goodness in preparing the mind of Abraham for the terrible event about to take place, some one has said, “God transcends man's reason, mocks at his speculation, but will not violate his conscience.”

August Issue of Life and Health

“Life and Health” for August comes to us with a very beautiful cover; the trees, the water invite one to out of doors. The frontispiece has a contrast between the hot, burning streets of New York, and a cool sylvan scene; while the articles themselves are appropriate to the season. It is full of excellent instruction. See the advertisement on another page for terms.

Revised Tariff Measures Draw Criticism

Mr. Taft has placed his signature upon the revised tariff measures for both this country and the Philippines. Neither one of the measures gives anything like satisfaction anywhere. They are compromise measures, and we do not know of any journals which are finding more fault about it than are the Republican journals. It will practically leave the consumer just where he was before.

Yes, Malaria.

An English professor, according to Current Literature, has advanced the theory that the cause of the fall of Greece was not luxury, but malaria, which became endemic. He accounts for all the failures and aberrations of philosophy in that way. Parallel is also drawn with our age, which is called “neurasthenic, diabetic, and organically disordered by derangements of one kind and another,” and is subject to as great delusions and “psychical eccentricities” as was Socrates. Yes, there was malaria, there is malaria, but it was and is the malaria of sin.

Protestantism—Its Drift

By Editor

We begin in this issue a series of exceedingly important articles on “Protestantism—Its Drift.” The first article, beginning on page 10 in our Outlook Department, takes up “The Basis of Christianity and the Basis of Protestantism,” and points out the problems which Protestantism had to face, its failure to meet those problems in the beginning, and the present condition as set forth by one of the great journals of the world. The results of this drift will be pointed out in future articles. We are sure that every one who is interested in vital morality ought to be interested in these. The real question faces us: Are we to give up the Bible and Christianity? or, Shall we go back to the old way which has been established for centuries? We trust that our readers will study these articles in the light not only of the word, but of present developments. We plead with them to give them just as large a circulation as possible among their neighbors and friends. Mr. Maybell, in his striking cartoon, has not overdrawn the matter.

Inner Consciousness, Deception.

The deceptions and delusions of the world are self-deception. Saul of Tarsus was sincere in his persecuting course, but it was self-deception. Hear him: “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” Acts 26:9. Thinking with oneself is like regulating a clock by itself. It is the surest way to be wrong. What God desires, and that is the only sure way, is to think with Him. God’s will is expressed in His word. When we think with that, we have a twofold witness; the spirit in us answers to the unimpeachable Spirit of His word.

Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies?

By Editor

No. 103 of Bible Students' Library is again in print, we are glad to say. The title of it is, “Should Christians Be Members of Secret Societies?” The author of it is Mrs. E. G. White. It is a calm, faithful, Christian setting forth of the principles underlying the question which arises in Christian hearts frequently: “Should I join this, or join that, society?” It is a question which Christians should study. Many do not recognize the worth of the Christian church. Conditions, in fact, have blinded the world to the importance and true position of the church. The same conditions have led many to decide that it would be well for them to unite with secret societies. We are sure that a consideration of the principles set forth in this tract will open the eyes of honest hearts. Price, one and one-half cents each.

Satan’s Three Lies Still Live

Satan’s three lies still live. (1) It is still being taught that God loves us not, because He forbids certain things. But God does love us, and therefore He forbids all harmful, hurtful things. “No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (2) It is still being taught that the sinner “shall not surely die;” all men are immortal, possessed of immortal souls. But God says, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Sin is slow death, but certain death for all of that. It is opposition to the law of life, which can not be other than death. (3) It is still being taught that disobedience is the highway of progress: “Ye shall be as gods.” Great men to-day assert that sin is an incident of advancement. But evil is not the gateway to a higher state. Sin is degrading. It disenthrones manhood. It is the acme of slavery. The kingship of self-control being lost, man is ruled by the tyrant of unrighteousness. That men would believe an impostor who gives all that is right the lie, and follow delusions and phantoms that lead only into the bog of perdition, is more than passing strange.

Conditions in Spain

THE government has issued an official announcement saying the crisis in Spain is now at an end, and that the country is tranquil from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean. The release of Señor Iglesias, editor of El Progreso, and a certain relaxation of the censorship, are considered the best evidence that the danger is past. Among the greatest losses at Barcelona are the libraries of the Christian schools and the scientific museum, containing 70,000 volumes. A civil governor of Barcelona has been appointed. The situation in Barcelona at the latest reports is tranquil. The only evidences of the terrible nightmare through which the city passed last week are the ruins of the convents and churches and the torn-up pavements, the stones of which were used for the erection of barricades. There is, however, considerable apprehension for the future. The terrible repressive measures of the military authorities have left a deep undercurrent of resentment among the masses, and fears still are entertained that the rebellion may flare up again. The people are clamoring for the release of the prisoners in the dungeons of Fort Montjuich. The mushroom republics proclaimed in some of the communes faded away as soon as the soldiers made their appearance.

Young People’s Magazine

One of the neat little journals which come to our table is the Young People’s Magazine, published at Melbourne, Australia. It is the kind of magazine that will help young people in the building up of character.