THE outlook for the government is not the rosiest just at present. It received its first great set-back when the Birrell Education Bill was rejected by the House of Lords. A far more stunning blow is the rejection by popular convention in Dublin of the Irish Council Bill, a measure granting to Ireland a National Council which would have control of a number of important departments in the government of the Island. It did not grant Home Rule, but it was a good step toward it, and the government evidently expected that it would be acceptable to the Irish people. Of course there was nothing to do but to drop the bill, as there would be no advantage in forcing it thru Parliament only to find it unworkable because of the opposition of the people for whose benefit it would be passed.
Mr. Redmond has strongly asserted that the Roman Catholic priests have not exerted any influence in this issue, and he may possibly be right; but there is reason for believing that Rome is watching her stakes very closely in this matter, and is actually exerting a tremendous influence underneath when superficially she seems to be entirely unconcerned. The whole weight of the Roman Catholic Church was thrown on the side of the Conservatives in the struggle against the ill-fated Education Bill. Church interests will always outweigh political interests where Rome is concerned, and the achieving of the political independence of Ireland is important to her only as a means of increasing the power and influence of the Romish Church. The general regime of the present Liberal Government is not pleasing to Rome, and the antagonism is especially strong in educational matters.
The Educational Question.
Owing to pressure of business, the Licensing Bill, for which temperance reformers have been eagerly waiting, will be left over till next year. The brief measure introduced to give relief to Passive Resisters by exempting them from the payment of the cost of religious instruction, is to be dropped for the same reason, the government promising to bring in next year a comprehensive measure which will place the country's educational system on a broad national basis. Naturally Passive Resisters are disappointed at the long delay of redressing the grievance; but they can hardly blame the government for the action of the Lords in defeating the first bill. Now in a few days an announcement is due from the prime minister as to the course which will be pursued toward the House of Lords. Apparently the great fight will be on the education question. It is not impossible that the government will bring in a strong, uncompromising bill at the beginning of next year's session with the intention, if the Lords reject it, of making an appeal to the people by precipitating a general election.
The Conference of Colonial Premiers hardly added anything to the prestige of the government, if it did not prove actually embarrassing. The Liberal party is not much given to spread-eagle imperialism, and it was obliged to throw cold water on the colonial proposals for preferential tariffs. The Conservative papers made the most of the disagreement.
More "New Theology."
Since Mr. R. J. Campbell's book came out, two new works, both by prominent men, have appeared on the scene: "The New Theology—An Exposition," by Rev. T. Rhondda Williams, a Bradford pastor, and "The New Evangel," by Dr. Warschauer, another Congregational pastor who is a friend of Mr. R. J. Campbell. Mr. Williams defines sin as "a gratifying of the momentary self without considering others, and without considering that higher self whose enrichment always coincides with ministry to the social good." One characteristic all these new theology systems share—they have their highest center in man; God is left out of the question. The virgin birth, the resurrection, and the incarnation are either directly denied or explained away into thin nothingness in Mr. Williams' book, and the atonement is simply ignored.
ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, LONDON.
Dr. Warschauer is more moderate in statement, his arguments are also more insidious; but any one at all familiar with the Bible and who has an experimental knowledge of the working of the Holy Spirit need not be misled. "The New Theology," writes Dr. Warschauer, "not only retains the sense of sin as a reality, it not only insists on the need of deliverance from it, but it proclaims with all solemnity the atoning power of the cross of Christ." He explains the divine immanence by saying that God is in man in the same way and only in the same way as a father is in his son; the paternal factor is large, but it does not override individuality, nor prevent the son from acting in opposition to his father's will. The fall, the physical resurrection of Christ, the second advent, and the last judgment are all cast aside just as in the other two books. Is it not passing strange that three Congregational clergymen in good standing should publish such books, and preach such a gospel weekly to their congregations? Surely it is a sign of the times! Christianity is to-day being attacked in the house of its friends. Not the fiercest onslaughts of skeptics, nor the most grievous persecutions, could begin to do the harm done by these traitorous utterances of men who profess to be preachers of the Gospel.
Christian Science.
Christian Scientists had an opportunity to show their strength and numbers a few weeks ago when Mr. Bicknell Young, of Boston, lectured in the Royal Albert Hall. The vast amphitheater, accommodating some twelve thousand people, was well filled, and the speaker made a very skilful defense of the pernicious cult. "Behind all sin was evil thought, as good thought was behind all good action. So our need was right thought. The aim of Christian Science was to give a right basis of thought in a right idea about God Himself." There are at present three "Churches of Christ, Scientist," in London, with an enrolled membership of three thousand, and a much larger number in more or less regular attendance. The movement is rapidly growing.
Social Reform Movements.
Social reform continues to receive the earnest attention of some of the best people. The writer attended yesterday afternoon an "At Home" given by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at their London residence, in the interests of "The National League of Physical11Education and Improvement." The Duchess personally received the guests and made them all feel very much at home. Addresses were given by the Bishop of Ripon, Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Sir Gilbert Parker, M.P., and other prominent men, the point chiefly emphasized being the need of instructing the masses in the simple principles of hygiene, and passing legislation which would deal effectively with the housing difficulty. The addresses were given in a beautifully decorated pavilion, the Duke himself presiding. The guests, with the exception of a number of physicians and workers in social lines, were made up mainly of West End society people. Needless to say, entertainments of this kind are a great help to the public movements which they are intended to promote. The Duke of Devonshire owns about a hundred and eighty thousand acres of land in Great Britain, and has for many years wielded a very strong influence both socially and politically. The National League, it may be added, was organized in connection with a large Mansion House meeting held two years ago this summer, and aims to cooperate with, and, as far as possible, correlate all the existing agencies for the spread of a knowledge of hygiene.
Peace Conference at The Hague.
The Hague Conference looms large on the horizon. What it may do and how it may do it form interesting themes for speculation both in the newspapers and at the breakfast table. There can be no doubt that the peace movement has grown in influence and prestige during the eight years which have passed since the previous conference. England’s rather unfortunate experience in South Africa, and Russia’s fiasco in the far East, may have helped to allay the war fever in Europe. The enormous growth of the Socialists has also tended toward peace. But after all, these are mere incidents in the history of international relationships. Nations will quarrel and fight as long as men do these things, and everybody knows it. The best that can be done will be to make the wars as few as possible. As Christians, it is our duty to work and pray for peace, but we can not shut our eyes to the fact that the nations of Europe are armed to the teeth with the most terrible weapons of war, and children go unclothed and unfed in order that these war-like preparations may be continued and increased from year to year.
M. ELLSWORTH OLSEN.
Cheapside, London, Looking East.
Condition of the World.
By Editor
THERE is trouble and discontent brooding in China and Japan; Russia is struggling with the bands of anarchists and Nihilists that infest her realm, and beside she has a great army of patriots who are honestly, and with reason, seeking to foment revolution so that they may secure their justly-deserved freedom; France has her peasant uprisings and riotings; revolts and bloodshed are current in Portugal; and then there are the threatenings in this country in so many parts, incident to the labor disputes. And thus is the turmoil thruout the world.
We know that these conditions are filling many people with alarm, but there is no necessity for it. All the lines of prophecy point to this day and generation as the time when the second coming of Christ is imminent. And in this time the prophecy shows that there will be rioting and violence all thru the world, even as it was in the days of Noah. But regardless of every threatening of danger, we may have shelter from it all. The Lord has made the promise of protection definite and strong, and we can safely and peacefully trust in the mighty Shelter.
Only those who are ignorant in regard to the meaning of the issues before us in the world grow pessimistic and gloomy. We are in the time when the children of God, those who are following the light that is shining from the page of inspiration, are bidden to “look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.” If we make room in our hearts for God’s truth, as shown so clearly in His prophetic word, He will fill us with indescribable rejoicings, even amid all the forbidding outlook in the world. He will show us that these threatening perils are only a representation of the enraged feelings of Satan at the thought of having his career in leading men into sin brought to an end. He will also show us that Satan by none of his ragings can harm us, and we will soon pass triumphantly into the eternal city of God.
Enforced Support Dishonors Christianity
By James Madison
The enforced support of the Christian religion dishonors Christianity.—James Madison.
Religion and Government
By James Madison
RELIGION is not within the purview of human government. Religion is essentially distinct from government, and exempt from its cognizance. A connection between them is injurious to both.—James Madison.
Philippine Islands
By J. L. McElhany
MOST readers are doubtless more or less familiar with Philippine history. However as previous to the Spanish-American War many were scarcely aware of the existence of such a group of islands, it will not be amiss to briefly trace some of the events that go to make up the history of these islands.
COCONUT RAFT.
Magellan's Discovery.
August 10, 1519, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese nobleman and naval officer, sailed from Spain in command of a fleet of five small vessels. This fleet was provided by King Charles of Spain, and the object of their voyage was to discover a western route to the spice islands. Magellan passed thru the straits in South America that have since borne his name. After a voyage lasting a year and eight months, which was marked by shipwreck, desertion, and terrible suffering, the Philippine Islands were sighted. Magellan named them Archipelago de San Lazaro.
Magellan perished soon after this, being killed while assisting the natives of Cebu in a tribal warfare. This occurrence altered the plans of the expedition, and the work of exploration and occupation ceased for a time. Of Magellan's fleet, the Victoria, commanded by Captain Cano, was the only ship that ever returned to Spain. This ship was the first to sail around the world.
MARKET WOMEN FROM THE COUNTRY.
How the Islands Came to Be Occupied by Spain.
Nearly forty years later, in 1555, Philip II came to the throne, and he commenced to plan for the occupation of the islands that now bore his name. The expedition organized for this purpose was fitted out in Mexico. Don Miguel Lopez de Legaspi was appointed commander, and associated with him as spiritual head was Andres de Urdaneta, a friar then living in Mexico. Legaspi's fleet, consisting of five ships, sailed from Natividad, Mexico, Nov. 21, 1564, and arrived at Cebu, Feb. 13, 1565. From this time down to 1898, Spain continued to rule (it would be nearer the truth to say misrule) these islands. The whole order of things was changed by another North American expedition on the first day of May, 1898.
CATHEDRAL—MANILA.
Rule of the Papacy in the Islands.
One of the most remarkable features of Spanish rule was the manner in which the Roman Catholic Church used the power of the State to fix her iron grasp on the people. This is illustrated by the methods used at the very commencement of Spanish rule. The church authorities planned on wholesale conversions and for baptizing whole communities. To be sure there were objections to such methods, but provision was made to meet such objections, as the following order will show. This was sent to the expedition in 1565. "(1) Priests; and (2) a goodly number of soldiers and muskets, so that if the natives will not be converted otherwise, they may be compelled to it by force of arms."
At one end of the Luneta here in Manila, stands a monument erected in honor of Legaspi and Urdaneta. Side by side the figures of these two men stand; Urdaneta, representing the Church, holding aloft the cross, and Legaspi with his sword, representing the State, holding the flag of Spain. And thus it was—a union of Church and State, with all the evils that inevitably result from such a union. One writer, in speaking of Spanish rule in the Philippines, says: "On examining the political administration of the Philippines, we must be prepared to find a kind of outer garment, under which the living body is ecclesiastical."
OLD MAN WITH FIGHTING COCK.
Eight different orders have been represented in the work of the Catholic Church in these islands. Out of a population of eight millions the Church of Rome claims seven millions as adherents. However, this claim must be considered in the light of a new movement that has arisen. This movement is known as the Filipino Independent Catholic Church. This movement is headed by Archbishop Aglipay, who was formerly a Roman Catholic priest. He is, of course, a Filipino, being an Ilocano by birth. He was consecrated a priest about 1890, and made rapid advancement, but he incurred the displeasure of the church authorities and was excommunicated. This action was an unjust one, but as he was a Filipino there was no help for him, so he was forced out.
A Visit to Archbishop Aglipay.
In company with Pastor E. H. Gates, I visited Archbishop Aglipay, and in the course of a long conversation with him we learned many things of interest in connection with his work. He received us in a frank and courteous manner and evidenced his hospitality by offering us cigars and beer, but being temperance men we declined both.13
Celebrated Mass in the Open Air.
In October of 1902, he called together some of his adherents, both priests and laymen, and adopted a constitution for the new church. He was at this time elected "Archbishop." He celebrated mass the following Sunday in Tondo, Manila. This was done in the presence of thousands of people in the open air. This action was somewhat in the nature of a lighted match to a powder train. The movement spread with wonderful rapidity. In analyzing this movement, it is well to bear in mind that it is distinctly a Filipino movement. It serves a twofold purpose; it is a reaction against the hated friars, and it gives expression to the Filipino's intense desire for independence. Independence in all things is his dream, and the Filipino Independent Church is a step in that direction. Probably in not more than one thing is he really benefited by his change, and that is in being encouraged to read the Bible. Archbishop Aglipay told us that he had bought and circulated among his people over 200,000 Scripture portions and Bibles. We encouraged him to extend that feature of his work as much as possible.
Success of Aglipay's Movement.
The following are the figures given to us showing the present standing of his work: twenty bishops, four hundred and twenty-seven priests, and more than four million followers. He vouches for the accuracy of these figures, which, if true, alter the claim made by the Church of Rome. Recently the courts have decided against the Aglipayanos, and in favor of the Catholic Church, regarding possession of church property. In some cases whole provinces, people, priests, and churches went over to the Aglipay movement, and the fight for the possession of church buildings has been a bitter one.
Fate of Bible Society Agents.
In 1889, the British and Foreign Bible Society made an effort to circulate the Scriptures in the Philippine Islands. This attempt ended disastrously, for one of the agents, M. Alonso Lallave, died a few days after his arrival in Manila. His death took place under the most suspicious circumstances. His fellow-agent, Señor Castells, was also taken very ill, but recovered only to be imprisoned and banished. The circumstances are too well known to leave any room for doubting that this all took place thru friar influence.
Bible Society under American Rule.
Immediately after the American occupation of the islands, the agents of the British and Foreign and the American Bible Societies entered the field. The noble work they have done in circulating the word of God is worthy of the highest praise. Tagalog is the language of some two million people in Manila and surrounding provinces.
The Old and New Testaments have been translated into this language and widely circulated. Visayan is spoken by about three million people. This language is divided into several dialects, in two of which the New Testament is being circulated. Ilocano, spoken by five hundred thousand, has the New and portions of the Old Testament in circulation. Pampanga and Pangasinan, each spoken by about two hundred thousand, have Scripture portions, as have also several lesser dialects. The work of translating is being constantly extended. Many interesting experiences are related in connection with Bible distribution. In some instances the workers have used a phonograph to good effect in gathering the people together to preach to them, and in visiting from house to house have sold many copies of the word of God. The present agent of the American Bible Society has used moving pictures of the life of Christ to good effect in getting the Scriptures among the people. By renting a large building and charging a small admittance fee they were able to give a copy of a gospel or the New Testament to each person as he passed in. In this way many would secure a copy who were forbidden to have anything to do with them.
May the good work be carried on until every man, woman, and child in the Philippines shall be able to read the word of God in their own language. Thus will be made possible the preaching of the everlasting Gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Rev. 14:6.
Manila, P. I. J. L. McELHANY.
After this, as we gave notice in our issue of June 25, all donations received for the Chinese Famine Fund will be turned over to the superintendent of the Chinese mission field. The great famine in China is over, and new crops are giving relief. But the field is always needy, and all means sent to the great field will be wisely used by the devoted workers there.
Second Advent Movement, The Great. By J. N. Loughborough. A late revision of the old book "Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists." Address this office.
This book forms a most interesting and instructive narrative on the subject indicated by its title. Commencing with the early experiences of the Advent movement of 1843 and 1844, the writer, who has been actively engaged in proclaiming the doctrine since 1849, here presents a graphic account of the struggles and difficulties thru which the pioneers were safely carried by their unwavering faith in God and their unfaltering loyalty to the cause they had espoused. Due attention has been given to those agencies which, in the providence of God, have aided in building up and preserving the work represented by this people. Illustrated, 480 pages. Cloth, $1.50.
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Our Mountain Mission Home in India.
By Editor
WE trust our readers will not forget the Mountain Mission Home in India. The SIGNS wishes to be the channel for $1,000 to that field before October 1, the money reaching there before that time; and we will be glad to record all gifts for that great, needy field, from $1,000 to ten cents. Our last record, total from March to May 30, $71.25
Since May 30:
P. D. Gilson ............................. 5.00
Mrs. F. G. Karge ......................... 5.00
Victor Weed .............................. 1.00
Mrs. C. E. Halliday ...................... 5.00
Mary E. Olmsted .......................... 5.00
Mrs. L. Macomber ......................... 5.00
R. S. Zinn ............................... 1.00
Morita Zinn .............................. 1.00
L. E. Reed ............................... 1.00
J. W. Dotson ............................. 1.00
Mrs. C. E. Barden ........................ 1.00
Mrs. Emilie Winton ....................... 1.00
Mrs. Ben Clark ........................... 1.00
Mrs. S. McNally .......................... 1.00
Isabelle McDonald ........................ 5.00
Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Little ................ 5.00
S. A. Joy ................................ 1.50
Total to June 30 .........................$116.75
That means $883.25 more to raise, and we do not want to raise just enough; let it be a full, free-will offering.
Beautiful Bible Mottoes
No home complete without them
There is no better time than the present to sell them. They sell readily everywhere and agents are making good wages. An inspiration to higher living in every home. Beautiful floral designs with motto in silver and gilt letters and cord for hanging, and many other styles. Send $1.00 and name of express office and we will send prepaid sample order, $2.00 worth of mottoes. Particulars free. Address Home Art Co., Box 114, College View, Neb.
NOTICE.
By Alfred Mallett
Several of my old agents for E-Z Washing Tablets have written me to know if I have discontinued my business in Baltimore. Will say that my business there is still carried on, and all orders and inquiries addressed to me at Elkridge Station, Baltimore, Md., will have proper attention.
