p. 8 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 36. (9/6/1899)

Earlier text: THE OBJECT OF CHRIST'S COMING

HOW THE POPE WAS BARRED.

By Editor

THE Catholic press has been quite busy in trying to explain why the pope was barred from the Peace Congress at The Hague. "Innominato," who writes from the Vatican for the New York Sun, and who, by the way, is supposed to speak with authority in such matters, says that it is generally accepted that Italy's jealousy of the prestige of the Vatican closed the doors of the conference to the pope. "But," to use the exact words of Innominato, "the negotiations disclosed the fact that behind Italy there were entrenched the king of the Belgians, England's servant; the British Foreign Office, the Berlin Chancery, Austria, Roumania, and Greece."

Whatever else the Peace Congress may or may not have done, one thing is evident, and that is that the congress has wounded the feelings of the Papacy. And now the pope makes the official announcement through his press agent at the Vatican that he does not place the blame on little Italy alone, as many have thought he did, but some of the greatest powers of the Old World are involved. And while the pope says that he will do what he can to promote peace, regardless of the action of the Peace Congress, yet it should be clear to any mind that if nothing should come out of the congress at all it would serve the interests of the Papacy the best of anything that could happen. It has been the universal history of the Papacy to always work for that which will serve her interests the best. Is there any reason to think that she will do any differently in this instance?

"Innominato" thinks that if the pope could have had his way at The Hague things would have gone very differently, for he says: "In the first place the wise policy of the pope, his lofty views on peace, his authority on such matters, the pathetic eloquence of his voice, would have compelled the acceptance of arbitration." To have a tribunal that will settle all wars by arbitration instead of the musket and cannon is the highest ideal of the day. The pope thinks that he has the power to bring this around if he can only have his way about things. But history is quite clear in showing that when he has had his way the most fully, things have gone the most roughly and despotically for mankind. But it has ever been the aim of the Papacy to fully manipulate things on this earth, and it is easy to see what is being aimed at now.

The following words further from "Innominato" are significant: "The exclusion of the pope is looked upon by many persons as a serious mistake. All the small powers, weary of armaments, even now wish for the pope's intervention. I know from an authority whose information is always correct, that steps have been taken to lead the pope into taking sensational action. Impassive Leo XIII, holds to his reserve."

Everything in the foregoing expressions from the Vatican shows that it is the aim of the Papacy to try to sit as arbitrator among the nations. And this is not the only instance by any means in which she has shown this disposition.

Keep your eye closely on the passing events in which the pope is involved. The prophecy speaks of the Papacy under the symbol of a "beast." And after recounting the fact that the power of the pope would be wounded, a thing that was actually accomplished through the great influence of the Reformation, the prophetic Word says, "His deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast." Rev. 13:3. This is a clear statement from the Lord Himself that the "wound" of the Papacy is to be "healed," and, furthermore, that "all the world" is to "wonder" after this religious power.

When that is accomplished, we will have all the intrigues and persecutions of the midnight of the world. This is not a matter of speculation. It is a question of fact, because it is founded on the Word of God itself. This is a question, too, that concerns Catholics even more than it concerns Protestants. And we do not write these things from the standpoint of controversy, or because we have anything against a single Catholic in the whole wide world. It is God who is speaking in His Word, and we invite you to hear what He says. Study His Word and see the truth for yourself. For everything that God has said will be accomplished, no matter what we may think of it. T.

Must Represent the People.

In a recent speech to some 12,000 Methodists at the Ocean Grove, N. J., summer assembly, Governor Roosevelt said:—

"It is idle for the mass of good citizens to set themselves apart as not responsible for our political shortcomings. In the end the politicians must be exactly what the people allow them to be. They must represent the people—perhaps the vice, perhaps the virtue, perhaps the indifference of the people."

It is universally admitted and deplored that the various public offices of the country are, to an alarming extent, held by dishonest and even vicious men. And it is worth while for the American people to seriously study the remark made by Governor Roosevelt that the politicians "must represent the people." These officials must secure influence and votes before they can get into office. And if this generation really possessed all the virtues and goodness that it boasts about it would be a moral impossibility for rascally men to be returned to office year after year. Such things as these should open our eyes to the fact that the social fabric is undergoing a great decay, preparatory to a not far-distant dissolution.

LUXURIES FOR DOGS.

A NEW YORK veterinarian, as reported in the Sun, said the following:—

"Never since the days of old Egypt, when cats were held sacred, have animals lived in such luxury as the dogs of this city. There are no statistics covering the case, but I think it is safe to estimate that at least 75,000 pet dogs live within the boundaries of Greater New York and that fully $1,800,000 is annually expended by fond owners for the maintenance and ornamentation of their pups.

"Thousands of dogs receive greater attention, irrespective of their breeding, intelligence, or actual worth, than the costly animals in Central Park. Frequently they are more pampered and better cared for than children, and I have called professionally on many pups that lolled in kennels, slept upon cushions, and wore jewelled collars and embroidered blankets, worth in the aggregate anywhere from two to five thousand dollars. But don't you think veterinarians contemplate this lavishness with disfavor. Dogs are a lucrative source of income to us all, and the more luxurious their state the more we receive for our services. Several veterinarians have made small fortunes by attending rich dogs.

"Directly and indirectly the dogs of New York give employment to about 2,000 persons. Many owners of valuable pups hire men to devote themselves exclusively to the care of the animals, and pay good wages for such service, too. I know one wealthy lover of dogs who enjoys three men to look after his pets and keep them in sound condition. One of these men is an expert in canine lore, and to him is paid an annual stipend of $1,800. The other two men act as his assistants, and each gets $15 a week. I am retained to treat the animals when ill or out of good form, and this wealthy dog lover's expenditures on his dogs amount to something like $10,000 a year."

There may be some good come in the way of wages to employees through this lavish expenditure of money on dogs. These employees may appreciate the wages that they can secure in this way, but it is very much to be doubted if the dogs can appreciate such treatment.

New York is full of poor, homeless,—yes, even worse than homeless—children. And these children are left to grow up as criminals, while money is lavished on dogs.

O, is there not some way by which these people can be reached, who have gone to such extremes over mere dogs? Can they not be made aware of the fact that the painstaking effort that they expend on dogs would rescue thousands of children from the gutters and make useful men and women of them? And the dogs would be much happier if they were simply allowed to exercise the freedom and instincts that inhere in their natures.

Pick up a poor forsaken boy and educate him and he may be a minister of the Gospel, a doctor, or some other useful member of society. But give a dog all the attention you will, and he is still nothing but a dumb brute without the possibilities of immortality. The dog, as well as any other dumb creature, should be treated most kindly. But don't let him shut out the unfortunate boy that needs your help.

And may we not ask, Is there not a great work to be done for the rich as well as the poor before the pure ideals of Christianity are reached? There is plenty of civilization, with all of its veneers and outward glitterings. But what is needed is the real Christianity, just as Christ lived it. And when we know the Master we will be kind to dumb animals, because it is an inherent characteristic of Christians to be kind. But above everything else we will feel a soul burden to assist in the all-important work of uplifting humanity. And the best of it all is that this work for the Lord brings complete and absolutely perfect joy into our own hearts, but, not ending there, the good work extends to every one that we can reach around us. T.

SAVING OR LOSING THE SABBATH.

A CONTRIBUTOR to the Christian Guardian presents, as "a question of vital interest, of prime importance," the problem, "Shall we save or lose our Christian Sabbath?" By "our Christian sabbath" he means the Sunday institution. The very fact of his concern as to whether it will be saved or lost is evidence that he refers to a man-made institution. There never was and never can be any question as to the permanence and stability of the Lord's Sabbath. The Lord sanctified the seventh-day Sabbath in the beginning (Gen. 2:2, 3), and has written it in His law (Ex. 20:8-11), as a holy day—"My holy day" (Isa. 58:13, 14). And this law is not to be changed in as much as "one jot or one tittle" while heaven and earth stand (Matt. 5:17-19); moreover it will be a permanent institution in the new earth (Isa. 66:22, 23).

That the Sunday sabbath, which its adherents are pleased to call "our Christian sabbath," is not the Lord's Sabbath, nor at all of the Lord, is shown in the entire silence of the Scriptures upon the subject. "Who hath required this at your hand?" Surely not the Lord. Then it must be of man, a work of supererogation. In further support of this position we have the fact that Sunday-sabbath advocates are constantly appealing to human authority for its preservation and enforcement. In the article to which reference has been made we find this urgent statement:—

"Steps should be taken to make and enforce strong representations to parliaments and governments and to bring pressure, connectionably and otherwise, to bear upon them in behalf of Sabbath laws and administration. There should be organizations upon the circuits. Meetings should be held and money raised in the interests of the campaign."

Now the Lord disposes of all man-made institutions, in His own good time, in this way: "Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." Matt. 15:13. All the Sunday-law agitations, and all the Sunday-law persecutions, and all the pleas for human protection of the Sunday institution, merely emphasize the fact that it is "of men," and "it will come to naught" (Acts 5:38, 39); for "every one of us shall give account of himself [not to the civil government, but] to God." Rom. 14:12. When we come into the judgment of God to give account of our Sabbath-keeping, the law of God and not of man will be the standard. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man." Eccl. 12:13. The one who keeps the commandments of God will have sufficient discernment to understand the limit of his obligation to human law; for the scripture makes it very plain that "we ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29. These considerations ought to convince any believer in God's Word where he ought to stand on this "question of vital interest, of prime importance." The Lord will preserve His own Sabbath without human legislation; yea, rather, in spite of it. No one need to worry about losing the Lord's Sabbath; that is fixed forever. The concern of each individual should be, to remember it and observe it—in letter and in spirit. This is the point concerning the Sabbath for which account will have to be rendered to God. G.

JAPAN'S NATIONAL REFORM.

THE progress of "civilization" in Japan has made another "new departure," according to a special despatch to the Seattle, Wash., Times-Herald, as follows:—

"Japan's new law regulating all faiths and beliefs has gone into effect, and much comment has arisen in consequence. A copy of the regulations has been received at the Japanese Consulate here. According to it all sects, pagan or Christian, are placed under the absolute control of a local governor. Without his permission even a church can not be built or meetings held. The regulations even go so far as to demand detailed information regarding the pastor. Before commencing religious work propagators of a faith must go before the governor with full details. The scheme of faith must be fully explained, church finances accounted for, and the personal and religious history of the applicant, preacher and members, outlined in writing. The order further decrees that all who desire to establish or build a temple, church, preaching or lecture house for religious purposes must apply for permission, furnishing the following particulars: Why such building is necessary; the date when the building will be completed; the name of the building, where located, and all necessary information relating to the site and structure, and also the plan of the edifice; the name of the religion; its method of control and maintenance; when there is a chief preacher, his qualifications and the method of his election. If the building is not completed within the term stated by the applicant the permit will be null and void."

SECRETARY of War Root says: "The policy of the war department is to furnish General Otis with all the troops and supplies that he can use, and which are necessary to wind up the insurrection in the Philippines in the shortest possible time." Ten additional regiments will be fitted out and sent as soon as possible. It seems more and more passing strange to see the United States trying to whip the Filipinos to-day for asserting the same claims for liberty that this government so nobly fought for and won but a little over a hundred years ago. If the "Revolutionary Fathers" could rise out of their tombs to-day what would be their unbounded surprise? And it should ever be kept in mind that this backward tendency of this country not only marks her own downfall, but along with her ruin will come the destruction of the whole world. This may seem to you like strange talk; but do not treat the matter lightly. Think carefully of the issues involved in the events of to-day.

A New York Strike.—Among all the rest of the strikes in the east, a strike has been declared against the New York daily Sun. The Sun announced that its policy would be to employ none but non-union printers, whereupon the Knights of Labor passed the following resolutions:—

"Resolved, That the Central Federated Union condemns the action of the morning, evening, and Sunday Sun in locking out the members of organized labor; and be it further

"Resolved, That the members of the Central Federated Union be requested to cease purchasing the different editions of that paper, and refrain from patronizing dealers who sell the same, and from frequenting places where it is kept on file, and from making purchases from those who persist in continuing to subscribe or advertise therein."

The boycott declared in the foregoing resolutions is rather sweeping. The boycott is not a Christian weapon. All Christians should keep this in mind and should do what they can in a Christian way to win men away from the use of it. In the persecutions that are foretold for these last days, the boycott will be one of Satan's greatest and most effective agencies.

Concerning an apostate power that shall exercise dominion at the close of time, the Word of God says:—

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." Rev. 13:16, 17.

The foregoing scripture sets forth a very extensive boycott. And it will be a boycott, too, that will be waged with severity. And these lesser boycotts now are only preparatory,—they are the primary schooling—to that greater boycott in a little while hence.

We sympathize with all who are oppressed by the unequal yoke of the great capitalist. But there is a better relief from these difficulties than the boycott.

"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. . . . Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the Judge standeth before the door." James 5:7-9. Read the entire fifth chapter of James, and see how clearly it applies to the present time. Unless we know the Lord, blindness and ruin will be our portion. And the way to know the Lord is to study His Word. T.

Poor France!—In all the Dreyfus affair, from beginning to end, it is really the French army that is on trial. The people of the so-called republic are at the feet of the army—not only in the attitude of servants, but of worshipers. Courts-martial are the veriest farces. They are of the army, appointed by the army, and must sustain the power and glory of the army, or be ostracized by the army—an ordeal that few military men have the courage to face. It means military disgrace, which logically calls down the scorn of a military-worshiping people. It means banishment, or assassination, or, from the standpoint of what passes for honor, suicide. The strong prejudices of the people are told by a correspondent who has been in constant attendance on the trial of Captain Dreyfus (who is a Jew, and is charged with giving military secrets to the German Government). This correspondent says that nothing in the trial will change any Frenchman's attitude. Those who believe Dreyfus innocent would cling to that opinion regardless of testimony; and those who have maintained his guilt, pay no regard to evidence of his innocence. Every one seems to be unalterably prejudiced, from one standpoint or another. The masses admire the glamour and display of the army, and those who do not admire, stand in dread of it. France to-day is another monument of the incongruity of a republic with a great standing army. It is a travesty on the republican idea of government "by the consent of the governed" to be obliged to keep a great army to enforce that consent. The spectacle is that of "a kingdom divided against itself."

THERE are over 44,000 tenement houses in that portion of New York located on Manhattan Island, and new ones are being built at the rate of about 2,000 a year. Crowded into these tenements are thousands of people who do not find one pleasant thing in life. Indeed, they have had but little opportunity to rise above the level of ferocious beasts of prey. The reign of terror that they will soon cause can not be described. Men who have wealth, instead of using it to build tenements, so they may get a revenue from the miseries of poverty, should be educating and assisting these poor people to go out into the country on small farms where they can have the decencies and some of the joys of life. In many instances these poor dwellers in tenements can not possibly get away. They are chained there by birth, education (or lack of proper education) and financial condition. Hundreds of these families, if they were led into the country and taught how to till ten acres of land scientifically, would be able to make a good living, and would ever after bless the benefactor that led them out into such a new and happy existence. Not all, by any means, would accept the proffered assistance. But still the effort could be made, and many would be lifted up. And to whatever extent such efforts may be successful, to that degree will the impending social cataclysm be less violent.

THE great hurricane that swept over Porto Rico was noted in last week's SIGNS. The war department at Washington has received the following despatch from Captain Vina: "San Juan, de Porto Rico, Aug. 10.—My country is devastated. For God's sake help us." It is greatly feared that widespread sickness will follow the destruction of the storm, owing to the stench from dead bodies, and other similar causes. The storm of 1867 killed 6,000 persons, and it is feared that the loss of life from this recent hurricane will be even greater.

THE late Peace Conference of the nations agreed to establish a bureau of arbitration to which shall be referred matters of dispute between them. Many optimistic individuals are expecting great things of this formality. A leading clergyman of this city says it is "the longest stride that has been made toward universal peace and good-will since the time of Christ." From this premise he concludes that "the better day is now dawning, and nations will abolish war, just as respectable men have abolished dueling." But all this is part of the cry of "Peace, peace; when there is no peace." Jer. 6:14; 8:11. "The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." 1 Thess. 5:2-4. Who are they whom that day will not overtake as a thief?—From verse 2 we learn that they are such as know these things perfectly.

THE latest reports state that 4,000 persons were killed in the recent hurricane that swept over Porto Rico. The uncommon selfishness of men in these times manifested itself in a strike among those who were unlading the ship that had been sent to that unfortunate island with supplies from this country. The contention in the strike was for double pay for working on Sunday. The strikers are natives, and manifest the fact that they are apt scholars in learning the advantages of some kinds of miscalled civilization.

THE bubonic plague is also spreading in Portugal. The fact that the plague existed there was concealed for a time, and considerable indignation is expressed because of it. It is said that the Spanish consul is to be prosecuted at Madrid because of his failure to report the scourge that is threatening all Europe, and it is likely that other countries may follow the example of Spain in this respect.

SERIOUS rioting has broken out in Austria again. This time it is due to racial differences between the Czechs and the Germans. When we consider the strikes and rioting that is going on in different parts of this old world of ours, Does it really look as though we had reached the millennium? Is it not, instead, very evident that we have reached the perilous times of the last days?

THE answer of President Krueger, of the Transvaal Republic, to England, in regard to having a court of inquiry appointed, is not considered to be satisfactory to the queen's government. Unless the Boers completely back down, which is not considered likely, the present crisis seems to indicate that war will speedily follow.

FIVE hundred soldiers were surrounded on the West River (China) by 10,000 robbers, and a desperate fight occurred, ending in a victory for the robbers, who have hoisted their flags upon all commanding points and occupied the villages in the vicinity. Two hundred and fifty soldiers were killed and 100 wounded; 2,000 more troops left Canton yesterday.

THE fierce rioting that took place in Paris on Aug. 20 shows the intense feeling that is but very feebly smothered up in France. About 400 persons are said to have been injured in the riot. From every human standpoint it looks as tho France might close this century, as it did the last, amidst a Reign of Terror.

THE entire imperial cabinet of Germany have agreed together to resign, owing to the defeat of the canal bill. What action the emperor will take in the matter is awaited with interest. All the German papers are agreed in stating that a serious crisis has been reached.

THERE are many reports in regard to the condition of the war in the Philippines. Several engagements recently have been reported. But because of the strict censorship of the press it is hard to get at the facts.

RECENT despatches state that scores of persons perished on the coast of North Carolina in the hurricane a few days since that swept as far as the shores of that State from the West Indies.

A DESPATCH from Alexandria (Egypt), dated Aug. 15, says: "All of Egypt is infected with the foot and mouth disease. There have been 1827 cases reported since July 18."

THE Rome correspondent of the London daily Mail says that there have been several cases of the bubonic plague in two different places in Italy.

UNLESS portions of India get rain soon there will be a shortage of crops that will cause more suffering in that recently famine-stricken country.

THE business portion of the city of Victor, Colorado, was completely destroyed by flames on August 21. The loss is placed at $2,000,000.

TERRIFIC gales and heavy floods continue in Chile. Many lives have been lost.

WOMAN'S POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITY.

By Mrs. Susan Birdsall Roberts

NOT many years ago, at a Freethinkers' convention, a woman gave us a peep into her darkened understanding by saying "that the coming woman would not attend church; that the Gospel had done nothing for women;" etc., etc. What amazing and wilful ignorance in this the nineteenth century!

Time would forbid, were it necessary to give anything like an enumeration of the benefits resulting to woman from the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We need not be reminded even of the untold blessings that come through that influence to woman. "Did you not say it was a little girl?" enquired a native of an American who expostulated with regard to leaving a little girl by the wayside to die. To the Gospel, then, it seems, we owe even the right to live!

A poor unwelcome despised little thing is a little daughter in heathen lands, and from her cradle to her grave suffers ignominy, neglect and abuse, married in childhood to some wretch worthy only of her detestation, she drags out her miserable years, which often end their sorrowing length upon the funeral pile of the tyrant known by the endearing name of husband. We will not dwell upon the sad revolting picture, but turn our eyes upon the homes of our beloved Christian land; view the contrast, and try to prize our blessings, flowing in one unbroken stream to us, through the influence of this blessed Gospel.

"Can'st count the drops in any shower? Then name the blessings of an hour."

If, then, such is the exalted position of woman, what obligations is she not under to make the most of her position, in order to render some returns to the world, and to the church in an especial manner? To the world because of our kinship and its (the world's) needs; and to the church for all the blessings to which we have alluded.

"I love Thy church, O Lord; Her walls before Thee stand, Dear as the apple of Thine eye, And graven on Thy hand."

If, then, we love the church, dear sisters, let us live for her, and when aspersions are cast upon her by a godless world, let us be careful that they find no sympathy with us. Let us be quick to defend her. Let us so live that no bold defamer shall dare in our presence to raise a voice against her.

Let us so live as to honor her. Live so that none can point to us as a stumbling-stone, or rock of offence. And to our young sisters we would say: Don't ask, Can I do this or that objectionable thing, pursue this or that doubtful course? don't try how far you can go from the church into worldliness without censure. But be ever trying to see what an ornament you can become to it, what a polished stone, what a pillar of strength and beauty; and believe me, you will get to your own soul a meet compensation. Do we ever reflect how easily the requirements of the Gospel may be met? We are not required to do great things; things beyond our reach, not to be brilliant, showy, learned, wealthy or wise.

A Christian home, where the wife and mother always reigns as a respected and loving queen, and where the little girl is even more tenderly cherished than the little boy.

"The lowly and the meek He'll bless With largest measure of His grace."

Still at the call of duty we may not shrink from the wider and more extended fields of labor, but with zeal and courage, go forward, striving for the honor of the Master and the winning of souls, to accomplish great things for Him, like the three Mrs. Judsons, and all the saintly and self-sacrificing females who have followed in their steps.

Well do we remember when, in the village of Geneva, N. Y., Miss Elizabeth Blackwell astonished the world by starting out alone, unsustained (amid the sneers of the male students, who were determined to turn her from her purpose), to win for herself a profession, to make of herself a self-reliant woman, in order to become a blessing to the world. And since that time, behold, how wide the opening! A few said then, as now, Blessings upon the noble girl and her praiseworthy effort. This step seemed more strongly than ever before to suggest to woman her great possibilities. And nobly has she stepped into the arena, grappled with difficulties, and with almost superhuman power, overcome them, and to-day stands in the front ranks of progress and reform, while some have lain themselves down after the last heat in the battle, leaving us a name to be honored, and a memory of virtues it should be our highest ambition to emulate.

How grandly this particular step has opened the way for the Gospel in heathen lands! Into the "harems" and "zenanas" the medicine woman may come, and there she will drop the seed that though no larger than a grain of sand will vegetate and become a tree of life, with wide-spreading branches, "the leaves of which shall be for the healing of the nations." Mrs. SUSAN BIRDSALL ROBERTS.

FAITH.

By Bertha Edythe Strelinger

Tho the days are dark and dreary With the shades of deepest night, And my soul is weak and weary With the endless, endless fight, Still I hear my Saviour, ever, Bid me come to Him for rest; Bid me cease my vain complaining, Lean my head upon His breast.

As I come to Him for shelter From temptations that assail, I can feel His arms about me— Those dear arms that never fail; Then I've peace so pure and perfect Which no mortal tongue can tell. Yes, there's purpose in each sorrow, "For He doeth all things well!"

Ah! I'm sure were I to listen And obey His every call, I should never doubt His mercy, And should never faint nor fall. When I think of how unworthy Of His love I've always been; There's a comfort in the message, "I have cleansed thee from all sin."

Often when the sorest trials Gather 'round me everywhere, And I feel so weak and weary Under such a load of care, I just think of how He suffered Here on earth, O, many a day! And my tribulations leave me, Vanishing like clouds away.

O, I long to be like Jesus! Who on Calv'ry died for me— Bore in silence, shame and sorrow, That from death I might be free. And I pray for faith more simple, And an ever-present peace; For a heart all pure and perfect, And from anxious care's release. BERTHA EDYTHE STRELINGER. Detroit, Mich.

SIXTH VOYAGE OF THE PITCAIRN.

By C. M. Snow

ON January 22 of the present year our missionary ship Pitcairn left Oakland harbor, and on the following day left the harbor of San Francisco, on her sixth voyage to the islands of the South Pacific. On August 16 the Pitcairn buried her anchor again in the shore of the Oakland estuary, having been absent a little less than seven months.

This voyage of the missionary ship was not for the purpose of establishing missions in the various islands she visited, but simply to carry provisions and various supplies to the missionaries already there. The vessel on this trip was in charge of Captain J. E. Werge, who has been with her in other capacities on a number of her cruises. Eld. E. H. Gates was also a member of the ship's family on the outgoing half of her voyage.

From San Francisco the vessel sailed directly for Pitcairn Island, and arrived there on February 20, having made a pleasant and speedy voyage. Elder Gates remained on the island three weeks, while the vessel paid a visit to the island of Mangareva, about 280 miles northwest of Pitcairn. Upon this short voyage Bro. J. R. McCoy accompanied the ship. Elder Gates' stay at Pitcairn was a source of encouragement to the islanders, who were feeling somewhat depressed on account of the sad occurrence which had taken place there some months previous.

Leaving Pitcairn Island, the ship took a course west by north and arrived at Tahiti after covering a distance of 1,200 miles. A short voyage of 120 miles brought the vessel to Raiatea, whence she sailed to Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands, then to Aitutaki, and back again to Rarotonga. From Rarotonga the Pitcairn continued her course to the northwest, and tried to make a landing at Palmerston Island (a little speck of land in the ocean, having a population of 34 people), but the attempt was unsuccessful on account of contrary winds, and she sailed on to the Samoan group, which is about 840 miles north by west from the island of Rarotonga.

After making a short stop at Samoa, the vessel sailed around between the two principal islands of the group, and took a course south by west, heading for the island of Tongatabu in the Tongan or Friendly group, which is about 500 miles from Samoa. The ship made two stops in these islands, the first at Tongatabu, in the south of the group, and the second at Vavau, among the northern islands. Her course was then laid almost directly west for Fiji, some 400 miles distant, which was the real turning point in the voyage.

On leaving Fiji the vessel sailed nearly due north, following the day line most of the time until almost directly west of San Francisco. In latitude 36° her prow was turned toward San Francisco, with a fair westerly wind, which brought her to port in due time, completing one of the smoothest voyages which she has yet made.

We will turn backward over her voyage to consider a few points of interest connected with the islands at which she called. The last stop made on the voyage was at the island of Nukulailai, in the Ellice group, and directly north of Fiji. There are a number of small islands in this group, and on nearly all of them there are stationed agents of the London Missionary Society. Nukulailai has a population of 142, and the Samoan language is spoken there. There are but few white men in this group. Nukulailai has only one. Captain Werge considers that these islands are a promising field for our missionary efforts, and expresses strong hope that we may have missionaries there before very long. The Roman Catholics are contemplating establishing a mission on Nukulailai, but had not done so when the Pitcairn arrived. A considerable quantity of our literature was left at this island, which is about 600 miles north of Fiji. None of our missionaries have ever been in this group, altho it is a favorable field at the present time for missionary effort.

On Fiji we have two missionaries, Brethren C. H. Parker and J. E. Fulton. Captain Werge reports a good interest in Fiji. Brother Parker lives right among the natives in a town across from Suva, and has a good interest. Quite a number there are keeping the Sabbath.

In the Tongan group are Dr. M. G. Kellogg, and Brethren E. Hilliard and E. S. Butz, who are doing faithful service there. It was the plan when the Pitcairn left these islands to establish a mission on Vavau, in the northern part of the group, and Elder Butz accompanied the vessel from Tongatabu to Vavau with this in view. Elder Butz and Elder Gates both left the Pitcairn at this place, the latter sailing by steamer to Australia.

Our missionaries on Samoa are Eld. Lake, Dr. F. E. Braucht, Emily McCoy, and Brother William Floding. The war and unrest among the natives here have interfered much with the work in these islands, and but little has been accomplished recently. Elder Lake has but recently arrived in Samoa and begun his work.

On Rarotonga are Dr. J. E. Caldwell and family and Eld. J. D. Rice and family. There is much interest in the work on this island, and a number are keeping the Sabbath, tho no church has yet been built there.

Eld. B. J. Cady and family are located still on Raiatea. A considerable number in this island are keeping the Sabbath, and there is a good interest.

The workers in Tahiti are Brethren Stringer and Dean, the latter being a native minister. The work is progressing well there, and they have two good churches. There is a goodly number of Sabbath-keepers here, both among the natives and whites.

A part of the cargo with which the vessel sailed from port was lumber for a frame tabernacle to be erected in Tonga, and several tons of literature to be distributed at the various stations where our missionaries are working.

The few stops made by the Pitcairn on this voyage among the thousands of islands in the South Pacific show, among other things, the great extent of that field and the scarcity of effective, consecrated laborers to supply its needs.

Continue reading: OUR WORK AND WORKERS