Earlier text: Pacific Press AddressPERVERTING THE WORD.
By S.
PERHAPS in nothing is the perversion of Scripture teaching more apparent than in the attitude taken by many religious teachers respecting the law of God in answering conscientious questioners whose minds have been exercised over the matter of the true Sabbath day. Many such inquiries are constantly coming to pastors and to the editors of church papers in regard to this matter. One of many such inquiries reads like this: “Is the law of God, which enjoins the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath, still binding? Are we to follow Christ’s example in keeping the Sabbath He and His disciples kept?” To such conscientious inquiries by men and women seeking after the truth of God, listen to an actual answer given by the editor of the Gospel Trumpet: It is a sample of the answers generally given to such queries: Christ and His disciples observed the Sabbath (seventh) day because it was not yet at that time abolished, and the Saviour was particular to be obedient to the law in full. The time of its abolition was when Christ was crucified. See Col. 2: 14-17. It was not observed by the early church except that they sometimes went into Jewish synagogues on that day for the purpose of preaching to the Jews. As we have said, the Christians held their own assemblies on the first day of the week, Sunday. To the person giving such answer, what weight does such a scripture as this have: “Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets; I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5: 17-19. Who is this talking?—Jesus Christ. Yet the writer above referred to would have it that He came to do the very thing He declares He did not come to do. The writer above quoted would have it that Christ’s death abolished the law. Christ declares it must not be altered by the fraction of a letter while heaven and earth shall stand. That writer teaches that the commandments of God are not only altered, but completely abolished. Jesus Christ declares that they who teach thus “shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” That writer teaches that it is not necessary for men to keep the commandments of God now. Jesus Christ declares that they who teach them and do them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Whom shall we believe, Christ, or those who, claiming to be His, flatly contradict the plainest statements He has ever made? Whom shall we believe, Christ, or those who consider inconvenience a sufficient excuse for disloyalty and open disobedience? The humble, loyal child of God will have no difficulty in answering this question for himself. He has a soul to save. He can not save his soul by laying the blame upon false instruction. God’s Word is clear enough, plain enough, to lead him into the kingdom of heaven if he will but heed its counsel; but if we follow the counsel of false teachers, we will perish with them. It will be noticed also in the quotation above referred to that an attempt is made, evidently unintentionally, to make our Lord contradict His own words. The writer says: “The time of its [the law’s] abolition was when Christ was crucified.” Now Christ says: “I came not to destroy [the law], but to fulfil.” The writer of that extract would make Him say: “I came not to destroy [the law], but to abolish.” In other words: “I came not to destroy [the law], but to destroy it.” This is a fair and necessary conclusion of such teaching as that in the above extract. What nonsense it would make of plain Bible truth! What a perversion of Scripture! The text which the writer of the quotation refers to (Col. 2: 14-17) has no bearing whatever upon the great, eternal, unchangeable law of God. The text itself shows to what the apostle refers. “The handwriting of ordinances,” or “the bond written in ordinances,” refers to a code of ceremonies entirely apart and distinct from the law graven on tables of stone, and under the new covenant written on the heart. Therefore the Christian is not to be judged concerning the matter contained in those ceremonial observances, meats, drinks, holy days, new moons, or the annual sabbaths which the Jews observed. One writer, referring to the use so frequently made of Col. 2: 14-17 says: “He who endeavors to hide behind this scripture as his defense for the neglect or violation of any moral duties, will stand at last in the judgment ashamed of his folly and speechless in his condemnation.” These words are true. Christ could not have nailed the Ten Commandment law to the cross without destroying it; and He declares He “came not to destroy, but to fulfil.” Remember His words: “Till heaven and earth pass.” As they have not passed away, the law stands unaltered. S. [See article in this department next week on “The True Christian Attitude toward the Law of God.”] Faith, Intelligence, and Good Luck
"How RIDICULOUS to believing intelligence to hear unbelief ignorantly mourning over the hard luck that caused its defeat. An intelligent faith in God and one's self makes good luck to order in unlimited supply." “If men love as Christ loved, they will live as He lived.” RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
[From our correspondent at Washington, D. C.] A MOVEMENT for religious instruction in the public schools is on in Washington. So far as the information of the public extends it had its inception in a sermon on February 5, by the prominent Episcopalian clergyman, Rev. Randolph H. McKim, which was prominently and fully reported in the press. In this discourse, the subject of which was "Morality and Religion in the Public Schools," attention was called "to the abnormal increase of crime of every sort, and especially that which violates honesty, chastity, and respect for law." As a remedy it was urged that "the youth of the land be given in the public schools, under the authority of the state, such moral and religious instruction as shall give assurance of the restoration of the public and private virtue which was ever the boast of the Republic." Specifically and at some length the speaker advocated the "inculcation of the Ten Commandments" in the public schools, and declared that "it is the duty of the state to provide for the teaching of the Decalogue to every child in the public schools." This discourse was followed shortly by a public call, signed by Dr. McKim and other prominent clergymen, and several prominent citizens, including District Commissioner McFarland, for a public meeting of clergymen and representatives of all denominations in Washington to consider the matter. This meeting was held on the morning of February 20, and was quite extensively noticed in the daily papers. Hon. H. A. Herbert, former secretary of the navy, presided at the meeting. Following is the text of the resolutions introduced by Dr. McKim: Resolved, That a careful study of the moral life of our people reveals symptoms of decay, which seriously threaten the soundness and stability of the body politic. When we consider the abnormal increase of crime in the last twenty-five years—it has grown four times as fast as the population—we can not but feel that we are face to face with a national peril of a most serious character.
Resolved, That one of the obvious and potent causes of this ominous and alarming increase of crime is to be found in the too frequent neglect of moral and religious instruction in our schools—public and private.
Resolved, That, tho firmly convinced that the principle of complete separation between church and state is sacred and inviolable, we yet believe that to divorce the state from religion would be a fatal error and a betrayal of the trust we have received from our fathers.
Resolved, That the practical exclusion of the teaching of morals and religion from our state-supported schools is contrary to sound public policy, is a reversal of the principle on which our fathers founded the Republic, and is fraught with grave peril to the future of the American people.
Resolved, That, as our fathers incorporated into our statute law the principles of religion, as in the laws against blasphemy and polygamy and perjury, so it is our duty to incorporate those same principles into our system of education, so that every child in our schools may be taught the first principles of morality upon the basis of belief in an almighty and righteous Ruler and Judge of the universe.
Resolved, That, if the state may justly retain laws and customs which are rooted in religion, in obedience to the will of the overwhelming majority of the people, then there exists an equal right to provide for the teaching in her schools of theistic ethics. If the former is not a violation of religious liberty, neither would the latter be.
Resolved, That, inasmuch as the overwhelming majority of our people desire their children to be instructed in the first principles of morals and religion, it is a violation of the broad democratic principle on which our government rests, that the will of this great majority should be defeated, on the plea of not offending the views and convictions of the very small minority who would object to such teaching—especially when, by means of a conscience clause, any parent could be guaranteed the right to withdraw his child from any moral or religious teaching distasteful to him.
Resolved, That, in the judgment of this conference, composed of ministers and laymen of all the various religious communions in the city of Washington, the code of precepts known as the Ten Commandments forms incomparably the best basis for the teaching of morality, and for enforcing the duties of the citizen to the state and to his fellow citizens.
Resolved, That, without distinction of creed, we recommend and petition the board of education of our city to introduce the study of these Ten Commandments into our schools, believing that all the diverse religious elements among us—Jew and Christian, Protestant and Roman Catholic—might find common ground in the inculcation of those sublime utterances of the Divine Will, and in the beautiful summary of them in the law of love—love to God and love to our neighbor. Such a regulation would be but the carrying into effect of Rule 46 of the board, which requires that each teacher "should endeavor to inculcate obedience to the laws of God."
Resolved, That we favor the use of text-books on morals and manners, as a valuable and necessary element in true education.
Resolved, That, believing it entirely possible to make such a selection of readings from both the Old and New Testaments as would be acceptable alike to Protestants and Roman Catholics and Hebrews, we urge that steps be taken to provide such a lectionary, with a view to its being carefully studied in our schools, with the double purpose of familiarizing the children with the finest literature in the world, and instilling into their minds the principles of the most exalted morality, together with reverence and love for Almighty God.
Resolved, That, while we respect the convictions of all our fellow citizens, and would restrict no man's religious liberty, or infringe upon the right of any parent to control the religious education of his child, we believe the time has come for the people of this land to insist that in the education of their children shall be included the instruction in the fundamental principles of morality and religion. The Post says that "practically every religious denomination in the city was represented at the meeting. Among the several scores of ministers present were Bishop Henry Y. Satterlee, of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; Rabbis Stern and Simon, of the Washington Hebrew Congregation; Mr. W. W. Prescott, editor of the Review and Herald, the church paper of the Seventh-day Adventists, and vice-president of the General Conference of that denomination; the Right Rev. Dennis O'Connell, rector of the Catholic University; Rev. Thomas Simms Lee, Rev. Chas. W. Currier, and Rev. Father McCarthy, all of the Catholic Church; Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Greene and Rev. E. Hez Swem, both of the Baptist Church; and Rev. Dr. J. G. Butler and Rev. Charles H. Butler, both of the Lutheran Church." The Star says that "speeches were made by Rev. Dr. Edward Everett Hale, Chaplain of the Senate, and Rev. Dr. J. E. Gilbert, secretary of the American Society of Religious Education, both of whom favored the institution of such a system as had been proposed. The president of the District Board of Education, General Boynton, who stated that he spoke for himself only, said that it was his opinion that all of the members of the board would acquiesce in any plan determined upon by the meeting." Dr. McKim's resolutions were seconded by District Commissioner Henry B. F. Macfarland, after they had been received with applause by the major portion of those present. Mr. Macfarland stated that, while he did not favor any union of church and state, he believed that the District schools, which are as good as those anywhere in the country, should have a system of religious moral education. Letters, cordially favoring the resolutions, were read at the meeting from the Secretary of War; Hon. John W. Foster, ex-Secretary of State; Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Brewer, and Mr. W. J. Boardman. The only sentiment expressed by the Catholics was that of Rev. Charles W. Currier, of St. Mary's Church, that the matter should be given further consideration before any action was taken. Rabbi Simon, of the Washington Hebrew Congregation, is reported to have made an earnest address, in which he spoke most courteously and kindly of all denominations of the Christian belief, but objected to the form of the resolutions, and to the recommendation of the adoption of such a system in the public schools. He expressed the belief that the school is not the proper place for such instruction, and objected to the fact that some of those present had referred to the United States as a Christian country. That this is a religious, but not a Christian, country, he continued, was affirmed by the Supreme Court in 1902. The adoption of such resolutions, he concluded, would be an admission that both the churches and the schools have failed in their duty. He did believe in the text-book method of teaching morals. It was noted that W. W. Prescott, editor of the Review and Herald, the Seventh-day Adventist paper published in that city, asked whether the fact that there were so many intelligently-expressed arguments on opposite sides of this question did not signify that delay should be resorted to? This fact, he thought, ought also to suggest the question whether or not the proposed course was the wisest one. He then opposed the resolutions on the ground that they were not American in spirit. He thought such a movement would result in trampling on rights of conscience, which was a matter of liberty to a minority as well as a majority body. He said even the agnostic believes, and has his rights. Mr. Prescott read a decision upon the matter of religious education of children that was handed down by Judge Stanley Matthews in Cincinnati about 1867, and said there could be no question of minority or majority in matters of conscience. Individual opinion must always be respected, he said, no matter how many are on the other side. The Post stated that "it is on the ground of patriotism that the proposition is chiefly opposed by the Seventh-day Adventists, who are always opposed to anything that savors in the least degree of governmental control of religion." It was finally decided to refer the resolutions to a committee of fifteen, that they might have more deliberate and extended consideration. From the Times we take the personnel of the committee as follows: Dr. Merrill E. Gates, former president of Amherst College and now secretary of the Board of Indian Commissioners, is appointed chairman of the committee. The other members appointed are Rev. Wallace Radcliffe, Rev. Dr. James E. Gilbert, Bishop Earl Cranston, Dr. Charles W. Needham, Rev. Frederick D. Power, Hon. Wayne MacVeagh, Rev. Dr. J. G. Butler, Rev. Dr. Edward Everett Hale, John Joy Edson, Rabbi Louis Stern, Rt. Rev. H. Y. Satterlee, W. W. Prescott, editor of the Review and Herald; Monsignor O'Connell, of the Catholic University, and Rev. Dr. Randolph H. McKim. Of these, three may be said to be laymen, Dr. Charles W. Needham, Hon. Wayne MacVeagh, and John Joy Edson. When this committee shall have come to some agreement, and made a report to President Herbert, he will call another general meeting to discuss the matter. A Pertinent Letter on the Subject.
EDITOR Post: I read with much interest the report of the sermon by Rev. Randolph H. McKim, in which he suggests as a remedy for the moral decadence of the nation the teaching of the Ten Commandments in the public schools. It is refreshing, indeed, in this age of lawless teaching, when many from the pulpits are teaching that the Decalogue has been either abolished or changed, to hear so venerable and influential a clergyman as Dr. McKim exalt the downtrodden law of God so highly. Evidently the learned rector of the Church of the Epiphany believes that the Ten Commandments are still binding, and constitute the very essence of morality, and should be taught to the children from infancy. The Lord anciently enjoined this responsibility upon all parents. See Deut. 6: 7-9. But, suppose this suggestion is carried into effect. What about the fourth commandment? This says very plainly that the "seventh day is the Sabbath." Dr. McKim says this should be taught the children in the schools. Shall it be taught as God gave it, or as the church practices it? The seventh day is not Sunday. There is no law in the Bible that says anything about keeping Sunday. Shall the children be taught during the week a law which says, "the seventh day is the Sabbath," and on Sunday be taught in the churches to disregard the very day this law commands, and keep instead a pagan holiday, nowhere commanded in the Scripture? Would it not help the youth to a higher regard for the Decalogue for the church of the living God to keep this precept with the other nine? How can the youth be taught7 to highly regard this moral code, when every week the church, as a body, disregards one of its plainest precepts? It seems that the position of Dr. McKim concerning the perpetuity and unchangeable character of the law is the same as that of the Seventh-day Adventists. They teach that the Ten Commandments are binding, and should be taught to the children as well as to those who are older, and then put their teaching into practise by observing the day enjoined in the law—the seventh day. The rector of the Church of the Epiphany teaches that this law is also binding, and should be taught the youth. The difference between the doctor and the Adventists seems to be in practise rather than teaching.
G. B. THOMPSON. THE greatest battle of the Russo-Japanese War is now being fought in the vicinity of Mukden. For thirteen days the battle has been raging continuously, day and night, along a front of from eighty to one hundred miles. Both of the Russian wings were first crumpled back upon the main body of the Russian defense, and the attack was pressed home on three sides with unremitting vigor. Much of the fighting was done in the midst of snow storms and dust storms of great severity. The whole Russian army is now in retreat, or so much of it as has not been surrounded or left upon the field. This battle is rightly called one of the most desperate and dreadful battles of the world. It is reported that the Russians have lost 125,000 men in killed and wounded, and that the Japanese have lost 75,000. These figures may be increased in later reports, as the Russians in their retreat find the Japanese on both sides of their marching columns, and the former are being constantly shelled from both sides. The Japanese planned to entrap Kuropatkin's army, and compel the surrender of at least a large portion of it; but the Russian commander seems to have been able to extricate himself from the trap with the major part of his troops. He has been compelled, however, to abandon several million dollars' worth of supplies, guns, and ammunition. So far as possible, the abandoned supplies were burned before the retreat began. The Japanese are now in possession of Mukden, the Manchurian capital, which has been the headquarters of the Russians since the disastrous battle of the Shakhe River. The total casualties since the beginning of the war, not counting those lost in naval engagements, are as follows: Russians, 260,206: Japanese, 166,748. It is reported that Russia's creditors are urging her to bring the war to a close; but neither of the belligerents is showing any indication of so doing. A FORCE FOR THE PAPACY.
By Editor
EVERY true Christian ought to be the friend of the laboring man, whether that man be a union man, or not. It is not the union that gives him dignity; it is his individual manhood. For this Christianity stands. Against this the forces of evil have ever stood. It is so much easier to manipulate organized forces under human leadership than it is individuals. For that very reason the enemy of souls is doing all in his power to bind into human-controlled bundles the mass of humanity, that in the end he may turn them against the truth of God. Among the great forces thus bound together at the present time are the labor unions. Originally organized for mutual help and improvement, with the best of motives, we have no doubt, they are in many cases seeking to control their members, soul and body. They reprobate every one who will not favor them, and seek by any means to carry their point. As a result of their aggressiveness the last few years record many deaths and a numerous army of cripples. More recently the unions are entering political life, and great parties are bidding for their favor. The greatest struggle for their aid will lie between the Papacy and Socialism. By the teachings of the latter their ranks have been honeycombed, while the Papacy in dulcet tones is pleading their allegiance and offering her sympathy and aid. This latter is well expressed in a letter written to the International Society for the Protection of Workmen, by the Papal Secretary of State, Monsignor Merry del Val. New York State labor unions made it public in November last. We take it from the Examiner of Nov. 17, 1904: My sublime master, the pontiff, desires me to express to you that, like his predecessor, Pope Leo XIII., he is in hearty accord with all movements intended to benefit workmen. The pontiff in particular desires it understood that he favors with all his heart any lightening of the burden of the men and women who work with their hands [all Christians do]. Work should be so regulated as to conform to the physical ability of the workmen; it should be regulated to fit the sexes [to which all reasonable persons agree]; it should be regulated to permit the stoppage of all work on Sundays. The workman should be protected against employment and employers that have no regard for his dignity as a man and a citizen, that endanger his morality and interfere with his family life. The holy father trusts that you will devise peaceful means to realize the above ends. If you do, your efforts will be crowned with success, and all good governments will regard them with sympathy. On his own part, the pope will be happy to assist you with advice and prayer. There are two points in this which clearly show the desire of the Papacy: (1) The use of the labor unions to enforce Sunday laws; (2) The appeal to them to come under the control, the "advice" of the Papacy. That means political use if necessary; and it is all outlined in the prophecies of the Bible. We might say in passing that the conservation of the rights of the working man will be met in the conservation of the rights of the individual, whoever he may be. CHRISTIANITY IN CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
THE President and the only living ex-President of the United States recently delivered addresses on the same Sunday, the former in the Lutheran church in Washington, and the latter before the Y. M. C. A. in Philadelphia. The Commoner quotes an expression from each, crediting Mr. Roosevelt with these words: It is an important thing for the people of this country to remember their rights, but, it is even a more important thing for them to remember their duties. In the last analysis the work of the statesmen and the soldiers, the work of public men shall go for nothing if it is not based on the spirit of Christianity, that spiritual, that moral, foundation, without which no country can ever rise to permanent greatness. And Mr. Cleveland is quoted as follows: A church is too often esteemed successful because men worth knowing, choirs worth hearing, and interiors worth seeing, are the rewards of attendance. . . . It is not worth while to blink at the fact that, without going far from home, we can gain a hint that nations called civilized, and even Christian, are liable, under strong temptation, to backslide to barbaric standards which permit war and slaughter to count for a people's greatness and reckon ruthless conquest among glorious deeds. There is one effective and constant preventive against such danger, and that is the sincere acceptance as guidance to national behavior of the honor, the love of peace, the devotion to justice and truth, the forbearance and inviolable good faith which grow out of genuine civilization and Christian spirit. To this the Commoner adds: It is a noteworthy fact that these two eminent men join in giving testimony to the fact that Christian morality is the solution of the problems of government as well as of the problems which confront the individual. This is all good sentiment, but it will not do to get the cause and effect transposed, as is the strong tendency of our time. Christianity morality never can solve the problems of government until it first shall have solved the problems which confront the individual. The so-called National Reform theory is that the government should set up a formal Christian morality, based in human law, and from this standpoint compel a formal Christian morality on the part of the individual, through which he must solve the problems with which he is confronted. This is the theory of all religious legislation. But its fruit is injustice in the beginning, with persecution in the ultimate. The only way in which Christian morality can effect governmental problems is through its effect on the people, doing away with even the apparent excuse for compulsory morality, or even the disposition to indulge in it. Christianity never yet suggested compulsory Christian morality. Such suggestion always originates in presumptive Phariseeism. The Abolition of Sunday Funerals
"The efforts of the labor unions over the country to abolish Sunday funerals is being indorsed by many ministers of the Gospel," observes the Spring Valley (Ill.) Gazette, which adds that "This is certainly a wise move, as it is not only a great inconvenience to liverymen and hackmen, but interferes with the regular Sunday worship at the churches." It can be depended upon that it is chiefly in the interests of "the regular Sunday worship at the churches" that the abolition and suppression of other things on Sunday is sought, at least so far as the "ministers of the Gospel" are concerned. News from Russia and Washington
By Editor
The czar has issued another manifesto to his people, which reads as tho great concessions were being granted, but out of which the people are being puzzled to extract much that is satisfactory to them. It amounts to about this: That the people will be allowed to elect representatives who are to be allowed by the government to express their opinions concerning any law that may be passed; but they have no voice in the legislation. This act is regarded as the giving of a blind riddle for his people to solve. There is apparently more exasperation than satisfaction over the matter. It is reported that other officials of Russia are marked for assassination, and that a general peasant uprising is planned to take place as soon as the roads are passable. The inauguration ceremonies of President Roosevelt, on March 4, are said to have been the most imposing and brilliant ever witnessed in Washington. Men of all branches of the army and navy were in the great procession, as well as clubs and civic orders. State officials and soldiers from the South were also in line. The day's program closed with the usual grand ball. The President has chosen his cabinet. It consists of the same men that served in the cabinet up to the close of the last term, with the exception of the Postmaster-General. Geo. B. Courtelyou now holds that position. The cost of armed peace in Europe is shown in the enormous amounts the three principal maritime nations are levying for the support of their navies. Germany wants $200,000,000; France, $230,000,000; and England, $300,000,000. And still we are no nearer a universal peace than when the nations were spending one-fifth of that sum; but yet the same old argument is used that we must have great armies and navies to insure peace. The peaceful community is not the one where every man and boy carries a pistol, and the peaceful world is not the military one. A correspondent of the London Times gives an account of a discovery in Egypt by Theodore M. Davis, which, he says, is the most important made by any explorer since Egypt was opened to European research. It was the discovery of a tomb which had never been plundered or entered since it was sealed up in the eighteenth dynasty. The treasures with which the tomb was packed from end to end constitute the richest spoil of ancient Egypt that it has fallen to the lot of any explorer to unearth. Examination of the officials of the Santa Fe Railroad in court at Topeka, Kansas, discloses the fact that this company has paid in rebates to shippers during the year the sum of $1,198,352. It is believed that the greater portion of this amount has gone to the Standard Oil Company, and is a violation of the state law against freight discrimination. A strike of some five thousand employees of the New York Subway was inaugurated on March 7. The company has refused to yield to the demands of the men, and is operating the road with new help. The national officers of the laborers have declared the strike unwarranted, and have ordered the men back to work. The coronor's jury, in the case of Mrs. Jane L. Stanford, who died last week in Honolulu, has rendered its verdict to the effect that Mrs. Stanford died as the result of taking poison administered to her by some person or persons unknown to them. The search has now begun in earnest for the guilty person. Russia has paid to England $325,000 as settlement in full for the damages caused by the firing of her war-vessels upon the British fishing fleet in the North Sea. The bubonic plague has again broken out in India. The deaths from the plague during last week are reported to have been 34,000. The treasurer's report of the tobacco trust shows a profit for the past year of $22,304,646.