13 "THEY bring to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. 14 Now it was the Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the 15 clay, and opened his eyes. Again therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he received his sight. And he said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and 16 do see. Some therefore of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath. But others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such signs? 17 And there was a division among them. They say therefore unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, in that 18 he opened thine eyes? And he said, He is a prophet. The Jews therefore did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and had received his sight, until they called the 19 parents of him that had received his sight, and asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how 20 then doth he now see? His parents answered and said, We 21 know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now seeth, we know not; or who opened his eyes, we know not; ask him; he is of age; he shall speak for him 22 self. These things said his parents, because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the 23 synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask 24 him. So they called a second time the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give glory to God. We know that this 25 man is a sinner. He therefore answered, Whether he be a sinner, I know not; one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see."
QUESTIONS.
What was done with the man who had received sight?
On what day was the miracle performed?
What inquiry did the Pharisees make?
How did the man reply to them?
What conclusion did some of the Pharisees draw?
How did others view the matter?
What was thus made manifest?
How did they continue their questioning of the man?
What did he declare his belief to be?
What conclusion did the Jews adopt concerning his story?
What question did they ask his parents?
What did his parents admit that they knew?
Of what did they deny any knowledge?
What did they recommend the Jews to do?
Why did the parents take this course?
What caused this feeling on their part?
What action was based upon this threat of the Jews?
Who was now called again?
What did the Jews declare their belief to be concerning the one who had wrought the miracle?
Of what did the man admit his ignorance?
What did he know?
NOTES.
1. It may have been no special ill feeling which led the neighbors to bring to the Pharisees the man who had been healed of his blindness, "but as work had been done on the Sabbath, they judge it best to refer the matter to these great authorities in matters of religion." The former inquiries are now repeated. "Again, therefore, he was asked and (now) by the Pharisees, how he had recovered his sight." The reply of the man caused a division among his judges, and it is worth while to observe carefully the conclusions arrived at, and the basis of their reasoning. The one party say, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day. Their course of reasoning is virtually this: We have certain regulations in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, and this Man has gone contrary to them. The fact that a remarkable miracle of mercy has been performed by this Man, does not weigh in our minds against the other fact that he does not keep the Sabbath, in harmony with our well-established rules. This is really saying that God himself must act in harmony with their traditions13if he wishes them to acknowledge him as God. They are exalting themselves above God. But this is only the logical result of putting man's ideas in place of God's ideas, and demanding submission to a man-made creed. We see the same thing being done over again to-day. Then the chief question was whether the Sabbath should be kept as God intended that it should be kept, and so be a blessing to men, or whether it should be a burden grievous to be borne because weighted down with the added exactions of men. Now the question is whether the same day which God blessed, and thus made a blessing to men, shall be observed, or whether a rival day, upon which God has never placed a blessing, shall be foisted into its place under ecclesiastical authority alone. Christ himself was condemned by the religious teachers of his day as a Sabbath-breaker, and some of those who choose to follow him in the matter of Sabbath-keeping are being condemned in the same way to-day. But, according to his own testimony, he kept the commandments of God (John 15:10), and now through his word he bears similar testimony (Rev. 14:12) concerning those who refuse to accept the traditions of men about the Sabbath.
2. THE other party among the Pharisees yielded to the evidence, and agreed with Nicodemus (John 3:2) that he exhibited divine credentials. It does not follow that they became believers on Christ, but in view of the nature of the miracle, they were not prepared to accept the logic of their traditions, lest haply they should be "found to fight even against God." They broke away from ecclesiastical bondage far enough to say, "How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?" This may be a step toward belief on him.
3. JESUS had been among this people, so marked with bigotry and prejudice, and he knew that in healing on the Sabbath day he would be regarded as a transgressor of the law. He was aware that the Pharisees would seize upon such acts with great indignation, and thereby seek to influence the people against him. He knew that they would use these works of mercy as strong arguments to affect the minds of the masses, who had all their lives been bound by the Jewish restrictions and exactions. Nevertheless, he was not prevented by this knowledge from breaking down the senseless wall of superstition that barricaded the Sabbath, and teaching men that charity and benevolence are lawful on all days.
4. "In all his lessons, Jesus presented to men the worthlessness of merely ceremonial obedience. He sought to impress them with the spirituality of the law, unveiling its vital principles, and making plain its eternal obligation. The righteousness of the law was presented to the world in the character of Christ, and the holy, benevolent, and paternal attributes of God were revealed in the Saviour's dealings with mankind."
5. THE prophecy stated that Christ would be "numbered with the transgressors" (Isa. 53:12), and so he was, during his ministry (John 9:24), and at his crucifixion (Mark 15:27, 28).
6. THE Jews were not seeking for evidence that Jesus was the Christ, for they had not only decided against him themselves already, but had threatened with excommunication any who might believe on him. And this being put out of the synagogue was a "punishment involving the direct consequences socially and religiously. It was, in fact, the lesser excommunication, which lasted thirty days, but might be lengthened for continued impenitence, or curtailed by contrition. It shut a person utterly from the synagogue; for even if he entered it, he was reckoned as not present. No mourning for the dead, and no right of circumcision, could take place in his house, and no one but his wife or child could come within four cubits of him."
Suggestions for Further Study.
Jesus made the clay and anointed his eyes; the man went and washed. What lesson is taught in these facts?
Every effort to hinder Christ's work only resulted in advancing it. 2 Cor. 13:8. The semi-official and critical examination into this miracle only established its reality beyond a doubt. How is the same principle illustrated in God's work to-day?
God treated Christ as a sinner. Why? Men treated Christ as a sinner. Why? What was the difference in their treatment of him?
Some now accept the view of the Pharisees that Jesus broke the Sabbath. Are they prepared to accept the conclusion that he was "not of God"?
Were not the Pharisees right in their logic? If a man wilfully breaks the Sabbath, can he be "of God"? What is the present application of this principle?
Are miracles ever wrought through the instrumentality of "a man that is a sinner"? Will the question be of any special interest to this generation?
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
By Editor
NOVEMBER 21 nine members were added to the church in San Francisco, making thirty-six since the first of June.
Ar the recent camp-meeting held at Los Angeles, Cal., seventeen persons were baptized—five more than were at first reported.
THE work in Louisville, Ky., is reported to have increased until more extended accommodations are required for the congregations.
ELDER FRANCIS HOPE reports the baptism of six converts in Birmingham, England, October 31. The Baptist chapel was kindly loaned for the occasion.
MEETINGS held in Roseland, La., by Elder Isaac Morrison and Brother J. E. Evans, have resulted in ten converts to the faith in the face of bitter opposition.
ELDER J. S. WASHBURN reports an increasing interest in meetings held in Cardiff, Wales. Two other brethren are assisting in the work there, and a sister is engaged in giving Bible readings.
A LETTER from Prof. W. W. Prescott states that he expected to leave Cape Town, S. Africa, October 26, for London, expecting to arrive in America about the middle of December. In addition to his institute work, Brother Prescott has for a time been holding triweekly meetings in the largest hall in the city of Cape Town, which have been largely attended. In addition to this, synopses of his addresses have been printed and circulated in the community.
SISTER GRACE L. OSTERHOUT, formerly assistant secretary in California Tract Society, has recently connected with the orphanage for colored children at Chattanooga, which originated with, and has been conducted by, Mrs. Almira S. Steele. Sister O. a few years ago was given up to die of tuberculosis, but the Lord marvelously helped her. Having again grown worse more recently, the Lord has wrought to her complete restoration. May God bless her in her new field.
ONE of our missionaries in Calcutta makes a strong appeal for the establishment of an orphanage for boys. "Scores of cases are constantly occurring where little lads are left to the mercies of a cold world, and many of them are taken by the Mohammedans and brought up to a life of practical slavery. Others are being gathered by the Catholics." Aside from a small work which one Baptist minister does on his own account, there is said to be no Protestant effort in behalf of this large helpless class in all that great city. And there are many other great cities in the world which present a like condition.
ELDER W. A. McCUTCHEON, president of Virginia Conference, reports the organization of a church of thirteen members at Lynchburg, Va. From him also, through the Messenger, we get the following interesting report:—
"In response to letters from some colored Sabbath-keepers in Danville, who had been furnished my address, I went down to visit them last week, and found a company of twenty-two adults. One of the number having been a regular ordained minister of the Baptist Church, they had formed themselves into a church, choosing this minister as pastor. The wife of this minister got the Sabbath truth from a sister in North Carolina, and carried it to her husband in Danville, where they together conveyed it to others, and they in turn to still others, until the present number have received it. They have been in the truth from one or two to six months, and were found to be quite well informed on most points of the truth, believing in the soon coming of the Lord, having given up the use of tobacco, etc. They needed further instruction on some points, and I remained in Danville three days, holding meetings with them, and giving them what instruction I could. Tho persecuted by others of their race, they are happy in the Lord, and desire to be more closely connected with the work of the conference."
WANTED, INFORMATION
Concerning Johnathan Leonard Taylor. Came to California in 1851 or 1852. Was last heard from in 1853, his address at that time being Salinas Valley. He was a painter by trade, also did carpenter work. Had black hair and eyes, and was at that time about thirty years of age. If this notice should fall under the eyes of any one who knew him or what became of him, will they please write to his sister, Mrs. Janette L. Taylor, No. 1319 Stockton Street, Flint City, Mich.?
[N. B. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES publishes this free. Will other California papers please publish?]
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE "BULLETIN."
By Editor
THE time for our next General Conference is almost here, and the usual arrangements have been made to have full accounts of the business done there printed daily, so that all our people may know of the progress of the work. Many will not be able to attend, but all may keep in touch with the spirit of the meeting by reading the Bulletin.
We can not speak too highly of the importance of the paper. It will give the most interesting data in regard to the present condition of the work in Australia, India, Africa, South America, China, and the islands of the sea. We have given of our means to send the truth to these places, let us now avail ourselves of the privilege of knowing what has been accomplished.
The Bulletin will also contain full reports of the Bible studies which form such an interesting feature of the meeting. These we may study in our homes, and with hearts hungering for the bread of life, receive a special blessing. The presence of the Lord will not be confined to the place of meeting: "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
The price of the Bulletin is fifty cents, but this pays for it for two years. During the session of the conference it will be printed daily, after that once each quarter. This matter should receive prompt attention, in order that all names may be entered upon the list in time for the first issue. Let us decide now to take the Bulletin, and forthwith send our subscriptions to the secretary of our state tract society, or to the International Tract Society, Battle Creek, Michigan.
It is hoped that many will send the Bulletin to friends and relatives, who are interested in the truth. In past years the Bulletin has done a large amount of good in this way.
THE CHILDREN'S BOOK.
By Editor
Useful as well as ornamental. Volume 6 of Our Little Friend is full of good stories, just such as children like. They can spend many an hour reading, with no danger of their minds being poisoned with such matter as many do read in other books and papers.
The bound volumes of Our Little Friend are just the books to place in the hands of our children. If we get books for our children, let us get good books for them. There are none better than the bound volumes of Our Little Friend, of which volume 6 is the latest. 416 pp., cloth; profusely illustrated.
It will be sent to any address for $1.00 postpaid.
Address,
OUR LITTLE FRIEND,
Box 548, Oakland, Cal.
Geikie's Life of Christ Withdrawn
By Editor
Geikie's Life of Christ Withdrawn.—Our stock of the above book is exhausted, and we hereby withdraw our offer to send it in connection with the Signs of the Times for 40 cents.
Lincoln Fountain Pen. We are constantly receiving words of recommendation for this pen, and we are thoroughly convinced that it is just as represented in every way. We are allowing special prices on orders for a dozen or more at one time.
Our offer to send the pen for only 75 cents to any one subscribing for the Signs of the Times for one year, and paying the regular subscription price of $1.00, still holds good. Both the Signs and the pen for $1.75.
"Will A Man Rob God?" This excellent pamphlet on the tithing system is now in press, and we will be ready to fill orders by the first of December.
It will appear as Bible Students' Library No. 145, and not as No. 146, as has been advertised in the order sheets.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
New York City. Kansas City, Mo.
"Origin, Progress and Principles of S. D. Adventists." Illustrated. Will not appear as Bible Students' Library No. 145, as has been advertised, on account of delay in getting cuts to suitably illustrate its pages. It will be some time before it will be ready.
"Will A Man Rob God?" will appear as No. 145, and all orders we now have for No. 145 will be filled with "Origin, Progress," etc. In ordering these pamphlets mention name as well as number.
Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
New York. Kansas City.
LESSON XII.—SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1896
"Take heed unto thyself; and unto the doctrine;" "that thy profiting may appear to all."
1. NOW WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet,
6. And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Golden Text: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
NOTE.—This lesson includes Matthew 1, Luke 1, John 1:1-18, besides the lesson texts, and all should be carefully studied. The time of the birth of Christ is about four years before the time known as A.D. 1. The method of reckoning time as we now have it was not devised until about five hundred years this side of Christ, and was not generally used until the fifteenth century. The method used until then dated events from the founding of the city of Rome. This new system placed the birth of Christ in the year of Rome 753, but later historical light shows it should have been 749, four years earlier. This accords with Luke 3:23, which gives the age of Jesus when he began his ministry, in A.D. 27.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) Where and when was Jesus born? Verse 1. Note 1. (2) Who came to Jerusalem? Ib. (3) What did the wise men say? Verse 2. Note 2. (4) How did this question affect King Herod? Verse 3. (5) What means did he take to learn more concerning this matter? Verse 4. (6) What answer did the doctors of the law give? Verse 5. (7) How did they know where Christ would be born? Verses 5, 6. See Micah 5:2. Note 3. (8) What inquiry did Herod make of the wise men? Verse 7. Note 4. (9) What message did he then give them? Verse 8. (10) How were they again guided? Verse 9. (11) What effect did the reappearance of the star have upon them? Verse 10. Note 5. (12) When the wise men found the child, how did they honor him? Verse 11. What gifts were made? Note 6. (13) Why did not the wise men return to Herod? Verse 12. To what place did they go? Ib.
NOTES.
1. Jesus was born in Bethlehem.—He who was born Jesus and became a man was the Son of God. John calls him the Word, through whom all things were created, and other writers bear a similar testimony to his exalted position. See Heb. 1:1-3; Col. 1:13-17, etc. This was God incarnate,—God in flesh,—God with us,—Emmanuel. The mystery of the incarnation we can not fathom; the fact we may know daily, if we will. One of the evidences that he was the true Messiah is the exact fulfilment of prophecy in regard to his birth and work. Peter tells us that while the evidence of the senses is certainly very positive, yet the word of prophecy, whereby God spoke through holy men of old, is far surer. 2 Peter 1:16-19. The prophecies began pointing to him from Eden on, through Adam (Gen. 3:15), Abraham (Gen. 22:18), Jacob (Gen. 49:10), David (2 Sam. 7:12-16), Isaiah (9:6; 11:1-9), Dan. (9:24), and others. Herod the Great, the Herod of the lesson, died, according to best light on the subject, B.C. 4, not long after the flight into Egypt.
2. Wise men.—The eastern nations were believers in astrology, and hence a star would, above all things else, attract their attention. But it is evident that these men knew the prophecies concerning the Messiah and his mission, for they believed in him, and worshiped him. What a sad commentary on the moral condition of the chosen people—the Jews—who should have been the foremost in looking for the Messiah, when those considered by them heathen were prepared before them by the Lord to herald the news of the advent of the new King! Those to whom much light has been given are expected to live up to that light, otherwise it will become in them darkness. It is the same now as then. Have we a Christ to herald to the world? Then let us to the work, lest it be given to another, and our crowns be taken from us.
3. Thou Bethlehem.—This quotation from Micah 5:2 is not in the exact words of the Lord through that prophet, but is a free quotation, as tho from memory, which it doubtless was. So we find many references to the Old Testament Scriptures in the New varying slightly from the exact words of the original, altho using the thought. Note that the word "rule" is "to shepherd," or "feed," in the original.
4. What time the star appeared.—The knowledge of how long it had been since the star appeared to them appears to have been used by Herod in his merciless slaughter of the children of Bethlehem. Verse 16. It might not have been two years before, but sufficiently long to cause him to feel assured that his inhuman act would put out of the way one whom he regarded as a menace to his throne.
5. When they saw the star.—When they reached Jerusalem the star for a time disappeared. This was doubtless for the purpose of causing them to make known their mission, and proclaim the wondrous fact to the world. It not only did this, but through the urgent demands of the king, the rulers of the Jews were themselves brought to confess to a knowledge of the prophecy. A belief in it they could not deny. Herod himself believed. Thus at the very outset they were left without excuse, should they fail to follow up the matter and receive the Messiah. The entire silence of the record concerning any thing they may have done to this end shows their indifference to the results of the event, an indifference due solely to wounded pride, in that they were not the first to whom the joyful news came. Instead, it came to humble shepherds, and by the mouth of strangers, and the alleged King himself was born in the humblest manner. The event was not ordered according to their notions, and they would have nothing to do with it. Had they been first informed, they would not have believed it. That this so-called star was not in reality a star is quite evident. First, it displayed intelligence, appearing in such a manner as to attract the attention, then leading the wise men from their homes; then disappearing and reappearing, and finally stopping directly over the spot where the child was. So far as we know stars do not possess this intelligence. Its nearness to the earth also precludes the idea that it may have been a star, as we understand a star to be, altho it were guided by heavenly intelligences. In all probability the light was an angel, or group of angels, presenting at a distance the appearance of a brilliant star. See Ps. 104:4; Job. 38:4; Ex. 23:20, etc.
6. The gifts.—They presented gifts as to a king, according to oriental custom. They were significant, also,—gold, as to a king, frankincense, as to God, myrrh, pointing to the burial and resurrection of Christ. See John 19:39. Joseph was a poor man, and doubtless these valuable gifts were used to defray the expenses of the trip into Egypt, and the return.
THE TALENTS. By M. C. Wilcox. A brief essay on "The Parable of the Talents," showing that the talents represent the various gifts of the Spirit which God bestows as he will upon those who are consecrated to him, with the duties and blessed privileges involved therein. Bible Students' Library, No. 77; 16 pp., price 2 cents.
FOREIGN.
—The new bishop of London (Church of England, of course) is said to be an extreme ritualist, officiating in cope and mitre and all the vestments of the most ultra Roman character.
—Mail advices from China report destructive floods along the Yangtze and Han Rivers. At Hanchuan the water was in some streets ten feet deep, entirely submerging the smaller houses.
—The strike in the gas works at Bordeaux, which necessitated the calling in of the soldiers to assist in the works to save the city from being left in darkness, has ended in a compromise.
—A special despatch from Bombay says that 200 Sepoys looted the bazaar at Rawalpindi on the 23d inst. The police were powerless to control them, and two persons were killed, and several injured in the struggle.
—A despatch from Seoul says that a number of Korean officers have been plotting to seize the king and force him to return to the palace. Three Russian officers and eighty seamen, with a field gun, have entered Seoul.
—The Cuban insurgents are accredited with two successful battles against a large force of Spanish troops last week, in the mountains, within twenty-six miles of Havana. The Spanish wounded are said to number 1,700.
—Official notice is given of the formation of the Greater Republic of Central America, comprising the governments of Nicaragua, Salvador, and Honduras as states of the new union. It is expected that Costa Rica and Guatemala will also join the union.
—It is reported upon authority of British naval officers in Chilean waters, that Chile is on the verge of another revolution. The matter of dispute is said to be the enforcement of an obnoxious law in relation to import duties, which serves as a pretext by political malcontents for fomenting national discord.
—There is quite a wide tract of land producing gold dust in the island of Formosa, up the river Tamsui, where natives have been at work on a small scale. Recently a rich gold field was discovered in the mountains further up the river, and the fame of the hitherto unknown district has spread in all directions.
—The crop of apples in England has been almost a total failure this year. Besides, the unusual storms have greatly damaged the orchards, so that, owing to their condition, the apples will not keep, and must be put on the market at once. Yet the best picked Canadian apples at auction only bring from ten to twelve shillings per barrel.
—A London despatch says that United States Ambassador Bayard and wife were “commanded” by the queen to visit Windsor Castle on Thanksgiving day. They were also to sleep at the Castle that night. In consequence Mr. Bayard was obliged to cancel his engagement to preside at the Thanksgiving dinner of the American colony.
—The emperor of Austria conferred the Order of the Golden Fleece upon the Duc d’Orleans, only to discover that the creation of the Duc a knight of the order was invalid, as the statutes require that the ancestors of every knight must have been Roman Catholic for eight generations on both sides. The grandmother of the Duc was a Protestant.
—The North China Daily News announces that the new naval program of the emperor is to build, within five years, six large battle-ships, twelve first-class armored cruisers, twenty second and third class cruisers, and a flotilla of torpedo destroyers. It is further stated that English bankers have promised to advance the money in return for railroad concessions.
—The Hawaiian Government is somewhat independent in the matter of a submarine cable connecting the islands with the outside world. A short time ago almost any proposition would have been accepted, but now, that a franchise is among the desirable boons for which capitalists are seeking, the island republic is not so liberal, having declined to grant exclusive privilege to the Pacific Cable Company.
—The news from the Philippine Islands shows that the Spaniards are making slow progress, if any, in suppressing the insurrection. The reinforcements from Spain are simply new recruits. The Manila correspondent of the Hongkong Press, who was sent out expressly to note the progress of the war, says it will require a large force of the best troops to quell the revolt. This correspondent sends the first adequate account of Spanish torture of natives and half-castes that has been published. He draws a thrilling picture of the cruelties practiced by the Spaniards, and says they have actually revived the tortures of the Inquisition.
—Two torpedo boat destroyers have just been completed at Glasgow for the Spanish Government. They are larger than any vessels of their type heretofore constructed, being 220 feet in length and 22 feet beam, with a trial speed of 28 knots per hour. Their armament consists of two 14-pound Maxim guns, two 16-pounders, and two 37-milimeter automatic Maxims. There are also two 14-inch deck-pivoted torpedo tubes.
—A steamer arrived at St. Johns, N. F., on the 25th ult., from Liverpool, conveying a draft of 800 officers and men to relieve the British garrisons at Halifax, Bermuda, and Esquimalt. This route was adopted in order to test the possibility of despatching troops to Canada rapidly in time of war, and also to see how quickly a garrison could be landed in St. Johns should Great Britain’s necessities compel special efforts to retain the island.
—According to Mr. John Morley, there are throughout the British Empire 290,000,000 people who are professedly antichristian. If, then, the majority have a right to enforce their religion upon the minority, and non-Christians should insist upon their right, Christianity would have to hide its head in the British domain. But when professed Christianity undertakes a work of compulsion in any degree, it thereby shows that it is not Christian.
—At Barcelona, Spain, the attorney-general, who is personally conducting the prosecution of the prisoners under arrest for connection with the throwing of a bomb in a crowded street while a religious procession was passing on June 7 last, has announced that he will ask the court that twenty-eight of the prisoners be sentenced to death and fifty-six condemned to penal servitude for life. Great precautions will be taken against disorder when the sentences are published.
—The San Francisco Chronicle makes the following pertinent comment: “A despatch from Sydney, New South Wales, suggests that New Hebrides Island be placed under the protection of the British flag, in order that the practice of selling the natives into slavery be abated. It is possible that such an arbitrary procedure might result as intimated, but the fact that the British tolerate slavery in Zanzibar, where they have full control, suggests the idea that if it proved convenient to perpetuate the system of selling the natives of New Hebrides into slavery after England established a protectorate, the practice might go on indefinitely.”
