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Signs of the Times, Vol. 43, No. 25.

This Day of Vast Missionary Opportunity Is the Day of Tremendous Christian Responsibility
Earlier text: Delusive Hope of Peace

THE GREAT DESPOILER

By Charles S. Longacre

THE liquor traffic is the greatest of all menaces to the welfare of the home, of society, and of the nation. It destroys the peace of the home, breaks down the bulwarks of the family, debauches American citizenship, threatens the very existence of the republic, and ruthlessly assails the most sacred inheritance of every man, woman, and child — the right to life, liberty, and happiness.
Any business enterprise, irrespective of its kind, that destroys the individual, wrecks the home, and puts a blight upon posterity, is an enemy not only to the constitution and the flag, but to humanity and its most cherished rights, and deserves to be utterly banished and destroyed by due process of law.

Legalized, but Not Lawful

THE legalized liquor traffic tramples upon every constitutional privilege and immunity granted to mankind. In its operations, it is not amenable to God, or man, or the equitable restraints of law. It robs, mutilates, and slays alike the innocent and the guilty. It mocks at justice, jeers at honor, and laughs at purity. It ravages the marts of sea and land. Its mouth is like the open grave, which is never satisfied until it has devoured its last victim. It is the greatest thief and outlaw in the world.
The liquor traffic has no more constitutional rights for its existence than has the traffic of slavery. There will always be slaves, and so there will always be alcohol. Man will make a slave of himself; but what the law prohibits is the traffic of slavery. Man will still make alcohol and drink it; but the law has a right to prohibit traffic in any poison that is so destructive to humanity, to society, and to the nation, as science and observation have proved alcohol to be.
When we consider the unspeakable sorrow, disgrace, debauchery, immorality, crime, poverty, wretchedness, and ruin which the liquor traffic brings annually to hundreds of thousands of innocent wives and children in the homes of the devotees of Bacchus, and to society at large, we believe that the civil government has a constitutional right — yea, more, it has a constitutional obligation — to use measures and to enact laws which will guarantee to each individual the unmolested enjoyment of his God-given, inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — all of which rights are trampled underfoot with impunity by those who are engaged in the promiscuous manufacture and sale of intoxicating and alcoholic beverages.

Has No Constitutional Right

No government has a right to license any traffic which leaves in its slimy trail more than 100,000 ruined homes annually, from whose portals are heard the stifled moans of blasted childhood and wretched widowhood. Our government has no right, under the constitution, to permit any enemy to put a handicap upon the unborn millions, barring them forever from reaching the nobler attainments of manhood and womanhood, and thus disqualifying them to meet the great issues of life. Self-preservation is the first law of nations, and the liquor traffic is the greatest foe to this greatest of all national laws.
If the whole American army should be completely massacred by an enemy, that would be considered a great national calamity. Yet every year, in the United States alone, an army of men, women, and children, numbering four times as many as our entire national army, go down to premature death and hopeless graves through the saloon.
More than 3,000 wives are murdered every year in this country by drunken husbands; more than 2,500 innocent children are murdered every year by drunken fathers; more than 30,000 helpless children are forsaken and thrown upon public charity every twelve months by drunken parents.
And as long as the federal government and the state governments protect this hellish traffic, by legalizing and condoning the business, and by accepting blood money as revenue, the nation and the states are equally responsible for all this crime, misery, and sorrow produced by the liquor traffic. Under such conditions, the privileges and immunities guaranteed to the individual citizen under the federal constitution and the state constitutions are nullified.
CHARLES S. LONGACRE.
"It was now time to close the morning worship."
"It was now time to close the morning worship."

Foods—

By D. H. KRESS, M. D.

"THE whole digestive apparatus gets ready for the reception of food that is relished. When other foods are eaten, in place of the one for which preparation is made, they receive no welcome, and digestive disorders may result."

Foods—

Wise & Otherwise

By D. H. KRESS, M. D.
THE term "food" cannot be applied to every substance that satisfies or arrests the appetite, although real food should do both. The savage arrests his appetite by swallowing lumps of clay. Civilized man satisfies his cravings for food with substances almost as indigestible. Food must either be identical with the elements of the human body, or be capable of being transformed into them. It must be digested within a proper period to prevent putrefaction or fermentation, or the body itself may starve while food is within it.
In order to have good digestion, it is necessary to relish and enjoy what is eaten. The mere sight, smell, or thought of food that is relished, will produce a copious flow of saliva. Could a glimpse be obtained of the stomach, gastric juice would be found trickling down its walls. The whole digestive apparatus gets ready for the reception of food that is relished. When other foods are eaten, in place of the one for which preparation is made, they receive no welcome, and digestive disorders may result.
The juices produced by stimulation of the appetite are known as "appetite juices," and they possess many times the digestive power that is possessed by juices formed when food is eaten mechanically, or without a relish for it.

Artificial Appetizers Invented

OUR forefathers ate what they relished, as a rule. No delicacies were required to stimulate the appetite. Hard out-of-door work gave a relish for simple foods, and poverty made simple foods and few varieties a necessity. The digestive fluids were always of a superior quality, and consequently there was little suffering from indigestion.
When country life was exchanged for the city and the office, then, deprived of the natural appetizer — employment in the open air — people no longer relished simple foods. This led to a search for artificial appetizers, and to the invention of delicacies, complicated and complex dishes, and a variety of spicy and highly seasoned foods. Indigestion and malnutrition, or overwork of the organs of digestion and over nutrition, have been the result.
The rapid increase in constitutional diseases, of late years, has forced upon us the need of making reforms in eating. It will be observed that the ordinary meal taken by those who pay no attention to diet begins with some highly seasoned soup, and ends with a sweet in the form of pudding or pastry. The meal begins and ends with a pleasurable sensation, which stimulates the appetite, and causes a copious flow of "appetite juice."
While it is unwise to use unwholesome foods, the need of providing foods that appeal to both the eye and the palate must not be ignored. When a person sits down to a meal without any appetite, a spoonful or two of tasty soup, a little fruit, or something else that is relished, may create an appetite that will lead to the enjoyment of the entire meal. Soups were at first employed more as a relish at the beginning of the meal. They still have their place, but should not be used too freely.

Fixed Rules Impossible

FAST and fixed rules in diet can never be laid down. Each person possesses likes and dislikes that must be respected. The appetite may be trained to relish only the most wholesome foods. The one who possesses the same relish for wholesome foods that the epicure has for highly seasoned foods and delicacies, is on the highway to real and lasting health.
It is unwise for those who are ill to make many sudden changes in diet; for often, owing to the diseased condition of the stomach, about all the digestive juices formed are those which are formed by the stimulation of the appetite. It is also important that nutritious foods should be served to invalids in an attractive manner, so as to tempt the appetite. Recovery depends upon this.
No one can prescribe in detail what another should eat. Each one is a law to himself. Even the physician, to meet with success in his practice, must learn, within certain limits, to respect the whims of his patients. Foods, to be most beneficial, must be those of one's choice. It is necessary to see, in the food before us, the good it possesses, in order to obtain the greatest amount of good from it. Education must therefore precede or accompany all reforms in eating.
Business cares, home sorrows, and other depressing influences retard digestion. Beer, wine, tea, and coffee, being narcotics, benumb the brain, and lead to a forgetfulness of sorrows, and in doing so, may appear to improve the digestion for a time. The difficulty is that from such artificial exhilaration there follows a corresponding state of depression, which calls for another and often an increased dose of the same narcotic.
To keep free from worry and other depressing influences by the use of narcotics, it is necessary to remain in a continuous state of mild intoxication. This is ruinous both to health and to morals. But peace, and contentment, and hopefulness of mind must exist in order for the digestive organs to do their best work; for the quality of the impulses sent forth from the mind determine, to a great extent, the quality of the work done by the organs of digestion.
The lower creatures require neither delicacies to stimulate the appetite, nor narcotics to shut out depressing influences. They are content with their simple fare. The horse is satisfied with his meal of oats. Animals prefer to select their own food, and when left free to do so, take it direct from the bosom of nature. From the foods thus obtained, they derive their energy, and the elements out of which to construct strong bones, muscles, and nerves.
The savages live in the same simple manner. They do not always have the most suitable foods, and therefore their example cannot be fully followed by intelligent men and women; but their wants are few, and their habits simple. None of the complicated mixtures and messes used among civilized races appear on their bill of fare.
The peasants who are the backbone of the various civilized countries are also content with one or two kinds of simple food at a meal. The staple articles of food of the Irish peasant are milk and potatoes. Macaroni and chestnuts form the chief food of the Italian and French peasants, while the German makes use of black (rye) bread, and the Bulgarian uses corn flour and sour milk. The heartiest, healthiest, and happiest people are always to be found among those who are content with simple foods.
In sitting down to one of our modern tables, it is sometimes difficult to know what to select. The names of the prepared dishes are meaningless, and are no help in the selection of a well balanced meal. The name of any food should indicate what it is. On account of the many confusing names one encounters on the modern menu, it is impossible for even an expert in diet to make an intelligent selection or combination of foods at a meal. If nine tenths of the modern cookery books, claiming to teach reforms, could be blotted out of existence, there would be fewer dyspeptics.

The Morning Caller

By Clara Edna Rosencrans

Like a Cool Breeze on a Sultry Day

By Clara Edna Rosencrans
"WE have heard a joyful sound,— Jesus saves, Jesus saves. Tell with gladness all around, Jesus saves, Jesus saves. Bear the news to every land; Climb the steeps, and cross the waves. Onward! 'Tis the Lord's command. Jesus saves, Jesus saves."
THE words of the dear old hymn rang out clear and sweet. They drifted down the broad old stairway, mingling with the business and bustle of one of the city’s busiest streets. A young man, passing, paused to listen. Then, as the music died away and began again, he looked at his watch, noted that it was but eight o’clock, and turning, passed through the screen door and up the stairs.
The minister looked up quickly as the man’s shadow fell across the threshold. "Am I intruding?" asked a pleasant voice. "I heard you singing, and thought I would come up."
"By no means," said the minister cordially. "Come right in and help us sing."
The young man, a tall, dark-eyed fellow of perhaps twenty-five, who carried a small box under his arm, came in and took the offered seat. An invalid in her easy chair smiled upon him kindly. She took him for a book agent. A Bible and a hymn book were handed to the new arrival; and after the singing had ended, the morning Scripture lesson began.
The invalid, thinking him one of those much-to-be-pitied young men who know nothing of God’s holy word, offered to help him find his place; but he said quietly, "I have it, thank you."
When he began to read, she was charmed, and looked at him with a new interest. He read the words with an emphasis so true, and understanding so just, and moreover, with such a deep insight into the hidden meaning of the text, that the minister asked him to explain it. This he did in a way which showed that he had been well instructed in the things of God. To illustrate his point, he told a little story. It does not matter what the Scripture was. I will simply give you the story.
"If you will pardon me for being personal," he said, smiling at the minister, who nodded in kindly assent, "I will tell you a little incident, something that occurred to me this summer. I am a student at Drury College, working my way through school"—here the little mission family felt their hearts warm toward him—"and have just returned from Kansas, where I have been working in the harvest. It has been fearfully hot and dry out there, and the work was pretty hard for a fellow whose muscles were soft." He laughed a good-natured, boyish laugh, then went on more seriously: "Well, one day I was going along down the hot, dry, dusty road. I was tired, and feeling just a little blue and discouraged. I was thinking thus with myself: 'Why does the Lord allow me to have such a hard time, knowing, as He does, that I have consecrated my life to Him, and am trying to fit myself for His service?'"
There was something very winning about the speaker, and the family leaned forward to catch every word, and their interest was stirred. "I had reached this point in my mental complaining," went on the young man, "and was beginning to feel a deep pity for myself, when, looking down, I saw a land tortoise dragging itself along the dry, dusty highway. The sun beat upon it with fervid heat, still it kept on its slow way, apparently making for some point that the sluggish mind knew well. I stopped and looked at it. I picked it up and turned it over, and my heart read a lesson I shall not soon forget. This little creature, so helpless, so slow as to be the easy prey of almost any animal, even smaller than itself, and possessing, it would seem, but very little intellect, was under the special care of its Creator. He had given it an armor so strong and hard that the citadel of its life could only be reached by chopping it to pieces, as was done with the dauntless knight in ancient warfare when he could be conquered in no other way. And just to think how God cared for that little helpless animal, here in a big, unfriendly world, made me ashamed of my unbelief."
The minister smiled genially upon the narrator. "Yes," he said; "nature is full of these lessons, if we only read them."
It was now time to close the morning worship, so the visitor was asked to lead in prayer. What a truly wonderful prayer that was, so full of faith and hope, so rich in the words of the dear old blessed Book! It began with those grand opening words of the ninetieth psalm: "Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God." He prayed for the great and needy harvest fields where he hoped one day to labor; for the workers in the wicked city where his lot was now cast; for the minister who was trying to hold up the light of gospel truth before some of its worst element; and for the entire mission family.
The young man stayed on and talked a while longer. Then, saying that he had an engagement for nine o’clock, he took his leave. It was a pleasant little break for the minister in the rather monotonous life of every day — meeting the worst side of humanity, ministering to the depraved and outcast.
The morning caller had come into the family like a cool breeze on a sultry day; and they all felt better—felt, too, that if he was a sample of the men "old Drury" was turning out, her work as a nursing mother was not in vain.

ALMOST SAVED, BUT ENTIRELY LOST

By A. S. Booth

BY A. S. BOOTH
"LITTLE children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." 1 John 2: 28.
This scripture teaches that when the Lord comes the second time, there will be two classes of people on the earth. One class will have perfect confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. The other class will be ashamed, and have no confidence. The latter class will be lost. They will be destroyed by "the brightness of His coming."
We might divide those who will be lost when the Lord comes, into three classes,—those who know not, and perhaps have not even made a profession of serving the Lord; those who confess Christ, but do not go the fullness of the way; and those who know the truth in its fullness, but neglect to obey.
Christ especially referred to the first class when He said: "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the Flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matt. 24: 37-39.

Taken by Surprise

WHEN the Flood came on the world, the majority of the inhabitants were taken by surprise. They "knew not." This was not because they had no opportunity, but because they rejected the opportunity the Lord had given them. They had had one hundred twenty years of opportunity. The Lord cannot be held responsible for people's not hearing. He is only responsible for granting the opportunity. When people reject the opportunity, the responsibility then rests with them.
The Lord says: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee: . . . seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also, forget thy children." Hosea 4: 6. It is not the knowledge which the world has not had an opportunity to gain that they are rejected for, but rather, the knowledge they have had an opportunity to gain, and have rejected. It is the knowledge of the law of God.
The fact that the majority of the people at the time of the Flood rejected the message of Noah, and made light of the messenger, did not alter the word of God. Neither did it prevent the coming of the Flood. The Flood came just the same, and the mockers were on the wrong side, and were lost.
The fact that many make light of the message of the second coming of Christ, and ridicule the truth for the last days, will not in the least alter the reading of the Word. Neither will it postpone the coming of Christ. The Lord will come just the same, and all the mockers will be on the wrong side, and will be lost, as in the days of Noah. Those of this class, who are wholly surprised when the Lord comes, cry out, "The great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Rev. 6: 17. What a terrible disappointment it must be to these who will have no confidence, and will be ashamed before Him at His coming!

Disappointed at the Last Moment

THE second class represent those who make a profession of serving the Lord, and expect to enter heaven. Of such He says: "Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." Matt. 7: 22, 23.
It is when we fully expect to do things, and at the last moment are not permitted to carry out our object, that we experience greatest disappointment. A person plans to take a vacation, or to visit some dear friends. Perhaps after a number of weeks of preparation, he finds that he will not be permitted to go. He will be much more disappointed than as if he had not made preparation. What must be the disappointment of those who fully intend to enter heaven, and are informed that the Lord never knew them, that they never have properly represented Him!
The Lord tells just why such will be left out of the kingdom. He says, "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven." Matt. 7: 21. All depends upon doing the will of the Lord, which is expressed in His law and word.
The second class enumerated with the lost will be more disappointed than the first. But the third class will be the most disappointed of all. Heaven has never looked upon the disappointment that will be realized at that day by those who have known the truth for the times, and have refused to follow the light the Lord has so graciously caused to shine upon their pathway, or have seen and acknowledged the truth, but have given up by the way.
The Lord is exceedingly anxious that we be numbered among those who will be found without spot or blemish, and will be able to sing the song of complete deliverance in that day.

Worry and Christ’s Yoke

"THERE are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world's standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is marred, and their life made a weariness. The continual worry is wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke. He says, 'My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.' Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty, He has His way prepared to bring relief. 'No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.' Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing."

For Sale

By J. L. Jones

On account of being asked to connect with the International Branch of the Pacific Press, at Chicago, Illinois, it will be necessary for me to dispose of this property in Mountain View, California: cottage of five rooms and bath, modern plumbing; on a lot 100 x 150, with 28 assorted fruit trees, young and bearing, and large white oak. Also tank and windmill, barn, chicken house, etc. Three blocks from S. D. A. church and church school. Other churches within easy walking distance. Five blocks from Pacific Press. Price very reasonable.
For further information, address J. L. Jones, Mountain View, California.

House for Sale

ON account of constantly traveling, and desiring to leave Mountain View, will sell house with half acre, six rooms, bath, pantry, and all modern improvements. Thirty-two assorted fruit trees suitable for family use, also walnut and almond trees, grapes, and blackberries. All young and bearing.
House in excellent condition. Good lawn. Good church and church school privileges, also public and high schools.
Price, $2,850. For terms, address Frank Dickson, Mariposa Avenue, Mountain View, Santa Clara County, California.

Look Upward and Onward

By Lura Moon Sanders

By LURA MOON SANDERS
ART thou aweary of toil and of pain? The Saviour has promised, I'll soon come again. Is thy soul tired of sorrow and sin? The infinite Comforter asks to come in. Trouble and sickness, earth's toil and its pain, Will vanish forever when He comes to reign.
Art thou distressed at the length of the road? Remember it leads to the city of God. Art thou alarmed at the trials that come? No trials await thee in that blessed home. Onward! Take courage! The prize is in sight, When Jesus will banish forever earth's night.
Art thou dismayed at the rumors of war? No war shall the peace of eternity mar. Art thou sore burdened, discouraged, cast down? Instead of a smile, do thy friends give a frown? Go to the Master in confident prayer. He'll carry thy burden and lighten thy care.
He knows thy conflicts and carries thy grief. He'll strengthen and aid thee, and give thee relief. Then when storms of sorrow sweep over the soul, Confide in the Saviour. He'll guide and control, Anchor thee safely in heaven thy home, Where trials are over, and thou shalt ne'er roam.

THE CHURCH

By Editor

Correcting God

Getting things twisted a bit when they attempt to do that, aren't they? This article shows that this is the tendency nowadays. The title is no more startling than many of the statements that you will find in the article.
Ten or twelve other topics, any one of which may be of even greater interest to you, are featured in the July number. Consider carefully the following:
"My Kingdom Is Not of This World" Fifteen Facts Regarding the Sabbath The World Outlook The Great War in Heaven Christ's Example in Prayer Talking for Peace Our London Letter Current Topics

Dr. Godsmark's

HYGIENIC COOKING OIL

The shortening used by vegetarians. Shipped everywhere from Louisville, Ky.
Write for prices and descriptive circulars Address Dr. O. C. Godsmark, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Olive Oil and Dried Fruit

By A. E. Crist

OLIVE OIL.—Pure, clean, and wholesome. Made by myself, from olives fresh from the trees. Per gallon, $2.00.
CHOICE DRIED FRUIT.—Muir peaches, 5½c; prunes, 8½c; pears, 8c; apricots, 11c; ripe olives, full quart cans, $2.25 a dozen; full gallon cans, small size, 55c. Quality excellent. Will keep 12 months. Hydrated or evaporated olives, 60c a gal. Only a small part of store prices. A. E. Crist, Chico, California.

Yosemite---

More Beautiful This Year than Ever Its Waterfalls Are Magnificent Its Laughing Streams Foam Joyously
Reduced Round Trip Excursion Fares Via Merced and El Portal from All Points in California
FOR TRAIN SERVICE ASK AGENT Southern Pacific

AN OPPORTUNITY

By James Cochran

TO DO MISSIONARY WORK

IN response to calls that appeared in the Coöperation Corner of the SIGNS bearing date of May 2 and 9, for donations to supply clubs of SIGNS to use in evangelistic efforts during the summer months, something like a score of workers have been supplied. We still have urgent calls we are unable to fill. We give a list of these below:
CLUB TIME
Stemple White, Duluth, Minn. 50 3 mos. $15.00
G. A. Stevens, Morgantown, W. Va. 125 3 mos. 37.50
Sydney Scott, Memphis, Tenn. 100 3 mos. 30.00
Prof. Russell, Fallon, Nev. 15 3 mos. 4.50
O. F. Front, Lake Charles, La. 15 3 mos. 4.50
E. W. Wolfe, Cresco, Iowa. 100 3 mos. 30.00
E. W. Catlin, Portland, Ore. 75 3 mos. 22.50
J. D. Alder, Eureka, Cal. 25 3 mos. 7.50
F. W. Rowland, St. Charles, Mich. 50 3 mos. 15.00
J. C. Lawrence, Louisville, Ky. 50 3 mos. 15.00
B. F. Kneeland, Dubois, Pa. 50 3 mos. 15.00
F. N. Johnson, Richmond, Va. 100 3 mos. 30.00
C. H. Rittenhouse, John Day, Ore. 20 3 mos. 6.00
New York City, 800 3 mos. 240.00
Some of the above laborers have already begun their meetings, and are exceedingly anxious to have a good club of the SIGNS to use from the very beginning of their efforts. We hope that many will respond to these urgent calls for literature. JAMES COCHRAN, Circulation Manager.

Think of It

By Editor

All of this for a single dime. Even less if you subscribe for a year — $1.00, or 8 1/3c a copy.
You can keep pace with developments in the religious world, and understand the unfolding prophecies of our Lord and His servants of old, only by reading and studying such publications as the Signs of the Times Magazine.

He Buys Fifty

A Boston gentleman who has a class of fifty-two men in the Methodist Sunday school, was so impressed with a recent number, that he personally called on our representative, and bought fifty more for distribution among his class members.
Our representative nearest you will gladly forward your subscription to us.
SIGNS of the TIMES MAGAZINE
Mountain View, California

Is the World Crazy?

By Editor

AN editorial paragraph in a recent issue of the Los Angeles Daily Times reads: "Is this old world crazy? With war covering the face of the earth, it is easy to believe that the end of all things is almost at hand. When in the history of this terrestrial sphere have things been so at sixes and sevens?"
Men are stupefied by the problems of this time. Many heroic individuals are grappling with them, and seeking to make conditions better. They doubtless will succeed in bringing this great world war temporarily to a close. But society as a whole will be filled with the violence and rioting of discontent and revolution.
God is not the author of all this turmoil, rioting, and confusion; but the wickedness of humanity has brought about the conditions that have made it necessary for God to permit things to come as they are at the present time; and while wickedness and sin continue to increase, we may know that these conditions will grow worse and worse. We need to be studying, as never before, the great light of truth that God's word sheds upon these turbulent times.

The Greed for Gain

MEN are becoming more and more unscrupulous in regard to what they sell to other people to eat, and we may be thankful for the good work of some of the public food inspectors. Nearly a million pounds of foodstuffs were recently condemned as unfit for use and destroyed by the California State Board of Health. Among the articles were something like seven tons of decomposed eggs, five tons of poultry, and over four hundred tons of condiments, chiefly catsup made from decayed tomatoes.
This is an age of the greatest enlightenment. Men know better than to do many of the things they are doing. But the greed for gain is leading thousands of them to commit deeds every day which are jeopardizing the life and health of their fellow men. The money lover would seem to say, "What do I care for the life or the prosperity of my fellow men, if I can only make money?"
THE subject of a meeting in Union Square, New York, on a recent day, was "birth control." Some two or three women addressed those who were assembled. Following the meeting, pamphlets on the subject of "birth control" were distributed from an automobile. The papers state that "many young girls came forward with outstretched hands for these pamphlets." Upon incidents of that character, thoughtful people will have some reflections which will be along a very different line from the sentiments of those who are promoting the meetings. The record of the conditions in Sodom and Gomorrah should be carefully studied; and in connection with them, there should be studied the predictions of the Christ in regard to the repetition, in these last days, of the scenes in those wicked cities of old.

A New Social Danger

In the Independent of May 22, 1916, the editor says that a leading paper in one of the countries now at war has introduced a proposition to revolutionize the institution of marriage. The suggestion is "that all births shall be made equally legitimate, and that no special advantage in law or sentiment should be given to children born in honorable wedlock." Correspondence received is said to approve the proposition.
This war not only takes from the home the father, the son, and the brother, but after drenching the earth with their blood, and leaving tens of thousands of broken hearts and sorrowing homes behind, threatens to destroy the social fabric on which the home itself stands. In order to replenish the nation's population devastated by war, and multiply sons more rapidly to face the cannon in case of future wars, the question of polygamy and concubinage is being weighed in some minds.
We do not know that such a thing will be seriously considered. For any of the great powers of the world to do so, which have stood for civilization and progress, would be to put a further blot on civilization and enlightenment. But it is difficult to tell, with any degree of accuracy, what the future along this as well as other lines may hold in store.
This war is not the end. Men may cry peace, but there is no peace; another war, even more terrible than this, will follow, before the curtain falls on the final act in the drama of this earth. As we look out on the future years of the world's history, aided by the unerring guide of prophecy, the picture grows darker and darker, and more hopeless. The only light upon the scene lies beyond. The hope is in the coming of the Prince of peace,—who will put an end to the bloody cruelties of war, and usher in instead the reign of peace.
This means the establishment of His kingdom, the kingdom of righteousness, when all earthly kingdoms have been carried away like chaff from the summer threshing floor. This is the hope of all God's trusting children. G. B. T.
Continue reading: A Great World Chorus