—The Moravians support one foreign missionary to every seventy-five members of the home church.
—A tract of 570 acres of land has been secured at Woodland, Spokane County, Wash., for a Catholic college.
—It is said that Bishop Wm. Taylor expects soon to visit Mashonaland, traveling inland from the east coast.
—The queen regent of Spain has written a letter to the pope thanking him for his gracious reception of the Spanish pilgrimage.
—The Presbyterian ministers of San Francisco and vicinity at their meeting last week appointed Rev. F. Rhoda and Rev. J. E. Scott a committee to consider the organization of an anti-saloon league, in accordance with the recommendation of the Temperance Congress recently held in that city.
—Rev. Eric Lewis, a minister of the Church of England, who recently connected with the mission of that body in Hawaii, has left its communion because he has become convinced that the seventh day is the true Sabbath, and that the immersion of penitent believers only is true water baptism.
—The Catholic Mirror of recent date has this item: "According to the 'Annals of Lourdes,' there have been, during the past year, seventy attested cures of different diseases through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, besides the many others not yet proved as miraculous cures by the medical academy established in that town. Most of the cases were desperate, among them being cancers, consumption, paralysis, asthma, and rheumatism."
—A Lincoln, Neb., dispatch says that Priest Corbett, weary of the delay in obtaining a hearing of the charges against Bishop Bonacum, and of the bitter warfare between the bishop and himself, has decided to go to Rome and present his grievances to the Vatican in person. The expenses incurred have almost impoverished the protesting clergyman, and, in order to obtain funds for his mission, Father Corbett has arranged a lecturing tour, taking for his subject "Why It Is So Hard to Be Good."
—The Honolulu Bulletin of June 4 says that the following notice was conspicuously posted in the police office of that city: "Police officers on duty will hereafter see that all shops and stores are closed on Sunday, excepting butcher shops, fruit stores, and barber shops, which may be open until 9 o'clock A.M., when they must close. Restaurants and places where meals are furnished may remain open all day. Drugs and medicines may also be sold on Sunday. All other stores are, however, to be kept closed." Some Chinamen had been arrested for keeping open stores, and some candy store people were about to test the validity of the law.
—"The times are sick in this land on account of the open Sunday theaters, the open Sunday saloons, the open Sunday Midwinter Fair."—Occident. The times are sick because religious teachers apologize for sin on other days by maintaining that it is worse on Sundays. Logically such teaching would wink at theft committed on any day but Sunday. Again that paper says, "The times will no longer be sick if the men and women of this land will come back to the simple and pure gospel of the New Testament." True; then there would be no such thing as compelling people to keep Sunday, for there is no such doctrine intimated in the "gospel of the New Testament." Christ or his apostles never advocated compelling people to observe any religious tenet; and when Sunday-law advocates "come back to the simple and pure gospel of the New Testament," we will hear no more of that travesty on Christianity.
SECULAR.
—President Cleveland has signed the bill making Labor day a national holiday.
—The salmon cannery of the Astoria (Or.) Packing Company was destroyed by fire on the 30th ult.; loss, $70,000.
—On the night of the 27th ult. an attempt was made to blow up the office of the Montreal Witness, an ultra-Protestant and Prohibition daily.
—Judge Colt, of the U. S. Circuit Court for Massachusetts, has decided that a Japanese is not entitled to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.
—An order of the Secretary of the Navy discontinuing work at the New York, Norfolk, and Mare Island Navy Yards leaves 3,500 men without employment.
—The assassination of President Carnot, of France, has put all the European governments on the alert for Anarchism. It is said that 150 arrests have been made in Rome. Another effect of the tragedy has been to bring the various heads of governments into closer sympathy—even those of Germany and France coming into closer bonds.
—The strike of the London cab drivers has cost the owners nearly $500,000. Quite a number of the owners have been driven into bankruptcy, while others have been compelled to sell out.
—At West Union, Ohio, on the night of the 25th inst., Henry Gilly was taken out by fifty masked men and whipped almost to death with hickory switches. It had been reported that he had beaten his wife.
—A French schoolteacher was illustrating to his pupils how President Carnot was assassinated, when a boy pressed forward so eagerly that he fell against the large knife in the teacher's hand and was instantly killed.
—Japan has undertaken to dictate a financial policy to Corea. The debt of Corea is said to be very large, and the collection of indemnity for damages inflicted on Japanese subjects by Coreans is said to be very difficult.
—It is announced from Paris that work will be resumed on the Panama Canal within a short time. But in Panama it is thought the announcement is made for the purpose of securing a renewal of the option, which will soon expire.
—Great damage to a paper factory at Valencia, Spain, was caused by the explosion of a dynamite cartridge on the 30th ult., but no person was injured. The deed was committed by an employe, who gave as a reason that he was an Anarchist.
—For the first time since the first statistics of emigration and immigration were made in 1820, the tide has been from the United States toward Europe during the past six months. The arrivals have been but two-thirds of the number of departures.
—Ex-President Ezeta, of Salvador, whose government was recently overthrown by revolution, has arrived in New York with his family. He says the revolutionists would not have succeeded had they not been assisted by Guatemalans and Hondurans.
—The jury in the case of Azoff, on trial at Santa Cruz, Cal., for the murder of Detective Len Harris, who attempted to arrest him in the act of robbing a railway station office, returned a verdict of murder in the first degree, with the death penalty attached.
—Three Czech youths have been found guilty of lurking around the Hoffburg, in Vienna, last March, for the purpose of assassinating Emperor Francis Joseph. Two of them have been sentenced to twelve years' and one to thirteen months' imprisonment.
—A Denver, Colo., dispatch states that brokers in Central City, and also in Boulder, Summit, and Park Counties, are paying a small premium for gold over the mint price, and the reason for such action is a mystery. Some people think the brokers anticipate a general rise.
—The crusade against Italian residents in Southern France on account of the murder of President Carnot has caused thousands of Italians to flee into Italy. It was found necessary to strengthen the military and police forces in order to protect the refugees in their flight.
—At Holdredge, Neb., on the night of the 30th ult., two masked men took possession of the streets, holding up everyone they met. One man on a bicycle attempted to run from them, when he was shot dead. As they obtained but little booty, they stole a team from a farm near by and escaped.
—A tugboat capsized off Sandy Hook, N. J., on the 24th ult., and over thirty persons were drowned. The accident was occasioned by the passengers crowding to one side to avoid the waves splashing upon the opposite side. The appeals of the captain not to crowd upon one side of the boat were unheeded.
—In San Francisco, on the 1st inst., extensive services were held by the French population in memory of the late President Carnot. In addition to special services in the French churches, there was a civic and military mass meeting in the large Mechanics' Pavilion, which was elaborately draped in mourning.
—Coal miners in the Nanaimo, B. C., district have won and lost. They notified the superintendent that a certain rate of wages must be established or there would be a strike. He conceded the demand, and then closed two mines and reduced the others to half time. This action left 500 men without any employment.
—Two deacons of Yarmouth, Me., have been swindled by "green goods" men of New York. They contracted for a lot of counterfeit money for a certain sum, and received a brick instead. After being victimized twice at the same game, they applied to the Secret Service authorities for revenge on the swindlers.
—About fifty people have joined in a scientific expedition to explore the interior of Labrador. The party includes representatives of Yale, Harvard, Philadelphia, and Michigan Universities, and is under command of Dr. F. A. Cook, who was second in command in the first Peary expedition to Arctic regions. The Esquimaux exhibited at the World's Fair will be sent home with the expedition, which was to sail from New York June 30.
—As a specimen of the spirit of the Industrial Army and other popular uprisings throughout the country, we have the following note sent to U. S. District Judge Ross, of Los Angeles, during the recent trial of 170 "industrials" for stealing a train at Mojave: "You send one of the Industrial Army to jail, and you will get some dynamite. By order of the K." The threat did not, however, have the desired effect, for the whole 170 culprits are now serving four months' sentences in county jails. They are distributed among eight counties.
—The lands in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, Cal., once granted to the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, and afterward claimed by the Southern Pacific Company, have reverted to the government. Although neither company ever earned the lands, both the District and Circuit Courts awarded the title to the S. P. Co. as the successor of the A. & P. But the U. S. Supreme Court reversed the decisions, and ordered the lower court to hear the case anew and enter judgment for the government. This was done on the 25th ult., and the people can score one victory against the great corporation.
—"On the morning of Sunday, May 6, the Industrial Army at Sacramento were without a morsel to eat, and they appealed to the churches on that day to assist them. Not a dollar was raised, and the Brewers' Union donated $36.75 to keep them alive. There is a distinction and difference in this episode."—Saloon Man. Sure enough, there is quite "a distinction and difference." Were it not for the breweries, the distilleries, the saloons, and their kind, most likely there would have been no army of unemployed men begging in Sacramento on that Sunday morning. And, considering the fortunes that these brewers have wrenched from the industrial masses, $36.75 was a paltry sum to return to them in their great want. Men with any sense of shame would not have published the donation as an act of generosity.
—A destructive cyclone struck portions of Minnesota and South Dakota on the 28th ult. At Litchfield, Minn., two women were killed. At Collegeville St. John's University was damaged to the extent of $30,000. At Glencoe a dozen or more people were seriously injured. At Danville the High School and Lutheran Church were blown down, and a woman was killed. In the vicinity of Pipestone a woman was killed, a man injured, a dozen houses wrecked, and crops extensively damaged. At Sleepy Eye a boy was killed, and a house containing a family of six was blown some distance from its foundation. Only one of the family, a girl of 14, was seriously hurt. At Wiimar over thirty buildings were wrecked, and at Roseland a family of seven are reported to have been all killed. At Sisselton Agency, S. D., a store was blown to pieces, Indian tepees were blown away, and a number of persons were injured. Two white men were killed.
CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE
AND
—BIBLE HYGIENE—
This Book treats the subjects of Temperance and Hygiene from a BIBLE STANDPOINT.
A good idea of the scope of the work can be formed by a glance at a few of the chapter headings: "Effects of Stimulants," "Extremes in Diet," "Home Education," "Relation of Diet to Health and Morals," "Parental Responsibility," "Dress," "Consulting Spiritualistic Physicians," "Social Purity," "Hope for the Tempted," "Diet and Cleanliness of the Hebrews," "The Gospel of Health," etc., etc.
The book contains 268 large pages, is printed on heavy paper, bound in cloth, embossed, with gold title on back and front cover. It is a book that all should have in their homes. Price, marbled edges, $1.25; gilt edges, $1.50.
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LIFE OF WILLIAM MILLER,
By Editor
WITH PORTRAIT.
THIS book contains sketches of the Christian experience and public labors of this remarkable man. No other man in this century has been more widely spoken of, and more generally misunderstood. These sketches were prepared by those who were his co-laborers, and are a true presentation of the leading events of his life and labors. In addition to the life and character of the man, the character of the Great Advent Movement, in which he acted so prominent a part, is clearly set forth. It is shown that Mr. Miller was no mere enthusiast, but a man of calm judgment, and his interpretation of the prophecies was mainly correct, his only mistake being in regard to the nature of the event to take place at the close of the 2300 days, in 1844. No one can consider himself well versed in the history of the advent movement in this country who has not read this book.
Contains 408 pp. Price, $1.00.
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“Living by Faith.” (Spanish.) A translation of Bible Students' Library No. 75; 16 pp.; price, 2 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.
The American Railway Strike
By Editor
The great topic throughout the country at present is the strike of the American Railway Union in sympathy with the employes of the Pullman Car Company. The result is that not only railroad business, but every business in any way dependent upon railroad travel or transportation, is for the time paralyzed. The aim of the strikers is to cause loss to the railroad companies unless they lay aside Pullman cars, but the practical effect is to cause loss of employment to many poor men whose employers are compelled to stop or curtail their mercantile or mechanical business for want of railroad accommodation. In California fruit ranchers and fruit dealers are in a measure ruined for the season for want of transportation facilities. The strikers would fain convey the idea that the movement is a defense of labor against capital; but practically it is a thrust at every man's interest on account of the grievance of a few employes of a private corporation. The greatest sufferers are those who are in no way responsible for the cause of the trouble, and are powerless to remedy it. The Southern Pacific Company is concentrating its efforts to break the strike at the three strategic points of Oakland, Sacramento, and Los Angeles.
In Colorado government troops have been called upon to interfere in the contest at Trinidad, and the probability is the government will be drawn into the contest in a general way. If the strike continues, the destruction of property will erelong become a feature of the fray, which will necessitate action on the part of State and government authority. The times are ripe for lawlessness, and, however the present contest may terminate, we may expect little else but strife and confusion from this time forth.
Sunday-Law Arrogance.
By Editor
The Australian soldiers during their Easter encampment at Langwarrin were allowed by their commandant to hold a concert on "Easter Sunday," after religious service in the morning. This stirred up the Presbyterian Assembly, which was shortly after that in session, and their Committee on Public Questions presented a report through Dr. Rentoul. And he thus stated the position of the religious people, according to the Melbourne Age: "They [the Sunday people], as a body, had in their hands a power of which the commandant never dreamed, a power to tilt him out of his place if the occasion absolutely demanded it. (Hear, hear.) They must see that the public money must not be used to prejudice religion in the minds of the young people of the colony."
The commandant, Major A. B. Tulloch, very properly said: "As commandant, I must protest against the members of any council or sect whatever endeavoring to force on other persuasions of men under my command their ideas, customs, or beliefs."
And this language was called by Dr. Rentoul "insolent." He further says: "The commandant had no right to attempt to dictate, instead of taking his instructions from the opinions of the people of the colony. (Hear, hear.) Such an attitude was not becoming in one appointed by the State and supported by the State."
Indeed! But what business has the Church with matters of the State? Whence came her authority? The above shows the growing arrogance of religious bodies, the determination to dictate to the State its duty. In fact, such a spirit is always manifest in connection with Sunday legislation.
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.
By Editor
Editorial.—Notes and Comments—Christianity Not Based on Feeling but Faith—The Secularization of the Church—Uncertain Sounds................545, 546, 560
General Articles.—"To Know Him" (verse)—Failure of the Rich in Bearing the Test—Church and State in the Light of the Golden Rule—"Ichabod" (verse)—A Loud Cry (part two)—Monkery (article 10)—Cast Your Care on God—Truth versus Falsehood—What Is Beyond for Our Earth?—Conversation With a Moorish Jew—Confidence in God................547-552
Home and Health.—Don't Marry Him to Reform Him (verse)—Manners and Manner—Sharp Words—The Piano Education—Opinions Concerning Tobacco—Scopæ Exercise for Girls—The Sociology of Animals—Diligence Noticed................553, 554
Mission Fields.—The King's Messengers (verse)—The Partition of Africa—The Encouragement of Taoism—Mohammedanism in Arabia—Leprosy Cured................554, 555
Our Work and Workers.—Only (verse)—Faith Must Have Exercise—Suggestive Thoughts—Field Notes................556, 557
International S. S. Lessons.—Flight into Egypt (Lesson 4, Sunday, July 22, 1894)—Preparing for His Coming (Lesson 3, Sabbath, July 21, 1894)................557, 558
News and Notes.—Religious—Secular.....559
Jesuits and Spiritualists
Both Jesuits and Spiritualists are holding forth in this city, propagating their soul-destroying doctrines, and both are meeting with favor from the public.
The Value of the Signs
By Editor
IN another column will be found an article entitled "Church and State in the Light of the Golden Rule." During this present volume nearly every scripture, in both the Old and New Testaments, which has a direct bearing on the question of Church and State from the standpoint of Christianity, apart from the prophecies, has been candidly considered in this paper, and some of the prophecies have been treated. And all this has been but a small part of the good matter presented. Do our readers realize this? Do they stop to calculate the worth of the vast amount of reading matter they are getting for the small sum of one dollar and fifty cents? If they do, we ask their coöperation in giving the SIGNS a more extensive circulation than it has ever before known.
The Sabbath Question and Faith
THE whole Sabbath question centers around the simple question of faith in God's word. The record of the institution of the Sabbath is plain; the commandment is plain; the words of Christ that the law cannot be changed in one jot or tittle are plain; the evidence is clear that Christ himself gave the Sabbath and honored it by calling himself its Lord. All these facts are expressly revealed in God's word. Jesus kept the Sabbath, and he says: "Follow me;" "If ye love me, keep my commandments;" "Blessed are they that do His [the Father's] commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city;" "I and my Father are one." And the Father says, "Hear ye Him." It matters not that good men have kept the Sunday; the question of faith is, "What does God say?"
The Real Question.
By Editor
A leaflet has been laid upon our table entitled "Which Are We Under, Moses or Christ—The Law or the Gospel, the Seventh Day, or the Sabbath, or the First Day, of the Week, the Lord's Day?" The whole trend of the argument (?) in the tract is to show that God's immutable law was but temporary and is abolished. A sample of its argument is the following in favor of Sunday: "The commission that has salvation for all nations was given to the apostles on the first day of the week. Matt. 28: 18, 19; Mark 16: 15, 16. Jesus ascended to heaven on the first day of the week. He sent the Spirit upon the apostles on that day. Repentance and remission of sins was first preached in Jesus' name on the first day of the week. The church of Christ was organized on the first day of the week, in the city of Jerusalem, after Christ rose from the dead." Now if all of the foregoing were true—which they are not, as can easily be shown—this would by no means prove the abrogation of God's Sabbath nor the sacredness of the first day. The real question is, Shall we follow God's word and Christ's example, or shall we follow tradition and the example of erring men?
THE PRESENT CONDITION.
By Editor
AT this present writing we are practically cut off from the East, by the great railway strike, or what is called the "Pullman boycott." Without regard to the merits or demerits of the case, that is a strange condition of affairs that paralyzes the entire commerce of the country because a firm in the State of Illinois has a disagreement with its employes. And that is the height of selfish, criminal fatuity which will demand that this strike be settled before the great thoroughfares of the country shall be allowed to run their regular trains. The times are perilous. The great mass of humanity are in a highly inflammable condition. One spark starts the general conflagration, and the innocent are the sufferers. This present Fourth of July breaks ominously for the republic. Lawlessness is rampant; justice is sleeping. The religious teachers in the land have in many cases shown themselves as the despisers of God's law. His law has been ridiculed, despised, condemned, and set aside by tradition, till men think God altogether such an one as themselves. The wind has been sown; we have begun to reap the whirlwind, and the end is not yet.
A Better Day Is Coming
By Editor
A Better Day Is Coming.—We are no pessimist in the sense of believing that the ultimate end of everything is destruction; but we do not believe that good is the natural fruit of evil. It is a law inexorable that whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. It is as true of the world at large as it is of the individual man. The old Idumean patriarch well asked, "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?" and he well answers, "Not one." The world is corrupt, carnal, selfish, sinful. Its only hope, the only hope of every individual soul, is the acceptance of Christ by each one. But this will not be. God has predicted it. Yet beyond all the crimes and sin and wickedness and blackness of despair dawns the golden morning of Christ's everlasting reign, ushered in by his coming in power and glory. Those who have come to know him now, in this life, will know him then as a Friend, Saviour, and King, while those who neglect him here, but choose selfishness and sin in his stead, will meet the fate of the sin they have chosen, namely, utter negation of being. It is for that glorious day we look. All the evils we now see are, in the light of God's word, but omens of the coming dawn of an eternal day which shall never know a westering sun.
A COMBINATION OFFER FOR ALL.
By Editor
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