ENGLAND has been having all kinds of weather except that which would properly be expected in summer. A few days ago, a man muffled up in a thick overcoat stepped up to a news-stand and asked for the Christmas number of a certain magazine. He was told that it was not out yet, but the publishers were hurrying it forward, and it would doubtless be on sale in a few days. Farmers are having great trouble in curing their hay, and grain crops give small promise of ripening. Trade has naturally been bad, except for the makers of mackintoshes and umbrellas. Just at present, however, the weather clerk is giving more favorable forecasts, and yesterday was the first really warm day the country has had since Easter. So it is still permitted to hope for sunshine and soft breezes.
Appropriations and Conscription.
In the House of Commons, the government is manfully wrestling with a large amount of business, hoping it will not be necessary to make any further reductions in its program. The Army Bill will undoubtedly pass, the Lords being favorable to it on the whole. Lord Roberts thinks it good as far as it goes, but he, with many others, is a strong believer in conscription. This idea is growing in certain quarters. It is not likely to take definite shape during the Liberal regime, but if a moderate government were to succeed to power in a few years, some kind of universal conscription would be not only possible but probable.
Thus we see powerful influences making for militarism even while the nations in conference are talking of peace and good-will. One of the latest arguments in favor of universal training is based on the poor physique of the young Englander. Lord Raglan, presiding at a recent meeting of the Royal Institute of Public Health, went out of his way to make a strong appeal to the country to adopt a system of conscription, alleging that the decline in physique and manly vigor which was apparent in our young men is largely owing to the lack of enforced military training.
Ludgate Hill and Circus, from Fleet Street, London.
The Struggle between the Lords and the Commons.
There has been a great deal of speculation regarding the proposed legislation which is to regulate the relations between the Lords and the Commons. The prime minister's announcement was awaited with eager curiosity, and the Conservatives have quite generally condemned it as a dangerous innovation, it is, as a matter of fact, couched in such extremely moderate terms that it is likely in some form to pass into law. What it really amounts to is simply a proposal that it shall be possible for a united party in the Commons to carry out in the lifetime of one Parliament the reforms which it regards as essential, whether the upper house agrees or not. In other words, when the people on election day give a mandate to any party, it is not to be possible for the House of Lords to prevent that mandate from being carried into effect.
Disappointment in the Liberal ranks owing to the dropping of the McKenna Education Bill is somewhat allayed by the administration measures taken to relieve the situation. Denominational tests have now been abolished in secondary schools and training colleges, and Parliament is being asked to appropriate money for the building of schools in places where there is but one school at present, so that Non-conformists will not be obliged to educate their children in Anglican institutions.
London, from the Monument, Looking East.
The Enthusiasm Dying Out.
The enthusiasm with which the peace conference at The Hague was at first hailed by Liberals is fast dying away, and the foremost Liberal newspapers are not backward in casting blame upon the English delegation11for the apparent unfruitfulness of the conference thus far. There seems to be some reason for this feeling of disappointment. England entered the convention after boldly announcing her intentions to lend her influence in support of the limitation of armaments, and of the consideration of the higher problems looking toward peace among the nations. But in the actual proceedings thus far she seems to have hindered the progress of the meeting along the lines which were marked out for it at the first. What causes there may lie underneath, it is not given us to know at this stage; but from a superficial view, the course of the English delegation would seem to be at least disappointing.
The Progress of the New Theology.
In the religious world, the New Theology controversy continues to hold a front position, and Mr. R. J. Campbell's book comes in for a good deal of just criticism. "The Old Faith and the New Theology" is the title of a book purporting to set forth the true attitude of Congregationalism to the new teaching. It consists of papers by prominent Congregational ministers on Sin, the Atonement, and other fundamental matters of faith.
Mr. Campbell continues to identify himself strongly with socialism and with movements closely allied with it. Yesterday he spoke at the first meeting of the Men's League for Women's Suffrage. Referring to the disorderly scenes created in the House of Commons by a certain section of the women who are working for women's suffrage, he said that in Britain all great reforms had been accomplished, for the most part, by breaking the law. Mr. Campbell seems to some of his friends to have lost his bearings generally, and to be taking positions in various matters which are contrary to his own best judgment.
Romanism in the Anglican Church.
The Ritual controversy in the Church of England continues unabated. Twelve months have passed since the Royal Commission on Ecclesiastical Discipline submitted its report,—a lengthy document contained in five good-sized volumes. The commission included such eminent personages as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Oxford, the Marquis of Northampton, the Lord Chief Justice, and many other notable men. It held 118 sittings, examined 164 witnesses, and received replies to over 23,000 questions. What did it accomplish? Is there any prospect of the elimination from the Church of England of those practises described by the report as lying "on the Romeward side of a line of deep cleavage between the Church of England and that of Rome?" The answer must be in the negative. Nevertheless the Low Church party still carries some influence.
There is talk of preparing a new rubric regulating the vestments of the clergy and the conduct of the services as well as the ornaments and fittings of churches, but as neither House of Convocation has unanimously accepted this recommendation, the matter has been referred to a committee. But leading churchmen on both sides repudiate the idea of a new rubric; so it is hardly likely to go thru.
Ritualists do not want the new regulations, because they prefer to be left absolutely free to carry on their gorgeous services as they see fit. Low churchmen, on the other hand, fear that any tampering with the prayer-book will mean a letting down the bars; they dread the power of Rome which is steadily growing, and feel that the only hope for the church lies in close adherence to the principles of the Reformation.
The situation is a very delicate one. There is strong feeling on both sides, and a disastrous split could easily be precipitated. How far the Ritualists have gone, and how great their influence in high quarters, may be seen from the new English Hymnal recently published by the Oxford Press. It contains hymns invoking the aid of the Virgin Mary and the saints, and in general savors strongly of Roman Catholicism. The Bishop of Bristol was the first to forbid its use in his diocese, and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have also placed their ban upon it. An expurgated edition has now been issued.
Lord Halifax, the leader of the Ritualists, denies the authority of the Royal Commission, and, for that matter, is not willing to grant any real directing authority to the bishops of a diocese. He upholds auricular confession, the invocation of saints, the use of incense and images, and a large number of the clergy are guilty of these practises in their respective dioceses. Some begin with ritualism, and in time go over entirely to Rome; the majority prefer to remain in the English Church while doing their utmost to subvert its essential principles, and capture it entirely for the Papacy. Meanwhile Rome looks on with amused complacency; as much as to say, Whichever way the quarrel turns out, I am likely to gain something. In this she is entirely right. If there should be a split, the Ritualists would probably join Rome outright. If there is no split, the whole body will gradually move in that direction. Rome has only to remain quiet, and all the daughters of a false and warring Protestantism will gather themselves at her feet.
Convents are another phase of the Romeward movement in the Anglican church. Some very unpleasant facts came to light a few weeks ago in the courts of law, when the sisters of St. Mary at the Cross were accused of obtaining money from a Miss Florence Lovgood by undue pressure. It transpired in the course of the inquiry that these English convents are not even subject to inspection, as are those of the Roman Catholic Church, and consequently the inmates are entirely at the mercy of the mother superior in charge.
Canon Hensley Henson, of Westminster Abbey, referring to this incident, says: "It remains the case that for a whole generation the Anglican convent in Shoreditch has illustrated and propagated a definitely medieval conception of Christianity, restoring within its walls and within the range of its influence the specific doctrines and disciplines which the Church of England deliberately and categorically repudiated at the Reformation." "It remains," he adds, "the case that this literal 'undoing of the Reformation' has proceeded under direct episcopal sanction from the first."
Labor Difficulties.
Labor difficulties are a good deal to the fore in these days. It is not strange that a section of London's long-suffering shop-assistants should be on a strike. They are not asking for higher pay, but for the privilege of "living out." The majority of shop-assistants in England, Ireland, and Wales "live in." That is, they are lodged and boarded in premises belonging to the firm for which they work, and as a consequence, receive a comparatively small wage in money. The system is prolific of abuses, and even in the best houses, works unnecessary hardship for the hapless employee, who never gets from under the nagging eye of the shop-walker. Meals are always hurried, and in smaller places of business the shop-assistant is often interrupted in the midst of his dinner to wait on a customer. The food is likely to be of the poorest, and the serving still worse, while the bedrooms are practically without any ventilation, unwarmed, and badly crowded. The day's menu runs about as follows: Breakfast, white bread and margarin with wretched tea or coffee. Dinner, hash, vegetables, with pudding perhaps twice a week. Tea, bread and margarin again with a cup of tea; and for supper, bread and cheese.
The worst feature of the food is its poor quality. The manager of this department is allowed so much per head, and is encouraged to manage so as to have a good surplus above the allowance. In most firms the profits of the "living-in" establishments are immense. Hence the survival of the institution in spite of the many good reasons why it should be abolished. It is claimed by the proprietors that the morals of the shop-assistant are safeguarded by "living in;" but the kind of supervision furnished in most places is exceedingly minute so far as regards the interests of the firm, and very lax on the side of the employees' moral culture. In fact, the system often leads to vice, the indiscriminate mingling together of depraved and innocent girls in dormitories, opening a way for the rapid spreading of the virus of evil.
General Booth and His Degree.
General Booth, head of the Salvation Army, has received from Oxford University the honorary degree of D.C.L.—Doctor of Civil Law. This means much. Who would have dreamed of it twenty-five years ago, when the Salvationists were pelted in every street, mocked, derided, and utterly contemned? There is one explanation, and only one. The Army has undertaken, and is successfully carrying out, a work of rescue and restoration of the downtrodden masses which compels the admiration of all thinking people. They are getting hold of the drunkard, helping him onto his feet, and finally sending him with his family to start life again under better conditions in Canada and other new countries. They are lending a helping hand also to the poor and the unfortunate; they are meeting the convict at the prison gate, and aiding him to find an honest job.
These things need to be done, and the Army justifies its existence and puts the world under obligation while it does them, even tho in the actual work of winning souls for the Master, it seems to have somewhat less power than formerly. Perhaps the increase of prosperity is to blame. Persecution does help to keep a community pure. Nevertheless, the Army is filling a large place in social reform, and it is a pleasure to see its venerable founder, still young and enthusiastic in spirit, receive from England's most famous university this acknowledgement of long and highly meritorious service in behalf of his fellow men.
M. ELLSWORTH OLSEN.
London, July 12.
What Have We Done To-Day?
By Nixon Waterman
Nixon Waterman
WE shall do so much in the years to come,
But what have we done to-day?
We shall give out gold in a princely sum,
But what did we give to-day?
We shall lift the heart and dry the tear,
We shall plant a hope in the place of fear,
We shall speak with words of love and cheer,
But what have we done to-day?
We shall be so kind in the after while,
But what have we been to-day?
We shall bring to each lonely life a smile,
But what have we brought to-day?
We shall give to truth a grander birth,
And to steadfast faith a deeper worth,
We shall feed the hungering souls of earth,
But what have we fed to-day?
The Closing Gospel Message in Korea
By F. W. Field
Korean Articles—Number Five
THE closing message of the Gospel is to go "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Knowing that this must include Korea, we longed to see this message find an entrance there. But all we could do was to pray and wait for the providence of God to open the way. And when we began to pray definitely that present truth might find an entrance into Korea, we had not long to wait.
A Significant Incident.
In June, 1904, a Korean with a Chinese Bible in his hand was seen standing in front of our meeting-place in Kobe, Japan, apparently attracted by the notice announcing Christian meetings. Our brethren beckoned him to come in, but were unable to converse with him. But Brother H. Kuniya, having studied Chinese composition years before, was able to communicate with him by writing in Chinese characters. He explained that he was a Christian, and with his family was on his way to Hawaii to find work. He at once became interested in the Bible truths presented to him, and came day by day to study. He gladly received the truth concerning the Sabbath, the soon coming of the Saviour, the true form of baptism, and kindred subjects. And having a missionary spirit, he brought a fellow countryman, who also became interested. The brethren improved every opportunity to instruct these two inquirers during their brief stay in Kobe; and just before they went they were baptized, thus pledging themselves to live out the truth they had received.
The one went on his way to Hawaii, and when last heard from he was still rejoicing in the truth, and walking in the light. The other returned to his own country; and on the boat that bore him home, this brother met Mr. Lim Ki Pan, a Korean Christian who had spent several years in evangelistic work in Hawaii. Mr. Lim gladly received the truths presented to him; and when he reached his home near Chinnampo, he began at once to disseminate the light among his neighbors and friends. In the course of a few weeks, nearly twoscore of souls had accepted the truth so far as presented. The letter bringing this good news was written by Mr. Kang Chang O, one of this company of believers; and in it he begged that some one should come and teach them further. "Dear brother," he wrote, "when you read this, take a boat quickly and come to us."
A Remarkable Missionary Tour.
Such an appeal was not to be denied; so Brother Kuniya, tho understanding scarce a word of Korean, sailed for Chinnampo to their assistance. Brethren Lim and Kang joined him in labor, and together they went from village to village where an interest had been awakened, presenting the truth more fully, and establishing the faith of the believers. The work of teaching the people was slow and awkward; for the Korean brethren [[FIGURE]]
knew only a few words of Japanese, and Brother Kuniya was able to acquire only a very limited vocabulary of Korean during the few weeks of his stay. So when spoken words failed, they made use of their common knowledge of the Chinese characters, writing their questions and answers on a small folding slate.
Wherever they went a deep interest was awakened. One young woman heard about the Japanese evangelist who was teaching that the seventh day is the Sabbath; so she set out to find him, and to investigate the matter. She went from village to village inquiring, but just missing the workers as they traveled about. But she was not to be defeated, and so continued her search till she found them; then she listened with eager interest, and gladly accepted the truth. And now she is devoting her time to the same work of teaching present truth to her people.
Reforms That Broke Their Pipes.
But these great truths for the last days call for a thorough reformation, a putting away of every defilement of the flesh and spirit. So the truths of health reform and of Gospel temperance were not neglected during this initial campaign in Korea. Nearly all Koreans of both sexes smoke tobacco; and even among those who have professed Christianity, but few have abandoned this hurtful habit. But those who accepted the Sabbath and kindred truths did not refuse to put away their tobacco. In one village, thirteen long-stemmed pipes were broken and thrown away. It was truly a pleasure to labor for people who seemed so willing to accept every truth and perform every duty presented.
In September, the writer reached Chinnampo and joined the other workers; and together we made the rounds again, visiting every village where believers had taken their stand for the truth. Wherever we went the people seemed eager to learn. We met them at their homes, in their little churches, and13by the wayside; and wherever opportunity offered, the truth was presented.
Organizing Churches and Instructing Them.
During this trip, three churches were organized, and the usual officers duly elected. Then, upon our return we appointed a general meeting at Chinnampo, just a few days before we were to leave for Japan. Over thirty of the believers were present, and each company was well represented. At this meeting we gave much parting instruction concerning the duties of church-officers, the payment of tithes, and other practical matters. We also celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. Our communion-table was a foot square and five inches high. The wine for the service we made ourselves from grapes brought all the way from Pyeng Yang. It was the first time these people had ever witnessed the celebration of the ordinance of humility; but they joined heartily in the service, and were blessed accordingly.
At this meeting two men were present from the village of Pamegi, beyond the Tadong River; and they came with the request that we visit their village also, and instruct the people further in these important Bible truths. The people of this village had heard something of these things from their neighbors; and these two men had come all the way to our meeting to learn more, and to induce us to visit them. It was already Wednesday, and our boat was to leave Friday; but such an appeal was not to be denied. A walk of fifteen miles brought us to the village after dark. We spent several hours with the people in their little meeting-house, and it was midnight when we lay down to rest. Next day further instruction was given, eleven candidates were accepted and baptized, and organized into a church. We left them early in the afternoon and reached Chinnampo after nightfall, thoroly tired out, but rejoicing in the work the Lord was doing among this people.
The Work Till Brother Smith's Arrival.
We returned to Japan as we had planned, leaving behind four organized churches, besides a number of scattered believers. In all, over seventy received baptism, and each organized company reported several interested ones who were not yet fully established in the truth. Since these early labors, the work has continued to grow. Brethren Lim and Kang gave their time to the work among their people, and the Lord has blessed their labors. While a few of the believers have given up the truth, the great majority have stood firm, and others have joined them. We kept in touch with the work in Korea by correspondence and by occasional visits till the fall of 1905, when Elder W. R. Smith and family came to make Korea their field of labor. These workers first located in Seoul, the capital, but after a few months removed to Chinnampo, and finally settled permanently at Soonan, on the railway just north of Pyeng Yang. Their first year was spent largely in language study; but in addition to this, Brother Smith has been able to visit the various companies frequently.
In November of last year, Brother W. D. Burden and the writer made a visit to the Korean field. In company with Brother Smith we were able to visit all the companies of believers; and it was a cause of great rejoicing to see how the work has advanced during the past two years. In addition to the four original companies, there are now good, strong companies at Chinnampo, Pyeng Yang, and Soonan. Also at Hamjong, to the northwest, near the sea, a company of over twenty have accepted the truth. There is also a small company at Sukchun, on the railway north of Soonan; and it is reported that there are scattered believers in various villages in those parts. But it is difficult to give accurate reports until more careful work has been done.
A Permanent Success.
There are now five organized churches in the field, with a membership of about one hundred, and four unorganized companies with about seventy-five members, and scattered believers sufficient to bring the total [[FIGURE]]
membership up to about two hundred. It will be of interest to note that each church and company has a meeting-place of their own, tho in several instances they have found it necessary to make small loans for the purpose. These little Korean churches are built in native style, with mud-plastered walls and thatched roofs. But to the Koreans in their poverty, the expense is probably as great as our churches are to us.
As the number of believers and interested ones has increased, we have added to the number of native evangelical workers, till now seven are giving their time to this work. One more worker has also come from America to labor for the Koreans. In December last Miss Mimi Scharffenberg of Wisconsin arrived, and will prepare for Bible work among the women of Korea.
The Korean field certainly presents wonderful opportunities for missionary effort. Our work has made a good beginning there, but Korea is still a very needy field. The merest beginning has been made in publishing present truth in Korean. There is need of more workers of experience, who shall be able to bring the work up to a higher standard. Some provision must also be made for the training of native laborers who shall be fitted to carry the truth to their people. And we ask the prayers and cooperation of the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES in this effort for the evangelization of this promising field.
F. W. FIELD.
Tokyo, Japan.
Korean Children at Play.
Our Korean Evangelists.
Our Work and Workers.
TWENTY-THREE were baptized at Velva, N. D., during a recent camp-meeting held there.
THE Mineral (Kans.) church was recently increased by twelve new members, five by baptism, thru the labors of Brother J. W. Lair.
COLD weather and rain have hindered the work at Jersey Shore, Pa., but eight have taken their stand for the truth as presented by Brother I. M. Martin.
THE Atlantic Union Gleaner reports the organization of a church of twelve members at Fiskdale, Mass. Eight of these were baptized July 6 by Brother H. C. Hartwell.
TEN in Rockport, Texas, have signified their intention to keep all the commandments of God. Brethren W. L. Brandon and W. M. Cubley presented the truth to them.
Wanted for Missionary Work.
By Editor
THE following desire denominational papers and tracts of all kinds:
D. C. Bartche, 707 Central Ave., Lexington, Ky.
A. Ellen Randlett, 526 Third St., Edmonton, Alta., Can.
Mrs. Jannette Lipp, R. F. D. No. 1, Adamsville, Ala.
SIGNS and other denominational papers. Address Mrs. Ella Wright, Gold, Pa.
Clean copies of the SIGNS. Address, Ella E. Fowler, Box 762, Twin Falls, Idaho.
Foreign Literature for San Francisco.—Tracts, periodicals, and books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Finnish, Rumanian, or other foreign languages, are much needed in San Francisco. Brother J. P. Novak, care Hydriatic Dispensary, 916 Laguna St., San Francisco, Cal., is engaged in self-supporting missionary work, and can use to advantage any literature in any language, including English publications. Always prepay transportation.
Beautiful Bible Mottoes
No home complete without them
There is no better time than the present to sell them. They sell readily everywhere, and agents are making good wages. An inspiration to higher living in every home. Nearly 75 styles of mottoes in English, and two each in German, Danish and Swedish. Ten dozen beauties, $7.00. Sell for $25.00. Five dozen, $3.75. Sixteen samples, all different, $1.00. All prepaid. Safe delivery guaranteed. Particulars free.
Address, Home Art Co., Box 114, College View, Neb.
Waitresses and Janitor Wanted
WANTED.—Girls to wait table. Man to do janitor work and wash dishes. Address, Vegetarian Cafe, 105 Sixth St., Portland, Or.
ONE HUNDRED HOP PICKERS
Wanted at Hopland, 30 miles north of Healdsburg, California, about August 20. Clear, cool, running water. Free soda springs close by. Address,
Harvey Edson
Box 22, Hopland - - - California
Sabbath-Keeper Woodcutters Wanted
WANTED.—Ten men to chop wood near Sanitarium, Cal. Must be Sabbath-keepers. Address, J. B. Fradenburg, Sanitarium, Napa Co., Cal.
WALL MOTTOES.
They are selling everywhere. Three agents ordered 5,000 each. One agent has taken, in less than eight months, 6,783 mottoes. If you send us a good recommendation from the elder of your church we will mail you one dozen on thirty days' time. Send a two-cent stamp if you want further particulars. Address, Hampton Art Company, Hampton, Iowa.
