Earlier text: Physical Culture and School ChildrenPreach the Word
By F. M. W.
Avoid the Speculative and Sensational
NEVER perhaps in the history of mankind were the nations of men so deeply stirred as they are today. Intensity has taken possession of their hearts. An almost frenzied madness possesses the multitude. Startling events are taking place in rapid succession. No man knows what a day or an hour may bring forth. Thousands are looking into the future with trepidation. They wonder what will be the outcome of the conditions which exist. How will this great European conflict end? What is the portent and meaning of the present situation? To Seventh-day Adventists, as the professed expositors of the prophecies of the Word, many are looking for an answer to these questions. There is afforded us today an unprecedented opportunity of giving to our fellows a knowledge of the special truths for this time. We shall be recreant to our trust if we fail to step into the doors of opportunity opening before us. But associated with these opportunities is great danger to us as Christian workers,—danger that we shall be carried away with the spirit of speculation so rife in the world at the present time, and go beyond that which the teaching of the Scripture warrants. We may teach with assurance that the soon coming of the Lord is clearly indicated by the signs which are fulfilling on every hand. We know what will be the final outcome of the great controversy between truth and error. However, there are very many details relating to individual nations about which the Word is silent. It ill becomes us as ministers of that Word to mingle our own theories and ideas with what the Scriptures teach. No man can forecast the outcome of the present conflict. No one knows whether victory will turn on the side of the Dual Alliance or on the side of the Triple Entente, and it will not help the cause of the gospel for us to speculate over these questions. Wild, thoughtless, sensational statements may create a stir; they may catch the popular ear for the time being, but they will not commend this message to the serious consideration of sober, thinking men and women. Let us be conservative in our estimates, guarded in our statements. Let us neither rush into print with sensational statements nor express from the pulpit any sentiments which are not clearly and fully warranted by the Scriptures of Truth. Hundreds of religious teachers will do this. We cannot afford to adopt their tactics. We cannot afford to assume knowledge which we do not possess. We should content ourselves with preaching the Word, and going no farther than that Word warrants in forecasting the future. Let us act the part of sane, sensible, sober-minded men and women, appreciating fully the responsibility which is thrown upon us in presenting in the true spirit of the Master the message for this time. And let us pray God to eliminate from our hearts all partisanship. We are debtors to all men. To the high and the low, to the rich and the poor, to the learned and the illiterate, to the Jew and the Gentile, to the Greek and the barbarian, this message is to go today. The banner of Prince Immanuel is to be unfurled in the land of every flag and every nationality. God has committed to us the gospel of peace. Let us exemplify this gospel in our lives, and proclaim to the inhabitants of all the earth the message of peace and good will in Christ Jesus. Who Is Leading?
By C. M. S.
A SPIRITUALIST writer, who styles himself Zadkiel, has an article in the Washington Post of September 13, which purports to be a mediumistic interview with the spirit of Napoleon Bonaparte concerning the war which is now raging in Europe. The admission of the alleged spirit of Napoleon that he is leading in this war is worthy of note, when considered in connection with the statements contained in Rev. 16: 13-16. While we do not hold that this is the battle of Armageddon, there is no question but that the “spirits of demons” are now doing their work of preparing the nations for that mighty conflict. The record says:— “I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs: for they are spirits of demons, working signs; which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. . . . And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-Magedon.” Rev. 16: 13-16, A. R. V. The interview with the alleged spirit of Napoleon reads:— Question.— Is Napoleon present? Answer.— I greatly appreciate your calling for me. Napoleon a Friend of Peace
Ques.— Are you interested in the war now prevailing in Europe? Ans.— I am greatly shocked and filled with consternation. I would like to join forces with your good President; I am for peace. Ques.— Can you foresee the results of the war? Ans.— There are many nations contending on all sides; old animosities engendered in my time are influencing these nations. I have more at stake than any one else, for my generals are leading the armies of France. I am responsible for the battle of Waterloo, and the bitterness engendered there has kept many a soul over here in a state of unrest. They have now found an opportunity to vent their wrath in this warfare. It will be terrible in its results to the earth; destruction of nations will follow in its wake. Ques.— Will the final results be better or worse for the peoples of the earth? Ans.— All upheavals result in good after a time; but when personal animosities are formed, evil thoughts emanating from those minds will continue to bring eruptions on earth. Ques.— Can you tell us what the results will be? Ans.— A nation will cease to exist (probably Austria). A kingdom will fall into evil repute. (Doubtless Germany, in consequence of the barbarity of her soldiers.) Decisive Battle Near Switzerland
Countries will mourn the flower of their youth. Trouble and disgrace will come upon many. Ques.— Will the great final battle be fought in Belgium, near Waterloo? (The armies were then contending in the eastern part of Belgium, and military critics were predicting that the great battle of the war would be fought near Waterloo; but the answer was very emphatic to the contrary.) Ans.— No. Switzerland will feel the force of contending armies more than any other country in the world. I am commanding the line of defense, not pushing an encounter, but using my strength to prevent carnage. Ques.— What are your feelings with regard to England? Ans.— We are joined in a common cause for humanity. Note that Napoleon is “greatly shocked;” that he is desirous of joining with America’s President; that he is “for peace;” that, in spite of the fact that he is a spirit, living in the spirit world, yet he has “more at stake than any one else,” for his “generals are leading the armies of France;” that the spirits over there are in a state of unrest, and now8 have “an opportunity to vent their wrath in this warfare;” that he is “commanding the line of defense;” that he is using his strength “to prevent carnage;” and that he is joined with England “in a common cause for humanity.” It may be true, and probably is, that the above is really an interview with a spirit; but it is not the spirit of Napoleon. It is one of those demon spirits mentioned in the text quoted from Revelation, and the declaration of that spirit does in reality corroborate the scripture mentioned. These “spirits” of Napoleon and his generals are the unseen agencies of the prince of darkness doing the work so long ago foretold of them. These are wonderful days, for they witness the swift events of the close of God’s controversy with sin. It is interesting to consider that it was just forty years ago that the first worker was sent by this denomination to labor in another land. This was Elder J. N. Andrews, who sailed from Boston, Sept. 15, 1874. In the True Missionary, a paper published in the interest of our missionary cause, there was printed in October, 1874, the following article relating to Brother Andrews’s departure:— This is a day significant in the historic annals of the Seventh-day Adventists. It was signalized by no flourish of trumpets or martial parade, ushered in with no loud acclamations, and passed away without any public demonstrations. It witnessed what is to a casual observer only a spectacle of daily occurrence, only a ship freighted with its wealth of merchandise and human life, to set out on its voyage across the ocean. There were parting salutations and good-by blessings. But to some there was more. How much more, who can tell? Among the throng, towering above the rest, stood a noble harvester going forth into the white fields of the Master, from home and friends, from familiar scenes, to labor in the cause he had served long and faithfully in this Western world, away to far-off Switzerland. This was our dear Brother J. N. Andrews, accompanied by his son and daughter, and gathered about him to bid a last fond adieu were his friends. Well did Sister White express it when she said, “He is going as a missionary for God, a pilgrim and a stranger in a strange land.” Heavy indeed must have been the burden of his soul for the cause of Christ, alike in the land he was leaving and that other land to which he is journeying. Yet he was calm and full of noble courage in God, confident of his inspiring support, and completely submissive to his will. He felt that wheresoever his feet might stray, into whatever clime he might journey, beneath whatever skies he might linger on sea or by land, he could not drift beyond God’s love and care, who is a Father to all his children. Our dear brother felt revived and strengthened spiritually and physically, as the hour of his departure drew near when he was to take the outstretched hands and look into familiar faces so dear to him perhaps for the last time on the shores of time. His farewell words were as confident and hopeful as ever. But why linger? The hour had come, the noble vessel plumed itself for its ocean flight, the signal was given, and hurrying feet bespoke the parting moments. Calm and collected, with tenderest words of comfort and condolence, he blessed the friends he left behind. Who can paint that parting scene? To the Boston church, the day will be a calendar day not to be forgotten. Many were the heartfelt prayers for Brother Andrews’s safe passage across the Atlantic, to him who hears the thoughts even when no word is spoken. And so he and his dear children went. We repeat, God bless him and his dear ones wherever he may direct their footsteps. How many faithful, earnest workers have been sent out to the fields beyond since that time, and some, like Brother Andrews, have sealed their testimony with their blood. Many others will yet be called upon to go forth. The harvest of the world is ripe, and the reapers must hasten to their work in every land and in every clime. May God speed the day to which we have long looked forward with joyful expectation, the day of the coming of the Reaper and the gathering of the harvest home. Why Are They Persecuted?
By C. M. S.
AN eloquent appeal is made in the September 12 issue of the Catholic journal America on behalf of the Catholic priests and nuns who have been expelled from Mexico by the Constitutionalists and are now at Vera Cruz under protection of the United States government, and at San Antonio and El Paso, Tex. While we sympathize with all who are in distress, we cannot help wondering why these people should be suffering at the hands of Mexicans, just as we wondered why the friars of the Philippines suffered at the hands of the Catholic Filipinos. The Roman religion has been the favored religion of Mexico and of the Philippines for centuries. It dominated these countries and controlled the public and private activities of the people. As long as it was possible, that religious system reserved those fields to itself, and permitted no other faith to reach the people. With those fields entirely to themselves for hundreds of years to control and to mold, it seems wonderful that the members and leaders of that denomination should suddenly feel the heavy and relentless hand of persecution and be compelled to flee such countries in haste to save their lives. Concerning the condition of the Mexican priests and nuns the article in America says:— ‘A long-drawn cry of distress has gone up from many suffering people. Men and women are in agony, and they are pleading for help. The fire of tribulation is upon them, and they are calling for assistance. . . . Their cry . . . is from out hearts ground in the mill of agony, crushed in the press of tyranny. It comes to us freighted with sobs and tears and blood. . . . They devoted their lives to God without stint: their work Christianized Mexico and gave to it culture and faith and hope of eternal life. And now these laborers of God’s vineyard are hunted, friendless, penniless, starving things. The wild beast of the mountain fastness is more welcome and comfortable than they. . . . The bones of many a murdered priest are whitening in the land beyond the Rio Grande; the hot, scalding tears of outraged sisters, spouses of Christ, have fallen on Mexican soil. . . . Villa proclaims them immoral. . . . Carranza denounces them as enemies of progress and enlightenment.
But these who are thus persecuted are Catholic leaders, Mexico is a thoroughly Catholic country, and the persecutors have been under Catholic influence all their lives, and most of them members of that church from infancy. Those whom they persecute have been their spiritual advisers since they reached the age of accountability, and have gone in and out among them as they who stood in the place of God to them, who could forgive their sins and release them from the pains of purgatory for a price, or could shut the gates of heaven against them. Why have the people risen and thrust them out? It is the old story of a religion thrust upon an unwilling people, lording it over them, putting a yoke upon their necks which they were unwilling or unable to bear, securing the support of the state or of state officials, and ruling by the power of finite force instead of by the power of infinite love. Rome has had this hard lesson set before her many times, but she will not learn; and in the United States, where she has made gigantic strides under a frame of government that gives her an unrestricted field, she clamors for that “patronage of public authority” which has proved a thorn in her side in Mexico and the Philippines. If it were Methodists or Lutherans or Confucianists who were persecuting Catholics in Mexico, killing their priests and exiling their priests and nuns, then might the Catholic Church with reason complain; but when Catholic Mexico does it, we are bound to conclude that there is a reason. Should the Methodists of the United States gather up a considerable portion of their Methodist pastors and deaconesses and expel some of them from the country and take the lives of others, we should have to conclude that there was something wrong with9 Methodism or with those who were expelled, or both. And we should come to a similar conclusion were Seventh-day Adventists to rise up and slay some of their conference presidents and ministers and exile hundreds of their ministers and teachers. The fault would not lie with those who saw it done, but with the organization or those who did it, or both. We sympathize with the sufferers, but we cannot sympathize with a system which bears such fruit. Nevertheless, the author of the appeal lays the blame for the sorry plight of these sufferers upon the United States. The country is not named, but his words are so plain that it is not necessary:— Their persecutors leaned on strong arms, hid themselves in the shadow of great names, and carried through their nefarious work by alien influence. Yes, the enemy of priests and sisters was made strong by borrowed forces: the victims were lashed by whips lent from without.
It is true that the importation of arms and ammunition from the United States enabled the Constitutionalists to win; but that was not the cause of the hatred and distrust of the clergy which resulted so disastrously for them. That cause lies within the system itself — the union of religion and the state. And they who foster such a system, whether they are Catholics or professed Protestants, are planting thorns in their own path, and carrying in their bosom serpents whose fangs will yet sink into their own flesh. A union of religion and the state has always borne the fruit of oppression and persecution, and it is not surprising that it should sometimes plague the planters themselves. Let Americans judge the tree by the fruit it bears. C. M. S. Turkey Declares Her Independence
By Francis M. Wilcox
WITH the situation which now exists in Europe, when all the great powers but Italy are engaged in deadly warfare, the Turkish government evidently deems it an opportune time to rid herself of the domination of some of her stronger neighbors. This, according to a recent statement of the Turkish government, she proposes to do. For many years Turkey has granted to other nations charters of extraterritorial privileges. These are called capitulations, from the fact that they are divided into chapters. Mr. Oscar S. Straus, former ambassador for the United States at Constantinople, in the Washington Post of September 12, traces the origin of these capitulations to the twelfth century. In 1453, when Constantinople was taken by the Ottomans, there were settled in the capital city a number of colonies of resident foreigners, who had maintained their respective religious autonomies. The Ottoman conquerors permitted them to continue their local self-government. In after years the rights that Turkey had granted in a spirit of liberality when she was dominant were by degrees in later centuries—when Turkey became less powerful—incorporated as rights in treaties with various foreign governments. The first treaties in which these rights were set forth were made with France, later with Austria, Great Britain, and others. In 1830 the United States made their first treaty with Turkey; this contained the favored nation clause. We also obtained the same extraterritorial rights enjoyed by the great European nations. With these capitulations more or less in force, Turkey was not sovereign in her own dominions. For example, in the various treaties that followed in line of these capitulations Turkey could not raise her import duties without the consent of powers with whom she had made these treaties. Again, under the capitulations, criminal trials involving foreigners were held before the consular courts of the nations to which the criminals belonged. Certain of the powers had yielded in this respect, receiving important concessions or a consideration on the part of Turkey. In this way she slowly and gradually acquired some elements of sovereignty, but not the whole. According to the statement of the Turkish ambassador to the United States, these restrictions imposed by the powers have weighed heavily upon the Ottoman government, and prevented the putting into execution of certain reforms which the powers of Europe have demanded. It is claimed also that this situation has lessened the moral responsibility of Turkey and relaxed the moral fiber of the nation. This situation the Constantinople government feels should be changed. Accordingly, on September 9, the various governments to whom Turkey has accredited representatives were informed that beginning with October 1, Turkey proposes to assert her independence and free herself from these irritating restrictions. The announcement given to the press by the Turkish ambassador to the United States, as published in the New York Times of September 11, declares:— A cablegram to the Turkish ambassador from the Ottoman minister of foreign affairs states that by imperial irade the Ottoman government has abrogated, as from the first of October next, the conventions, known as the capitulations, restricting the sovereignty of Turkey in her relations with certain powers. All privileges and immunities accessory to these conventions or issuing therefrom are equally repealed.
Having thus freed itself from what was an intolerable obstacle to all progress in the empire, the imperial government has adopted as the basis of its relations with the other powers the general principles of international law.
This purpose of the Turkish government is not the result of a sudden impulse. Immediately after the revolution which brought the Young Turks party into control of the government, the powers were approached with reference to the abrogation of the capitulations. The reply was unfavorable, as the powers held that the new government should first demonstrate its ability to govern wisely and administer justice fairly before the powers would surrender the rights which their citizens held in Turkey. The same position is taken by the powers at the present time. Great Britain, Russia, France, and Italy have replied in identical terms. According to the Washington Post of September 13, they point out that— the capitulatory régime in Turkey is not an autonomous institution of the Turkish Empire, but an issue of international treaties, diplomatic agreements, and contractual acts of divers kind. Consequently, this régime can be modified only on the basis of an understanding with the contracting powers, and, failing such an understanding before October 1 next, the ambassadors would be unable to recognize the executory force beginning on that date of the unilateral decision of the Sublime Porte.
It is felt by many that this protest on the part of the powers will not affect the course taken by Turkey nearly as much as will the results of the European conflict. Because of the desire of Great Britain, France, and Russia for Turkey to remain neutral in the present conflict, it is believed that their protest was couched in as mild terms as possible so as not to irritate the Turkish government, but in the event of their final victory, doubtless they will take a much stronger position. The government of the United States also has refused to recognize the right of the Ottoman government to abrogate the agreements made between it and this country, and has sent a strong protest to the Constantinople government in harmony with this decision. It is quite possible that instead of this position taken by the Turkish government strengthening that nation, it may open the way for its more speedy ejectment from Europe. In the past, Turkey has been bolstered up in every crisis by one or more of the great European governments. Now, if she persists in her determination to sever her dependence upon these strong nations, so that none of them stand by her side to assist her, the way may open for her more speedy elimination from Europe and her final abandonment by every earthly government. Of her own volition she will have chosen the course which will bring her to her end with no one to help her, as outlined in the prophetic word. Let us pray for eyes to see and for hearts to understand the meaning and portent of the rapidly shaping events in earth's history. F. M. W. Our Work Among the Colored in the South
By W. T. Knox
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18, 19. THIS scripture, taken from Isa. 61: 1, 2, afforded our Saviour the subject for his discourse on the occasion of his first appearance in the synagogue at Nazareth, after his anointing and his temptation in the wilderness. A prophecy of his life work, he used it, as it were, as his inaugural address, and to reveal the nature of his great mission to the suffering, the oppressed, and the lost of earth. He evidently considered this scripture as his commission, his divine credentials to the human family. On another occasion, when the representatives of John the Baptist came to him, inquiring, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” his answer was, “Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Matt. 11: 3-5. The work of Christ among men was to be of such character that, being in full sympathy with his Father, he would reveal God's disposition toward men. The Lord hates oppression; he longs to relieve suffering; it is his great desire to elevate the downtrodden and to save the lost. The prophecy of Isaiah referred to by Christ, must therefore be descriptive of the work of the remnant people who are commissioned by him to preach the everlasting gospel to a dying world. To that portion of the prophecy read by Jesus of Nazareth, they must, in order to make their work complete, add the succeeding statements of the second and third verses: “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” All mankind are the recipients of his mercy, and are in need of the benefits of his grace, for all are lost; but if there are in this work of mercy, any special or favored classes, they are those that in a special sense are oppressed, suffering, and ignorant. We need not wonder, then, that so much has been said to this people by the Spirit of God concerning our obligation to the millions of the colored race in the Southern States, and our duty to preach to them the fullness of the gospel of Christ, and in every way possible to ameliorate their deplorable condition, in which the years of their bondage and the generations of their ignorance have left them. This the North American Division Conference is seeking to do through its Negro Department, by the preaching of the word, by the efforts of its Bible workers, the establishment of schools, and every other available agency. Of late years, very encouraging results have attended these efforts. In some of the Southern States, these results equal or exceed the accomplishments for the white race. It calls, however, for heavy appropriations from the Division Conference treasury, for the great mass of the colored people of the South are exceedingly poor. Their work is not and perhaps never will be self-supporting. The general administration has always been obliged to appeal to the denomination for financial assistance to carry on this work. Sabbath, October 3, has been selected this year as a day when special offerings should be made for the benefit of the Negro Department. We hope for liberal gifts from all our churches on that day, especially as those in charge of this work see many needs that will call for additional expenditures. The present condition throughout the world surely should manifest to the Lord's people that the King's business requires haste, and that the greatest zeal and earnestness should now characterize all our work, for “the night cometh, when no man can work.” Note and Comment
By Editor
It is refreshing in these days of growing spiritual degeneracy to see some in one of the great churches endeavor to exalt the standard of humble Christian living, and seek to draw their followers back from the tide of evil which threatens to overcome the great Christian church. At a recent meeting of the Chicago Baptist Association the report of the committee on the state of religion was unanimously adopted as follows:— Baptist women are in many cases falling victims to the vulgar and suggestive styles of the day, and frequently our houses of worship are suggestive of the Oriental harems rather than the Christian church. Rich Baptists who turn the automobile into an excuse for turning the Lord's Day into one of pleasure seeking, should be cautioned, and if necessary disciplined. The American theater is a demoralizing institution, and too many Baptists have been seduced by it. About one third of all the Baptist ministers attend the theater. Of course, they choose the better class of plays, but the effect is bad. We wonder if in any measure these strictures of world-loving and indifferent Baptists apply to members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. There surely is not among our people the plainness and simplicity of dress which once characterized the members of this church. With some there is a letting down in the strict observance of the Sabbath of the Lord. Sad as it is, we see occasionally members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church attending the theaters. With the light which has been given to this people, we shall be without excuse if we permit these demoralizing influences to play havoc in our lives. God wants us to raise the standard higher in all our churches, and call our brethren and sisters to a higher and holier plane of Christian living. No Conversions in 1,399 Congregations
FROM the Conference on Evangelism, recently held at Montreat, N. C., there was sent out an appeal to the pastors of the Southern Presbyterian Church, in which is made the following statement, according to the Christian Observer of Aug. 5, 1914:— In view of the continued destitution in our beloved Zion and the slow growth of the church, and especially in view of the meager report of accessions and of the distressing fact that last year 1,399 congregations — approaching one third of the whole number of our congregations — reported no conversions, we would earnestly appeal to all our people to bow in importunate and faithful prayer to God to build up our waste places and to bring multitudes into the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are led to consider as we read of this situation in the Southern Presbyterian Church what proportion of the churches among Seventh-day Adventists would be compelled to report the same conditions for last year. We hope there are none, and yet we fear there are some, doubtless a much smaller per cent than the preceding figures represent, who would be forced to confess that during the last twelve months not one new convert has come to Christ as the result of their labors. If this is true of the last twelve months, shall we let the condition continue to exist during the year to come? Let us earnestly resolve that with God's help we shall be the agencies through whom he will work to bring one or more souls to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Fifty-One Baptized in Denver
ELDER G. W. ANGELBARGER reports from Denver, Colo., that from the time of their camp meeting in 1913 to that of 1914 fifty-one new members were baptized and added to the Seventh-day Adventist churches in that city. An African Evangelist
By W. B. WHITE
In 1902, under the labors of the African Compound Mission, Robert Mapepuka was converted from heathenism to Christianity. He immediately began laboring with this missionary society, and continued with it till 1909, when he received the truths that we hold as a people. He embraced them with all his heart, and is now one of our native workers on The Rand, in Johannesburg, giving all his time to laboring among the natives. He sells books, gives Bible readings, and preaches as the way opens. Robert was born in Machopa, above Delagoa Bay, Africa, and is now about thirty years of age. He has a wife but no children. He is quite a linguist, speaking the Machopa, Zulu, Kafir, Sesuto, Shangana, Shewa, Gatonga, and Cheronga languages. At the mines about Johannesburg, thousands of natives are gathered in to labor. These come from most of the tribes of Southern Africa; and Robert's ability to speak so many languages makes him a valuable worker in the cause of present truth. He is an earnest, God-fearing man, and is doing what he can to carry the knowledge of the truth to his people.