p. 9 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 2. (1/13/1909)

Earlier text: What Statesmen and Wise Men Say

Is the Sabbath Jewish?

By J. C. Stevens

Ten Scriptural Facts.

By J. C. Stevens.

FREQUENTLY when one's attention is called to the fact that in keeping Sunday, the first day of the week, as the Sabbath, he is not keeping the Sabbath according to the commandment (Luke 23:53-56), he seeks to excuse himself by saying, "The seventh-day Sabbath is the Jewish Sabbath. It is only for the Jews." Yet at the same time, the majority of those who thus retort profess to believe that the Ten-commandment law, of which the Sabbath is a part, being a moral or character law, is binding on all, Jews and Gentiles; and they well know the scripture which says, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10.

The seventh-day Sabbath is not a Jewish institution. It is not to be confined to the Jews, nor to any one race, nor to any one dispensation, nor to any one covenant. This is evident from the following scriptural facts:

I. In speaking of the Sabbath, Jesus our Saviour, said, "The Sabbath was made for MAN, and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27. Are only Jews men? Will any Gen-tile admit it? In this statement Christ takes the mind back to creation—to the making of man, and the making of the Sabbath. Man was made on the sixth day, and the Sabbath on the seventh. Who was this man?—Adam, the father of all men—mankind. "The Sabbath was made for man." Then the Sabbath is not Jewish. It comes to us from creation.

II. In Gen. 2:2, 3, we learn that the Creator in the end of that first week of time rested on the seventh day; He then blessed it, and sanctified it. The Hebrew word "sanctify" in Gen. 2:3 is kadash, and is thus defined: "To appoint, to pronounce holy, to consecrate, to set apart a thing or person to some religious use," etc. How could the Sabbath be thus sanctified for man's use, or be set apart to be used in a sacred manner by him, except by God's telling the man to use it in this holy, sacred way? Being thus made for man, it was set apart for sacred purposes, without limitation as to age or country, and is therefore to-day obligatory upon the whole human race. The Sabbath was made in the beginning, given to the father of all men—more than two thousand years before the Jews were called out of Egypt.

III. The reasons given in the fourth commandment for its observance—"for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it"—are reasons applying equally to all of Adam's posterity as long as creation stands. If the Jews observed it for other reasons, the primary reasons for all to observe it are found in the Sabbath commandment itself.

IV. The Sabbath is a part of that law which in the nature of things is immutable. When the Creator at Sinai gave form to His law, He by His own divine finger placed the Sabbath of Eden in the very heart of that law. Deut. 10:4. Throughout the Bible, the very attributes of God Himself are ascribed to His law. Thus, the law is perfect (Ps. 19:7), holy, just, good, and spiritual (Rom. 7:12, 14), righteous (Ps. 119:172), eternal (Ps. 111:7, 8), etc. The law, then, is a transcript of God's character, hence is a moral law. The word says, "They that forsake the law praise the wicked, but such as keep the law contend with them." Prov. 28:4. Without controversy a character law, a moral law, can not be confined to one race or dispensation. Hear Paul, "Now we know what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world become guilty before God." Rom. 3:19. It declares the world guilty, for "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23), and "sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4; Rom. 7:7; 3:20; 4:15). This law is not only for the Jews, then, for if it were, why would all be held under it, and declared guilty? All men are amenable to this law. And the Sabbath is a part of this law.

V. God is the great Governor of the universe. Dan. 4:25, 34, 35. He is a moral governor. Ps. 89:14. The psalmist says, "The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom ruleth over all." Ps. 103:19. The Ten-commandment law is the moral law at the foundation of His moral government. This truth was taught by this law being placed in the ark, covered by the mercy-seat, on either side of which was an angel. Deut. 10:4; Ex. 25:10-22. This ark was a symbol of the throne of God in heaven. The Scriptures call the articles of furniture of the Mosaical sanctuary, "patterns of things in the heavens." Heb. 9:23. The psalmist says that God's throne is in the sanctuary. Ps. 102:19. See also Heb. 8:1, 2. John in vision saw the temple in heaven and the ark therein. Rev. 11:19. When the Father is represented as reigning, it is said, "He sitteth between the cherubim." Ps. 99:1. The Ten-commandment law was placed in that ark, no other law was, therefore showing that this law, which is an expression of His character, and embracing man's whole duty (Eccl. 12:13, 14), is at the very foundation of God's moral government. Are the Jews only under His moral government? "His kingdom ruleth over all." Ps. 103:19. "I am the Lord. I change not." Mal. 3:6. The Sabbath is a part of this law, and therefore a part of His moral government. Let us not confine to the Jews God's law any more than His mercy or His Gospel.

(Concluded next week.)

Hast Thou No Hope of Heaven?

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle.

I. Hast thou no hope of heaven? time flies away, And life is short, its moments will not stay; Already in the darkening heavens afar, We note the twinkling of the evening star; And shadows dim are creeping o'er the land, That mark the coming of the night at hand.

II. Hast thou no hope of heaven? the joys of earth Are transitory and of little worth; Thy gold will canker, and thy silver rust, And thy poor form lie low within the dust, For time is short, and ah, thy days are brief,— Death's angel waiteth for the ripened sheaf.

III. How canst thou rest upon thy couch at night, Careless and thoughtless, when, ere morning light Thy beating heart may, weary, cease to beat, And endless rest come to thy busy feet? Finished at last thy journey to the goal,— "The cord be loosed," and broke the "golden bowl."

IV. But should thy days be lengthened out to thee Till thou the coming of the King shalt see, How shall thy trembling spirit shrink and fail! With abject terror shall thy cheek grow pale, While those whom thou hast scoffed shall swell the song: "Lo, this is He for whom we've waited long."

V. Hast thou no hope of heaven? the city waits,— The regal city, with her pearly gates,— Her twelve foundations and her jasper sea, Her crystal river, and her healing tree. Is not this worth thy puny offerings small?— Ah, heaven's worth thy life—'tis worth thine all.

The Only Righteousness.

By A. Delos Westcott

DAVID was a great king, chosen, inspired, and taught of God. He was a prophet under the special guidance of Jehovah. Next to God, he was the chief executive of a theocratical government. Yet he never heard of “civic righteousness”; or, if he did, he did not believe in it. He knew there was no righteousness but “the righteousness of God.” He said, “I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only.”

But does not the Bible speak of the righteousness which “exalteth a nation”? Yes, but that is not civic righteousness; it is the righteousness of God received by faith.

The Jews tried to develop righteousness by the enforcement of law, but the effort proved fruitless so far as righteousness was concerned. Here is the record:

“But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone.” “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” See Rom. 9: 30-33; 10:1-10.

To compel men to be civil and to refrain from trespassing upon the rights of others, is proper and necessary. But to undertake to force them to fear God or to put on an outward show of righteousness, is simply to make them hypocrites.

Only those who are born of the Spirit can be righteous, “because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh can not please God.” Rom. 8:7, 8.

A. DELOS WESTCOTT.

Our Bible Reading

The Eternal Word.

The One through Whom the Scriptures Are Given.

1. Who was the active agent in creation? Christ; "for in Him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible; . . . all things have been created through Him." Col. 1:16, 17.

2. When man fell, in whom was redemption promised? "Knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ: who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake." 1 Peter 1:18-20.

3. The angel who appeared to Moses was Christ, the Lord. "An Angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. And when Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold, there came a voice of the Lord." Acts 7:30, 31.

4. Who was the actual leader in the Exodus? "Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee by the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared." "And He said, MY PRESENCE shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." "In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them." Ex. 23:20; 33:14; Isa. 63:9.

5. How were the children of Israel to regard the "Angel of His presence"? "Take ye heed before Him, and harken unto His voice; provoke Him not; . . . for My name is in Him." Ex. 33:21.

6. What is the name given Him by John? "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him; and without Him was not anything made that hath been made." John 1:1-3. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war, . . . and His name is called The WORD OF GOD." Rev. 19:11-13.

NOTE.—Christ is called the Word because through Him God revealed all His truth; thus were all things created and given through Him. The record of creation and all the other revealed words of God through Christ is given in His word, the Scriptures.

7. Wherein lies the power of the Word? "In Him was LIFE; and the life was the light of men." John 1:4.

8. What is the effect of that light? He "is the true light, even the light which lighteth every man." "As many as received Him, to them gave He the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:9-12.

9. How may that life be found? "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life." John 5:39.

10. What is the authority of the Scriptures? "Every scripture is inspired of God." 2 Tim. 3:16. "Men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21. "The prophets sought and searched diligently, . . . searching what time or what manner of time the SPIRIT OF CHRIST WHICH WAS IN THEM did point unto. . . . To whom it was REVEALED, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the Gospel unto you by THE HOLY SPIRIT SENT FORTH FROM HEAVEN." 1 Peter 1:10-12.

NOTE.—From these scriptures it is evident that Christ is the great central figure of all the ages—the Creator, the Deliverer, the Redeemer, the Revealer. To Him all prophecies point; about Him all history centers. He, the Word, spoke the worlds into existence; by His word they exist. Inspired by His Spirit, holy men spoke and wrote the Scriptures; His Spirit directs in their study; His Spirit gives understanding. Old Testament and New Testament are alike from Christ, and are therefore "Christian." "In them ye think ye have eternal life," said Jesus. And why?—"They are they which testify of Me," of Christ, the Source of life, whom to know is life eternal. O that with the psalmist all might truly say, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path."

Striving Until He Conquers

By E. L. Magoon

It is no use for one to stand in the shade and complain that the sun does not shine upon him. He must come out resolutely on the hot and dusty field where all are compelled to antagonize with stubborn difficulties, and pertinaciously strive until he conquers, if he would deserve to be crowned. — E. L. Magoon.

Heaven Our Home.

By George D. Prentice

IT CAN not be that earth is man's only abiding-place. It can not be that our life is a bubble, cast up by the ocean of eternity, to float another moment upon its surface, and then sink into nothingness and darkness forever. Else why is it that the high and glorious aspirations which leap like angels from the temples of our hearts, are forever wandering abroad, unsatisfied? Why is it that the rainbow and the cloud come over us with a beauty that is not of earth, and then pass off and leave us to muse on their faded loveliness? Why is it that the stars which hold their festival around the midnight throne are set above the grasp of our limited faculties, and are forever mocking us with their unapproachable glory? Finally, why is it that bright forms of human beauty are presented to the view, and then taken from us, leaving the thousand streams of the affections to flow back in an Alpine torrent upon our hearts?

We are born for a higher destiny than that of earth. There is a realm where the rainbow never fades; where the stars will be spread out before us like the islands that slumber on the ocean; and where the beautiful beings that here pass before us like visions, will stay in our presence forever! — George D. Prentice.

Union or Federation—Which Shall It Be?

By Editor

CHRISTENDOM is divided, sadly, sorely divided, and has been for centuries. Sometimes serious differences of doctrine divide, sometimes mere matters of church government, sometimes nationality, sometimes human ambitions.

It is not a desirable condition. Great and earnest souls have grieved over its divisions and sects, have recognized the good that has been wrought through them, and have prayed that they might be united in one solid army for God and His Christ.

We do not see how an earnest, thoughtful Christian should think otherwise. This divided condition is a standing reproach upon Christianity, and is so used by the unbeliever. Surely it is not normal; Christendom is sick. Confusion and disorder reign throughout her entire system. Diseases, in the form of various delusions and unchristian theories, afflict the various sects and parties, and these diseases are rapidly increasing. The divine name for this confusion is Babylon. God desired to heal great Babylon of old. She “would not be healed.” He as truly desires to heal present Babylon. Will she be healed?

There are different physicians. One class of the modern school says, Federate together. The great Physician, the Head of the church, has given both the condition desired and the means of attaining it in that wonderful prayer found in John 17:

“I have given them THY WORD; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them from the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil one. THEY ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, even as I am not of the world. SANCTIFY THEM IN THE TRUTH: THY WORD IS TRUTH. As Thou didst send Me into the world, even so sent I them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on Me through their word; that they may ALL BE ONE; EVEN AS Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. And the glory which Thou hast given Me I have given unto them; that THEY MAY BE ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE; I IN THEM, AND THOU IN ME, that they may be perfected into one; THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW that THOU DIDST SEND ME, and lovedst them, even as Thou lovedst Me.” Verses 14-23.

We have printed in capitals several expressions to make them more emphatic. Note them:

1. Christ prays that His people may be one in the fullest sense — one as He and the Father are one. This transcends all outward unity of human agreement or resolution. It is life union. Christ in them, the Father in Christ, binding God and His children together by the living Christ. There is no other true union. This is the union between the living vine and its fruit-bearing branches which He uses to illustrate the true relationship between Himself and His disciples, in John 15:1-8. That branch — that disciple — which has not this union is dead, whether individual soul or single denomination.

2. The means of this union is God’s word or truth. The life of that word is His Spirit, and His Spirit is “the Spirit of truth.” “Sanctify them in the truth,” prays the Master, “Thy word is truth.” He would not leave us in doubt. It is not only union in impulse, desire, love, but union in all the great essentials of God’s truth. Even so an apostle speaks to a divided church: “That ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Cor. 1:10.

The means by which the true minister of Jesus Christ is to bring this about is the word of God — “the Scriptures of truth.” For “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. Therefore the injunction which follows: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” Men ignore, pervert, divide, belittle, criticize the word now. The early church knew nothing about this. When Jesus met the tempter in the wilderness, each assault was met with an arrow from the divine quiver of the word. He defeats the sophistry of the Jews by one word, with the seemingly agreed, axiomatic truth, “The scripture can not be broken.” It was ever the word, the truth, ever the word of truth and the Spirit of truth.

Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Every soul, ignorant tho he may have been of theology, who has yielded to God’s way of salvation in Christ, has found salvation. Pitiful work the ages have made of the truth of the way. Weak and maimed and lame the great divided church has gone on. But the great God respected her motive of standing for truth, and He blessed her despite her errors. Holding to man’s inherent immortality in a way she has trusted Him for life, and He has in a slight measure bestowed upon her His Spirit. But when that church in its various branches or by its leading minds and spokesmen repudiates the Way of the Cross, ignores or compromises His Truth, makes His word a shuttlecock of criticism, and declares to be a divine immanence in every man what the Bible declares can come only through faith in Christ, how can we hope for true-life union? At the best, it can be but federation, and federation spells compromise, and compromise means suppression of truth.

For instance, the Baptist must hold in suspension his views of baptism, practically saying that his position of the centuries has been one of obstinacy over a non-essential. There is no reason why he should not go over in a body to the Congregationalists. Episcopals and Presbyterians are saying, at least one of the bodies, that our separation for all these years was foolish, and all our efforts were misdirected. Believers in the perpetuity of God’s law fellowship antinomianism. Believers in the near advent of Christ are yoked up with those who believe in world conversion and utterly repudiate a second personal coming of our Lord. Believers in the Bible as the word of God compromise conviction and stand with the higher critics who have no standard left but each man’s own changing inwardness. And so it goes on.

And for what? —

1. To uphold tradition contrary to the word of God; namely, the Sunday-sabbath.

2. To shut out and crush, if possible, by their force of numbers, any small denomination who may refuse to join them and stands in opposition to the scheme.

3. To assume the place of authority in religious matters on their platform of compromise, and to rule out those who may not see fit to follow their regime.

4. To take charge of the education of the masses, and seek by education to mold them after their standard.

5. To parcel out the foreign mission fields among the constituent members of the federal body and order off from their self-assumed preserves as poachers any religious body that still has convictions of a whole Bible, a whole Gospel, an all-sufficient Christ, who died to save sinners.

Here are the two methods: Divine union, life union, truth union, unbound by human creed or dogma, but loyal to Christ and His word, ever pushing on in the path of glorious light, which “shineth more and more unto the perfect day,” yet overtolerant and charitable toward all, compelling none, coercing none, but persuading in the constraining love of Christ. Or the union of the human over a mangled Bible, an insufficient Saviour, a compromise of truth, a union of church and state, an intolerant regime.

O brethren, the federation of churches, good as it may sound, is not Christian union, is not truly Protestant. Let us plead for life union and that cooperation which will not stultify our own conscience or seek to coerce that of another, which will lose sight of the human and exalt the divine.

“Thou Therefore, My Son, Be Strong.”

By H.

PAUL had a philosophical way of looking at trials and discouraging circumstances. To Timothy he wrote an account of the unfaithfulness of the brethren in Asia. “Thou knowest,” he said, “that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me.” And almost the next thought expressed is, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” There were many who would turn away from the Gospel and spurn the messengers of truth; there were few faithful ones to be found in the time of adversity; therefore, because of these conditions, be strong.

Closing his first letter to the Corinthian brethren, he wrote of his anticipated visit

with them, after a season at Ephesus, where he said, “A great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” Such conditions might have discouraged a weaker, more fearful man, but to him the presence of adversaries meant opportunity to work. In the same letter he exhorts the brethren, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” His own example can never be said to belie his words. And his example can be followed by every worker in the same great cause for which he labored and gave his life.

The Factions of Zion City

According to the "Home and Herald" of Chicago, the "Christian Catholic Apostolic Church" which Alexander Dowie gathered in Zion City "is split up into four great factions and many minor ones." It is a sad, discouraging picture which Mr. Barton draws of the conditions in Zion City. So it ever will be with those who put their trust in the assumptions of man.

Readings for Week Ending January 20.

	Morning	Evening
Jan. 14	Gen. 33, 34, 35	Matt. 10: 1-20
15	36, 37, 38	10:21-42
16	39, 40	11
17	41, 42	12: 1-23
18	43, 44, 45	12: 24-50
19	46, 47, 48	13: 1-30
20	49, 50	13:31-58

Training the American Boy

By Editor

President G. Stanley Hall, an authority in educational matters, writes in Appleton’s Magazine: “My studies have years ago convinced me that never has even the American boy been quite so wild as now, and never in the world have so many young cubs been so half-orphaned and left to female guidance in school, home, and church. It may seem to some a slight thing that city gangs defy and outwit the police, or commit petty depredations, break into a store to steal fruit or cigarets, collect pistols, half of them toy ones, in cellars, sheds, or other lairs; plan petty rogueries in dark alleys, scare or insult schoolgirls, play tricks on passers-by, swagger and bully each other; but these are nurseries where the criminals of the future are being reared.”

And yet he tells us that at this impressionable age is just the time that the boy ought to be trained, a time when the father should have a part in the training instead of the mother, but we would like to add, a time when both father and mother should spend all the time and interest possible in the training of the boy. It is the crisis in his life, and those who neglect it, neglect it both at their own peril and the peril of the boy. President Hall is simply stating what is an observed fact everywhere, and such facts ought to call for humility of soul on the part of the church and the religious teachers of the world.

Fundamental Differences.

By Editor

Mr. Frank W. Gale, publicist for Christian Science, declares that "the fundamental difference between Christian Science and the Bishop's [Fallows] movement, is that the former depends upon the power of God, Divine Mind, for salvation from all sin, and for the healing of every kind of disease as taught and practised by Christ Jesus; while the latter distinguishes between functional and organic diseases, and aims to relieve one by suggestion and mental means, and the other by drugs and other material methods." But it seems to us that there is this fundamental difference between Christian Science and Christianity as taught by Christ Jesus, for He did recognize sin as more than real belief; did recognize that there were material bodies and actual diseases, and also made very clear in His teaching that the power to restore and heal did not exist within, but came from above in answer to faith; and that faith was the laying hold of a power which was above us, eternal and omnipotent, rather than a recognition that that power was already within.

New Testament Lessons in Matthew

By Editor

Our New Testament lessons cover chapters 10 to 13 inclusive in Matthew. The calling of the twelve disciples, the instruction of Jesus to them as He sent them out, His testimony concerning John the Baptist, His upbraiding of various cities which had turned from the light, His rebuke of their slavish Sabbath-keeping, showing by His own example how the Sabbath should be observed, and various striking parables of His kingdom, what wonderfully instructive lessons they are, and how much stronger the devout reader should come through the week after feeding upon such nourishment.

The Remainder of Genesis

The remainder of the book of Genesis is the story of Jacob’s going down into Egypt, his blessing of his sons, his prophecy concerning them, the adoption of Joseph’s sons, and his death. The impression which the Israelites made upon Egypt is shown by the regard that was paid to Jacob at the time of his burial. God’s care for the Seed is everywhere manifest.

The Story of Joseph

Chapters 37 to 41 record the always interesting story of Joseph, his early life, the envy of his brothers, his sale to the Ishmaelites as a slave, his sojourn in Egypt, and God’s wondrously good dealings with him in it all. Chapters 42 to 45 continue the story, tell us of the great famine that possessed the land, and how Joseph became reunited to his father’s family. Chapter 44:18-34 presents one of the most eloquent passages in the English language; Judah’s plea before Joseph for Benjamin.

Germany’s Waning Autocracy

By Editor

"Uneasy lies the head which wears a crown," is a saying of Shakespeare, we believe. It would seem that the German emperor must be thinking along these lines somewhat at the present time. He has been talking too much to suit his subjects. He has been compromising his prime minister and the German Empire, and yet in his autocratic power none of his strongest advisers have dared to say anything. His son, however, the crown prince, has come forward, the report tells us, and plainly told his father that his power was greatly waning, and that the best thing he could possibly do would be to try to mend the great breaks which had been made by his rashness; all of which, with many more things, goes to show on how slender a thread the peace of the world is hanging. One word, one deed, and the whole equilibrium of the world is upset. The demand in Germany now is for a limited monarchy instead of an autocracy. How far from that lies socialism? Such the prophecy of Revelation 17 seems to indicate will exist when the Lord comes.

Christian Courage and Truth

In the story in a popular magazine of a master diver, who lived in New York, his character was summed up in these words: “One who was not afraid, and who spoke the truth.” This is said of him as tho it were exceptional in his case. It ought not to be. That ought to be true of every Christian; one who is not afraid of men, or of any of the elements of earth, because he has seen God, and who would speak the truth under all circumstances because in truth alone is righteousness and life and safety.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Quarantine

Reports from the East indicate that in different parts of New York and Pennsylvania, foot and mouth disease prevails among the live stock. Secretary Wilson apprehends that a large number of dairy cattle will become infected, so that the milk supply of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington will be seriously injured, and he fears, too, that the infection will be carried by the railroad cars as far west as the Mississippi River. Already shipments of milk from the infected localities are forbidden by quarantine declared by the states and the Federal Government. Two hundred inspectors are in the field killing cattle which show the least symptoms of infection, and the territory to cover is becoming larger each day. It appears in eruptions or blisters in the mouth; around the coronets of the feet, between the toes, and on the udders. Horses, dogs, cats, and even poultry are carriers of the contagion. It is seldom fatal to humans, being chiefly contracted by children and adults who drink large quantities of unboiled milk. Twelve counties of Pennsylvania are now under quarantine.

The Perils of Sunday-Closing Laws

By Editor

We do not know how much the National Municipal League is lending itself to the church-and-state regime, born under the National Reform roof tree, and nurtured by the Federation of Churches. It looks, however, as tho it were yielding itself to become one of the branches. In its sheet sent out under date of October 17, it asks this question: “Has your city a Sunday-closing law? Is or can the law be enforced?” We would like to suggest to the National Municipal League that the powers of government are purely civic and never ought to enter the religious field at all. Sunday is a religious institution. If it is designed by these questions to help promote temperance legislation, we would say that the only true temperance is temperance seven days in the week. To pass a temperance law for one day of the week is not to honor temperance, but rather to enthrone the saloon. The design of such a law is always to specialize and exalt a day.

Cotton Stalks Made Into Paper

With the diminution of our great timber supply, it is encouraging to note that the cotton stalk which for years has been considered utterly worthless after the fleecy product has been picked from it, can now be used in the manufacture of paper. This brings nearly all the cotton plant into use. From the fiber, cloth is made, the oil is now in demand everywhere, considered by many as superior to olive-oil; fertilizers and oil-cakes for stock are made from the hulls of the seeds, and now the stalk goes into paper.

Warships at the Alaska-Yukon Exposition

The 1909 Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition, in Seattle, expects to have a wonderful demonstration of new fighting-ships and old-class vessels on exhibit, at least a part of the time. No show that is accessible to the sea is considered complete in these days without a war exhibit.

Note and Comment.

By Editor

England, it is estimated, spends annually over $1,500,000 for the destruction of rats. These destructive rodents are themselves a plague. She is hoping to get considerable of this back in utilizing rat skins for various purposes.

The Rivalry in Air Navigation

The same energetic strife for superiority in air navigation which has been agitating Europe for some months still continues. The French are hoping for much from the Wright aeroplane, while the Germans have faith in their air-ship. The Russians have designed a new aeroplane, hoping that that will be the superior of all others thus far; but it is still kept secret. It is a serious question whether air navigation will figure so largely as some have supposed. They must be frail craft at the best, and getting near enough to cause great damage, they can be readily punctured by the high-power guns of the present day.

Suggestive Notes.

Our Old Testament readings of the week begin with Jacob's meeting Esau on his return from Syria, just after his all night of prayer, in which he had gained the victory with God. The gift which he had sent on before, together with the Spirit of God, had softened Esau's heart, and when Jacob met him it was not as an enemy, but as a friend. Chapter 34 is not pleasant reading, but it reveals the low state of morality in Canaan and the higher standard of Jacob's sons. Two of the noted things in chapter 35 is a renewal of God's promise to Jacob, and the death of Rachel. The next chapter is almost wholly taken up with the descendants of Esau, or Edom.

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