p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 23. (6/13/1906)

Earlier text: SUCCESSES OF YOUNG MEN. NO. 4.

WOULD MAKE WORK A CRIME.

In the Canadian Parliament recently, Mr. Fitzpatrick essayed an explanation of the Lord's Day Bill, claiming that it was greatly misunderstood. Among other things he said: "In my judgment, it is always desirous to abstain from placing the individual in the position of being obliged to choose between his honest religious convictions and his personal gain." Yet this is just the position in which the Lord places every man. No man ever can or ever will, form a character based on a principle of righteousness without being placed in the position where he must choose between temporal gain and his eternal welfare. The Christian's life experience is one of choosing between the service of God and the service of the flesh. The attempt to take him out of that position is an attempt to thwart the purpose of God. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve" is a continual exhortation.

Again the gentleman explained that "this bill is not intended in any way to facilitate or encourage Sunday amusements. On the contrary, it is intended to increase our regard for Sunday observance. It will be found, however, that its provisions will in no way affect the right of any man to spend the Sunday in the open fields, or in the woods, or in public parks, and the facilities which now exist by way of steamer, electric railway, or by ferry, may still be utilized for that purpose. But that which the bill is intended to prevent, that which I sincerely hope it will prevent, is the open shop, the exploitation of the public by organizers of excursions, which in too many instances are little less than carousals, and also the opening of places of public amusement for entrance to which a fee is charged. Legitimate recreation and amusement are in no way interfered with, but the business of amusement will be prevented, and I am not aware that such a business deserves more or greater consideration than any other business. . . . With respect to amusements, ball, lacrosse, or any other game will be just as lawful as they are now, and pleasure parks as such, not run as a business and for gain."

As the bill prohibits ordinary labor, and ordinary shop-keeping, and ordinary amusements only so far as business is concerned, it appears that this so-called Lord's Day Bill is especially designed to make industry a crime, while amusement is to be recognized as legitimate. If the first day of the week were really the Lord's Day (which of course it is not), are we to suppose that worldly amusement would be more pleasing to God on that day than honest labor?

A HOPELESS TASK.

By Editor

ELEVATING the "moral tone" of a "burlesque theater" is a new idea to us. We never supposed that such institutions had any moral tone that could be "elevated," until we received a formal request to assist in the work of elevating. We had always supposed, and still think, that the vaudeville class of shows should be ignored and frowned down, from a Christian standpoint. But we have received an urgent request from "The Christian League of Philadelphia" to help the society in its work; a special feature for the time being "to elevate the moral tone of the burlesque and vaudeville theaters of this city" (Philadelphia). The purpose to "purify the billboard advertisements" is all right as far as the billboard advertisements go; but the idea that eliminating the alluring character of these will make the shows themselves any better is somewhat delusive.

This Christian league, eight of whose twelve directors are clergymen, has "secured the privilege of examining these [bills] before being posted," therefore whatever advertisements of the vile places are posted throughout the city are so displayed by the formal sanction of a "Christian League." This does not necessarily make the shows themselves any better, but it does give them the quasi endorsement of a "Christian League," because they have consented to cover their real character from public view. This is on a par with licensing saloons and "regulating" other dens of infamy.

The League representatives have adopted "a policy of direct co-operation with the management of these houses," and "a very general and cordial response has resulted." Think of Christian ministers consulting with the managers of "burlesque and vaudeville theaters" as to the kind of advertisements they may circulate! and think of such a concession on the part of such ministers that "a very general and cordial response resulted"! Now it is safe to conclude that the managers of such shows will not give "a very general and cordial response" to a proposition that will materially hurt their business. It would not require overly shrewd perception to see that advertising a burlesque show in a manner to secure the approval of leading Christian ministers is not a bad business idea.

Like the saloon and its kindred evils, the burlesque and vaudeville are wholly bad, and any kind of compromise with them is only to encourage them by the prestige of some species of indorsement. And the very worst indorsement is such treatment by Christian ministers as is met by "a very general and cordial response." Anything that will give to the proprietors and managers of evil dens a recognition of their business as in any degree respectable, or profitable to the public, or as something that can not be abolished utterly, will always meet a cordial response.

But of all the calamities that can befall the Christian religion, and hinder its influence for good, the worst is to have its ministers assume the prerogative of administrators of the civil law, or monitors of its accredited executors. That is a fundamental principle of the Papacy, and is a sure precursor of religious tyranny, as history fully attests. Allowing all due credit for some features of good work, and for much good intention, the trend of such societies as this "Christian League" is indicated in its circular by the expression, "When our requests are ignored, we call upon Mayor Weaver to use his authority." That is just what the church of Rome did in her palmiest days—claimed the right to call upon the secular powers to enforce her "requests."

The motto of "The Christian League of Philadelphia" is, "The law and the Gospel;" which evidently means, The civil law and such a gospel as can be enforced by the power of civil law. The Founder of the Gospel of Christ never made appeal to the secular power for the enforcement of His reformatory work, and He has provided a far higher power for the use of those who are commissioned to carry on that work until He return to gather the fruits. That power is His Holy Spirit, and to turn to any human source for power is to reject the Spirit and ignore its office. G.

FIRST-FRUITS OF INTER-CHURCH FEDERATION MOVEMENT.

By K. C. Russell

A SUNDAY-LAW observance convention was held in Columbus, Ohio, May 1 and 2. The official announcement of it said in part:

"The objects of the convention will be to voice the sentiment of the Christian people and other friends of the Lord's day in defense of our American Sabbath and to form a permanent state organization with an auxiliary in every county, that the entire state of Ohio may be united in support of our beneficent laws and in preserving the people's rest day from desecration."

Bodies that have been requested to send one or more delegates are—

Presbyterians, synods, conferences, associations, evangelical alliances, or federation of churches, national reform associations, ministerial meetings, congregations, Christian Endeavor, and other young people's societies; Women's Christian Temperance unions, Young Men's Christian Associations, labor unions, and all other bodies, associations, and unions that favor "the preservations of the American Sabbath as our great national day for physical rest and mental and spiritual culture."

This convention and its results will be a specimen of some of the first-fruits of the gigantic Church Federation movement. Time will reveal what the final harvest of this movement will be. It is not strange that the enforcement of the Sunday institution should be the objective point of this federated organization; for it is the one issue upon which they all can agree. The Roman Catholic Church would doubtless gladly lead their forces on in the defense of the Sunday institution, of which they have the honor of being the author and also promoter by civil legislation, as the blood-stained history of the Dark Ages will bear witness. K. C. RUSSELL.

MASS CELEBRATED IN A BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Boston American of April 17, contains a report of a Roman Catholic mass being held in the Elmhurst, N. Y., Baptist church, over which Rev. William J. Noble presides. It appears that there were a number of Catholics in Elmhurst with no place of worship, and Father Heafy had come to organize, so they occupied the Baptist church. The report adds:

When Father Heafy began his services there were 200 worshipers at the two masses. The priest had a portable altar erected over the immersion font, and there were the usual candles burning while the masses were held. The Baptist organist played music suitable to the Catholic service. When the second mass was over the Catholic vestments and altar were removed. . . . "We're getting along splendidly," said Rev. Mr. Noble. "There's plenty of room here for both congregations. You see I've always preached brotherly love, and I believe in it."

Circumstances of this kind are becoming more frequent as the spirit of true Protestantism is departing. Who remembers an instance when a Baptist, or any other Protestant congregation, has been invited to conduct services in a Roman Catholic Church? This is but another illustration showing how the professed Protestants are drifting Romeward, and that they do not think the distinction so great after all between the Catholic and Protestant churches. Straws show which way the wind blows.

Commercial Thraldom

By Editor

"Commercial Thraldom."—In an address before the State University, at Columbia, Mo., May 4, on "The Independent Press," Mr. Samuel Bowles, editor Springfield Republican, said:

"Am I inaccurate in asserting that the political thraldom of the American press has been succeeded by a commercial thralldom more insidious and more dangerous to the welfare of society?" And it is true. And more and more evident it becomes as the great graft corporations are made to reveal their secrets.

THE WEST—THE EAST.

By Editor

LET us say in the beginning that we believe the West to be as safe a place to live in as the East. At the same time we do not propose in the interest of real-estate dealers, or anybody else, to minimize the mighty earthquake and its effects. We felt its terrible tremor, its relentless grip. We have no remembrance of fear. We knew it was an earthquake; the sensation was not wholly strange, but uniquely terrible. As it gripped the strong two-story house in which we slept, foundation and superstructure, it seemed that no house ever builded by man could endure. It rocked and twisted and rotated and pounded; but, thank God, it stood. Plaster was somewhat cracked, chimney broken, but neither plaster nor chimney fell.

Earthquake effects are seen outside of fire limits, as well as inside. They are seen on made land and over old sloughs; they are also written on highlands. Over the mighty shaking, wood and brick and stone structures collapsed like cardboard houses. Yet, again, some of the frailest structures were hardly damaged. The earthquake was as freaky as a middle-West cyclone.

Yet notwithstanding all its violence we have no desire to change to the East. We would advise no one to go East because of earthquakes, or to stay in the East because of earthquakes. We would as quickly risk California to-day, as regards earthquakes, as New York, Michigan, Illinois, or any other state.

In 1811 a mighty earthquake occurred in Missouri. In 1886 a quake shook South Carolina, and nearly ruined Charleston. The next one may occur in Chicago, Detroit, or St. Paul, all scientific supposition to the contrary.

All these increasing evidences of uncertainty in the old earth ought to turn men's minds to the “continuing city” of God and the new heavens and new earth, which abide forever, because founded in everlasting righteousness. Till then, wherever duty calls is the safest place, and no brave and devoted Christian will choose any other.

The Sure Word of God.

No human scientist's predictions come so surely as those of God's Word. John, in foretelling what came to pass in later centuries, says: "I beheld . . . and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." Rev. 6:12, 13.

Our Lord had foretold the same phenomena (Matthew 24). In fulfilment of these prophecies, the greatest earthquake known to history occurred in 1755, the Lisbon earthquake; the predicted phenomena of the sun and moon occurred in 1780, and that of the "stars" (falling meteors) in 1833.

Following these and before the coming of the Lord, it is just as plainly and just as surely declared that "the powers of the heavens shall be shaken; and then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Matt. 24:29, 30. John describes the remainder of his vision—that which is yet to come—in this way: "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places." Then follows the condition and actions of men, as this "great day of the Lord" is ushered in. Read it all in Rev. 6:12-17.

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER

By Editor

We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the "Signs" are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.

Our authority is the Bible, the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. When the Common (King James) Version, the Revised Version, or the American Standard Revised Version is used, quotations will not be designated in reference. Any Bible quotation in this paper, therefore, differing from the Common Version, unless otherwise indicated, will be from one of the two revised versions, usually the American Standard.

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

Poetry. The City of Love, L. D. SANTEE . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Slavery, ELIZA H. MORTON . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Our Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Editorial.—"A Hope Both Sure and Steadfast"—"To Obey Is Better than Sacrifice"—What Shall We Preach?—How Can They Do It?—The Lack of Evidence for Sunday . . . 3-5 Question Corner.—Nos. 1831-1834 . . . . . . . . . . 5 General. Our Great Treasure-House, MRS. E. G. WHITE . . . . . 6 Warning and Judgment, T. R. GRIFFIN . . . . . . . . . 6 The Greatest Earthquake, H. A. ST. JOHN . . . . . . . 7 The Royal Law, F. C. GILBERT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Kindness Broke His Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Earthquake Notes, E. J. HIBBARD . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Home.—Talks to Young Men, No. 4, ABDIEL—Successes of Young Men, No. 4, MAX HILL—Questions for Idle Moments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11 Missions.—India, J. L. SHAW . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13 Outlook.—European Letter, JEAN VUILLEUMIER—First-Fruits of Inter-Church Federation Movement, K. C. RUSSELL—Would Make Work a Crime—A Hopeless Task—Mass Celebrated in a Baptist Church . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15 Publishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Glendale Sanitarium and Nurses’ Training

By Editor

Mr. C. F. Marvin, chaplain of the Glendale Sanitarium, near Los Angeles, visited us recently. He found here old associates and fellow workers in the Review and Herald. When he came to California several years ago, his health was very precarious. Now he is well and doing yeoman work. He reports excellent patronage at the Glendale Sanitarium. It has also a promising nurses' training-school. May God bless this fellow laborer and the institution with which he is connected.

Simple Duty Hath No Place for Fear

No man need fear aught of the ills of earth if he is only where duty calls. When the darkness spread over the day of May 19, 1780, and men thought the end of the world had come, the Connecticut Legislature was in session. One member moved that the assembly adjourn; but Abraham Davenport rose and said that whether it was the Lord's great day or not, he would be found doing his duty, and so he moved that candles be brought and the house proceed to business. "Simple duty hath no place for fear."

CONTRIBUTIONS TO INDIA.

By Editor

HOW NATURAL it is to be moved by the things close at hand. With the natural heart it is me and mine, my town, my city, my country. And this is well.

But the Christian heart goes out to all the world. Not the Jews and their needs alone stirred the heart of Jesus; "other sheep I have which are not of this fold. Them also must I bring." He labored and longed that His own nation should help Him in reaching the world.

Paul the Jew, who had imbibed the same spirit, said, "I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish."

Even so the great Christian heart of to-day goes out beyond its own home and land to the millions in the darkness of error and superstition. It throbs in sympathy with the starving in Japan or China, with the poor child widows and caste-enslaved Aryans of India.

And so, dear reader, we can not, even amid the earthquake and fire sufferers of the Pacific Coast, forget the needs of our India mission in the hill country, which has been proposed by Prof. J. L. Shaw, a mission in the center of millions needing the Gospel of Christ, a recruiting station to which those in the deadly, miasma-laden lowlands can resort and find rest and vigor while they labor among the hill tribes in the life-giving atmosphere of the lower Himalayas. This we must not forget, and we know that there are hundreds among our readers who will be glad to give. Thus far the following has been received:

Reported in our issue of April 18: $2,022.05 Mrs. W. H. Dufin: 1.00 A Friend: 1.00 Emma Gregory: .50 Cathrine Eliord: 50.00 C. A. Tiffany: 1.50 John Beron: 5.00 Mrs. S. A. Fitch: 1.00 Mrs. E. J. Johnson: 5.00 W. S. Anderson: 5.00 Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Little: 2.00 Franklin Hess: 3.25 Mrs. L. L. Amm: 3.00 J. N. Loughborough: 10.00 Reported by Professor Shaw to May 22: A Friend in Denver: 200.00 Friends, Longmont, Colo.: 12.00 Mrs. Standish: 10.00 Friend, Kansas City: 5.00 Elsie Northrup: 2.00 Nina Johnson: 5.00 To June 1, 1906: $2,344.30

May God bless the donors. The cause is a worthy one, and the means will be worthily and faithfully used.

Democracy Can Not Bear It

Democracy Can Not Bear It.—The following from a series of thoughtful articles on "The Spirit of Democracy," by Charles Fletcher Dole, in the Springfield Republican, sets before us the results which are sure to follow the assumptions of a ruling nation:

Every form of industrial or political management in which a group, a caste, or a race is made to take the place of superiors, by force of arms and incidental violence, over another group, or servile caste, or race of men, who must be looked down upon as inferior people, is inhuman and works evil accordingly. The more highly developed the stronger race is, the more subtly dangerous becomes the arrogance which is inevitable to such a relation. As slavery hurt men's character before they found out that it was wrong to hold slaves, so the relation of the "superior" and imperial nation involves a fatal pride. Assyrians, Romans, and Greeks could not endure the degradation incidental to playing the part of a ruling people. A democracy can least endure this aristocratic relation without blunting the edge of its moral sensitiveness and deadening its own love of liberty; for the relation of superiors to inferiors is tainted with suspicion and breeds enmity. The only secure and permanent relation of the strong to the weak, or of the educated to the ignorant, is that of sympathy, helpfulness, humanity, and good-will. The one relation works by force, the other by persuasion.

Official Assumption.

By Editor

According to the Philadelphia Recorder, "the city marshall of Portland Me., has decided that any one may keep his store open on Sunday if he keeps any other day in the week as sabbath. Citizens may pick out their own sabbath and observe it in their own way." Who gave a city marshall, or any other human official, the right to grant or to withhold religious privileges? According to the assumption of this particular marshall, a municipal officer may set up a religious condition upon which certain citizens may do what the Constitution already permits without condition. If such an officer can regulate constitutional privileges on religious conditions, he may deny them as well as to permit their exercise. But any kind of official assumption is possible where religious legislation is in vogue. Where any kind of enforced religious observance begins, religious liberty and fundamental republican principle end; and where religious liberty is limited by arbitrary conditions, there civil liberty becomes an official toy.

Is That the Effect?

By Editor

Because we have said that there are greater earthquakes to come to this old sin-burdened earth we have been told that we are frightening nervous people and unsettling minds. But, friends, this is not the effect of the truth of the Bible. There were no people on the entire Pacific Coast who were less alarmed as a whole than those who believe just the things which the SIGNS teaches regarding this earth and its future. The frightened ones are those without hope. The earth's quaking took away their hope in this world; they have no hope for the next. God would not hide from us the revelation of the evil to come; but He ever points us to the sure refuge.