p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 43, No. 31. (8/8/1916)

Earlier text: TRAINED IN THE SCHOOL OF VIOLENCE

A Profound Mathematical Truth

By L. A. R.

MATHEMATICS is simply the mental process by which man unconsciously shows the fineness, precision, and accuracy of divine mind. Ages ago, the inspired prophet declared of the stars, He "bringeth out their hosts by number." The word "host" suggests a large, overwhelming number. And even before that utterance of the prophet, to Abraham had been revealed the profound truth that the stars are without number as far as man is concerned.

How marvelously, by means of mathematics, and of astronomical instruments, notably the fine development of the telescope and the extreme sensitiveness of the modern photographic plate, have men discovered, and exhausted their ability to number, the stars! But beyond the reach of the grandest telescope, beyond the power of the most sensitive photographic plate, we find suggestions of still unnumbered stars.

Nevertheless, by faith we grasp the statement that God brings out all this vast host by numbers; that where man, even in his best mathematical thinking, lisps and stutters and hesitates, God thinks as a natural method of His life, not only of all these stars, every one of them, but of every atom that makes up their being, down to the mote that floats in the sunbeams. All are within the scope of His infinite care.

We must amend our thought to take in the great fact that even the very hairs of our head are numbered, and not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of Him who brings out the stars by number, who "calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth." And that same One "giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength."

The power pledged to the stars, so that "not one faileth," is the same power pledged to us who are seeking to overcome evil in this world. And just as marvelous a promise is given to us,—"They shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." L. A. R.

Tobacco and Whisky Harvest

By Editor

THE Scientific American suggests that the preparation of the individual presents a greater problem in this time than the preparation of guns and all other war materials, in order that this nation might be in a position to defend itself. Speaking of the young men who marched in the preparedness parade in New York City, May 13, the editor of that paper says:

"The slouching gait and general aspect of weariness, long before the end of the march, of the bulk of these young men, made it quite clear that not one in three of them could properly be passed by any surgeon of a volunteer regiment; that not one in six could, as he stood that Saturday, have entered our regular army; that probably an even smaller number would satisfy the demands of our naval examiners."

Facts of this character are abundant in showing the lack of physical ability and stamina on the part of young men of this generation. And it will be far more apparent when the generation of boys now growing up shall come upon the stage of action.

We are beginning to see the results, and to reap the unmistakable harvest, of the sowing of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking which the present generation has been engaged in. The big whisky and tobacco concerns have been making money out of it, but they are ruining the race. The old Book that has been telling this story, is clearly found to be in harmony with the facts.

Needless Loss of Life

It is estimated by the Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C., that 75,000 persons are accidentally killed in the United States every year, and it is further estimated that not less than 2,000,000 persons are accidentally injured in this country each year. Most of these accidental deaths and injuries are attributed to some preventable cause. Haste and inattention are responsible for a great many of them. Secretary of the Interior Lane has equipped a special train of twelve cars to visit every state with exhibits to show how life is lost or menaced, and how it may be preserved.

Men are well-nigh furious in their rush for gain and for pleasure. It is a disease deeply rooted, and spreading throughout the social body of the world. It is a disease, too, that is one of the significant signs of our times. Unless the disease itself is remedied, there is no prospect but that things will continue to grow worse and worse in these lines.

The World’s Longest Telephone Circuit

THE longest telephone circuit in the world was recently completed. It stretches from Montreal to Vancouver. The line is 4,227 miles long, as compared with the 3,400 miles of the New York to San Francisco line.