p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 7. (2/13/1896)

Earlier text: THE OBSTRUCTIONS OF SPEECH

NEWS AND NOTES

FOREIGN.

—A resolution has been passed by the House of Commons, at Ottawa, assuring England that Canada is still loyal, and in case of war will do all in her power to aid the mother country.

—John Hays Hammond, the American who has been imprisoned by the Boers at Pretoria, has been released on heavy bail, because of sickness, but the despatch which brings the news states that a guard keeps close watch upon him.

—An article in the Independent of January 23, evidently correct as to its facts, presents as strong an indictment against the Boers in their dealings with the natives as the news from the east presents against Turkey in its dealings with the Armenians. Humanity without God (mere profession is nothing) is all of one piece.

—Chile has just negotiated a £2,000,000 loan of the Rothschilds at six per cent. interest, but the national good feeling over the good credit of the country has given place to a different feeling when it shortly developed that a German syndicate had offered to loan £6,000,000 at four per cent., free of all charges. It is very evident that a good fat sum was pocketed by the middlemen.

—The patriarchs of the Greek or “Orthodox” Church have replied to Pope Leo’s jubilee letter, inviting all Christians to return to the Roman Church; and while the eastern patriarchs recognize the benefit of union, they frankly say, and clearly prove, it is said, that Rome is the schismatic, and has added to the ancient faith. But on the part of neither does there seem to be a desire to return to the word of God.

—A despatch from Rio Janeiro states that the British Government has notified its minister in Brazil to recognize the sovereignty of Brazil in the island of Trinidad. If this information is reliable, the little war cloud that has hovered over that desolate island will blow away. Quite probably Brazil will now turn about and grant England a coaling station on Trinidad, and a landing place for a cable as well, if she desires.

—A circular document has been sent out by Ecuador to the republics of America calling for a conference of powers for the purpose of coming to a clear and definite understanding as to the Monroe Doctrine, as well as for the discussion of other topics. The meeting is called at the City of Mexico by August of this year. This call leaves the United States free to accept the invitation without being accused of a desire to assume a dictatorship over a federation of American states. Probably much good would be accomplished by such a meeting of the representatives of the republican governments of the western hemisphere.

—The charter of religious liberty forced from the sultan in 1856 by the demand of the powers reads as follows: “Every distinction or designation tending to make any class whatever of the subjects of my empire inferior to another class, on account of their religion, language, or race, shall be forever effaced from the administrative protocol. The laws should be put in force against the use of any injurious or offensive term, either among private individuals or on the part of the authorities. As all forms of religion are and shall be freely professed in my dominions, no subjects of my empire shall be hindered in the exercise of the religion that he professes, nor shall be in any way annoyed on this account. No one shall be compelled to change his religion.”

—Spain has made prompt reply to the note of the United States asking her to conduct war against the Cubans in the manner recognized as “civilized” by the world of the present. The assurance comes that a perfectly humane system will be followed, even as that laid down by Campos. In the meantime Campos has returned to Spain, and was hissed and hooted as he passed through the streets of Madrid. A riot ensued, and one man was shot by the police. From Cuba the report comes of inhuman methods of the Spanish under Marin. The Cubans claim more adherents than ever, and the end is not in sight. Probably the greatest sufferers from the war are the sugar merchants and planters. Incidentally, the city dwellers are also cut off from supplies. When we consider that the greater share of sugar used in this country comes from Cuba, we may foresee some of the results of the wholesale destruction now going on in that island. A writer in the Independent says the United States will lose at least $40,000,000 in revenues alone, and a letter from his friends in Havana, the capital, states that milk and vegetables have been omitted from their table list for weeks. Indeed, a postscript says, “You will be surprised to learn that on some days we are obliged to go without anything to eat.” These are some of the inside lights of war.

—Hon. Theodore Runyon, U. S. Ambassador to Germany, died at Berlin, January 27.

—A “Life of Cardinal Manning,” by E. S. Purcell, has come out in London, and its appearance, according to reports, has been the signal for unstinted execration of the compiler by all Catholics. What appears to hurt is that Mr. Purcell’s statements are all fortified by proof or argument. The biographer is accused of having robbed the public of an ideal, which of course is regrettable if the poor public has no other ideal. Too, Mr. Purcell was intrusted with the cardinal’s own papers, and in publishing the relation between the Church of England and the Church of Rome, as revealed in those papers, as well as printing many other church secrets, the author has induced severe criticism from Catholic dignitaries, as might have been expected. The executors of Cardinal Manning are talking of compiling a new “life,” but the world at large will presumably be quite well satisfied in seeing the man as others saw him and knew him, not as he might be made to appear.

DOMESTIC.

—A mining company has been formed in Butte, Mont., to mine under that city, where it is known rich ore exists.

—Professor Loisette, the inventor of the well-known memory system which bears his name, died on February 5, in San Francisco.

—Governor Rickards, of Montana, has demanded of Secretary Olney that the national government remove the Cree Indians, as they have spread scarlet fever and diphtheria, and now smallpox is threatened. Negotiations are under way for their removal to Canada.

—Litigation over property generally pays the lawyers and depletes the purses of the litigants. A case in Los Angeles followed the rule, where a $20,000 estate has just been settled after running in the courts twenty-five years. There was left for the heirs just forty-two cents.

—Bound Brook, N. J., on the Raritan River, has suffered almost total demolition by flood and water. On February 6 the river suddenly rose, sweeping houses from their foundations. The water in the main street became over ten feet deep. Fire added to the wreck, the latter alone causing $100,000 damages. Other places on the river also suffered.

—The American liner, St. Paul, which ran ashore off Long Branch two weeks ago, has been floated. It is not thought that the actual damage to the vessel is great. The chief item that will now confront the underwriters is that of salvage, and it will be interesting to know what sum—which shipping men say will be heavy—will be allowed for towing her off into deep water.

—A bill to prevent prize-fights in territories has gone to the President for his signature. It is rushed through at this time to forestall, if possible, a fight announced to take place in New Mexico. While the prize-fighters are determined to fight each other, the lawmakers are trying to stop them by law, and it does look as tho no place will be found for exhibitions of this manly(?) art.

—On the night of February 4 a man in Chicago chloroformed his entire family, consisting of six persons, after which he shot them, ending the terrible job by shooting himself. He had been out of work, but the sad scene was discovered by friends who were bringing him employment. There are many sad things in this world, but no sadder object can there be than a human being so blinded by Satan as to commit such a crime as this of laborer Richard Klattke.

—The sealed bids for the popular loan of new government bonds, were opened February 5, per announcement. Several thousand bids were received, but the successful bidders number only 781. About one-third of the issue of $100,000,000 goes to J. P. Morgan and his associates at 110.6877, while the balance goes at figures slightly higher. There is no trouble in placing a “popular” loan, and this was fully shown when bids for over $550,000,000 were counted. The most of them, however, fell below 110.

—Two boys, seventeen years of age, have been arrested in this city, and have confessed to being the perpetrators of thirty-five burglaries and robberies, including safe-cracking, in this city, Alameda, and Berkeley, during the past few weeks. In these cities, principally the first, there have been since January 13, 6 safes cracked, 4 robberies, and 32 burglaries, reported to the police. Instead of the old hands believed to have committed the crimes, it now seems that two mere lads, born and raised here, have been guilty of nearly the whole list.

—A large fire occurred in Philadelphia, on the morning of February 2, entailing a loss of probably $2,000,000. Among the buildings destroyed was that of the Baptist Publication Society, and the Hazeltine Building, which contained the celebrated Hazeltine collection of paintings and pictures, valued at $400,000. The paintings were not insured. The fire is believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion among oily rags in the basement of the Hazeltine Building, thus again demonstrating the danger in allowing such material to accumulate and remain long undisturbed.

—The President has addressed a short message to Congress recommending immediate action to furnish relief to the families of the killed and wounded Italians, who were victims of the riot in Colorado, March 12, 1895. It is reported that several families are in destitute circumstances.

—Three Boston hotels recently drew the color line on Bishop Benjamin W. Arnett, of Wilberforce, O., who was called to that city to deliver a lecture before a prominent society. Now Rev. Samuel M. Crothers, university preacher of Harvard College, who was to address the South Middlesex Unitarian Club at its next meeting, on “True Americanism,” refuses to do so if the club calls the meeting at any hotel in which the color line is drawn. The president of the club assures him that the organization agrees with him.

PUBLICATIONS ON THE SECOND ADVENT.

HIS GLORIOUS APPEARING. An illustrated commentary on Matthew 24, containing 96 pages and 20 full-page illustrations. It takes up Christ's great prophecy of his own second coming, and the signs of the times are clearly pointed out in their relation to that event. This is an attractive and instructive booklet, and is especially valuable at this time. Bound in boards with cover design in colors, 25 cents. Bound in fine English cloth, lemon edges, 40 cents.

HELPS TO BIBLE STUDY. Sixth edition. Contains readings on the following subjects: Home of the Saved, Second Coming of Christ, The Sanctuary, The Judgment, Seal of God, Third Angel's Message, State of the Dead, The Two Laws, Second Advent, and Binding of Satan, etc., etc. These readings are what the title indicates, “Helps to Bible Study,” and will be found especially valuable for the Bible worker and family. Bound in fine cloth at 50 cents; same contents in pamphlet form, 25 cents.

SURE WORD OF PROPHECY. A consideration of the important prophecies of the book of Daniel, the last chapter of which brings us to the “time of the end,” just previous to Christ's second coming. 96 pages, paper covers. Bible Students' Library No. 131. Price, 10 cents.

SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. A brief résumé of the advents of Christ and the prophecies which cluster around these events. Two diagrams assist in the study. 80 pages, paper covers. Bible Students' Library No. 97. Price, 10 cents.

CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE. Showing the work that Christ accomplishes in the sanctuary in heaven, before his second coming. 112 pages, paper covers. Bible Students' Library No. 128. Price, 10 cents.

MATTHEW 24, OR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. An exposition of the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew's Gospel. 96 pages, paper covers. Bible Students' Library No. 58. Price, 10 cents.

THE SECOND ADVENT. By Elder James White. This tract very clearly points out the nearness of Christ's second coming, and proves conclusively that this coming will be a literal coming, known by all, and not a spiritual coming to those in the “secret chambers.” Bible Students' Library No. 31. Price, 4 cents.

MANNER OF CHRIST'S COMING. By M. C. Wilcox. This gives the original Greek of such words and terms as refer to the different “comings” of Christ, proves conclusively that the second coming of Christ will be personal and visible, and shows the harmony of Scripture teaching on this important subject. It is an excellent number to place in the hands of professional men and persons of education and culture. Bible Students' Library No. 124. Price, 2 cents. Send for complete catalogue with description, and price list of other publications on this and kindred topics.

THE JUDGMENT; ITS EVENTS AND THEIR ORDER. By J. N. Andrews. This pamphlet gives in six comprehensive chapters, The Investigative Judgment, Examination of the Books, God the Father the Judge, Offices of Christ, Messages to the World, The Sanctuary in Heaven, The Crowning of Christ, The Executive Judgment by Christ, The Saints Sitting in Judgment. The value of this work can be appreciated only by him who has read it. 134 pages, paper covers. Bible Students' Library No. 55. Price, 15 cents.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

ITS OFFICES AND MANIFESTATIONS TO THE END OF THE CHRISTIAN ERA.

By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.

This is a brief but comprehensive argument on the solemn and important subject of the Spirit of God. Its chapters embrace the following heads: The Holy Spirit of Promise; The Power from on High; Circumcision of the heart; The Unity of the Faith; The Law and the Testimony; Try the Spirits; The Great Commission; Gifts in the Reformation; In the Present Century; Spirit of Prophecy Restored. These are subjects of vital importance to all and especially to those who are looking for the return of their Lord. 144 pp. Price, 15 cents.

Address. PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

Calendar of the French Revolution.

In our Fireside department will be found an interesting article on the “Calendar of the French Revolution,” showing infidelity’s attempt to alter the times of God. Apostasy has also endeavored to do the same thing, with seemingly more success, judging by the length of time its power has been thus manifest, and the number of people who have accepted the change. Infidelity endeavored to change the number of the days of the week from a seven to a ten-day period. Apostasy retains the septenary period, but endeavors to transfer holy time from the seventh to the first day of the week. God foretold the work and time of both, and both will come to naught. “Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.”

Vivisection and Human Life.

By Editor

—“Vivisection” is the word which expresses the dissection of a living animal, now so common, not merely before medical classes, but in many of our schools, colleges, and universities. It is contended, and we believe the contention just, that it breeds cruelty and hardness of heart. But it is increasing so rapidly that the Humane Society is multiplying in various forms to oppose it. Dr. Albert Leffingwell, in the Independent of the 23d ultimo, has a trenchant article on the subject, entitled “The Value of Truth and Human Life.” To show how utterly regardless some scientists are of human life, he quotes from Professor Slosson: “The aim of science is the advancement of human knowledge at any sacrifice of new life.” “If cats and guinea-pigs can be put to any higher use than to advance science, we do not know what it is. We do not know of any higher use we can put a man to.” “A human life is nothing compared to a new fact.” And it is declared that the aim of science is not “the cure of disease or the saving of human life,” but “the advancement of human knowledge at any sacrifice of human life.” Dr. Leffingwell then tells us of a physician’s article in the leading medical periodical of the United States giving a detailed account of experiments on children in a “free dispensary.” These innocents (twenty in number), suffering from an incurable disorder, “were deliberately inoculated with the most horrible disease that afflicts the human race to-day, without the slightest thoughts of benefit to his victims, and solely as an experiment.” Dr. Leffingwell tells us that “there are no words in the English language sufficiently strong to phrase” abhorrence of such human vivisections, and that it is “self-sacrifice—not sacrifice of others—that underlies the religion of Jesus Christ.” Let parents and Christian teachers protest against the cruelty.

The Test of Loyalty

READ “The Test of Loyalty,” found in another column. God wants loyal hearts now.

The Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine.—Much is being said nowadays on the “Monroe Doctrine,” yet many do not know to what it refers. A brief but lucid explanation is given in another column.

Mission Work in Basutoland

Brother Haskell will excuse us for using a part of his private letter in the way we have. The article on Basutoland, in our Missions department was taken from a personal letter to the editor. It gives some interesting facts.

The Unity of the Father and Son Through One Spirit

The series of articles by Brother Covert on the Spirit of God, has for this week “The Unity of the Father and Son through One Spirit.” The article next week will be “Angels Directed by the Spirit.” There is excellent instruction in these articles.

Questions Relative to Food.

By Editor

We are glad to see the widespread agitation on the question of food and diet. Some will use common sense, seek right sources of knowledge, and obtain the medium truth, not the extreme of fanaticism or that of indifference. We receive many questions on this subject from time to time, and have some on hand now. But all these we have attempted to answer in a general way in the article on page 4, entitled “A Question of Food.” Let our readers carry out the principles there laid down, principles drawn from God’s word, and they are not likely to go far wrong. If we have judging to do or criticism to offer, let us judge and criticize ourselves. But in it all let us seek God’s glory.

A New Heart for the Old Law

A DISCIPLE brother, writing us a courteous and kindly letter, says, “We read in the Prophets that God would give us a new law, and that should be written in their hearts.” The brother evidently refers to Jer. 31:31–34, but he has misplaced his adjective. The prophet does not predict a new law, but a new heart, in which God through the new covenant would write the same eternal law. The fault was never with the law; that was and is spiritual, holy, perfect, just, and good; the fault was with the carnal heart. See Ps. 19:7; Rom. 7:12, 14; 8:7. With the new heart the old law is a delight. Ps. 40:7, 8.

DO YOU WANT A PART IN THIS?

By Editor

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is continually receiving requests from all over the United States for free copies of the paper to reading rooms, public libraries, various societies, etc. Many times the regulations of these societies provide reading rooms, papers are placed on file, but the society has no funds to subscribe for papers. In many such cases the secretary solicits a free copy.

Now it is not right to ask the publishers to fill all these calls, especially when so much has been done in reducing the price of the paper. Do not some of our many friends wish to aid us in this way? The editor will endeavor to see that every copy which such a friend will enable us to send out, is wisely used. Send all donations, and make all orders payable, to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

The Persecuted Persecutors.

By Editor

Our sympathies are stirred over the reports of the horrible atrocities in Armenia. Faith and courage and admiration are enkindled over deaths of true martyrs, and true women who chose death to dishonor. We do not believe in religious persecution anywhere nor against any one, not even of the Pharisees of old, who crucified our Lord, or of the persecution of Roman Catholics who put him to death many times during the Dark Ages in the person of his followers. It is unscriptural and unchristian. Yet Armenians who are appealing to the world to save them from the cruel Mohammedan should not persecute those who believe it duty to observe the same day for the Sabbath which was observed by our Lord Jesus Christ. And yet such has been the case. Some have even been threatened with death by professed Armenian Christians for keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, the day honored by Christ. And yet we do not believe in the persecution of the persecutors. Why?—It is unchristian.

Evolution and Scripture.

The word of God accounts for man’s nature and condition. Science has endeavored to evolve him from protoplasm. But according to Professor Howison, as quoted in the Pacific of October 23, Mr. Huxley himself “came so clearly to see and proclaim, in conscience, at least, man has that which no cosmic process can possibly account for, but to which, rather, the cosmic process presents an aspect of real antagonism.” And Professor Howison says frankly:—

“It is time that we all understood how finally at variance with the core of Christian faith and hope is any doctrine of evolution that views the whole of human nature as the product of ‘continuous creation—as merely the last term in a process of transmissive causation. For the product of such a process could not be morally free, nor consequently morally responsible. It must needs be merely a mass of ‘inherited tendency;’ and howsoever fair its effect might appear, no life of genuine dutifulness, no life of goodness freely chosen, could enter into its being.”

And yet we have not a few professedly Christian teachers who are trying to make the Bible harmonize with evolution. Again Professor Howison says—and his words are a rebuke to many “divines”—

“Plain in the doctrinal firmament of every Christian, clear like the sun in the sky, should shine the truth. Unless there is a real man underived from nature, unless there is a rational or spiritual man independent of the natural man, and legislatively sovereign over entire nature, then the Eternal is not a person,—there is no God, and our faith is vain.”

That truth is found in the word of God. It needs no apology. It will endure by its own inherent strength.

Pure Air and Ventilation

Pure Air.—It is thus that one correspondent, Brother H. Hansen, of San Diego, Cal., writes us:—

“Millions of people are sick all the time just for the want of pure air. Our tight bedrooms are full of poisonous air. Air once breathed is poisoned. The room is shut up tight to keep out the cold, and thus are shut out life and health. Why should not such things be taught in our public schools? In the old days of the log houses, with the big holes in the sides, mankind were strong and healthy. God bless the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.”

These things are taught, generally, in public schools, though not sufficient to be practical. At least we should so judge from after results. But the truth is simply and forcibly stated in the above. It has been aptly said that if air were taxed, or if we were charged for it, we should use more. Like all God’s gifts, it is free. Let it in, with its life-giving oxygen.

Self-Justification and Reform.

He who seeks to justify himself will never become better. The reason is that what is wrong, he looks upon as right, and, being right, he reasons, consciously or unconsciously, why should it be condemned or made better? The next step is to condemn the reprover, and in so doing he turns away from God. Even tho unjustly condemned, it is better to leave our vindication with God.

God's Law Versus Civil Interpretation

NEVER forget that the “law of God,” as enforced by civil statutes, is always some man’s or men’s interpretation of that law. The very next change in government may reverse it all, and thus “God’s law” would be made a shuttlecock in politics.