Earlier text: An Unblemished SacrificeSunday Laws and Religious Liberty.
From the Oakland Tribune. CONSTITUTIONALLY this republic specifically recognizes no religious belief and makes no distinction between different religions; but that the inhabitants of the United States, collectively speaking, are a Christian people is impressed on our laws and institutions in many ways. Our code of justice is modeled in accordance with the ethics of the Christian cult; the methods of administering in it are tinctured with Christian usage and ritual, and the spirit of our entire political system is impregnated with Christian doctrine. The Federal Constitution guarantees to every person the free exercise of religious belief and the rites of worship he desires to observe, yet in actual every-day experience certain sects are favored by law while others labor under disabilities. Every Sunday law is a proof of this fact. Such statutes compel universal recognition of the fact that Sunday is held to be a day of sanctity and worship by nearly all the Christian sects. All arguments advanced to prove that one day in the week should be set aside for rest and recreation can not obscure the fact that the basic idea underlying the whole scheme of restricting secular pursuits on Sunday is religious. Fundamentally, people are required to abstain from labor and business occupations on the theory that the day is sacred and should be devoted to worship. If the desecration idea were eliminated from the public mind, not a Sunday law in the land could claim obedience. Recently the governor of Texas has undertaken to strictly enforce the Sunday law of that state, which has either been a dead letter or only nominally obeyed in certain localities. The impelling motive for his action came from a concerted movement in the churches to put an end to Sabbath desecration. In the agitation among the religious congregations not the slightest attention was paid to the pretense that Sunday had been set aside as a day of rest and recreation. The idea was to compel everybody regardless of belief or inclination to observe Sunday as a holy day. Now the Jews, Adventists, and some minor sects reverence Saturday as a holy day, but have no more respect for Sunday than Monday; while others of no particular belief do not believe in the sanctity of any particular day. It is clear that all such are discriminated against by Sunday laws. The Sabbath of the Jew and the Adventist is not respected by the orthodox Christian, yet Jews and Adventists are compelled by law to pay outward respect to the holy day of Christians. This shows that we are a Christian people, despite the boast that this is a land of perfect religious liberty. It is not. In a thousand ways the fact is emphasized. It is also evident that the laws which emphasize the fact smack of religious intolerance and essentially deny the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. My Prayer.
By J. A. Powers
I WOULD not ask, most gracious Lord,
That lighter burdens might be mine,
But that I should from out Thy word
Find strength in promises divine,
And in the shadow of Thy wing
Beneath the greatest burdens sing. My weakness to Almighty power,
Yoked by the faith that makes Thee mine,
Would glory in life's darkest hour,
Filled with the light of life divine;
For from the bands of sin set free
No service is too great for Thee. For smoother paths I do not care,
The rough and thorny is my way,
If Thou wilt only guide me there,
So I may never go’ astray;
The hardest path I would not shun
To win Thy welcome and well done. My greatest trial on this earth
Can never with Thine own compare,
And I can never know its worth
Till crowned with glory over there;
Then give me grace to do Thy will,
And in life's hottest fire keep still. A Devoted Worker.
By Editor
SOMETIME ago we referred to some of the schools which Elder D. T. Shireman had been building in North Carolina, as schools for the colored. We were mistaken in this. He has assisted some of those who have been doing work of that kind, but the schools that he has builded have been for the white people who are not so situated as to build their own schools. One of the latest has been the Toluca Industrial School, a school for orphans largely. The work has been started many times without any kind of school conveniences, and yet God has greatly blessed the work. Elder Shireman has worked with his own hands in the building; has earned money in various ways for the erection of the buildings and the material that goes into them; has moved upon sympathetic Christian teachers to give themselves to the work of educating those in need, and only the great Judgment-day will show the sacrifice and faithfulness which he has put into this work. The principal of the Toluca school for the next year is Mr. D. A. Shield. This training-school has a home for those who are connected with it, and we are assured that this will be filled to its utmost capacity the coming year. If there are any of our readers who wish to furnish help for the work that Brother Shireman is doing in the South among the orphans and poor, we shall be glad to forward it to him. It might be well to say that Elder Shireman was himself an orphan, and that all his success has been a constant struggle with difficulties, and yet in it all his life has been faithful labor not for himself, but for others. Since 1878 the importation of smoking opium into the United States has increased more than 250 per cent according to facts collected by the American commissioners appointed to attend the international congress, which meets at Shanghai next year, to consider the question. During 1907, 157,000 pounds were imported, about 75 per cent of which is used in the manufacture of morphin. Reports indicate that in the United States the use of opium as a habit has grown to an alarming extent and that this growth is not among the Chinese residents, but among the whites, not so much in the slums as among the professional classes. Chinese doctors have devised a cure and are impressing on their countrymen the destructive influence of the use of the drug, and among the Chinese here strong efforts are being made to abolish the habit. On the other hand, it is estimated that there are 5,000 white persons who are smokers of opium in New York City. The “strenuous life” is again brought forward as a reason or excuse. — Medical Record. Mr. Thomas Shaw, in an article in the Pioneer Press of St. Paul, declares that the real loss in the fearful forest fires which have raged through the North is far greater than that of the burning of the trees; namely, the injury of the soil. “Not a living thing in the way of vegetation is left; nature has to begin the work of furnishing protection for the naked earth. The farmer who returns to build his home upon the ashes is without material for building or fencing, and soon finds without material for living, except what he buys. But the loss of humus is a far greater loss. The vegetable matter so abundant on the surface of the soil in a new country is devoured by the flames. The top soil with all that it contains is turned into ashes. For two or three years good crops may follow because of the abundance of ashes lying over the soil, but the stimulating effect of these is soon lost. The area thus burned over will not recover what it lost by such a conflagration in a score of years, or in a period much longer.” Offering for Religious Liberty.
THE Religious Liberty Bureau at Washington asks that those who are interested in religious liberty should help in the annual offering to carry on its work. It is doing a large amount of work to enlighten people regarding religious liberty and in defending the rights of all, irrespective of creed or station. The annual offering will be taken this year on Sabbath, February 6. It is sincerely hoped that all the friends of religious liberty will bear this in mind, and be prepared to contribute liberally to the work. Funds are now exhausted, and present needs are great. The funds can be sent directly through the church treasurer in the regular way. This appeal comes from Elder K. C. Russell, chairman of the Religious Liberty Bureau. European Nations Hoard Gold Amid War Fears
Fearing that a European war might break out, news from the Old World tells us that the great nations have been packing their war-chests with gold. France, it is said, has increased its reserve by $100,000,000 in actual gold metal; Germany has secured nearly $75,000,000 in gold; Italy has added $50,000,000 to her war fund; while Austria-Hungary has purchased $20,000,000 in gold. The Russian State Bank has augmented its hoard by $50,000,000. The Bank of France has made arrangements to buy every ounce of gold that comes from the Cape. Everything indicates that the war spirit and war fear are at highest tension. The State of Lincoln.—Mr. Albert E. Pillsbury, of Boston, offers a suggestion of national interest, that is that when New Mexico is received as a state in the Union its name be changed to that of “Lincoln.” The suggestion, it would seem, would be favored not only by the people of New Mexico, but by all the nation. “Going Away.”
By Mrs. Harvey-Jellie
KATHLEEN ORME had spent six happy weeks with her aunt in the lovely Lake District, but her friends noticed that she was ill at ease on her return. “What can have disturbed you, Katie? It takes something to put you out. Do tell me all about it, dear,” said an old friend, as they sat under the large oak tree in the meadow one summer evening. “You will be surprised when I tell you it is a religious difficulty, and somehow I have been worried about it ever since one Sunday afternoon.” “Why keep it secret? Confess it to me and forget it. I don’t believe in troubling about religion.” Kathleen paused, and checking a rising tear, she said: “Yes, Maud, I will tell you. It came about in this way. My cousin is very fond of her Bible-class, and seemed so anxious I should accompany her one Sunday. At first I wasn’t much interested. The teacher had certainly an impressive manner. But on the second Sunday I could have listened ever so long; she talked so earnestly of eternal life.” “What a gloomy subject! It wouldn’t have suited me,” said Maud. “But tell me all about it.” “It is just impossible to repeat what she said, but I know this—she made me long to know if eternal life was mine. Don’t look astonished, for indeed I was in dead earnest about it, and I felt there was nothing else half so important. I was in pain through keeping it to myself, and I hoped some one where I was staying would speak to me about such things. They are Christians, I suppose, but they never said a word about religion to me, tho I gave them every opportunity. Then, whenever I saw that teacher, I hoped she would speak. I told her I was going away soon; but no, not a word!” “Kathleen, what matters! It is the right thing for such people to talk Bible talk; she didn’t mean to upset you.” “But, Maud, when I met her and said good-by, I felt a word would have been my salvation almost. I could hardly keep back tears. I suppose she really meant it all, but why not prove it by asking if I understood it?” “Are you still troubling about the subject? I wouldn’t if I were you.” “No, I am hardening myself now, and I am not well; but when I think of that disappointing time, I wonder and feel uncomfortable.” The two young women walked home, and other subjects took their attention. Kathleen Orme listened to the voices around her, and society laid its snares, and pleasure sought her out. Moreover the world gave its best to win her sympathy, and gradually the thought of eternal life faded, and a year passed away. Then came a serious breakdown; illness brought her to the gates of death; and the cousin with whom she had stayed came to see her. “Kathleen, may the Bible-class teacher come and see you?” she asked when sitting beside her. “She is staying near by.” At first Kathleen resented it; at length she yielded, and consented to see her. On the next afternoon, the one who had once roused her attention to solemn realities sat close to her bed, and spoke again of eternal truths. “Are you really anxious to know if I am saved?” asked Kathleen, in trembling tones. “Indeed I am, and so I was when you came to my class.” With a pathetic look the dying girl said softly: “I told you I was going away soon. Why didn’t you speak to me about it? It would have helped me so much.” The teacher took her hand, and said: “But am I too late to speak now? I reproved myself when I found you had gone away from your aunt’s.” “What a pity!” said Kathleen, “for I am going away soon, never to return, and I wanted to know more about eternal life.” A pleading prayer, a few kind words, and the teacher left, thinking regretfully of her past opportunities, and recalling her Master’s words, “Ye did it not.” Christians, be up and ready to speak the word in season. Those around you “are going away soon.” Miss no chance to help and to bless. The Lord gives us grace and wisdom, while yet He grants the privilege of service. O, why are our tongues so silent,
And why do we shrink away,
When we ought to be joyfully ready
A word for our Master to say?
In prayer let us oftener linger,
Till our hearts are filled with love,
Then impelled with a zeal untiring
Let us work for our Saviour above! Schumann’s Musical Maxims.
ROBERT SCHUMANN, one of Germany’s most gifted musicians, gave some excellent maxims to his pupils. Here are some of them: “Always play as if a master were listening to you.” “When you play, never concern yourself as to your listeners.” “Never toy with your instrument; always play with life, and never leave a piece half finished.” “If you are to play for any one, make no fuss about it; do it right away or not at all.” “Play in time; the performances of many artists are like the walk of a drunken man. Never pattern after them.” “Never play anything fashionable. Time is precious. One would need a hundred lives to learn to know all the good things that have been written.” “You must not circulate poor music; do your best to suppress it.” “Never believe that the old music is out of date. Just as little as a beautiful and true word, can good music be laid on the shelf.” Caring for Glassware.
By M. A. H.
No part of the home reflects the true spirit of the housekeeper more than the dining-room, and there is nothing that conduces more to a dainty table than shining glass; and the commonest kinds of glassware can be made to look beautiful by careful handling and proper washing. In washing glassware avoid too sudden change from cold to heat, as experience proves that the short life of many articles of fine glassware is due to the abrupt changes of the temperature of the waters in which they are washed and rinsed. There is nothing better for cleaning the inside of carafes, cruets, and similar articles than crushed egg-shells. They are put in the bottle with plenty of hot suds and allowed to remain over night. Then the bottle must be given a vigorous shaking and thoro rinsing. Before washing glassware, rinse out every particle of milk, fruit, or anything that is colored, as the hot water will sometimes drive the coloring matter into the glass and ruin its brightness. Glassware may be kept shiningly clean by washing the pieces through a strong suds made by stirring enough pearline in warm water to make a nice lather; rinse quickly through clean, warm water and dry with one soft towel and polish with another free from lint. The finest dishes can be washed in this way without any injury to the glaze, but the pieces must be washed, rinsed, and dried as quickly as possible. A few minutes daily devoted to the cleansing of the glassware and making it bright will give added pleasure to those who gather around the board, for it not only pleases the eye but is a necessary requirement for an appetizing table. Nothing repays one better for the time spent upon it than shining glass, and there is certainly nothing that adds so much to the appearance of the table and gives it such an air of refinement as sparkling glass and polished dishes. And the dishes can be kept shiningly clean no matter what the financial circumstances of the family may be. WHERE never angry thoughts intrude,
Or cruel words or action rude;
Where Love, supreme, holds gentle sway,
To bless anew returning day,—
That spot is home.
Unmoved, tho threatening storms arise,
And days be dark with clouded skies;
What matters all the world beside?
Safe in that shelter I abide,
No more to roam! Benefits of Bible Study ............ (A. G. L., 10) $ .50 Topical Bible Studies ............ (B. S. L., 185) 1.50 Prayer, by A. T. Pierson ........ (A. G. L., 52) 1.00 How Esther Read Her Bible ........ (A. G. L., 7) .50 Back to the Old Paths ............ (A. G. L., 44) 1.00 Why Not Found Out Before! ....... (B. S. L., 52) .50 Jewish ........................... (B. S. L., 69) .50 From Sabbath to Sunday .......... (B. S. L., 95) .50 Identical Seventh Day ........... (B. S. L., 114) 1.00 The Seal of God and Mark of the Beast ................. (B. S. L., 130) 2.00 New Testament Sabbath ........... (B. S. L., 137) 1.00 Who Changed the Sabbath ......... (B. S. L., 187) 1.00 Elihu on the Sabbath ............ (B. S. L., 192) 1.00 Evolution and the Sabbath ...... (B. S. L., 198) 1.00 The Seventh or One-Seventh Day ... (A. G. L., 39) .50 Day of the Sabbath .............. (A. G. L., 50) 1.00 Which Day Do You Keep, and Why? . (A. G. L., 75) .50 Is Sunday the Sabbath? .......... (A. G. L., 76) .50 The True Seventh Day ........... (A. G. L., 78) 1.50 Sunday in a Nutshell ............ (A. G. L., 88) 1.00 Without Excuse .................. (B. S. L., 46) .50 Great Day of the Lord ........... (B. S. L., 65) 2.00 The Eastern Question ............ (B. S. L., 144) 1.00 We Would See Jesus .............. (B. S. L., 173) 1.00 The Gospel Message .............. (B. S. L., 188) 1.00 Waymarks to the Holy City ....... (B. S. L., 189) 1.00 Signs of the End ............... (B. S. L., 194) 1.00 Coming of the Lord ............. (A. G. L., 40) .50 Heralds of His Coming ........... (A. G. L., 85) 1.50 “Come, for All Things Are Now Ready” ............... (A. G. L., 87) 1.00 Temporal Millennium ............ (B. S. L., 121) 1.50 Under the Law; or Under Grace ... (B. S. L., 163) 1.00 Relation of the Law and Gospel .. (B. S. L., 166) 1.50 The Perpetuity of the Law ....... (B. S. L., 178) 1.00 Ceremonial and Moral Law Distinguished ............... (B. S. L., 195) 1.00 The Two Covenants ............... (A. G. L., 83) 1.00 Thoughts for the Candid ......... (B. S. L., 47) .50 Tormented Forever and Ever ...... (B. S. L., 111) 1.00 Rich Man and Lazarus ............ (B. S. L., 146) 1.00 Satan's First Lie ............... (B. S. L., 199) 2.00 Is Man Immortal? ................ (A. G. L., 86) 1.00 Spiritualism: Its Source and Character ............... (B. S. L., 112) 1.00 Try the Spirits ................. (A. G. L., 48) .50 Drunkenness and Crime ........... (B. S. L., 196) $1.00 A Chat with My Tobacco-Loving Brother ............... (A. G. L., 67) .50 Food: Its Mental and Moral Value. (A. G. L., 68) .50 The Name ........................ (A. G. L., 72) 1.00 Demons' Council ................. (A. G. L., 80) .50 It Does Not Pay ................. (A. G. L., 82) 1.00 Nice, clean work, requiring part or all of your time—a work that proves educational and remunerative, and affords unlimited missionary opportunities? Such work is offered in the sale of the Signs of the Times Monthly. 100 to 200 per cent profit
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