Facts for the Times by C. H. Bliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 23, 1872

Facts for the Times.

By C. H. Bliss

TOBACCO, DEATH ON SNAKES AND CATS.

The simple amber from the mouth of a tobacco user has been known to take the life of animals, when swallowed by them.

Bro. Jos. Baker informs me, he has tried the experiment on snakes, by opening their mouths and spitting in them while using tobacco, when they would fall into a stupor and expire in less than two minutes. He has also tried the same experiment on cats with similar results, except that the latter would, perhaps, linger along for several days before expiring.

Now it is a fact that thousands who use tobacco swallow this very substance capable of killing an animal said to have nine lives, and even those who do not knowingly swallow it have it almost as effectually circulated through the system.

SPIRITUALISM, PSYCHIC FORCE.

The following is from the Cincinnati Weekly Gazette.

“E. W. Cox, a London lawyer, was one of a committee appointed by the London Dialectical Society to investigate the phenomena generally known as ‘spiritual manifestations.’ He has arrived at the opinion after careful experimenting, that the phenomena are not the work of real spirits, but of a certain atmosphere or influence, which may be identical with the vital principle, and is called, for want of a better name, Psychic force. Mr. Cox confesses that the material of the force is entirely unknown, though he conjectures it is antagonistic to gravitation; but the explanatory hypothesis of attributing phenomena to ‘force’ is very nearly another way of confessing ignorance in regard to their source.”

Well may it be said to many of this generation “ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures,” nor the power of the devil. “Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish.” “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles.” “Whose coming (Christ’s) is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.”

“For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

THE SUNDAY LAW.

The following, taken from the Church Advocate shows the spirit of the times and perhaps expresses the views of the majority on this subject:—

“Enemies to the Sabbath, are enemies to man. Our highest physical, mental, social, and moral development depends upon it. To violate it is sin against God and man. To attempt to destroy it is a crime against society. Why do we sustain schools by law? Because education is essential to the public welfare. For the same reason we are bound to protect the Sabbath [Sunday] from desecration. There is a powerful combination arrayed against it; and we are forced to meet this issue. The Sabbath [Sunday] must be sustained.”

THE UNION OF CHURCHES.

As we present the prophecies concerning the future work of our own nation, to be brought about by a union of church and State, preceded perhaps by a union of the different evangelical churches, many wonder that we can ever expect bodies, so different in their views, and so much at war with one another, to form any union. Now it might seem so at a first glance; but when we take into consideration the fact that like causes produce like effects, we may, perhaps, by remembering what has taken place in the past, conclude that it will be no wonderful thing should such a union take place.

In Luke 23:12, we read “And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends.” Here were two men previously at war with each other, but now they unite in making war upon the Lamb of God, and become friends. We see the same principle carried out many times now. When presenting the truth, the ministers of the popular churches very often tremble for fear of the result, lest some of their members be led to embrace the views we present. Consequently a council is held among the different ministers of the place, in order to determine what is best to be done. Perhaps a debate is held, or one is chosen to present their views upon next Lord’s day. One thus leads on the attack and war is commenced in real earnest, and now the familiarity and friendship manifested by the ministers of the different sects toward each other is remarkable; and the same day they are made friends. May it not be thus that the barriers separating the different religious sects will be removed, and they unite on common ground for the purpose of crushing out that pestilential doctrine, called “Adventism,” which they say is “turning the world upside down.”

C. H. BLISS.