p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 25. (6/25/1896)

NEWS AND NOTES

FOREIGN.

—Advices from Venezuela state that during the past week Venezuelan troops crossed the boundary into British Guiana and ordered off a company of English surveyors. The news has again aroused feeling in England.

—An exchange says that on a recent Sunday nearly five hundred sermons on the subject of the observance of Sunday were preached in various places of worship in London and the provinces, under the auspices of the Workingmen’s Lord’s Day Rest Association.

—President Krueger, of the Transvaal, has made request to England for the trial of persons really guilty of attack upon the South African Republic, which just demand has hurt the pride of Britishers. Special reference is had to Cecil Rhodes, the head of the chartered company.

—A despatch from Brest, France, dated June 17, states that the British steamship Drummond Castle, from Cape Town to London, struck a sunken reef the night preceding off Isle de Molene, and sank almost immediately, carrying down with her 244 persons. Only three escaped, so far as known.

—The revolt in Crete continually assumes larger proportions. The inhabitants of that island refuse absolutely to accede to the sultan’s demand to lay down their arms before concessions as to needed reforms are granted. They have no faith in the word of the porte. In the meantime arms and ammunition are being shipped from Greece.

—The report comes from Yokohama that at least 1,000 people have been killed by earthquakes in the island of Yezo, the northern large island of the Japan group. One hundred and fifty heavy shocks were experienced during twenty hours, and the town of Koshima is reported to have been entirely wiped out by a tidal wave. Later reports place the loss of life as high as 10,000.

—Dr. Jameson and five others, principal leaders in the incursion on the Transvaal, were committed for trial at the Bow Street Police Court, London, June 15. They were released on £2,000 bail each, with a surety for all of £1,000. The nine others implicated in the raid were discharged, and the statement was made that Jameson desired to take the whole responsibility, holding that his companions had acted under his orders.

—Germany is feeling Li Hung Chang, and it is said negotiations are under way whereby the import duties of China will be raised, but not without a reciprocal feature, which will be a coaling station for Germany in Chinese waters. Some embarrassment is being experienced by the German foreign office just at present, owing to the simultaneous presence in Germany of their distinguished Chinese guest and Marshall Yamagata, of Japan.

—A famine is said to be under way in the interior of China, owing to a meager rainfall last year. Rice has advanced to the fabulous figure, for that country, of about $5.00 per hundred pounds, and women in many cities are offering their children for sale for a few cents only, preferring to see them in the hands of Europeans rather than have them starve. Added to the famine is the danger of cholera or some similar plague.

—It is said that the czar is not likely to grant his Catholic subjects further liberties, on account of the attitude of the pope at the recent coronation exercises. The pope demanded that his special envoy should have precedence before all other ambassadors at the coronation. This privilege the czar refused to grant, as his father had refused before him. At first the pope threatened to send no representative, but as this threat had no effect, he relaxed and sent Mgr. Agliardi at the head of a deputation.

—A member of the Jewish community of Moscow recently petitioned the governor for permission to complete and open the unfinished synagogue for public worship. The building, which was to have been one of the handsomest in Europe, and upon which a vast sum had already been spent, was, by order of the governor-general of Moscow, closed three years ago and the entrances barricaded. The reason for this step was that a large synagogue was unnecessary in a town from which all the Jews had been expelled except a few persons of the First Guild. The petition just forwarded to the governor was answered by the chief of police, who intimated that it would not be considered, and that if any further petitions on the same subject were sent, the authors of them would be punished. He added that unless the building were turned to some other use, it must be sold forthwith; otherwise it would be confiscated by the authorities.

—Statistics given by the Moravian Brotherhood show that for a total number of 93,000 converts, the expense has been $400,000, which gives an average for each convert of less than $5.00. This somewhat contradicts the arguments of enemies of foreign missions, who claim that the cost of securing conversions of the heathen is altogether out of proportion to the results obtained. The cost may be heavy in many instances, and the best use of means may not always be employed, but who will undertake to measure the worth of a soul?

—The proclamation of the czar of Russia was looked for with considerable interest, as it was hoped some much-needed reforms would be inaugurated. Especially was it hoped that the strict censorship and inhibitions on Russian newspapers and journals would be relaxed, as hints had been made to that effect. But the clergy and chief advisers it is claimed succeeded in changing the emperor’s intention. But generally the proclamation has been a disappointment. The main points we take from the Literary Digest, and are as follows: “In European Russia and in Poland all arrears of taxes are remitted; the land tax is reduced fifty per cent for a period of ten years; all fines below 300 rubles are either lowered considerably or remitted altogether, except in the case of persons guilty of robbery, usury, fraudulent bankruptcy, or extortion. Political offenders banished to Siberia for a term of twelve years will be allowed to choose their place of residence after a period of ten years. Civic rights are, however, not restored to them. Banished criminals will be pardoned after serving two-thirds of their term. The death sentence is changed to twenty years’ hard labor. The minister of justice may commend to the special clemency of the czar a certain number of political delinquents. Political refugees will be pardoned, if fifteen years have passed since the occurrence of the deed which caused them to fly. Lithuanian and Polish refugees will be pardoned, if they swear fealty to the czar. The German Protestant ministers imprisoned and banished for violating the rules of the Orthodox Church are pardoned.”

DOMESTIC.

—By the breaking of an immense reservoir near Baker City, Or., on the night of June 16, a whole family of seven, whose home was in the path of the rushing waters, was swept out of existence.

—On June 17 the boiler of a small excursion steamer on the Erie Canal, at Little Falls, N. Y., blew up, killing eleven persons and fatally injuring several others. There were twenty-seven passengers on board at the time.

—The prolonged strike of Columbia fishermen has come to an end, and fish are being caught and furnished to the canneries at four and one-half cents a pound, the terms offered by the canneries. The union of fishermen, which numbered 3,000 a few weeks ago, has dropped in numbers to about 100. Trouble was averted at the last by the presence of five companies of troops, which doubtless had considerable influence in the dissolution of the union.

—Bishop Taylor, the widely-known missionary to Africa, who was recently retired by the Methodist General Conference on account of his age, has astonished the country by leaving for Africa to establish missions “on his own hook.” Since being relieved of the care of the fifty missions he has established in West Central Africa, he states that his health is much improved, and now at the age of seventy-five he purposes to go alone, with the exception of some native carriers, and unarmed, into the heart of Africa, carrying the message of peace. His family lives in Alameda, Cal.

—The Republican national convention has finished its work at St. Louis, and as the result, places in the field William McKinley, of Ohio, for President, and Garret A. Hobart, of New Jersey, for Vice President. These candidates were chosen on the first ballot. The two principal features of the platform adopted at St. Louis are a protective tariff and a gold standard. In consequence of not admitting any silver plank, several western states, led by Senator Teller, of Colorado, withdrew from the convention, and it is quite probable that the silver advocates will put forward a candidate representing their views.

—Popular interest somehow is always awakened over the doings and movements of our neighbors across the water,—the Chinese and Japanese. A new minister from the latter country to this has just arrived in San Francisco, by name Hoshi Turi. This gentleman takes the place of Minister Kurino, who goes from Washington to the court of Italy. To be expected, Mr. Hoshi, or Turi, has been interviewed, and gives glowing accounts of the progress of Japan. Of interest to us is the fact that the largest importations to that country are from England and Germany, from the simple fact that they undersell Americans. Concerning the manufacture of cheap bicycles in Japan, which have threatened to crowd out the article in this country, the new minister says the wheels made there are light affairs, designed principally for children. Their higher grade wheels come from England. The larger share of cotton goods manufactured is taken by China. To provide for revenue the government has monopolized the tobacco industry and trade. Accompanying the minister is L. Hayakawa, counselor to the Japanese minister of finance, who is on his way to London, where he expects to bring about the settlement of the China war indemnity, one-half of which has already been paid. The balance is £15,000,000.

—Why not? The government has its army and navy, and when these departments or any representatives from them take part in any public demonstration, it is said, and properly, that the action is by the government. The government has its chaplains; then when these chaplains are called upon to make prayers on public occasions, why isn’t it “Uncle Sam” who offers the prayers? This is evidently what the chairman of the committee on arrangements for the celebration of the occupation of Monterey thought when he saw trouble ahead should he ask a minister of some local denomination to offer the prayers of the occasion. Perhaps also some local pressure was brought to bear upon him, for he came to the following conclusion: “This being a national celebration, I decided that the prayers should be offered by Uncle Sam. Now, if Uncle Sam’s prayers are not good enough for everybody, then we had better quit. I don’t propose to be jammed by anybody on this proposition of prayers. In order to have fair play, I have appealed to the army and navy.” Which shows what religion controlled by the state, or vice versa, can do.

LITERARY NOTICES.

“Echoes from Student Life,” by L. H. Christian, is a neatly printed, paper-covered book of 32 pages, consisting of seven poems, shorter and longer. To say that there is no poetic merit in the little book would not be to do it justice; but all rhymes are not poetry. One of the worst things about such publications is that the flattery of indiscriminating friends inclines to make the author believe that his work possesses more merit than it really does. We hope it may not be so in this case. It may be obtained from the author for ten cents. His address is College View, Neb.

One of our bright and useful exchanges is the Housekeeper, which has been published for twenty years at Minneapolis, Minn. It is the only “domestic” semimonthly journal published. Its price is $1.00 a year. Under its present management,—Mrs. Effie W. Merriman, editor,—it has greatly improved. Specimen copies can be had on application.

Official Excursion

TO THE

FIFTEENTH INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL CONVENTION

Young People's Society Christian Endeavor

WASHINGTON, D. C., July 7th.

Leaving Los Angeles,

MONDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2 P. M.

Leaving San Francisco,

TUESDAY, JUNE 30TH, 7 A. M.

Under the personal supervision of G. W. Campbell, President California Christian Endeavor Union, 18 N. Second St., and Wm. G. Alexander, Ex-President California Christian Endeavor Union, 21 N. Fourth St., San Jose, Cal.

The Rate will be $99.75. California to Washington, D. C., and return. Tickets will be on sale June 29th and 30th, and to be good for return until August 3d.

The Official Route is via Central Pacific, Union Pacific, Chicago & Northwestern and Baltimore & Ohio Rys.

For further information as to Tickets, Sleeping Car Berths, etc., call on or write to G. W. Campbell, San Jose, Cal.; Wm. G. Alexander, San Jose, Cal.; D. W. Hitchcock, No. 1 Montgomery St., San Francisco, Cal.; C. E. Bray, No. 2 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, Cal.; G. F. Herr, 223 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, Cal., or any Southern Pacific Ticket Agent.

Pork: Or the Dangers of Pork Eating Exposed

PORK: or the Dangers of Pork Eating Exposed, is the title of a 16-page illustrated tract that is deserving of a large circulation. Get it, read it, and send it to your friends. Price, two cents per copy. Address PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

OUR GENERAL AGENTS.

General Eastern Agency—Pacific Press Pub. Co., 39 Bond St., N. Y. City, N. Y.

General Central Agency—Pacific Press Pub. Co., 14-18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.

Argentine—Mary T. Westphal, Casilla del Correo, 481 Buenos Ayres, Argentine Republic, S. A.

Arkansas Tract Society—Van Buren, Ark.

Atlantic Tract Society—39 Bond St., New York City, N. Y.

Australia—Echo Publishing House, North Fitzroy, Victoria.

California Tract Society—1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.

Canada—Int. Tract Society, 268 Crawford St., Toronto, Ontario.

China—A. La Rue, 22 Queen’s Road, East Hongkong, China.

Colorado Tract Society—1112 S. 11th St., Denver, Colo.

Dakota Tract Society—Vilas, S. Dakota.

England—International Tract Society, 59 Paternoster Row and 451 Holloway Road, London.

Florida Tract Society—Box 508, Orlando, Florida.

Germany—International Tract Soc., Grindelburg 15a, Hamburg.

Illinois Tract Society—324 Dearborn St., Chicago, Illinois.

Indiana Tract Society—175 Central Ave., Indianapolis, Ind.

International Tract Soc.—271 W. Main St., Battle Creek, Mich.

Iowa Tract Society—East 12th St., Des Moines, Iowa.

Kansas Tract Society—821 West 5th St., Topeka, Kan.

Maine Tract Society—North Deering, Me.

Manitoba—W. H. Falconer, 320 Colony St., Winnipeg, Manit.

Maritime Provinces Tract Society—Box 85, Moncton, N. B.

Michigan Tract Society—271 W. Main St., Battle Creek, Mich.

Minnesota Tract Society—Box 989, Minneapolis, Minn.

Missouri Tract Society—1418 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo.

Montana Tract Society—818 Breckenridge St., Helena, Mont.

Nebraska Tract Society—1505 E St., Lincoln, Neb.

Nevada—Cal. Tract Society, 1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.

New England Tract Society—South Lancaster, Mass.

New York Tract Society—317 West Bloomfield St., Rome, N. Y.

New Zealand Tract Society—57 Tory St., Wellington, N. Z.

North Pacific Tract Society—190 E. 20th St., Portland, Oregon.

Ohio Tract Society—249 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, O.

Oklahoma Tract Society—814 8th St., Oklahoma City.

Ontario Tract Society—194 Brock Ave., Toronto, Ontario.

Pennsylvania Tract Society—Box 644, Williamsport, Penn.

Quebec Tract Society—Dixville, P. Q., Canada.

Scandinavian Tract Society—Akersgaden 74, Christiania, Nor.

South Africa—Int. Tract Soc., 28 a Roeland St., Cape Town.

Southern Tract Society—23 Early St., Chattanooga, Tenn.

Switzerland—Imprimerie Polyglotte, 48 Hertenweg, Basel.

Tennessee River—1009 Shelby Ave., Nashville, Tenn.

Texas Tract Society—Keene, Johnson Co., Texas.

Upper Columbia Tract Society—College Place, Wash.

Utah Tract Society—Box 1058, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Vancouver Island—B. Robb, 231 Pandora St., Victoria, B. C.

Vermont Tract Society—190 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, Vt.

Virginia Tract Society—501 N. 25th St., Richmond, Va.

West Virginia Tract Society—Newburg, W. Va.

Wisconsin Tract Society—Milton Junction, Wis.

A Trip to the Yo Semite Valley

At this time of the year would, undoubtedly, be enjoyed by every one who reads these words, but not every one can afford such a trip. The next best thing would be a series of photo-reproductions of this world-renowned valley. These we now offer in the beautiful book, “IN THE HEART OF THE SIERRAS.” In this book are presented a large number of photo-reproductions of the wonderful valley and its marvelous surroundings.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Large octavo volume of 496 pages, exclusive of photo-type illustrations, printed on heavy calendered paper; has the official topographical map of the valley. The book not only contains these features, but the glowing “word pictures” of Colonel Hutchings, a resident of the valley for nearly a quarter of a century, a talented gentleman thoroughly imbued with a sense of his sublime surroundings, faithfully describes them all. In the opening chapter of the book he says: “Yo Semite, to the poet, is the grandest of lyrics; to the artist, nature’s ever-captivating picture gallery; to the preacher, the most suggestively eloquent of sermons; and to the worshiper, the sublimest of temples.” “In the Heart of the Sierras” has already passed through four editions, and the original price was $3.75.

A $3.75 BOOK FOR $1.75

We now offer the book, in full cloth, embossed in jet and gold, same style as originally sold for $3.75, at $1.75, post-paid. Think of it! Such a book at such a price! Beautifully printed, profusely illustrated, handsomely bound.

We will also furnish the book, while our stock holds out, in full cloth, gilt edges, original price $4.25, for $2.00, post-paid.

These offers are good until July 31 only. Order at once, sending cash by post-office order or bank draft. No discount from these prices to anyone.

Address,

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.

OAKLAND, CAL.

AN ENCOURAGING LETTER.

From a brother and sister in the Lord, we have the following, an echo of what is in many other letters:—

“To the editor of the Signs of the Times—

“We have taken your valuable paper almost one year, and have enjoyed its teachings more than tongue or pen can tell or portray. It has truly been a Godsend to us, and if the subscription price were five times the amount, we would manage some way to get it. We often wish it could be a weekly visitor in every home, and welcomed as heartily as in ours. We have managed by many self-denials to collect a little sum to be used to carry the plain truth to a few homes. There are many more I would like to send it to, but can not at present. We are alone in the country as far as believing the truth of God's word is concerned; have observed the Sabbath of the Lord three years last September, and have learned more of the truth of the word and of the mysteries (or they were mysteries to us) of the word, and more of the love of God to us, and have so much more of the love of God in us for our fellow-creatures, than we learned before in the whole seventeen years of our Christian experience.

“May God bless you abundantly in your efforts to warn others of the awful darkness of unbelief that is around them. We realize more and more every day the miraculous escape we have had, in having our eyes opened to the truth of God’s word.

“Yours in hope of eternal life,

“L. P. AND E. A. ALLEN.”

BIBLE ELECTION.

By M. C. Wilcox

By M. C. Wilcox. A brief presentation of God's plan and purpose concerning man, showing that the doctrine of election, or predestination, according to the Bible, is full of comfort and instruction. It throws new light on old controversies. Bible Students' Library, No. 67; 24 pp.; price 3 cents. Address Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.

Truth About the Dutch Boers

Read the article in our Missions department if you wish to learn the truth about the Dutch Boers. It is written by one who, from knowledge, experience, and other qualifications, is entitled to be heard on the question.

Christ and the Day.

Not long since we heard a prominent preacher in the Christian denomination, while speaking on the first day of the week and the grounds for observing it, ask the question, “Is not Christ worthy of a day?” Yes, truly; but what day?—Surely we must learn what day from that Book which teaches us about the Being worthy of the day. In that word we find that God created all things through Jesus Christ, and that he will recreate all things by him. We are therefore made new creatures in him, “created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” The power by which all this is wrought is creative power, the creative power of the word of God. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” “For he spake, and it was; he commanded, and it stood fast.” This is what the psalmist sings with reference to the power of God in the creation of the earth. By the same power he said to the leper, “Be thou clean; and immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” By the same power he could say to the disciples, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” By the same power he lived his life of righteousness, and rose from the grave a triumphant conqueror. What day, therefore, is more worthy of honoring Christ, of calling to remembrance his goodness and his power, than the day which God has given as memorial of his power, the seventh day, “the Sabbath of the Lord thy God”? This the seventh day is declared to be. Jesus is said to be “lord of the Sabbath.” By the “Gospel prophet” he calls it “my holy day.” See Ex. 20:8–11; Mark 2:27; Isa. 58:13. According to the Lord’s own Book, therefore, “the Lord’s day” (Rev. 1:10) is the seventh-day Sabbath. Christ is worthy of a day; God has promised and commanded the day through Christ. He says, “Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.” Christ is worthy of a day. Why not take the day that God has given, his memorial of creation, his sign of sanctification? Eze. 20:12, 20.

Our Next Half Volume

By Editor

Our Next Half Volume.—This number makes up the first half volume of 1896. We hope to make the next half volume better than the present. Its articles will be soul-stirring and important. Among the good things which we have to offer are the following:—

1. An important series of articles by A. T. Jones, author of the “Two Republics,” “Rights of the People,” “Right of Dissent,” etc., etc. These articles will treat on the present phase and progress of the church and state movement, so rapidly reaching its culminating point. It is safe to say that there is no one better able to deal with this question than the above-named writer.

2. A series of articles on the “The Law in Christ, or the Relation of the Law to the Gospel,” by Prof. W. W. Prescott. These are just received, and will begin with our next number.

3. Other symposiums, on the Love of God, the Wondrous Law, and the Gospel in Type.

4. The treatment of some important prophecies, and many other articles of moment, worth many times the price of the paper.

The SIGNS OF THE TIMES furnishes 800 pages, almost all of which are most excellent spiritual and mental food, for the low price of only ONE DOLLAR a year. Friends, will you not help us circulate it?

Our Next Issue

By Editor

Our Next Issue.—Our next issue will bear date of July 2. It will have one most fitting article for the Fourth of July, namely, a verbatim report of an address delivered by Alonzo T. Jones, in Metropolitan Temple, San Francisco, Sunday afternoon, June 14, to a large and most enthusiastic audience. Its subject is “What Is Patriotism in America?” It will also have an important article from our European correspondent, H. P. Holser, one from E. J. W. on Rom. 9:1–18, and others.

The Source of Life

By Editor

This issue will enlighten the reader on the source of life, and how poor, mortal man may obtain it. The paper is worthy of a wide circulation.

Its Importance

Its Importance.—There is more than mere theological importance to be attached to the doctrine of man's nature. Upon the claim of man's immortality or “immortal soul,” of consciousness in death, Satan has reared the great superstructures of idolatry, saint worship, Mariolatry, eternal torment, Universalism, Christian Science, Modern Spiritualism, and other soul-destroying doctrines. A knowledge of the Bible truth, that man is mortal, that his only hope of future life is through Jesus and the resurrection, and all these baleful errors are destroyed of themselves. This number of the Signs will be a help in that direction.

Immortal and Immortality

—Reader, did you know that the word “immortal” is found but once in the entire Bible? It is true, nevertheless. It is there applied to God: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.” 1 Tim. 1:17. “Immortality” is found five times, as follows: Rom. 2:7; 1 Cor. 15:53, 54; 1 Tim. 6:16; 2 Tim. 1:10. In every instance it is presented as an attribute of God, or a condition to be attained through faith; it is never referred to as an attribute which man now possesses. It is what man is enjoined to seek after; it is to be put on at the coming of Christ; it is brought to light by Christ through the Gospel, and only God is said to possess it. These words or kindred terms are never applied to mortal, fallen man except once, and that by Satan, in Gen. 3:4. Man is a sinner, subject to death, both soul and body. His only hope is Christ Jesus. Will you not accept Christ and life?

Soul and Spirit

Soul and Spirit.—The original terms from which these words come occur in the Hebrew and Greek an aggregate of 1,700 times, and yet not once is soul or spirit said to be immortal, deathless, never-dying. All these expressions and the ideas they convey are anti-Biblical and Christian. Life is found only in Christ. The soul without his life perishes forever. He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Let not Satan deceive you through a false and pagan philosophy which aims to exalt sinful man, and takes from Christ the honor that belongs to him.

Monterey Celebration for the Sloat Monument

A CELEBRATION is to be held at Monterey July 4-7, for the purpose of commemorating the first raising of the American flag on this coast, by Commodore Sloat, which secured to this country the Pacific Coast states. Each county is invited to contribute a stone for the proposed Sloat monument, the corner-stone of which is to be laid July 5. The celebration will be of interest, and ought to revive in Californians a higher regard for those principles for which the flag stands.

THE BIBLE AND THE CONSTITUTION.

By W. N. G.

“The Seventh-day Adventist and the Seventh-day Baptist journals are trying to show that an acknowledgment of the Bible in the fundamental law of our land would make necessary the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath. This is a characteristically cool assumption that the Sabbath of the Bible is the seventh-day Sabbath. Do not these brethren know that the great mass of the keepers of the first-day Sabbath, base their Sabbath-keeping on the Bible? The Bible is their ultimate rule of morals. And the Christian Sabbath, based on the Scriptures of him who is Lord also of the Sabbath, is the first day of the week.”—Christian Statesman.

The “cool assumption” comes in when men profess to base upon the Bible an institution of which the Bible says nothing. The Bible iterates and reiterates that “the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Whether it be “cool assumption” to believe the plain assertion of the word itself, or the unwarranted assertion of men that the immutable law of God has been changed, let the word itself be the witness and God the judge. The formal acknowledgment of the Bible in the Constitution would not make any Sabbath-keeping, or any other religious duty, “necessary.” It is the requirement of God’s word, in and of itself, that makes Sabbath-keeping necessary; and all the constitutions of earth could not add anything to the obligation. Nor can all the laws that man is capable of enacting produce a single Sabbath-keeper, altho they may produce millions of deluded hypocrites. “The law is spiritual,” and God accepts no service but that which is in spirit and in truth. “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness;”

Again, were the Bible to be incorporated into the Constitution, the enforcement of any religious requirement would be unconstitutional; for the Bible nowhere sanctions the compulsory service of God. The express doctrine of the Author of the Bible is: “If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him; the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” Then the civil government has nothing to do with judging any one in respect to the word of God, whether he receives it or not.

And with this doctrine the Constitution is already in harmony. The First Amendment explicitly provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” But both Congress and the Supreme Court have in a measure ignored this provision. Congress has declared that the first day of the week is the Sabbath, and the Supreme Court has decided that the enforcement of the religious Sunday institution in the states is constitutional. Thus the government is already committed in principle to the amendment which the Statesman and its legion of so-called “reform” auxiliaries are so urgently advocating. It is thus committed, in spite of the Constitution, to the principal thing that is desired by the proposed amendment. The original idea of a free government, civil and religious liberty for all, is fast waning before the fast-gathering storm of persecution for conscience’ sake.

W. N. G.