ON page 5 of this issue is an article by Elder Horton commenting upon some bills that are now before Congress, which, if allowed to pass, would place unwarranted power in the hands of the postmaster-general. The freedom of speech and of the press is not only a great corner stone in the American republic, but it is one of the fundamental principles of Christianity, and hence of true Protestantism.
This subject cannot receive too much or too careful consideration from all lovers of liberty, to say nothing of the disciples of Christ. Many of our readers will doubtless be desirous of getting hold of something upon the subject to circulate extensively. The Protestant Magazine has published a "free press extra" for February, which deals exclusively with these bills that are designed to exclude from the mails matter that is objectionable to the leaders of the great Catholic Church.
This "free press extra" may be secured at $1.00 a hundred or $8.00 a thousand by addressing the Protestant Magazine, Washington, D. C., or any of the tract societies that are listed from time to time in these columns.
Not only Protestants, but Catholics as well who are lovers of freedom, should interest themselves in this subject, and do everything within their power to maintain the freedom of the press and of speech. A despotism works untold hardships and sufferings, especially among the common people. And a religious despotism that would take away freedom of discussion is the forerunner of the worst forms of tyranny.
Stormy Conditions
By Editor
THOSE who are paying any attention to the news dispatches of the time, must be impressed with the general stormy conditions. The world socially, politically, and physically is in constant commotion. We have the Old World war that is engaging almost the whole of it; and in portions of the world where the war is not raging, there is unrest and more or less strife. Almost every day, the news brings us reports of earthquake and storm that are spreading havoc and disaster.
Men try to talk hopefully despite these conditions. They try to tell us that they have no significant portent; but God's word makes it plain that these conditions are tokens of the rapidly approaching end. The conviction is stealing over men, in spite of themselves, that some great event of stupendous proportions is hovering over the world. That event is the second coming of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Concerning these times in which we are living, the Master Himself left the word:
"And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows; men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21: 25-28, A. R. V.
According to this prediction, there will be distress among the nations. They will be in perplexity, and men will be fainting, or as in the marginal reading, "expiring," for fear, and for expectation of the things that are coming on the world.
No prediction the Master has ever made will fail of fulfillment; and the only thing that can possibly remove this perplexity and fear, is to know the Christ of the living God, and to know the prophecies of His word. That Word makes the meaning of the conditions in this time all clear and plain; and this knowledge, and personal acquaintance with Christ through His word, cast out all fear. The perplexity is all gone; and instead of these distressing conditions of mind, there are implanted the thrilling joys of "the blessed hope." Do you know what this hope is? It is the most precious, it is the most comforting, it is the most soul-helpful thing a mortal can possess.
First Steamer Carrying Mail Across the Atlantic Ocean
