1115. J. J. A. Power to Create; Power to Redeem. —“If God has power to create, did He not have power to restrain? If so, why did He permit sin?” The most precious thing in angel or man is character. Character can be developed only by fullest, freest choice. The only true service is willing, trusting, loving service. But love must choose. Therefore to develop a race of beings whose characters would shine to all eternity, God must permit them to choose; and to permit them to choose, He must take the awful risk of sin. But in doing this Infinite Wisdom made every provision against it before it entered, and to overcome it and resist it after it entered, save to compel men to choose; and Infinite Love could not do that. God can not and will not make men machines or automatons. Satan only seeks to do that. God will keep the righteous from sinning if they desire. He will save the sinner from sin if the sinner wishes to be saved in the only way he can be saved. “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” For a fuller consideration of this, see the SIGNS of Jan. 9, 1901, “Glimpses of the Great Controversy;” SIGNS of Dec. 26, 1900, “Why Was Not Satan Destroyed at Once?” or “Patriarchs and Prophets,” chapter 1.
1116. H. H. “Commanding to Abstain from Meats.” —We say it again, for the fiftieth time perhaps, that the term “meats” in 1 Tim. 4:3 means not specifically flesh food, but food of any kind. The Greek term is broma, meaning that which is eaten. Now the Lord does tell His people in Leviticus 11 and in Deuteronomy 14 that swine’s flesh and shell-fish and rabbits, etc., should not be eaten. And we believe that God knew how to discriminate, and had a reason for His prohibition. He also gave man a fruit and cereal diet in the beginning. We believe that is best, and have demonstrated it in our own experience. We believe in the simplicity of dress which the Lord enjoins in His Word, as in 1 Peter 3 and 1 Timothy 2. But God desires His children to accept all these gladly, freely, hopefully, because they are the best. But if any wish to reject every plan, command, and entreaty of God, God gives him the privilege. But in rejecting the way of life, the soul must take the consequences.
Wickedness in the City.
“The licentiousness of the day lifts its serpent head everywhere. You see it on the streets at night. You see it just outside the church door. You find it not only in the awful cesspools set apart for it in the great cities, but it is crowding further and further up our business streets and into the residence portions of our cities. Then you find it, if you look sharp, in supposedly respectable homes; indeed, it will be borne to your ears by the confessions of broken-hearted men and women. The moral condition of the world in our day is disgusting, sickening, appalling.
“We need a revival, deep and widespread. A revival is the cure, and the only cure, that will stem the tide of immorality and unbelief. Mere argument will not do it, but a wind from heaven will. It was not discussion but the breath of God that relegated Tom Paine, Voltaire, Volney, and others of the old infidels to the limbo of forgetfulness. We need a new breath to send the Wellhausens and the Kuenens and the Grafs and the parrots they have trained to occupy chairs and pulpits in England and America to keep them company.”
We have one word more. The only true revival for this time is that which is based on God's message for this time. That message is comprehended in Rev. 14:6–14. If heeded it will lead the church to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. If rejected it will lead to the worship of the beast and his image, and the doom of great Babylon. Light is good if we walk in it; going from it is turning to darkness.
China's Indemnity and Coming War
The Chinese peace envoys have at last signed the joint note of the powers, but permission must be obtained from the empress dowager before the impression of the great seal of China can be placed upon the document. This seal is in the forbidden city in Peking, guarded by the employees of the Chinese Government. The plan proposed by the State Department at Washington for appointing an international committee to meet in Washington or some European capital, for the purpose of settling the question of Chinese indemnity, has not been concurred in by the powers. The proposition will not be urged by America. Some of the powers have declared that this proposition was put forward by America for the purpose of delaying the settlement, and they openly accuse the United States of dilatoriness in the matter. A cable from Peking states that, altho it has not been officially announced, it is generally understood that the powers will demand from China an indemnity of $600,000,000. A correspondent of the London Times states that by spring the empress dowager will have an immense, well-drilled army at her command, and that a great war may then be expected. Several steps have been taken by the powers during the past few days which are interpreted as the preliminaries of China's dismemberment.
Trust Wars Strengthen the Trusts
On January 8 the Carnegie Company made official announcement of its intention to engage in the iron pipe and tube business in opposition to the National Tube Combine. The Carnegie Company is to erect the largest tube plant in the world on the shore of Lake Erie, at a cost of $12,000,000. As this would interfere with the work of the National Tube Combine, the latter concern has intimated its intention of engaging in the rail and structural steel business in opposition to the Carnegie Company. Thus will be inaugurated a war of two of the largest trusts in the country. It will end, however, as the coffee and sugar trusts have ended their war, either in consolidation of interests, or in each company buying out the plant of the other, so that in the end the power of the trust will be more absolute than before. War against the salt trust has also been inaugurated by the Consumers' Association, which will organize a trust of its own; the result of which will be to control more effectually the salt industry than heretofore. In every such move the power of the trust is increased, and opposition to it or relief from it becomes more hopeless.
Philippine Resistance and Public Schools
General MacArthur's death list from Manila, bearing date of January 9, enumerates the death of 20 men, mostly from disease. The Filipino commander-in-chief of Iloilo province, Panay, has surrendered with a small company of his men and 41 rifles. The increased number of surrenders, captures, and destructions of Filipino camps is causing the belief in military circles that organized resistance in the islands has been practically broken down. On January 10 Senator Teller presented in the Senate a memorial from 2,006 inhabitants of Manila, praying the American republic to give them independence and “cease its persecution of men struggling to be free.” The memorial declares that the Filipinos will never yield. The question of teaching religion in the public schools of Manila is now before the Taft Commission, and much opposition has been developed to any religious instruction whatever in the public schools. It is declared to be contrary to the Constitution of the United States and to the wishes of the Filipinos.
Supreme Court Orders Neely Returned to Cuba
The Supreme Court on January 14 handed down its decision in the case of C. W. F. Neely, charged with embezzlement of the public funds of Cuba while financial agent of the Department of Posts for the island. According to this decision, Neely must be taken back to Cuba and stand trial there for his offense. The decision further declares that the island of Cuba is foreign territory, is no part of the United States, is simply held in trust by this country, and is to be turned over to the Cubans when a stable government has been established.
Tammany Hall and the Red-Light District
REVELATIONS in connection with the investigation of the Tammany Anti-Vice Commission in New York City show that men high in the councils of Tammany Hall profited by the money received from the denizens of the “red-light district.” Notwithstanding the fact that the agitation for the purification of the city is still going on, and that the grand jury is preparing indictments against the law-breakers, the notorious resorts in the city are still open.
War Intensifies in South Africa
AFFAIRS in South Africa grow more serious with each new day. Additional companies of Boers have invaded Cape Colony, and are reported to be gaining strength as they go. The British generals continue to call for more mounted troops to meet or capture these bands which are advancing further into British territory. At Zandfontein General Babington's Imperial Light Horse suffered severely, having been drawn into ambush by the Boers. A simultaneous attack was made by the Boers upon four different British posts on January 7. At one of these posts, Belfast, the British lost 29 killed, 53 wounded, and 72 missing. The results of the other attacks are not given. Three members of the peace commission were made prisoners by General De Wett, and all were severely flogged. One, a British subject, was flogged and shot.
Why Medical Progress Will Not Lengthen Life
THE New York World sums up the opinions of numerous renowned physicians that it had asked to write upon the medical outlook for the twentieth century in the head-line, “Man Will Live Longer in the Next Century as the Result of Nineteenth Century Discoveries.” The advancement made in the science of medicine tends to longevity. It should work out this blessing for mankind. But it will not do it, for the simple reason that men will not avail themselves of it. A few will be blessed by it, but the vast majority will not, and consequently disease will be more and more prevalent. Cancer, consumption, and many other like deadly diseases are alarmingly on the increase, and this is so because men will not regard the light that is shining for them in this enlightened age.
World Commerce in 1900
The following figures, issued by the Treasury Bureau of Statistics, will give an idea of the commerce of the great nations of the world during the year 1900: United States, imports for eleven months, $760,451,507; exports, $1,308,929,330; England, imports for eleven months, $2,322,663,000; exports, $1,303,440,000; Russia, imports for six months, $144,441,000; exports, $146,965,000; Spain, imports for nine months, $119,495,000; exports, $98,031,000; Italy, imports for ten months, $248,169,000; exports, $210,857,000; Germany, imports for nine months, $952,019,000; exports, $714,060,000; France, imports for ten months, $703,888,000; exports, $647,074,000. In the matter of imports England takes the lead, while in exports the United States is at the head.
Duke of Norfolk’s Address to the Pope
THE public press of both England and Italy is denouncing the recent utterances of the Duke of Norfolk in his address to the pope. The duke, who is earl marshal of London, in the address referred to expressed the hope that the pope would yet see the restoration of his temporal power. This would, of course, mean the overthrow of the present Italian Government and the rule of the papal power in the capital of Italy. The address also condemned the toleration of the Italian Protestants by the Italian Government. Italy regards the speech of the duke as an insult, and England deprecates the incident.
Wireless Telegraphy in the French Fleet
RECENT experiments with wireless telegraphy in connection with the French fleet have been so satisfactory that it has been decided to provide the whole Mediterranean squadron with wireless apparatus. The recent experiments showed that the despatches can be exchanged reliably at distances of from 18 to 20 miles.
THE MOTHER AND HER CHILD.
By Mrs. M. C. Du Bois
One has said: “For no other memory of life can we be so thankful as for one that goes back so far that it seems to be the first of all impressions,—the face and form and influence of a Christian mother. That picture, of all pictures the most beautiful, is a talisman at every step on the life-road.”
Yes, better than rare heirlooms of diamonds or other sparkling gems to hand down to our children is the memory picture of a mother's faithful, tireless work in forming the character of her children. Would that every mother who may read these lines could realize at all times the extent of her influence over her children. It is indeed measureless.
One has said, “In the home [not at the ballot-box] the mother makes the character of nations.” Who has not read of the mothers of Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, and John Wesley? What wonderful women they were! Every mother can not give to the world a Washington; but she can and ought to do her best to give to the world pure, healthy, well-trained children.
Now, since my children have gone out into the world to take their places and perform their duties in life, I realize as never before the power of a mother over her children's future life. The older I grow, the more sacred the work of a mother appears to me. Day by day she is doing work which will last to all eternity. We may properly call her an artist, painting pictures which the hand of time can not erase, tarnish, or cause to fade. The colors of the mother-artist must wisely be chosen, and mixed with earnest prayer and purpose, and ground fresh each day for that day's particular work.
I once knew a mother who was very particular about her personal appearance in her home. She was a hard-working woman, but she never failed to make some changes in her attire for the afternoon. Some dainty article was added that would make her look more attractive; for she said, “I want my boys to remember me as a neat, tidy mother.” She has been sleeping for a number of years; but the memory picture of that mother is undimmed to her children to this day.
A woman's first and grandest work, if she is a mother, is due her own children, and the mother who, in her zeal to work for God, neglects her own children either physically or spiritually, is doing a great wrong. I have known mothers who loved “the truth” and desired “to work in the cause,” and yet they neglected the very work God had given them to do. Some may say, “You would have a woman selfish, and do only for her own.” Not so; I would have every mother true and faithful to her own, careful to cultivate the home field first, and then reach out after others as the way opens.
The relation of the mother to her child is most sacred; but it has come to pass that the office of motherhood is no longer held sacred by many. Mothers can turn coldly from their offspring, to engage in pleasure, or the so-called work of the Lord, while their children are left to run in the streets, or turned over to the care of others. This may sound severe to some; but when the mother is brought to realize the greatness of her work, she will see this matter in a new light.
Children should not be left to learn from others the mysteries of their own bodies. Most mothers are very remiss in this duty, from false modesty or some other cause. Far too many children are left to gain this knowledge from older schoolmates, and long before most mothers dream of such a thing, the mind of the child is filled with impurities and false ideas, and often very young children are led into evil practises long before the mother has any thought that her child has any idea of the origin of life. There is always a desire in the mind of an intelligent child to know where he came from and how he grew. Most mothers would be shocked at the idea of giving anything near the truth; so he is put off with the first falsehood that chances to come into her mind. The bright-eyed boy of five summers is told that his little baby sister was found in the woods in a hollow tree, or in the straw-stack, or bought of a rag-peddler. He knows better. He has already learned from an older schoolmate something of the mystery of life's origin; and tho of course his mind can not fully comprehend all, he knows enough not to believe the story concerning his baby sister.
If every mother would, in the face of God, give her boy and girl right instruction upon these important subjects, she would build a strong bulwark against impurity and vice. But some mothers say, “I tell my children all that is necessary; there is time enough.” Are you sure you tell them all they should know? How many mothers explain the structure, nature, and functions of the different organs, and the relation they bear to life, the right use, and the fearful consequences of abuse? How many teach them that the body should be cared for as the “temple of the living God”? A wise, God-fearing mother surely could, in a few words, teach her child enough to satisfy his mind upon some things at least over which his brain is puzzled. O mothers, let not a false modesty keep you from doing your duty in the fear of God! Your work truly is great, the office of motherhood most sacred.
The greatest care should be exercised by the mother, as her children grow older, to retain their affection and confidence. It is a sad day when mother is left out of the confidence of her child, as she surely will be unless she is careful. Encourage them to trust you. Be social; take an interest in their associates. Many a boy or girl forms acquaintances of which the mother knows nothing, and from this associate harmful and impure habits are learned. A mother should be watchful of the company her child keeps. A child should not be allowed to run upon the streets at night. Home should be made so bright and pleasant that the children will not care to go down town or to the country store to spend their evenings.
I hear a mother say, “I am glad to get them out of the way for a little time, so I can have a few minutes' quiet and rest.” Ah, mother, you are resting at a fearful cost, if your child is in bad company! These are fearful times for the young. Traps and pitfalls abound on every side. Satan is doing his best to ruin our children. Parents, in the fear of God, do all in your power to save them from destruction.
MRS. M. C. DU BOIS.
Grand Lodge, Mich.
KINDNESS EVERYWHERE.
By E. C. Hurlbert
HAVE we thought that more hearts pine away in secret anguish for the want of kindness than from any other cause in life? Kind words and a pleasant voice are worth a great deal more than money, and yet they are things which all can give, and give liberally, if they will. And when a few words will make a man happy, he must indeed be a wretch who will not give them. If kindly courtesy were the rule, at home and in social life, there would be much more happiness.
Kindness is like lighting another's candle at our own. That which the other gains does not take away any of the brilliancy of our own light.
Kindness is like a calm and peaceful stream that reflects every object in its just proportions.
The violent spirit, like troubled waters, renders back the image of things broken and distorted, and communicates to them that motion which arises from its own agitation.
Kindness finds its way into the hidden recesses of the heart, and brings forth treasures that otherwise would always lie hid. Harshness, on the contrary, seals them up forever.
Kindness makes the lullaby of the mother sweeter than the songs of the lark, and the care-laden brow of the father and man of business less severe in its expression.
Kindness is the law of life, the link that connects heaven and earth. It is the true philosopher's stone; for all that it touches it turns to virgin gold, the gold wherewith we purchase contentment and love.
Let us in our home write our name, by kindness, love, and mercy, on the hearts of our associates. Opportunities of doing kind acts, if sought for, are forever starting up; and it is by words, by tones, by little acts of kindness recurring daily and hourly, that affection is won and preserved. He who neglects to do these trifles, yet boasts that when a great sacrifice is necessary he will be ready to make the sacrifice, if he does it at all, will do so more for his own sake than for that of his neighbor.
We are surrounded by sensitive hearts; therefore do not breathe a sentiment or say a word that will offend another, or send a thrill11of pain to his bosom. But speak promptly when you feel kindly. Many lose the opportunity of saying a kind word by waiting too long.
Deal gently with a stranger. Remember the severed cords of affection, still bleeding, and beware not to wound by a thoughtless act or careless word. The stranger perhaps has lived in an atmosphere of love as warm as that we breathe. And we know not how the tears start, and the pain at the heart-strings, as his mind recalls the parting word, suggested by acts of love and kindness. Keenly is an unkind word felt by the lone and friendless one.
The principle of kindness underlies the whole theory of Christianity, and nowhere do we find it more happily exemplified than in the life of our Saviour. The law of kindness was in His heart, and expressed in every act. He “went about doing good.”
How true it is that—
“A little word in kindness spoken,
A motion, or a tear,
Has often healed the heart that's broken,
And made a friend sincere.”
E. C. HURLBERT.
Waupaca, Wis.
LET'S BE THERE.
By T. R. Williamson
When my Saviour comes again
To this world,
All the flags of heaven then
Wide unfurled,
And the sky so vast and grand,
Lit from here to glory land
With a host like countless sand,—
Let's be there.
Roaring flames shall wrap the earth
And the sea;
Realms of pride shall lose their worth,
Ne'er to be;
And above the dreadful tide
Armies of the saved shall ride
By the victor Captain's side,
Safe as He.
Then the march with shout and song,
Homeward bound,
Million miles both broad and long,
Glory crowned,
All the universe in air,
Hear the heavenly trumpet's blare,
See the white-horse legions fair,—
Let's be there.
Oakland, Cal. T. R. Williamson.
A STREET SINGER.
ON a cold, dark night, when the wind was blowing hard, Conrad, a worthy citizen of a little town in Germany, sat playing the flute, while Ursula, his wife, was preparing supper. They heard a sweet voice singing outside:—
“Foxes to their holes have gone,
Every bird into his nest,
But I wander here alone,
And for me there is no rest.”
Tears filled the good man’s eyes as he said: “What a pity that voice should be spoiled by being tried in such weather! I think it is the voice of a child.”
“Let us open the door and see,” said his wife, who had lost a little boy not long before, and whose heart was open to take pity on the little wanderer.
Conrad opened the door and saw a ragged child, who said, “Charity, good sir, for Christ’s sake.”
“Come in, my little one,” said he; “you will rest with me for the night.”
The boy said, “Thank God!” and entered. The heat of the room made him faint, but Ursula’s kind care soon restored him. They gave him some supper, and then he told them that he was the son of a poor miner, and wanted to be a priest. He wandered about and sang, and lived on the money people gave him. His kind friends would not let him talk much, but sent him to bed. When he was asleep, they looked in upon him, and were so pleased with his countenance that they determined to keep him if he was willing. In the morning they found that he was only too glad to remain. They sent him to school, and afterward he entered a monastery. There he found the Bible, which he read, and from which he learned the way of life. The sweet voice of the little singer became the strong echo of the good Word. “Justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Conrad and Ursula, when they took that little street singer into their house, little thought that they were nourishing the great champion of the Reformation. The poor boy was Martin Luther.—Word and Way.
THE VOICE OF A FISH.
To most people the notion that fishes have voices would seem rather absurd. Yet there are many species which seem to talk, and even to sing. Some familiar ones, like the bluefish, croak when they are pulled out of the water. They do likewise in their native element, and often in concert, producing quite musical effect. A school of “grunters” will form an example. From a vessel anchored in Southern waters one frequently hears at night the slow “loom” and “boom” of the jewfish. Crews of ships have been startled on occasions by extraordinary noises like the beating of many drums in the distance. Likewise produced by fishes were sounds heard by Lieutenant White, United States Navy, in 1824, at the mouth of a river in Cambodia. They suggested a mixture of the bars of the organ, the ringing of bells, and the tones of an enormous harp. In Chilian waters musical cadences are sometimes heard rising from the sea and covering four notes, resembling the tones of harp-strings. The “maigres” are famous for their vocal powers, emitting loud whistlings and hummings. The way in which fishes make these noises is yet a mystery. Fishermen in Eastern Asia are said to hang little bells on the ends of their nets to attract fishes.—Christian Work.
MORNING INVOCATION.
By J. W. Stein
HOLY, wise, and mighty Lord,
Living, and life-giving Word,
Rising Sun of Righteousness,
In my life Thy life express.
Shining Day Star from on high,
Let me feel Thy presence nigh;
With Thy thought, my thoughts inspire;
Kindle all my soul’s desire.
In Thy light let me see light;
Banish every gloom of night;
Let me know Thee as Thou art;
Live and reign within my heart.
Let my life Thy life express;
Others thru me comfort, bless.
May Thy beams which on me shine,
Prove Thy likeness all divine.
Battle Creek, Mich. J. W. STEIN.
DON'T BE A MULE.
THE mule is an animal that has many admirable points. His endurance is proverbial, his strength is remarkable, and his patience worthy of a song. But he is stubborn. Behind this consummate fault, his many virtues are hidden.
Don't be a mule. You are apt to become a liar. Even if wrong, you think it will not do to go back on what you have said. Don't set your ears back, and refuse a good position that you have longed for all your life because the one who offers it will not concede some little matter. Don't brace yourself to resist all efforts to push you ahead. Be firm, but don't be obstinate. Don't worship yourself. Don't kick at the least little thing that goes wrong. That's the mule in you. If you must be a mule, pull. That's what he is good for.—Anon.
A Girl and Her Father
I ALWAYS like to see a girl and her father good friends, and by that I mean chummy, advisory friends, who can talk like equals about anything that comes up, in the family life or out of it. Such a girl is likely to be level-headed. She is apt to make up her mind more slowly, and to keep it made up when she has once done so, after she has observed the cautious and judicial way in which her father's mind sets to work.—Helen Watterson Moody, in December Ladies' Home Journal.
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