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Review and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 32.

Our Dependence on Christ

Review and Herald

Aug 9, 1906

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 9, 1906

Our Dependence on Christ

By Hugh Macmillan

It may be said that man can perform good actions of several kinds without Christ, as the heathen did by nature the things contained in the law; but all the good thoughts and feelings and actions of those who know not Christ are, nevertheless, in reality inspired by Him; they are the dawn, or the twilight rays, of the True Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world. We can do absolutely nothing that is good without Christ. And everything that separates us from Him reduces us to the weakness and impotency of self. In the natural world, it is a well-known fact that every dark day, every cloud that intercepts the sunshine, prevents the bringing forth and ripening of the fruit on the tree; and it is equally true that every hour of unbelief, every shadow and cloud of faithlessness that comes between Christ and the believer, hinders the development of his fruitfulness. Every time that the soul is forgetful of Christ’s presence, alienated from His love, turning to the world, the process of its ripening is retarded. But on the other hand, when the soul is living in the sunshine of His favor which is life, then it is stimulated to bring forth much fruit. Without the consciousness of Christ’s presence and love it can do nothing; with this consciousness it can do all things. Without Christ the believer’s soul becomes like a besieged city cut off from its supplies, and must surrender to its enemies; with Christ there is no imaginable blessedness that is not within its reach. —Hugh Macmillan.

Our Publishing Work

The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. Psalm 68:11.
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PARENTS, what papers are your children reading? They ought to have the Youth’s Instructor. It is filled with interesting and profitable reading. It costs only 75 cents a year—only one and one-half cents a week.
A TRACT was recently issued in the Bible Student’s Library Series, bearing the title of “Signs of the End.” It contains sixteen pages, and is sold at one cent a copy, or eighty cents a hundred. This is an excellent tract for general distribution.
An exhaustive study of the Scriptures on the sanctuary question is to be found in “Looking Unto Jesus.” In these days, when the faith of some is being overthrown, it will do all good to review these subjects which constitute the pillars of our faith. Price in plain cloth, 75 cents.
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THE second number of Liberty will help the public to recognize the fallacy of the claim that Sunday laws are essential to good government. It sets forth the evils of all religious legislation, and emphasizes the true principles of religious liberty, upon which the government of the United States was founded. It ought to be in every American home. Who will help the publishers put it there?
THERE is still opportunity to interest Sunday-school workers in that wonderful book “The Desire of Ages” while the International Sunday-school Lessons are continued upon the life of Christ. A little booklet has been prepared which gives references from each lesson to the pages in “The Desire of Ages” which treat the same subject. The booklet is furnished free to those who will use it in this way.
WHY not give our children a better acquaintance with our bird neighbors? The customs of birds and the habits of various animals are not only interesting, but very profitable to our young people. They will receive profit and pleasure in reading “Garden Neighbors,” a book of 256 pages, by Dr. L. A. Reed. This work gives some very interesting true stories of some familiar birds and animals. Price, $1.
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A common-sense health cook-book is a constant and invaluable aid to the housewife. Such a book is Mrs. Colcord’s “Friend in the Kitchen.” This book is especially adapted to the wants of the common people. It is vegetarian throughout, and contains much matter not found in an ordinary cook-book, such as “Substitutes for Meats,” “How to Can Fruit,” “How to Make Unfermented Bread and Wine for Sacramental Purposes,” “How to Become a Vegetarian,” “How to Prepare Sabbath Dinners,” “Rules for Dyspeptics,” “The Pulse in Health,” “Weights and Measures for the Kitchen,” etc., etc. The department on “How to Can Fruit” is worth many times the price of the book, and the argument on vegetarianism in this little work is perhaps the best brief treatise on this subject in the English language. The book contains forty Scripture references, and thirty-five quotations from the writings of Mrs. White. In its “Week’s Menu” it teaches which day is the Sabbath, and in the section following, on “How to Prepare Sabbath Dinners,” it calls attention to the importance of proper Sabbath observance. In its line it is therefore a practical and thorough-going exponent of present truth. As a canvasser’s help, it has no equal, as its steady sales of from fifteen to twenty thousand copies annually attest. Besides the large amount of general matter, it contains 400 choice, thoroughly tested recipes, and sells for only 50 cents substantially bound in oilcloth, and 25 cents well bound in limp cloth.
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Applying Principles

By Editor

Editorial

CHASING theological will-o'-the-wisps is unprofitable exercise. We are not called upon to be wise above what is written, or to neglect truths which are plain and simple, in a fruitless effort to establish some far-fetched conclusion which has no real foundation in the Scriptures. “Preach the Word.”
THERE is the form of the third angel's message, and there is the spirit of this message. Those who are spiritually minded will readily discern the difference between these two things. There is the true ring of the message, which is both comforting and inspiring, and there is that feeble imitation, which jars upon the spiritual nerves like sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. There would be no counterfeit of the message if there were not a genuine message. We are not to be surprised because there are mere forms and deceptive counterfeits, but we are to prove all things and hold fast that which is good. With all the light which has been shed upon our way in recent years, there is no possible excuse for departing from the truth.
WE should live in a constant state of watchfulness, not in idle waiting, but working earnestly, yet looking for the return of our Lord. We are repeatedly warned to be on our guard lest “that day” should come upon us unawares; and even though it is our business to proclaim the second advent, there is a possibility that it may become a mechanical routine to us, and we be devoid of the real spirit of this message. Satan is employing every possible means which he can devise to prevent the people from giving heed to the warning which the Lord is sending to the world at this time. Shall we permit him to use us in carrying out his schemes?—Nay, rather, let every Seventh-day Adventist be indeed a laborer together with God in making known the truth for this time. Let the conviction that the coming of the Lord is near be the inspiration to faithful service in this closing work. “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.”

Applying Principles

THE Bible is a book of fundamental truths and eternal principles. It is designed for all peoples and all times. It is a divine revelation addressed to beings who possess freedom of will and the intellectual capacity to consider and apply the principles set before them. In order to make this revelation effective in spite of the blindness caused by sin, the Author of divine truth has given the Holy Spirit, with the promise that he will guide us into all truth. It is our privilege and duty, then, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to apply in the daily affairs of life the principles which are taught both in the abstract and in the concrete form in the Word of God. All these principles are summarized thus: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” and further, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” This is the essence of true religion, the heart of Christianity, the substance of a godly life. For one to love God “with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.” Selfishness, which is the very essence of sin, warps our lives, and prevents us from attaining to the image of the divine. Our fear that we shall lose some present advantage, or that we shall fail to acquire some temporal gain, deprives us of that which is of much greater value—the strength of character resulting from self-denial and the increased capacity for fellowship with Him “who gave himself for us.” A mere profession of religion, a nominal connection with the church, the practise of outward forms and ceremonies—all these count for nothing apart from the application of gospel principles in daily life. “If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing.” “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.” In the school of Christ we are to learn how to apply divine principles to the actual experience.

“From Sin” or “From Sinning”

Let us read some simple statements in the Scriptures concerning the great salvation provided for us:—
“There is no God else besides me, a just God and a Saviour; there is none besides me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.” Isa. 45: 21, 22.
“Jehovah hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the nations. He hath remembered his loving-kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” Ps. 98: 2, 3.
“And now saith Jehovah that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, and that Israel be gathered unto him (for I am honorable in the eyes of Jehovah, and my God is become my strength); yea, he saith, It is too light a thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” Isa. 49: 5, 6.
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people, and hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old), salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to show mercy toward our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he sware unto Abraham our father, to grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies should serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousnessbefore him all our days.” Luke 1: 68-75.
“And he [John the Baptist] came into all the region round about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Luke 3: 3-6.
“And she shall bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for it is he that shall save his people from their sins.” Matt. 1: 21.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Rom. 1: 16.
“Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father.” Gal. 1: 3, 4.
“Looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.” Titus 2: 13, 14.
“But he [Jesus], because he abideth forever, hath his priesthood unchangeable. Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7: 24, 25.
“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5: 25-27.
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein?” Rom. 6: 1, 2.
“Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy.” Jude 24.
“These were purchased from among men, to be the first-fruits unto God and unto the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no lie: they are without blemish.” Rev. 14: 4, 5.
The testimony of these quotations from the Scriptures is simple and plain. Our God is “a just God and a Saviour.” He promised to give Jesus as his “salvation unto the end of the earth.” The oath which he sware unto Abraham was to the effect that we “being delivered out of the hand of our enemies should serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” The very name, Jesus, is prophetic of his work, meaning “Saviour.” The gospel is the good news of the power of God in Jesus Christ to deliver us from “this present evil world,” and he who gave himself to “redeem us from all iniquity,” “is able to save to the uttermost” because of his continuous intercession in our behalf. He is able to bring us to glory “without blemish,” and to John was given a view of a company who were found “without blemish.”
Much time has been spent in discussing whether it is the purpose of God to save men from sinning, or whether provision has been made for this complete salvation during this present experience of temptation. Whatever the attitude which might have been assumed toward this question in past centuries, it ought to be plain that a people who are prepared for translation must be “without blemish,” and that this experience of being kept from sin and from sinning must be realized before the coming of Jesus to receive his people. The second advent of our Lord is neither the time nor the means of changing character. The decree goes forth, “He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still: and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still: and he that is holy, let him be made holy still.” The character previously developed is then forever established.
Important instruction upon this subject has been given through the spirit of prophecy. We quote some of it:—
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.
We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods, and know not that we are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” . . .
No one need say that his case is hopeless, that he can not live the life of a Christian. Ample provision is made by the death of Christ for every soul. Jesus is our ever-present help in time of need. Only call upon him in faith, and he has promised to hear and answer your petitions. . . . It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake, and make determined effort for symmetry of character. . . .
Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven.—Testimony for the Church, No. 31, pages 210-212.
God requires perfection of character, but he has provided for this in the gift of Jesus the perfect One. God requires such a righteousness as can be witnessed by the law and the prophets, but he has provided for this in the gift of Jesus the righteous One. The secret of holiness is in the acceptance of the abundant gifts of God through the exercise of faith in a living Saviour.
It should be remembered that the genuine experience of holiness will never lead to boasting. Humility is the very essence of justification by faith. Those who boast of their holiness, and confidently declare that they have not committed a sin for many years, reveal their own imperfection in this very course of conduct. “When ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do.” We may glory in the Lord, and say of him, “He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”
“Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”

Islam Not Sleeping

By C. M. S.

For many years rumors out of the East have worried Christendom. From time to time sinister threats have been uttered by the muezzins of Islam against Christians and Christian work in Moslem lands. Some have regarded it as merely talk which would amount to nothing; but a study of the language used reveals a spirit of hatred and determination which is anything but reassuring. A united Islam, called together by its high priest to wage a war of extermination against Christianity in Islam’s realm, is not a pleasant thing to contemplate.
For years students of Islam have been telling the world of the rising spirit of Islamism. They have been regarded as sensationalists, probably because they prophesied the occurrence of the outbreak at too early a date. Islam was not ready, and the outburst did not come. But all these years, while preparing itsforces for the conflict, its missionaries have been busier than ever in lands whose inhabitants were most susceptible to its teachings, notably north and central Africa. In this territory particularly Christian missionaries have come in constant touch with the Moslem propagandists. Christian missionaries, in such territory, have found it exceedingly difficult to make headway, and the fanatical hatred engendered by the Moslem missionaries has made life burdensome for Christian missionaries, and especially for the native converts.
Though it is well known that it is Islam’s purpose to strike, it has not been the design that the blow should fall till all things were in readiness; and this has accounted for the unusual zeal and earnestness displayed in recent years by Moslem missionaries in those countries most easily proselyted. Islam desires the largest possible backing when the clash comes.
Islam has many grievances, particularly against England. Great Britain’s occupation of Trans-Indus territory has angered the Moslems of Afghan. England’s sale of the Moslem territory of Cashmere to a Hindu prince stirred all Islam; for it meant the subjection of “the faithful” to an idolater. This is regarded by Moslem scholars and teachers as sufficient cause for a holy war. England’s continued occupation of Egypt, and the increasing influence of France and Germany in Algeria and Morocco, have added fuel to the flames.
India has seventy million Moslems, nearly as many people as all the inhabitants of the United States; and there is every reason to believe that these would rise at the proclamation of a “holy war,” to throw their strength with the Moslems of other Islamic countries. It is known that Afghan can muster a force of two million men for such an undertaking. These, with Turkey, Persia, Arabia, north and central Africa, and the southern States of Russia, and even western China, will make a power whose suppression would strain, if not exhaust, the resources of all Europe. Diplomatic correspondence between Russia and Afghanistan, which has come to light, would indicate that Russia herself might possibly be linked with the Orientals in the masterly struggle.
That English statesmen realize something of the impending peril was shown in the recent speech of Earl Grey, secretary of foreign affairs, in the House of Commons. He declared that fanatical feeling had been on the increase in Egypt all the year, and has spread throughout all the north of Africa. This, he said, had caused the recent increase in the garrison in Egypt. He spoke of the probable necessity of the government’s taking unconstitutional measures, but that “such measures would unhesitatingly be taken rather than allow Lord Cromer’s work in Egypt to be swept away by a rush of fanatical feeling.” He further declared: “As things are now, I say deliberately and with a full sense of responsibility, that if the House does anything to weaken the authority of the government, as it exists in Egypt, you will be face to face with a very serious situation.”
There is some reason to believe that a general movement of Mohammedans was planned last winter at the time of the Tabah dispute, but that the sultan’s courage failed him at the critical moment. This is the situation as seen by men of the world, and it should be a cause for sober thought on the part of those who know what the Word of God teaches in regard to these things.
C. M. S.

The Literature of Light in a Dark Land

By William A. Spicer

THE Roman Church boasts of having been the one light through the centuries, and the conservator of learning. But go to any country that has been under full sway of the church, and you find darkness and ignorance abounding.
Priestly influence shut away the light from South America as long as it was able. Bibles were burned, and colporteurs were maltreated. But God has looked upon the darkness of these lands in these last days, and the word is given, “Let there be light.” And the light is streaming in—even the light of the third angel’s message. And we must co-operate with the fields in supplying and circulating the literature of light in Latin America.
The reading public is not so large as one might suppose from the population. In Brazil, for instance, with twenty millions, it would be a liberal estimate to say that five millions can understandingly read simple Portuguese literature. In Argentina it may be that half could be set down as able to read Spanish, or say, three millions. Chile and Uruguay might stand proportionately the same, and the rest of South America would rank very low. But the standard is rising. The young generation is getting the benefit of the school systems being developed.
In Buenos Ayres there are newspapers, such as the Nation and the Press, which compare well with any of the world’s great newspapers. The office of the latter paper cost a million dollars. In Rio de Janeiro the Journal of Commerce ranks equally high. Of west coast organs I can not speak, but the fact that Chile gives free postage to newspapers shows the national policy there is to encourage the development of a reading public.
Our brethren in South America are awake to the importance of getting at this growing class of readers, with our literature. While the Publishing Department of the General Conference is working to get some of the larger books into Spanish, the River Plate Press has taken in hand the “Glorious Appearing,” translated by Brother McCarthy, which has been sent to Hamburg for printing. This will soon be out. On their own local press they put out an illustrated Spanish tract on the second advent, which sells readily. The message of the coming of the Lord is the message for these Catholic fields, as well as for all the world.
“Glorious Appearing” is also now being translated into Portuguese by Elder Hoelzle, and will soon be brought out in Brazil, the first salable publication we have had in Portuguese on the coming of the Lord. It is too bad that we have so long delayed getting the literature of the coming of the Lord into these languages; but now the brethren are going at it earnestly.
These efforts cost money, and money has been scarce. When our South American appropriations have been spread over these populous fields, they have left but a small amount in each field with which to develop the work. But the new time brings new strength to go forward, and South America has reached a place where it can do more with the literature than it has done.
There are now three publishing centers. The Taquary Press, in the State of Rio Grande, is prepared to issue literature in the Portuguese for all Brazil. It prints the Brazilian monthly paper. The River Plate Press, in the suburbs of Buenos Ayres, prints the Spanish organ, and small literature for the republics of the River Plate. The Valparaiso Press, in Chile, prints another Spanish organ for the west coast. These three small printing-offices can readily supply all the periodicals and tract literature that the territory of the South American Union requires.
The move toward getting out illustrated literature on the current signs of the times and the real heart of the message greatly encourages the people here. Think of it; we are starting out young conferences here in Brazil on a self-supporting basis, when we have not a single booklet in Portuguese on the coming of the Lord for the workers to sell to the people! This state of things is no longer to continue.
In Santa Catharina we met a young brother, a surveyor now, though formerly a colporteur with the German literature, for which there is but a very small territory. He is doing well as a surveyor; but when he was told that “Glorious Appearing” was to be brought out in Portuguese, he clapped his hands,and said nothing would hold him back from going out to sell it; mules and saddle-bags, he said, he already had, and he meant to have a part in selling that book to the Brazilians.
The systematic scattering of our literature in these dark lands, where few can read, where the priests still have power to do much damage, and where the population is so thinly distributed, is a problem, indeed. But our brethren are courageously setting their faces to work it out.
W. A. S.
Bahia, Brazil.

The Educational Movement and the Washington Training College

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

THE missionary program adopted at the educational convention recently held at College View, calls upon our schools and our people everywhere to think, to plan, and to work as we never have in behalf of the world-wide missionary undertaking of this cause. A better understanding must be obtained, a greater burden felt, and a greater zeal manifested regarding this great missionary enterprise. The preaching of this gospel of the kingdom in all the world for a witness unto all nations is the work of supreme importance to all men to-day. This transcends all other considerations. God has ordered it, and it must be done. This will weigh this generation in God's balances, and determine the destiny of every soul. O, what a solemn responsibility is laid upon those who know the message and work of God for this day!
This new missionary program is already beginning to awaken our people. It is beginning to cause their hearts to burn. Already new inquiries are being made regarding the purpose, character, and advantages of our schools. Such a deep conviction of duty to prepare for efficient service should come upon the young men and young women of this denomination as to fill all our schools to overflowing during the coming year. And such a profound sense of the great responsibilities resting upon our schools should be felt by all in charge of them as to cause them to make these institutions all that they should be.
The condition we face at the present time, and the stage of the message at which we have arrived, demand that our schools shall be live missionary institutions. The faculties must possess more than mere intelligence regarding mission statistics and the needs of the great field to be worked. They must be filled with a burning zeal in behalf of this message and the work this denomination is doing throughout the world. They must impart that zeal to the students. They must fill the schools with such a warm, invigorating missionary atmosphere that those who breathe it day after day will be stimulated to put forth their best efforts to prepare for service.
The whole influence of our schools must fire the hearts of the students with zeal to push into mission fields as soon as a thorough preparation can be made. Such was the atmosphere that filled the University of Wittenberg, when Luther and Melanchthon were the leading instructors. It was this that fired the hearts of those German students, and sent them forth to set Germany and all Europe ablaze. That missionary zeal was needed then to accomplish the work that was due the world at that time. The work to be done to-day certainly calls for a zeal equal to that possessed by the Reformers of the sixteenth century. Nothing less will answer. And if possessed by our teachers now, it will make our schools similar to Wittenberg then.
Our schools should now define their purpose, and then see that that purpose is carried out. As a member of the board of trustees of the Washington Training College I am authorized to say that the great purpose of this school is to do strong, effective work in educating and sending forth men and women to render valuable service in the cause of God.
This College possesses advantages that should aid it very greatly in doing the work to which it is called. It is in direct touch with the office of Home and Foreign Missions of the denomination. It can draw upon the officers for information, instruction, and co-operation in all that pertains to missions.
In addition to the regular work of the school a series of lessons will be given on some of the most practical and important features of field work. The special themes that will be taken up will be such as the following: Gospel Organization as applied to the church and the conference and all their departments of work; Missions and Mission Work, first, as related to the field, its needs and opportunities and methods of work, and second, the individual preparation necessary to enter the field; The Third Angel's Message in the Scriptures and the World, giving both a doctrinal and a historical view of this message; Principles of Religious Liberty as applied to individual rights and to the sphere of civil government; The Sabbath-school and Young People's Work, covering the various phases of this work as they are met by every worker.
This instruction will be given by those who are devoting their entire time to these branches of work at the General Conference headquarters. Fuller statements will be given by others from time to time.
In a Testimony regarding this school, bearing date of March 30, 1905, the following statement is made:—
The training-school must be fully equipped, that those who come may receive a thorough training as evangelists, medical missionaries, and teachers.
It is to this end that those connected with the Washington Training College will devote their best energies.
A. G. DANIELLS.

Religion and the Laws of the Republic

The attorney for the defense in a prosecution for an offense against the Sunday laws in Richmond, Va., stated some truths which are worthy of universal recognition. He said:—
The laws of this free country have nothing to do with religion, and a religion that relies on the laws of a country can be no religion at all.
This republic is not a Christian nation, a Jewish nation, a Buddhist nation, aMohammedan nation, a nation of Confucianism, but an American nation. This country stands for freedom—freedom of religion, as freedom of the press. An oath is taken in the courts of this land on the Bible because this observance is believed to add a solemnity to the oath. But the courts hold that any, objecting to be sworn on the Old or New Testament, need not so be sworn. If churches can not maintain religion, it should not depend on the law, and ought to go.

Note and Comment

The following pertinent editorial paragraph appeared in The Missionary Review of the World, under the heading “Christian Science:” —
Some one has well asked how there can be any value in an atonement which is not an atonement, connected with suffering which was not suffering, in a body which was not a body, offered in expiation for sin which was not sin.

The Unchanging Roman Catholic Church

A PROTESTANT missionary located at Florence, Italy, Dr. Alex. Robertson, is reported as declaring that “the spirit of the papacy is still that of the Inquisition, and needs only the power to use Torquemada’s weapons with equal cruelty.” To the same effect is the testimony of Mr. Avary H. Forbes, of London, who is quoted as giving proof, “far too ample, that inquisitorial intolerance reigns there [in Ireland] restrained only by law, and not always kept at bay even by the police and local magistrates.” The evidence still indicates that the Roman Catholic Church never changes.

Sunday Law Campaign in Washington

The Christian Statesman declares that “Congress has shamefully neglected its duty to the capital of the nation,” because it has not passed a Sunday law for the District of Columbia. The Statesman speaks of the unsuccessful efforts which have been made to secure the passage of a Sunday law in one form or another, and explains the experience thus: “This condition of affairs exists because secularists and Seventh-day Adventists are exceedingly busy, while the masses of orthodox Christians show a lamentable indifference.” Every person who believes in religious liberty ought to show utter indifference in the campaign for Sunday laws.

The Last Days

The candid students of the prophecies who are also thoughtful observers of present conditions in the world recognize the fulfilment of the predictions concerning the last days. We note an example of this in the August issue of The Missionary Review of the World. Under the title “The Last Days” it quotes the catalogue of sins which will characterize that period of the world’s history, as they are listed in 2 Tim. 3: 2-5, and then says:—
These are God-given signs of the times — indications of the last days. Whether they fit these times or not, the devout, thoughtful reader must decide for himself. But certainly some of the signs here indicated are very obvious present facts: self-love, greed, boastfulness, haughtiness, lawlessness in the family and in the state, ingratitude and ungodliness, even the decay of natural affection, resentment, defamation, cruelty, the love of pleasure, and the external form of godliness without its power — who can deny the presence of these evils in modern society, and even in Christian lands? These are ever before us, and our study should be both to recognize and, as far as may be, to arm ourselves against such dire and threatening evils.
The signs of the end of all things and the return of the Saviour, according to his promise, are plain enough so that those who are willing to accept God’s word rather than human philosophy and tradition need not be overtaken by the day of the Lord as by a thief in the night. Those who are unprepared for the coming of Christ will be without excuse.

The Fruits of Roman Catholicism

In those countries where Roman Catholicism has full sway we may see the real fruit of this false system of religion in which there is no salvation from sin. Dr. H. K. Carroll writes thus of Peru:—
Judged by its fruits, the Roman Church here is more of a curse than a blessing. It does not change hearts or transform lives. It inspires a zeal, but it is fanatical; it develops a devotion, but it is outward and mechanical; it has a faith, but it is suffocated with superstition; it has a life, but it is covered with hypocrisy as with a cloak; it has a Christ, but he is either an infantile or a dead Christ. All the honors of worship go to the Virgin Mary. The church is but a whited sepulcher filled with the bones of dead doctrines: it is an impassable wall in the pathway of progress.
How preposterous is the claim that such an organization as this, bringing forth such fruit as this, is the only true church of Christ, or even that it is any part of the church of Christ! This is “that man of sin . . . who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God.”
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