AN article has been sent us for our acceptance from the Associated Religious Press, a distinctly National Reform organization, calling for a day of prayer for our public schools. Surely that is proper, proper for every citizen in the United States to pray every day for the public schools, the teachers, and pupils. There is need of prayer, prayer that fact may be taught instead of the misleading hypotheses of infidel science and the myths of pagan tradition; prayer that the public schools may be saved from the insidious poison of National Reform teaching of a union of State and Church, the State an agent for God in teaching His Gospel. Surely there is need of prayer.
The basis of this day of prayer, by this National Reform writer, is multiform, touching "every supreme concern of life." Of course, it would go without saying that in this, above all things else, religion is involved. And this article in question includes in this basis the "moral interest" and "religious interest," and demands that "the Christian morality in our laws must be taught in our schools. The Bible must be open there as containing the only sanctions which can make Christian morals prevalent and effective." In these things the writer hopes for the "future co-operation" of Romanists.
But to any well-instructed Christian, to any clear-headed, right-minded patriot who believes in civil liberty, this teaching must be most repugnant.
1. Any person, be he howsoever much in a majority, has no right whatever to impose his belief on a single soul. The conscience and rights of the Jew or the Catholic or the infidel or the Mohammedan are as sacred in the eyes of the law as those of the orthodox Christian. This is evident when we consider that these rights inhere in every person, not because of any religious belief or non-belief, but because he is a man. It is the rights of men—humanity—as men, and not as religionists of any sort, that governments are ordained to protect or conserve.
2. The teaching of Christianity from the Bible in the schools would involve a decision by a civil tribunal (a) as to which was the right Bible, or right translation; (b) as to which church was the true teacher; or else it would lead to a jelly-fish compromise foreign to every principle of true Christianity and positive Christian character.
3. The teaching of Christian morality on a Bible basis would place the teaching of religion in the hands of irreligious teachers—and nothing could bring religion into greater contempt; or it would necessitate the appointment of a religious examining board by the State to determine the fitness of all teachers to give instruction in religious matters; or a class of teachers would have to be appointed for this purpose. And this would give rise to a class of political religious teachers. A political teacher is reprehensible in a school of any sort, how much more so religiously.
All these considerations clearly show what would be the outcome of a National Reform régime in our public schools. It would inevitably bear the bitter fruit of religious tyranny, persecution, infidelity, and the ultimate destruction of both Church and State,—the Church and the State which entered this illegitimate and monstrous union. Surely it is time to pray that the public schools may be delivered from this insidious, seductive, baleful poison. Religion ought to be taught; but the place to teach it is in the home and the church. If the church were but doing her duty, there would be no appeal to the State. The appeals and demands along National Reform lines are confessions of her backslidden condition. The followers of Him who says to His disciples: "All authority hath been given to Me in heaven and on earth; go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations;" of Him of whom the Spirit says that God "gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all," need no human legislation to aid them in their work. The history of the ages abundantly sustains this truth.
COVERING UP HER TRACKS.
By Editor
THE restoration of Roman power and influence is being felt in various ways. This growing influence has, as is admitted on all hands, such a hold upon nearly all the great daily papers of the country that none of them dare publish anything detrimental to that church. While the non-political churches are never spared, if a reporter gets a chance to give them a sensational rap, Rome's notices are invariably of a patronizing character, and columns are devoted to her interests where inches are given to the notice of any Protestant denomination.
But Rome is particularly interested in covering up her historical tracks. A notable instance was her onslaught a few years ago on Myers' school histories. The influence brought to bear upon the publishers was so strong as to induce them to expunge the passages that were offensive to Catholics. This was not because of a lack of authenticity, but because Roman Catholic authorities protested against the use of the books in the schools unless the objectionable features were stricken out.
Another instance of a like character was the Catholic objection to Hittell's "History of California." The first two volumes contained considerable matter pertaining to the padres of the early Catholic missions. In fact the history of the missions was a prominent feature of the history of California under Spanish and Mexican rule. Hittell's material was drawn mainly from original documents found in the Spanish and Mexican archives; therefore his information was almost wholly from Catholic sources. But Catholics objected to the publication of some of the doings of the priests. True, they were not flattering at all, but they were authentic history. And there was sufficient Catholic influence to keep the historic volumes from securing the testimonials required for their deserved circulation. So the publishers felt obliged to expunge many important facts of history because they were not flattering to Roman Catholic polity.
The foregoing facts are cited as factors in the explanation of certain proceedings at the session of the Grand Council of the Young Men's Institute recently held in Santa Cruz, Cal. A press dispatch makes the following statement concerning the matter to which we refer:—
A resolution was adopted regarding certain articles in "Appleton's Universal Cyclopedia and Atlas," which were declared libelous and otherwise offensive to the Catholic Church. The grand council resolved that a memorial be prepared and signed by the grand president and grand secretary in behalf of the 4,300 members of the Pacific Grand Council jurisdiction, and forwarded to the Appleton Publishing Company, requesting that proper revision of the articles be made immediately, and suggesting that only Catholic societies be allowed to deal with subjects pertaining to the Catholic faith. It was recommended that every member of the Pacific Grand Council jurisdiction refuse to buy or in any way advance the sale of this work until the revision requested be made. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to every Catholic organization in California.
When it shall have come to pass that the history of the Catholic Church consists only of what her votaries would like to have said about her, there will be little chance for the student of history to discern the fulfilment of prophecy. To write history in a manner that would be pleasing to the individuals or combinations of any character—religious, financial, or political—would be to take from historical records a large part of their value as sources of true education. But Rome is making her influence felt in this particular line, as in many others, as far as her own history is concerned. She has a long backward trail that she would fain cover up. The regaining of her ancient power is largely dependent upon this policy.
G.
WILL WE BELIEVE GOD, OR MAN?
Hypothesis of Science.
A FEW years ago a skull and a bone or two were found in an East Indian isle, not wholly decayed, and not a few "scientists" joyfully declared that the "missing link" between man and monkey was found, and the once owner of the bones was designated by his scientific name Pithecanthropus Erectus, the erect man-ape,—a triumphant vindication of Darwinism. It is but just to say that not a few scientists doubted, and some even scoffed.
Here is the account of another find: Last April, at Lansing, Kansas, a fossil man was found buried under twenty-three feet of solidified river drift. One scientist, Mr. Garret P. Serviss, tells us that the man whose fossil this is, lived so long ago that the "stretch of time" is too vast for measurement in years. Rome, Carthage, Troy, and Mycenæ are modern—even as "of yesterday." They tell us that he lived in the days of the mastodon. Surely this fossil man should show a sloping skull, a rudimentary brain! But it does not. Professor Serviss upon this speaks as follows:—
"This part of the story is as brief as it is wonderful. This contemporary of the mastodon, in whose time the deep marks scored by glaciers on the rocks were a freshly written page of geological history, had, so Professor Williston assures us, a cranium of normal capacity; . . . his brain was of full size."
If the hypothesis were true, that this man lived so many years ago, and still shows a normal skull and normal brain capacity, it ought forever to squelch Darwinism. But the theory is too dear to so soon relinquish. Professor Serviss immediately falls to wondering "how countless an array of ages during which the evolutionary processes were shaping and developing that cunning organ of thought, must have lain back of him!" "How immeasurably far must we go back before we find the brain of man and the brain of the ape keeping the balance level!"
O how much simpler and wiser and better is the story of man's origin as given in the Word of God, and demonstrated by all the researches of archeologists! How immeasurably superior is God's account! All these foolish and self-devouring hypotheses are invented by the enemy of God to destroy all belief in God's creative power, and hence God's recreative and regenerating power in Jesus Christ, and so forever destroy the hope of man.
In Advance of the Modern
In Advance of the Modern.—In the Homiletic Review of September, James M. Ludlow, D.D., in an article on "Moses—an Up-to-date Statesman," clearly shows that in the trial of suspected criminals before impartial tribunals, in the limitation of ownership, in debt limitation, in payment of wages, in liability of owners and employers, in the division of new lands by lot, in the discharge of public office as a public trust, in universal education, as well as in many other things, the laws of Moses were not only superior to those of other nations, but are in many respects greatly superior to the most recent legislation. And this is to be expected; the wisdom of God was in them.
THE CHAIN LETTER DEVICE.
By Editor
A FRIEND sends us a copy of that chimerical scheme, a chain letter, which has in it the possibility (but not the probability, as there is in the world still people of common sense) of wrecking the world financially. This one in question is to gather stamps for the building of a ward in a hospital in "Hearst's Ville, Hurlfield, near New South Wales." It probably means Hearst's Ville, near Hurlfield, New South Wales. New South Wales is like the chain letter, quite extended, and to be near that, is excessively indefinite. Somebody for a million stamps is going to build the ward; and so the chain letter scheme of 180 links is devised. It starts with one, who writes to three, numbering his letter "1" requesting each of these three to write to three persons, the first three numbering their letters "2," and so on to 180.
Think of it, if it were carried out. Each person takes twenty minutes of time (for he could not do it in less) to write three letters and copy the original, and also incloses stamps to the originator, thus using eight cents in stamps, besides envelopes and paper.
The first person of the first link would write to three others; these three would write to nine; the nine—the third link—would write to twenty-seven; the twenty-seven would write to eighty-one; the eighty-one would write to 243, the number in the sixth link. But it is in the plan that this multiplication by three shall go on till the number of links shall reach 180. The product is beyond calculation. Link 10 if common sense and Christian dignity did not ignore the chain, and so break it, would reach 19,683 persons, and collect in the tenth circle and those gone before 196,830 canceled stamps. They would have used in good postage stamps at United States rate $1,584 worth. Link 14 would ring in 1,564,323. Link 20 would catch 1,162,261,467. Link 25 would enchain 309,429,539,481, or 200 times the population of the entire earth. Link 36, only one-fifth of the required number, would, if carried out as devised, lead by the nose fifty-four quadrillion, eight hundred nine trillion, five hundred twenty-six billion, nine hundred seventy-four million, four hundred thirty-one thousand, seven hundred seven (54,809,526,974,431,707), if we have made no mistake in our hurried multiplication, or three and one-half million times more people than the earth contains. Each one would have to repeat this three and one-half million times to extend the chain to the thirty-sixth link, or rather to meet the wishes of the thirty-fifth linkers. They would expend in stamps alone more than four quadrillion dollars!
Think, then, of the mountainous burden, the colossal, utterly uncomprehensible numbers if the chain were carried to link 180. This letter before us is numbered 108. It is probably the only single fiber that has survived; we sincerely hope this to be the case. If the thing were carried through as originally planned it would exhaust all the inhabitants of all the planets, and would bankrupt the solar system. It is a guileful, despicable way of raising money. Let every reader of the SIGNS frown it down.
Prepare War
"Prepare War."—Captain Charles D. Sigsbee, of the United States Navy, chief of the Naval Intelligence Bureau, has just made public his notes on present naval construction in the various countries of the world. This report shows plainly that no pains or expense are being spared in the different nations to bring up the fighting strength of their respective navies. The new estimates for the naval construction of the coming year, or years, indicates an adherence to a well-defined program for a steady increase, or a desire to make such addition as the financial conditions of the various countries will permit. In all countries there is a tendency to the building of larger battle-ships and cruisers, better protection for guns and gunners, quicker firing high-power guns, and much more attention to marksmanship than ever before, while experiments are being made with devices which will permit a larger area of action. Target practice is now carried on at much greater ranges than formerly, and great attention is being given to devices for the aiming and controlling of torpedoes. Electricity is being brought into greater use in the manipulation of the apparatus of the vessels, and wireless telegraph apparatus is also being installed on board the ships. Nothing will be left undone to make of these fighting machines the most destructive weapons possible. The whole world is wrought up over war preparations and engaged in them, and the time when they will be put to their destructive work draws nigh.
Cholera Ravages Egypt
The ravages of the cholera in Egypt continue unabated. This disease has caused 16,209 deaths in that country since July 15. About three-fourths of the cases so far have proved fatal.
German Army Maneuvers
THE German army maneuvers in the field, which were carried on this season on a magnificent scale, conducted by the emperor in person, came to an end on September 12. Prominent generals of other nations were in attendance, and pronounced the drill, the maneuvers, and the spirit of the individual soldiers matchless in the work which they were called upon to perform. The army was simply perfect in all its evolutions; and yet for modern warfare, with long-range guns, the American and English generals stated to the emperor that it was impractical, the more recent experiences with the long-range weapons making it suicidal to operate companies of men in compact formation. There is no doubt that the emperor will profit by these criticisms, and make his army conform to the new conditions. Nothing that would perfect preparations for war will be overlooked in these times when the nations of earth are whetting their steel for the universal fray.
Devastating Forest Fires in the Pacific Northwest
Extensive forest fires have been raging in Western Washington and Oregon during the present week, and in Oregon alone more than a million dollars' worth of property has been destroyed. A considerable number have lost their lives, fifteen having perished in one locality, while from one to five deaths are reported from various sections. The whole length of Clackamas River is said to present nothing but vistas of ruined settlements. Immense quantities of the finest standing timber have been destroyed in both States, whose value it is impossible to estimate, and the whole Pacific Coast from Alaska to Central California is enveloped in smoke.
Spain Considers Joining Franco-Russian Alliance
THERE is now a prospect of Spain's joining the Franco-Russian alliance. Overtures for such an alliance have repeatedly been made by France during past years; but now, in view of her losses in the war with the United States, Spain is looking more favorably upon the alliance proposition. As an indication of a change of spirit among the people, the Spanish paper, El Heraldo, says: 'Let us strike out 'manana' (to-morrow) from our vocabulary, and put 'hustle' in its place.' This is another indication of the tendency of the nations to "line up" in preparation for the great struggle.
Great Railroad Alliance in the East
THE two great railroad factors in the Eastern field are reported to have formed an alliance. The capitalization of this new concern, which consists of the Vanderbilt system and Pennsylvania system, will be in the neighborhood of $2,000,000,000, and will include 30,000 miles of track. The aim of this organization is to dominate traffic between Chicago and St. Louis, the great lakes and the Ohio River, the Canadian boundary and the Potomac River. This combination of interests makes one of the greatest mergers yet effected in the realm of trust operations.
Churches and Theaters in England
THE following report comes from London: "The unique plan advanced by the vicar of Gorleston of running theaters in connection with the churches throughout the villages of the United Kingdom has received the support of no less an authority than Joseph Chamberlain, the colonial secretary. Mr. Chamberlain states that he always sympathizes with anything that will bring light and happiness into the lives of people." But those who know the Lord do not need any such things to bring light and happiness into their lives.
Marconi’s Wireless Messages Across the Sea
Signor Marconi, who has been most instrumental in bringing wireless telegraphy before the world, now claims to have sent messages by his system from a vessel lying off the coast of Italy over a distance of 1,100 miles. Advancement is being made in all civilized countries in sending messages by the wireless system. Commercial messages are now sent over land distances of from 100 to 200 miles, and ships are communicating with each other at sea while yet many miles apart, as well as with stations located on shore.
A New Paper Trust Formed
A CHICAGO firm of brokers has effected the combination of all the principal paper mills in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. The new concern, or paper trust, will be known as the American Consolidated Paper Company, and its capital stock is quoted at $30,000,000. These mills were not under the control of the International Paper Company, known as the paper trust; but now that they are to be under one management, the day of the greater combination draws near.
Discovery of the Summer Complaint Germ
DR. WILLIAM H. WELCH, of Baltimore, claims to have discovered the germ of that disease known as "summer complaint," which kills so many infants during the hot season. It now remains to be seen whether anything can be discovered that will exterminate the germ and counteract its effects after it has taken up its abode in the system. The germ of Asiatic cholera, which is similar to this, has been known for a dozen years; but its remedy is yet undiscovered.
Pennsylvania Coal Strike Continues
The present week is the nineteenth of the great Pennsylvania coal strike, and there is nothing yet to indicate that the end is in sight. The presidents of the coal companies reiterate their determination not to yield, and the unions are pledging themselves to continue the fight until concessions are granted. The winter prospects in the great cities before those dependent upon the heat of coal are dreary indeed.
London Population and Lunacy
According to the latest figures the present population of Greater London is 6,500,000, while London proper contains 4,536,541 persons. The lunacy statistics of the county of London show an increase of 50 per cent. in the last ten years, the total number of lunatics in the city at present being 21,369.
Insurrection in Colombia
AFFAIRS in Colombia are again in a serious condition for the government, if reports from Colombia are correct. The insurgents have captured Agua Dulce, with the troops belonging to the government stationed there. American war vessels have been despatched to both sides of the isthmus of Panama, in order to protect American interests there and keep open the railroad across the isthmus.
Cholera Superstitions in China
At several places in Kiangsi Province, China, terrible orgies are said to have taken place to convince the Chinese gods that enough persons had died of cholera to satisfy their demands for one year. Every tortoise obtainable was taken to the river and drowned, it being supposed that the cholera demon was inhabiting the body of some tortoise in Kiangsi. But the plague has not decreased.
Decision Against the Oats Corner
WHAT is considered by the gamblers of the Chicago Board of Trade a most important decision against them was rendered by Judge Chytraus of Chicago, on September 13, in what is known as the "July oats corner" injunction case. If this decision is upheld by higher tribunals, it is claimed that it will put an end to all corners in commodities on the Chicago Exchange.
Rebuilding Storm-Stricken Galveston
THE special edition of the Galveston Daily News bearing the date of September 1 deals particularly with the rebuilding of that recently storm-stricken city. From the substantial buildings erected so soon in place of those swept away by the great tornado, it is certain that Galveston possesses a vast amount of vitality and vim and business enterprise.
The Farmers’ Trust
THE Farmers' Co-operative Association, known as the "Farmer's Trust," has established its headquarters in Chicago. The plan of this new trust is to do away with the middlemen and control the prices of farm produce. The officers assert that within a year it will be in control of the entire agricultural output of the United States.
Knouting Fathers of Girl Babies
A REPORT from St. Petersburg, Russia, states that the commander of a Cossack station at Wertschink, anxious that his district should show a preponderance of males, has ordered that the father of every girl baby born in the district shall be given fifty strokes with the knout. Several men, the report states, have already been knouted.
German Gunboat Sinks Haytian Vessel
The gunboat Crete-a-Pierrot, belonging to the Haytian insurgents, was fired upon and sunk by the German gunboat Panther on September 5. The crew abandoned the vessel on demand of the German commander, but set fire to her before leaving. The commander of the Haytian gunboat is reported to have gone down with his ship.
Russia Strengthens Position in Manchuria
REPORTS from China indicate that Russia is strengthening her position in Manchuria rather than preparing to withdraw her forces. The Russians have ordered all foreigners in the Chinese service in Manchuria to leave. As it is principally Englishmen who are employed in the service there, this move seems to be directed at England.
Episcopal Church Fundraising in the Philippines
J. P. Morgan, M. A. Hanna, and other well known millionaires have taken hold of the work of raising the sum of $1,000,000 for the furtherance of Episcopal Church work in the Philippines. Mr. Morgan is said to have given $100,000 for the erection of an Episcopal cathedral in Manila.
Whistling in Church Music
FOLLOWING the lead of a certain church in New York City, the First Congregational church of Chicago has introduced the whistler as a part of its musical program. The ones responsible for this innovation hold that it is "in perfect accord with the discipline of the church."
Beef Trust to Begin Operations
The great beef trust, whose capitalization is placed at $500,000,000 has named September 27 as the date when it will begin active operations as an independent concern. Obstacles which have stood in the way of the consummation of this gigantic deal are said to have been removed.
Iowa Runs Aground off Brazil
The United States battle-ship Iowa, flagship of the South Atlantic squadron, has run aground off the coast of Brazil. The Brazilian minister of marine has ordered a Brazilian cruiser to go to the assistance of the battle-ship.
Natural Gas for London
The great natural gas fields near London are to be tapped and the gas piped to London and other adjacent cities. The pressure of this natural gas is said to be sufficient to enable it to be carried in pipes over all England.
McKinley Memorial Services
On Sunday, September 14, in many cities in the United States, memorial services were held in the churches to the memory of William McKinley, it being just one year since his death.
Nebraska Governor Opposes Beef Trust
The governor of Nebraska proposes to prevent the packing-houses of that State joining the great beef trust. He will also try to prevent the combine doing business in that State.
Pension Expenditure Declines
The total pension expenditure for the year ending June 30 last was $133,556,039. This is a reduction of about $5,000,000 from the pension expenditure of the previous year.
Record Gold in the Treasury
The amount of gold in the United States Treasury at the present time is $573,936,194, the largest amount that the treasury has ever contained.
First Window-Glass Factory West of Mississippi
The first window-glass factory west of the Mississippi river was opened at Stockton, Cal., September 15.
Anarchists Plan Chicago School
Anarchists are planning to found a school in Chicago for the propagation of their ideas.
HOW IS IT?
Do ANY hearts beat faster,
Do any faces brighten,
To hear your footstep on the stair,
To meet you, greet you, anywhere?
Are you so like your Master,
Dark shadows to enlighten?
Are any happier to-day
Through words that they have heard you say?
Life were not worth the living
If no one were the better
“For having met you on the way,
And known the sunshine of your stay.”
—Anon.
WARMTH, POSITIVENESS, PERSEVERANCE
By Lilian Otis McPherron
Suggestions to Parents.
ONE writer has said: "In the sunlight of His Father's countenance, Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." The thought is suggestively full of significance to the mother. "In the sunlight." Plants in the natural world mature only in the sunlight, is it any less true of these delicate flowers the Father has intrusted to our care? Thus only can they be developed and matured for Him? They must have an atmosphere of warmth and sunshine if they are to profit by the instruction we give them. The Word will not take root in souls unwarmed by Jesus' love. The heart of each parent must overflow with the sunshine of that love, would he teach aright. His lips must be filled with praise and his heart with song. Then by voice and action will he diligently teach all the words of the Christ life, that Word being made flesh in Him. He will daily show unto His children "Him whom God hath exalted with His right hand, to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
In order to do this effectually he must have an extended knowledge of God's written Word and of the book of nature—that "great library of God's created works which His own hand has written in earth and sea and sky." He must grow daily in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, that there may be a constant source of supply for the eager minds lent him for development. He must daily lead these minds to "behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world," in all things which they contemplate. The Christ must be the center of interest—not only must the child be led to see Him, the one altogether lovely, in every portion of Scripture studied, but in all that pertains to his every-day life. He must be led to see Jesus as a child at work—to see that "He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools." He must see that throughout His earthly life Jesus was an earnest and constant worker, not seeking to evade care or responsibility; and that the positiveness and energy, the strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured.
This positiveness of character must be developed by positive teaching, for we must not forget that teaching is both positive and negative. In positive teaching, we give direct, explicit instruction in the truths of God's Word, making the direct application to the child. Negative teaching is directly opposed to this—is simply an endeavor to uproot error already implanted, without constantly supplying the good to take its place; or, too often, is an introduction to error by the power of suggestion. Many don't fail to accomplish the good of one do when that do is reasonably set before the child's mind as Father's desire for his good.
He must be led to think, and clearly to understand truth for himself. "It is not enough for the parent to explain, or for the child to believe; inquiry must be awakened. He must be drawn out to state the truth in his own language, thus making it evident that he sees its force and makes the application. By painstaking effort vital truth should be impressed upon the mind." Point him to Peter's ladder of eight rounds, and seek to place his feet not on the highest round, but on the lowest, and with earnest solicitation urge him to climb to the very top. Christ, who connects earth with heaven, is the ladder. We (parent and child) are saved by climbing round after round of the ladder, looking to Christ, clinging to Christ, mounting step by step to the height of Christ, so that He "is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly-kindness, and charity are the rounds of this ladder. All these graces are to be manifested in the Christian character; and "if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1: 10, 11. Thus as parents we shall not only save ourselves but our children.
