p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 26. (7/5/1910)

Whose Boy Is in Danger?

DR. CORTLAND MYERS, of Brooklyn, relates the following story, as told by a ship's surgeon:

"On our last trip a boy fell overboard from the deck. I didn't know who he was, and the crew hastened out to save him. They brought him on board the ship, took off his outer garments, turned him over a few times, and worked his hands and his feet. When they had done all that they knew how to do, I came up to be of assistance, and they said he was dead and beyond help. I turned away, as I said to them, 'I think you have done all you could,' but just then a sudden impulse told me I ought to go over and see what I could do. I went over and looked down into the boy's face, and discovered that it was my own boy. Well, you may believe I didn't think the last thing had been done. I pulled off my coat and bent over that boy; I blew into his nostrils and breathed into his mouth; I turned him over and over, and simply begged God to bring him back to life; and for four long hours I worked, until just at sunset, I began to see the least flutter of breath that told me he lived. O, I will never see another boy drown without taking off my coat in the first instance and going to him and trying to save him as if I knew he were my own boy."

— Epworth Herald.

—★★—

If I Were a Fiend

If I had the spirit of a fiend and had an enemy that I wished to murder in the most cruel way possible, I would poison him with alcohol. I would administer the poison at first in occasional drinks of beer and light wines, with just enough alcohol to stimulate an appetite which would begin to whisper, "More, more." I would make him think it was good for his stomach, quickening to the brain, and quieting to the nerves. I would tell him that it was—

Manly to Be Able to Drink

or let it alone, and that only softies were afraid to touch it. I would soon have him craving something stronger than beer and wine, and have him taking his daily "nipper" containing more of my poison. I would inflame his stomach and create a constant longing for strong drink. I would contract his blood corpuscles and make them unfit to bring and carry, in the life traffic of his system. I would cook his brain as alcohol cooks the white of an egg. I would deaden his nerve cells, enlarge and fatten his kidneys, "nutmeg" the liver, and make the heart stagger like a drunken man. I would weaken and then—

Destroy His Will Power

and enslave his manhood. I would lead him into drunkenness, and make him ashamed of his disgrace. I would compel him to take the money that should go to clothe his family, and spend it for my poison. He should see his children want the common necessities of life. I would make him penitent, begging his wife's pardon for his disgraceful conduct. He should promise never to take another drop. And I would bring tears of joy to the wife and good cheer to the home in thought of better days, and a clean and affectionate father.

And in less than a week I would send some toper companion—

To Lure Him into a Saloon

and send him staggering into the presence of his wife, blanching her cheeks, crushing her hopes, and breaking her heart. I would then make him drink to drown his shame and forget his lost manhood. I would make him think of better days, and a happy home unclouded by the despair of drink. I would send him to some temperance meeting to catch sight of a sober life, and—

Get Him to Sign the Pledge

of total abstinence. He should carry the pledge home to his wife, and amid tears and hopes renewed, he should face the future, hoping that at last he stood upon solid ground. And I would let him stand for a while till the cheeks of the wife grew rosy once again, and better food began to come upon the table, and better clothes to appear upon the backs of the children. The songs long silenced should resound once more in the home.

And then I would send him —

By Some Licensed Saloon

out of which poured the exhalations of my poison, that should leap upon him, and seize him, and down every resolution, and make the appetite in him demand satisfaction. I would make him too drunk to go home that night, reveling with companions that had missed him. And the wife should sit with breaking heart and dying hopes, waiting for the staggering steps that should not come.

Then I would open hell before the face of that man —

The Hell of a Drunkard

The demons of the bottomless pit should chase him. The serpents of delirium should strike him. The hobgoblins of an alcohol-crazed brain should mock him. In frenzied rage he should strike down his wife, and she should lie as one dead at his feet; and his children should flee to the neighbors for safety. I would prolong this earthly hell for a season, and then in the midst of the laughter of the demons and the hissing of the serpents, with honor dead, self-respect murdered, and dearest friends tortured,—

He Should Die

the neighbors relieved that he is gone, the children breathing freer that he will never frighten them again, and the wife mourning, not that he is dead, but that life for him had been a failure. Thus would I murder my enemy —

If I Had the Spirit of a Fiend

Reader, will you vote that such murders shall be committed under legalized protection through license? And sometimes do you want the license fee so high that only the gifted business men may engage in the enterprise, compelling them to do the largest amount of business possible, that they may gain a profit above the high license they pay?— Religious Forum.

Awake, Ye Friends of Freedom!

By Flora E. Warren

A LITTLE while the sign of Liberty Waved o'er our land; 'Tis falling now—beneath Compulsion's hand; We hear e'en now the voice of Tyranny.

Chorus Awake, ye friends of Freedom and the Right— Awake! awake! The heavy clouds of darkness help to break; Bid every heart its tyranny forsake, For Freedom and Light,—for God and the Right!

Our nation blindly follows where men trod Long years ago, And seeks to force all men to worship low In ways some deem it best to worship God.

Remember now the Christ of Calvary, Who gave His life That all who willed might conquer in the strife, And all who sought find Peace and Liberty.

Oppression for a little time will sway Our once fair land— Till each shall choose his captain, e'er to stand With Freedom blest, or in Captivity.

—★★—

Depopulated by Flies

By E. M. Newman

(E. M. Newman, in "The World To-Day")

IN my tramps through Uganda, I marched many miles through districts which were little less than graveyards. Hundreds of empty huts testified to the ravages of sleeping sickness, and everywhere was the stillness of death. In former years travelers were able to obtain provisions from the natives in Uganda, but since the sleeping sickness scourge has visited the country, exploring parties and caravans are compelled to carry every pound of food they require. During several long marches, I looked carefully for signs of human life; but if there were any survivors they had fled. Entire districts have been afflicted by this frightful disease; and I will never forget the depressing, gloomy aspect of the country through which I marched, hoping that the tales I had heard of the frightful loss of life were untrue. I not only found that the statements which had gone out were justified, but, if anything, the loss of life was underestimated. I shall always remember the emaciated, forlorn-looking children whom I saw in the sleeping sickness camps. These horrors are beyond the imagination of one who has never visited such an afflicted district.

Not all of Uganda is afflicted with sleeping sickness. There are large sections in which the fly can not live; but the unfortunate thing is that the spread of the disease is greatest where the population is the most numerous, and it is only natural that the natives will flock to that portion of the country where the land is most fertile. The best land is usually near the rivers and lakes, and in Uganda such territory is the home of the tsetse fly. Government officials have succeeded in driving most of the natives out of the infected area, and the development of the disease will undoubtedly be checked to some extent by these measures. After the present victims die out, the danger of infection will decrease, because the fly will have fewer opportunities to inoculate healthy natives.

"The Altar Fires of Liberty"

By Editor

Introducing the theme of the Signs Monthly for July — Liberty — Civil and Religious.

A timely and well-illustrated presentation of truths for this time.

The world saw the bright flame of LIBERTY leap from the white-hot crucibles of time and experience, and the dull, leaden skies of dark and medieval days were lightened with the glory of the flame. Valley Forge, Bunker Hill, and Yorktown, the minutemen at Lexington, the pouring out of the virgin continent's best blood and richest treasure, were the price paid to secure the recognition of the principle that "ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL." But was the price any too great? "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" was both the goal and the victory.—The Altar Fires of Liberty.

"Maximilian's Unfortunate Career," by J. O. Corliss, presents some historical truths not any too well known.

"Protestantism"—beginning a new series by Elder George A. Snyder, on this live subject.

"Rolled Together as a Scroll," by a "Christian Astronomer," combining information on astronomy with the truth of God's Word, in a setting that will interest and instruct all readers.

"The Significance and Remedy of Tooth Decay," by Dr. D. H. Kress, superintendent of the Washington, D. C., Sanitarium.

Concluding the Life of John Huss in Mrs. E. G. White's most helpful series of articles on the lives of the great reformers.

In Current Topics we have, among other items, a graphically illustrated article on the Naval Bill, and what it means to this country; also an excellent statement of the situation in England.

From the pen of Elder Wm. Covert, "Shall Shine as the Stars," showing forth the final reward of those who dedicate their lives to the winning of souls.

And other articles equally timely and beneficial.

This issue is now ready for mailing. Order to-day. 10c a copy, $1.00 a year.

Order through your tract society (if address is known) or Signs of the Times, Mountain View, Cal.

Bibles

By Editor

Bibles.—Remember that we are headquarters for anything in the Bible line. We shall be pleased to send you our catalog of Bible selections on application. Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.

Partner Wanted for Piano and Sewing Machine Business

WANTED: A partner in Piano and Sewing Machine business. Must be Seventh-day Adventist. Prefer party who can tune and play piano and having had experience soliciting business.

S. H. Colvin, Turlock, Cal.

Experienced Couple Wanted for Dairy Herd

WANTED: Experienced man with wife to take charge of small herd of cows to milk and care for. Must have good experience in milking and feeding. Good house and garden. Give age, experience, and salary expected.

Garden City Sanitarium, San Jose, Cal.

Our Little Friend

By Editor

An Illustrated Paper for the Smaller Men and Women, for the Children and Little Ones

Instructive and entertaining, clean, wholesome, sensible. It is a character builder, a helper to father and mother. Our Little Friend would plant seed in the joyous life of the children in the Present, that it may bear blessed fruitage in the Harvest of the Future. Respect your child's individuality. Take the paper for him or her. Only 60 cents a year.

Address, OUR LITTLE FRIEND

Mountain View, Cal.

High Pressure Steam Canner

By Jethro Kloss

I make a High Pressure Steam Canner for home and market canning. Cans everything so it keeps without preservatives. Surpasses every canner in the market. Supplies long looked for article. Every family should have one. Price within the reach of all. Send for circular.

Jethro Kloss, St. Peter, Minn.

Striking Cover Design

By Editor

A striking cover design in red, white, and blue Will make friends for itself on sight.

Faith Not to Be Prescribed by Men

By Editor

There are many important utterances in the article on page 3, “Faith Not to Be Prescribed by Men.” Here is one thought: “Let there be no cautioning of the people on the danger of studying the Word of God. Let there be no concealment of truth, no measures taken to evade or ignore truth.” Here is another: “God has light of a more radiant character than any we have received, and you have no right to bind yourself in such a way as to shut yourself away from the light.” There are others equally good. Read the article.

War Threatens Austria and Italy

A special correspondent to the Hearst papers declares that there is a strong feeling in Rome, Italy, that the year 1913 will see more than one war. It is feared that the disruption of the Triple Alliance will bring war between Austria and Italy. Next year the Triple Alliance officially ends, and it seems clear that Austria is looking forward to that to a break with Italy, and Italy is doing all in her power to meet Austria's preparations. Italy's treasury is taxed to the utmost by her naval military program. She has decided on the immediate construction of three Dreadnoughts, yet since that she has learned that the Austrian military program exceeds hers. While the aged emperor of Austria is against war with Italy, the heir to the throne, Ferdinand, has no friendship for Italy at all.

Heat Deaths in Chicago

A despatch from Chicago June 19 states that fifteen deaths due to the heat in that city have been recorded, four of them occurring June 19.

Severe Storm Strikes New York

June 18 greater New York was struck by a very severe storm, with wind and rain, in which nine persons were killed and great damage done to property, especially in the way of trees, flag-poles, unroofed houses, boats torn from moorings, plate glass windows smashed, etc., etc.

Fatal Electric Storms in Europe

An unprecedented electric storm in Berlin, June 12, killed six persons, injured seventeen severely and eight slightly. Many telephone and telegraph wires were leveled. Seven deaths the same day occurred at Breslau, making a total in the province of Silesia of eighteen fatalities in three days.

Fraud Charges Against Wireless Combine

And now the great wireless telegraphy combine is accused of frauds even to the extent of twenty million dollars. It is said that at the very best two per cent of the company's capitalization is property and ninety-eight per cent water. Put in another form, $19,600,000 represents water and $400,000 property.

The Limits of Hypotheses

Science wanders around in the fields of hypotheses looking for facts. If ten out of thirteen suppositions of an hypothesis are demonstrated, many consider the hypothesis demonstrated as well, when the ten particulars might fit equally well a full half dozen hypotheses, and the three not demonstrated might be the crucial tests of truth. It is well sometimes to wait.

Disastrous Floods in Hungary and Switzerland

Under date of June 16 a despatch from Budapest, Hungary, says that nearly 300 persons were killed and several villages annihilated by a cloudburst in Krasso-Szoreny, a county of Hungary bordering on Rumania and Servia. It is expected that the death roll will exceed that. The same date a despatch from Berne, Switzerland, declares that floods there have been exceedingly disastrous. At least twenty lives have been lost and great damage done to property.

The Facts of the Gospel

The great things of the Gospel do not come to us as theories or suppositions, but as facts. They ask us to accept them as facts. They demonstrate their truth to us in pointing out our true moral condition in such a way and to such an extent that we know it to be truth; and then they present the healing remedy, which we must grasp by faith. But the demand is reasonable. In the highest philosophy nothing is more reasonable.

The Crucial Tests of Loyalty

Men are approved of God not because they know much truth or do many things, but because they meet the crucial tests. If one accepts nine points of truth and rejects the tenth, in that tenth he rejects the Author of truth. He chooses his own ideas or ways in preference to the thoughts and way of God. He fails to meet the crucial test of loyalty which for the time centered in the one duty in question. To shut our eyes to one ray of light from the sun is to shut them to all. God is one; His truth is one also.

An Incident

An Incident.—Several men put horses in a shed, the charge of which was twenty-five cents a horse. Money was collected in advance of nearly all. Later, one of the company spent some time in finding the stable-keeper, to pay his bill. The latter uttered a half profane ejaculation, and said with much vigor, "There are honest men in the world yet." But it was no credit to the man who paid; he did only his duty. The sad thing is that when a man was found who did have a regard for moral obligation it caused surprise. It ought to be otherwise.

An Esteemed Citizen Fallen.

By Editor

While this journal does not deal with local matters or conditions, save as they point a general useful lesson, we feel it a sad duty to record the decease of an esteemed fellow citizen and neighbor, Judge Benjamin Easton Burns, which occurred Monday morning, June 20. He was always dignified, courteous, kindly, and charitable, yet holding strongly to principle, which he saw touched upon nearly every event of life. Until very recently he was for some time the president of the town board of trustees, and one of its most useful, hard working, and painstaking members, ever working for the good of the town. He always wished everything to be just right. As an institution the directors of this publishing house wish to express their appreciation of his kindness and courtesy both in his public capacity and as a citizen and neighbor. The large attendance, at his funeral showed how the community felt the loss which not alone the town suffered, but the people as well. We extend our sympathies to the mourning friends and to the bereaved widow.

The Coming Study of Revelation

By Editor

We have not forgotten the articles on the Revelation, and we expect to begin the study of the wonderful book before long.

Man's Sin and Saviour

By Editor

Our series on "Man's Sin and Saviour" will begin next week. They will run for thirteen weeks. Each article contains great truths in itself; yet they are of greater worth as a series.

Our Busy Man's Corner

By Editor

We omit again "Our Busy Man's Corner," for the Busy Man was too busy to furnish it. Sometimes he questions whether it is worth while. The department does not meet his ideal, and he wonders, when he has time, whether it is a feature of the paper which is appreciated sufficiently by the readers to warrant its continuance. Does it pay in doing good, in real helpfulness to the reader? Let the editor hear from you, and he will commune with the Busy Man.

The Midsummer Offering

By Editor

WE regret that this paper will not reach many of our readers till after Sabbath, July 2, upon which day the midsummer offering for missions is taken in our various congregations. It was not so long ago that we had but one offering a year, and that generally at the time of the holidays. The constant demands in the great mission fields make imperative the midsummer offering as well. We sincerely urge the necessity of this offering upon our readers. The field which God has given us is the world, and He has given us a message to be preached world-wide. “The everlasting Gospel” is to go to every nation and kindred and tongue and people, bearing not only the great fact that Jesus Christ died to save men, but that that same Jesus is coming again, and that the great world should prepare to meet Him at His coming. There are open doors everywhere. Great and loud calls come from every land under the sun, from those who are seeking light and who long to find a way out of the meaningless doctrines of heathenism in which is no life. We appeal to our readers to remember this offering and remember it liberally.

Those of our readers who are not connected with churches or who are not in connection with regular treasury departments, or isolated readers, who desire to give to foreign missions, can send the money to the SIGNS office, and we will gladly forward it to the proper persons. The great field is the world. Jesus died for the world, for all. Upon those whom He has redeemed rest the double burden and necessity of a sacrifice in partnership with Him to give that message to others. For just the reason the apostle Paul declared that he was a debtor to all men, so every Christian will count himself to be. May the midsummer offering be one of the greatest ever made to foreign missions.