CONCERNING the immoral tendency in business, political, and social circles, the Examiner (Baptist) has these timely remarks:—
"There is no use in mincing matters. In spite of a host of honorable exceptions, and much fine talk about our Christian civilization, conduct in business and the trades is to an alarming extent conscienceless, and the practises of the caucus notoriously corrupt. Indeed, the tendency has been, and is, to jeer at morality in these relations, to wink at political rascality, to regard conscientiousness and simple-mindedness as convertible terms, and with leering approbation of his 'smartness,' to condone the successes of the adroit scoundrel. This would seem a formidable indictment, which we would be slow to utter, were not the facts that justify and demand it in daily evidence.
"To such an extent have violations of the moral law been carried, and so supine has been the spirit of resentment, that we have reached a stage where a certain class of people of wealth believe that their money will protect them in any enormity. The most dangerous anarchists at present, in our judgment, are the befouled figures in the aggregation which calls itself 'society.' The depravity of the two wealthy voluptuaries who recently married each other a few hours after the wretched woman's divorce, would have shocked men in the worst days of decadent Rome, and would cause an indignant outcry from the inhabitants of Central Africa, did the like happen there. It is the effect, however, penetrating inward upon domestic life, of the immoral outward conditions to which we refer.
"At such a time it is as gratifying as hopeful to find in the governor's chair of the State of New York a man who has the integrity and courage to sound the note of alarm and indicate the method of reformation. This Governor Roosevelt nobly did at the recent dinner of the Independent Club of Buffalo. The following extracts from his speech will have the hearty approbation of all right-thinking people:—
"All of the great truths up to which we try to act are comprehended in the right. I certainly have not found any new principle of importance in public life, and so far as I have been able to get, I have become a more and more convinced believer in the doctrine enunciated a few years ago by a then eminent statesman, that, after all, the Decalog and the Golden Rule are the two guides to conduct upon which we should base our actions in political affairs. If there is one thing which I should like to eradicate from the character of any American, it is the dreadful practise of paying a certain mean admiration and homage to the man who, whether in business or politics, achieves success at the cost of sacrificing all those principles for the lack of which, in the eye of any righteous man, no possible achievement of such success can in any way compensate."
"We observe that these utterances have been characterized in certain quarters as in line with Christian Socialism. Attempts to discredit truths by likening them to doctrines deemed opprobrious with which they have partial correspondence, is a very old trick of the devil. The truths stated by Governor Roosevelt may or may not be those of Christian Socialism. We presume they are. If so, all the better for Christian Socialism. But, be that as it may, they are most assuredly the truths of Biblical morality—extant ages before Socialism in any form was ever dreamed of—the morality that has approved itself to the race, possessing which individuals and nations become prosperous, and lacking which they perish."
The only fear is that men, who, like Governor Roosevelt, see the evils of these times, and the need of the Decalog and the Golden Rule in the hearts of men, will undertake to force them there by civil laws. And in that case they would only make bad matters very much worse. But we hope that the history of the past as well as the Bible warnings will keep men from resorting to civil power to compel where only the persuading power of the Spirit of God can work the needed reforms. The civil power has its place, but it is not in enforcing obedience to the Decalog or the Golden Rule. You may compel men to be civil, but it is only from choice that the high spiritual life of the Ten Commandments can be breathed into the soul. And this deep spirituality is what is needed to stem the tide in these crying times of evil.
Fire-walking in the South Seas.
FIRE-WALKING IN THE SOUTH SEAS AGAIN.
By J. E. Caldwell, M.D.
A PROPOS to the illustrated article by Elder J. E. Fulton, of Fiji, that appeared some weeks ago (February 1) in the columns of the SIGNS, I would like to describe the same thing—fire-walking—as it is seen in the eastern Pacific.
Here the appearance is much the same as that described by Elder Fulton, except that the priest professes to consult the spirit of a wonder-working woman, long since dead. If she gives him favorable signs when he consults her in the woods the night previous, and if he can see her spirit among the flames when the wood is burning, he takes it as a favorable omen, and proceeds with his fire-walking. He calls upon the spirit of earth, the spirit of air, and the spirit of water—three gods—to aid him.
The old high priest of this order in these parts hails from Raiatea. A disciple of his has lived in this island (Rarotonga) for two or three years, during which time he has made several exhibitions of his sorcery. At these times he invites any or all who wish to follow him through the fire, telling them that if they follow him, and do not turn aside or look back, they will receive no injury. Several times many strangers, both whites and natives, followed him through the fire. On the last occasion the hospital doctor here, intent on showing his smartness and his contempt for the statement of the priest that the stones were hot, followed him through the hot stones, but turned aside contrary to the cautions given. One of his feet was badly burnt. On the same day a native girl was burnt. The priest said because she did not obey his instructions, but looked around. Other proof that the stones are hot is the fact that it is a common thing for the natives to put food over the stones, after the exhibition, and cook it as for an ordinary feast.
The natives here fear the priest and often speak of him as "e tangata purepure," or sorcerer. He figures in this island as a native doctor, professing to cast out the evil spirits of sickness by his incantations and his herb mixtures and drugs.
No specific good is claimed for his fire-walking; but the collection he takes up and the notoriety he achieves as a wonder-worker furnish sufficient motive for his exhibitions. As a doctor he sometimes demands and receives considerable sums of money, reaping advantage from the fear and superstition of the natives.
The saddest part of the story is that those who are punctual in attendance at every native church service are themselves patrons of these heathen priests. I heard that some years ago the missionary of one of the islands thought to disfellowship church members who attend these exhibitions. On being challenged by the priest to show it to be contrary to Scripture, he gave it up. So much for belief in the immortality of the soul. J. E. CALDWELL, M.D.
Winning India.
By Editor
A Church of England magazine, the Mission Field, suggests the following manner of winning the people of India:—
"It is not a question of individual conversions by individual Englishmen. The people of India must be won by members of their own race. But who is to be instrumental in converting these? Who is to teach them the faith in its soundness and fulness? Where is to be the nucleus of the native church into which they are to seek admission? By forming Christian congregations of those who can be in some degree living exponents of the Christian life, by maintaining colleges where the best minds of the rising generation can be influenced, by encouraging the increase of the body of native clergymen, by preaching, translations, and other means, we are endeavoring to prepare for what the future has in store for India. But the missionary work there needs to be sustained by the prayers of the church at home, that the will of God may be carried out."
We would add this also: "Preach the Word"—the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Jesus says, "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." John 12:32. Then to lift up Christ before the people of "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (Rev. 14:6) is the only way to win them to Him.
A Striking Reminder.
A South African Christian should have very vivid and bright views of the resurrection; for, over and above the spring lessons on this truth of other lands, those of South Africa stand out in wondrous force. To see the dry, brown, chippy pieces which were once grass, and to believe that perhaps by a shower or storm, or by the inherent moisture of the soil, these chips will10live again, and these dry roots shoot out and bear green grass, seems difficult. And how wonderful the great doctrine—the great fact—and yet how true! Christ is risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of them that slept; and as He has risen so shall we, and this corruptible put on incorruption, this mortal put on immortality.—Selected.
LIFE'S TRUE PURPOSE.
WHAT is the greatest good in life
To work for, O my soul?
To give thy time and purpose to,
As on the moments roll?
For what has He who placed us here,
Confined us to this earth?
Why are we here? What shall we do
To fill our lives with worth?
Shall we toward wealth fast set our eyes,
As the supremest goal?
The wisest seer of ages past,
Cries, "Seek it not, O soul."
Is pleasure, then, O ancient seer,
The best thing we can gain?
"I tried it once," he said, "I find
It empty, drear and vain."
Now surely, tell me, O wisest one,
Is what we all should seek!
"I find, O soul, it's vanity!"
Thus did the wise man speak.
For what, then, shall we strive, O king?
Thou wisest of mankind!
For what great purpose are we here?
I would the answer find.
I would not have my days go past,
And close my eyes in death,
And find that I had missed the good,
For which God gave me breath?
Listen, O ye who for life's gold
Are losing endless treasure!
Listen, ye sons of fame! give ear:
And you, ye sons of pleasure!
The greatest good for which to live—
'Twill fill your life with beauty—
Is to fear God, and keep His law,
The Christian's glorious duty.
For into judgment shall be brought
Each secret of the past,
He has lived best who lived for God
And held His precepts fast.
Brantford, Ontario.
Self-Supporting Mission Work
Self-Supporting Mission Work.—Mrs. C. L. Goodenough, of Johannesburg, Transvaal, Africa, writing to the Missionary Herald, mentions two notable workers for Christ:—
"You will be interested in Mr. and Mrs. Pindela. They have taken up this mission work from real love to Christ.
"They have no salary, nor any remuneration for this Gospel work except being provided with two furnished rooms to live in. They do laundry work during the day for their support, and give their evenings and Sundays to carrying on the mission. Pindela has a rare quality for a native,—he is a man of great humility. Perhaps this is why he is so much respected by all around, both white people and black. Many of the white people here are bitterly opposed to evangelizing the natives, and it gives us great joy that all our native helpers here are men of such sterling character that even these unsympathetic white settlers are constrained to acknowledge their worth. Pindela's face is full of joyful hope as he tells us how well the Gospel work is progressing."
Progress
By Mission Field
Progress.—In 1855 the first missionaries left Barbados, and took up their abode in the Rio Pongo, to the north of Sierra Leone, once a favourite haunt of the slave-traders. The two first heads of the mission—both of them men who gave up home, comfort, and friends to work cheerfully and heroically in Africa—were of European descent, but each succumbed after a short time to the effects of the fatal climate. Since that time almost all the missionaries have been men of color, and to them the climate has been comparatively harmless. The work has gradually extended southwards, and a strong educational center has been established in the Isles de Los.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
By Editor
At the close of the recent camp-meeting at Milton, Oregon, forty-four persons were baptized.
The manager of the Melbourne City Mission recently reported thirteen conversions within a fortnight.
A new house of worship was dedicated at Cliff Island, Me., May 14, during the State meeting held at that place.
It is expected that Brother J. N. Loughborough will sail for England, July 19, to labor for a time in the British field.
Brother H. S. Guilford reports a gracious work in Ukiah. Seven have been recently baptized and added to the church.
Brother G. C. Tenney, who recently went from Battle Creek, Mich., to Australia, is now in charge of the Queensland Mission.
May 13, in connection with the celebration of the ordinances with the church at Sigourney, Iowa, two persons were baptized by Brother W. M. Adams.
After four weeks' labor at Appleton, Wis., Brother J. B. Scott reports the baptism of eight persons and a Sabbath-school of twenty-nine members.
While on a visit to Cambridge, in the Auckland, N. Z., district, Brother A. S. Hickox baptized two persons and administered the ordinances of humility and the Lord's Supper.
Prof. Frederick Griggs, who has been at the head of the Battle Creek (Mich.) Preparatory School for the past five years, has been chosen as principal of the South Lancaster (Mass.) Academy.
A church of fourteen members was organized at Russell, Lucas County, Iowa, May 29 and 30. Brethren C. F. Stevens, C. A. Washburn, Frank A. Washburn and C. T. Adams were present on the occasion.
A church of eleven members was organized at Stoughton, Wis., May 21, by Brethren Wm. Covert and H. W. Reed. A new house of worship is in process of construction, designed also for church-school purposes.
A small church organization has been effected in Holdrege, Neb., and a house of worship is under way.
In the Workers' Record Brother L. W. Terry reports the baptism of four candidates at Macks Creek, Camden County, Mo., and two at Bolivar, Polk County.
May 12 and 13 meetings were held at Janesville, Wis., during which a church of seventeen members was organized. The ministers present were Brethren Covert, Olds, and Stebbeds.
As a result of recent meetings held in Deadwood, S. D., Brother J. H. Wheeler reports twelve converts to the faith. The erection of a house of worship is now under consideration.
Brother Dan T. Jones, who has been in charge of the mission at Guadalajara, Mexico, for several years, has returned to his home near Kingsville, Mo., for rest and the recuperation of his health.
The Montana Conference Committee have appointed camp-meetings as follows: Livingston, July 13-23; Basin, July 27 to August 6; Bitter Root Valley, August 17-27. Brother A. F. Ballenger is to attend these meetings.
In Merrill, Wis., Sisters Annie and Bessie Sufficoof report seventy-five subscribers to the Signs. These papers are all delivered weekly in person, and of these readers twenty-nine were taking Bible readings when the report was sent in.
A report in the Visitor, of the school among the natives at Kimberley, South Africa, says that the school is gaining a foothold among the people. It is conducted by Brother Moko; was started with six pupils, but now has fifty. Among these are a number of very bright, intelligent children.
On April 3 Brother E. W. Farnsworth visited Tologa Bay, thirty-five miles north of Gisborne, N. Z. Here are a company of Maories and half-castes who have been observing the Lord's Sabbath several years. On this visit of Brother Farnsworth, there were four baptized and added to the church.
The Star of Hope Mission workers, Buffalo, N. Y., have settled in new quarters, corner of Washington and Ferry Streets. The building is four stories, 30x75 feet. A vegetarian dining-room is connected with the institution, and is an important as well as attractive feature. Our friends say the mission outranks anything of the kind in Buffalo.
In a letter dated Valparaiso, Chile, April 21, Brother G. H. Baber says: "Brother Balada has recently baptized six persons near Malloa, and Brother Avalos eight at San Felipe. Thus the work moves slowly along. We are not dismayed nor discouraged, for the Lord says, 'I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.' Praise His name for the consolation."
From the Union Conference Record, published at Sidney, N. S. W., we learn that meetings were continued in Brisbane, Queensland, after the camp-meeting. Brother S. N. Haskell reports that thirty-three have been baptized, a church of thirty-one members has been organized, with a prospect of fifty members in a short time. Also that a house of worship was in process of construction.
In the Advance, of Wellington, N. Z., we find an interesting account of a church dedication at Wanganui, May 7. Brother E. W. Farnsworth, president of the conference, says that on Sabbath (the day previous) he baptized nine persons. The land on which the church is built was donated by a Presbyterian lady, together with a six-room cottage. The land comprises 100 by 150 feet, and the new building was dedicated free of debt.
At the recent annual meeting of California Conference, officers were elected as follows: President, W. T. Knox; secretary, J. J. Ireland; treasurer, Pacific Press Pub. Co.; executive committee—W. T. Knox, R. S. Owen, J. W. Bagby, G. A. Snyder, M. H. Brown, H. F. Courter, C. N. Martin. Henry Scott was chosen president of the State Sabbath-school Association, and Miss Edith King, secretary and treasurer.
The manner in which the seeds of truth sometimes linger in the soil, is illustrated by the following note in the Indiana Reporter, from Brother D. W. Albert, of Plymouth: "Among the late additions is one family, who, altho entire strangers to us, came seven miles to hunt us up. This family made up their minds to serve the Lord, then remembered some preaching they heard by Elder Huffman seventeen years ago on the Sabbath question, which seed germinated and grew, with the above results." The Master-workman has given us this counsel: "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." Eccl. 11:6.
"I used to endeavor to live for the Lord in a quiet way, by setting a good example," said a young sister at the California camp-meeting; "but now I feel that time is short, that the Lord is soon coming, and there are so many in a lost condition, that I must engage actively in labor for Him." Would to God there were many more young people who would leave the idle, passive, do-nothing life and engage in active labor for Christ.
The June number of the Prison Missionary comes to our table, a creditable looking sheet, filled with helpful Christian instruction, information, and exhortation. It is purely a private enterprise, undertaken for the Master's sake. Its proprietor and editor is a sick prisoner, "No. 2409, in cell 138, Oregon Penitentiary." It is published at 25 cents a year, monthly, when the health and means of the editor permit. He gives the following instructions for ordering:—
"We prefer that you order through your tract societies; but if it is not convenient to do so, order direct from the prison. Do not write long letters, leave out all unnecessary words, as the prison officials are supposed to open all mail matter.
"Remit by P. O. Money Order, Express Order, or Bank Draft on Salem, or Portland, Oregon, New York, or San Francisco.
"2. If paper money or silver is sent, register the package.
"3. Orders and drafts should be made payable to L. J. Sprague, Box 338, Salem, Oregon."
We believe that the publisher is doing a worthy work for the Master.
Our esteemed contemporary and fellow worker, the Bible Echo, published in Melbourne, Australia, presents an attractive and valuable "school number," dated May 8. In addition to a report of the formal opening of "College Hall," on April 13, it gives a full history of the Avondale School enterprise. This school was opened in rented buildings in Melbourne, in 1892, and was so conducted for three years. Then the present site at Cooranhong, N. S. W., was secured, comprising a large tract of land, for the purpose of making the industrial feature of the school more prominent. The paper before us shows, besides the "College Hall," a "Young Men's Home," a "Young Ladies' Home," a "Dining Hall," a church building, and a number of cottages. There are also illustrations of interesting scenes connected with the grounds. "From the splendid fruit-bearing orchards now growing upon it, samples from which the government expert says he has not seen better in the colony, and from the luxuriant vegetables and the beautiful oat and maize fields grown there, the question, 'Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?' is again answered in the affirmative." Other industrial features are noted; for instance: "One year ago the school had twenty-three swarms of bees. Since that time, these have increased to forty-one swarms, and have made about 6,000 pounds of strained honey." Again: "The school board designs, as rapidly as possible, to develop a good dairy;" and to show the possibilities in this, as in other lines, it is stated that "the estate includes 1,425 acres." Here is certainly a good opportunity for students, both young men and young women, to work for an education.
LESSON II.—SABBATH, JULY 8, 1899
SERMON ON PURITY; THE MEETING WITH THE SYRO-PHENICIAN WOMAN.
1 "THEN there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying, Why do Thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. And He answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, He that speaketh evil of father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, That wherewith thou mightest have been profited by me is given to God; he shall not honor his father. And ye have made void the Word of God because of your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,
8 This people honoreth Me with their lips;
But their heart is far from Me.
9 But in vain do they worship Me,
Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
10 And He called to Him the multitude, and said unto them,
11 Hear, and understand: Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth,1112 this defileth the man. Then came the disciples, and said unto Him, Knowest Thou that the Pharisees were offended, when 13 they heard this saying? But He answered and said, Every plant which My heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted 14 up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind 15 guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit. And Peter answered 16 and said unto Him, Declare unto us the parable. And He 17 said, Are ye also even yet without understanding? Perceive ye not, that whatsoever goeth into the mouth passeth into the 18 belly, and is cast out into the draught? But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they 19 defile the man. For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, 20 murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings; these are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not the man.
21 "And Jesus went out thence, and withdrew into the parts of 22 Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed 23 with a devil. But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; 24 for she crieth after us. But He answered and said, I was not 25 sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But she 26 came and worshiped him, saying, Lord, help me. And He answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread 27 and cast it to the dogs. But she said, Yea, Lord; for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith; be it done unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed from that hour."
NOTE.—The texts inclosed in marks of parentheses, while not essential to the lesson study, will be found to throw much light upon the lesson, and are suggested for those who wish to study further.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
About this time who came to see Jesus? Matt. 15:1.
What question did this Jerusalem delegation ask the Lord? Verse 2. Note 1. (Col. 2:8, 20-23.)
In what way did Christ answer their query? Verse 3.
What reason did He assign for thus answering? Verses 4-6. Note 2. (Mark 7:11, 12; Eph. 6:2.)
What scathing rebuke and condemnation did Christ then administer to His interviewers? Verses 7-9. Note 3. (Isa. 29:13; Eze. 33:31.)
How did He then explain His position to the multitude? Verses 10, 11. Note 4. (Heb. 9:10.)
What effect did this instruction have upon the disciples and the Pharisees? Verse 12.
What important truth did the Saviour utter? Verse 13. Note 5. (Isa. 3:12; Mal. 2:8, 9.)
What did He say of the Pharisees? Verse 14.
How did He explain His meaning to the disciples themselves? Verses 15-20. (James 3:6.)
Having brought on Himself the hatred of the Pharisees, where did the Saviour then go? Verse 21. Note 6.
Who came out of that country to meet Christ? For what purpose? Verse 22. Note 7.
What request did the disciples make when they noted the Saviour's silence? Verse 23.
To whom did He address His answer? What was it? Verse 24. (Rom. 15:8, 9; 1:16.)
What did the woman then do and say? Verse 25.
What apparently indifferent answer did Jesus give the woman? Verse 26. Note 8. (Phil 3:2, 3.)
With what words did she quickly turn the conversation in her favor? Verse 27.
In reply how did Jesus commend the woman? What was the result of her pleading? Verse 28. (Matt 8:10; Mark 7:29, 30)
Side Lights.—"Desire of Ages," chapters 42, 43. "Spirit of Prophecy," vol. 2, chapter 24.
NOTES.
1. They wash not.—The Jews were very scrupulous about washing their hands before and after eating. To neglect or slight this ordinance was counted one of the three great sins which brought poverty. It was even counted the same as adultery.
2. And honor not.—The divine law commands honor to be bestowed on parents without regard to age or circumstances. Even the Talmud of old had enjoined that "a child is bound to maintain his parents when old and helpless, even if he have to beg to do so." But in the days of Christ, the rabbis had established the maxim that the duty to honor God before honoring human relationship was paramount; hence the tradition that a child dedicating himself or money to the temple was free from all obligations to parents.
3. Ye hypocrites.—This was Christ's first denunciation of the party of the Pharisees. Their hatred of Him from that time was greatly intensified until they campassed His death. They could not challenge His loyalty to God's law; for He had held that aloft as the standard by which to arraign their human inventions. It was the light that shone through His exaltation of the law, condemning their actions, that made them desire to destroy Him.
4. Not that which goeth.—This is to be understood as instruction to offset the external forms, which the Pharisees taught were necessary to salvation. It is plain that the Saviour did not mean to convey the idea that one could take everything, of whatever nature, into the stomach, and not receive harm; for the very Word upon which all His appeals were based, teaches it to be wrong to drink intoxicating fluids. Hab. 2:15; Prov. 23:29-32. The same Word also pronounces a blessing upon that people whose rulers "eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness." Eccl. 10:17.
5. Rooted up.—The plants not planted by God are those of human tradition and man-made commandments. Those things are no better in the church now than they were then. But it seems almost as hard now to keep free from these as it was for the people of that day.
6. Tyre and Sidon.—This journey lead the Master and the twelve northward and westward toward the seacoast. This region was thickly settled with Jews drawn thither by commerce. For ages the population had been half heathen and half Jewish. See Judges 1:32.
7. A Canaanitish woman.—Syro-Phenician—evidently meaning a mixed race growing out of Phenicia, having been attached to the Roman province of Syria.
8. To the dogs.—Dogs were so troublesome in the East, and became such a dislike, that fierce and cruel enemies were called dogs. Ps. 22:16, 20. All uncircumcised persons were called dogs by the Jews.
BISHOP OF PORTO RICO.
By Editor
A DESPATCH from New Orleans says that Archbishop Chapelle has been officially informed by his eminence, Cardinal Rampola, secretary of State of Pope Leo XIII., that the holy father had graciously granted the archbishop's request concerning the Episcopal see of Porto Rico, by appointing the Very Rev. James H. Blenk, S. M., of New Orleans, to fill it. Father Blenk was chosen by the archbishop as auditor of the delegation to Cuba and Porto Rico, and he was recommended by the archbishop for the latter island because he deemed him the most suitable clergyman he knew to occupy that ancient see in the present circumstances. During his stay last winter in the island of Porto Rico, Father Blenk gave such proofs of wisdom, Catholic zeal, self-restraint and patriotism, that the archbishop thought he was rendering a most signal service to the church and to the United States by recommending him as the first bishop of Porto Rico under the new order of things. —Catholic Mirror, April 29, 1899.
But what should the United States have to do with the appointment of Catholic bishops?
WHAT A PRIEST SAYS.
CATHOLIC priests are generally optimistic, but often startling facts appal the most optimistic. Said "Father" Hayes, of St. Louis (quoted in the Catholic Mirror of May 20):—
"This is a fast age. We are on what we might term the toboggan. The labor unions are teaching men the power they possess, capital is combining, aristocracy is becoming more exclusive, and the masses more excluded. If events move as rapidly during the next century as they have since the civil war in this country, there is no telling where it will all end. We are like a great wheel, and once we get started on the downward road, it will be almost impossible to stop. There is danger in it."
