WARLIKE preparations are still being pushed strongly in both England and the Transvaal. In a recent speech Mr. Chamberlain, England's secretary of state for the colonies, said that he thought some little progress had been made in the way of a settlement, but that the crisis is not yet past. And, judging from the preparations that are going on, one would think that he was decidedly correct in this statement.
Mr. Chamberlain accuses President Krueger with procrastination in his replies, and adds:—
"I do not think it will be denied that we have exhibited unparalleled patience in the relations between a paramount and a subordinate state. The situation is too fraught with danger, it is too strained for indefinite proposition. The knot must be loosened, to use Mr. Balfour's words, or else we shall have to find other ways of untying it.
"If we are forced to do that, then I would repeat now the words used by Lord Salisbury in the House of Lords. I say that, if forced to make further preparation, if this delay continues much longer, we shall not hold ourselves limited by what we have already offered, but, having taken this matter in hand, we will not let go until we have secured conditions which, once for all, will establish us as the paramount power in South Africa, and secure for us our objects there,—equal rights and privileges promised by President Krueger when the Transvaal's independence was granted."
The foregoing utterances can not be construed to be the language of peace. England seems to have some definite aims in South Africa, and it would seem from her colonial secretary's talk that she does not propose to allow the Transvaal Republic to stand in the way of her realizing them.
In view of conditions similar to this, holding sway all over the world, how can people look upon these as times of peace? There may be a few resolutions in favor of peace, but the acting is all in the other direction, so far as the nations of earth are concerned. T.
TRUSTS IN ENGLAND.
WE have had occasion a time or two to mention the work of consolidating capital into trusts, that is going on in England. A cable to the New York Tribune says:—
"The English manufacturers are continuing to avail themselves of their legal privilege to sell out their property to themselves, and to substitute a gigantic limited company for many competing rivals. This week there has been talk of an enormous wall paper syndicate which will control the bulk of the trade.
". . . The Economist to-day remarks that it is absurd to keep going a hundred inefficient competing agencies to do badly what one efficient consolidated agency can do as well, and adds that, while the dismissal of useless employees is an unfortunate result of this process, it must be accepted as a part of the inevitable development of capitalism if it works large economies in production. This is a philosophical method of discussing trusts and aggregations of capital as modern and inevitable phenomena, whether they occur in Europe or America."
It is one of the peculiarities of these times that "trusts and aggregations of capital" are considered "as modern and inevitable phenomena." The trusts are certainly "phenomena." They are also modern, and the Lord knew that men would reach the point where they would consider them inevitable, and so He told beforehand of the "heaping together" of treasure that would take place in "the last days." Read the whole Scripture account as given in the fifth chapter of James, and see how clearly present-day conditions are set forth.
Note particularly that this prophecy in James says, "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you." And is it to be wondered at that "miseries" will come upon men that are so heartless in their heaping together of treasure into trusts, that they speak of the dismissal of numerous employees as "an unfortunate result of this process"? It is certainly very "unfortunate" for a man who has a family dependent upon him to have his work suddenly taken from him in order that the trust can make things more economically. There is no doubt but that there is one kind of economy in having this work done by the trusts. But the economy is all in favor of the trust and seriously against the laborer that is thrown out of work.
The Lord tells us in 2 Timothy, chapter 3, verses 1 and 2, that "in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous." What could be a greater manifestation of self-love and covetousness than the way in which men are to-day heaping to themselves the wealth of the world? Those who have millions and who can not possibly find time to use to good account their vast possessions, are still grasping for more millions and do not seem to care how much others have to suffer, provided they can get more and more gold.
But the covetousness is not confined to the rich by any means. This bane of covetousness is a characteristic of the age. And rich and poor alike possess it, unless they are regenerated by the Spirit of God. And the perils of these last days will be occasioned by the clashing covetousness of the rich and the poor.
If the rich people, however, would take some of these things to heart they might relieve the situation greatly. For they might set an example to the poor by using their vast possessions in doing good. But, instead of doing anything of this kind, the rich are rushing on, heaping to themselves more and more treasure, and the sure Word shows us that they will soon "weep and howl" because of the "miseries" that shall come upon them. We sincerely hope that some of them at least may see the danger that hangs over the world, and flee to the city of refuge. A great crisis is upon every son and daughter of Adam, and all should be able to see it. T.
THE CHANGE THAT HAS COME.
ON returning home from Europe recently, Archbishop Ireland, through the New York Sun, said:—
"The opinion of Catholics in Europe is that the church is far safer under American dominion, that the rights of the church will be much better guarded by Americans than by a native government in the Philippines, and that it is really in the interest of the church that America should suppress the rebellion."
How is it that America, that has stood for freedom of conscience, and that has taught that the church should have nothing to do with the State, becomes so suddenly the great friend and benefactor of the Catholic Church? This shows an absolute reversal of the principles that have held sway in this country heretofore. When Rome can openly affirm that she can safely trust her interests with a professedly Protestant republic, is it not perfectly clear that both the Protestantism and the republic are such only in name? For if Rome is anything she is a pure despotism. One man stands at the head of the Papal church, and that one man speaks the word of law. How can the principles of such a despotism be in harmony with a republic where the people are supposed to rule? Rome says that she never changes. Then what about the United States? This country is making changes that are bringing her to the place where Rome says that she can safely trust her.
These things are a subject of prophecy, and we hope that all our Catholic friends will understand the spirit in which we speak of them, and furthermore that they will give close heed to the study of this subject. We are in times that are too full of eternal import to let any prejudices stand in our way of knowing the truth of God. And that truth is in His Word. Hence every prophecy of that Word should be closely studied in connection with passing events. The Lord is the Father of us all, and He seeks to have us understand Him. So we must come directly to His Word, and not allow any human being to keep us back from the knowledge of Christ. Come to God's Word with the sincere desire of knowing the truth, and we will then see what all these things that are taking place to-day mean. Their significance is that of eternity.
A NEW RELIGIOUS(?) ORGANIZATION.
THE latest fad in confederations is "The Actors' Church Alliance," for the purpose of bringing "together the church and the stage on a common basis of fellowship." So states the Rev. William Rader, the "president-chaplain" of the San Francisco local branch. "It aims simply to cultivate an understanding between stage and church. Each has much to learn from the other. Each must learn to respect the other. Invectives from the pulpit do no good." "Between the church and the theater there is a gulf." "The Actors' Church Alliance is supposed to bridge this gulf." The "constitution" of the alliance states that "the council shall appoint clergymen as chaplains in all theatrical centers, who shall visit members as temporary parishioners, provide special services whenever necessary, welcome them to the social life of the parish, and particularly care for any one who may be left sick in the town; that any member of the dramatic profession and members of any church are eligible for membership. Fees, $1.00 per year;" and that, on the part of the church, "ministers and church-members will not hesitate to take their families to the opera and theater where performances of good moral tone are presented."
All that we care to say is this, We wish, from the very depth of our soul, that the gulf between the church and the theater was a hundred times wider than now. It would not then be felt that it could be bridged over by the unsafe, rotten planks of merely human expediency, but that this gulf could be and was bridged by One alone, Jesus Christ. This reflection is not against the theater. That is of the world—always was, and always will be, of the world. But,
"The church has fallen, the beautiful church;
And her shame is her boast and pride."
THE EVIDENCE OF IMMORTALITY.
THE late R. G. Ingersoll was only a few days dead when mediums began to tell of communications that they were having with what they call his departed spirit. It is claimed that this is a great proof of immortality. But if immortality could be proven by any such process, why is it necessary for it to be proven so often? Nearly every prominent person that dies, especially if he has been an avowed disbeliever in the inspiration of the Bible, is said to come back to earth to communicate with some spirit medium. And each time this occurs it is affirmed anew that here is an added proof of immortality.
No one, however, is satisfied with any such evidence. No one is ever made sure of immortality in any such ways or by any such assurances. The most ardent believer in modern spiritism is never satisfied, and is always seeking for new evidence from the spirits to convince him that he may have another life after this one is gone. He is constantly confronted with the fact that there can be no doubt but that some of these spirits, as they communicate with him, tell him lies, and he is not real sure that they will not all lie more or less. And so he goes through life in a constant uncertainty, always seeking and never finding. And even when he does seem to find what he is looking for, he is soon cast into doubt, and tremblingly goes on seeking for some further evidence that he hopes will finally make him sure that he is to have a life in the great beyond.
How different is it with him who comes directly to Christ and His living Word! He learns at once, and ever after that knows positively, that we actually and really have eternal life in the Son of God. He is no longer tossed about amid doubts and fears concerning a future state. Listen to the following words of God:—
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God; who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." 2 Tim. 1: 8-10.
Jesus Christ "hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." The light of immortality shines in the Gospel with all the brilliancy of the independent orb. There is no borrowed luster there, and it—this light—shines nowhere else. It is useless to look for it any place else, for it is not there. Jesus Christ has brought life and immortality to light. And the light of immortality is in the Gospel. Tell it to all the9world, and tell every one that it is useless to look for life anywhere outside of Christ. But tell every seeker after life that Jesus, the Light of immortality, is indeed the life of men. And He offers immortal life free to all. And, best, above everything, tell them that we know this life when we get it, and are therefore at rest. T.
ARBITRATION
THE San Francisco Chronicle quotes from the New York Herald quite a list of international disputes that have been settled in recent years by arbitration, and concurs in the Herald's statement that the arbitration sentiment that was manifested at the late Peace Congress, "must result in the preservation of the civilized world, and, as a necessary corollary, in the disarmament of nations."
We would that it could be possible for arbitration to settle every dispute, both national and international. Indeed, we would go still farther, and wish there were no disputes to arbitrate. But the spirit of the times is such that any one who will but reflect a little may readily see that the arbitrament of the sword is that which will dominate this world. The men of this age live at the highest key of excitement all the time. And the idea that people are more peaceably disposed now than formerly is one of the greatest delusions of the age.
The three days immediately preceding the date of the Chronicle from which the foregoing sentiments are taken were given up in San Francisco to the glorification of war. The California troops had just returned from Manila, and they were crowned as the heroes of the hour. About $60,000 was spent by the people of the city in giving them a public reception, and the amount that was spent in private ways we have no means of knowing. Every boy and girl that witnessed that demonstration was impressed with the idea that the highest point of glory was not in peace, but in war. The little boy's heart would be made to throb with the strong desire for the time to come when he could take sword and gun to go forth to win fame and glory on the battle-field.
People seldom do anything but what they are educated to do. And, despite all the great talk in these times of arbitration and a universal and lasting peace, the education is practically all for war. The pulpit and the religious press vie with the rostrum and the secular press in extolling the heroism of the battle-field. As long as this is the kind of seed sowing, we may know of a surety what will be the harvest.
There is but one way to promote real and lasting peace, and that is by acquainting the people with the Prince of Peace. He has peace for all that will come to Him, and there is peace for this world nowhere else. T.
The Drift toward Rome.—Not long ago Mr. G. L. Morrill, of Minnesota, was a prominent anti-Catholic pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Minneapolis. When Pere Chiniquy was in Minnesota, Mr. Morrill was a prominent coworker. He saw then reason why Rome should be opposed. Not long ago, according to the Catholic Irish Standard, of Minneapolis, Mr. Morrill called at the Standard office and found the individual who bestowed upon him the mellifluous sobriquet of "Go-lightly," by which he is widely known. He acknowledged his youthful indiscretion in throwing verbal projectiles at Rome, declared he had turned over a new leaf, and would leave Catholics severely alone for the rest of his days. The writer assured him that the Catholics of this city are willing to forgive and forget the past; and wished him every happiness, both here and hereafter.
Mr. Morrill said, in a daily paper, as quoted by the Standard: "I have changed, decidedly changed. Since I left Minneapolis, several years ago, I have had some interesting experiences, and I must say I am a broader man than before."
The Irish Standard remarks: "If Rev. Mr. Morrill was honest in his antagonism to the Catholic Church while in Minneapolis, there is hope of his conversion. He is not the first Protestant clergyman who began as a hater of Catholicity and afterward discovered his mistake."
Mr. Morrill, of course, may change as he will, but it is sad to see this drift in Protestantism.
THE Socialists in Belgium are again uttering threats with the hope of alarming the government, so says a despatch from Antwerp.
Gospel Wanted, Not More Civil Law.—One of those "family feuds" for which Eastern Kentucky is famous has once more called attention to the peculiar temperament of at least some of the people in that region. This time the feud was or is in Letcher County; the names of the families have been made too prominent already. The purpose of this item is to emphasize an expression of Principal Burns, of the Burning Springs Baptist College, in Clay County. He says that "aggressive evangelistic work and Christian education offer the only cure for these fierce outbreaks of elemental passion." In these days of dependence upon civil law as the great cure-all for the various phases of evil that infest the world, it is refreshing to hear men here and there acknowledging the true Source of reform. Speaking of the young men and women among those "primitive mountaineers," Professor Burns further says: "Christian education will save this brave and loyal people, and no money could be more patriotically and Christianly spent than in providing them with the facilities for acquiring it." We wish to emphasize the fact that the feuds and other forms of lawlessness in those mountain regions so frequently mentioned, are not because of any lack of civil law; but they are because of a want of pure Gospel teaching and consequent Christian principle. While we are hearing so much about the need of more civil law, with which to eradicate evil, it is time for Christian people to be propagating the Gospel, that men may be led to an acknowledgment of the law of God, and the voluntary practise of it in their lives.
A TRUST called the "American Automobile Company" was recently organized in New York to control the manufacture and operation of all the automobiles and motors in which kerosene or gasoline is used. The trust is capitalized at ten million, and will operate not only in America, but in France, Germany, and other countries of Europe as well. This is another straw showing that the great money power is rapidly becoming international and worldwide. Every commodity and useful invention is grasped and heaped into these great masses of treasure that are being piled up in these last days. An awful condition is before the world because of this and other evils that are so actively working in these times. The one and only place of safety is with God, standing upon His truth. Are you anchored to the Rock of Ages, so as to stand the storm that is bursting over the world? No matter how grasping the rich may become, we have no time to quarrel with them. The thing for us to do is to get right with God, and thus learn the spirit of the blessed Jesus, and so be saved from the doom of the ungodly world.
BISHOP ANTHONY KOZLOWSKI, head of the Independent Catholic movement in America, has made his will, bequeathing all his property to the church, because he fears assassination. In explaining his reasons to a committee of All Saints' Church, Chicago, he said:—
"I make my last will and testament now because I believe the enemies of the Independent Church movement may murder me at any time. They incite religious fanatics, who believe that killing me would be an act which would take them straight to heaven and make saints of them. Within the last month I have been attacked three times. Stones, clubs, and irons were hurled at me, and in the last instance a man attacked me with a club. I believe that my life is in danger, but I am not afraid. If I am done away with now, there will be no legal squabble over my property after my death."
Clubs and stones, and all other means of human force, are always the argument of those who have no other evidence with which to maintain the prestige of their cause.
THE German papers are having much to say in regard to the troubles in France. Emperor William says that "revolution is in full swing in Paris." The Germans doubt if the great French Exposition of 1900 will be held. They fear that things will be so unsteady in France at that time that life and property will not be safe. And some of the German editors are asking the question, "Who will be the saviour to rescue France from perdition?" The significance of this last question is very apparent. The weakening of a nation is the signal to the "powers" to pounce upon the unfortunate country, and by the intrigues of diplomats and the cruelties of war, to divide up the territory among the strongest and shrewdest. Is France, as well as China, to be a bone for the powers to quarrel over?
IN her fight with the Yaquis Indians, the Mexican Government has determined on prosecuting a war of extermination, and the territory of this unfortunate tribe will be opened up for colonization. With all the unoccupied land that there is in the world, how sad it is that these poor creatures have to be hunted and killed like wild animals, and all that the white man may have a little more land! But, in prosecuting this work, Mexico is simply following the example that has been set her by this "Christian nation," the United States. The course pursued by this nation toward the Indians has not been by any means along the lines of the "Golden Rule." Then wherein has the title of "Christian nation" really been merited?
THE Lord is thorough with us. He is not willing that we should be satisfied with anything short of perfection. He does not clothe us with mere outward embellishments, with no higher thought than to make us appear well to the superficial eyes of men. But He says, "My son, give Me thine heart." He desires to begin with the heart, and work from within, so that when His work is done we will be perfect through and through. And the very fact that our heavenly Father is so thorough with us is the foundation for our most perfect joy; for while any imperfection remains, there will always be disappointment and sorrow. But God destroys every evil by making us perfect in Him.
A FIRE in St. Peter's (Episcopal) Church, Westchester, N. Y., causing damage to the extent of $100,000, is gravely charged to enemies of the rector, who are of the same faith. Dr. Clendenin was outspoken against the admission of Dr. Briggs (formerly Presbyterian) to the Episcopal ministry, and he gives out the opinion that the incendiary was the agent of "Broad Church" partisans. Whether the charge be true or not, is it not a sign of "perilous times" when such conditions of animosity exist under the name of Christianity? The adversary of souls must be highly delighted to hear such grave charges passing between "brethren" who claim to be working to save souls.
ON August 28, twelve steel arches, each weighing thirty tons, which were to have supported the superstructure of the large colosseum that is being built on Wabash Avenue, Chicago, collapsed, and ten men were killed outright, and numerous others were seriously injured. The contractor who is putting up the building is said to be one of the most skilful and careful men in the country, and he had personally inspected everything as the arches were being put up. He says that he can not account for the accident.
DOCTOR SIMPSON, leader of the Christian Alliance, held his annual contribution services on August 13, in connection with the camp-meeting at Old Orchard, Me. The amount donated was $54,881, all of which goes to foreign mission work. This collection is not so large as Bishop Simpson has taken up in the past, but it has the advantage of being more largely cash and not so many pledges, many of which, given on former occasions, have not been paid.
GEORGE J. SCHWEINFURTH, of Rockford, Ill., who has posed in the past as the Messiah, publishes now that he was deluded and in error. He says that he has been studying Christian Science for the past year, and that he thinks he understands that doctrine now well enough to offer himself as a member of that organization. Thus do men who are not anchored to the Word of God swing from one delusion to another.
A NEWSPAPER published in Macao, the Portuguese seaport at the southwest entrance of the Canton River, reports that France has occupied the island of San Chau, west of Macao, as an assertion of her right to the province of Kwang Tun, in the event of the partition of China.
EMPEROR NICHOLAS has issued a decree declaring Talien-Wan (the port leased from China by Russia for 99 years) to be opened free for the merchant ships of all nations. The czar's decree goes into effect upon the completion of the railway that is to terminate at that port.
THERE has been some heavy fighting between the government forces and those of the revolutionists in Santo Domingo.
THE plague is on the increase at Newschwang, China. There have been seventy-three deaths in four days.
THE CLEVELAND HELPING HAND MISSION.
By W. S. Chapman
WITHIN the past five years many missions for the relief and betterment of the fallen and destitute have been established by our denomination, in cities of this country, and all are doing a great amount of good.
Among the best of these, both as regards financial prosperity and spiritual results, is the Helping Hand Mission of Cleveland, Ohio. Beginning in a very humble way, in an old "rookery" on Wood Street, a part of the so-called "tenderloin" district of the city, it grew rapidly, until to-day, two and a half years from its opening, it occupies a large four-story building, having a capacity of 200 beds, where the destitute are lodged. Starting in a frame house at a rental of $18 per month, it now pays a rental of $125 per month, for one-half of a former popular hotel building; yet in winter it is taxed to its utmost capacity to care for all who apply.
Its appointments are of the best, and its family of workers, serving without compensation, are so completely in accord, and all acting in harmony, that there are not, and need not be, any masters, laws, rules, or human control, as each one seeks to find his or her place, and to fill it with gladness and faithfulness, vying with one another in their efforts, to not only prosper the work, but to "in honor prefer one another." So far the mission has been entirely self-sustaining, that is, has not been in debt, and the receipts from its patrons and donations from its friends have supported the work.
During the past year, ending July 1, over 20,000 men have been housed and fed, and over 150,000 penny lunches served; hundreds have been clothed, more or less completely, and over 1,500 influenced to abandon their life of sin and depredation, and many have been fully converted.
This record is extraordinary, considering that the mission is not yet three years old; still there is a sufficient reason for it all—and that is, that the work is based upon the principle of sacrifice, and every worker strives to sacrifice in a willing, thankful spirit, appreciating the goodness of God in permitting him or her to have even the most humble part in the work, which enables the Spirit of God to work in and through them in power, and the angels to co-operate. Therefore the peace of God reigns supreme.
Our Helping Hand Mission, Cleveland, Ohio.
W. S. CHAPMAN.
"TURNING TURTLE."
By Ada Melville Shaw
[By Ada Melville Shaw, in Union Signal.]
THE soul gathers object lessons from every occurrence in this busy world. Here is a piece of information from the New York Navy Yard that sets us thinking:—
"Two cruisers of the navy—the New Orleans and Albany—which were purchased during the emergency before the war between Spain and the United States, have been declared to be a menace to the lives of the officers and men who will serve on them. The worst feature in connection with the condition of these two vessels is that there is no remedy which will insure them from 'turning turtle.'"
The ships are measurably safe while they carry sufficient ballast. As the vessel consumes her fuel supply, she increases her danger. This means constant vigilance to keep the ship from going bottom up, and "the diminution of stores must be watched closely."
How many human ships "turn turtle"! Somehow, this perfectly planned craft has been marred in the building. It was sin that crept in and spoiled things. Those who know, say that the Albany and the New Orleans are too narrow. How sin narrows!
But to look at the noble ship, who would suspect danger? She is trig and tight. She carries gracefully, she makes good speed.
Her weapons are staunch and true, her equipment seems perfect, her colors fling to the breeze with pride. But see! a cloud! The sky darkens, the waves swell and roll in anger. Who fears? The ship is made for storms, but in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, she has turned over. The waves swallow her; her place knoweth her no more forever. And all this by reason of a mistake, a miscalculation. No one meant to build the Albany so as to make her unstable.
The technical terms tell us that "the metacentric height and the center of gravity of weight was twenty-three inches, and was considered fatal to the stability of those vessels."
The mistake in Eden was the acceptance of Satan's measure in place of God's. The mistake of every soul since then has been the same, and this throws the soul-ship out of harmony with the laws that concern her safety.
Our burdens are our ballast; burdens of responsibility, of love, of pain, of work,—wholesome burdens to the wise soul that knows how it needs them. Without them, we are top-11heavy. "To lose your head" in the journey of life is to be lost. The Albany and the New Orleans dare not travel now without heavy freight. The former did good service in the late war, but she encountered no severe storms.
The very best ballast a soul can carry is other souls. The weight of the Albany's crew is one of four hundred and seven men. But this is not enough. The men are not sufficient unto their own safety. We dare not live unto ourselves. Without other ballast we are lost. Lord, lay on us the burden of precious souls!
And mark, the diminution of stores must be watched closely. This is the experience of every individual in the ships of Christian organizations. They are in danger when their soul-freight diminishes. Waning altars and growing selfishness and indifference mean top-heaviness, mean the sinking of the ship.
Lord, give us ballast! Awake us to our danger! Give us stout hearts and strong hands to load the old ship well. So shall we ride the storms, conquer the foe, and reach home—saved ourselves, and saved our precious freight.
ONWARD.
By E. H. Begbie
FROM the past of barren darkness move we ever to the light,
Working for the reign of mercy, toiling for the sway of right.
And the records of the ages heart and soul with courage fill—
If the present laws are noble, future shall be nobler still.
For the destiny of mortals fans the Spirit's sacred fire;
Have ye climbed so high? she asketh; I would have ye even high'r.
Have ye struck the galling chains from off the weak and broken slave?
Go ye further—men that slaughter lie within a living grave.
Have ye fenced the horse with pity, burned the modern tyrant's racks?
From the knife enfranchise lambs, and free the bullock from the ax.
Pause not, O ye stubborn fighters, strike for mercy blow on blow,
Ever crying, "Upward! upward! on to strength! to victory go!"
Know ye this, that peace shall conquer. Tho the soul of hell enticed,
Murder dare not stay on earth to meet the question of the Christ.
—E. H. Begbie.
Women and Cows Among the Masai
By Christian Worker
AMONG the Masai tribe, in Africa, a woman has a market value equal to five glass beads, while a cow is worth ten of the same.—Christian Worker.
THE MISSIONARY SPIRIT OF THE WALDENSES.
By James Mair
THERE was nothing more remarkable about the early Waldenses than their missionary spirit. This characterized in a peculiar degree the followers of Peter Waldo, but the same spirit pervaded all the people of the same faith, wherever they lived, in those dark ages, and by whatever names they were called—Vaudois, Paulicians, Patarins, Cathari, Leonists, Lollards, Albigenses, poor men of Lyons, etc.
It was by sending out missionaries, two by two on foot, to visit their brethren dispersed in France, the north of Spain, Flanders, England, Germany, Poland, Bohemia, Hungary, Grotia, Dalmatia, and Italy that they kept alive the little piety which existed in the world at that day. These missionaries knew where to find their brethren; they went to their houses, held little meetings, administered the ordinances, appointed deacons, and sustained the faith and hopes of the tempted and persecuted ones. It is said that these missionaries could go at one period from Cologne to Florence, and stay every night at houses of brethren. It is on account of the great number of missionaries which those little and poor churches in the valleys sustained that we read of there being sometimes one hundred and forty or one hundred and fifty ministers at the meeting of their synods. But few of them were needed at home, they were mostly engaged in the foreign work. It is also remarkable that all the men whom God raised up from time to time in France and other countries for more than six hundred years before the Reformation, seem to have more or less to do with the Waldenses, such as Peter Waldo, Peter Bruys, Henry of Louisiana, Lollard, who labored with such zeal to dispense the truth in England, and who was burned at Cologne.
But not only did preachers go out from the valleys, to proclaim the Gospel, but humble, pious pedlers, of whom there were many in the middle ages, scattered the truth by carrying some leaves of the Word of life, or some manuscript tracts, beneath their merchandise, which they engaged those whom they found to be favorably disposed to secure and read.
The following beautiful verses from Whittier are descriptive of this traffic of the Waldensian pedlers:—
The Vaudois Missionary.
O lady fair, these silks of mine
Are beautiful and rare—
The richest web of the Indian loom,
Which beauty's queen might wear.
And my pearls are pure as thy own fair neck,
With whose radiant light they vie.
I have brought them with me a weary way;
Will my gentle lady buy?
And the lady smiled on the worn old man,
Through the dark and clustering curls
Which veiled her brow as she bent to view
His silks and glittering pearls;
And she placed their price in the old man's hand,
And lightly turned away,
But she paused at the wanderer's earnest call—
My gentle lady, stay.
O lady fair, I have yet a gem
Which a purer luster flings
Than the diamond flash of the jeweled crown
On the lofty brow of kings,—
A wonderful pearl of exceeding price,
Whose virtue shall not decay,
Whose light shall be as a spell to thee
And a blessing on thy way.
The lady glanced at the mirroring steel,
Where her form of grace was seen,
Where her eyes shone clear, and her dark locks waved
Their clasping pearls between.
Bring forth thy pearl of exceeding worth,
Thou traveler gray and old;
And name the price of thy precious gem,
And my page shall count thy gold.
The cloud went off from the pilgrim's brow,
As a small and meager book,
Unchased with gold or gem of cost,
From his folding robe he took.
Here, lady fair, is the pearl of price,
May it prove as such to thee!
Nay—keep thy gold—I ask it not—
For the Word of God is free!
The hoary traveler went his way,
But the gift he left behind
Hath had its pure and perfect work
On that high-born maiden's mind;
And she hath turned from the pride of sin
To the lowliness of truth,
And given her human heart to God
In its beautiful hour of youth.
And she hath left the gray old halls,
Where an evil faith hath power,
The courtly knights of her father's train,
And the maidens of her bower;
And she hath gone to the Vaudois vales,
By lordly feet untried,
Where the poor and needy of earth are rich
In the perfect love of God.
The above extracts and poem are taken from Robert Baird's (D.D., New York) "Protestantism in Italy, and the History, Present State, and Prospects of the Waldenses," published by W. Collins, Glasgow and London, in 1847. When we read of the sufferings and persecutions of these followers of Christ and their zeal to maintain the truth and spread it through Europe, their example may well be a lesson to us when we contrast our condition with theirs.—James Mair.
GREATER THAN KNOWLEDGE.
By S. S. Times
KNOWLEDGE is not religion. The pulpit, if it has more religion than the pews, has it, not because it knows more of the Bible, or of exegesis or homiletics, but because it stands for a life of unselfish devotion. Many a minister will testify that he has learned more of religion from some humble member of his congregation than from all the books of the theological seminary. The disciples were not chosen from the Sanhedrin.—S. S. Times.
Work for God
"If you really work for God, you will never be out of work."
