Earlier text: FORGIVING LOVE AND CLEANSING POWERTHE INTERNATIONAL PROPHETIC CONFERENCE.
By F. G. Gilbert
Boston, Mass., Dec. 10-15. Friday morning a paper was read by Prof. W. G. Moorehead, entitled “The Conversion of Israel, and the Conversion of the World.” The entire argument was based on Acts 15:13-18 (which the apostle James clearly shows was fulfilled in the Gentiles accepting Jesus Christ), and the Lord’s purpose to build up the true tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. Professor Moorehead had an amplified analysis and explanation of this scripture, from which he attempted to prove that this age is a Gentile age; then comes a Jewish age with the restoration of the Jews to Jerusalem, and their part conversion. Then, through them, during the millennium, the other Jews will come to Christ; then the Gentile nations will all be converted. Then these converted Gentiles will help the converted Jews to make the work complete by bringing to Christ all the Jews who have not accepted Him prior to this time. Then, of course, all the Jews would be converted; all the Gentiles would be converted, and a most glorious time would follow. He remarked also that the restoration of Israel is the hope of the world. The writer is glad and thankful to know that without Christ the world has no hope. The only hope for the world is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. That is true of the individual Jew as well as of the individual Gentile. Outside of the coming of the blessed Lord, there is no hope to the world; no hope for either Jew or Gentile. How strange it does seem that after the thousands of years’ experience in the repeated failures of the Jewish people, still the world and the church will depend upon them for ultimate success. The fulfilment of all promises and prophecies is in Jesus Christ, and in Him alone. And He is the Great Jew who never has failed, and never can fail. He is the only Jew we can depend upon. But with Him there is no respect of person. He saves not only Jewish sinners, but sinners of all kinds. “And unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. 9:28. In the afternoon Dr. Erdman delivered an address on “Israel During the Time of the Gentiles, and the Second Part of Isaiah.” Some of his ideas had been presented in previous addresses, particularly on the restoration of the Jews and the millennium. He gave an interesting division of the book of Isaiah. It was certainly a masterly presentation of certain ideas, and evinced much thought and careful study. But somehow he managed, at the close of every division and every section, to have a literal restoration to Jerusalem. In fact, he conveyed the idea that the one great object the Lord and the prophet had in giving the prophecy of Isaiah was so to construct it that it would literally teem with the return of the Jews. To the writer it seems strange, if so much importance is attached to the return of the Jews, that no more is done for their conversion to Christ at the present time. If the spiritual truths of the Word of God were more clearly understood, then these prophecies would mean much more to these brethren. The Lord had to give Peter a vision to clear his mind from certain views he held which were erroneous; the Lord would give these people also greater visions of His blessed truth if they would only perceive things in the clear light of revelation. He was followed by Henry Varley, who gave an additional dose of National Reform doctrine, besides that he presented a few days before. He suggested the thought that the Saviour’s mission to save sinners from sin was subordinate to the idea of establishing a kingdom, and to rule. Kingship, rule, control, seemed to be the central thought of his mind and address. Of course Christ must be the sole ruler; but then Christ would not need to be upon the earth all the time, as He would have excellent plenipotentiaries to act in His stead. He also stated that Christ might come to earth occasionally with a few saints, as He did on the mount of transfiguration with Moses and Elias. He repudiated the idea that Christ would come at any time with all His saints and holy angels in glory. Nevertheless Jesus says when He comes, He will come in all His glory,—in all the effulgence of the Father’s glory, with all the holy angels and all their glory. His coming will be world-wide; for every eye shall see Him; and those who do not believe in Him will be destroyed by the spirit of His mouth and by the brightness of His coming. We should now be seeking to lead sinners to Christ, that they may escape the wrath which so soon is to fall upon the shelterless heads of a doomed world. Friday evening E. Y. Mullins, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, delivered an address on the subject of “Redemption—Past, Present, Future.” The central thought of His address was the work of God during the ages in the salvation of the lost world, and the great need of getting the sinner ready for the coming of the Lord. Many of the thoughts presented were very helpful and practical. He was followed by another helpful and spiritual talk by Dr. Broughton of Atlanta, Ga. It was a real treat, a veritable feast, to hear presented some helpful, practical thoughts on the line of Christian living, and the necessity of getting ready for the Lord’s soon coming. Sabbath morning, Dec. 14, a paper was read from Rt. Rev. W. W. Niles, bishop of New Hampshire. His theme was entitled, “Neglected Truths.” He stated that to believe what pleased us is but one step short of doing what pleases us. The neglected truths he summarized as follows:— 1. The doctrine of the second coming of Christ. It does not have its proper place in the Christian church, and is not taught in the church now as it was in the days of the apostles. 2. The wickedness of sin. He thought not enough stress is laid upon the sinfulness of sin, and what an awful thing it is to transgress God’s law. The church looks mildly upon iniquity to-day. 3. The incarnation of Christ, or the true doctrine of the atonement. 4. The resurrection of the dead, and the literal raising of the body to immortality. At the close of his paper he administered a liberal supply of advice to the teachers and people as to how they should handle prophecy. It was a very able paper, clear, scholarly, interesting, spiritual, and full of good suggestions. At three p. m. a paper was read by Robert Cameron, D. D., editor of The Watchword and Truth. His subject was “The Eschatology of Jesus.” It was lengthy, scholarly, with views entirely different from those that had gone before. He brought out many of the last sayings of our Lord; or, rather, the sayings of our Lord with reference to the last times. Of course the restoration of the Jews was presented with much emphasis as part of the coming of the Lord. The popular view of the millennium was presented, only in a little different form; and one needed to be quite a scholar, as well as to have other qualifications, in order to follow the paper intelligently. He was followed by another good talk by Dr. Broughton; and did time and space permit, it would be a pleasure to reproduce his address. Possibly some time in the future more of it may be given. His theme was “Prayer and Prophecy.” To put it in a mild way, he poured a good deal of cold water on the learning and scholarship manifested at the conference, and administered a cold, wet-sheet pack to the ambiguities in the addresses. He said he had been at the conference every day; had listened and listened to get the ideas presented. Then he would go home at night and try to sleep; but how his head did ache. He suggested it would have been a great help to him if some of these ideas presented could only have been broken up into pieces small enough so that his small brain could take them in. He emphasized the thought that what was needed was more prayer and less preparation. He would a great deal rather listen to a man who had spent much time on his knees before God, than to a man who had spent much time in the study of books. He remarked that Christ did not spend much time in teaching His disciples how to teach or how to preach; but He did take time to teach them how to pray. It was indeed refreshing and invigorating to hear the precious truths brought out so clearly. In the evening there was an interesting address delivered by H. M. King, of Providence, R. I. His theme was, “The Testimony of Christian Experience to the Word of God.” Many thoughts presented in this paper were in the line of others which preceded it, he placing a great deal of stress upon Christian experience as necessary for each individual soul, who in this way only could know the full value of the Word of God. At the close of this address a series of resolutions were read by Dr. Erdman, which were in substance as follows:— 1. That a permanent committee be appointed, with headquarters at Philadelphia, to extend the work of this conference by holding similar conferences in many of the large cities of this country, and to work up the sentiment presented at the conference. 2. They were to discountenance everything that was not evangelical, as generally recognized; they had no sympathy with the doctrines of the unconscious state of the dead, a second probation, the setting of time, and other doctrines held by some who believe in the second advent. They explained their views in part as belief in the divinity of Christ and His vicarious atonement; pre-millennialism; the rule of Christ on earth, etc. 3. The committee to do this work is to consist of Dr. Dixon, chairman; Dr. Erdman, secretary, with a number of the prominent people of the large cities in this country and in the Dominion as associates. It is evident from these resolutions that they expect to carry on a vigorous campaign. Then shall not we, to whom God has given great light on the9prophecies of the Scriptures, with so much harmony and sweetness in the precious hope of Christ’s soon coming, do with greater power and might all we possibly can, in order that many souls who might be led astray shall see the glorious light of the blessed and only Gospel, as it is revealed in Jesus Christ, our only and ever blessed Saviour. Let us pray God to open the eyes of these people, and others, that they may see the truth as it is in Jesus, and be properly prepared for His soon coming. THE SACRED AND THE PROFANE.
By S.
Two PLANS are now being pushed forward by the Christian Endeavor Society. One of these is for the encouragement of family worship, than which, perhaps, nothing is more necessary for the maintenance of spirituality in the individual Christian. The heart that is often melted in sincere prayer will not inspire a chilling rebuke for real or fancied wrongs. The tongue that is often occupied in petitioning the throne of grace will seldom be heard voicing spite, or malice, or unjust accusations, or framing words of falsehood. There is no danger of too much indulgence in prayer. It is the natural attitude of the heart that is truly consecrated to the will of God. It is not necessary that we be always upon our knees. The praying heart will indite its supplications without regard to the attitude of the person. Let there be more true prayer; the world will be the better, and so will the one who prays. But along with this plan of the Endeavor Society goes another, for which the same indorsement can not be given. It is for the formation of Christian Civic Clubs. Going, as it does, with the first-named plan, it is in much better company than it deserves. It will receive, no doubt, added impetus from the very fact that it is carried on in connection with a movement which is good in itself. It is the duty of the Christian everywhere to encourage obedience to good laws; and he will do that without belonging to any civic club or political organization of any kind; will do it by his own personal example. He will be a better example of law-keeping without membership in political organizations than the worldling could possibly be if he belonged to them all; for he goes to the root of the matter, and honors and magnifies the law of all laws. The attempt to unite religion and political societies has never benefited either, and never can. It is responsible for the terrible drift away from true spirituality, and toward cold formalism and unbelief. The Christian can not afford to put his feet into the snare of such a fowler. The Christian needs prayer; the world needs prayer; the “prince of this world” may need civic clubs, but the followers of Jesus Christ have not been commissioned to form the clubs. They have a work which is greater than that,—a great work from which they should not “come down.” TEMPERANCE IN A NEW ROLE.
ANOTHER pretext for arming and drilling Roman Catholic young men is being promoted in San Francisco. This time it is a scheme with a temperance banner; but just what is the logical connection between temperance and the arming and drilling of young men is not so clear as it might be. It is clear, however, that the League of the Cross has a purpose beyond the inculcation of temperance principles, as the use of firearms is never deemed a necessity as long as the spirit of temperance prevails. Here is an extract from an Examiner report of the enterprise:— The spirit of revival has broken out in the ranks of the League of the Cross, and it is made apparent in every rank of that powerful temperance organization. In every parish of the city the junior branches are going through a process of reorganization which is vastly increasing the membership. A new plan of recitation contests has been introduced, and perhaps the greatest effort of the league is already well on the way to success. It has established the League of the Cross Hall Association, for the purpose of erecting a handsome hall in this city. ‘In 1902,’ says the Rev. Philip O’Ryan, spiritual director of the league, “you will see the League of the Cross Hall a reality. The archbishop has given the association his most enthusiastic approval, and that, too, in a substantial manner, heading the stock subscription list. The clergy likewise approve the project, and, with harmony and a generous support of the plan, success is assured. . . . The hall is to have a large armory, intended to serve as a drill hall and meeting hall. Its dimensions will be large enough to permit the cadet regiment to drill upon the floor, and also to accommodate the audiences that may attend the meetings of the league.” The Chicago Public, referring to the judicial power conferred on the post-office department, often used unjudicially, gives this as an illustration: “Only a week or so ago the news dispatches told of orders issued by the post-office authorities at Washington to stop the mail of thirteen investment companies doing business at Louisville, Ky., upon charges of carrying on business under false pretenses. Now it may be that all these people are swindlers and ought to be denied the use of the mails. But that is not the question. The question is whether the prerogative of deciding that they are swindlers, and of denying them the use of a public service which has come to be a necessity of social and industrial life, shall be summarily and irresponsibly exercised by an administration officer at Washington. Is due process of law obsolete?” Empress Dowager Extends Protection to Christians
THE empress-dowager has begun to make her presence felt in the Chinese Government again. She has degraded several Boxer officials, and has recently issued an edict in reference to foreign and native Christians and their rights in China. By this edict protection is extended to all Christians, both foreign and native. Her two chief counselors are said to be men who respect the foreigners simply for the power they have attained, and who will advise the acceptance of only those foreign ideas and inventions which will put China on a footing equal with the foreign nations. Trusts Seek Control of Global Traffic
PLANS are being perfected by the great trusts for controlling the steamship lines between American and European ports. The great combines which are working for this object are also in control of some of the great trans-continental railway lines and are working for the control of all. It is declared by thinking men that these combinations have for their ultimate object the control of the entire traffic of the globe; and with the rapid strides which such combinations have made within the last few years, it seems only reasonable to believe that such is their real aim. Reports from Formosa state that there is an insurrection in that island against the Japanese Government. The insurgents have taken to the swamps and jungles, where the Japanese troops find it difficult to locate them or cope with them effectually. The last battle, in which the Japanese lost 41 killed and wounded and the insurgents 168, resulted in no marked advantage to either side, and more Japanese troops are being sent to the disaffected district. American Missionary’s Capture
REPORTS from Washington indicate that this government is preparing a case against Turkey and Bulgaria over the capture of the American missionary. An American squadron under Rear-Admiral Cromwell is now en route to the Levant. Reconcentration in the Philippines
Gen. J. F. Bell, military commander of the province of Batangás, Philippine Islands, has determined upon drastic measures for the suppression of armed resistance to American authority in his district. His plan involves what is known as reconcentration, the plan used in Cuba by the Spanish, and later in South Africa against the Boers. By this plan the Filipinos will be concentrated in districts which can be controlled by the military. It is hoped in this way to cut off the supplies of the armed Filipinos, and bring them to terms, after which the natives will be allowed to return to their homes. This policy brought distress in Cuba, and was condemned by nearly the whole civilized world. Its working is being strongly condemned in South Africa now, and England has decided to begin its abandonment. That it will work any better in the Philippines is hardly supposable; that it will cause much suffering and animosity is certain. But this is war. U.S. Purchase of Friar Holdings
THE House Committee on Insular Affairs was addressed by Secretary of War Root on January 18. He strongly urged that the United States Government purchase the holdings of the friars in the Philippines, and turn the holdings over to those who have heretofore been paying rent for them. The amount involved would be about $7,000,000; but the secretary thought this would be the quickest and most satisfactory way of settling this question, which was now giving so much trouble in the islands. He believed that such an arrangement would quiet the agitation against the American Government. Secretary Root declared that the power of the Catholic archbishop in the islands was practically as great as that of the governor-general. England Blocks European Intervention
REPLYING to a question in the House of Commons on January 20, in reference to the attitude of England toward the proposed intervention of European powers to prevent the United States going to war with Spain, the Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs admitted that Austria, as spokesman for other European powers, had proposed joint intervention. The under secretary stated that, had England signified her willingness to act with the “powers” in this matter, France, Russia, and Germany were to declare at once their connection with the plan. The under secretary intimated that England’s stand alone blocked the move. Earthquake in Chilpancingo
CHILPANCINGO, the capital of the State of Guerrero, Mexico, experienced a severe earthquake on January 16, which threw down many of the buildings, and caused considerable loss of life. The following day another shock occurred, which threw down a number of the buildings left standing by the previous one. The severity of the shock caused great fissures to open in the streets. The greatest loss of life was in a Catholic Church. Commission Favors Panama Canal Route
On January 20 President Roosevelt transmitted to Congress the supplemental report of the Isthmian Canal Commission. In this report the commission unanimously favors the Panama route. This change has been brought about by the offer of the French company to sell out for $40,000,000. The advocates of the Nicaragua route claim that this is simply a plan for gaining time, and hindering the building of any canal. Naval Battle in Panama Harbor
A NAVAL battle occurred in the harbor of Panama, Colombia, on January 20, between four insurgent and three government vessels, in which one of the government vessels was sunk, one of the insurgent vessels was run aground to prevent sinking, and the commander of the government forces, General Alban, was killed. Many lives were lost; but the list of casualties has not been given. Colonel Marisigan Surrenders
COLONEL MARISIGAN, a Filipino officer who has been giving considerable trouble to American troops in Batangas province, has surrendered to General Bell with the men under his command, 219 rifles, and one cannon. This is thought to bring pacification much nearer in that province. On January 14, 365 Filipinos surrendered to General Wade in Cebu, and took the oath of allegiance. Boer Peace Negotiations Rumored
THERE have been persistent rumors during the week of a movement among the Boers toward peace negotiations with England. These have not been confirmed, and by some of the Boers in Europe have been denied. Still it is claimed that there is some kind of peace movement on foot between the British Government and the Boer delegates. Electric Signals to Lessen Railroad Disasters
THE Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railway has adopted a system of electric signals which is expected to materially lessen railroad disasters. By this system the road is divided into blocks, and whenever two trains are inside the same block a red light shows in the cab of the locomotive. As long as the track is clear, the light shows white. Woman Cured of Bovine Tuberculosis
The young Brooklyn woman who allowed herself to be inoculated with tuberculosis germs from a consumptive cow, and contracted the disease, is reported to have been cured of the contracted malady. The test was made to disprove Dr. Koch’s statement that a human being could not contract consumption from cattle. Dogs Rescue Would-Be Suicides in Seine
So MANY persons are seeking self-destruction in the Seine River as it flows through Paris, that the police department has been compelled to organize a brigade of Newfoundland dogs for the single purpose of rescuing these would-be suicides. Germany Seeks American Friendship
DIPLOMATS of Europe declare that the Emperor of Germany has accomplished a great diplomatic feat in the way of securing American friendship by the plans now being carried out for the visit of his brother in connection with the launching of the emperor’s private yacht at New York. Turbine Steamers for Atlantic Crossing
The New York and European Steamship Company proposes to establish a line of steamers between New York and European ports in which turbine engines only will be used. By this change they expect to cut a day from the best present record for crossing the Atlantic. British Sloop Condor Missing
The British sloop of war Condor, which sailed from Victoria, B. C., on December 4 for Honolulu, is believed to have foundered. Nothing has been heard of her since sailing, and the cruisers Phaeton and Egeria have been ordered to search for the missing vessel. Miss Stone’s Release Negotiations
It is reported that negotiations have been again opened between the captors of Miss Stone and the officials and missionaries who are working for her release. The brigands are said to be willing now to accept the amount of ransom collected for her release. White Sapphires Found in Montana
The discovery of a new diamond-field was recently reported from Lewiston, Montana. The stones, however, have proved to be white sapphires. The fields are reported to cover an area of 60 square miles, and the sapphires are said to be of very fine quality. Telephone System for Illinois Central Trains
THE Illinois Central Railway is to be equipped with a complete telephone system for the operation of its trains. Other large roads have declared the telephone a failure for the transmission of train orders, and have returned to the use of the telegraph in that work. Silver Bullion Returned to China
THE silver bullion captured by the American marines at Tien-tsin, China, amounting to $376,600, is to be returned to the Chinese at once, the Chinese minister at Washington having been given authority to receive it on behalf of his government. Paris Crusade Against Impure Milk
PARIS has begun a crusade against impure milk, which is held responsible for the great increase in the death-rate of young children. One milk vendor has been arrested for adulterating his milk with the stagnant water from the public fountains. Arbitration Agreement at Pan-American Congress
REPORTS from Mexico state that a complete understanding has been reached in the Pan-American Congress there in regard to the question of arbitration. With this subject adjusted, the officials expect that the congress will be a success. King Edward Opens Parliament
KING EDWARD opened Parliament on January 16 with the customary royal address, pageantry of state, and historic dresses. The king's address did not hold out any hope of a speedy termination of the Boer war. Four Detroit Buildings Collapse and Burn
Four large buildings in Detroit collapsed on January 19, and after the collapse, their destruction and that of their contents was completed by fire. No lives were lost, but the property loss is placed at over $200,000. A Solution to Angle Trisection
Miss Gertrude Cutchin, of Lebanon, Mo., has copyrighted a solution of that geometrical problem known as the trisecting of an angle, a problem which many have sought to solve since the days of Euclid. Boiler Explosion at Manresa
By the explosion of a boiler in a spinning mill at Manresa, Spain, on January 18, it is reported that 60 persons lost their lives, and that 100 were injured. Of the latter, 30 are reported fatally injured. Senate Debate on Philippine Tariff Bill
THE debate on the Philippine tariff bill began in the Senate on January 21. The minority of the committee will offer a substitute bill, and the debate promises to consume considerable time. Sale of Danish West Indies Postponed
THE agitation which has sprung up in Denmark and in the Danish West Indies against the transfer of the islands to the United States has resulted in the postponement of the sale. Grant Arrives with Discharged Soldiers
THE army transport Grant, with Governor Taft of the Philippines, and 1,080 discharged soldiers on board, arrived in San Francisco harbor on January 20. ARGUMENT is now being presented before the Senate Commerce Committee for the laying of a cable across the Pacific Ocean by way of Honolulu and Guam. Belfast Linen Mill Collapse
THIRTEEN persons were killed and 50 injured by the collapse of a linen mill at Belfast, Ireland, on January 20. The operatives were mostly women. Another battle between Venezuelan troops and insurgents is reported to have taken place at Barquisimeto, in which the latter were defeated. Santa Fe Railway Equipment Spending
It is reported that the management of the Santa Fe Railway have decided to spend $13,000,000 for equipment during the present year. Norwegian Bark Arab Steed Founders
The Norwegian bark Arab Steed foundered in a storm in the North Sea on January 16, and 22 of her crew were drowned. Swiss Alps Climbing Fatalities in 1901
THE number of mountain-climbers who lost their lives in the Swiss Alps during the year 1901 amounts to 119. Ship Subsidy Bill Wins Favorable Report
THE Senate Committee on Commerce has ordered a favorable report on Senator Frye's ship subsidy bill. There was no quality Andrew so longed to possess as that of bravery. From early childhood he had done all sorts of courageous, even foolhardy things, and nothing pleased him more than to prove to every one that he “wouldn’t take a dare.” One day, coming through the back pasture with Ned Peters and his city cousin, Max, they noticed the colt ambling about the field. It was a blooded colt, still unbroken, and Andrew knew it to be the pride of his father’s heart. As they stopped to admire its free, graceful movements, Max asked suddenly, “Did you ever ride it, Andy?” “No, indeed; it never had anybody on its back. Father’s going to have a professional horseman come and train it soon. He doesn’t allow any one to handle it now but himself.” “Well,” laughed Max, in a disagreeable way, “if that was my father’s colt, I should ride it, if I wanted to, and I don’t pretend to be uncommonly brave, either.” Andrew flushed up. “You don’t suppose I’m afraid!” he cried. “I’ve broken more than one colt, I can tell you—it’s only that this is too valuable to be fooled with. I never saw the horse yet that I was afraid of!” Both boys laughed—that taunting, goading laugh, so much harder to bear than any words. “Nobody said you’re afraid, as I see,—only it’s very evident you can’t ride that colt.” “No, indeed, you can’t,” put in Max. “Come, I’ll dare you to!” This was too much for Andrew. “I will ride it!” he said between his shut teeth. He pulled some clover, and imitating his father’s peculiar whistle, approached the pretty creature, which arched its neck and curvetted coquettishly. But as it had never known anything but gentle treatment, it was soon contentedly eating from Andrew’s hand. The boy, meanwhile, watching his opportunity, and being both quick and lithe, soon made a sudden spring, and found himself astride the colt, without even a bridle to guide him. The creature reared angrily to get rid of the strange weight; but Andrew grasped the mane, and leaned forward to preserve his equilibrium. Then began a battle that could have but one termination;11for after a few minutes the pony drew his four feet together, and made a spring that would have unseated a monkey. Andrew flew into the air like a rubber ball, and came down, hitting the ground with a sickening thud, while the colt, snorting defiance, ran away. Ned and Max ran to the fallen boy. He lay still and white, with one arm doubled under his prostrate body. “He’s dead!” gasped Max, in horror, while Ned ran to the well near by, and brought some water, which they dashed into his face. After a while he opened his eyes, and sat up, but gave a cry of pain, as his right arm dangled helplessly at his side. It was broken. They helped him to the house, and even his father had no reproaches for him, as he saw how much the boy was suffering. However, in the long days that followed, Andrew had time to think over things to some purpose. “Father,” said he one day, “did I do the colt any harm?” “Considerable,—he is just getting over his lameness; but you did yourself more.” “Yes, I know,” looking down at his splintered arm. “I don’t mean that alone, Andrew. A broken arm will get well again; but cowardice is not so easily cured.” “Cowardice, father!” and Andrew’s face was the picture of astonishment. “You don’t think I was cowardly in that affair?” “But even the boys had to give it up that I wasn’t afraid.” “Of the colt—no, but of their ridicule—yes. Don’t you know, my son, that the fear of ridicule is the most cowardly thing in our nature, and that the brave man is he who does right in spite of it?” “But, father, don’t you think it’s a brave boy who will never take a dare?” “It’s a brave boy who will take one, when he knows it is the right thing to do. Moral courage is as much higher than physical courage as you are higher than a brute. Remember that, my boy, and never be afraid again to take a foolish dare.”—Anon. HOW STONES GROW.
By Frederick Griggs
IN concluding my article last week, I said that this week we would talk about the growth of stones. While stones grow, they do not grow as do trees. In a word, it may be said that trees grow from within, and stones from without. Trees have cells, in which is a living matter called protoplasm. These cells increase by dividing. That is, one of these cells divides and becomes two cells; each of these cells in turn divides, and so four cells are formed; and this is the way growth goes on in the tree. But stones grow by simply adding more of the same kind of material to what they already have; or we may say they grow by accretion. Then trees grow by division, and stones by addition. But stones are spoken of as dead things, while trees are alive. Here is a good lesson for us. If we wish to be really living, we can be so only by dividing the life which we have. In this way it is true that a joy that is divided is a joy that is doubled. All over the earth rocks are forming at the present time. They form, however, in very different ways. They may form by pressure and heat, as the sandstone is formed, or by the addition of chemical matter, as when wood petrifies, or by the cooling of melted minerals, as in the hardening of lava from volcanoes. We find some stones in layers. That is, there is a layer of one kind of mineral, on top of which is another sort of stone, and so on, different materials lying on top of each other. These layers are called strata, each layer being a stratum. As men bore down for many hundreds of feet into the earth, as in mines and deep wells, it is found that the layers of rock are placed upon each other in this stratified order. There is no doubt but those rocks, which are found in all parts of the world, were so placed by the Creator when the world was spoken into existence by His word, and so may not be due directly to the action of water. But this same stratification we find in layers of earth and stone nearer the surface, which we may attribute to water action. It may help us in finding a reason why these stones and earth are put in layers, to perform a simple experiment. Take from a rushing torrent of water a dishful, and let it settle. We see that in a very few moments the heavier stones and coarser sand which the water was carrying along drop to the bottom. These are followed by the finer sand and form a second layer. On top of the sand will come the clay and soil. It may be several days before the water becomes perfectly clear. We may often find this same order of layers in a large gravel pit or quarry. This will also account for the different layers found in various lands that have been covered with water, such as marshes that have been dried up and are now under cultivation. It is certainly reasonable to suppose that at the time of the flood a great proportion, not only of the soil, but of the upper rocks of the earth, were broken up, and were held in suspension by the moving waters. When these waters ceased their violent action and became still, then the particles of rock which had been ground up would naturally settle, in somewhat the same manner as that seen in our dish of water. Owing to the pressure of the large quantities of earth above these layers of rock, they would naturally again harden, and we may thus account for many of the forms of stratified rock which we find as we dig into the earth. Not only do we here find the cause of the stratification of rock, but for the occurrence as well of gravel and sand-pits. However, not all of these changes are attributable to the action of the water at the time of the flood; for we find in many places in our country changes which have taken place in the surface of the earth during the lifetime of one individual, in which the same order of work has been carried on. The first surveyors in Michigan platted many marshes and ponds on their survey maps which the early settlers did not find. These ponds and marshes had been filled up. This had taken place through the action of streams of water flowing into them, bringing mineral and vegetable matter, which were there deposited. Now, when a stream comes into a pond, carrying with it stones, sand and soil, sticks and weeds, it deposits the heavier matter near the mouth of the stream, and carries out the lighter farther into the pond. This takes place because the stream begins to flow more slowly, and the heavier matter drops first. So, as a natural consequence, much of the heavier mineral matter is thus placed together. In time this becomes covered with soil, which presses upon this mineral matter, and the pressure, together with the natural heat of the earth, tends to form it into stone. This accounts for stones often being found in land that has once been low and marshy. I know of good, well-tilled and productive farms in the vicinity of the great lakes that are to-day dry and easily cultivated, but which, twenty or thirty years ago, were marshes. In these same lands will often be found these stones of which I have spoken. They are generally soft, and can easily be cut with a knife; but the process of hardening is continually going on. It will be seen, then, that the growth of stones is a process very different from that of the growth of living things; and also that the bringing together of the minerals which go to make the stones is largely accomplished by the action of water. There is another point that may be added, and that is that certain minerals tend to harden and solidify more easily than others, and this accounts for the more rapid growth of certain kinds of stones; for instance, the limestone. This stratified position of the rocks of the earth has led geologists to arrive at the conclusion that the earth has been millions of years in coming to its present state. They have based their opinions very largely on the idea that “all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” That is to say, that all of the earth’s crust has been formed by this slow process which we now see going on about us. But they fail to see the truth of the scripture that follows: “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water; whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished; but the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” This idea that things have always continued as they are continuing at the present time is not warranted by the Word of God. It is by faith alone that we can understand the mighty works which are wrought by His word. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” So. Lancaster, Mass. FREDERICK GRIGGS. CHRIST'S RECOMPENSE.
By W. S. Bissonnette
High grief is on that brow of Thine,
And in Thy brooding eyes,—
Those bournes where lonely sorrows shine,—
The tears come home and rise. The sighs that haunt Thy bosom feel
Around Thy mouth, the gate;
To human woe for human weal
The house is consecrate. High grief is on Thy burning brow,
High sorrow in Thine eyes,—
But, O for us, Thy tears are now
The wells of Paradise! Dark seem they; dark now, being so bright,
That souls, yet shy, earth-sore,
From deep, deep, places of the light
May drink forevermore.