A Catholic paper, "The Western Watchman," of Oct. 22, 1908, tells us that in the dedication of the great cathedral of St. Louis, that city stepped to the front rank among the world's great Catholic cities, and established her claim as the greatest on this continent. Of the immense parade which took place, we read:
"There never was such a pageant since the Cross was first planted on this continent. Unanimous outbursts of applause greeted the occasion from all classes and creeds, and made the day forever memorable in the religious annals of the country. Protestants living on the line of march decorated their houses; Protestant churches and Jewish synagogs were decked with garlands and streamers, while thousands from every country in the world marched with head erect and firm step to the stirring strains of Catholic music. Orientals and Celestials were in line and the Cross and the Crescent appeared side by side for the first time in the history of the world."
The same paper tells us that "the civilized world has at last arrived at a verdict upon all questions in dispute between Catholics and Protestants for 400 years, and public opinion approves of that verdict, and will see to its unqualified acceptance by all men making any pretense of education." But the final verdict is not given. That will not be given until all shall stand before the judgment-seat of God; and when that comes, it will not be public opinion which will decide, nor will it be the traditions of the past, nor any man, or body, or council of men. It will be decided by the great Judge, in harmony with the word which He has given. He who is wise will not follow the opinion of the world upon any verdict in religious questions; for that has almost invariably been wrong.
A Finger in Chewing Tobacco
The Sacramento "Bee" notes that a policeman in Philadelphia complained because he found a piece of a human finger while biting off the end of a plug of chewing tobacco, and the Bee remarks that the finger was probably much cleaner than the tobacco and equally as palatable to a normal stomach, so that the policeman had no justification for his complaint.
The New Theology Prepares the Way for Paganism.
By H. H. Votaw
REPEATEDLY, during the past few years, have the readers of the "Signs of the Times" had their attention called to the errors and evils of the modern theology. Warning after warning has been given showing that in essentially every principle this much-vaunted advancement is not more nor less than paganism.
All should have been able to see whither this travesty upon Christian teaching was leading, but if any are still blinded, the following extract taken from the issue of the Rangoon "Gazette" of Nov. 17, 1908, should serve to settle all doubt in their minds concerning the results of such teaching as is heard from many pulpits.
Before giving the excerpt, a brief word of explanation. There are in Burma several Europeans who adopted the yellow robes of Buddhist priesthood. Among these is one, by birth bearing the good old Scotch name of MacGregor, which name has been laid aside for Ananda Metteya, a Pali term of some religious significance. Ananda Metteya bears the official title — I am not sure the exact rank it indicates — of bhikku.
Some nine months ago Bhikku Ananda Metteya, accompanied by some prominent Buddhists, went on a mission to England. He has just returned. His account of the work done is instructive to the student of prophecy.
"The local society of Buddhists which the mission formed in England now numbers 150 members, the chairman of which is a Fellow of the Royal Society, and the president is the well-known Pali scholar, Prof. Rhys David. Of these 150 members, the majority of the intellectual class, several are well known in scientific, literary, and artistic circles. It was to these classes in particular that the mission was directed, representing as they do the brains of the nation.
"In speaking of his reception in London, the Bhikku stated that it was most cordial from the first meeting which he addressed at the rooms of the Royal Asiatic Society. Other meetings met with equal favor, but it was at the meeting of the City Temple Literary and Debating Society, when the members of the Rev. R. J. Campbell's congregation attended, that the assemblage seemed best to understand and appreciate his address, as their intelligent discussion after the discourse showed. His hearers at this meeting were men and women who talk intelligently to others on the Buddhist explanation of life, and would doubtless do much to spread, in the more religious classes in England, those ideals in Buddhism which most appealed to them."
A Burmese Buddha.
Thus the Buddhist teacher charges a professed minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with having prepared his flock for the reception of heathenism. Thus are shown the fruits of the departure from the plain teachings of the word of God. Thus do those "who believed not the truth," those "intellectual classes" who "by wisdom knew not God," or who, "when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God," turn to the world-old deceptions of the devil.
A Burmese Gentleman.
Buddhism as TAUGHT by its apostles in the West and Buddhism as lived in the East bear little resemblance one to the other.
H. H. VOTAW.
Rangoon, Burma, Nov. 18, 1908.
A Memorial of Washington Worthy of Preservation.
In 1776, near Philadelphia, lived the Ephrata community of Seventh-day Baptists, the Bible their confession of faith, their code of laws, their church discipline. One of their buildings was used as a hospital after the battle of Brandywine. Upon the old Ephrata press the Declaration of Independence was first printed. Being observers of the seventh day, the community feared that their religious liberties might be endangered under the new government. They therefore addressed a letter to Washington regarding it. Here is his reply, still preserved at Ephrata in the original, and as the author of the "American Communities" says, "worthy to be engraved in letters of gold:"
The old Ephrata Seventh-Day Baptist Press on which the Declaration of Independence was first printed.
"If I had had the least idea of any difficulty resulting from the Constitution adopted by the convention of which I had the honor to be President when it was formed, so as to endanger the rights of any religious denomination, then I never should have attached my name to that instrument. If I had any idea that the general government was so administered that the liberty of conscience was endangered, I pray you be assured that no man would be more willing than myself to revise and alter that part of it, so as to avoid all religious persecution. You can, without any doubt, remember that I have often expressed as my opinion, that every man who conducts himself as a good citizen is accountable alone to God for his religious faith, and should be protected in worshiping God according to the dictates of his conscience."
Socialism
By Editor
Socialism.—There is no question but what Socialism is increasing at a tremendous rate in Great Britain. The Socialist regime is criticized; its defects are clearly pointed out, its dreamed-of utopias ridiculed; nevertheless it grows, and the special thing that feeds it is discontent. Not long ago one of our financiers informed us that for the next several years we would see a constant increase in the price of the commodities of life; while wages would not increase. It is upon just such conditions as that, that Socialism feeds. There are always sufficient of those who are willing to test it, on this ground, if no other, that matters can not be made worse, and the hope is that they may be made better. In response to an invitation to become the leader of the Church Socialist league in Great Britain, the Bishop of Manchester replies:
"Before a bishop of the church of Christ could put himself at the head of such a movement, he was bound to ascertain the nature of the revelation which had superseded the express words of our Lord: 'My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight.'"
We wish that other clergymen could see the same principles as clearly.
Woman's Suffrage
Woman's Suffrage.—The California Legislature has turned down the Woman's Suffrage amendment. It required a two-thirds vote in the Assembly; it could only muster a majority of two—39 to 37. February 1, the Assembly of South Dakota defeated a bill granting the right of ballot to women in that state, altho the bill had been passed by the senate. Assemblyman Preston of Ukiah, California, in his speech against the amendment, declared: "I do not believe that they who have appeared here represent the great mass of women; and in the name of my mother who is passed away, in the name of my wife whom I adore, and in the name of my daughter whom I love, I hope you will vote against this amendment."
Repealing California’s Press Laws
By Editor
One sensible measure before the California Legislature is to wipe out the laws which were passed several years ago against cartoons, and another law, that made it a misdemeanor to write an article without the signature of the author. They were passed as a mere matter of pique on the part of some legislators that had been criticized by the papers. They have been dead letters ever since they were placed on the statute-books. Immediately after they were passed, the papers lampooned and caricatured the principal proponents of the bill as never before. Tho they have been constantly violated during the ten years they have been upon the statute-books, there has been no prosecution under them.
A New Theory of the Solar System
By Editor
Prof. T. J. C., an officer in the United States Navy, located at Mare Island Navy Yard in California, has presented a new idea of the solar system. He takes no stock in the nebular theory. We have not yet seen a sufficient report of his views to undertake to clearly state them. Suffice to say, the astronomers are stirred over the matter.
Fishermen’s Dispute Goes to The Hague
Differences between American and British fishermen on the New Foundland banks are to be arbitrated by The Hague Conference. This has been a controversy of many years. It is thought that the submitting of this question by the British and American governments will tend to give The Hague tribunal great prestige.
Louisiana Gambling Evil
The gambling evil has become so strong in Louisiana that a news despatch states that Governor Saunders may use the state troops to stop it in Jefferson parish where races are being run daily.
Indiana Sunday Baseball Bill
The Indiana Legislature, it is said, will repeal the Sunday baseball bill which prohibits the playing of ball Sunday for admission fee. There has been more or less antagonism over it.
Unemployment in San Francisco
It is stated there are about ten thousand men out of work in San Francisco; all are compelled to beg, and when they haven't enough money to pay for a bed, they sleep on the floor.
Letter from Spain.
By Frank S. Bond
The Influence of the Papacy.
DEAR BROTHER: In my letter on Spanish people, their customs, etc., I mentioned the national sport, the bull-fight, and spoke of the depressing influence this barbarous custom exerts upon this people.
Promise was made of dealing in a future letter with another element which has been powerful in producing the decline in Spanish power.
The saying: "Rome never changes" is just as true to-day as the first time it was spoken. But it is also true that Rome knows how to adapt herself to existing conditions, wherever she may chance to meet them. The tactics she employs for the advancement of her work and power, in the enlightened United States of North America, are not in every instance parallel to the methods governing her work in illiterate Spain, and in other lands which have for so many centuries been under her dominion.
Rome in America is well aware that in that land, whose public school system is without an equal anywhere, whose cities and towns and even rural districts are thoroly supplied with splendid educational facilities, the secret of her success lies in the establishing of rival institutions of learning. In those centers polished Romanism is propagated.
In educational matters, Rome in Spain is working on quite a different basis. Here, her object is to keep the masses in comparative ignorance. It is true that there are some good schools in Spain, but comparatively speaking, they are few and far between. Spain is in every sense of the word a Roman Catholic country. The rulers of the Vatican wield a mighty influence over this fair peninsula. While the head of the system is at Rome across the sea, these Iberian kingdoms are very vital organs of the great papal body. A large part of the wealthy property holders in Spain is made up of the Roman clergy.
This chapel is situated on the side of a very steep and jagged mountain, in the Province of Barcelona. It is said to have been erected in memory of a virgin saint, who appeared on that very spot many years ago. It is perhaps one half mile distant from the monastery shown in the other picture.
The masses, from the physical point of view, are dependent upon this element for their existence. The whole list of ceremonies carried out in Roman Catholic churches is no more nor less than a great commercial system. For this reason it is much to the advantage of the clergy to keep the people in ignorance.
The Roman Catholic Church is the mainspring of the Spanish government; hence the decline in Spanish power; hence Spain's turning backward in the dial of progress. This union of church and state produced the Spanish Inquisition, and many thousands of martyrs testify as to the spirit by which it was actuated.
This monastery is situated about half way up the mountainside amidst very wild and interesting scenery. Thousands of the so-called faithful make pilgrimages here each year. Visitors are allowed three days' free lodging in the monastery. Naturally if they feel disposed to make an offering, it will not be refused. Every one has to furnish his own food. It was our privilege to spend two days on that mountain. They were days full of interest.
That same union of church and state smothered the Reformation in Spain, and from that very time dates this government's decline among the powers of earth. This should be a powerful object-lesson to governments of to-day, such as the United States of America, to keep the church and state forever separate. Jesus says, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." He has never revoked this decision.
The barbarous customs, such as bull-fights, etc., and the numerous vices which are so prevalent here, are encouraged by the priesthood. They frequent the arena to witness the bull-fights, and they indulge freely in the use of cigarets, and other evil and soul-destroying habits. While celibacy is a requirement within the realm of the Roman clergy, the scandalous lives of the priesthood witness to the absence of the power of the Gospel in the papal institution. This condition is a fulfilment of the prophecy recorded in 1 Tim. 4:1-3. Paul there says, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry," etc.
Beautiful trails wind up and down the mountainsides, and in many unexpected nooks and corners are seen monuments representing different mysteries. This one is the second, the "Mystery of Joy."
We might mention many examples to illustrate this point, but shall refrain from doing so. For one living in a land of monasteries, convents, and nunneries, it is not difficult to see on the surface, without searching, sufficient evidence to convince him that the doctrine of "forbidding to marry" proceeds from a seducing spirit.
"Speaking lies in hypocrisy." I will speak of just one instance, which well illustrates this point. Near the city of Carcagente, which is thirty-five kilometers from Valencia, a certain church was rapidly losing its influence, and the parochial priest realized that something special must be accomplished or his church would be entirely abandoned. He conceived the idea of having a new virgin appear in an open field, near the chapel, where she would be seen of many people, and later captured and placed in the church. One thing which greatly facilitated him in carrying forward his plan, was a large corn-field near by. A beautiful virgin image was constructed which shortly after made its debut in the open field. The news of its appearance spread like wild-fire, and throngs of people hastened to see the new virgin, and if possible receive a blessing. One strange occurrence in connection with her appearance was that every time upon13being approached, she would quickly disappear. The poor ignorant people at first did not so much as even dream that there might be some deception connected with this strange performance. It was finally discovered, however, that the virgin image, upon whom so much interest was centered, was no more nor less than a sort of a mask, worn by the church-sexton upon those occasions. Upon being approached by the people, the sexton and all his paraphernalia would flee into the depths of the great cornfield, and there conceal himself until the deceived people were dispersed. When this nefarious scheme of that apparently pious priest was discovered, feeling against him ran so high, that the bishop was compelled to summon him to Valencia for shelter.
This is not merely an isolated case, as some would have us believe. Numerous instances of a similar nature might be cited. Such is the religion by which the Spanish people have been burdened and governed for so many centuries. Such is the religion, which to-day is so instilled in the lives of this people, that the darkness which covers them is so dense that it seems almost impenetrable to the truths of God's word.
It is against the deceptions and worship of this power, in all parts of the world, that the messages of Rev. 14:6-12 are directed. I am thankful for a part in making known the power of the Gospel, and in directing the attention of the honest in heart, to the Creator of the universe, rather than to the works of men. We trust God's promises as recorded in Isa. 55:11: "So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
I shall endeavor to write something soon on Protestantism and the closing work of the Gospel in Spain.
Yours faithfully,
FRANK S. BOND.
Calle Pelayo 11, Valencia, Spain.
Praying Always.
LET not the robe of prayer be hung aside,
A needless garb until the eventide,
But put it on, accounting constant prayer
A warm-lined habit wrought for daily wear;
And if, when day should lengthen out apace,
Ye let your robe hang loose a little space,
Shiv'ring as one who feels the damp and cold,
Look up, and thus the warm garb closer fold.
Our Work and Workers.
AT the academy at Keene, Texas, nine students were baptized by Brother Clarence Santee, Sunday, January 17.
BRETHREN R. P. MONTGOMERY and Ray Hickman recently conducted meetings in the schoolhouse at Squaretop, Okla., where five accepted the truth.
THE Western Canadian Union Conference has a total membership of 817 from a population of 1,120,788. E. L. Stewart is president; Mrs. H. S. Shaw, secretary and treasurer.
AT the annual session of the British Columbia Conference, held January 14 to 18, W. M. Adams was chosen president; Bertha Lofstad, secretary-treasurer, with W. M. Adams, T. H. Watson, S. A. Wilband, F. H. Conway, and George Alcock, the conference committee.
BROTHER H. E. CRANE, of Bruno, Minn., reports a company of seventeen believers at that place. In a settlement two miles east, seven adults and six children have accepted of present truth through his labors. Brethren Geo. L. Budd and A. V. Olson have charge of the work.
Taken at the Bookmen's Convention, held in Mountain View, January 23 to February 1. Beginning at the right of the picture the names are as follows: E. S. Horsman, Los Angeles, Cal.; Clyde Raaths; C. E. Weaks, Portland, Ore.; W. H. Covell; A. D. Guthrie, College Place, Wash.; J. F. Beatty, Portland; E. M. Oberg, Portland; Frank Peterson, Portland; C. L. Davis, Seattle; L. T. Curtis, Los Angeles; H. H. Hall; T. G. Johnson, College Place, Wash.; N. Z. Town, Buenos Aires, Arg. Rep.; Harry Carter; H. G. Childs; James Cochran, Kansas City, Mo.; O. K. Butler, College Place; C. F. Jones, W. E. Gillis, Seattle; C. H. Jones; H. G. Thurston, Phoenix, Ariz.; S. G. Huntington, Salt Lake City; B. R. Nordyke. Those whose addresses are not given are from Northern California, and all from Mountain View, save one. There are among them three ministers; namely, numbers 13, 21, 22. Some of these are also periodical men. They form a good strong corps of leaders.
BROTHER and Sister H. A. Weaver report that five substantial adults are obeying the commandments of the Lord at Pt. Huron, Mich., as the result of their labors there.
"EL MENSAJERO DE LA VERDAD," our Spanish paper in Mexico, has a circulation of 4,500 copies each issue. The publishers have increased the size to twenty pages, with a slight increase in the price. This journal has brought the truth to many, and is deserving of hearty support.
WORD from Brother S. A. Wellman, manager of the Caribbean Watchman, states that that paper and the headquarters of conference work formerly located at Kingston, Jamaica, have been removed to Cristobal, Canal Zone, Republic of Panama, where substantial buildings have been erected.
Wanted for Missionary Work.
THE following persons desire continuous supplies of reading-matter for use in missionary work:
Mrs. S. A. Williams, 15,912 Park Ave., Harvey, Ill.; papers and tracts.
Mrs. James T. Woods, 322 S. Detroit St., Warsaw, Ind.; SIGNS, Watchman, Life Boat, no Reviews.
Miss Mabel Campbell, 526 Third St., Edmonton, Alta., Can.; SIGNS and Instructor.
ARCHER THORNE SHEARER, Ashland, Ore.; any of our denominational papers or tracts.
John Reid, 1311 North Tenth St., Tacoma, Wash.; any of our denominational papers.
E. W. Wolfe, Mason City, Iowa; literature in English, German, Jewish, or Scandinavian languages.
Revised Bibles.
By Editor
The American Standard Edition.
Northwestern Christian Advocate says: "There can be no doubt that in this version we are nearer the thought and therefore the Spirit of the Master than in any other version now existing in English."
The following have good, large type—Bourgeois—references and maps. The size of the book is 8x5¼ inches.
No. 173—Bound in thin leather with overlapping edges, leather-lined, round corners, gold edges ...........................................$2.75
Address Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.
Steps to Christ.—This little work, by Mrs. E. G. White, presents in a simple and attractive manner the steps by which the sinner may be made complete in Christ. While the book is an excellent guide for inquirers and young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those who are laboring with the difficulties that beset a growing experience. Paper covers, 30 cents; cloth, plain edges, 60 cents; cloth, gilt edges, $1.00. Address this office.
Christian Science in the Light of Reason and Revelation. By R. A. Underwood.
"If the claims of Christian Science are founded on the doctrines of Christianity and the facts of science, then every lover of Christianity and science should hail the teachings of Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy with delight, and accept the claims of Christian Science. If it is not founded upon the word of truth, it should be rejected and exposed."
With this fair and impartial statement the writer of the pamphlet named above opens a very interesting and instructive discussion of the doctrines set forth in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the text-book for all true believers in Christian Science. In parallel columns many full and complete quotations from this book are compared with quotations from God's holy word, the only rule of faith for the followers of Jesus Christ.
Such fundamental truths as "The Creation of Man and the Universe," "The Existence of Sin," "The Atonement for Sin," "The Gospel of Salvation," "The Miracles of Jesus," "The Existence of Material Matter," "Sickness and Suffering," "Death and the Judgment," are candidly considered in a way that will please every lover of truth and fair play.
Every one who has any question as to the truth or falsity of the doctrines of Christian Science, in fact, every seeker after truth and light, should give this pamphlet a careful reading.
Fifty pages, printed on fine egg-shell paper, with attractive colored cover. Issued as No. 197, Bible Students' Library. Price, ten cents.
Order now of your state tract society, or Pacific Press Publishing Assn., Mountain View, Cal.; 61 N. Park St., Portland, Ore.; 1109 E. 12th St., Kansas City, Mo.; Box 666, Regina, Sask., Canada.
S. S. Supplies.—We still have a good supply of S. S. Record at 35 cents, for schools of 20 to 90 members; class records at 10 cents; S. S. Quarterlies at five cents each. If you need a Bible, send for our "Select List of Bibles." Address, Pacific Press Publishing Assn., Mountain View, Cal.
The World Needs the Mission Now
“THE world needs the mission now. A thousand millions of men, sinning, suffering, and struggling, need a Saviour, helpful, tender, sufficient. He came for them, but they have never heard of Him.”
Immorality in Germany.
The Roman Catholic German bishops in a collective letter declare: "Immorality which has invaded our country reminds us of the paganism of which the apostle speaks in his letter to the Romans; it dares to show itself in broad daylight, so to speak, with insolent audacity, breaking down all barriers which oppose it—the law of God, the principles of morality, and the simple rules of society."
Roman Catholics Under the American Flag
According to the advanced sheets of the 1909 "Wiltzius Official Catholic Directory" there are 14,235,451 Roman Catholics in the United States; while the total under the American flag, including the Philippines, Porto Rico, and the Hawaiian Islands, is 22,474,440. This is almost twice as many as under the British flag, which has but 12,053,000. New York City alone has 1,219,920 Catholics; Chicago, 1,150,000; Boston, 850,000; San Francisco, 250,000; other cities proportionately.
