The American Sentinel 14
November 23, 1899
“Front Page” American Sentinel 14, 46, p. 721.
IT is not the name of the thing, but the principle it embodies, that determines its character. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.1
WHEN a Protestant church goes into politics, it becomes papal in everything but its name. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.2
TO “PUT God into the Constitution,” is to try to harness a God of love to a government of force. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.3
EVERY Sunday law, or other religious statute, represents an attempt of the legislature to be conscience for the people. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.4
SOME good people look so steadfastly at the legal aspect of affairs that they lose sight altogether of their moral aspect. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.5
THE man who assumes to be good enough to govern another man without the latter’s consent, assumes to better than God. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.6
THE representative of military power comes to the heathen as their master; the Christian comes to all people as their servant. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.7
POLITICALLY, a man accounts for but one; but as a Christian, he counts for one, and God. And yet some church people think a Christian’s vote represents his real and practical value in the community. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.8
NECESSITY interfering with duty is like an irresistible force meeting and immovable obstacle. The one in whose experience this occurs is making some mistake in his calculations. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.9
A SABBATH which rests on the authority God, has no need of support from the infinitely-lower authority of man; and when such authority is deemed necessary in support of the sabbath day, is it not plain evidence that the authority of God, as regards the day, has been repudiated? AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.10
“The Example of Pilate” American Sentinel 14, 46, pp. 721, 722.
PEOPLE say they have to work on the Sabbath; they will lose their positions if they do not work that day, because their employers want them to work. So they are obliged (they say) to disobey the command of God. AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.1
It ought to be instructive to these persons to read the closing chapter or two in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, and consider how Pontius Pilate was really obliged to crucify Jesus Christ. He had to do it or lose his position; and, of course, he had to keep his position, did not? If this is necessary now, why was it not so then? The Jews stood ready to accuse Pilate of being an enemy of Cesar and a traitor to the Roman government; so that Pilate was likely not only to lose his position, but his head as well! Surely, then, Pilate was justified in breaking the command of God, if ever such an act could be justified. He tried to persuade himself thus, and brought water and washed his hands before the Jews, to clear himself in the matter. But did he clear himself? AMS November 23, 1899, page 721.2
Pilate was warned of God not to yield to his fears and commit the act which was urged upon him by considerations of his personal welfare. But he disregarded the warning, telling himself that he had to do it. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.1
Friends, don’t follow the example Pilate. Pilate in a terrible mistake. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.2
“Christian Expansion” American Sentinel 14, 46, p. 722.
WE are in favor of expansion. But we are Christians, and therefore the expansion of which we are in favor is Christian expansion. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.1
What then is Christian expansion? To this the Text-Book of Christianity will give an answer. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.2
Go back in thought through the centuries, to the year 33 A. D. Picture in your mind a scene described in the gospel narratives—the risen Saviour standing in the midst of a little group of his disciples, and saying to them, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature;” “and teach all nations... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” From that small center the doctrines of Christianity were, in the purpose of God, to spread out and out and out into all the world, to every nation and people, teaching and establishing everywhere the divine principle of love toward God and all men. This is Christian expansion. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.3
And this expansion is still going on in the world, in the final fulfillment of the great Christian commission. This is the expansion in which we believe; and in what other kind can any Christian believe consistently? AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.4
“Being Conscience for Others” American Sentinel 14, 46, p. 722.
AN article by the Rev. Lyndon S. Crawford, on “Sunday Labor Under Government Authority,” in The Independent, concludes with a statement:— AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.1
“We feel that, with no injustice to the immigrant, we can appeal to the Christian conscience of the American people to see that the faithful employees of the United States Government should no longer be denied that which is the right of every American citizen, and the divine right of every one of God’s children—viz.: rest on God’s day rest day.” AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.2
Here as an appeal to the “Christian conscience of the American people,” in behalf of a certain class of the American people, to secure for the latter “rest on God’s rest day.” What ought the American people to do in the matter? AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.3
Rest on God’s rest day is a command of God, and every command of God is binding upon the conscience. The employes in question are therefore, in conscience bound to heed the command of God and take “rest on God’s rest day,” without regard to consequences. Should the appeal to conscience in this matter, therefore, not be made to them, rather than to “the American people” to be conscience for them? Can any good—can anything but harm—come from the attempt of one set of people to be conscience for another? AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.4
We do not want people to be forced to work when they need rest, or when they are in duty bound to rest (though it is to be noted there is no divine command for Sunday rest); but we would not have them think they are gaining what they need, by allowing other people to be conscience for them. No moral question can ever be settled in such a way; and the recipients of such fancied moral aid will only be left worse off, morally, than they were before. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.5
“Not a Duty of Congress” American Sentinel 14, 46, p. 722.
The Examiner, a leading Baptist organ, in looking forward to the coming session of Congress, is impressed with the idea that “One of the first duties of Congress, when it reassembles, is to provide an adequate number of chaplains for our increased army in the Philippines.” AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.1
As the army in the Philippines is kept there not for spiritual ends, but to end all armed resistance to American authority, it is proper to inquire what interest Congress can have in the question of the adequate supply of chaplains. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.2
What Congress wants of the army in the Philippines is that it shall fight well, and thus thoroughly and speedily overcome the “insurrection.” Unless the chaplains will render the soldiers more efficient as fighters, of what else can they be in the line of that which alone the soldiers have been sent to the islands to do? AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.3
It is proper of course to feel an interest in the spiritual welfare of soldiers, as of other classes of men, and to provide for them those who will labor for their spiritual benefit. But this is not a matter that can come into the concern of Congress—a body appointed to represent the people merely in a civil capacity. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.4
If chaplains are to be sent to the Philippines, let them be sent and maintained by the respective churches. AMS November 23, 1899, page 722.5
“Two Methods of Civilizing the Heathen” American Sentinel 14, 46, pp. 725, 726.
IN the Philippine Islands, the military forces of the United States, are enforcing submission of the people to the authority of this Government, for the avowed purpose of uplifting the people from barbarism and conferring on them the blessings of civilization. In the process it has been found necessary to put down by force of arms a strong resistance by the natives to American domination, and the results up to date are that a large section of the principal island has been devastated by war, thousands of the natives have been killed or wounded, and the lives of hundreds of American soldiers have likewise been sacrificed. What the future may bring of further sacrifice of life in securing the enforcement of American authority there, no one can say; but it is certain that the bitter hatred of their conquerors engendered in the minds of the natives, is a result that will endure for years to come. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.1
This is one method that is being employed to uplift and bless, in the name of Christian civilization, the heathen of the Pacific Isles. Happily, it is not the only one. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.2
There is another and radically different method that is being employed in other islands of that region, and to call attention to this, in contrast with what is being done in the Philippines, is our purpose here. This other method and its results are described in the following by the Rev. Frances M. Price, on “Mission Work and Opportunities in the Pacific Islands,” contributed by him to The Independent:— AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.3
“In 1852 the good ship ‘Caroline’ carried the first missionaries into the remote islands of Micronesia. Now, after 47 years, what do we find as a result of the missionary invasion of this island world? AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.4
“1. Sixty distinctively religious communities have been established. Each mission station was from the first, a center of evangelistic and educational work. The choicest young people were gathered into schools, and train for Christian service. They were also taught to cut and make clothes, to handle implements and tools and to build churches and dwelling houses. The spiritual life was made especially intense. Victory over ordinary temptations and besetting sins received merited approval. Young people, imbued with the spirit and purpose of the teachers, went forth to teach in other communities. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.5
“Their success has been marvelous. Wars and fighting has ceased, the people now engaged in the quiet pursuits of peace and enact over again life and work of the Mission Station. They build churches, and make them the centers of their political, social and religious life; they flock to the schools and learn to read and write and other useful things; they settle disputes in council and unite in marriage according to law; they begin and close the day with public worship in the church, singing simple hymns and listening to the reading of the Word in prayer, and they maintain the family altar and make at the center of their home life. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.6
“2. Christianity has wrought a striking change in the lives of the people. ‘Old things are passed away; all things are become new. They cast off the heathen dress and ornaments, cut their hair, wash themselves and put on the dress of civilization. The latter is the badge of Christianity. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.7
“The face, too, is changed. The weak, coarse, listless, and, in repose, hopeless look disappears when once the Master begins to write his name in their foreheads. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.8
“The arts of civilization are coming in apace. Schooners which once carried tobacco, beads and trinkets for barter now take cargoes of prints, denims, sewing machines, useful implements and tools and sandal-wood boxes. Hats are manufactured, wooden floors put in houses, and stone churches are erected. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.9
“3. Christianity has created a new public sentiment and new ideals. The popular man from being the most cruel and heartless has come to be the one who can best answer questions in the church services and lives the most consistent life. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.10
“The last case of polygamy disappeared from one island two years ago because the parties could not resist the tide of popular opinion. Public sentiment believes in the Christian home and seeks to protect it. The chief men of a large island recently discussed in a council how they might best restrain offenders against the marriage vow and the rights of private property. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.11
“Parents now want their children to be in school and take a pardonable pride in their attainments; pupils vie with each other in generous rivalry for the first place in their classes; and the brightest and most diligent boy in school is the favorite. Moreover Christian character is now the ideal character, and Christian virtues receive the highest praise. A few months ago word reached our people in Ruk that William, a faithful Ponape teacher, had been arrested, and that Henry Nanepei, a Christian chief, had stood by him during his trial at the risk of life and property, and secured his release. This deed of heroism was greatly admired; young men spoke enthusiastically the noble conduct of this Christian chief. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.12
“Never had a man a sweeter face—a more gentle and lovable character—than Moses, a Ponape Christian. In Ruk, where he has been a teacher on one of the largest islands for twemty years, he is the confidential advisor chiefs, both heathen and Christian, and exerts a wide influence over all classes. AMS November 23, 1899, page 725.13
“No great intellectual achievements can yet be chronicled, and mental and moral weakness is the general characteristic. But the tide is rising—intellectually, morally and spiritually—and things once in the mire and slime are being lifted up and purified. With churches and schools, daily instruction in the Word of God and elementary branches of knowledge, the arts and customs of civilized life displacing the old heathenism, an increasingly wholesome public sentiment and Christian ideals of attainment and character, future progress is assured. AMS November 23, 1899, page 726.1
“They are a happy people now for their God is the Lord. The voice of singing is constantly heard in their dwellings, groups of young people are accustomed to sit on the beach during the long evenings and make music in hymns of praise to Jehovah, and the shout of battle and wailing of the slain are no longer heard. And more, the people are now ready to welcome good government. While the United States is calling for 100,000 men to subdue and garrison the Philippines, Germany is quietly taking possession of the Carolines without a soldier or the firing of a gun. Why? The latter people have been subdued under the blood-stained banner of the Son of God, and their islands garrisoned with Christian churches, schools and teachers.... AMS November 23, 1899, page 726.2
“We plead for these lost islanders. They respond so quickly to Christian teaching, they are so dull and wretched and can be made so bright and happy by the Gospel that every dictate of reason and humanity urges obedience to our Lord’s last command.... AMS November 23, 1899, page 726.3
“The time is opportune. Every island in this remote sea should have a Christian teacher, and have him now.” AMS November 23, 1899, page 726.4
And now, in the face of this, can anyone tell us why it is necessary to blast the Philippine Islands with war, to fill them with widows and orphans, to instil hatred and every evil passion in the hearts of the people—to say nothing of making widows and orphans in America—in order that those islands may receive the blessings of “Christian civilization?” Can anyone tell us why the facts set forth in this missionary report do not constitute a most fearful indictment against the method of civilizing that is being employed to produce civilization in the Philippines? And can anyone tell us why any Christian should for a moment give his sanction to the latter method? AMS November 23, 1899, page 726.5
The AMERICAN SENTINEL is always and unqualified plea in favor of that method of civilizing the island races, which brings with it no destruction of life and property, aims not at humiliating the people by the dominating arm of military power, stirs up no evil passions, but seeks only to develop what is good, to bless all in body and soul, to make all happy, prosperous, contented, and that has so wonderfully succeeded in all this in the darkest lands of heathendom. And who is not in favor of the same? AMS November 23, 1899, page 726.6
“Back Page” American Sentinel 14, 46, p. 736.
TO invade an individual’s rights in order to forestall others who might treat him worse, is only to do evil that good may come. AMS November 23, 1899, page 736.1
WHEN you ask an individual to surrender his natural rights, you ask God to give up his rights in relation to that individual. AMS November 23, 1899, page 736.2
HE who surrenders the right of self-government will contend in vain for the right to freedom to worship God. For, having made the surrender, the very foundation of all his rights is gone. AMS November 23, 1899, page 736.3
AMS a church where each individual is religiously free is a protest against popery, so a state where each one is politically free is a protest against kingeraft. The American Republic was in this sense a Protestant state. But now, like the Protestant church, it is ceasing to protest. AMS November 23, 1899, page 736.4
THE Sovereign of the universe will save in His kingdom everyone who freely consents to His sovereignty. All others will be destroyed, not because they will not let God rule over them, but because there is no way for them to escape the demands of justice in respect to their evil deeds. AMS November 23, 1899, page 736.5
GOD requires every individual of every race, nation, tribe, and color, to conform his conduct strictly to the rules of right embodied in his eternal law; in other words, to govern himself. And this is God’s answer to the doctrine that only the white man is fit for or capable of self-government. AMS November 23, 1899, page 736.6
THE business of land-grabbing can go on among the “powers” without very much friction so long as there is land left that can be had merely by resting it from savage or semi-civilized people. But by and by, the powers will come into close contact with each other in making a final adjustment of things, and then will come for action that will mean worldwide war. And a dark day will that be for the nations. AMS November 23, 1899, page 736.7
THE assertion of inalienable rights for all men, made by the Declaration of Independence, is based on the recognition of God as the Creator; and to ask a person to surrender the idea that all men have the same natural rights, is to ask him to surrender his recognition of the Supreme Being. Hence it is a direct blow at liberty of conscience. AMS November 23, 1899, page 736.8