The Present Truth, vol. 13

October 28, 1897

“Religion in Italy” The Present Truth, 13, 43.

E. J. Waggoner

Reviewing a recent book on Italy, the Edinburgh Review for the current quarter calls attention to the fact that very generally in Italy “worship is almost confined to attendance at mass.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 674.1

Such religious teaching as there is has no reference to conduct. Sermons consist mainly of panegyrics of the saints-useful rhetorical exercises for the young clergy, but with no bearing on life. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 674.2

In consequence the masses are almost as ignorant of all that pertains to life and godliness as any people of darkest heathendom. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 674.3

“Geography and Religion” The Present Truth, 13, 43.

E. J. Waggoner

It is seriously argued in Anglican Catholic journals that on the Continent the Roman Church is the true church. In England Anglicanism is Catholic, across the Channel Romanism is Catholic. clergyman suggests the following creed for those of his fellow clergy who make these geographical distinctions in religion:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 674.4

“I believe that the Church of Rome is in schism in England-indeed I am rude enough to call her the ‘Italian Mission’-and that the Church of England is in schism in Roman Catholic countries. Therefore I believe that what is right in Paris is wrong in London. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 674.5

“I believe that the Pope is infallible at Boulogne, but I believe that at Folkestone he is liable to err. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 674.6

“I believe that at Dover ‘Transubstantiation is repuguant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the ‘nature of a Sacrament, and hath given occasion to many superstitious.’ (28th Article of the Church of England.) But I believe that at Calais ‘There is made a conversion of the whole substance of the bread into the body, and of the whole substance of the wine into the blood; which conversion the Catholic Church calls Transubstantiation.’ (5th Article of the Creed of Pope Pius the Fourth.) PTUK October 28, 1897, page 674.7

“I believe that at Dieppe the books of the Apocrypha are inspired. But I believe that at Newhaven they are not.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 674.8

“The Sure Word. Some Prophecies of Christ's Second Coming” The Present Truth, 13, 43.

E. J. Waggoner

The transfiguration on the mount was a miniature representation of the coming of the Lord in glory, to praise the righteous dead, and to translate the living. Ever after that memorable day, the coming of the Lord must have been a more vivid reality to Peter, James, and John, than it had been before. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.1

Jesus said to them, “When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He said it upon the throne of His glory,“ and now these three disciples could realise what that glory would be. They had been eye-witnesses of His majesty, and had beheld the glory of His coming. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.2

SURER THAN SIGHT

Perhaps some may be inclined to say, “If I could have such evidence as that, I should have no doubt about the matter. If I could only see for myself, I should know that these things are so.” Well, now read but Peter says immediately after his reference to the transfiguration:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.3

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.4

The sure word of prophecy is more sure than any panoramic view can be. Our eyes made deceive us, but the word of God “liveth and abideth for ever.” It is something that is more sure than anything that man has seen; it is something that comes direct from “the Spirit of truth.” Men's eyes may deceive them; but the word of prophecy does not depend upon any human faculty; it “came not in the old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.5

An instance of how the prophecy came not by the will of man, is afforded by the case of Balaam. It is true that Balaam was not a “holy man of God;” but the fact that he intended to pronounce a curse makes it more apparent that the prophecy came not by the will of man. Balaam was tempted by the promise of a great reward to go and curse Israel, but God, in His great love for His people, “turned the curse into a blessing.” When Balak reproached Balaam for not cursing Israel, the latter replied, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak.” Numbers 24:13. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.6

While Balaam was thus passive in the hands of the Lord, he uttered this prophecy: “I shall see Him, but not now; I shall behold Him, but not nigh; there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come He that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.” Numbers 24:17-19. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.7

Here we have one instance of the “sure word of prophecy” concerning the conduct of the Lord. Considering the circumstances under which it was uttered, it is a notable instance. It shows most fully that prophecy has in it nothing of the human, but is wholly Divine. No human frailty enters into it, but it comes direct from the Holy Spirit. Thus it is “more sure” than human eye sight. For this reason it is that it was said: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.8

THE MOST ANCIENT PROPHECY

Still more ancient than the prophecy given through Balaam is the one uttered by Enoch. Jude speaks of the destruction of the wicked, and says (verses 14, 15): “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.9

The well-known prophecy uttered by Job is perhaps more ancient than that spoken by Balaam. After expressing a wish that his words might be graven in the enduring rock, he said: “For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worm destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job 19:25-27. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.10

This prophecy brings to view the Christian's hope, namely, the resurrection of the dead at the coming of the Lord, showing that from the earliest times this was the hope of God's people. It was “the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers.” Acts 26:6. But more explicit than any yet quoted, as showing “the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,“ is the following by “the sweet psalmist of Israel,“ who could say, “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:3. The word of the Lord, which was in his tongue, said:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 675.11

“The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence; a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that He may judge His people. Gather My saints together unto Me; those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare His righteousness; for God is judge Himself.” Psalm 50:1-5. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.1

Again the Lord spoke by him to the same intent: “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein; then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord; for lie cometh, for lie cometh to judge the earth; He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth.” Psalm 96:11-13. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.2

Turning to the book of the prophet lsaiah, we read as follows, beginning with the, tenth verse of the second chapter:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.3

“Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low ... And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be exalted in that day. And the idols he shall utterly abolish. And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth. In the day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; to go into the clefs of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake the terrible the earth.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.4

This language certainly gives us a vivid idea of the “power and coming” of the Lord. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.5

Again, the Lord speaks through His servant:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.6

“Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” Isaiah 24:1-6. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.7

Who these few men are that are left from the general destruction that overwhelms those who have transgressed the laws, is told through the same prophet in these words:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.8

“The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks; bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty; they shall behold the land that is very far off.” Isaiah 33:14-17. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.9

That these righteous ones are the “few men” who are left after the day of the Lord has laid the land desolate, and destroyed the sinners out of it, is evident from our Saviour's words, recorded in Matthew 7:13, 14: “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.10

Jeremiah, and the later prophets, were also burdened with this same message of the power and glory of the second advent. Therefore, since that event is of such overwhelming importance, how true the words that we “do well” to “take heed” to the sure word of prophecy “as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.11

This present age is called night. Says Paul, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Romans 13:12. And this he says in view of the fact previously stated, that it is high time to wake out of sleep, because our salvation is near. The dawning of the day, and the arising of the day-star, refer to the coming of Christ, who is “the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:16. So Isaiah, like Paul, tells of the night of darkness, and the coming of the dawn. Looking with prophetic sight down the ages, he says:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.12

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people, but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall he seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.13

This is commonly applied simply to the spread of the Gospel; but what follows, taken in connection with parallel passages in the new Testament, shows that the prophet saw the triumph of the Gospel in the final destruction of the wicked, and the salvation of the righteous in the New Jerusalem. (Read the sixtieth chapter and compare with the twenty-first of Revelation.) PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.14

The dawning of the day, and the rising of the day-star, will be when the glory of the Lord shall fill the earth, and the people shall be righteous. This present time is night because the darkness of sin covers the people. In the midst of this night, our only light is that which shines from God's Word. David said: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. The lamp of prophecy, lighted from the glory that surrounds the throne of God, sheds its beams amidst the darkness that overspreads the earth, and is the wayfaring man's only guide till the glory of the Lord shall arise in full splendour upon him. Whosoever takes heed to it, his path shall be “as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 676.15

“The Zionist Congress” The Present Truth, 13, 43.

E. J. Waggoner

Much has been said of the recently organised Zionist movement, which is an effort on the part of certain Continental Jews to provide a state for Jewish refugees in Palestine after the manner of the modern company promoter. Public attention was called to it by the congress held at Basel, Switzerland, about a month ago. One of our Basel friends who attended the congress, says of it:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 679.1

“From the first, a giant effort was made to present a solid front and harmonious action in the congress, and every speech in this direction was cheered to the echo; such enthusiasm was manifested on this point that it seemed as though the delegates were ready to adopt the platform of the Zionists without hearing it. But scarcely was the platform read when winds began to blow from every direction, causing a whirlwind and storm. The scene constantly reminded one of the description of scenes in the trial of Christ. Although centuries have wrought many changes in the Western nations, the Jews, like the nations of the East, remain almost unchanged. And, as is well known, the character of the Jewi is, to an exceptional degree, expressed in bold lines oil his face ; and when these lines are worked successively by extreme surprise, utter contempt, fiery impatience, and assumed agony, all being emphasised with corresponding gestures, the scene is so absorbing that one almost forgets to follow the hues of thought presented. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 679.2

“One would naturally expect that at such a congress much would be made of the prophecies referring to the restoration made of Israel in the land of promise; but very little reference was made to these. It is evident that the movement is largely of a political character; indeed some of the leading spirits in it are freethinkers. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 679.3

“It is remarkable that while the Jews have for year looked to the nations of the West as a place of refuge, all at once all efforts in this direction have been abandoned, and their whole attention has been turned to Palestine. How plain it is that the minds of all nations and classes are being prepared for the final gathering in the East! (Joel 3:11-14.) Could a sign of the times be more plain? Doubtless the Jews, like all other nations, will be gathered in Palestine; but how different will be the outcome of that gathering front what is expected! It will not only be the inaugural of the millennium and the restoration of the true Israel, but also the final overthrow of all worldly nations, including the Jew according to the flesh. See Revelation 16:12-21.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 679.4

Abraham believed the Gospel, and so he looked for the inheritance in the heavenly Jerusalem and the world to come. The work of proclaiming the truth and being a light to the world was taken from the Jewish nation because it refused to believe with faithful Abraham. The kingdom of God was taken from them and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof even to the true Israel of God, all who are Christ’s. Instead of encouraging the fleshly Jews in this fleshly view of God's promise of the eternal spiritual inheritance, Christians ought to be constantly teaching them the Gospel of the kingdom promised to the fathers. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 679.5

“For the Children. Meeting Temptation” The Present Truth, 13, 43.

E. J. Waggoner

In three different ways, you will remember, Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness; and every time Jesus said, “It is written,“ and quoted a Scripture showing the right way. So all through His life on earth Jesus lived by the Word of God, and it was His defence. He is our example, and if every time we are tempted to do wrong we will but stop and think of what God says, and listen in faith to His words, we shall be made strong to escape the temptation. But if we are to have a word from the Lord ready as a shield every time temptation comes we must study the Bible and know what God says. The following story is told of a lad whom his companions once tried to get into a public-house to take a drink. Notice how truly the tempter confesses the reason why he could not get the lad to do wrong:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.1

“Oh, no, I can't go in there,“ said John, when one of the boys invited him. “Well, why?” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.2

“Well, the Bible says, took not upon the wine when it is red,“-much less drink it. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.3

The bad boy said: “I know the Bible says that, but come in and take one drink.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.4

He replied, “I cannot do that.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.5

“Well, why?” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.6

“Because my Bible says, ‘At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.’” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.7

“Yes, I know the Bible says that; but come in and have one drink.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.8

“No,“ he said, “my Bible says, ‘If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.’” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.9

The bad boy turned off and left, and went over to his companions; and they said:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.10

“Did you see him?” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.11

“Yes.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.12

“Did you get him to drink?” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.13

“No, I could not get him into the house.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.14

“Why?” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.15

“Because,“ replied the bad boy, “that fellow was just as chock-full of the Bible as he could he, and I could not do anything with him.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 684.16

“The Stream that Always Flows” The Present Truth, 13, 43.

E. J. Waggoner

“Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?” is a Bible question that may well be asked of the multitudes who, in hard times and easy, must have their drink, whether they and their children have sufficient to eat or not. A temperance speaker quoted some statistics showing that good or bad years have little influence on the steady consumption of liquors. He said:— PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.1

“In 1883, the best trading year of the past twenty, the consumption of beer averaged 27 gallons 2 pints per head of the population. The year 1856 was the worst of the twenty, and the consumption was 26 gallons 7 pints per head. Again, 1894 was a bad year, yet the average was 29 gallons 3 pints per head, or 3 gallons and 1 pint more than the best year. That was the disheartening phase of the problem.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.2

“Items of Interest” The Present Truth, 13, 43.

E. J. Waggoner

-China is considering plans for a large navy. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.3

-Paris is preparing for a great world's exhibition in 1900. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.4

-Western Australia report; some “new and rich gold finds.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.5

-A tornado in the Philippine Islands last week killed 100 persons. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.6

-Eighty-seven warships are now being constructed in Great Britain. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.7

-The French Army now costs 629,551,397f., an increase of 11,457,000f. in twelve months. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.8

-Crete is still in disorder, Moslems raiding “Christians,“ and the latter raiding Moslems. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.9

-Another Arctic gold country, reported as rich as Klondike, is said to have been found in Alaska. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.10

-The number of packets delivered by postmen during last year in the United Kingdom was 3,141,715,000. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.11

-There is talk of a Millenary celebration in 1901, a thousand years from the death of King Alfred, the founder of the English nation. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.12

-The boilermakers in London last week canme out on strike, not only against the masters but against the orders of their own union officials. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.13

-The Japanese have entered largely into the manufacture of matches, and are now exporting 2,500,000,000 boxes annually, mostly to China an India. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.14

-The refusal of the Masters’ Federation to submit to arbitration has driven the sympathies many to the side of the engineers. The winter coming on, and no one can tell how much further the deadlock will extend. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.15

-The tribesmen who are resisting the advance of the Indian frontier line have shown unusual skill in the art of war, and the losses on the side of the Indian army has been heavier than in any recent wars with native faces. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.16

-Again the racial problem, particularly the rivalries of Germans and Bohemians, led last week to uproar and even fighting in the legislative halls. When the lawmakers of a nation cannot exhibit self-control, in their deliberative assemblies, it not surprising that among the people there is continual outbreaks of violence. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.17

-The report of the Post Office seems to suggest that the public grows more careless and absentminded every year. There is an increase nearly all around in misdirected or undirected mail matter. Property to the value of ?643,171 was found in returned letters, and ?4,692 with no address at all. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.18

-A deputation sent to Germany by the Manchester City Council to study the industrial question returned and made its report last week, to the effect that they found technical education carried far beyond anything we have in this country. As a result the deputation unanimously pronounced the German artisan in the first rank of the world's workmen. They also say that the engineering crisis here is sending much work to Germany. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 686.19

“Back Page” The Present Truth, 13, 43.

E. J. Waggoner

The assurance of a resurrection to life with Jesus in the last day is “the power of His resurrection” making the life now a daily living and walking with Him. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.1

The Solicitor-General said last week that increase of armaments was necessary all round, and that “it might be necessary to resort to the ballot, so that a certain proportion of citizens might be required to serve in the militia.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.2

We have received the first number of the Gute Gessundheit (“Good Health”), a monthly health journal published by our Society in Germany. It aims at giving practical helpful instruction in the principles of healthful living, and is sure to be a blessing to many homes. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.3

The Church Times offers thanks for the “pleasing signs of an awakening” from the apathy that has more or less prevailed with respect to the Education campaign. “For West Lambeth a candidate has been found who, if elected, will go to the Board, not as a Progressive, nor a Moderate, nor Conservative, nor a Radical, but as a Churchman who will make the Christian religion the first item in his programme.” It is very evident hat there is a strong party whose dearest wish is to make the Board schools mere adjuncts of the Church of England. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.4

“He Himself knew what He would do.” John 6:6. This is said of Jesus, when there were thousands of hungry men and women in the desert, and He asked Philip, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” Philip at once began to calculate and plan, but his calculation only served more clearly to show the difficulties of the situation, without adding any help. But Jesus was not at all disquieted, “for He Himself knew what He would do.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.5

So when the Lord told Ananias to go to the street called Straight, and lay hands on one Saul, of Tarsus, Ananias began at once to remonstrate, and to tell the Lord how much evil Saul had done. Just as if the Lord didn't know anything about it. “I have heard by many of this man,“ said Ananias, “how much evil he hath done to Thy saints at Jerusalem.” Yes, but the Lord knew it, not by hearsay, but by experience, for He was the one persecuted. But “He Himself knew what He would do,“ so He bade Ananias go his way and perform his errand without further parleying. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.6

Like Ananias, we often imagine that because we have just heard a piece of news, it must be wholly new to the Lord. We see something loom up threateningly before us, whether shadow or substance we cannot tell, and straightway we begin to expostulate with the Lord, or, perhaps, like the children of Israel in the desert, find fault with Him for bringing us this way. Why can we not learn that He knows and cares? “He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried Me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10. The one thing that all men, whether professed Christians or not, need to learn, is to believe in God. He is, and He is allwise, all-loving, and all-powerful. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.7

Speaking recently of the Sunday-closing Bill, which is now the chief object of “temperance” zeal, the Bishop of Norwich, while favouring it, did not think that at present it is practicable, in that it is “one-sided and partial legislation,“ applying only to the poor, and leaving the rich free to drink as much as they please. He said, moreover, that his personal experience taught him that “no person would more heartily welcome a very great restriction on Sunday opening-say to quite a short period in the middle of the day-than the great bulk of honest and right-thinking publicans themselves.” PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.8

But nobody ever yet heard of a publican of any kind who was in favour of a diminution in the drink traffic, any more than of a clothing merchant who was in favour of people wearing less clothing and a less expensive sort. So the very fact that publicans can be cited as favouring the Sunday closing of public-houses, shows that it is in no sense whatever a temperance measure. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.9

Instead of being a temperance measure, the Sunday-closing effort is in reality an attempt to build up Sunday observance at the expense of temperance reform. The whole tendency of the agitation is to teach people that there is nothing inherently wrong in the liquor traffic, but that the evil consists in carrying it on on Sundays. To illustrate: A mother sees her little boy playing ball on Sunday, and being a devout Sunday observer, says, “John, you must not play ball to-day; it is Sunday.” John understands perfectly well that his mother has no objection to ball-playing in itself, but only to Sunday play. But suppose John were worrying a kitten, and his mother should say, “You ought not to worry that kitten to-day, my boy, it is Sunday;” could he think anything else than that it was perfectly allowable to worry kittens on other days than Sunday? PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.10

It may be urged that if the public can be educated up to the point of accepting the restriction of the liquor traffic to the last six days of the week, it will be a long step towards getting them to see that it should be suppressed altogether. If this were true, then it would apply to all other business. No; all that can be won by the Sunday-closing agitation is more homage to the Sunday. If there were in it any real recognition of the evil of the liquor traffic, then the man who saw the point would he opposed to the traffic every day. Sin is sin, no matter on what day of the week it is committed. If a man commits a murder, the sin is not enhanced by the fact that the deed was done on the Sabbath. It is a fact that many things are lawful on the six working days of the week, which are not lawful on the Sabbath day, and many of those who believe that Sunday is the Sabbath are labouring hard to put liquor-selling in that list. If they wish to teach the stricter observance of Sunday, they have that right, but let them not delude themselves with the idea that they are furthering the cause of temperance. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.11

The last six months have, says the Missionary Review, witnessed a remarkable change in Ecuador. For more than three hundred years, since the invasion and conquest by Pizarro and his Spaniards, Ecuador has been under almost exclusive piestly rule. The only religion tolerated has been the Roman Catholic. The dominant political party-the conservative-was simply the clerical party. But a curious incident of the late war between China and Japan led to a revolution against this clerical party, and last summer this revolution was successful. The leader of the liberal or revolutionary party, General Alfaro, was chosen president. He is in favour of religious liberty; the constitution has been revised, and the first Protestant missionaries have been permitted to enter the country. PTUK October 28, 1897, page 688.12