Germany and the Pope.—The Vienna Reichspost publishes a long article by Herr Erzberger, one of the most influential members of the Roman Catholic party in the German Reichstag. The article is headed, “Italy’s Reward.” Italy, says Herr Erzberger, signed the declaration not to conclude a separate
peace, and did so only on the condition that she would receive two milliard lires from England, and that the Roman question would not be discussed in the course of the peace negotiations, at which it would, in part, be declared no longer existent. Herr Erzberger comments indignantly upon these conditions, which he would seem to have invented himself, and tries to expose the perfidy of France and Britain, who have always professed to be protectors of the Papacy. In consequence of the War of 1870, he says, the Pope lost Rome, and so arrived at his present unworthy status. The War of 1914-15 offers an opportunity of restoring full freedom and independence to the Pope. It is, of course, made quite clear that this happy state of affairs can only be brought about by the Pope’s reliance upon the Central Powers. It will be remembered that recently Herr Erzberger was thanked by Benedict XV. for his services to the Vatican.
Money Spent on Drink.—The national drink bill for the first six months of 1915 reached the enormous total of £88,084,000, as compared with £80,154,000 for the corresponding period of 1914. It seems almost incredible that the country is spending such an enormous sum on drink during the awful days through which we are passing. With the Government measures for the restriction of the sale of drink in certain areas, and the cry for economy, one would have expected a decrease instead of an increase of almost £8,000,000.
So-called Sacred Concerts on the Lord’s Day.—Since the War began there has been no decrease in certain forms of Sabbath desecration—rather an increase. Many people imagine that the rendering of sacred pieces of music by trained singers, choirs, and orchestras, is quite lawful on the Lord’s Day. There is an apparent recognition of God in these pieces, but everything is done simply to please human ears. It is the creature that is worshipped, and not the Creator. Recently a winner of the Victoria Cross was honoured by such an entertainment at Inverness on a Sabbath evening—a refined and subtle form of abusing the sacred day. In various military hospitals, we regret to say, entertainments are given weekly where positively light and secular pieces are mingled with those regarded as sacred, and applause and laughter are allowed, to the entire degradation of God’s holy day of rest and worship.
Life and Diary of the late Rev. Jonathan R. Anderson.—This volume, consisting of Extracts from the Diary of the late Rev. J. R. Anderson, with a brief sketch of his life by the Rev. Neil Cameron, St. Jude’s, Glasgow, is still to be had, and at a reduced rate. The cheaper binding at 4d.; 2d. extra for postage: the better binding at 6d.; 2d. extra for postage. Orders may be sent to Mr. J. Anderson, 196 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, or to Rev. J. S. Sinclair, 248 Kenmure Street, Pollokshields, Glasgow. Those who are interested in spiritual reading would do well to purchase the volume, if they have not already done so.