"T HE strength of the vertebra does not depend on the starch in the collar."
The Winds of Life
By Eliza H. Morton
(Isa. 27:8.)
The zephyrs blow in childhood—
Those breezes, balmy sweet,
And stir the wild, pink rosebuds
That grow beside the street.
But, ah, the years are onward,
And East winds quickly rise,
And blight our cherished blossoms
While tear-drops fill our eyes.
And then all sobbing, moaning,
The rough winds with their blast
Sweep from our lives the chaff-dust
And leave that which will last.
God lets the wheat be sifted
E'en tho the wind be rough,
And when the chaff is scattered
He cries, "Be still, enough."
But East and rough winds never
Combine in fury wild,
For God has pity always
And loves the erring child.
O God of wind and tempest,
My character make pure;
And teach me, Lord, with patience
All chastening to endure.
Eliza H. Morton.
Our Work and Workers.
A NEW church building was dedicated at Iola, Kan., June 6 and 7.
SIX at Alexander, Texas, have accepted present truth thru the labors of Brother H. B. French.
ON Sunday, June 7, seven dear souls were buried with their Lord in baptism at Underhill, Wis., by Brother J. S. Shrock.
SEVEN new members were recently added to the church at Palco, Kan., where Brethren C. E. Peekover and A. R. Ogden have labored.
TENT-MEETINGS at Fresno, Cal., conducted by Brethren J. H. Behrens, C. L. Taggart, and J. W. Rich, resulted in a harvest of thirteen souls, who were baptized June 20.
BROTHER A. F. FRENCH, who has been laboring for some time at Nevada, Mo., reports that seventeen have banded together for the service of the Lord, twelve being new converts to the truth.
JUNE 7 the brethren at Compton, Cal., organized themselves into an aggressive band to be known as the "Graham Home and Foreign Missionary Society." Its object is to do all it can for the Master.
THE PACIFIC PRESS has just issued a complete tract list, including Bible Students' Library, Apples of Gold Library, Signs of the Times Leaflets, Religious Liberty Leaflets, Words of Truth Series, and Spanish tracts. Send for one.
WESTERN OREGON CONFERENCE has elected the following officers: President, C. W. Flaiz; vice-president, W. L. Black; executive committee: Brethren C. W. Flaiz, W. L. Black, T. H. Starbuck, P. A. Hansen, J. M. Cole, W. C. Emerson, H. J. Dirksen.
GREAT opposition at Lucky, Ark., has served to make the truth shine brighter. Brother M. H. Greggory writes: "Eighteen made a start for the kingdom. Eight were baptized, and ten united with the church, which makes a membership of twenty-five at this place."
BROTHER J. MILLS writes from Singapore: "In our school here we have a variety of students. There are two or three classes of Chinese represented, Japanese, Battaks, and Dutch. In connection with our school we are planning to print some small books in Chinese characters, Malay Romanized, Malay character, and later, Battak Romanized, and probably also in some of the dialects of the Philippines." And so the message is multiplying into every tongue, praise God.
Wanted for Missionary Work.
DENOMINATIONAL literature for city work. Address J. S. Killen, Asheville, N. C.
Change of Address.
THE Portland Branch of the Pacific Press Publishing Company has been removed to 61 N. Park St., Portland, Ore. The necessity for larger quarters for office room and for the handling of more stock is the reason for the change.
"The Watchman."
THE special Temperance number of the Watchman is enjoying a gratifying circulation. The contributors to this issue of the paper include such writers as A. G. Daniells, Mrs. Lillian M. N. Stevens, National President of the W. C. T. U.; Mrs. S. M. Holman, President of the Tennessee W. C. T. U.; D. H. Kress, M.D.; and G. I. Butler. The drink question is well handled. Printed in two colors,—the temperance "Blue Ribbon" on the front page,—the paper is attractive and pleasing. The price is five cents each for from one to four copies, reduced rates in quantities of five or more. The regular yearly subscription price of the Watchman is $1.00. Address, Southern Publishing Assn., 24th Avenue N., Nashville, Tenn.
The Medical Evangelist
The Medical Evangelist.—The first number of this little sixteen-page paper, with cover, published by the College of Evangelists, Loma Linda, Cal., has come to our desk. Topics considered are, "Training for More Efficient Service," and "Established Prosperity." The departments include General Articles, the Visiting Nurse, and Science and Religion. For copy address the publishers.
A Little Book of Verse
“A Little Book of Verse” has been received from the author, R. A. Gilstrap, Selma, Cal. A dozen poems on as many pages make up the booklet. The price is ten cents.
The Law of God as Changed by the Papacy.
Printed on good, white paper, size 5½ x 11, giving the law as changed by the Catholic Church, surrounded by extracts from Catholic works showing that the pope is considered above all laws, and the admissions of the change of the fourth commandment. Price, three cents; 50 cents per 100. Address Pacific Press Publishing Co., Mountain View, Cal.
LIFE
and
HEALTH
Life and Health.
THE July number of Life and Health presents a wide range of subject-matter especially suited to the summer season, well illustrated, and pleasing in every way. "How to Live Twice as Long and Twice as Well," "Goat's Milk," "Fruits and Fruit-canning," "Infant-feeding During Warm Weather," "Kobe Sanitarium, Japan," and many other interesting themes are considered. The price is ten cents a copy. Liberal rates are offered to club-takers. Address, Review and Herald Publishing Assn., Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.
Influence of Association.
God's word places great stress upon the influence of association, even upon men and women. How much greater is its power upon the developing mind and character of children and youth! The company they keep, the principles they adopt, the habits they form, will decide the question of their usefulness here, and of their future eternal interest.
It is a terrible fact, and one that should make the hearts of parents tremble, that in so many of the schools and colleges to which the youth are sent for mental culture and discipline, influences prevail which misshape the character, divert the mind from life's true aims, and debase the morals. Thru contact with the irreligious, the pleasure-loving, and the corrupt, many, many youth lose the simplicity and purity, the faith in God, and the spirit of self-sacrifice that Christian fathers and mothers have cherished and guarded by careful instruction and earnest prayer.
Many who enter school with the purpose of fitting themselves for some line of unselfish ministry become absorbed in secular studies. An ambition is aroused to win distinction in scholarship and to gain position and honor in the world. The purpose for which they entered school is lost sight of, and the life is given up to selfish and worldly pursuits. And often habits are formed that ruin the life both for this world and for the world to come.
As a rule, men and women who have broad ideas, unselfish purposes, noble aspirations, are those in whom these characteristics were developed by their association in early years. In all His dealings with Israel, God urged upon them the importance of guarding the associations of their children. All the arrangements of civil, religious, and social life were made with a view to preserving the children from harmful companionship, and making them, from their earliest years, familiar with the precepts and principles of the law of God. The object-lesson given at the birth of the nation was of a nature deeply to impress all hearts. Before the last terrible judgment came upon the Egyptians in the death of the first-born, God commanded His people to gather their children into their own homes. The door-post of every house was marked with blood, and within the protection assured by this token all were to abide. So to-day parents who love and fear God are to keep their children under 'the bond of the covenant,'—within the protection of those sacred influences made possible thru Christ's redeeming blood.
Mother and Child. Defragation.
Teaching Lessons of Purity.
By Ellen G. White
By Mrs. E. G. White.
T is the mother's privilege to bless the world by her influence, and in doing this, she will bring joy to her own heart. She may make straight paths for the feet of her children, thru sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. But it is only when she seeks in her own life to follow the teachings of Christ, that the mother can hope to form the character of her children after the divine Example.
The world teems with corrupting influences. Fashion and custom exert a strong power over the young. From their infancy children should be taught lessons of purity. Mothers can not begin too early to fill the minds of their children with pure, holy thoughts. And one way of doing this is to keep everything about them clean and pure.
Mothers, if you desire your children's thoughts to be pure, let their surroundings be pure. Let their sleeping-rooms be scrupulously neat and clean. Teach them habits of order and neatness. See that they have a daily bath, followed by friction until their bodies are aglow. Tell them that God does not like to see His children with unclean bodies and ragged garments. Then go farther and speak of inward purity. Let it be your constant effort to uplift and ennoble your children.
Order is Heaven's first law, and the Lord desires His people to give in their homes a representation of the order and harmony which pervade the heavenly courts. Truth never places her delicate feet in the path of uncleanness and impurity. Truth does not make men and women coarse or rough or untidy. It raises all who accept it to a higher level. Under Christ's influence, a work of constant refinement goes on.
We are living in the last days. Soon Christ is coming for His people, to take them to the mansions He is preparing for them. But nothing that defiles can enter those mansions. Heaven is pure and holy, and those who pass thru the gates of the city of God must be clothed with inward and outward purity. They must be without "spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." The charge to us is, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting in the fear of God."
Hygienic Care of the Mouth.
By A. M. H.
THE mouth of even the healthiest person is anything but wholesome on waking in the morning, and it is not enough to brush the teeth and tongue, tho this is important; the mouth should be given hygienic care as part of the morning toilet. Neglect will not only cause the teeth to decay, but will make the gums weak and unhealthy. Nothing should interfere with the morning grooming, and the thoro brushing, just before going to bed. Early neglect is the chief reason why ugly teeth are so frequently seen.
If a mother wants her children to form habits of personal cleanliness, she must provide them with the articles necessary to a refined toilet, especially a good tooth-brush and good tooth-powder. Teach them never to crack nuts or bite thread with their teeth. The mouth and gums can be kept in a healthy condition by washing the mouth out every night and morning with a strong solution of borax water, and some of the solution gargled as far down the throat as possible.
Thrush is a disease of the mouth, common to bottle-fed or delicate children, and this can be prevented by wiping the mouth out often with a lotion made of one half ounce of boric acid and one pint of water. For canker in the mouth, burn borax on the stove, and then powder, adding a little sugar. Sprinkle or blow on the cankered parts.
Decayed teeth mar the beauty of the face, no matter how fair. They not only cause much suffering, but are a menace to good health. See to it that you use only a pure antiseptic powder, also that after each cleansing all of the powder is rinsed away. This careful rinsing of the mouth is specially beneficial when the saliva has a tendency to acidity, to prevent the accumulation of tartar.
A. M. H.
The Influence of the Bible
The increasing influence of the Bible is marvelously great, penetrating everywhere. It carries with it a tremendous power of freedom and justice, guided by a combined force of wisdom and goodness.—Mori.
The Smoking Boy as a Cipher
The boy who smokes cigarets is like a cipher with the rim knocked off.—Burdette.
A Confidential Chat with Our Subscribers
By Editor
Last week we called your attention to the fact that we were about to issue a monthly SIGNS OF THE TIMES in magazine form, containing forty-eight pages and illuminated cover, and that this would be published entirely independent of the weekly SIGNS.
We were not quite satisfied with this arrangement, for from the very first we felt that our regular subscribers ought to have the privilege of reading this monthly number, but we did not see how this could be arranged without increasing the subscription price very materially; and this we did not want to do.
But in counsel over the matter a happy thought came to us which has helped solve the problem and enable us to furnish this monthly magazine to all our regular subscribers without extra charge.
The plan is this:
At the beginning of each month, issue the SIGNS OF THE TIMES as a forty-eight-page magazine, with cover, exactly in harmony with the announcement already made.
Each following week in the month issue a number of the SIGNS in the same form, without cover, containing sixteen pages.
Furnish both the monthly magazine and the weekly numbers to all our subscribers at the same price they are now paying for the sixteen-page paper.
Also furnish the monthly magazine and the weekly numbers in clubs at the same rates as at present. In this way there will be no change in our subscription price, and all our regular subscribers will receive the monthly magazine as well as the weekly.
The regular subscription price of the monthly magazine and the weekly issues will be $1.50 per year.
If any should want to subscribe for the monthly magazine without the weekly issues, they can do so at the following rates:
Three months’ subscriptions for the monthly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.25
Six months’ subscriptions for the monthly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
The retail price of the monthly magazine will be ten cents per copy. To regular agents and in clubs, the MONTHLY will be furnished at the following rates:
Each.
5 to 25 copies, one address, . . . . . $0.05
25 to 500 copies, one address . . . . . .04
500 to 1,000 copies, one address . . . .03½
Special rates on larger orders.
With this plan agents can be supplied with the monthly edition independent from the weekly.
This change in the form of the SIGNS will be made beginning with the August number, and the only essential difference our subscribers will notice will be in the size of the page. We feel confident that this plan will meet with the hearty approval of a large majority of our subscribers.
We might state that the special monthly issue will be divided into departments, covering about the same ground as at the present; but there will be some leading topic in each number. For instance, the leading theme in the August number will be the extensive preparations for war that are being made by the various nations, the building of mammoth battle-ships, and the expenditure of a vast amount of money. Taking these things all together they are truly alarming.
The leading theme of the September number will be the increase of destructive insects, etc., as spoken of in the prophecy of Joel. Millions of dollars are being expended by the United States Government and the various states in trying to combat these pests. We have some astounding facts and figures along that line.
The October number will be on the subject of finance, the heaping together of riches, etc. Here we shall present a formidable array of figures. Not only will facts and figures be given concerning these matters which will be very striking and intensely interesting, but attention will be called to the bearing they have on the fulfilment of prophecy.
We trust that as a result of this change we shall not only be able to retain all our present subscribers, but add many more to our large family. To this end we would ask our friends to call attention to this change and to the feast of good things which awaits all our subscribers. Subscriptions can be sent thru our various agencies, or direct to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.
C. H. JONES, Circulation Mgr.
Story of Pitcairn Island.
By E. H. Gates
The island, tho but a dot on the broad Pacific, being but two and one-quarter miles long by one and a half miles wide, is an interesting spot, and its history reads like a romance. Its location is a favorable one, being about two degrees south of the Tropic of Capricorn, for which reason the weather is never so intensely hot as in some of the islands of the south seas, and is never cold. Beautiful tropical trees,—the tall, graceful coconut palm—cover its surface from end to end. Refreshing breezes, cooled and moistened by passing over thousands of miles of ocean, constantly fan the surface of this lovely isle. It can be truthfully said of this island that
"Every prospect pleases."
The people who inhabit this little Eden are half-castes, their dark features and black hair plainly betraying their Tahitian blood, tho some of them have quite light complexions and blue eyes. At present there are but about one hundred and thirty of the inhabitants. The kindness and hospitality of this interesting people have been remarked by all who have ever called at the island.
We believe this little book will be read with profit and delight by all who are so fortunate as to secure a copy.
(Signed) E. H. Gates,
Supt. Polynesian Mission.
"Story of Pitcairn" contains 266 pages, and is illustrated with 26 engravings. Cloth binding, price, $1.00, post-paid. Pacific Press Pub. Co.
The Law of God.
Printed on good, white paper, size 9¾x13¾, giving the law as found in Ex. 20:1-17, surrounded by texts from the Old and New Testaments showing that the law as given at Mount Sinai was not done away with or changed, neither can be, but will stand forever. Price, five cents; $1.00 per 100.
For Sale
For Sale.—Five acres of rich, level land two miles from Santa Cruz, Cal.—a town of 12,000 inhabitants,—and one mile from the village of Soquel. A new, well-built cottage of four rooms, bath, pantry, and clothes-press; small barn; inexhaustible well; windmill, and 3,000-gallon tank; 100 full-bearing Bell Flower apple-trees; 35 early apple-trees; a four-year-old orchard of fine assorted fruits; also large patch of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, logan berries, currants, gooseberries, and grapes. The climate is the best in California, and the surroundings most attractive. One mile from beautiful Monterey Bay, few miles from famous big trees. Price, $2,800. Address G. O. Wellman, R.F.D. 2, Santa Cruz, Cal.
Imported Beauties
Special 100 Bible Cards $3.00; 100 Heavy Paper Mottoes 12x16, $6.00; (27,000 sold in April and first half of May). We have four languages: English, German, Danish, and Swedish. The more you buy, the less they are. 15 for $1.00. Address with stamp.
HAMPTON ART COMPANY
Lock Box 257
Hampton, Iowa
Suicide Statistics
We call special attention to the announcement of the circulation manager, Mr. Jones, on the preceding page of this issue. It is important.
One of the great questions which faces us as editors is how to find space to lay before our readers the unfolding events of prophecy, the developments of great world-movements, and the crystallizing of principles of eternal import into national and international action.
Suicide Statistics.—According to statistics recently published by the Swiss government, there have committed suicide during the last thirty-five years 16,640 persons in Switzerland, 323,600 persons in Germany, and 274,000 persons in France. German official figures put the number of suicides in Europe yearly at 70,000. Cases in the German empire itself have risen from 10,510 in 1895 to 12,730 in 1905. In America the number is estimated at about 3,000 annually, and is increasing.—Medical Record.
He who slumbers in God's work now is in danger of sleeping till all opportunities are past. If ever God's message should ring in the ears of His children, "Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light," it is in these days when everything is vibrant with the intensity of living principles. Never was there such a struggle in all the ages as now between the principles of right and wrong. Never were Satan's means of deception so clothed with robes of light, "to deceive, if possible, the very elect." There is but one sure safeguard, that is the rock of God's truth, which is open as a refuge for all; and the sure promise comes to us, "Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which is come upon all the world to try them that dwell on the earth." Rev. 3:10. But to keep the word of God's patience, it is necessary that we, like the psalmist, shall hide His word in our heart that we might not sin against Him. Ps. 119:11.
Grover Cleveland, twice President of the United States, for many years prominent in political life, died at his home at Princeton, N. J., June 24, of heart failure complicated with pulmonary difficulties of long standing. The funeral was a quiet one, there being little ceremony as the ex-President was laid to rest by the side of his daughter Ruth in a little cemetery in Princeton, June 26. Mr. Cleveland is well known in the United States, and in other lands as well, as a statesman of unusual ability, having worked his way from law student to President, and the words of condolence from President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Taft, Mr. and Mrs. Carnegie, and scores of others prominent in public life, attest the real feeling of sorrow at his death. Mrs. Cleveland and four children constitute the immediate family of the deceased. They have the deepest sympathy of the American people everywhere in their bereavement.
Articles on Hand.
By Editor
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES has a corps of correspondents in foreign lands who ought to be appreciated by our readers. In this issue we present an article from "Kosmios," our correspondent in Japan, one who has been there for years; a clear, careful observer on "Japan and the United States." We have another from one of our India correspondents, the editor of The Oriental Watchman, on "Principles of Nihilism in India." We get occasional brief telegrams from that great field showing us something of the principles which are leavening the minds of the natives. This is an article written by an observer of events; one competent to measure them in the light of principles. Another from India by a former Trinidad editor, on "Some Congresses in India."
Two articles from our Roman correspondent setting forth conditions in Rome, Italy; a stirring article from our Swiss correspondent, situated in the very crown of Europe, where, like an eagle in his aerie, he can discern the various movements which are operating in Europe at the present; and right upon these comes our London letter, noting the conditions that are existing in the greatest power in earth, the British empire. And these are what our readers will get constantly. Events among the nations will grow in importance as the days go by. It isn't a world of entirely different nations now; the movements among the nations soon become great world movements. Wrong principles develop into wrong action, crystallize into wrong laws. Right principles cherished will bear fruitage in right action. Lowell has truly expressed both sides of the question in his wonderful poem, "The Present Crisis."
"For mankind are one in spirit, and an instinct bears along, Round the earth's electric circle, the swift flash of right and wrong; Whether conscious or unconscious, yet Humanity's vast frame Thru its ocean-sundered fibers feels the gush of joy or shame;— In the gain or loss of one race all the rest have equal claim."
And it is true that "Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide, In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side; Some great cause, God's new Messiah, offering each the bloom or blight, Parts the goats upon the left hand, and the sheep upon the right, And the choice goes by forever, 'twixt that darkness and that light."
And so in these great world-movements at the present time which the SIGNS OF THE TIMES portrays and describes there are great, living principles which demand action on the part of every individual and nation.
Apart from these reports of conditions in the great world by our correspondents, we have articles on The Great Day of the Lord, Its Character, Its Relation to the Close of Probation, and God's General Plan of Salvation.
Weekly articles from the pen of Mrs. E. G. White, for general and home, presenting great, deep, simple principles of Christian living. Articles from the pen of Mrs. Adams, home and general; articles on the prophecies of Daniel, by Prof. B. G. Wilkinson; articles on Man's Condition and Need, and How that Need and Condition Is Met in Our Lord Jesus Christ; articles on the True and False Church, and Biblical Evidences for Each.
These are only a very small part of what the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will present before its readers in the year to come. All our readers may not agree with us; many of them may be directly opposed to us regarding some Biblical teachings, such as the Sabbath and the nature of man. We only plead with them to study these questions with us further; but there are many other great questions with which the SIGNS OF THE TIMES deals, to which we would be glad to call their attention.
We hope that our readers will do what they consistently can to extend the circulation of the paper. The journals are so few which treat these great questions from the Biblical and prophetical standpoint, the only true view-point from which they can be treated or rightly seen and understood. Surely we should do all in our power to give the widest circulation to such papers.
Speaking of the "Catholic Centenary," the Homiletic Review says: "The fanatical hatreds of the past have been outlived and forgotten." "This great church has evidently proved to be a salutary factor in American life. Since 1820 over twenty-two million immigrants have come to us, far the larger part of them Catholics. That they and their children have mostly become good Americans is in large part due to the teaching of their church, which, stimulated by its Protestant environment, is incomparably superior to what it is in Spain and South America. In this environment it has naturally suffered losses, estimated by a Roman Catholic in 1893, at twenty millions. Nevertheless, it still numbers upward of thirteen millions, with its chief strength in the great cities, where its good influences are needed most." But it is our great cities which control the politics of this country, and here it is where Roman Catholics have shown their worldly wisdom.
"It Is the Last Time."—No hour more solemn than this in the mighty issues involved this world never saw. The world, the mass, may not so regard it. They are ignorant of the times. Judah and Rome knew not the awful responsibility of putting to death the Son of God. The great world is rushing on to death and the judgment, while human beings, involved in the doom which waits the world, are, like children, amusing themselves with bubbles, oblivious of what awaits them. Angels of God must sorrow at the sight. It is sad to see a man starve with food before him. It is sad to see a man walk off a precipice with clear words of warning ringing upon the air. Yet that is what the great world is doing now. To all the solemn warning sounds out: "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come."
The Day.—We can desecrate that day alone which God has made sacred. We can profane that day alone which God has made holy. We can dishonor only that day which He has honored. On the other hand, we can hallow only that day which God has sanctified. We can keep holy only that day which God has made holy. He has hallowed or made holy but one day; namely, the seventh day of the seven. It is but will worship to do or to attempt to do what He has not commanded. Well may He say, "Who has required this at your hands?"
