p. 765 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 48. (10/8/1894)

THE VALUE OF A CHURCH PAPER.

By Christian Intelligencer

It is astonishing that some pastors, and the people generally, are so little interested in the circulation of a worthy denominational paper. Pastors stand sadly in their own light when they fail to encourage the members of their churches to take a good denominational paper. It is simply impossible for church people to be in the largest degree useful to their churches, to their denomination, and to the cause of Christ at large, if they do not take a religious paper. There is no investment of money which will bring larger returns for the church, for the denomination, and for Christianity than what is expended in procuring good religious papers. Four cents a week for the year will secure the weekly visits of a great, strong, wholesome, and altogether superior religious paper.

The general circulation of such a paper in a church is worth as much to a pastor as is an assistant in pastoral work. Church members cannot intelligently give to or work for denominational societies and other objects of benevolence except they be familiar with the scope and manner of their operations, and such familiarity can come only from the weekly visits of a religious newspaper.

In all our churches there are many young members who were brought up outside of our denomination; there is also a considerable proportion of such who are more advanced in years. How can they know what our contemporary enterprises are, and how can they come into touch, either with the living present or with the hopeful future, except they take a weekly denominational paper? Men of wealth could not do better with hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars than to aid the pastor in introducing a worthy denominational paper into churches and missions. A pastor in this city a few weeks ago paid for twenty copies of such a paper, to be sent to as many families connected with a mission of his church. Could he have made a better investment of the amount?

CAMP MEETINGS FOR 1894.

By General Conference Committee

Colorado, Delta...................................Oct. 3-8 Southern California, Los Angeles........Oct. 4-14 Arkansas (Southern), Nashville........Oct. 19-29 Florida, Tampa...................................Nov. 8-18

Appointments marked by a star will be preceded by a workers' meeting.

GEN. CONF. COM.

A HOME IN BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN.

FOR SALE.—An eleven room house, in good condition. Fine well of pure water on the place. Four blocks from College, Sanitarium, and Review Office. Special price to immediate purchaser. Address, W. N. Kennedy, Berkeley, California.

LITERARY NOTICES.

By Editor

[The SIGNS OF THE TIMES holds itself under no obligation to notice any publications sent it by publishers. Those considered worthy of notice, or which are deemed profitable to its subscribers, will receive such notice as time, space, and value will permit.]

A Standard Dictionary of the English Language.—Projected on Original Plans and Designed to Give, in Complete and Accurate Statement, in the Light of the Most Recent Advances of Knowledge, and in the Readiest Form for Popular Use, the Orthography, Pronunciation, Meaning, and Etymology of All the Words and the Meaning of Idiomatic Phrases in the Speech and Literature of the English-Speaking Peoples. Volume 1, Funk & Wagnalls Co., New York.

It has been said that the making of a dictionary of words is an event of importance in the literary world. The last decade in America has been marked by a thorough revision of one dictionary and the issue of two new ones, all of them reflecting credit on the publishers and the nation. Among these three works, all of which we have before us, together with Worcester's latest revision, the palm of excellence must be awarded to the Standard, judging the completed work by the volume which lies before us. The publishers have modestly termed it, on its title page, "A Standard Dictionary," but it is safe to predict, on the supposition that its merits are appreciated, that it will be "THE STANDARD DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE."

Having stated this much, it is due our readers that we present some of the reasons why the Standard is considered the best dictionary:—

1. Its vocabulary is richer and fuller than that of any other dictionary, not only indicating the growth in the language, but the diligent, painstaking, and laborious research of its editor, his associates, and colaborers. To illustrate: Johnson's Dictionary contains 45,000 words; Stormonth's, 50,000; Worcester's, 105,000; Webster's International, 125,000; Century (6 volumes, complete), 225,000; Standard, almost 300,000, nearly 75,000 more words than the six-volume Century.

2. In defining words the old order has been reversed. That is, where a word has two or more meanings, the most common meaning is given first, the less common next, and so on down to the obsolescent and obsolete forms, and the etymology last.

3. The Scientific Alphabet, prepared and recommended by the American Philological Association, and adopted by the Spelling Reform Association, is used in giving the pronunciation of words. This might seem to be a disadvantage, because of its general unfamiliarity, but this objection is overcome by a simple key, much freer from diacritical marks than are most directions of this kind; while the advantage of the Scientific Alphabet in aiding to an exact pronunciation outweighs all the disadvantages. One of the most world-renowned of living philologists, Prof. F. A. March, of Lafayette College, has had the charge of this branch of the work.

4. The quotations used to verify and illustrate the meaning of words are so definitely located that they may be easily found if the work from which they are taken is accessible. The name of the author, the book, page, and edition of the work, are all given. Nearly 1,000 volumes have been read for the purpose of obtaining standard quotations. English literature has been ransacked from Chaucer to the present.

5. Disputed pronunciations and spellings have, under the direction of Professor March, been referred to a special committee of fifty eminent scholars who are noted philologists in American, English, Canadian, Australian, and East Indian Universities, and representative professional writers and speakers of English. Thus the best scholarship has contributed to correctness and best usage in this respect. When a word has more than one pronunciation, that first given is preferred by the Standard; those following are from other dictionaries.

6. Geographical names are spelled according to the decisions of the United States Board of Geographic Names. This will be a great help in postal directions.

7. In words fully Anglicized the diphthongs "æ" and "œ" have given place to simple "e." Many chemical terms have been simplified, in compliance with the wishes of eminent chemists.

8. Special, class, and technical words have been defined or approved by specialists competent so to do. When a word is used in an opposite sense, as is the case with some religious names, both definitions are given.

9. What will prove of especial value to the untrained student and printer are the following points: (a) Only proper nouns, or proper words derived from them, are printed with initial capital. (b) Compound words have been reduced to a scientific and regular system. This will be of great help to those who desire to establish uniformity in usage. The union of compound terms is indicated by the double, or German, hyphen. (c) The syllabication, or the dividing of words into syllables, is another important aid to the printer and teacher.

10. The encyclopedic character of the Standard is remarkable. Under "apple," for instance, we have a list of nearly four hundred varieties, classified under the various headings of size, form, color, quality, use, season, and where best cultivated to advantage. Under the word "American" we have a classification into main divisions and subdivisions of all the various Indian tribes of this continent, with their original locality. The same is true of coins, weights, stars, elements, etc., etc. Under the names of the various trades and sciences are given lists of the technical terms used therein, as, for instance, under "carpentry" are all the various terms used in that trade, and so with others. These various words are defined in the vocabulary.

11. An immense amount of time and care must have been expended on the matter of synonyms, in which the Standard is especially rich. The various meanings of synonymous words are given with a nicety of discrimination which shows both care and scholarship.

The above is not written with any desire to flatter. The Standard is all that we have said it is, and more. It has all the excellences of all the other dictionaries, and many more which we have not space to note. Our expectations (and they were high) are more than met.

The publishers have employed in its production 247 office editors and specialists and nearly 500 readers for quotations. Many others have rendered needed service in various ways. By the time both volumes are on the market the dictionary will have cost the publishers nearly one million dollars. The best scholarship of the world has contributed to its richness and exactness; no expense or care has been spared in its mechanical execution, which, in illustrations, printing, and binding, is simply superb, and we can but wish that the work will be so thoroughly appreciated as to repay the enterprising firm which has given it existence. It will prove a blessing in every household and library. Sold only by subscription. Address the publishers for terms.

LIFE AND SERMONS OF JONATHAN ALLEN, PH.D., D.D., LL.D., PRESIDENT OF ALFRED UNIVERSITY, N. Y.—Illustrated. Published by subscription.

The biographies and lives of good men, though nearly always written by friendly and partial pens, are generally suggestive and helpful. That is truly the case with the work under review. The author of the book is the wife and lifelong companion of President Allen, one who shared his toils and labors, his struggles and triumphs, and who not only knew the outer man better than any other mortal could know, but who also knew better the inner life, the more secret revelations of the worse or better man, unknown to the public. This book presents before us a twofold picture, the one objective, the other incidental; the first, in the foreground, is the building of a strong, manly character; the other, in the background, is the building up of a great institution, around which centers much of the life of a small but noble denomination, and which has had much to do in moulding its methods and spirit; for President Allen's life work, and that of his wife (for they cannot be separated) was bound up with Alfred University. The story is told in an interesting way, in choice, pure, and dignified language, in twenty-three chapters. It sketches early life in Southern New York, the privations, struggles, and obstacles in the way of an education in those times, which now would seem impossible to meet successfully, but which in those days proved stepping-stones in the path of many a noble character.

To put it briefly, the book traces the career of the boy that was "father to the man," and sets forth graphically the high and noble purposes and principles, based on a religious education, which controlled him. It gives his career as a student, a professor, a president, a pastor, and a counselor. More than a score of sermons and parts of sermons are given, which teem with strong suggestive thoughts, helpful and invigorating to the student and interesting to the reader. Some of the subjects are: "God in All, All in God," "Faith," "Obligation Imposed by Culture," "The Ministry of Joy and Sorrow," "The Ideal College—a Light," "The People's Debt to Colleges," "True Education." We have not had time to read them all. Most excellent words are uttered on the "College Community," and its obligations. In the life of President Allen the young man will find a noble example, pointing onward to the One Great Example. The work we anticipate will be warmly welcomed by the alumni and friends of Alfred. It should be. Finely illustrated and printed. Price, cloth, $3.50; morocco, $5.00. Address Mrs. Abigail A. Allen, Alfred, N. Y.

In order that the influence of the Papacy over legislation may be better understood, a document has been compiled from the Congressional Record containing the speeches of Representative Linton and extracts from the speeches of Senators Gallinger, Daniel, Quay, and Call on the Indian appropriation bill, which will be furnished to those interested at the price of $2.50 per thousand copies, $1.50 for 500 copies, or 50 cents for 100 copies. This matter is inclosed in envelopes, and franked, so as to be available for distribution without postage. Orders should be directed to Rev. Green Clay Smith, box 333, Washington, D. C.

RISE AND PROGRESS

By John Norton Loughborough

OF

Seventh-Day Adventists.

Tokens of God's Hand in the Movement, and Brief Sketch of the

Advent Cause from

1831 to 1844.

By J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

This new book, fresh from the pen of one of the oldest ministers in the advent movement, cannot but be of great interest to all, and especially to those who have become Seventh-Day Adventists in recent years and know but little of the early history of the cause and its leaders.

The following are some of the chapter headings: Extent of the Advent Proclamation; The Tarrying Time; The Midnight Cry; The Disappointment; Fresh Tokens of Divine Guidance; Perils, Reproaches, Victories; New Features in the Work; Providence of God in the Publishing Work; Organization; Rapid Advancement; Though Workers Faint, God's Work Advances; Truth Advanced Even by Opposition.

The book contains nearly 400 pages, with 50 illustrations, several of them full page, and is neatly bound in cloth, and furnished in two styles.

Cloth, plain edges - - - - - $1 25 Cloth, gilt edges - - - - - 1 50

Books sent postpaid on receipt of price.

Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., OAKLAND, CAL.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.

What Is It? Is It Science? Is It Christian? Is It Akin to Modern Spiritualism?

The subject of Christian Science is treated under three heads:

I. Is It Scientific? The author shows by copious quotations from the writings of Mrs. Eddy, Dr. Marston, G. B. Day, and others that "Christian Science" is not only unscientific, but in its teachings directly contradicts the most plain and simple facts of science.

II. Unchristian Theories. Here it is shown from their own writings that "Christian Science" is opposed to the teachings of the Bible and the principles of Christianity, corresponding in almost every particular to Spiritualism.

III. Modern Spiritualism is a treatise on the origin, character, numerical strength, doctrines, and deceptive practices of Spiritualism.

This little work deals extensively with the writings of the leaders in Spiritualism and Christian Science, and from the extracts quoted the reader can get a very good idea of the nature and trend of the doctrines of each. It should be read by every Christian. 85 pages, paper covers, price, 15 cents. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO., Oakland, Cal. 43 BOND ST., NEW YORK.

LESSON III.—SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1894.

A SABBATH IN CAPERNAUM.

[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as is the common version.]

Lesson Scripture, Mark 1: 21-34.

AND they go into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.
And they were astonished at his teaching; for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
And straightway there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Saying, What have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
And the unclean spirit, tearing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? a new teaching! with authority he commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.
And the report of him went out straightway everywhere into all the region of Galilee round about.
And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Now Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell him of her;
And he came and took her by the hand, and raised her up; and the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were sick, and them that were possessed with devils.
And all the city was gathered together at the door.
And he healed many that were sick with divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and he suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Golden Text: "He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." Mark 1: 22.

NOTE.—This lesson gives us a typical instance of how our Lord spent the Sabbath. It is a divine commentary on the law of the Sabbath, for he expressly tells us in Matthew 12 that he did good and spent the Sabbath day in a lawful manner. He therefore spent it according to the Sabbath law; and the keeping holy of the Sabbath is spending it in the service of God, as did Christ, using it not for his own glory, but for the glory of the Father. Parallel accounts are given in Matt. 8: 14-17; Luke 4: 31-41.

After the events narrated in our last lesson, where did Jesus and his disciples go? Verse 21, first clause.
Where did they go on the Sabbath day?
What did he do in the synagogue?
How did his teaching affect the people? Verse 22.
What is said of the character of his teaching? Memory verse. Note 1.
What agent of Satan was present in the synagogue? Verse 23.
What did the evil spirit cause the afflicted man to cry out?
With what words did Jesus rebuke him? Verse 25. Note 2.
What was the effect of Christ's rebuke? Verse 26.
How did this miracle affect the people?
What questions did they ask?
What was the effect of this miracle upon that region of country? Verse 28.
Where did they go from the synagogue? Verse 29.
Who accompanied them?
Who was sick in Simon's house? Verse 30.
As they told Jesus about her, what did he do? Verse 31.
What was the result?
What occurred when evening was come? Verse 32. Note 3.
How did the people come together after the Sabbath? Verse 33.
What did our Saviour do to relieve these poor, afflicted souls? Verse 34.

N O T E S.

1. "He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes."—The teaching of the scribes, like the teaching of Roman Catholic priests to-day, had reference to the traditions of the past. The traditions of the elders were everything with them; that is, what this rabbi had said or what that rabbi had said. In fact, there was no more certainty in their teaching than is manifest among the higher critics of the present day. But not so with Jesus. He taught what he knew was the truth. He testified of that which he had seen, and spoke that which he knew in his own experience. No wonder that the people were astonished. As they themselves expressed it, "Never man spake like this man." So God would have his servants speak always.

2. SATAN'S object was evidently to distract the people and turn their attention away from the teaching of Jesus. The poor demoniac evidently desired to be relieved from the evil spirit, but as he sought to make known his desires, the controlling demon put other words into his mouth. In fact, the demon, fearful himself, asked if Christ had come to destroy him, and even confessed the power of Jesus. Jesus rebuked him. It was no honor to him to be confessed by demons. They could not add to his glory, even though they might speak the truth.

3. "At even, when the sun was set."—This was the close of the Bible day. It begins at evening at sunset, and closes at evening at sunset. This was the close of the Sabbath, answering to our Saturday night at sunset. This is the natural ending of the day, that which would be obvious to all people in all parts of the world. The Jews brought their sick at that time, because, according to the traditions of the fathers, it was sinful to bring them before. On one occasion the priests and Pharisees told the poor afflicted ones to come at some other time and be healed and not on the Sabbath day. Jesus healed all those who desired healing on the Sabbath, to show that it was a part of God's work of mercy and love. Never did he design that his Sabbath should be a day of misery for one afflicted soul. He will have mercy and not sacrifice. The Jews, rather than lose their property, would lift an ox or a sheep out of a pit on the Sabbath day; but rather than violate the mere tradition of the elders, they would not so much as put forth their hand to help a poor, afflicted fellow-creature like themselves. It was this spirit that was continually rebuked by our Saviour.

LESSON III.—SABBATH, OCTOBER 20, 1894.

GIVING UP ALL.

Lesson Scripture, Luke 21: 1-24.

AND he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury.
And he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than they all;
For all these did of their superfluity cast in unto the gifts; but she of her want did cast in all the living that she had.
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said,
As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
And they asked him, saying, Master, when therefore shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when these things are about to come to pass?
And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray; for many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is at hand; go ye not after them.
And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified; for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.
Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
And there shall be great earthquakes, and in divers places famines and pestilences; and there shall be terrors and great signs from heaven.
But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name's sake.
It shall turn unto you for a testimony.
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer;
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
But ye shall be delivered up even by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
And not a hair of your head shall perish.
In your patience ye shall win your souls.
But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.
Then let them that are in Judea flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein.
For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Woe unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days! for there shall be great distress upon the land, and wrath unto this people.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Do NOT neglect thorough and frequent review. Remember that the Spirit cannot bring to your remembrance that which you have never had in mind.

In this lesson we have the account of the widow and her two mites, and warnings against being deceived or terrified by the things to come upon the earth.

Whom did Jesus see casting gifts into the treasury?
Who cast in more than the rich man?
How much did the widow give?
Why was it more than all the rest?
What may we learn from this? 2 Cor. 8:12.
To what did some then call the attention of Jesus?
What did Jesus say of those things?
What question did they then ask him?
What warning did he give them?
Why was this warning necessary?
What need not terrify the people of God?
What did the Saviour say about wars?
What else will there be in earth and sky?
But before these come, what will be done?
For what purpose will God's people be brought before rulers?
What therefore must they settle in their hearts? Why?
By whom will they be betrayed?
What will be done to some?
How will all men regard them?
Yet what assurance is given?
What Christian grace are we exhorted to have?
What did Jesus say about the destruction of Jerusalem?
What are the people then to do?
What will there be upon the people in those days?
What will become of those upon whom the wrath rests?

NOTES.

1. INSTEAD of "abundance," in verse 4, the Revised Version has "superfluity." The same thought is expressed, but in a more striking manner. The rich gave what they could spare without inconvenience; the poor widow gave all she had. She, therefore, gave more than all of the rich men, for God does not measure gifts as men do. Men estimate the gifts to the treasury by the number of figures it takes to express them; God estimates them by the love which prompts them.

2. "TAKE heed that ye be not deceived." Christ does not rebuke his people for wanting to know all that is possible in regard to his coming; but he cautions them against being deceived. Many will come in his name, professing to be Christ. How shall we be able to detect the false prophets?—Not by written credentials that they may hold, nor by indorsements from other people, but by their words and works. Of the Good Shepherd it is said: "The sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. . . . And the sheep follow him; for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers." John 10: 3-5. They who know the voice of the Lord cannot be deceived by a voice that is not his. See also Matt. 7: 15-23.

3. THERE have always been earthquakes and famines and wars and pestilences. Therefore those of which the Lord speaks in verses 10-12, before which his people are to be delivered up and persecuted, must be the great ones immediately connected with his coming.

4. WHEN the people of God are brought before rulers for Christ's sake, there is to be no argument in self-defense, but Christ is to be presented to the people. When, under such circumstances, men seek to defend themselves, they thereby deny Christ. Stephen and the apostles are examples. They preached Christ, and did not ask favors for themselves. The people of God are brought into such places in order that the rulers may hear the truth. Instead of settling in their hearts what they shall say, they are to settle it not to meditate any answer. Christ will give them utterance, and the Spirit will speak through them. But men must have learned to trust the Lord before that time, or they will not trust

him then. They must have become acquainted with the voice of the Lord by faithfully studying his word.

5. "SOME of you they shall cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish." What a striking combination this is! They who die for the name of Christ do not perish. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it." Luke 9: 24.

6. JUST as in ancient times the people of God were to flee when Jerusalem was surrounded with armies, so in the very last days, when the decree goes forth that whosoever will not worship the beast or his image shall be slain, they are to flee. They are not to stay for anything. He that is in the field is not to return to his house to get anything out, and he that is on the housetop is not to come down. This means that they will previously have given up everything. He whose heart is then still set on any earthly possession, will hesitate to leave it, and will thus be destroyed. It is not by accident that this account of the time of the end immediately follows the example of the poor widow.

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