p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 4. (1/24/1911)

IT PAYS 3 WAYS

By Editor

First, agents who sell the SIGNS MONTHLY magazine because of its religious features, find it pays in blessings received.

Second, it is possible to sell from 25 to 100 copies a day, which makes it pay well from a financial standpoint. A California agent recently sold 300 copies of the January number in three days in a city of 30,000.

Third, the outdoor exercise is healthful, and the work is educational too—of inestimable value.

The February number, which is now ready, would be a good one to begin with. Send a trial order to your tract society at once. 5 to 40 copies, 5c per copy; 50 or more, 4c per copy.

Signs of the Times, Mountain View, Cal.

Our Little Friend

By Editor

Are you acquainted with OUR LITTLE FRIEND? This favorite of children wishes to extend its acquaintance and usefulness, and is therefore willing to make a special visit to the home of any child or its parent who would appreciate an interview with a "friend" of such good character. Simply make the request and we will send the special double holiday number with beautiful colored cover.

OUR LITTLE FRIEND Mountain View, California

An Unusual Spectacle in China

By R. F. Cottrell

TAKEN as a whole the Chinese are great gamblers, and devote much time to a very intricate form of chess. They also manifest remarkable skill in the construction and flying of various kinds of kites. But for physical sports, such as foot-races, baseball, football, swimming, and wrestling, the Chinese have little, if any, natural desire.

It is said that when this people first saw foreigners engage in recreative sports, such questions as the following were not unusual: "How much money do you receive for doing this kind of work?" "How much would you pay me to bat and chase the balls for you?" "Is this a kind of penance you are paying to your God?" "Are you doing this in order to store up merit with your God?" Or, on learning that it was merely for recreation or exercise, the questioner would doubtless remark, "How very strange that you would go to such great pains in doing so much work when you expect nothing in return."

In view of all this, the athletic meeting of November 16, 17, in which all the principal schools of Hunan Province participated, was an event of more than ordinary interest. It was held on the large military grounds at Changsha, in the presence of tens of thousands of spectators.

The first day's program was as follows: Marching, military drills, dumb-bell exercises, wand exercises, hoop exercises, strength and skill performances, football, boxing matches, writing matches, lantern races, foot-races, music,—instrumental and vocal.

The skill with which many of these parts were performed would have done credit to many of our good institutions in Western lands. A well-drilled native military band rendered music at frequent intervals throughout the program, a large number of the selections being popular American airs. The program and its execution were truly a surprise to Chinese and foreigners alike. It is planned to hold such a meeting as this every five years.

It is said that Japan, in adopting Western civilization, has at the same time, instead of becoming more favorable toward Christianity, been drifting into infidelity; and the work of the Christian missionary is far more difficult in that land than it was ten years ago. China is awakening from her slumber of ages, and many of her best friends and most careful students predict that in this respect she will travel the same road over which Japan is now passing.

This being evident, the present is the time to place within the reach of our Chinese brethren and sisters, a knowledge of the everlasting Gospel. The present hour is one of inspiration. It demands the best and most consecrated service that the missionary can render. It calls for loyal response in the heart and life of God's children in the home land. It requires on the part of all, the faith that will overcome obstacles and difficulties. May this our day of opportunity, be signalized by the most earnest effort and devotion, blessed and quickened by the Spirit of God.

R. F. COTTRELL.

Changsha, Hunan.

Our Work and Workers

By Editor

THREE persons were baptized, uniting with the church at Delta, Ohio.

SIX persons have been added to the church in Santa Cruz, California.

A SABBATH-SCHOOL and church have been organized at Visalia, California.

SIX were recently baptized and united with the church at Colville, Washington.

TEN souls in Lyons, France, are rejoicing in the truth which has recently come to them.

SEVEN believers at Pineville, Louisiana, are rejoicing in the faith, as the result of the season's work.

WHERE meetings have been held near Glenham, South Dakota, five accessions to the faith have been reported.

AT Miles City, Montana, five more souls have been added to the little company who are witnessing for present truth.

STEREOPTICON lectures are held in connection with our work, to illustrate the truth, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

DECEMBER 31 a new church of twenty-two members was organized in San Francisco, to be known as the Park church.

DURING the week of prayer at Gravelford, Oregon, six young persons expressed their decision to stand for the truth of God's Word.

IN Australia, two baptismal services were recently held in the Stanmore church, when twelve souls went forward in the ordinance.

As the result of meetings held at La Harpe, Kansas, eight have accepted the message, and two are witnessing for the truth at Sylvia.

THE enrolment of students in the Foreign Mission Seminary at Washington, D. C., at present numbers about eighty-five including academic students.

FIVE persons have decided to "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" at Unionville, Iowa. A Sabbath-school has also been organized.

IT is with sadness that we report the death of another laborer, Pastor E. R. Williams, president of the Cape Colony Conference in South Africa. His co-laborers write: "Brother Williams will be greatly missed in this field. So kind of heart and happy in disposition, he endeared himself to his fellow laborers as a brother."

The Power of Kindness

"KINDNESS comes with slippered feet, and knocks with gentle hands."

The Power of Gentleness

"THERE is more power in gentleness than there is in dynamite."

Money Used for Good

By Rutledge

By doing good with his money, a man, as it were, stamps the image of God upon it, and makes it pass current for the merchandise of heaven.—Rutledge.

The Sure Word of PROPHECY

By Editor

The Great Image

In this hurried age brief things are appreciated. That is one reason why this work on the prophecies of Daniel, by Elder M. H. Brown, is such a popular one. Beginning with the captivity of Judah, we have the following chapter titles:

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image Nebuchadnezzar's Proclamation The Writing on the Wall The World's History Outlined Another Line of Prophecy The Time Explained Daniel's Last Vision A Literal Prophecy and The Time of the End

Fully illustrated with charts and diagrams. 96 pages, price 10 cents.

Publications Wanted

By Editor

THE following persons desire late, clean copies of our denominational periodicals:

M. S. Hubbell, Route 1, Box 180, Ft. Smith, Ark.

C. F. Campbell, 4 Ellis St., Lynn, Mass.

Notice of the Annual Meeting of the Members of the Pacific Press Publishing Association

NOTICE is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that the annual meeting of the members of the Pacific Press Publishing Association, a corporation, organized and existing under, and by virtue of, the laws of the State of California, will be held at the office of the association on Villa Street, in the town of Mountain View, county of Santa Clara, State of California, on Monday, the 23rd day of January, A.D. 1911, at 10 o'clock A.M.

The election of directors for the ensuing year, the advisability of amending, repealing, or adopting new by-laws, and such other business as may be necessary or proper to be transacted, will come before the meeting.

By order of the directors. H. W. COTTRELL, President. H. G. CHILDS, Secretary.

LIBERTY

By Editor

THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BUREAU

AN illustrated, 48-page, quarterly magazine, published as an exponent and advocate of true religious liberty; defending Christianity and the rights of conscience; upholding the Bible as the infallible word of God; recognizing the church and state as ordained of Heaven for specific and distinct purposes, but vigorously protesting against the alliance of the church with the state in the attempt to advance religion and to promote the state.

Price 25 cents per year. Liberal terms to agents.

Address, LIBERTY, Takoma Park, D. C.

Life and Health

A PRACTICAL health journal, published with a view of meeting hygienic needs in every home; teaching how to care for the health and how to preserve life; prescribing simple home treatments to assist nature in throwing off diseases rather than adding more poison by using drugs or unnatural stimulants as remedies: teaching how to avoid disease as far as possible, how to manage in the home when sickness does come, and how to combat the disease by simple remedies which nature provides.

Send for sample copy and special rates to agents. Price 10 cents per copy or $1.00 per year.

Address, LIFE & HEALTH, Takoma Park, D.C.

The Ten Commandments.

By Editor

We have a beautiful four-page folder, tastily printed in blue and gold on tinted cardboard, giving the Commandments as found in the Authorized Version. This attractive little folder makes a very desirable gift for birthday or Sabbath-school class. Price, post-paid, 5 cents. Address this office.

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 Assn., Mountain View, Cal.

Other Choice Books

In sending for the above-mentioned pamphlet, you may wish to include in your request copies of some of the following:

Christ Our Advocate

A comprehensive study of the sanctuary question. 112 pages, price 10 cents.

The Lord's Day

A study of the Sabbath question in the light of the dispensations. 125 pages, price 10 cents.

The Saints' Inheritance

A beautiful study on the home of the saved. 88 pages, price 10 cents.

The Spirit World and a Future Life

Is there a supernatural power being manifested by certain mediums, or is it all fraud? If it is genuine, what is its source? 96 pages, price 10 cents.

Matthew Twenty-four

Christ's answer to the disciples' question, "What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" and the history connected with the fulfilment of this prophecy. 94 pages, price 10 cents.

Order through your tract society, or

Pacific Press Publishing Assn.

Mountain View, Cal.

61 Park St. No. Portland, Ore. 1109 E. 12th St. Kansas City, Mo. Box 1599, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Friend in the Kitchen

By Editor

Friend in the Kitchen.—This is an educational cook-book. Its object is to educate people away from flesh-eating by presenting to them a far better way. This "better way" consists of 400 thoroly tested recipes for the preparation of good, wholesome dishes, none of which include meat of any kind. The book gives the nutritive value of foods, time required to digest various foods, rules for dyspeptics, best food for infants, substitutes for meats, and, in fact, about everything a person wishing to reform his dietary needs to study. Durably bound in flexible cloth, 25c. Address this office.

ELO THE EAGLE

By Floyd Bralliar

AND OTHER STORIES

BY FLOYD BRALLIAR

THIS new animal book for young folks is receiving an eager welcome by all nature lovers. ELO THE EAGLE is the first of a series of ten interesting stories of animals, wild and otherwise; being, with one exception, the life histories of boyhood friends of the author. Many strange and laughable anecdotes are related by Mr. Bralliar, all of which are strictly true and vouched for by reliable witnesses.

The book is lavishly illustrated by special drawings, with a full-page half-tone design printed in Luxotype at the beginning of each chapter. Two hundred pages, printed on egg-shell paper, beautifully bound in red cloth. Price, post-paid, $1.00.

Easily sold by young people. Agents wanted.

Pacific Press Publishing Assn. Mountain View, California Portland, Ore. Calgary, Alberta Kansas City, Mo.

A Betrayal of Trust

By Editor

A Betrayal of Trust.—We suppose that when progressive politicians advocate the initiative, referendum, and recall, they mean what they say. When they declare that the people should speak at the primaries and so overthrow the corrupt party caucuses, they are sincere and mean to respect the voice of the people at the primaries. This latter has been repudiated by the California Legislature. The primaries gave Mr. Al. G. Spalding an overwhelming majority for United States senator; but the legislature has elected, contrary to the expressed wish of the people, Mr. John D. Works. Now we know nothing of the character or comparative ability of these men. Judge Works may make a better senator than Mr. Spalding; that is a question which only actual experience can demonstrate, and is not the point of this note. The action of the legislature, it seems to us, is a gross breach of trust, an exceptionally bad example. Apart from its effect on political ambitions in the future, which the people may remember, what will be its greater educational, moral effect upon the people and the aspiring young men of the State?

Great Cities.

By Editor

Of the ten largest cities in the world three are in the United States. These cities in their order of size are as follows: London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Chicago, Berlin, Vienna, St. Petersburg, Philadelphia, Moscow. There are eight cities in this country having over a half million of inhabitants, as follows: New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Boston, Cleveland, Baltimore, Pittsburg. Five cities of over 25,000 population to 100,000 made remarkable growth during the last ten years. Oklahoma City, 539 per cent; Muskogee, Oklahoma, 494 per cent; Birmingham, Alabama, 245 per cent; Pasadena, California, 232 per cent; Flint, Michigan, 194 per cent. There were nine more of this class that doubled their population. The great growth of cities is not healthy; and the foreign element of growth is largely in excess of the native. What a problem these cities present! How are these great masses to be reached by "the everlasting Gospel"?

Signs of the Times.

We do not mean the name of this journal, but the signs of the times in which we are now living. Jesus our Lord reproved the people of His time because they did not "discern the signs of the times." He told them that they could discern the face of the sky and the signs of the weather, "but how is it ye do not discern this time?" There were more evidences, more certain witnesses, of that great epoch than there ever were of weather changes. This is equally true of to-day. The eternal day is sometime to shine; and God has given many signs, tokens, evidences, that its dawning is about to break. From every phase of life come the evidences, heralds of that dawn foretold in divine prophecy. Should we not seek to know them? Shall we merit the divine rebuke, "How is it ye do not discern this time?"

Contained in This Issue

By Editor

General	PAGE
The Law Given to Israel	3
Studies on the Sabbath	4
Lessons in Liberty	5
The Revelation of Jesus Christ	6
Confidence in Prayer	7
Purgatory	7
The Christian Race	8
Our Lord Is Coming Again	9

Question Corner

Questions Nos. 3328-3333 . . . . . . 2

Our Bible Band . . . . . . . . . . 2

Our Bible Reading

What the Coming of Christ Means to the Wicked . . . . . . . 8

The Outlook

A Question of Principles - - - - - 10

A Great Country - - - - - - - 10

The Story

Shiloh: the Man of Sorrows.—Chapter L.

On Golgotha . . . . . . . . 12, 13

Missions

An Unusual Spectacle in China - - - - 14

Our Work and Workers - - - - 14

Poetry

Calvary and Eternity 5 The Babe of Bethlehem 7 There Is Power in God 9

Clergy Converts Enter Priesthood

The "Western Watchman" in its Rome Letter mentions that five High Church clergymen of England who recently became Catholics have all decided to enter the priesthood, and have begun studies with that end in view, at the Academy of the Noble Ecclesiastics. Another like case from Ireland is also mentioned.

A Life of Martin Luther

The December issue of "The Century" contains the first chapters of a life of Martin Luther, which is to run through the magazine year. This biography has as its chief motive the story of Luther as a personality and as an influence upon his time.

Women Reject Bird Plumage

It is announced from Washington that 2,000 American women have pledged themselves never again to wear birds or bird plumage upon their hats.

The Scientific American

By Editor

A Great Paper.—The Scientific American has filled out sixty-six years, and still is as fresh and young and strong as it ever was during these more than threescore years of life. During the past of its existence it has been enlarged from time to time, adding to the scope of its simplified science, making it not only understandable but fascinating to the layman, and stating its great facts and principles in good, clear, plain English. To many it has become a necessity, and we do not know of any one of intelligence who does not delight to look over its pages, and who is not sure to find something of interest. The number of men it has instructed are legion. It has been a great schoolmaster in mechanics, practical achievement, and knowledge of mechanical science. It takes on larger scope in the beginning of the new year; recasts its make-up in typography, which will make it even more popular than in the past; adds to its pages, and issues a monthly appendix, and all for the same price; but it will still hold to its standard of accuracy and authority. Its subscription price is $3.00 a year; its address, 361 Broadway, New York.

General Lawlessness.

By Editor

Thoughtful men who pay little attention to the Word of God, or make no mention of it if they do, yet are continually noting the fulfilment of that Word in recording or pointing out existing conditions. A striking illustration of this is a tract of thirty-two pages sent out by the Century Company, containing reprints of editorial articles in the Century Magazine on "Strike Violence, General Lawlessness, Yellow Journalism, and Bad Manners." We have not space to quote from these thoughtful utterances at this time; we reserve that for a later issue. We note here, however, that conditions are recognized as serious by men of the world, and the Bible has predicted them. Surely Christians ought to know and understand.

Mrs. Eddy’s Expected Resurrection

By Editor

Mrs. Augusta E. Stetson, the once noted Christian Science leader in New York, believes that "as Jesus Christ revealed Himself on the third day after His crucifixion and later was seen by a company of 500, so Mrs. Eddy will be raised from the tomb and will manifest herself to all the world in proof of her teachings that there is no death. With this demonstration of herself in a form that will be visible to all the world the end of the Gospel age will be signalized." But while Mrs. Stetson professedly holds to Christian Science, we could not quote her as representing them, inasmuch as she has been excommunicated by them. Leading Christian Scientists declare that they do not look for Mrs. Eddy to return to this world. Of course, they may in the future.

Lack of a Moral Standing.

By Editor

It is a deplorable condition that is revealed in Adams County, Ohio; and we are told that there is more or less of such conditions throughout the State and in both great parties. Up to December 27, 852 voters had been indicted for accepting or giving election bribes, and it is said to be probable that the number will reach 2,000. It would seem that every man had his price. In fact, lists of voters and prices for which each could be bought were found in four fifths of the polling places of the county, and were used by both the old parties. Farmers have publicly auctioned off their vote, and it caused no comment. The men were fined the price they received, sentenced for six months with sentence suspended, and disfranchised for five years. Two ministers are reported among the guilty ones. Fathers bought their sons' votes, and wives sold their husbands' votes. In some precincts there are no voters left. Such corruption is appalling. But is it confined to Ohio? The prophet spoke truly: “The prince asketh, and the judge is ready for a reward.”

North Ireland Against Home Rule

By Editor

The Belfast (Ireland) "News-Letter" of December 12 and 14 clearly and strongly indicates that North Ireland is not in favor of Home Rule. Elections in Ulster seemed to be decidedly against Home Rule, whatever the sentiment in England may be. The News-Letter contends that the elections were held in many cases before it was known that Mr. Asquith proposed to grant Home Rule to Ireland. It rather leads us to infer that the abolition of the veto of the House of Lords meant Home Rule, and perhaps had some effect in lessening the Liberal government's majority. There seems to be a fear among the Protestants that "Home Rule means Rome Rule." Mr. Asquith's government does not seem to be treading a path of roses. At least it is finding the thorns.

Intemperance and Poverty

Poverty and Its Chief Cause, Intemperance.—The American Issue quotes the Commissioner of Public Health of the city of Buffalo as saying, "Forty per cent of Buffalo's children are hungry." The Issue declares that if the amount that the liquor dealers pay for licenses were expended for flour it would buy 200,000 barrels, or 60,270,000 loaves of bread. The greatest need among the children is found, as always, where the greatest number of saloons exist.

Why Christ May Come Again

It has been the belief of the vast majority of professed Christians since our Lord walked the earth that sometime He would literally come again. The Bible declares it. Now why may He not come in our day? Do you know any reason why He will not? Do you know there are many reasons why we should expect that coming?

A Grand Sentiment.

Governor Dix of New York uttered a grand sentiment in his inaugural address: "The end of all government should be the preservation of true liberty—that liberty which guarantees to every man the fullest measure of individual right consistent with a proper maintenance of the rights of all others, and at the same time preserves and maintains the collective rights of all the members of the State. Under the constitution such liberty we possess in New York." But under New York laws it is not so. There is not true liberty for every man or any man as long as New York has on its statute-books a Sunday law potent with tyranny.