Earlier text: STORIES, BIOGRAPHIES, AND TRAVEL"A GREAT OPPORTUNITY."
By W. N. Glenn
"SUNDAY is a great opportunity that is given us for cultivating elements in our character which if not so cultivated do practically get stunted in the mechanical routine and thoughtless urgency of business."—Exchange. This is an unwarranted narrowing down to one day in seven the "great opportunity" which should comprehend every day. The whole probationary life of man is a "great opportunity" for "cultivating" character to bring it into harmony with the character of God, which character is expressed in His law, and is the same every day. The man whose "mechanical routine" and "urgency of business" six days in the week is an habitual offset to his one day of character cultivation, will not soon attain that degree of excellence in which there will be reflected the likeness of Christ. The man who takes one step forward and six backward will not soon reach "the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." If he would win that prize, he must "press toward the mark" every day. The sentiment expressed in the little excerpt at the head of these remarks is the Sunday-law theory in a nutshell,—the duty of cultivating character on Sunday is so urgent that there must needs be a State law to enforce it. The same article cites some specific duties for Sunday which are evidently supposed to be omitted on other days, but the omission may be atoned for by a strict observance on Sunday. For instance, we have the exhortation:— "Seclude yourself for some time with God; make a duty of seriously considering your ways, your habits, your disposition. Let your mind rest on the great Gospel facts, the life, the love, the death, the resurrection of Christ. Seek your Lord's presence and address Him with the words your own thoughts of Him suggest, and you will learn how reasonable and fruitful an appointment it is that from all your ordinary works you should rest every seventh day." Now the one who exercises himself unto godliness only on one day in the week will not find the "appointment" on that day a very "reasonable" or a very "fruitful" one. He may find some gratification in trying to compel other people to follow his hypocritical example on that day, but in that and in his being seen of men he will have his reward. The object of probation in this life is to cultivate such character as is expressed by the apostle John: "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He [Christ] is, so are we in this world." 1 John 4:17. His was no mere Sunday character; His was an every-day example; so also is that of the true disciple. W. N. G. Germany’s Answer to Disarmament
The Radicals, a political party in Germany, say that the new German Army Bill increasing the army by 13,487 men, is "Germany's answer to the czar's disarmament proposal." It is a very significant answer. The President's message recommending a very material increase in the American Navy is also significant in the same way. The whole world should know that the great Armageddon is almost here, and not a time of universal peace. FOR THE CLOSING OF THE CENTURY.
By Editor
ANY person who has traveled through a country strange and unknown to him knows with what diligence the traveler inquires for information concerning his journey and the land he desires to reach. He procures maps of the country and charts of the road, and studies them with great care. He seeks knowledge from every available source. So deeply concerned in the matter is he that his eyes often refuse to close in sleep. He parts with his possessions and is willing to spend his money and run the risk of losing health and even life itself, to reach the place of which he has only heard that wealth may be gathered there, or where he, perhaps, may "better his condition." With what joy he hails the presence of signs posted up here and there by the wayside, warning him of dangers ahead and advising him how to escape them! How he is comforted to learn where necessary supplies may be obtained and where shelter may be found! How he is relieved by the sight of a sign-board, directing him aright, where the road forks and every branch is confusingly plain, and with what special interest he watches for those signs which tell him of his whereabouts, and how near he is to the place he seeks! And when these signs of the way show that he is nearing his journey's end, his interest is still deepened, and how anxiously he watches for the appearance of anything which will more certainly assure him that he is almost there! The reader and the writer are fellow-travelers on the highway of time. Many are the dangers that beset our way; many the quicksands of sin into which we are liable to fall; many the by-paths where we are exposed to the danger of losing our way. Are we seeking for information regarding our way, and the heavenly country which we hope to reach, as anxiously as the man who desires to reach a better country in this world? Our interest and anxiety should be as much greater than his as the country we seek is better than the one he seeks. God in mercy has given us His Word, which is a light to our feet and a lamp to our path. It is the great road-book of our journey, and the unerring map of futurity. It tells where all necessary supplies may be obtained, and where shelter is to be found. It tells of certain signs which we are to see, and by which we may know that the journey's end is near, and says, "When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." Have we been passing these signs? Are we passing them now? Are we living in the time "when ye shall see all these things"? And is it true that "it [or "He," margin] is near, even at the doors"? These are interesting questions. True and plain answers will be sought by every candid person. As the only source whence accurate answers will come, we recommend the reader to study the "sure word of prophecy," "the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." As an assistant in this study, we recommend the reading of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. This paper will still continue its work of warning of a soon-coming judgment and of the necessity of a speedy preparation for that solemn event. In its general department will appear deeply-interesting articles on the Prophecies, the Sanctuary, the Lord's Day, God's Purpose Concerning Man, Man's Relation to God, Man's Nature, Whether Mortal or Immortal, His Future State, etc. The Outlook department will call attention to and consider the unusual disturbances in the physical world, the general trend of matters in and among the nations, in the political field, in the church, and in society, and point out the signs of the times as seen in them. The other several departments,—Missions, the Home, the Sabbath-school, and Editorial,—will each in its own sphere be interesting, instructive, and beneficial. For the year 1900 several extra numbers are already planned. An Educational issue will discuss the eternal principles of education, which subject, as many others, is breaking away from its old moorings and beginning to drift out into the ocean of uncertainty. A Fourth of July number will consider our nation's past history, its present course, and its future destiny. On these the search-light of prophecy will be turned, and in them will be found startling signs of the times. For these issues nothing extra is asked of our subscribers. At the close of the century will be issued the Outlook number. This will review the past and hold up the future to view in the light of God's Word. It will be even better, if possible, than our World's Harvest number, and important in proportion to the momentous and stirring times in which it will be published, and the proximity of the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. PUBLISHERS OF THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. THE WORLD'S HARVEST NUMBER.
By Editor
ALTHO the publishers of the Signs of the Times said in advance much in praise of the World's Harvest issue, and doubtless much more than some thought subsequent facts would warrant, we now see that many, since they have had opportunity to examine the number, are ready to testify of it in language akin to that used by the queen of old when she said, "The half was not told me." Read what some of them say. Pastor Uriah Smith, Battle Creek, writes:— I have not yet acknowledged receipt of the Harvest number of the Signs, which I now take occasion to do. I am highly pleased with that number. It surpasses, as it should do, the Centennial number. You have surpassed yourselves. I congratulate you most sincerely on the production of such a number; and, if it does not have an abundant circulation, it will show that our people do not know a good thing when they see it, or have a good chance to have it. Pastor R. A. Underwood, Williamsport, Pa., says:— I have read with much pleasure the articles of the Harvest number of the Signs. It is the best issue ever published. The articles of A. T. Jones, U. Smith, A. F. Ballenger, etc., are remarkable productions. I could not say too much in favor of the articles all through, and shall do all I can to get it before the people. Pastor Geo. B. Thompson, Rome, N. Y., says of the Harvest number:— I have been reading the issue, and I consider it by far superior to the Quarter Centennial number, both in workmanship and in matter. I think that the contents are fine, and will be the means of doing much to bring the light to some souls in darkness. W. S. Dann, 1515 Burt Street, Omaha, Neb., says:— The 1,000 copies of the Harvest issue reached us in good time. My wife has been out with them on a short trip outside of Omaha. They sell well. None of the other sisters have tried yet. They start at the close of the Sabbath. It is a splendid number. God surely guided in the make-up of the subject matter. I believe that many souls will have their eyes opened to see where we are living. From The Mail, Sheldon, Iowa, Nov. 3, 1899 (F. T. Piper, editor, and city mayor):— A Praiseworthy Publication.
The Signs of the Times, a religious journal (Seventh-day Adventist) published at Oakland, Cal., is to be issued as a special double number for the weeks of November 29 and December 6. An advance copy of this special number is before us. It is beautifully executed, both in the matter of illustrations and in the artistic neatness of its typography. It is called the World's Harvest number, and the18 appropriateness of this title may be seen at a glance. Its contents are a collection of articles contributed in a number of cases by men eminent as authors who are in nowise connected with the Adventist denomination, tho in the main it is the product of persons prominent in the Adventist sect. John Clark Ridpath, the historian, writes on "The Harvest of Greed." Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, D.D., editor of the Missionary Review of the World, contributes an article captioned, "A Great Crisis in the Work of Missions; the Fact, the Causes, and the Remedy." And other equally able and instructive articles appear. Every student of current and foreshadowed events can not but be interested in this very timely publication, and would be profited by giving it a careful perusal. In its value from a literary standpoint as well as historically we regard this special number with high favor. The world needs the helpfulness of more publications like it. Dr. Geo. W. Bugh, Beebe, Ark., says:— Gentlemen: Accept my thanks for Harvest Signs. I have noted its contents with pleasure and yet with solemnity. It is a master work of matter and illustration. It should find its way to every home on mother earth. Emperors and kings should read it, as well as the poor. Mrs. A. B. Mundy, Bay City, Mich., says:— I have been a reader of the Signs several years, and feel that I can not do without it. . . . I never get discouraged in my work, and the way grows brighter to me. I am so thankful I can have a part in this noble work [canvassing for "Coming King," etc.]. C. Sorenson, Oklahoma City, Okla. Ter., says:— I mention one brother I met last week. When the Quarter Centennial came out, he hesitated to order, [but now] he has ordered 500 Harvest numbers as well. Now, Centerville, Mass., says:— The Harvest number arrived last evening. I am very much pleased with them. I have been distributing them this morning. Hope there will be enough to leave one in every house in the village. J. R. Israel, Halifax, N. S., says:— Mrs. Israel is doing most of the selling. She only has thirteen left, and has had them only about one week. She sells about twenty per day, and does her work besides. They sell nearly double as fast as the Quarter Centennial did. Lina Hall, Kelso, Wash., speaking of her work with the Harvest number, says:— I went to my first neighbor. Each house was about seven minutes' away from the other. I sold one in every house I went to and found anybody at home. Mrs. Synthia Bush, 470 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio, says:— I have just received my Harvest number of the Signs to-day—ten copies. They are grand, best I have ever seen of the Signs. I know I can do a grand work, with the Lord's help. Inclosed you will find one dollar for twenty-five copies more just as soon as you can send them to me. Pastor S. B. Horton, Welsh, La., says:— The Harvest Signs came duly to hand. It is a superb issue in matter, illustration, and typography. R. I. Francis, Newark, Ohio, speaking of the Harvest number, says:— I would like to see Ohio double the work she did with the Quarter Centennial number. Every place I go I hear good reports from the special number. Others express their praises thus:— "The Harvest number came in this evening. My! but it is fine."
"I must say that I consider it an extraordinarily good number."
"The World's Harvest number arrived last evening. I am very much pleased with it."
"Think it is excellent as far as we have examined."
"I received the copies of the Signs. Sold all in a couple of hours. They sell at sight, the cover is so attractive." The second edition, which, in some important points of mechanical execution, is a great improvement on the first, is now going rapidly, and a third edition will soon be on the press, which will be still better. The second and all subsequent editions will bear date of December 6, which makes the issue current at least till the first of next year. The paper will be salable for months in the future; and, indeed, the time will be long before the truths it contains will be out of date. The publishers will keep on hand stock, from which all orders will be filled promptly. Let no one think it is too late to order. Just now is the best time of the year to circulate that splendid issue of the Signs—the best ever published. The price of this number is ten cents per single copy; five to twenty copies to one address, five cents; twenty-five or more to one address, four cents each. For the accommodation of all who may wish to send that issue to friends and avoid the payment of postage, the publishers will send it to any address in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, at five cents per copy, provided not less than five names are sent at one time. Some of the Medical Missions in the Far East.
By James Johnston
(Continued from page 11.) from three-years journeyings in China, Korea, Japan, and Siberia, refers to the very great impressions which her visits to one hundred and three medical mission stations made upon herself, of the efficiency of the art of healing, and its relations to spiritual blessings. No prophetic sagacity is required to perceive that the medical missionary is a Christlike pioneer for souls, as his ministry is the only effectual agency of pioneering in Korea and in some parts of China. As one representative of the medical stations, the English Presbyterians have an institution at Swatow, which receives more patients than any in the East. It is always crammed, generally containing four hundred patients. In addition to the actually-received patients, hundreds from long distances stand in the courtyard or throng the staircase. So great are the crowds that the doctor is occasionally borne off his chair in the consulting room by the rush of people overpowering the doorkeeper. Admirable as the medical and surgical work is, even more, if possible, are the religious benefits. Dr. Causland himself is an earnest teacher, and usually has fifty inquirers from the hospital patients. The lady missionaries have classes for women invalids, or those approaching convalescence. A large body of men and women have become Christians in the hospital, making it a bulwark of light and healing, both in the big city of Swatow and the area of which it is the center. Ascending the river at Wukingfu, there is another valuable hospital. A further ascent of the river to Hangchau shows one of the finest hospitals in the East, probably the best equipped anywhere. Chinese medical students have done much to bring a knowledge of Western methods within reach of the masses. Every student here must be an earnest Christian, and passes through a course nearly equivalent to that of the Edinburgh University. The cooks, gardeners, or servants employed are similarly devoted Christians, whose lives are powerful examples in commending the doctrine of the Cross. In the Women's Hospital the same principle is adopted, the nurses being Christian women. In the far-away city of Mukden, capital of Manchuria, is the famous Scottish United Presbyterian Church Hospital, superintended by Dr. Christie, and perfectly equipped. In Mukden Dr. Christie is a preacher in season and out of season. One year witnessed the baptism of fifty-four converts, whose lives, investigated in the villages, were of an earnest and devout type of Christianity. Patients in the hospital for six weeks have carried back the Gospel, and taught it so successfully that missionaries, going round the villages, have found the nucleus of a Christian church in several different places, where people met twice each Sunday for worship and fellowship—the hospital becoming one of the brightest of the bright places in the darkness—a darkness that can be felt—of China. A single missionary in these regions might do more, it is declared, than twenty evangelistic missionaries working alone at the present time—in the one hand carrying healing for the body, and in the other, the knowledge of eternal life.—Rev. James Johnston. This is an educational cook book. Its author believes that flesh meats should be discarded, and that the best way to convince people of that fact is to show them how large a variety of wholesome and palatable dishes may be prepared without them. This is well done in a series of 400 carefully-tested recipes interspersed with short talks on foods and food combinations, as well as other items of practical value and importance to every housewife. 130 pages, oilcloth binding, price 60 cents. This is a smaller and more condensed book than the preceding, and is intended as a help to those who wish to discard not only meat but all animal products, such as milk, butter, eggs, etc., as well. 96 pages, heavy paper covers, price 25 cents. Pagan Counterfeits in the Christian Church
A stirring appeal to the Church to abandon the Pagan and Papal relics to which the author shows she is still attached, and to turn to the Lord without reservation and without delay. 187 pages, paper covers, price 25 cents. "WHAT IS WORTH WHILE?" SERIES
This is the most appropriate series of booklets for gifts with which we are acquainted. An idea of their contents may be gathered from the titles given below, but nothing short of a personal examination will convey to the mind their real beauty and value. Young Men: Faults and Ideals
Girls: Faults and Ideals
What is Worth While?
Christ-Filled Life
By Still Waters
Laddie
Blessings of Cheerfulness
Miss Toosey's Mission
Ideal Motherhood
What a Carpenter Did with His Bible
Fruit of the Vine
Golden Rule in Business Price, 35c each or $3.50 per dozen A presentation edition of this soul-inspiring little volume has recently been issued. The binding is a light-colored vellum cloth, with side title in green and gold, and the edges are full gilt. Price, 85c This remarkable book on the Holy Spirit, by Mrs. S. M. I. Henry, makes a most appropriate gift for a lady. It contains 316 pages, and is bound in art vellum with side ornament and title in gold, and full gilt edges. Price, 75c A beautiful and reverential portrayal of the life of Christ for the young. Contains 160 pages, is profusely illustrated, and printed in large, clear type. Bound in two colors of vellum cloth, embossed in jet, green and gold, with marbled edges and gilt top. Price, $1.25 The subject matter of this volume is an important poem based upon the present unsettled condition in society. Its illustrations number fifteen, and are all original, striking and appropriate. It is printed on heavy enameled paper and attractively bound in Art Vellum Cloth, gilt top, 50c
Leatherette, in dainty shades, 25c An exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, by the author of "Steps to Christ." Well illustrated, 209 pages. Bound in half calf with marbled edges. Price, $1.00 Birds That Hunt and Are Hunted
Life histories of 170 birds of prey, game birds, and water fowl. Its 48 beautifully colored plates will cause the eyes of the boy or girl to sparkle with delight, while its description is entertaining enough to fascinate any one. 359 pages, good cloth binding. Both books sent post-paid on receipt of $3.50 The two books described below cover all our well-known birds, and contain 100 colored plates. These plates are made by a secret process which brings out the natural colorings of the birds to a degree of perfection never before attained in a popular-priced book. The volumes are uniform in size—7 3/4 x 10 3/8 inches—and binding, and make the most dainty gift to a lover of birds we have ever seen. An introductory acquaintance with 150 birds commonly found in the woods, fields and gardens about our homes. It groups the birds first according to color, then according to their preferences for certain localities, and lastly according to their season. These groupings make the identification of birds simple yet positive. All the popular names by which a bird is known are given both in the description and the index. 234 pages, 52 colored plates, strongly bound in cloth. An entirely new and exhaustive treatment of the Sanctuary question, showing the present work of Christ and its meaning. Over three hundred pages, fully illustrated, cloth, $1.00 and $1.50. This volume is filled with beautiful truths concerning the redemption of man, and will leave with the reader an inspiration for a higher and nobler life. 237 pages, illustrated, cloth, $1.00 and $1.25. A comparison of the heavenly and earthly Sanctuaries, together with a Scriptural view of the significance of their types and ordinances. 112 pages, paper covers, 10 cents. The Sanctuary and 2,300 Days
An exposition of Daniel 8:14, showing the relation of the two dispensations, the Mosaic and the Christian, and presents the work of Christ for the salvation of men in both type and antitype. 224 pages, paper covers, 30 cents. History of the Sabbath and the First Day of the Week
This large volume treats upon every Scripture which in any way refers to the Sabbath question. It also brings in important historical testimony concerning the change from the seventh to the first day of the week. 548 pages, library binding, $2.50. The Lord's Day the Test of the Ages
A clear yet brief presentation of a part of the Bible, and historical evidence concerning both sides of the Sabbath controversy. 128 pages, paper covers, 15 cents. The origin of its observance in the Christian Church. 108 pages, paper covers, 15 cents. Daniel and the Revelation
A verse by verse study of the two great prophetical books of the Bible—Daniel and Revelation. A truly remarkable volume of which nearly 100,000 have been sold. 757 pages, exclusive of numerous full-page engravings. Prices, $2.25 to $4.50. 79th thousand. A consideration of Christ's great prophecy recorded in Matthew 24th chapter, together with several other prophecies now being fulfilled. Issued in both English and German. 288 pages, 180 illustrations, cloth, $1.00 and $1.50. 20th thousand. This volume treats entirely upon the significance of such current events as the Increase of Crime, Increase of Great Storms, the Social Vice of To-day, the Heaping Together of Wealth, etc., etc. Issued in both English and German. Nearly three hundred pages, fully illustrated, cloth, $1.25 and $1.50. 8th Thousand. A brief but comprehensive treatise on the book of Daniel. 96 pages, paper covers, 10 cents. Two stories in which the need of economy and co-operation in the home is emphasized. 160 pages, illustrated, cloth, 50 cents. Illustrated Bible stories prefaced by the alphabet and short word-method reading lessons. A half million sold. 128 pages, cloth, 50 cents. A series of 282 short stories, and poetical selections which will interest every member of the family. Four volumes, bound in cloth, 1549 pages, per set $1.60. Three uplifting stories in which the actors carry out the motto, "Resolve well and persevere." 160 pages, illustrated, cloth, 50 cents. Here and Hereafter, or Man's Nature and Destiny
A thorough canvass of the great subject of man's future existence, and the nature of man in his present life. 444 pages, cloth, $1.00. A subject of prophecy and a sign of the times. Cloth, 40 cents. Soul and the Resurrection
Harmony of science and the Bible on the nature of the soul and doctrine of the resurrection. 224 pages, cloth, 75 cents. The past, present and future of the great Eastern Question as foretold in prophecy. 276 pages, cloth, $1.00; paper covers, 50 cents. Rise and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists
An interesting narrative of the early struggles and difficulties through which the pioneers of this people passed. 392 pages, cloth, $1.00; cloth, gilt edges, $1.25.