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Signs of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 3.

HIS SECOND COMING
Earlier text: The Present Cattle Plague

Russian Pilgrimages to the River Jordan

By Ludwig Krug

Each Russian Hopes to Make the Journey at Least Once—The Interesting Throngs That Gather—Improvised Sanctuary and the Ceremony in the River
By LUDWIG KRUG
TRANSPORTING MEAT TO JERUSALEM
TRANSPORTING MEAT TO JERUSALEM
BAPTISM OF FIFTEEN HUNDRED RUSSIANS IN THE RIVER JORDAN
BAPTISM OF FIFTEEN HUNDRED RUSSIANS IN THE RIVER JORDAN
Each year, on January 18, the Russian pilgrims who journey to Jerusalem for the Easter Passover, celebrate a baptism in the Jordan River. The first of the Russian pilgrims arrive in Jerusalem as early as October and November. These remain, and their number is continually augmented, until just before the Grecian Easter they number six to ten thousand. And they find shelter in barrack-like houses constructed after the Russian style.
Every orthodox Russian endeavors at least once in his life to make a pilgrimage to the holy city in Palestine.

The Throngs of Pilgrims

In order to witness this baptismal service, a party of four of us set out on foot for the Jordan River. Starting from Jerusalem at 2 P.M., and arriving at Jericho at 9 P.M., we found the small hotel and shelter houses completely filled with pilgrims and sight-seers who had arrived that morning or the day previous. As I was well acquainted with the proprietor of the Russian pilgrim hotel, we asked for lodging; but the proprietor, who, as well as some of the priests, was under the influence of liquor, pretended that his accommodations were all taken. Nevertheless, I placed my hand confidentially on his shoulder, and requested him to look again, and try to entertain us. God was gracious to us; for soon the matron came and guided us to the last vacant room, containing four beds. But in order to reach our room, it was necessary for us to step over the bodies of sleeping pilgrims who covered the floor of the hall. The matron brought in the customary refreshments, and we added to these what was left over in our knapsacks, and thus our evening meal was prepared. Soon after partaking of this, we were asleep.
Very early the next morning, the hotel was alive with activity, as the pilgrims were making ready for the march to the Jordan. From the roof of the hotel, it was a very interesting sight to view the pilgrim army in long, dark lines stretching away across the plain toward the Jordan River.
We went out to the site of ancient Jericho, which lies outside the modern Jericho, and inspected the excavations that are carried on at that place, also the fountain of Elisha, which is not far away. After this, we took up the march for the place of baptism at the Jordan River, which required one and a half hours.

The Scene at the Jordan

As we approached the Jordan, a most interesting picture presented itself to our view. There among the trees stood a great number of tents decorated with Russian and Turkish flags, and sounds of loud and joyful celebration fell upon our ears. We passed through the rustic gateway to the camp by the baptismal place, which had previously been cleared of all brush and trees. The camp presented a variety of humanity. About fifteen hundred Russians had encamped there; and at the time, they were taking their meal, consisting of bread, tea, radishes, and figs.
A miniature temporary church had been built from tree trunks and sheet iron, and also a Good Samaritan service from the Russian hospital at Jerusalem was installed. There were thousands of sight-seers mingled among the throngs of Russian pilgrims, who had come to witness this interesting event. Turkish gendarmes, in their blue uniforms, with loaded rifles, patrolled the length and breadth of the camp, to maintain peace and order. Photographers had taken positions of advantage in trees and hastily erected structures. These positions were chosen days before, and were not deserted for one moment, lest their rights might be disputed by other ambitious photographers.
Jerusalem Covered with Snow in Wintertime
Jerusalem Covered with Snow in Wintertime

The Ceremonies and the Baptism

About 2 P.M., the Russians assembled, and filled the space before the “most holy place” in the improvised church. There they stood packed together, and quiet as sheep, crossing themselves, and listening attentively to the liturgy read by Greek and Russian priests. The light of numerous candles before the “most holy place” added a peculiar effect to the scene; while these worshipers were surrounded by crowds of noisy, blustering Arabs and Greeks.
At the close of this service, the multitude of candidates for baptism proceeded to the bank of the Jordan. Some carried bottles, intending to fill them with so-called holy water from the Jordan. They carry this water back to Russia with them, believing that it will be a protection against sickness.
Shortly after 3 P.M., the Greek clergy, led by the bishop with the insignia of the church, entered a large boat, which was slowly propelled by skillful oarsmen toward the middle of the stream, near the candidates. There the Grecian priests read again the liturgy, the program being interspersed with songs; after which the archbishop read with a loud voice Matt. 3:13-17. There was indeed a certain solemnity about all these ceremonies.
After the Greek bishop had immersed for the third time the cross that he carried, the candidates all dipped themselves three times in the Jordan. This act produced a feeling of excitement and frenzy among the Russian spectators, while the Arabs and the Greeks accompanied the proceedings with joyful shouts and fireworks.

Carelessness and Disaster

I wondered if all this could pass off without any accident. Owing to the carelessness of the Greek priests, several persons in the mass that crowded together on the bank were injured; and after the baptismal service, it was ascertained that nine persons had been wounded, three of whom died. The next day, the body of a drunken Russian was found in the Dead Sea. The priest who was the cause of the disaster, although he greatly regretted it, was beaten almost to death by the mob of pilgrims. This tumult the Turkish gendarmes were almost powerless to suppress.
By this time, we had seen enough of the service to satisfy us, and now desired only to escape the unpleasant disturbance. Therefore taking our walking sticks, we started out for Jericho, and found shelter overnight in the same pilgrim hotel where we were accommodated on the trip out. Having been refreshed by a sound sleep, we arose at 5 A. M., and leaving the plain of Jordan, we followed along the rough ascending road that leads to Jerusalem.
On the right hand, winding through deep ravines, flowed the brook Cherith, where once Elijah was fed by the ravens. After three hours, we reached the Good Samaritan Inn, where we took breakfast; and continuing our way from there, we arrived at Jerusalem shortly after noon. The time on the journey passed quite rapidly, as we entertained ourselves by singing the beautiful songs of Zion land, strengthening mutually our faith by rehearsing our varied experiences in spiritual matters.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSN.

By C. H. Jones; H. G. Childs

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 the 25th day of January, A. D. 1915, at 10 o’clock A. M.
The election of directors for the ensuing year, the advisability of amending, repealing, or adopting new by-laws, or such other business as may be necessary or proper to be transacted, will come before the members of the association.
By order of the directors.
C. H. Jones, President.
H. G. Childs, Secretary.
See notice of special meeting.

SPECIAL NOTICE

By C. H. Jones; H. G. Childs

While the regular annual meeting of the Pacific Press Publishing Association will be called according to the date given in the foregoing legal notice, yet on account of the general meetings to be held in Mountain View in connection with the Missionary and Bookmen's Convention, March 5 to 15, at which time a large number of our members will be present, the regular annual meeting will be adjourned to Monday, March 8, 1915, at 10 A. M. At this time all the business that is usually transacted at the regular annual meeting will be presented for consideration.
We therefore extend a hearty invitation to all the members of the Pacific Press Publishing Association to attend this meeting on March 8.
This change in plan is suggested to accommodate many of the leading members of the association, including General Conference representatives and others who will be in attendance at the Missionary and Bookmen's Convention to be held in Mountain View on the date mentioned above,—March 5 to 15.
By order of the directors,
C. H. Jones, President.
H. G. Childs, Secretary.

Paper Covered Books

In most instances, the following books are paper covered editions of regular cloth and leather bound volumes selling at from 60c to $1.50 each.

Berean Library

No. 1. Steps to Christ $.25
No. 2. Thoughts on Daniel .25
No. 3. Thoughts on the Revelation .35
No. 4. His Glorious Appearing .15
No. 5. Sabbath in the Scriptures .25
No. 6. Sabbath in History .50
No. 7. Capital and Labor .25
No. 8. Here and Hereafter .25
No. 9. Bible Footlights .35
No. 10. Our Paradise Home .15
No. 11. Religious Liberty in America .35
No. 12. The Coming King .50

Bible Students’ Library

No. 58. Matthew 24 $.10
No. 128. Christ Our Advocate .10
No. 131. Sure Word of Prophecy .10
No. 134. The Lord’s Day .10
No. 140. Saints’ Inheritance .10
No. 164. Prophetic Gift in Gospel Church .10
No. 186. Last-Day Tokens .50
No. 197. Christian Science .10
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These pamphlets may be obtained of any of our state depositories.
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The Best Route to and from California

Two Great 1915 Expositions

At San Francisco February 20 to December 4, 1915
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There will be no postponement for any reason
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“The Heathen Will Laugh”

By Editor

Mission work in heathen lands has been made infinitely harder on account of supposed Christian nations being at war. How will our faithful missionaries answer Japan’s leaders of thought who ask for evidence that belief in Christ is more humanizing, more civilizing than Buddhism, Shintoism or Hinduism? The Signs Magazine for February contains two articles of great value on this very topic. One of them is entitled, “Attacking Christianity,” the other, “Christianity Needs No Defense.”
These are but two of the ten February features of the Signs Magazine.

OTHER FEATURES

The Coming Famine.
Turkey and the War.
“Satan Has Been Truly Converted” (?)
Why Does Satan Exist?
Prophesying Smooth Things.
The Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Current Topics—Seventeen of them.
Why the World Did Not End in 1914.

ITS STRENGTH

Great vital religious subjects are discussed in every number. The Bible interpretation of current events is also a regular feature.
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES MAGAZINE
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA

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THEY ARE BEAUTIES

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The Anti-Papal Panic

When Harper's Weekly Features a Series of Articles Headed as Above, the Subject IS of Importance!
THIS February number is an Eye Opener. Just the thing for sleepy Protestants and honest Romanists. Watch Rome's hand in American, European, and Mexican affairs. Read the article by “Catholicus,” an authority on church history. Subjects for 1915: “A Protestant Catechism,” “Protestant Reformation Stories,” “Bible Predictions Concern Romanism,” “Is Romanism Christianity?” “The Romeward Drift,” and “Current Events.”
The Rev. Wallace Radcliffe, pastor New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, D. C. (where Lincoln worshiped), writes: “Your Protestant Magazine is fine. More power to your elbow!”

Three Numbers Free

While they last, the October, November, and December, 1914, numbers will be sent free to all who subscribe for 1915—15 issues for the price of 12. When these three are exhausted, three other back numbers will be substituted, if desired.
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The Bible in the Home Life

By Mary Alice Hare Loper

The Word of God Is a Light — Light Can Do Us No Good if We Close Our Eyes to It — Store the Minds of the Children with the Blessed Words
By MARY ALICE HARE LOPER, M. S.
“THY word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” A lamp is of no service to the individual who closes his eyes to the light. He gropes in darkness just as if there were no light near him. The Bible can never illuminate the path of him who willfully obscures its light. There is something wrong with the religion of that individual who is not willing to receive and appropriate every ray of light that shines from the word of God.
If I am practicing something that is not in harmony with the Bible, and I refuse to study the Bible, for fear I may become convinced of that fact, I am surely closing my eyes to truth, and permitting prejudice to hold sway in my life.
The world has had its Luthers and its Wesleys because of honest Bible study. The one who truly loves the Bible is happy to investigate its truth. He is anxious to have his life in conformity with every right principle, no matter what the cost may be. As his own errors and mistakes become apparent to him, he cheerfully “ceases to do evil” and “learns to do well.” But blind prejudice as surely prevents spiritual growth, as poisonous cigarettes prevent physical and mental development.

Teach Them to Believe the Bible

Even little children may become prejudiced in their ideas concerning Bible truth. A wee child, speaking of something she evidently had been taught not to believe, said to her mother, “If we found that in the Bible, we would tear it out, wouldn’t we, mama?” Children should be taught that whatever is found in the Bible is truth, and that if one discovers some truth there which he had not seen before, he ought to accept it cheerfully. On the other hand, one should have respect and charity for those who conscientiously differ with him in matters of faith, and under no circumstances give room to prejudice.
Proper instruction by parents in Bible principles is of inestimable value to every child. Moses withstood all the temptations to inherit the throne of Egypt, because of the faithful instruction of his godly mother. Milton has beautifully said, “The childhood shows the man as morning shows the day.” It pays to cherish hourly in the home the blessed principles of God’s holy word. Life is not worth living without this. But no one except Him who knows all about it, can estimate the value, to the world, of one life lived in harmony with God. Its blessed results will measure with eternity.
That man who is the priest of his household, as was Abraham of old, will not set an example that will be dangerous for his children to follow. He will not talk temperance when he goes to church, and then vote “wet” when he goes to the polls. He will live the life that he recommends to others. He who is true to himself and true to God, lives for the good of humanity. His kindness flows out in living streams to thirsty souls, and his highest position of honor is found in hiding behind the cross of Christ. Self is lost to sight, while Christ and His blessed word are magnified before the world.
“Give me the Bible, holy message shining, The light shall guide me in the narrow way, Precept and promise, law and love combining, Till night shall vanish in eternal day.”
The American home is sadly neglected to-day because of politics, social affairs, clubs, and pleasure seeking; and the disobedience and disrespect of children attest this fact. The pure Christian principles of God’s holy word are greatly needed to straighten out the tangled threads in the web of home life.
Many of the popular teachings of to-day are directly contrary to Bible truth, yet few seem to recognize the fact. For example, how presumptuous for the scientist to seek to explain, beyond what is written, the mysteries of the created universe, when he must stand in awe before a single blade of grass, unable to tell even why the rootlets seek the darkness, and the tender blades the sunlight! It is best to seek to know only that which is revealed,—“He spake, and it was.” A thorough study of the Bible is the only safeguard against the errors which everywhere prevail. And he who will search the Scriptures daily to know what is truth, “shall hear a word behind” him, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.”
Teach children to read the Bible for themselves, to cultivate a familiarity with its passages such as they have with no other book. Inspire them to read it, heed it, love it, and live it, and their eternal salvation need not be a matter of mere conjecture.
O that parents might appreciate the worth of their precious children as did that devoted Roman mother, Cornelia, who, when the jewels of a wealthy Campanian lady were shown to her, said, as she turned proudly to her two promising sons, “These are my jewels.”
“Little children, little children, who love their Redeemer, Are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own. Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning, They shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown.”
Give to the Bible the first place in the home.

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OLIVES AND DRIED FRUIT

By A. E. Crist

Large Mission Olives in 50 gal. bbl., 60c a gal.; 25 gal. bbl., 70c.; 5 gal. can, 75c.; 1 gal. can, 80c; medium size, 10c less a gal.; peaches, bleached, 50-lb. box, 5c; prunes, 50-lb. box, 8c; pears, 7½c; apricots, 9c; almonds, 20c; figs, 5c; honey, extracted, 8c. F. O. B. Chico. A. E. Crist, Chico, California.

The World's Crisis

IN THE LIGHT OF PROPHECY
This new book, issued conjointly by the Pacific Press and the Review and Herald, is now in press, and will be ready for delivery in a few days.
The book contains 128 pages, with paper cover in two colors, and retails at the low price of 25 cents, postpaid.
Outline of Contents: “Light for Our Time in the Prophetic Word”—“The European Conflict: Is It Armageddon?”—“Approaching Armageddon”—“Turkey and the War”—“Prophetic Outline of the World Empire”—“The Primitive Faith the Standard for This Generation”—“Christ’s Second Coming”—“Signs of the Approaching End”—“God’s Message for To-Day”—“The Home of the Saved.”
The book is well illustrated with several full-page and numerous small illustrations. Do you wish to understand better the real meaning of the great unparalleled events of the day? Read this book. It will clarify your vision on many perplexing questions. Do you wish others to know what you may already know? If so, order a few copies, and either sell or give them away.

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THE SUPPLEMENT

By Editor

Beginning with this issue, a four-page monthly supplement to this journal will be furnished to subscribers, without extra cost. In thus giving our readers nearly ten per cent more matter than formerly, we hope to increase the circulation and usefulness of the “Signs of the Times.” To this end we solicit your help. Will you not call your friends’ attention to this added inducement to subscribe now?
Anticipating a call for extra copies of the supplements, which may be had independent of the regular journal, we have made arrangements for filling all orders for one hundred or more copies of any one issue. The postpaid prices are 50c for 100, $4.00 for 1,000.
Do you read our advertisements? It might pay you to do so. Great care is exercised by the publishers to see that no objectionable or unreliable thing is exploited in these columns. Reading our ads has proved profitable to many. Did you see last week’s advertisement of 25c tract packages in thirty languages? To be able to secure most of the English tracts in twenty-nine other languages will be appreciated by many. A new low-priced book entitled “The World’s Crisis” is advertised in this issue. Read the advertisement on page 15. Make a practice of reading the ads in every issue.

An Earnest Message — A Warning and a Protest

THE book of Revelation presents a message that is to be given with mighty power at the very close of time. This message is in the form of an intense warning and of a mighty protest. The message is in the following significant words:
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. And I looked, and behold a white cloud; and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.” Rev. 14:9-14.
It will be observed that this warning is against a certain “beast” and his “image,” and the “mark” that this “beast” and “image” seek to enforce. For an understanding of the beast and his image and the mark, we must go to the preceding chapter, where the whole story is plainly told.
Without any question, the beast represents a religious power; for he demands worship. The beast and the image unite their powers, and against this usurpation the great message of warning is given.
In the first part of the fifteenth chapter of Revelation a company is brought to view who have “gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,” and this company are seen standing “on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.”
The nineteenth chapter of Revelation tells of this apostate beast, with his image and mark, meeting defeat in the lake of fire. Thus it is seen that the conflict between the beast and his image and his mark, on the one hand, and the message of the third angel on the other, forms the great climax to the book of Revelation. The work of this apostate power on the one hand, and the warning message of God against it on the other, is the one great thing that prepares the world for its final harvest at the second coming of Christ. Men may refuse to understand, from the word of God, what this beast power is; they may refuse to understand the meaning of the image; they may refuse to investigate and to know the meaning of the mark; but all of these things are made clear through the study of the prophecy. But regardless of understanding of these things, the great work goes on. The beast power rises in strength and authority day by day as the closing hours of time pass by, and the great message swells its notes of warning to meet the usurpation. This last warning message being in the form of a protest against an apostate power, evidently its developments will be at the same time and proportionate to the developments and usurpations of the great power against which the message is directed.
Hence this great closing message, and the development of the beast against which it protests, is the one thing above everything else that students of prophecy will be watching. This is the climax of all prophecy. It is the center and heart of that portion of the prophecies of the book of Revelation that pertain to this time in which we are living.
People fondly hope, and express the belief, that this world has gone by the time when church dominance and persecution can make themselves felt. They had thought the same thing in regard to war; but the European war should undeceive them, and ought to show them that God’s prophecies upon that subject are correct regardless of the views of men. And the world will also be undeceived in regard to this question of persecution and church domination. But as individuals, where will we stand? The dispelling of the deceptions will come too late for the great multitude to be benefited and receive eternal salvation. We should study the Bible to know the truth, and thus avoid being misled by mere human theories.

Cruelties in the European War

WHEN this war subsides, and impartial judges are permitted to get hold of the facts to present them to some international peace court, as will without much doubt be done, we will learn of barbarities that will seem unbelievable. It will be difficult for us to realize that such things could have been done in the civilized world of this twentieth century.
When this war started among the nations of the Old World, none of them could realize what they were getting into. After the strife had begun, men, in the very nature of things, in order to crush the enemy, have been driven into deeds the thought of which, a few months ago, would have filled them with shuddering horror. Without much question, they are horrified even now by what they are doing; but they do not know how to avoid it. They seem to be driven on by some unseen demoniac power that has caused them to lose all sense of humanity and judgment.
For instance, a paragraph reported from one of the battles says, “Some of the slightly wounded who came out of the firing line said they were using their dead as shields, and the shrieks of the wounded who also were used for this purpose were terrible to hear.”
This report may or may not be true. It may be overdrawn; but similar barbarities will be practiced, and the truth should be impressed upon mind and heart that civilization is not a sufficient bulwark to shield the individual from the atrocious cruelties of barbarism.
There is just one power that can save men from cruelty, and that is the power of the tenderness of the life that is imparted through the blessed Christ of God. A mere profession to know Christ will not save us. We must come in contact with Him by a living experience. We must taste and see that the Lord is good. We must know Him through the living power that He imparts to the life by the divine Word. Theological speculations about Christ and about the Bible are mere husks. What we need to know is the life-giving truth of the living word of the infinite God as imparted through the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
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