p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 4. (1/25/1899)

Testimonies for the Church

Nos. 1 to 33 Are now published in five volumes 2,904 pages

Cloth, $1.00 per volume; $5.00 per set Library, $1.50 " " $7.50 " "

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Nos. 1 to 33 Are now published in five volumes 2,904 pages

BIBLE SANCTIFICATION.

A CONTRAST OF

TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.

BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.

This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.

Address. PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

"YE DID IT UNTO ME."

"And He said, 'The sin is pardoned, But the blessing is lost to thee, For, failing to comfort the least of Mine, You have failed to comfort Me.'"

Such is the closing verse of one of the two poems found in No. 54 of the Apples of Gold Library under the above title. They are very touching and very good. Price, 50c per 100.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO. New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.

TO CONTRIBUTORS.

By Editor

The Signs of the Times is a purely missionary enterprise. For this reason it has felt free to ask for contributions from its friends. It pays nothing for contributions, either prose or poetry, unless solicited by the editor, and then the fact is stated when the articles are asked for. This is a plan rarely followed, but sometimes deemed expedient.

Articles Desired.—Those which set forth in the Spirit of Christ the great saving truths of God, short and to the point. It is better to treat one important truth clearly, in a short article, than many points vaguely in a long one. We desire no caustic, critical productions, which might minister to personal pride or pleasure, but can not save souls.

How Prepared.—Write plainly, with typewriter or ink, with wide space between the lines, to freely admit of editing, writing of subheads, etc. Write on one side of the sheet only. Sign the name to the manuscript, as it becomes oftentimes separated from accompanying letter. Anonymous contributions are not used, whatever their merit. If the writer does not wish his name to appear, let him furnish a pseudonym for the public. But we wish the name.

Manuscript Returned.—We will return all unused manuscript desired if stamp and directions are inclosed. We are forced sometimes to return good manuscript mainly for three reasons: (a) Sometimes the articles are too long; (b) sometimes we have a number on the same subject; (c) sometimes our plans are such that an article can not be used till it is out of date. We therefore hope that no offense will be taken by those who have freely contributed their best thought if their productions are returned. When we receive so much matter, we can not use all.

A CARD.

By Editor

To ALL interested in carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of other lands, and who desire to assist in supporting missionaries already there and others who may engage in the work, the opportunity is given to make an offering to the Foreign Mission Board of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Such donations should be sent to W. H. Edwards, the Treasurer of the Board, 1730 North Fifteenth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

"WILL A MAN ROB GOD?" is an important pamphlet on the tithing system. It treats every phase of this great question, and deserves especial attention in these days, when the Lord's means of supporting His cause is almost lost sight of. Price, 10c each.

Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.

FORTHCOMING NUMBER.

By Editor

Spiritual Gifts. Elder J. N. Loughborough. B. S. Library, No. 156; 40 pages; price, $2.50 per 100.

Especially good for general distribution, as it deals with principles only. It explains what the Spirit of prophecy is and how it is manifested. It contrasts true and false manifestations, and tells how to distinguish them. It gives the meaning of "open visions" and "night visions;" it speaks of "women as prophets;" of "prophecy in the early church," and the reason for its discontinuance, etc., etc. The main object, however, is to show from the Scriptures that this gift will be prominently connected with the remnant church. It is the very best publication ever published with which to introduce the Spirit of prophecy.

Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 39 Bond St., New York City. 18 West Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo.

NATURE OF MAN.

By Editor

Thoughts for the Candid. B. S. L., No. 47. By John Nevins Andrews. This tract presents the harmony and beauty of the truth in contrast to the inconsistency of false views based on certain passages of Scripture in regard to man's condition in death, and the fate of the ungodly. 50 cents per 100.

Tormented Forever and Ever; or God's Testimony of Immortality. B. S. L., No. 111. By M. C. Wilcox. This number gives a new and reasonable exposition of Rev. 14:11; 20:10; Matt. 25:41, 46; Mark 9:43-48, and others. Much light is thrown on these important texts of Scripture by this tract, and the Bible doctrine of life through Christ is given added luster. It is indeed a clear and convincing argument, which shows the unity and harmony of Bible teaching on the subject of immortality. $1.00 per 100.

Rich Man and Lazarus. B. S. L., No. 146. An original interpretation of this much-talked-of text. $1.00 per 100.

Immortality of the Soul. B. S. L., No. 70. By A. T. Jones. The origin of this doctrine and its influence. This tract proves its falsity by the Scripture teaching concerning the resurrection, the second coming of Christ, the judgment, and the mission and work of Christ. It is an unanswerable argument on this important subject. $2.00 per 100.

Is Man Immortal? B. S. L., No. 51. Presents in a brief and concise manner the Bible doctrine of immortality by means of plain questions and Scripture answers. 50 cents per 100.

Jesus and the Resurrection. A. G. L., No. 42. When is immortality bestowed? In what sense are the dead in Christ alive? and other questions of like import, are here answered clearly and scripturally. 50 cents per 100.

The Thief on the Cross. A. G. L., No. 8. This tract presents two important truths. 1. Christ's faithfulness and fidelity. 2. The remarkable faith of the penitent thief. It proves incidentally that Christ's promise to the thief will be fulfilled when He comes in His kingdom. It was written to teach practical truth from a positive and not a negative standpoint, and combats error by simply presenting the truth. 50 cents per 100.

How Esther Read Her Bible. A. G. L., No. 7. Is a very interesting presentation of different points of Bible truth in the form of a conversation. Baptism, the Sabbath, the state of the dead, the destiny of the wicked, and the conversion of the world, are all brought in in a quiet and pleasing manner. 50 cents per 100.

Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 39 Bond St., New York City. 18 West Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo.

PRAYER

By A. T. Pierson, will bring new life and light into your church, missionary society and home. Price, $1.00 per 100.

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New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.

THE SABBATH.

Elihu on the Sabbath. B. S. L., No. 42. A brief but clear and forcible setting forth of the Bible argument on the Sabbath question. $1.00 per 100.

Which Day Do You Keep and Why? B. S. L., No. 48. By G. W. Amadon. A clear, pithy tract, good for busy people. It gives God's answers to man's excuses for not obeying Him. 50 cents per 100.

From Sabbath to Sunday. B. S. L., No. 95. Among other important testimony concerning the Sabbath question, this tract contains "Father" Eright's $1,000 challenge for Bible proof of the sacredness of Sunday. It is unanswerable. 50 cents per 100.

Who Changed the Sabbath? B. S. L., No. 107. This is one of the best numbers of the Library, and has been thoroughly revised. It contains the testimony of Protestant and Roman Catholic authorities bearing on this great subject, which is now agitating so many minds. The plain testimony of the Scriptures and history is also clearly presented in answer to this important question. $1.50 per 100.

The Identical Seventh Day. B. S. L., No. 114. There are three common objections brought against the Bible Sabbath: (1) The round world; (2) lost time; (3) the seventh part of time. These objections are candidly considered and clearly answered in this little tract of sixteen pages. $1.00 per 100.

New Testament Sabbath. B. S. L., No. 137. The different texts in the New Testament referring to the first day of the week, and thought by many to prove its sacredness, are all examined carefully. "The New Testament Example for the Seventh Day;" "Which Day is the Seventh or Sabbath?" and "The Word Sabbath in the New Testament," all receive consideration. It is fully illustrated, and contains sixteen pages. $1.00 per 100.

Rome's Arraignment of Sabbath-breakers. B. S. L., No. 130. By "Father" O'Keefe, editor Catholic Mirror, of Baltimore, in reply to seven sermons from as many ministers of that city, demanding stricter Sunday observance. $1.00 per 100.

Sunday in the Greek. B. S. L., No. 154. Is the first day of the week called the Sabbath in the Greek? An examination of the Greek of Matt. 28: 1 and parallel passages. 50 cents per 100.

The Seventh or One-seventh. A. G. L., No. 39. An illustrated treatise showing the demand for a definite seventh day. 50 cents per 100.

Historical Facts and Incidents. A. G. L., No. 45. Relative to the Sunday and the Sabbath, illustrated with photo reproductions from books published in 1635 and 1636. A history of the Sabbath in a nutshell. $2.00 per 100.

Day of the Sabbath. A. G. L., No. 50. A series of earnest questions on the Sabbath, covering most of its Scripture phases. It is calculated to convince without prejudicing. $1.00 per 100.

The Three Sabbaths. A. G. L., No. 58. The Lord's Sabbath, The Jewish Sabbath, The Papal Sabbath. Tho the subject is a familiar one, the treatment of it is remarkably terse and refreshing. You will enjoy reading it, and will receive an inspiration therefrom. 50 cents per 100.

Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal. 39 Bond St., New York City. 18 West Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo.

Of His Coming

OF HIS COMING, by Milton C. Wilcox, shows conclusively that Christ's coming is very near. 25,000 already sold. Price, $1.50 per 100.

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Coffee Drinking.

By Editor

The importation of coffee was the heaviest last year that it has ever been, reaching the enormous quantity of 800,000,000 pounds, or 400,000 tons, requiring for its transportation 27,000 cars. It makes an average of eleven pounds of coffee for every man, woman, and child in the United States. It means an expense, at 35 cents a pound, of $3.85 per capita, or an aggregate of $280,000,000. How much did this "Christian" nation spend for missions? Great Britain uses an average of one pound per capita. This country imported 68,000,000 pounds of tea, or one pound a person. At 40 to 50 cents a pound, here is $30,000,000 more. Now if not one ounce of coffee or tea had been used, the people would have been better off. Think of the amount of gossip set free by the caffein and thein, the active poisons of these beverages. Think of the racked and weakened nerves, the rasped feelings, the fretful words, the headaches, enfeebled livers, the weakened digestion, the enormous expense, the sallow complexions, which may be legitimately charged to the use of these stimulants. Reader, quit them; you do not need them. You would be better without them.

Where Found.

Some persons have asked us if there is any book which will give the important archaeological discoveries as found in our Quarter-Centennial issue, page 32. We know of none. Nor do we know of any work which gives in concise form the "Important Items in Astronomical Progress" (pages 8, 31), or items showing the progress of union in Church and State (page 14), or "Foreign Historical Events of Note" (pages 13, 30), or "Noted Inventions for Quarter Century" (pages 17, 30). These were gleaned from various sources, at the expense of much labor and research; and great pains were taken to have them reliable. The reader will little know the labor which some of these articles mean, even with good reference libraries at hand.

"The People's Friend," a poem found on another page of this paper, is from James Arthur Edgerton, Lincoln, Neb., author of a beautiful little volume of poems entitled "Voices of the Morning." Mr. Edgerton looks for better, brighter days, when poverty, vice, misery, injustice, and slavery will give place to justice, freedom, virtue, and happiness; and he sings sweetly of that better time, and mournfully, almost bitterly, of the time that is. There are also beautiful touches of God's works in nature. While we can not agree with the author in all things as to how the good time is to come, we sympathize with him in his sympathy for the poor and his condemnation of many existing conditions. The good time is coming, because Jesus Christ is coming. He is coming to put down all wrong, to punish all injustice, to render to every man according to his work, and to gather to that eternal kingdom, invested with eternal existence, those who by faith have imbibed His Spirit, and are by the power of His Word made like Him. And these signs of trouble and calamity, of complaint and hopefulness, which we see and hear around us, are heralds of the coming day. The hopeful little book may be obtained for seventy-five cents of Charles H. Kerr & Co., Chicago.

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

By Editor

Poetry.

The People's Friend, J. A. EDGERTON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Wisdom and Humility, FRED T. ELKINS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Two Ways, PAULINE E. FIFE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Haste On, FRANCES E. BOLTON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

To the Tempest-tossed, VINA A. SUMNER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

General.

Alone, A. F. BALLENGER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Harmony of the Gospels, F. D. STARR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Blessing of Obedience, MRS. E. G. WHITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Studies in Galatians (Gal. 3:1-10), E. J. WAGGONER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

War, F. L. FAVOUR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Decalogue (The Ninth Commandment), J. W. WATT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Outlook.—Unprecedented Accumulations of Wealth—Not Gospel Conversions—Growing Selfishness and Brutality. 6, 7

Editorial.

Do You Wish to be Saved?—A Blind Guide, A Foundation of Sand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Missions.

"That Writing on the Wall," B. F. RICHARDS—Our Work and Workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 10

International Sabbath-school and Sunday-school Lessons, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

The Home.

"They That Do Such Things" (Concluded), FRANCES E. BOLTON—Remarkable Case of Captain John. 12, 13

News and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Publishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

DO YOU KNOW

By Editor

THAT THE QUARTER-CENTENNIAL SIGNS OF THE TIMES contains interesting, up-to-date matter sufficient to fill a dollar book?

That much of the matter it contains will be good for all time, and all of it during the current year?

That it presents before every soul enough to lead him to an intelligent salvation in Christ Jesus?

That it contains, written by one of the greatest archaeologists in the world, graphic testimony of the monuments to the veracity of God's Word, as against the so-called "higher criticism"?

That it contains striking articles on the last great reformation which will be wrought by the Gospel in this world before Christ comes?

That the advancement which astronomy has made during twenty-five years is set forth by a practical, up-to-date, and prominent devotee of that science?

That the changes in the Old World for a quarter century are set forth in the only true light they should be studied—that of the work of God?

That the marvelous development of the money power, the union of Church and State, the age of inventions, the progress of medical science, the military and naval development, false religions and isms, mission work, etc., etc., for twenty-five years, are all interestingly and lucidly presented by able and competent writers?

That the beautiful song and music written for this issue are worth the price of the paper?

That there are, all told, twenty-five important articles in this issue, four beautiful poems, one fine piece of music and song, beside the statistical and other smaller articles?

That most of these articles are illustrated by half-tone engravings, prepared for this issue, more than twoscore in number?

This paper, whether one agrees with its theology or not, is worth far more than its price to the minister, the writer, the student, the politician, and every other judgment-bound soul. But its price is only ten cents. Let its friends and our agents push it along.

Every subscriber for 1899 will get a copy of the Quarter-Centennial issue.

WHAT OUR CONTEMPORARIES SAY.

By Editor

FROM the many good words which come to us from our contemporaries, for which we are truly grateful, we present the following as a fair sample of many more, some of which we will print later:—

The Seville (Ohio) Weekly Times of December 22 says:—

A copy of the first number for 1899 of a religious illustrated weekly family journal called THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which has been published for a quarter of a century, comes to our desk. We have looked it through critically and find it to contain the best of illustrations. There are sixteen pages of pure, elevating matter, such as should be found in every home in our beautiful land for children to read, instead of so much trashy story literature as is given to them in the ordinary story papers; and for older ones to study, that they may better understand the meaning of the one great Book of all ages. This journal, fifty-two times, of sixteen pages each, or 832 pages a year, can be had from the publisher for only $1.00 per year. Address THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

This from the Seneca (Ill.) Record of December 23:—

In illuminated, handsomely-designed cover, the Quarter-Centennial number of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal., was a most welcome visitor this week. Topics pertinent to the nature of the publication, fully illustrated, are discussed, and twenty-five-year progress noted. With a few hundred circulation in 1874 to a present 40,000 and over list, and a 1,000,000 circulation of the special number, the management has reason to be proud of its past successes and brilliant future prospects.

From the Troy (N. Y.) Daily Record of December 26:—

The Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, Cal., have just issued a fine Quarter-Centennial number of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES for January. Many of its illustrations were made expressly for this paper. New York artists furnished the half-tone color design for the cover, and the photographs from which were reproduced the pictures on pages 12 and 13 were secured in London, England, the only place where they are said to be obtainable. They represent the men of influence in Europe for the quarter-century. Students in astronomy will enjoy the article by Professor Burckhalter. It is a review of what twenty-five years have done in this grand science. An article on "The Perfect Salvation" is by Dr. E. J. Waggoner, editor of The Present Truth, London, England.

From the Carolina Spartan (Spartansburg, S. C.), December 28:—

We have received the Quarter-Centennial number of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, published at Oakland, Cal. This is the organ of the Adventists out on the Pacific, and the circulation is about 40,000 copies weekly. The paper is admirably printed, and the average Christian would consider it first-class in its teaching, if the editors did not insist on the world giving up the Christian Sunday and adopting the Jewish Sabbath. But with the Adventists we have no quarrel. People who establish fine schools and colleges, provide for the poor and distressed, build the best hospitals and sanitariums, and contribute most liberally to their church, and endeavor in all good conscience to obey the teaching of the Bible, are not be very wicked.

From the Middlebury (Vt.) Register, December 23:—

The Quarter-Centennial number of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES (Oakland, Cal.) is a handsome 32-page magazine, finely illustrated. A million copies were issued on this anniversary occasion—the greatest single edition ever put out by a religious journal. THE TIMES devotes this issue to a retrospect of the world's progress, and an added interest is given to the subjects treated by the well-chosen illustrations.

No Papers Without Payment in Advance

By Editor

We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance.

When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the "Signs" are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.

The Power and Increase of Wealth

By Editor

A striking illustration of the power and increase of wealth will be found on pages 6, 7. We transpose and limit our editorial columns to give place to this illustration. How clearly it portrays conditions which are fulfilling many prophecies of God's Word! Will men hear and heed?

Read the Poems in This Number

By Editor

Read the poems in this number. Are they not all stirring in thought and beautifully expressed? The one on page 5 was designed for the Christmas season, but it did not reach us in time. However, its truth is as applicable now as then. Christ was born not for a day, but for all time.

The Remarkable Case of Captain John

By Editor

"The Remarkable Case of Captain John," by Dr. Ecob, is an illustration of how our wonderfully merciful and all-wise God will meet men just where they are, and how He knows in just what form to send His heavenly messengers to impress hearts. In various ways God impresses various hearts, but all do not, like the old river pirate, accept His salvation. Every ray of light, every fiber of truth, if followed, leads to the Eternal Throne and full salvation.

The Quarter-Centennial Issue

By Editor

Has your heart been stirred as you have seen the evidence which shows that Jesus is soon coming? And have you longed to help carry the good news to others? We did our best to make the Quarter-Centennial issue a number that will completely present the full salvation of Christ, and also clearly tell the glorious message of His soon coming. Any copy of the paper that you may circulate may be the means of a soul's eternal salvation.