p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 23. (6/7/1905)

Earlier text: FORETOKENS OF OUR LORD'S RETURN

MEETINGS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

By Editor

THERE will be no general camp-meeting in Northern California this year. The business session of the conference will be held in Oakland June 15-18. Local camp-meetings will be held as follows:

At San Jose, June 23 to July 3. At Santa Rosa, August 18-28. In Humboldt County (location not decided), September 8-18. At Hanford, October 19-29.

This arrangement will give the brethren in all sections of the conference much better opportunity to attend a camp-meeting than would a general meeting, however centrally located. As the dates are well scattered, many will have a much better chance to choose which one they can attend most conveniently, not only as regards place, but also as to time. And some may find it practicable to attend more than one meeting.

These meetings should be important occasions, both for spiritual revivification and the furtherance of the message. And the real importance will, in each case, be according to the interest manifested by the brethren of the immediate district in which the meeting is held. In ancient time the three great annual convocations of God's people were of so much importance for the spiritual welfare of the whole church that they were commanded to attend, and the Lord's promise was that their interests at home would be protected in their absence.

The people of to-day, in view of the selfish, grasping tendency of the times, need the uplifting encouragement of such special seasons of seeking God together as any people ever did. And there being nothing in the line of general business in connection with either meeting, the spiritual interests of all present, and of the cause, should receive undivided attention. There ought to be a good attendance at each of these meetings, and good results from all. Let each one be a rallying point, and earnest service the object.

FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO WASHINGTON.

By Ellen G. White

[Extracts from a letter written by Mrs. E. G. White to her son in Edgefield, Tenn., on her arrival in Washington. It is dated May 10.]

I SEND you from Washington the assurance that the protecting care of our heavenly Father was over us during our long journey. I want you to know of the goodness and love of God. I stood the trip remarkably well, and was stronger when I left the cars at Washington than when I got on board at San Francisco.

During the first part of the trip the train moved very gently and quietly. It was a pleasure to be on something that moved, and yet did not annoy me in moving. I rested more during the journey than it would have been possible for me to rest in my own home; for, had I remained at home, I fear that I would have been troubled by a constant regret that I had not exercised faith by starting out on the journey.

We traveled under the escort of Mr. Phillips, a very pleasant and obliging young man, who did all in his power to make us comfortable. He seemed to watch for opportunities to suggest something for the comfort and convenience.

All the way along through Texas and Louisiana the ground was brilliantly carpeted with wild flowers, and at every stop the train made, some of the men would get out to gather flowers for those inside.

On Sabbath we had a song service. Brother Lawrence, who is a musician, led the singing. All the passengers in the car seemed to enjoy the service greatly, many of them joining in the singing.

On Sunday we had another song service, after which Elder Corliss gave a short talk, taking as his text the words, "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." The passengers listened attentively, and seemed to enjoy what was said.

On Monday we had more singing, and we all seemed to be drawing closer together. There was a larger number of passengers on the car than when we came East last year, but during the whole trip nothing occurred to mar the harmony.

We reached Washington at ten o'clock Wednesday morning. There was no one there to meet us; for our people had not been notified of our coming, so we went over to the branch sanitarium, where we were given a hearty welcome. This sanitarium is a beautiful place, in a very fine location. The building is rented furnished throughout, and the house and its appointments are just what is needed in a place like Washington. It is in the city, within easy access, and yet there is plenty of space on all sides. In front of the building, across the street, is a fine park, in which the patients can walk or sit, enjoying the precious sunshine.

God can work wonders in preparing the way before us. I can but say, Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name, for the love and care that He has shown in opening the way for me to come to this conference. I have nothing but words of encouragement to write regarding my journey across the continent. I had opportunities to give away some of my books, and to speak to some of my fellow-passengers regarding the love and goodness of God. Those with whom I talked seemed eager for opportunities to hear more. I held myself in readiness to speak a word in season and out of season, here a little and there a little.

WANTED FOR MISSIONARY WORK.

By Editor

(Always prepay postage.)

BACK numbers of any of our papers. Address Meta Miramontez, Ocean Park, Cal.

NEW or old copies of the SIGNS, Review, or Watchman. Address, V. Dietrichs, 715 Schofield Building, Cleveland, Ohio.

SIGNS, Watchman, Review, Life Boat, and religious liberty tracts. Address A. H. Darrow, Box 199, Prescott, Ariz.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING.

The eighth annual meeting of the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, for the purpose of electing four or more members of the Board of Directors, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, will be held at Sanitarium, Napa County, Cal., on Wednesday, June 14, 1905, at the hour of 12 o'clock M.

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL MISSIONARY AND BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION,

E. E. Parlin, Secretary. T. J. Evans, President.

ANNUAL MEETING CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION.

THE ninth annual meeting of the California Conference Association of the Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the thirty-fourth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, at Oakland, Cal., June 15-18, 1905, for the purpose of electing a board of seven directors, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting.

C. H. JONES, President. M. H. BROWN, Secretary.

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA CONFERENCE MEETING.

The thirty-fourth annual session of the California-Nevada Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in Oakland, Cal., June 15-18. The first meeting will be called at 9 o'clock A.M. June 15. Each church in the conference is entitled to one delegate and an additional delegate for every twenty members.

A. S. KELLOGG, President,

J. S. OSBORNE, Secretary.

WANTED

A LANDSCAPE gardener, acquainted with California soil and plants, to take charge of about twenty acres to be plotted and put in first-class condition. Must be a conscientious Seventh-day-Adventist.

Dr. M. E. Eastman, Route 2. Santa Barbara, Cal.

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THE NORTHWESTERN LINE RUSSIA-JAPAN ATLAS.

Send ten cents in stamps to R. R. Ritchie, No. 617 Market Street, San Francisco, for Russo-Japanese War Atlas, issued by the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, three fine colored maps each 14x20, bound in convenient form for reference. The Eastern Situation shown in detail with tables showing relative military and naval strength and financial resources of Russia and Japan.

Signs of the Second Coming of Christ

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

EDUCATION IN THE HOME. NO. 4.

Signs of the Second Coming of Christ.

BY MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE.

JUST as grandma had finished quoting her verse, the doorbell rang. "Good evening, Neighbor Jones; we were just about in the midst of our family Bible study. I suppose you will join us for a few moments. Elsie, please hand Mr. Jones a Bible."

"I didn't mean to intrude, Mr. Hartman, but I hardly think a little Bible study will hurt me any. I'm almost ashamed to say that I don't know very much about the Book, tho I've been a church member for a good many years."

"The truth is," said Sister Hartman, "there are none of us any too well posted. I tell you, Mr. Jones, the Bible is a very large book, and it will bear much study, for it is our guide to a better country, even an heavenly."

"We were studying the signs of the second coming of Christ as you came in," said Brother Hartman. "We have instituted this study chiefly for the benefit of our children that they might be able to give an answer to those who should ask them the reason for their faith."

"Then you don't think it is enough for them to say that they believe as they do because father and mother do?"

"No, no, indeed; we should all have a 'thus saith the Lord.' Beth, will you read Matt. 24:3? you can read pretty well for a little girl, so you need not be afraid of Mr. Jones."

" 'Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?' " read Beth slowly.

"What was Christ's answer, John?"

"Christ first cautioned His disciples about being deceived about it. I dare say He thought there was danger; afterward He named some of the signs of His coming."

"Mr. Jones, will you please read some of the list of signs given in the twenty-ninth verse of this same chapter."

" 'Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.' "

"Now," said Brother Hartman, "you may turn and read Mark's version of the Saviour's words: Mark 13:24."

Elsie had found the place in a moment, and she quietly handed the open book to Mr. Jones, who read:

" 'In those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.' I would like to ask Mr. Hartman what tribulation is here meant?"

"There has been but one 'tribulation' mentioned, and that clearly begins with the time when the city of Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army. The tribulation must have begun in some sense then, when God's chosen people were obliged to flee to the mountains from the power of Rome; and from that time on, until the year 1773 the Roman power has pursued the church of God, and caused her to endure such tribulation as torture and fire and the rack, dungeons, misery, and death. But, Mattie, you have a pretty good memory, can you tell us at what time Papal Rome was fully established and began to hold unlimited power?"

"My ancient history says it was in A.D. 538," replied Mattie.

Grandma turned rapidly to Daniel 7:25 and read: " 'And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.' "

"Well, now," said Mr. Jones, "we are getting into deep water. I never could understand that."

"Perhaps Elsie could explain it."

"It is a trifle hard for me, father. I am sure mother can do better than I."

"By comparing the sixth and the fourteenth verses of the twelfth chapter of Revelation," said Mrs. Hartman, "we find that a time, times, and the dividing of times is equivalent to 1260 prophetic days, or literal years."

"Very well, Elsie, if you add 538 to 1,260, what result have you?"

"1798, father, and then my French history says that Berthier, a French general, took possession of Rome, and the pope was taken prisoner and carried out of Italy."

"That is good, my daughter; I see you have been studying. But verse twenty-two declares that those days were shortened for the sake of the elect. So we find that in 1776 the Austrian Government issued a decree of toleration for all sects, and the same year this country—a refuge for the oppressed—began its career as a nation, just twenty-two years before the 1,260 years allotted them was up. Verse twenty-nine declares that the sun and moon shall be darkened immediately after this tribulation ends. Grandma, can you tell us whether this came to pass or not?"

"It certainly did occur, May 19, 1780,—just four years after the persecution ceased. I have often heard my father, who witnessed the wonderful phenomenon, tell all about it."

"I have heard about this before," smiled Mr. Jones, "but I rather guess it must have been caused by an eclipse."

"But, my friend, astronomers will tell you that it is impossible for an eclipse of the sun to occur when the moon is in her full, as it was then."

"I had not thought of that; it is very mysterious; but what do you make of the expression, 'and the stars shall fall from heaven?'"

"Of course the stars themselves never fell; but on the night of Nov. 13, 1833, the heavens certainly did have the appearance of being full of falling stars. This is also a matter of history, and can be verified by many people still living."

"Then, little Beth; what sign is there still remaining to be fulfilled? Read the last clause of verse twenty-nine."

"And the powers of the heavens shall be shaken."

"Now, neighbor, if you will read verse thirty, we will close our reading for to-night."

" 'And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.' "

A SALOON-KEEPER'S DAUGHTER.

It was evening and Brown's saloon was closely filled with a noisy throng of boys and men, when suddenly above the din a sweet childish voice arose in song, and through the thin partition came the words:

"Take the name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of wo; It will joy and comfort give you, Take it, then, where'er you go."

"That's my little daughter, Bessie," explained the proprietor. "I don't take stock in such songs, but she has a praying mother."

"Better hush her up, Brown, she'll hurt your business," whispered a wily-faced man.

The clear childish voice took up the refrain:

"Take the name of Jesus with you, As a shield from every snare; If temptations 'round you gather, Breathe that holy name in prayer."

A young man, standing near the bar, resolutely set down his glass and left the room.

"What's the trouble, Will?" questioned a companion, who followed him out.

"Trouble enough," he answered. "I've a praying mother, Tom, who has been all her life praying for me; and I had forgotten, until a moment ago; that song recalled it all; I am forever lost."

"Not if that song be true, Will. I had a praying mother myself, once, and God knows I loved her; tho I never sought to follow her counsel."

The young men gazed at each other in blank despair.

"What is there in the name of Jesus to save?"

As if in answer, the sweet childish voice reached them still:

"O, the precious name of Jesus, How it thrills our souls with joy! When His loving arms receive us, And His songs our tongues employ."

The young men walked silently down the street together.

"I can't give drink up now," said Will, as he clasped his hands in mute despair.

"O, Will, let us break away from it altogether; it is destroying our lives."

"If I only could, O, if I only could!"

"If that song be true we need not despair. The dying thief was saved on the cross, and we haven't got that far yet. Come to my room; I've a Bible there in my trunk that my mother gave to me."

Together the young men entered the room and bent over the open book which had been sealed to them so long.

"Whosoever will, let him come!" "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

What new and wonderful meaning the words held! How they thrilled the hearts of the young men with hope and courage!

" 'Tho your sins be as scarlet,' that's me," sobbed Will.

"But read on, read on," he says.

" 'They shall be as white as snow.' O, the beauty of such religion, which can blot out all the iniquity of the past and preserve us from future evil."

It is three weeks later, and in a quiet and humble home far from the din of the city a sad-faced mother is performing her usual round of duties.

"It is so long now since last I heard from Will," she sighed, "and then it was a mere line stating he was well. O, God, preserve my boy, and bring him into Thy kingdom."

"Good day, neighbor, here is a letter for you," cried a cheery voice outside.

"From Will," she cried, as she seated herself, and with quivering fingers tore the envelope.

"Saved! O God, I thank Thee," she cried a moment later, "and my faith had grown so weak. I shall never doubt again; but rest forever in the fulness of His words."

Little Bessie, the saloon-keeper's daughter, never knew the wonderful influence exerted by her simple song; but Will and Tom never passed by the attractive room where Brown displayed his choice liquors without thanking God that the proprietor had a praying wife, who early in life instructed about Jesus who is "mighty to save."—Selected.

STEADFASTNESS.

By Samuel Stone

BY SAMUEL STONE.

O THOU who in the ways Of this rough world art faint and weary grown, Thy drooping head upraise, And let thy heart be strong for better days, Still trust that future time will unto thee make known.

In darkness, danger, pain, In poverty, misfortune, sorrow, all The woes which we sustain, Still be thou strong, from idle tears refrain, And yet upon thy brow, in time, success shall fall.

Banish that viewless fiend, Whose harried presence men have named despair, Let all thy efforts end Through life unto some great, some noble end, And life itself will soon a nobler aspect wear.

As the soft breath of spring Robes in bright hues the dark old earth again, So would such purpose bring Thee back to buoyancy of youth, and fling Joy on thy aching heart unfelt through years of pain.

Killisnoo, Alaska.

LESSON 12.—JUNE 18.—THE HEAVENLY HOME.

Lesson Scripture, Rev. 22: 1-11, A. R. V.

(1) "And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, (2) in the midst of the street thereof. And, on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (3) And there shall be no curse any more; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein; and His servants shall serve Him; (4) and they shall see His face; and His name shall be on their foreheads. (5) And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light; and they shall reign forever and ever.

(6) "And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show unto His servants the things which must shortly come to pass. (7) And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book.

(8) "And I John am he that heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that showed me these things. (9) And he saith unto me, See thou do it not; I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them that keep the words of this book; worship God.

(10) "And he saith unto me, Seal not up the words of the prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand. (11) He that is unrighteous, let him do unrighteousness still; and he that is filthy, let him be made filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him do righteousness still; and he that is holy, let him be made holy still."

Golden Text.—To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne." Rev. 3: 21.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) As the angel was showing John the New Jerusalem, what view is noted in verse 1 of this lesson? Note 1. (2) Where did the river flow? What grew upon both sides of the river? What is said of the fruit and leaves? Verse 2. Note 2. (3) What blessed promise is given? Whose throne was seen there? What is said of His servants? Verse 3. Note 3. (4) What exceeding glorious privilege do the servants enjoy? What mark do they bear? Verse 4. Note 4. (5) What will not be in the city? What now very common needs will they not require there? Why? What great honor falls to these servants? Verse 5. Note 5. (6) What then did the angel say to John? Verse 6; Amos 3: 7. (7) What indicates the urgency of the teachings of this book? What former promise of blessing is repeated? Verse 7. Note 6. (8) Who was it that heard and saw these things? Then what did he do? Verse 8. (9) When John fell down to worship, what did the angel say? Whom only should he worship? Verse 9; Matt. 4: 10. Note 7. (10) What command did the angel give to John? Why not? Verse 10. Note 8. (11) What time is at hand? Verse 11. What is here indicated? Note 9.

NOTES.

1. This chapter begins with the word "and," showing that it is a continuation of the description recorded in the previous chapter. John had seen the throne of God and of the Lamb in the New Jerusalem, which came down from heaven. Hence we understand that when the plan of redemption shall have been fully worked out, the throne of the universe will be in the New Jerusalem, on the new earth. On the earth, where the great controversy between Christ and Satan is being fought, the final victory will be forever commemorated by the seat of universal empire's occupying the field of victory. Thus the purified new earth, the scene of so much suffering and sacrifice for the everlasting establishment of truth, will become the most glorious spot in all the universe. The throne of God and of the Lamb will rest upon it forever. Here we have emphasized the glory of the promise, "The meek shall inherit the earth."

2. A renewed access to the tree of life, which was denied to the race on account of disobedience (Gen. 2:9, 17; 3:22-24), is evidence of a complete redemption. It is a promise to the overcomer (Rev. 2:7), whose faith leads him to obedience (chapter 22:14). "Healing [or service] of the nations."—God does everything by some means. Eternal life is the reward of faith; the tree of life is the means of perpetuation. There will be "nations," or "tribes," in the kingdom of God. See Matt. 19:28; Rev. 12:12, 24-26.

3. "No more anything accursed."—The renovation by fire will have consumed everything of the character of sin, as well as the effects of the curse. See 2 Peter 3:5-7, 10-13; Ps. 37:9-11, 20-22.

4. To see God is the promise to "the pure in heart" (Matt. 5:8), and His name in their foreheads is the seal of His approval, a promise to the overcomer (Rev. 3:12).

5. There is no need of any other light where God is, for He is light Himself (1 John 1:5). David says: "With Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light shall we see light." Ps. 36:9.

6. Verse 7 is virtually a repetition of the blessing promised in chapter 1:3. Thus great stress is laid upon the importance of this book to the church in all its then future stages and epochs.

7. The angel that talked with John was not a departed human prophet, but he had been a co-worker with the prophets of the former times, as Gabriel was a co-worker with Daniel. Angels are not a product of the evolution of dead men, as many people suppose; they are a distinct order of beings, than which man was made "a little lower" (Heb. 2:7), and were therefore created prior to man's existence. When the foundations of the earth were laid, they—the sons of God—"shouted for joy." See Job 38:4-7. But they are "ministering spirits," aiding in the work of the Gospel. Heb. 1:14.

8. "Seal not this book."—Why not?—Because it is a revelation, and it is for the instruction and encouragement of the church throughout its probationary history. Daniel was told to shut up his prophecy until the time of the end (chapter 12:4), when it would be understood. But John is as positively commanded to "seal not up the words of this book." It is therefore for us to read and understand, and to find blessing in so doing.

9. Verse 11 clearly indicates the close of human probation, a time that will surely "come quickly" (verse 7), for it is a time that precedes the Lord's coming. Are you ready for it?

HIS MOTHER'S VERSION.

A BIBLE-CLASS teacher was telling of the various translations of the Bible and their different excellences. The class was much interested, and one of the young men that evening was talking to a friend about it.

"I think I prefer the King James' version for my part," he said: "tho, of course, the Revised is more scholarly."

His friend smiled.

"I prefer my mother's translation of the Bible, myself, to any other version," he said.

"Your mother's?" cried the first young man, thinking his companion had suddenly gone crazy. "What do you mean, Fred?"

"I mean that my mother has translated the Bible into the language of daily life for me ever since I was old enough to understand it. She translates it straight, too, and gives its full meaning. There has never been any obscurity about her version. Whatever printed versions of the Bible I may study, my mother's is always the one that clears up my difficulties."—Exchange.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

By Editor

The Sabbath-school lessons have been discontinued. The Lesson Quarterly may be obtained, containing three months' lessons and notes, for five cents. Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal. The Sunday-school lessons will continue.

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