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Signs of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 47.

LOYALTY TO PRINCIPLE
Earlier text: TRYING TO DESTROY GOD’S WORD

NEWS AND NOTES

International.—

Dreyfus, the French exile, who has up to the present time been kept in ignorance of the action thus far taken in his favor, is to be notified of the decision for the retrial of his case, and ordered to prepare his defense...... The European press is again discussing the probability of a Carlist uprising in Spain. The Carlists have abundant supplies of money, Don Carlos having recently negotiated large loans in London and Paris...... At the recent international Geodetic Conference at Stuttgart it was decided to begin at once the measurement of the earth. An arc will be measured on the equator, another in the North Temperate zone, and a third near the north pole. These measurements are expected to throw new light on the flattening of the earth at the poles...... The meetings of the United States and Canadian commissioners have been resumed at Washington, with Sir Wilfred Laurier, the Canadian premier, in attendance. The attention of the commission will be held almost exclusively to the topic of reciprocity between the two countries...... Li Hung Chang, who was recently restored to an influential place in the Chinese Government by the empress, has been degraded through the influence of a rival statesman, and has lost his decorations of honor...... Another revolt is reported from the Central American State of San Salvador, one of the three which had so recently united to form the Republic of Central America. The rebels are said to have captured the president of that State...... Prince George of Greece has sailed for Crete, to occupy the position of high commissioner of the powers in the government of that island. The last Turkish troops in the island were expelled by the French shortly after the English and Russians compelled the evacuation of the ports which they were guarding...... The Russian Government has just ordered the construction of sixty-three torpedo-boat destroyers, which puts in a rather peculiar light her recent call for a disarmament congress...... Advices from Hongkong, China, state that the British war preparations there are going on unabated, and that the mines in the harbor have been charged...... The German emperor and empress have left the Holy Land and are on their way back to Berlin. They intend visiting Spain in an unofficial capacity, lest the event should be given political importance...... A report by mail from Sierra Leone, West Africa, states that thirteen of the natives who were engaged in the murder of American missionaries have been hanged...... Miners and inhabitants of Sandon, B. C., recently rounded up all the Chinese in that section and drove them out of the place. Sixty of the Celestials were forcibly expelled from Silverton alone...... The German emperor’s latest scheme is to unite and rule the German Protestant Church, and, tho his plans in this direction are meeting with serious opposition from both German princes and church officials, he still entertains hopes of accomplishing his desire...... The new Japanese minister to the United States, Jutaro Komura, arrived in San Francisco on November 11, succeeding Toru Hoshi...... Luigi Lucheni, the Anarchist who murdered the Austrian empress, was sentenced on November 10 to life imprisonment. When the sentence was pronounced, the murderer laughed, and shouted, “Long live Anarchy; death to the aristocracy.”...... It is reported that the German army is to be increased by the addition of 15,000 men. This will soon be followed by a similar increase in the armies of France and Russia...... The French naval construction program for 1899 includes the building of two powerful battle-ships of 14,500 tons each, with very powerful arms and protection; two cruisers of 4,000 tons each; two large torpedo-boat destroyers, and eleven torpedo-boats...... The Boer forces of Pretoria, South Africa, in their war with the natives, have captured the stronghold of Chief Opefu, of the Magatos tribe...... Two very influential speeches have recently been made in England, one by Lord Salisbury and the other by Joseph Chamberlain, a cabinet officer, both of which have stirred the nations of Europe. The speeches affirm Britain’s determination to hold the entire valley of the Nile, against all opposition. In them France is warned against interfering with Britain’s aims, and the subject of a good understanding between England, the United States, Germany, and Japan is dwelt upon to a considerable extent. It seems to be the belief of these men that England and America will go hand in hand hereafter in the civilization of the world...... The Spanish commissioners are still playing for time in the peace conference at Paris, and an ultimatum from the American commissioners is expected soon...... Spain has signified her willingness to turn the government of Cuba over to the United States forces on the first of the new year, and Spanish troops unable to leave the island before that time will be under the protection of the Americans until transportation can be afforded them...... The gold output of the whole world for the past year is $275,000,000. The production of gold is increasing at an astonishing rate, owing to the improved apparatus for separating the metal from low-grade ore.

Casualties and Calamities.—

The Spanish transport La Gaspi was wrecked near Cienfuegos, Cuba, on November 14. Her crew were saved...... Twelve persons were killed and twenty injured in a train wreck at Murray Hill, Northumberland, Ontario, on November 15, in a rear-end collision between a fast passenger and a freight train...... Five men were killed and four injured in the collision of two passenger trains on the Lehigh Railroad near Wilkesbarre, Penn., on November 11...... Forty-four French soldiers and two officers were killed recently in West Africa by native tribes under the control of the famous chief Samory...... Six negroes were killed and nine wounded in a race war at Wilmington, N. C., on November 11...... Six Chinese were drowned by the sinking of the ferry steamer Peters in San Francisco harbor. The Chinese were in the hold of the vessel, and their presence was not known until the sunken vessel was searched by divers...... The City of Columbia, which left Honolulu for Seattle on October 29, was disabled in a storm when 400 miles out, and with difficulty succeeded in returning to Hilo, H. I., where she sunk in the harbor. She had a number of passengers on board...... A considerable portion of the city of Dawson was destroyed by fire on the morning of October 14. The loss is reported to be half a million dollars...... Three Japanese fishing schooners were wrecked off the coast of Siberia on October 1, and fifty-two members of the crews were drowned. It is believed that five other schooners went down at the same time, with all their crews. The sailing vessel Kunigoshi, carrying a cargo of salmon, foundered on October 3 on the same coast, and thirteen of her crew were drowned...... Twenty persons were drowned while crossing a river at Velictusling, Russia, on the ice...... Tens of thousands of Chinese are reported to be huddled along the Yellow River, which recently overflowed its banks with such disastrous results. The water has not subsided, and the condition of these people is pitiable in the extreme.

Domestic.—

Troops are being moved from Camp Meade, Penn., to points in the South, preparatory to their departure for Cuba to garrison the towns evacuated by the Spaniards...... The later returns from last week’s election show that the Republicans will have a majority in both houses of Congress...... The former Spanish cruiser Maria Teresa, which was abandoned in a storm while being towed to the United States, is now lying a wreck on the rocky shore of Cat Island, northeast of Cuba. Naval officers sent to examine her and report on the possibility of floating the stranded cruiser, state that it will probably be impossible to do anything with her...... It is reported that a tin-plate trust has been organized in Chicago, with a capital of $50,000,000, to control the tin business of this country. A scheme is on foot for the combining of all the sash, door, and blind manufactories in the United States under one firm. A stock company has also been formed, with a capital of $5,500,000, for the control, as far as possible, of the fishery business and other business connected therewith...... The Great Northern train was held up and robbed near Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on November 10, and six of the desperadoes were captured on the following day...... Commissioner Powderly, of the Immigration Bureau, reports the total number of immigrants to the United States during the last fiscal year as 229,299, a slight falling off from the showing of last year...... The national convention of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union opened at St. Paul, Minnesota, on November 11...... The longest telephone line in the world has just been completed between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Austin, Texas, a distance of 2,600 miles...... Nearly 3,000 boot and shoe makers of Marlboro, Mass., struck on November 14.

Cuba.—

Spanish soldiers are still patrolling the streets of Havana to preserve order...... Reports from Santiago show that there are 1,100 American soldiers sick with the fever in the province under charge of General Wood...... Troops have left Savannah, Georgia, to garrison the cities of Nuevitas and Puerto Principe, Cuba...... The Spanish troops at Nuevitas, numbering 9,500 men, have mutinied, declaring that they will not return to Spain until they are paid. Many of these have received no money for months, and much of the money which they had received and placed in the hands of the government has been appropriated by others...... About 30,000 Spanish troops have now left Cuba for Spain, and others are following as fast as transports can be supplied...... Five persons were killed at San Luis, Cuba, by colored American troops, on September 14, following an attempt by Cuban police to arrest two colored troopers for abusing a farmer and stealing his pig.

The Philippines.—

The insurgents are reported to have taken the suburbs of the town of Iloilo, and foreign residents are urging the U. S. cruiser Charleston to remain on guard. The report also states that they have captured the entire island of Negros...... Altho the health of the American troops in the Philippines is reported to be improving, a call has been made for a number of trained nurses...... The War Department has decided to retain in the Philippines all the troops that have been sent there, and large quantities of ammunition are being despatched to the islands...... Aguinaldo has refused the request of General Otis for the release of the friars and civilians whom he is holding as prisoners of war.

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The Pillar of Cloud Is Rising

By A. F. Ballenger

Is the title of a new song
By A. F. BALLENGER.
“It beautifully and powerfully expresses the present message, Receive Ye the Holy Ghost. The spirit of message and song are one.”—A. T. JONES.
Handsomely Illustrated.
Price, post-paid, - - - - 30 cts.

OTHER SONGS.

THAT SWEET VOICE.

A new song by A. F. Ballenger, written as the result of the author's experience in city mission work, and based on the actual experience of fallen men and women who have been saved from a suicide's death by the sweet Voice of pardoning love. “In all our work we find that it touches a chord in the heart of the outcast.”—W. S. SADLER.
Beautifully Illustrated. Post-paid, 30c.

THE PRISONER,

Or, “A MANSION FOR A CELL,” written by A. F. Ballenger, is a touching narration of prison experience resulting from oppressive religious enactments. Illustrated title page.
Price, post-paid, - - - - 15 cts.

What Has Papa Done?

Or, “THE PRISONER'S DAUGHTER,” written by A. F. Ballenger, is a companion-poem to “The Prisoner,” representing a child's plaintive remembrance on hearing of the imprisonment of the father for violating oppressive religious laws, and a mother's response. Illustrated title
Price, post-paid, - - - - 10 cts.

An Angel Passed By.

Original solo and chorus written and composed by F. E. Belden. Illustrated title.
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All 5 songs, including “Pillar of Cloud Is Rising,” 70c. “Pillar of Cloud is Rising” and “That Sweet Voice.” 50c.
All the proceeds from the sale of these songs is faithfully devoted to the help of the suffering and the fallen, especially through city mission work.
Address all orders to A. F. BALLENGER, 60 Manchester St., Battle Creek, Mich.

THE TALENTS.

By M. C. Wilcox

By M. C. Wilcox. A brief essay on “The Parable of the Talents,” showing that the talents represent the various gifts of the Spirit which God bestows as he will upon those who are consecrated to him, with the duties and blessed privileges involved therein. Bible Students’ Library, No. 77; 16 pp., price 2 cents.

Heralds of His Coming

By Milton C. Wilcox

Heralds 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. PACIFIC PRESS PUB. CO. Oakland, Cal. 39 Bond St., New York City 18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.

The New Number

Of the Apples of Gold Library (No. 55) is written by Arthur T. Pierson, D.D., and entitled “Twelve Principles of Holy Living.” Price, 50 cents per 100.
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The Closing Words

Of a touching Samoan Romance as told in that excellent little volume, “Fiji and Samoa,” are as follows:—
“The young queen cried, ‘O, Thama, stay, stay!’ It was too late. Thama would not stand in the way of Samoan peace and unity.
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This book not only gives this story entire, but many interesting items concerning the islands of Fiji and Samoa. Price; in cloth 60c, in paper 25c.
The Young People’s Library series, of which the above is volume one, contains twelve numbers, each complete in itself. Descriptive circular on application.
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Testimonies for the Church

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

Of missionary work in Africa form a considerable portion of that valuable volume, “Life on the Kongo.” The author, Rev. Holman Bentley, was associated with that pioneer missionary to the Kongo, Thomas J. Comber, and therefore writes from personal observation and research. Much interesting information is given concerning the country, the habits of the people, etc., making it a good missionary text book on this portion of the “dark continent.” Contains 13 illustrations and 160 pages. Cloth, 60c; paper, 25c.
Pacific Press Publishing Co.
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The Winning of Margaret

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Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal

“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.

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LANGUAGE LESSONS

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WORDS OF TRUTH SERIES.

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1. The Coming of the Lord ½c
2. How the Sabbath Came to be 1½c
3. Review of W. S. Gamble on the Sabbath Question ½c
4. A Challenge to Protestants ¼c
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“The Church Visible.”

By W. N. G.

That which is visible is that which is seen by the natural eye, at least such is the evident thought in the following expression of a religious journal. It matters not what denomination the journal represents, as every one who belongs to any organized church will indorse it:—
“The church visible is the divinely ordained means for the advancement and consummation of the kingdom of God. To fight against the visible organized church is to fight against God. The more people we have in this world who are too liberal and too heavenly-minded to be members of, or take any interest in, the visible church, composed of men and women in the flesh, the worse off the world is.”
But the great majority of people who will indorse that principle will draw the line at the law of God, especially at the fourth commandment. They tell us that the law is only to be kept in spirit, that we can not keep it in the letter. But the outward observance of the law, not excepting the literal observance of the Sabbath enjoined in the law, is that which is visible. The spirituality of the man is known only by his visible acts. There can be no such thing as obeying either the law or the Gospel in spirit and not in the letter, or visibly. James 2:18. Therefore those who contend for recognition of the visible church must, in all consistency, admit that a genuine obedience of the law of God must include a practical, visible obedience. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:16. What else could a visible church be for but to lift up Christ by practical, visible godliness,—to show the example of Him who said by His prophet, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart” (Ps. 40:8)? If the law is in the heart, it will come out in practical life. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matt. 12:34. “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46.
W. N. G.

Kings and People

Here are a few words from Cardinal Gibbons’ recent sermon at the mass said for the repose of the soul of the late empress of Austria:— “It behooves us, therefore, as citizens, not only to observe the laws of our country, but to respect, to honor, to cherish and uphold the recognized head of the nation. As long as he is clothed with the panoply of authority, his person is sacred, because he is the representative of God, who has said, ‘By Me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things.’”
This is “the divine right of kings.” Of course authority and those in authority should be respected for the good of all; but God makes the person of every man sacred, and identifies Himself with the weakest and lowest. The surest way to protect the persons and rights of kings is to recognize and preserve inviolate the rights of the people, the rights of every person.

Unordered Copies of the Signs

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.

Pope of Protestantism

“Pope of Protestantism.”—The Elmira (N. Y.) Evening Star of October 24 suggests that Kaiser Wilhelm went to Jerusalem for the purpose of becoming the “pope of Protestantism.” But he will not succeed. The Protestantism which wants a pope will, instead of the emperor of Germany, submit to the one who now sits a prisoner in the vatican.

The Sultan Objects.

Jewish occupation of Palestine has received a sudden check, as appears from the following item in the N. Y. Examiner:—
“The sultan has taken alarm at the possibility of Palestine again passing into the hands of the Jews. As a result, the Turkish authorities in Constantinople have given direction that none of the land in Palestine shall be sold to members of that race, even tho they be Turkish subjects. The projected purchase of land by Barons Rothschild and Hirsch and the Israelitish Alliance is, therefore, reported to be stopped. The sultan is not going to acquiesce in the establishment of a Jewish nation within his empire, and has even gone so far as to prohibit Jews visiting Palestine from proceeding farther than Jaffa, unless they can furnish the guarantee of some responsible resident of that city that they will leave the country within thirty days.”

Under the Law and Under Grace

“Under the law” (hupo nomon) does not mean under obligation to keep the law, but under condemnation of the law. Every transgressor of the law is “under the law,” whatever his profession. Every intelligent being in the universe is subject to God’s law, and in duty bound to obey Him. There is one thing and only one which prevents obedience. Whoever refuses obedience would do well to examine his heart in the light of this word: “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom. 8:7. But the sinner—“under the law,” condemned by the law—may come through Jesus Christ, with submission, and grace freely pardons; the sin is cleansed, the condemnation removed, and the man is no longer under the law, but under grace. And then through grace he may live so that “sin shall not have dominion over” him.

FROM 1874 TO 1899.

By Editor

The plan of getting out a quarter-centennial edition of the SIGNS is meeting with most enthusiastic endorsement in all parts of the field. Single individuals are ordering this issue in lots of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and an order for 5,000 has just been received from one brother. And while individuals are ordering in this way, tract society orders are much larger.
This is a source of great encouragement. We are glad to see that so many of the friends of this paper are alive to the meaning of the thrilling events of this time, and that they see the perils that are filling our world. Hence they earnestly embrace this great opportunity to place before their friends, neighbors, and as many more as they can reach, this quarter-centennial issue, that will so clearly show how wonderfully prophecy has been fulfilling during the past twenty-five years.
As we have frequently stated, most interesting and valuable articles have been prepared by good writers in various parts of the world, and while it is our constant aim to make every issue of the SIGNS as good as possible, yet this quarter-centennial number will be much more than ordinarily valuable.
As you know, we are planning to print one million copies of that one issue, and will depend upon the friends of the work all over the field to assist in circulating them. Will you help? Write us for suggestions as to how to take up the work, special prices to agents, etc. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

WANTED AT ONCE.

THREE able-bodied Christian sailors are wanted to go with the missionary ship Pitcairn on her next voyage to the islands of the Pacific. She will sail on or before Jan. 1, 1899. Those making application will please write to C. H. Jones, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., stating age, experience, nationality, religion, qualifications, etc. Applications to be approved by the mission board.

THE WORLD’S FAITH IN PEACE.

A SHORT time ago the czar of Russia sent an invitation to all the nations of the world to join him in a peace conference for the purpose of securing a universal disarmament and the doing away with war; among civilized nations; and poet and statesman and philosopher, altho with faltering accents, have been shouting his praises as the harbinger of international tranquillity. But the czar has just expressed his faith in the “peace congress” by ordering the construction of sixty-six torpedo-boat destroyers. Thus he goes right on using up the $70,000,000 that he appropriated for naval construction last March.
France expresses her faith in the “peace congress” by ordering two of the largest battle-ships, of 14,500 tons each, and two cruisers, and eleven torpedo-boats, and two torpedo-boat destroyers.
Germany has ordered an increase of 15,000 in her army, to express her faith in the congress of peace.
And, as noted elsewhere in this paper, Lord Salisbury warns England that if she lets her defenses go down she will lose her national existence.
It would indeed be consoling if we could reasonably look for a general peace. But be not deceived. The world is gathering her armies for the great and final battle of Armageddon.
Continue reading: Peace Congress and Armageddon