Argentine—Mary T. Westphal, Casilla del Correo, 481, in care of Sociedad de Tratados de Argentina, Buenos Ayres, Argentine Republic, S. A.
Arkansas Tract Society—H. Clay Griffin, Van Buren, Ark.
Atlantic Tract Society—T. A. Kilgore, Sec., 43 Bond St., New York City, N. Y.
Australia—Echo Publishing House, North Fitzroy, Victoria.
California Tract Society—1059 Castro St., Oakland, Cal.
Canada—Mrs. A. E. Taylor, 294 Maria Anne St., Montreal, Quebec, Sec. Quebec Tract Society; Marian Klaiber, 194 Brock Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Sec. Ont. Tract Society; and Int. Tract Society, 268 Crawford St., Toronto, Ontario.
China and Japan—A. La Rue, International Tract Society, Queen’s Road 219, Hongkong, China.
MESSRS. COON BROS.: Some time ago I bought one of your Cyclone Washers, after seeing it thoroughly tested, and now I would not take double the price I paid for it if I could not get another. Every housekeeper should have one. E. HAGEMAN.
Agents wanted everywhere. For particulars and circulars address.
Coon Bros., 137 South Washington St., Battle Creek, Mich.
Literary Notices.
“Of Such Is the Kingdom, and other poems,” is the title of a very daintily bound and neatly printed volume, the author of which is Anna Olcott Commelin. Publishers, Fowler & Wells, N. Y. Price, fancy cloth, gilt, $1.50.
This volume reached us some time ago, but was in some way mislaid. The mechanical work on the book is well done. There are some very pretty poems, but the theology of spiritism and the religion of self mars it. “Seek within thyself thy stay,” is the advice of the singer, and a multitude of false religions. “Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God,” is the advice of the prophet of old. It is too bad that the divine gift of song should be used to dishonor its Author.
“Consecration,” a neat little book of 60 pages, by H. L. Hastings, 47 Cornhill, Boston, Mass. It contains many excellent thoughts, and forcibly presents the fact that each one is the Lord’s, and is bound to yield to him, and if we do this, the Lord will care for the rest. Price, cloth bound, 25 cents; paper, 10 cents.
“The Wonderful Law,” No. 18, Anti-Infidel Library, by H. L. Hastings, 47 Cornhill, Boston, Mass. Price, 25 cents. Price of Library, 12 numbers, $1.00. This number of the Library considers the law of Moses as a whole, and shows the utter unreasonableness of infidel objectors. It is a most excellent number and worthy of wide circulation.
To Chicago in 3½ Days via the Northwestern Line
TO CHICAGO IN 3½ DAYS —and— TO NEW YORK IN 4½ DAYS —via— THE NORTHWESTERN LINE —and— UNION PACIFIC RAILWAY.
Drawing-room sleeping cars. Upholstered tourist cars. Daily without change. All meals in dining cars. Sleeping car reservations and all information at Overland Ticket Office, 2 New Montgomery Street, Palace Hotel corner. C. E. Bray, general agent.
St. Helena Sanitarium.
(Formerly RURAL HEALTH RETREAT.)
A Health Retreat under regular management, where all natural methods of treatment are used, including pure water, fresh air, beautiful scenery, healthful foods, gymnastics, Swedish movements, electricity in various forms, baths of all kinds, massage, and the rest cure, as may be deemed best suited. Besides, our surgical wards are in the hands of skilled surgeons and trained nurses where the best care can be given.
Send for a circular. Address,
St. Helena Sanitarium,
St. Helena, Napa Co., California.
The Testimony of History to the Truth of Scripture.
By Rev. George Rawlinson, M.A., author of “Seven Great Monarchies.” This is a pamphlet of 240 pages, takes up the most recent archaeological discoveries, and shows how thoroughly they agree with the Bible record. “The religion of the Bible, unlike almost all other religions, has its roots in the region of facts,” are his opening words in this valuable work, and the whole book is just as forcible and to the point as this opening sentence. We say again, it is a valuable aid to those who wish to briefly study the subject. Price, paper covers, 35 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.
Your Life Work
Is it of Men or of God? A new tract in the Apples of Gold Library. Order A. G. L. No. 20. Price, 50 cents per 100 or one cent each in small quantities. Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; or New York City, N. Y.
PUBLICATIONS ON THE SECOND ADVENT.
HIS GLORIOUS APPEARING. An illustrated commentary on Matthew 24, containing 96 pages and 20 full-page illustrations. It takes up Christ’s great prophecy of his own second coming, and the signs of the times are clearly pointed out in their relation to that event. This is an attractive and instructive booklet, and is especially valuable at this time. Bound in boards with cover design in colors, 25 cents. Bound in fine English cloth, lemon edges, 40 cents.
HELPS TO BIBLE STUDY. Sixth edition. Contains readings on the following subjects: Home of the Saved, Second Coming of Christ, The Sanctuary, The Judgment, Seal of God, Third Angel’s Message, State of the Dead, The Two Laws, Second Advent, and Binding of Satan, etc., etc. These readings are what the title indicates, “Helps to Bible Study,” and will be found especially valuable for the Bible worker and family. Bound in fine cloth at 50 cents; same contents in pamphlet form, 25 cents.
SURE WORD OF PROPHECY. A consideration of the important prophecies of the book of Daniel, the last chapter of which brings us to the “time of the end,” just previous to Christ’s second coming. 96 pages, paper covers. Bible Students’ Library No. 131. Price, 10 cents.
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. A brief résumé of the advents of Christ and the prophecies which cluster around these events. Two diagrams assist in the study. 80 pages, paper covers. Bible Students’ Library No. 97. Price, 10 cents.
CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE. Showing the work that Christ accomplishes in the sanctuary in heaven, before his second coming. 112 pages, paper covers. Bible Students’ Library No. 128. Price, 10 cents.
MATTHEW 24, OR THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. An exposition of the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. 96 pages, paper covers. Bible Students’ Library No. 58. Price, 10 cents.
THE SECOND ADVENT. By Elder James White. This tract very clearly points out the nearness of Christ’s second coming, and proves conclusively that this coming will be a literal coming, known by all, and not a spiritual coming to those in the “secret chambers.” Bible Students’ Library No. 31. Price, 4 cents.
MANNER OF CHRIST’S COMING. By M. C. Wilcox. This gives the original Greek of such words and terms as refer to the different “comings” of Christ, proves conclusively that the second coming of Christ will be personal and visible, and shows the harmony of Scripture teaching on this important subject. It is an excellent number to place in the hands of professional men and persons of education and culture. Bible Students’ Library No 124. Price, 2 cents. Send for complete catalogue with description, and price list of other publications on this and kindred topics.
THE JUDGMENT; ITS EVENTS AND THEIR ORDER. By J. N. Andrews. This pamphlet gives in six comprehensive chapters, The Investigative Judgment, Examination of the Books, God the Father the Judge, Offices of Christ, Messages to the World, The Sanctuary in Heaven, The Crowning of Christ, The Executive Judgment by Christ, The Saints Sitting in Judgment. The value of this work can be appreciated only by him who has read it. 134 pages, paper covers. Bible Students’ Library No. 55. Price, 15 cents.
THREE MESSAGES
OF REVELATION XIV.
This is a pamphlet of 140 pages, giving in a brief and concise manner the character and importance of the warning messages now going to the world. Price, 15c.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.,
Kansas City, Mo. Oakland, Cal. New York City, N. Y.
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Steps to Christ.—By Mrs. E. G. White. This most valuable work has been published in six different languages in the United States alone, while chapters from it have been issued in tract form in some countries. Only those who have carefully read its contents can estimate its great worth. Neatly bound in cloth, 75c.
The Rights of the People.—An up-to-date pamphlet on religious liberty, and of permanent value for reference and study. Paper covers, 40c.
Testimony of History to Truth of the Scriptures.—By Geo. Rawlinson, M.D. An excellent and instructive pamphlet on recent archæological discoveries. Paper binding, 35c.
Dictionary of the Bible.—By Wm. Smith, LL.D. A very complete dictionary of the Bible, although small. 467 pages of closely written matter, well and attractively bound, Jewish calendar, map of Palestine, and other valuable features. Price, 85c.
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Ca.
The Author of Life
The Author of Life.—God is the Author of life. From him all life comes. The psalmist expresses it beautifully in the expression, “The Fountain of Life.” Think of what that means. Imagine to yourself a country parched, dry, and dead, when all at once on the highest eminence a mighty fountain of pure, sparkling water bursts forth, and flows outward in every direction, carrying life and nourishment to the dry, parched earth. The earth seems to throb with life. Grass and flowers and shrubs spring up everywhere. The dry roots or seeds have been touched; they are connected with a living fountain. So it is with God and the universe. He is the great Fountain, from whom streams of living water are flowing out to all parts of the created universe. Those who receive this water, who quaff it for what it is, the nectar of life, live, while to those who use it selfishly, endeavor to hoard it for selfish purposes, pervert it to selfish ends, shut it away entirely, it does no good. Nay, it does more; it proves to them destruction. But this is not because God is not good, nor the water good, but perverted good is always evil. There is life in God through Jesus Christ; receive it as such.
Papers Sent Only When Paid 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 for pay. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.
Editorial.
Miracle and Lesson (Notes)........................................1, 2
“Saved by His Life” (Rom. 5:1-10) E. J. W........................2-4
Question Corner.—No. 277, A Matter of a Name—No. 278, Women in the Churches—No. 279, Eccl. 3:1-8, 21; Mark 13:15, 16, etc........................................4
Poetry.
Down by the Sea, ELIZA H. MORTON................................5
I Have Seen Thee, MRS. OGDEN LEWIS................................9
The Loud Call from Far-away Lands................................11
General Articles.
Divinity in Humanity, MRS. E. G. WHITE................................5
The Spirit and the Sinner, WM. COVERT................................6
The Power of the Word, G. H. HEALD, M.D................................6
What Shall be the Sign? R. J. HYATT................................7
Church and State Union, W. N. GLENN................................7
Where Is Your Trust? L. A. HANSEN................................8
The Outlook.—“The Dissatisfaction of Nations”—Another Sophistical Decision, W. N. G.—Class Legislation................................9
The Fireside.—The Samaritan—The Prisoner’s Ordeal—Burning Tree of Burma—How to be a Gentleman—Music 10
Missions.—Upper Burma—Facts about Venezuela—Idolatry in South America—Self-support in Native Churches—Our Work and Workers................................10, 11
International Sabbath School Lesson.—World-Wide Apostasy (Lesson 12, Sabbath, March 21, 1896)................................12, 13
International Sunday School Lesson.—Faithful and Unfaithful Servants (Lesson 12, Sunday, March 22, 1896)................................13
News and Notes................................14
Publishers................................15
Mrs. E. G. White's Health and Life of Christ
Many of our readers will be pleased to hear that Mrs. E. G. White is again making progress healthward, and that soon her new work on the life of Christ will be ready.
Italy's Struggle with Abyssinia Under King Menelik
It looks now as tho Italy would not be able to overcome “the sheep of the desert,” the Abyssinians. King Menelik just now seems to have the upper hand. In the good providence of the Lord we hope he may hold it.
Australian Addresses
Australian Addresses.—We learn by letter from Australia that Mrs. E. G. White and family and Elder W. C. White and family have moved from Granville to Cooranbong. Their post office address is, till further notice, “Sunny Side,” Cooranbong, N. S. W.
Mrs. Mary Dennis to Labor in the City
We learn that Mrs. Mary Dennis, a colored lady, a well-known mission worker, especially in California, will be in this city in about three weeks to labor as the Lord opens the way. Mrs. Dennis’ work has been largely for the poor unfortunates in the slums. May the Lord give her success. There is plenty of room.
Frankness: Why Sunday Laws Are Religious
Frankness.—In discussing the foes of Sunday the Christian Advocate thus puts the reason for Sunday laws:—
“Why close anything on one day in seven which is allowed to be open on other days?—Because it is Sunday, and the state needs Sunday.”
Exactly, “because it is Sunday.” But what difference between Sunday and other days of the week? Why, Sunday is a religious day. There is no other reason. Sunday laws are therefore religious laws.
Californian Spring Weather Contrasted With Eastern Winter Cold
While we in Oakland are enjoying all the warmth and glow and loveliness of advanced spring, with temperature such that a fire is not necessary for comfort even in the evening, we read in our eastern exchanges of the mercury creeping down to 36, 40, and 49 degrees below zero in northern New York. Ugh! it makes us shiver to think of it; and with fellow-feeling and sympathy begotten of old-time experience, and with present pity, we heartily invite our eastern friends to come over to California, the land of flowers and sunshine. And yet we once enjoyed those keen, cold, cutting mornings, and we suppose that many do still. They are not all 72 degrees below freezing, however.
The Sunday-Law Drift.
Contrary to all just principles of righteousness and truth, contrary to true Americanism and liberty, contrary to God’s word, our legislatures and courts continue to pile up and confirm Sunday laws. “The appellate division of the Supreme Court,” says the N. Y. Observer of February 13, “rendered a decision last week in favor of the constitutionality of the law requiring barbers’ shops, except those in New York and Saratoga, to close on Sunday, and in the two latter places to be closed after one o’clock in the afternoon of that day. This case is considered a test one. In affirming the decision of a lower court, Justice Ingraham, who wrote the opinion, says:—
“There is nothing in this act that attempts to provide that the appellant shall not carry on his particular trade or calling in any manner or at any place that he pleases. He is simply prohibited from carrying on that trade upon Sunday. An examination of the legislation of most, if not all, the states will show that that subject was regulated by statute prior to the adoption of the Federal Constitution and the constitution of the state, and that prohibition of work upon Sunday, more or less severe, was in force in all the states at that time, and the right of the Legislature to regulate the observance of the sabbath has been recognized without exception, by this and some of the other states, since the formation of our government.”
It will be seen by this that the court goes back of true American precedent, back of the “New Order of Things,” to the pseudo-theocratic colonies as a basis for its decision. So did the Supreme Court in its “Christian nation” decision of Feb. 29, 1892. Sunday laws are born of the Dark Ages. Yet upon this decision the Observer remarks: “The sabbath-loving portion of the community will welcome this decision. The outward and public observance of the sabbath is a matter concerning which the state has something to say, and it is likely to be so regarded for some time to come.” Yes, the state, or, rather, politicians, are forced to say it, or lose the votes of the church; in the language of one of them, “knifed at the polls.” These things are more than straws. They show the ruinous backward drift to the principles of destruction.
Consecration
Consecration.—Repentance, or putting away of sin, belongs to the sinner; but consecration belongs to the child of God. If we believe that we are redeemed by the blood of Christ, faith acknowledges that redemption. We know that we are not our own, that we are bought with a price (1 Cor. 6. 20), and therefore it is our duty to yield to him for his service all our ransomed powers. (Read Rom. 12: 1, 2.) This is consecration. We are his to live or to die; to be offered as the ox upon the altar of sacrifice; or like the ox to place our neck to the yoke, and do faithful, willing, patient service for God.
A Physiological Reason.
Altho possessing numbers and ability, the ministers of this city, for some reason, have not been able for a long time to maintain a ministerial association. According to the Enquirer, they have now solved the problem. That enlightener of the public makes the wonderful allegement that “it is universally acknowledged that eating is a great aid to thinking, and several very intellectual associations would be quite unable to hold meetings at stated intervals if a good dinner did not precede their discussions and debates.” It is not a matter of mind or heart or creed, but of stomach. Now that the physiological reason has been discovered, the Ministerial Association of Oakland has started on a new basis, the plethoric stomach basis; two successive monthly meetings have been held, and it is now thought that with full stomachs assured at a moderate price, the future success of this organization is secured.
What Hast Thou Given?
The eternal Son of God “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14); that he might take us, all defiled and ruined by sin, and through his power make us “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Eph. 1:6, 12). In this he was not alone. God gave his only-begotten Son, “the Son of his love,” that all believing should have eternal life. Here is the fullness, the completeness of sacrifice. God gave all that he could give without jeopardizing, aye, ruining, the government of heaven. The Son gave all that he could give,—his own glorious self. This meant humiliation, poverty, suffering, shame, cruel death upon the cross. Sinner, he did it all for you. Will you not give your sinful self to him, that he may make of you what he died to make?
What Next? Senate Recognition of Cuban Belligerency
By Editor
What Next?—If the other branches of the government law-making machine follow the Senate in recognizing Cuban belligerency, it will be difficult to tell where the matter will end. Cuba is making a hard struggle for liberty. Spain counts them rebels. The recognition of their resistance to Spain as legitimate warfare may mean trouble between this country and Spain, possibly war. It does not necessarily mean Cuban liberty; doubtless it would help in a financial way. One correspondent says that it is evident “that what is wanted in the United States Senate is a foreign war, and that they believe Spain to be the easiest thing in sight.” We hope that the ideas of that body are more noble than that. Let Christians pray that God may overrule for good.
Anarchist Violence and the Coming Revolution
The Arbeiter Zeitung contends that the “anarchistic principles and teachings have nothing to do with acts of violence,” that the outbreaks which now and then occur are only heroic acts of revenge against individuals for the disgraceful deeds on the part of rulers. But the same authority claims that the revolution is bound to come. If the rulers will give way to the people, there will be no bloodshed; but this, it is believed, they are not likely to do. Then, a sanguinary struggle must ensue. The idea is that oppressed and tyrannized man, like the crushed worm, will sometime turn and sting, not as one, but en masse. Woe, then, to the world. And yet the Lord has predicted these very things. See James 5.
