p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 17. (4/29/1897)

Adventist Principles of Diet

By Editor

SAYS a frequent postal-card correspondent, and evidently earnest and self-denying worker in the Salvation Army we believe, Brother Henry Hansen, of Pasadena:—

“Millions of good stomachs have been ruined by overeating and overdrinking, and by using too fine, strong food, and too strong drink. I am glad that the Adventist Church has good rules of diet. It is telling on their children in strength and beauty, and pure morals, and happy lives, through the blessings of Almighty God. Would that all our churches had a safe code of diet.”

The above states the truth both in respect to a cause of ill health and the blessings of temperance in eating and drinking. Yet the Adventist Church, at least the Seventh-day Adventist, has no “code of diet.” It is a matter of individual conscience, enlightened by the Word and Spirit of God. God gives a good rule (1 Cor. 10: 31): “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

BIBLE STUDENTS’ LIBRARY.

By Editor

Late Numbers.

No. 144. “Eastern Question,” by A. T. Jones. A discussion of the ever live “Eastern Question,” the disposition of Turkey in the light of the prophetic Word. Price, 2 cents.

No. 145. “Will a Man Rob God?” A study of the tithing question, our duty to God, and the blessings and privileges connected therewith. By R. A. Underwood. Price, 10 cents.

No. 146. “The Rich Man and Lazarus.” A study of this parable by W. H. Littlejohn. Price, 2 cents.

No. 147. “Home Missionary Work,” from appeals by Mrs. E. G. White. A graphic setting forth of the duties of the church.

No. 148. “The Sabbath in Prophecy.” By W. H. Littlejohn. A pamphlet showing that a Sabbath reform in the last days is predicted by the prophetic Word. Price, 4 cents.

No. 149, April, 1897. “From Glory to Glory.” “What was ‘done away’ in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 3 is by many a chapter not understood. We have the expressions, “Which glory was to be done away,” “that which is abolished,” etc. To what do these refer? We believe this tract will tell the candid reader. Illustrated. Price, 3 cents.

The above may be obtained of any of our State tract societies, of the Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal., 43 West Fifth Street, Kansas City, Mo., or 39 Bond Street, New York.

Who Are They?

By Editor

We have hoped that we should hear as to who the trustees of the Battle Creek College were, but as yet no complete report has come to hand. We surely thought the Review would contain the report, but it furnishes definite information as to one trustee only, and leaves the other six in doubt. That is, we are told that the nominees were J. H. Morrison, J. H. Evans, S. H. Lane, C. M. Christianson, E. J. Hibbard, J. H. Kellogg, and G. C. Tenney. In the election the name of C. O. Holly was substituted for one of the seven; the question is, Which one? The only trustee which we are certain was elected is C. O. Holly. The Bulletin report is the same as that of the Review. Will C. O. Holly tell us who his associates are?

Grace, Not Legislative Compulsion

NOTHING but the grace of God will keep men from sin, no matter what the consequences may be, and that grace is not imparted by legislative enactment, nor by fear of the stake. It is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance, and nowhere has he commissioned either his ministers or the State to drive men to repentance by burning or stoning, or even by fines and imprisonment.

America’s Tobacco and Liquor Spending

Some of the Expenditures of a “Christian” Nation.

Would we call a man a practical Christian who spent $105 for his own pleasure and appetite and only $1.00 for Christ? Well, that is about what this “Christian” nation is doing in one item alone. About $5,000,000 is expended for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom and $525,000,000 for tobacco alone. One dollar to $105. Flour for 70,000,000 people and education in addition, cost but little more than tobacco. Double the amount paid for public education, all church expenses in this country, and all foreign mission contributions, and it barely exceeds the tobacco bill of the country. The “Christian” nation’s whisky bill, including court fees, etc., less all receipts, fines, internal revenue, state and local licenses, amounts to the sum of $1,883,877,549. The amount received from the traffic amounts to $136,289,700. The expense of the traffic is $1,747,587,489, a sum equal to $38,917,849 more than the national debt was Dec. 1, 1895. This yearly liquor expense is sixteen times more than the entire product of our gold and silver mines in 1895. Is the nation “Christian”? Has it the Christianity of Christ?

The Newsboys’ Petition

ANENT the efforts of the clergy to suppress the newsboys from selling papers Sunday in Washington, D. C., it is well to note the petition of the boys (numbering 200 signers) in reply. In addition to the suppression of the sale of papers they ask that laws be passed and enforced:—

“That no minister be allowed to have a hot breakfast on Sunday, or a hot dinner. His servants have to work for money when they cook on Sunday. It is against the sanctity of the day.

“We ask that all the seats in the churches be made free by law.

“That no minister be allowed to draw more than $2,000 salary a year. We believe this sum is enough to support a large American family, with proper economy.

“That each rich minister be obliged to sell all he has and give the money to the poor, according to the order of his divine Master.

“That the Gospel be preached without money and without price, as the Saviour preached it. The Saviour was a carpenter, and drew no salary for his ministry.”

And why have not the boys as good right to petition for such legislation as the clergy?

The Eastern Question

By Editor

THESE are days of speculation on the Eastern Question. How will it turn? is a question on the lips of multitudes. Some expositors of prophecy feel sure that the way is perfectly marked out in Daniel II. To all we would say, Wait God’s time, and meanwhile study the prophecy anew. Seek the Lord for his Spirit’s guidance, and follow where he leadeth.

Pacific Coast Camp-Meetings

By Editor

PACIFIC COAST camp-meetings, according to our latest advices, are as follows: Idaho, Boise City, May 13 to 19; North Pacific, Portland, May 20 to 30; Upper Columbia, Walla Walla, June 10 to 20; and California general meeting, Oakland, June 3 to 13.

The Christian’s Only Guide and Safety

The living Christian needs to keep ever before him the great facts that God’s Word is his only guide, that Jesus Christ is his only example, and that living, abiding connection with Christ through the Spirit is his only safety.

Rural Health Retreat Stockholders’ Meeting

By Editor

THE stockholders' meeting of the Rural Health Retreat, St. Helena, will probably be adjourned till 12 M., May 6. We state this for the benefit of stockholders at a distance who may desire to be present.