Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 24, 1904
Publishers' Page
Conducted by the Department of Circulation of the Review and Herald Publishing Company
Missionary Campaign Books
THE books advertised on this page of this issue are those recommended for general use in the missionary campaign. They may be used by resident canvassers anywhere and at any time without consultation with the canvassing agent. On all of these, except “Christ’s Object Lessons” and “The Story of Joseph,” which are dedicated books for the assistance of our educational institutions, the canvasser will receive forty per cent commission.
Education
THIS excellent book treats the subject of education in its entirety, covering all phases. It is a work suited to all classes, especially parents, teachers, and students. The great principles of Christian education are clearly set forth, and invaluable counsel for the education of the youth is placed within the reach of all. It points out the right way to the child, the parent, the teacher, and the business man, and teaches how to avoid the dark and treacherous ways which lead to false theories and destruction.
It contains 321 pages; beautifully bound in three-color cover design. Price, $1.25.
Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation
In Paper Covers—Two Volumes
THIS old standard work is a verse-by-verse commentary upon the prophecies recorded in the books of Daniel and Revelation; and its teachings have been tested, and found to be sound and reliable. As the prophecies are fulfilled, the more important it is that they be studied and understood; and “Daniel and the Revelation” is the standard in prophetic studies.
Bound in the Berean Library. Price, 25 cents each.
The Great Nations of To-day
“THE GREAT NATIONS OF TO-DAY” reveals the causes of the movements of the nations at the present time, together with a clear presentation of their rise, relations, careers, and their destinies, in connection with a clear, concise treatise on the Seven Trumpets, the Three Woes, Babylon, the Beast of Revelation 13 and its Image, the Commandments, the Hour of God’s Judgment Come, and the Setting up of the Everlasting Kingdom of God.
While people are studying the present war between Russia and Japan, it is a most favorable time to interest them in “The Great Nations of To-day.”
Bound in paper covers, containing 257 pages; price, 25 cents a copy.
Our Little Folks’ Bible Nature
A NEW child’s book, with simple graded lessons on Bible nature, beginning with light and continuing with the study of creation in the order of the Scriptures. It is a beginners’ book of the sentence-method order, carefully graded. Each subject is thoroughly illustrated with new drawings made especially for the book, and with thirteen colored plates.
It contains 128 pages, and is beautifully bound in board and cloth, with colored cover design. Prices, 25 and 40 cents.
Sunshine at Home
In Danish and Swedish
THE brightest collection of stories on natural history and Bible scenes that has ever been offered for the instruction and entertainment of old and young. Over two hundred thousand copies of this book have been sold.
It contains 190 beautiful illustrations. In size it is 11 x 13½ inches. Beautifully bound in cloth, plain edges, $1; in gilt edges, $1.25. This book will make a splendid holiday present.
Christ’s Object Lessons
and
The Story of Joseph
“CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS” is dedicated to the relief of our educational institutions, and “The Story of Joseph” has been set apart for the aid of mission-school work in the South, which is one of the most important and needy missionary enterprises; and 100,000 copies of this book ought to be sold immediately to meet the pressing needs of this work.
No commission is to be received by the worker for the sale of these books, as all the proceeds received from their sale are to go to the work for which these books are especially set apart.
Power for Witnessing
IN this work are pointed out the means by which the life may be filled with those elements of divine power that will make each follower of Christ a true representative on earth of his kingdom. The treatment of the following subjects is especially helpful to those who would have a closer connection with God:—
Personal Experience in Receiving Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins; Righteousness, then Power; Secret of Rejoicing in Tribulation, and How to Find Faith.
Neatly bound in cloth, 200 pages, 75 cents.
Things Foretold
A TREATISE on the prophecies, especially prepared for children. It might be called a primary “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” The prophecies are treated in a plain, simple manner so that the children can comprehend them. Some adults unfamiliar with the prophecies prefer “Things Foretold” to the exhaustive treatise given in “Daniel and the Revelation.” It is printed in a very neat, attractive form, and the nature of its contents renders it worthy of a wide circulation.
Neatly bound in board covers; price, 50 cents.
Uncle Ben’s Cobblestones
“UNCLE BEN’S ‘COBBLESTONES,’” or “Familiar Talks about Common Things,” is a very interesting and instructive work dedicated to “all those boys and girls who wish to gather out the stones, and to build up good, strong walls of knowledge.” Excellent for youth and children.
Beautifully illustrated and substantially bound; 221 pages; price, 75 cents.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
of Blessing
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE
THIS excellent work is a verse-by-verse treatise upon the sermon on the mount, and is very beneficial to all. It is particularly suited for general distribution among unbelievers. It is also very helpful to parents, an excellent companion volume for “Steps to Christ.”
Nicely illustrated, bound in cloth, with cover design, 75 cents; in half calf, $1.
Steps to Christ
To the readers of the REVIEW this book needs no description. All know that it is a work which has cheered many discouraged hearts, that it presents in a simple, attractive manner the steps by which the sinner may be made complete in Christ, that it is an excellent guide for inquirers and young converts, and that it contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those who are laboring with the difficulties that beset a growing experience.
Bound in cloth, 50 cents; leather, thin edition, 60 cents.
Order of Review and Herald, Washington, D. C.; Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.; Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; Southern Publishing Assn., Nashville, Tenn.; or your State Tract Society.
Simplicity Tract Rack
THESE tract racks are neat, cheap, and durable, being made of strong strawboard in imitation of oak wood, and will hold a good assortment of tracts. They are cheap, and a number can be used in one public place, instead of one large, expensive rack. This arrangement is better than a large rack, as tracts are thus placed in different parts of the room. This plan of missionary work is recommended for public places where it is not possible to do systematic follow-up work. Only a short time is required occasionally to refill the racks. Many persons are so situated that they could attend to a number of these racks two or three times a week with little expense and trouble.
The racks are being appreciated more and more. The first lot manufactured have all been sold, and a new supply has been provided. All orders will receive prompt attention. Price, postpaid, 20 cents each.
United Prayer
By Editor
Editorial
United Prayer
DURING the week, December 10-17, all believers in this advent movement are invited to join in a concert of prayer. The results which might flow from such a season of united prayer are greater than we can measure or describe. More than sixty thousand persons may all be of one accord, even though they can not be in one place, and in such a volume of united and continued prayer there is a mighty power. The churches may be revived and built up. The missionary spirit may be greatly increased. A new inspiration to consecrated service may be received. Every individual member of every church and company may be filled with the Holy Spirit, and prepared to be an effectual witness for the truth. Thus the coming of the Redeemer’s kingdom may be greatly hastened. Are not these sufficient incentives for a season of united and earnest prayer? O that this week of prayer might bring to God’s people all the blessing which he desires to bestow! Then would there be a compelling power in this message, and there would be sufficient money freely donated to meet every demand of God’s providence. We hope that this season will be a time of united prayer in truth among all this people. Let each one do his part toward making it so.
Praying to a Purpose
IT is selfish to ask the Lord for large gifts merely for our own benefit. It is unselfish to seek for much in order that we may have the more to impart to others. When we ask for fellowship with Christ that we may show forth his praises, when we ask for the Holy Spirit that we may be prepared for service, when we ask for prosperity in business that we may have more to give for the advancement of God’s cause, we are praying to a purpose, and God will be glorified in giving what we ask of him. “We are to ask blessings from God that we may communicate to others. The capacity for receiving is preserved only by imparting. We can not continue to receive heavenly treasure without communicating to those around us.” “Give, and it shall be given unto you.”
Asking and Receiving
PRAYER is an essential part of God’s plan for bestowing his gifts. Some wise interpreters of God’s character and government declare that it is foolish to keep asking him for those things which he knows we need, as if we thought it necessary to remind him that we are here and dependent upon his bounty. The Son of God, who came down from heaven, viewed this matter in a different light. He said: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Asking is a necessary part of the experience of receiving. The asking one is the receiving one. “Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence.” This key is given to us to use. Let us unlock the heavenly storehouse.
An Unanswerable Answer
THE best answer to all the objections to praying is prayer itself. While the skeptic is demonstrating that it is useless to pray, or while modern philosophy is constructing its crucible in which it proposes to subject prayer to a scientific analysis to determine whether God can answer prayer, the humble believer prays, gets his answer, and goes on his way rejoicing. Experience is better than logic or philosophy. David’s testimony is, “In the day that I called thou answeredst me.” The Holy Spirit says through the apostle James, “The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.” A great cloud of witnesses through all the centuries could testify that the Father in heaven hears and answers the prayers of his children. The best way to answer the skeptical philosophy about prayer is not to argue the case, but to keep on praying in faith. Answered prayers constitute an unanswerable answer to the strongest arguments against prayer.
Personal Communion
WE are invited into the audience chamber of the King of kings to hold personal communion with him. Although we have sinned against God and are unworthy of the least of his mercies, yet he loves us with an everlasting love, and has only thoughts of compassion toward us. He has made unto us “exceeding great and precious promises,” and with the tenderness of the loving Father that he is, he encourages us to let our requests be made known with thanksgiving, and it is his good pleasure to supply all our needs “according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” We may pray with the assurance that we are talking with a personal God just as really as we talk with our friend or neighbor. When we read his Word in the fellowship of his Spirit, we may know that he is speaking to us and with us. In our daily experiences we may realize the presence of angels from the throne, those “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” Thus we may walk with God, just as did Noah and Enoch, and there will be fulfilled to us the wonderful promise of the high and lofty One: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” Those who know God most intimately are the ones who prize most highly the privilege of such fellowship. “The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of his Spirit, the companionship of his presence.” Ah, why do we give so much heed to our doubts and fears! Why are4we so ready to give weight to the suggestions of Satan, and so slow to have confidence in the promises of God? In so doing we strengthen the power of temptation and weaken our hold upon God. Let us refuse the freedom of the soul to Satan, and open wide the door to God. “Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth, and will have constant communion with heaven.” “Pray without ceasing.”
Multitudes and Tongues
By William Ambrose Spicer
THAT is what our brethren in Europe are dealing with. The delegates at the Friedensau general meeting represented work among twenty-five or thirty languages. Not that many tongues were spoken by delegates present, but more languages were actually spoken on the grounds, probably, than in any meeting Sabbath-keepers have ever held since apostolic days. There was no babel of confusion; for the third angel's message is just the same in every tongue.
And the truth makes the people just the same. There they were, from Iceland to Syria, and from Russia to Britain, delegates and believers gathered in camp, eight hundred strong. It was a stirring sight. The Lord was with us, just as in our best camp-meetings at home. This truth is the power of God, and a precious gift that makes all hearts beat as one in sacrifice and service.
Companies gave us now and then a song service in French, Russian, Holland, Lettish, Hungarian, and one or two other tongues, I think. All thought of it as just a suggestion of that coming day when representatives of every tongue will sing the new song about the throne, all in the one pure language of heaven.
Our brethren are pushing in with the truth among the vast multitudes of Europe. They have five hundred millions in their territory, with its mission fields. And they have seventy ordained ministers leading the forces in. It works out a population of seven millions to each minister. Christ ordained “other seventy also” in addition to the twelve, and as he sent them into little Palestine, he told them to pray the Lord of the harvest to send yet more laborers into his harvest. Depend upon it, the little staff in Europe are praying for laborers as they work.
New converts were with us from further Hungary—children of the old Saxons who migrated to Transylvania four hundred years ago. The Hungarian field now has a paper, and literature is being provided. Already about two hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers greet us from that field.
In Austria open canvassing is out of the question. The primary problem of the believers there is to know how to give literature away; for even that is against the law. Yet twenty-one new members had joined us during the first half of this year. All sent greetings to the conference, with assurances that they are one with us in love for this truth.
Brethren were present who knew all about the inside of Russian prisons; others could tell of press censorship, and of books being put on prohibited lists. In many parts of Europe curious laws restrict action in this direction and that. But on goes the truth, and the workers are full of courage. One Holland delegate was held back by an interest he could not drop at Antwerp. The night before he sent his greetings by mail, a crowd of a thousand people were gathered about his meeting hall by the opposition of elements fighting the truth, and by the interest aroused in it. These experiences come and go, and amid it all God cares for the workers, and Sabbath-keepers spring up.
In 1901 the European tithe was $47,593. In 1903 it was $68,581, and still it is growing as the believers grow in numbers and in faithfulness. W. A. S.
A Significant Movement
The missionaries of the United Presbyterian Church in Egypt and India have recently made appeals “for one ordained missionary and one unmarried lady missionary for every fifty thousand within the bounds of these mission fields. The call is for one hundred and eighty new missionaries for India and two hundred and eighty for Egypt.”
The basis of this appeal is set forth in the following resolution:—
That we believe it to be the duty of the church to secure the evangelization of this field within the period of a single generation—that is, so to bring the essential principles of the gospel to the attention of all classes in that time that no one of mature understanding could say that he was not acquainted with the way of everlasting life.
Other mission workers have given much study to this same problem, and have reached the conclusion that it is the duty of Christians to give the gospel to the whole heathen world in this generation. They have gone into the matter in detail, and have shown that it is possible to do this, if professed believers will do what it is within their power to do. The claim is not put forward that the world can be converted in this generation, but that it can be evangelized in a single generation. This means that the gospel could be preached “in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations” during the present generation, and an urgent call is being made for volunteers to undertake this work.
Viewing this movement from the standpoint of our belief that this third angel’s message must go to “every nation and tribe and tongue and people,” and that our Lord must come in a very short time, there is to us much significance in the fact that other Christian workers have undertaken the task of carrying the gospel to the dark parts of the world in this generation. We have no doubt that this effort will prepare the way for the final message, and that we shall enter into their labors. The Lord can use all agencies, and employ all means to his glory in the furtherance of his work, and those who live up to the light of truth as fast as it comes to them will all unite as one body of believers and workers in this message before it closes. This will be the outcome of the various plans and efforts to evangelize the world in this generation.
With the Bible translated into every known language and scattered over the face of the earth, and with the minds of a goodly number of men stirred over the problem of evangelizing the world in this generation, everything is in readiness for a quick work in preparing the way for our Saviour’s return. It remains for us to do with zeal and faithfulness the part which in the providence of God has been committed to us. The Lord’s word will not fail. His purposes will be accomplished. The work will be finished in this generation.
A Splendid Opportunity
By A. G. Daniells
As the light of the third angel’s message found its way to the minds and hearts of the pioneers in this cause, there came with it a conviction that in some way within their lifetime that message would be carried by consecrated workers to every nation in this world. Some of these pioneers are still living, and to-day this message is being proclaimed in nearly every nation on the earth.
Let us thank God that at least a few of the loyal, self-sacrificing believers who were with this cause at its beginning are still with us, and that the word of God which gave the convictions that came to them has been so wonderfully fulfilled. These pioneers were alone in the world; they were without means, and did not have a single facility of any kind whatever. From a human standpoint, there was not the least evidence that the cause to which they were committed would ever grow to its present proportions. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
But this wonderful development of this work has brought with it a corresponding increase of responsibility. The seventy-seven thousand who are now sharing the blessings of this message are called to the same devotion and loyal support of this cause that its pioneers manifested.5
The one great material need of this cause to-day is more workers. Never before since this message opened, have there been so many pressing, touching calls from the fields for messengers. And the one great reason why these calls are not more promptly and fully responded to is because there is not the money in the treasury to meet the expenses and support of more laborers. There are many educated men and women whose hearts yearn to go to the lands from which these pleading calls come for help, but we can not send them because of the one regrettable fact that we have not the money in our treasury.
The money is in the denomination, but those who have it do not all fully realize the need of placing it where it can now be used. The Lord has greatly blessed Seventh-day Adventists. In addition to the general prosperity of good crops, high prices, an abundance of work at high wages, the Lord has shown us, through the message he has given us, how to live so that we as a people save more than a million dollars every year that our neighbors spend in liquor, tobacco, tea, coffee, and amusements. We could give to this cause for missions every year the sum thus saved, and then be as well off as our neighbors who spend that amount for that which not only does them no good, but actual harm.
The College View council held last September called for an annual offering this winter of eighty thousand dollars. This council was attended by nearly every member of the General Conference Committee living in the United States, and by many presidents of conferences. These brethren considered the field and its needs with the greatest care. It was their profound conviction that eighty thousand dollars must be given at this annual offering in order to meet the demands pressing upon us at this time.
This can be done by our people without distressing any one. God has given us the means. We appeal to our brethren and sisters of means to take this matter to heart. There is no other cause on earth so worthy of your loyal, liberal support. The Lord has given you this message and the property you have, that you may pass the message on to the perishing. You are stewards, and great is the responsibility of that stewardship.
Dear friends of the cause, will you come to its help at this time? We do not say it is sinking. We do not claim that it is on the point of bankruptcy. It is not going that way. But, dear friends, it needs larger wings that it may fly with greater speed. It struggles to rise and enlarge and cover the earth; but it is hindered by lack of means.
Brother, you can well afford to draw a thousand dollars from your bank deposit, and place it in the annual offering. You can well afford to sell some of your cattle or sheep or land, for the sole purpose of placing a contribution of five hundred dollars in the annual offering this year. Some one must rise to the plane of larger giving if this cause is not greatly delayed from this day by a lack of means. Who is willing deliberately to take the responsibility and results of delaying God’s work by withholding the gifts that might be made? May the Lord move our hearts to large giving, that both the world and ourselves may receive the blessings that will follow.
A. G. DANIELLS.
The Winds of Strife in the Far East
THE present instability of the world's peace equilibrium, which came so near to being upset by the sudden and unlooked-for event in the North Sea, is filling the minds of statesmen with apprehension for the immediate future. The following dispatch from Paris, under date of October 31, shows how this apprehension is making itself felt in France:—
The prospect that the Russo-Japanese war may last indefinitely is beginning to cause uneasiness among thinking Frenchmen. Diplomacy had to strain every nerve to bring about a pacific issue to the recent Anglo-Russian incident, and it is idle to deny that there is general apprehension that other incidents of equal gravity may arise, and prove less amenable to adjustment. This apprehension probably prompted an important article by M. Hanotaux, formerly minister of foreign affairs, published here to-day.
The war, he says, may go on for years without decisive result. Only one thing has so far been accomplished; namely, the demonstration of the bravery of the two armies. The most simple course would be to shake hands. It is high time to do so, if the greatest misfortunes are to be avoided. Is it not henceforth evident, M. Hanotaux asks, that the most peaceful powers are merely awaiting a surprise or a coup d'état. A mere imprudence may engender a new flood of blunders, in which the whole world would be precipitated.
Still the winds of strife are being held by the four angels of Revelation 7, that the work of the third angel of Revelation 14 may not be interrupted. The present war is indeed one of great magnitude, but the whirlwind of strife is in a remote corner of the earth, to which the sound of the third angel's voice has as yet scarcely come.
Note and Comment
THE Northwestern Christian Advocate of October 5 prints the following:—
Melton Prior, the well-known British newspaper correspondent, who left General Oku’s army in disgust a few weeks ago, says he feels absolutely certain that the war in the far East will lead to European complications and to the most awful war in the world’s history. Such a European war as a result of the conflict in the far East is not improbable.
L. A. S
By L. A. S.
THE year which is drawing to a close has been marked in this country at least, by a succession of catastrophes involving the loss of human life, which has arrested the attention and elicited the comment even of those who believe the world is becoming a better and safer abode for its inhabitants as the years go by. Such events as the burning of the Iroquois theater and of the steamboat “General Slocum,” and railway accidents of unusual magnitude, have never before been so numerously crowded into the space of a single year. To say that such occurrences are the result of carelessness, or of the increase of traffic by sea and rail, is not a sufficient explanation of them. If there is negligence now in the management of railway and steamboat lines, it is equally true that there has always been negligence; and the increase of traffic does not necessarily bring an increased strain upon any part of the system by which the traffic is conducted, or increased liability to accident. With the multiplication of railway and steamboat lines and vehicles of travel, there is a corresponding multiplication of those who have the oversight and handling of the various parts. Nor has negligence always figured as the cause of disaster; some of the worst wrecks have occurred in an almost unaccountable manner.
People who conclude that with the exercise of a proper degree of care in the management of public buildings and conveyances, human life within them is bound to be safe, leave out of their reckoning two essential facts. One is the agency of evil spirits in spreading death and disaster throughout our world; the other is the agency of divine providence in averting calamities, either threatened or unseen, which would otherwise occur. Much of the credit that is given to man for the safety of human life under circumstances which suggest the possibility of calamity, belongs to God, whose restraint upon the forces of evil alone prevent the sudden advent of death. Men are preserved by the divine care upon the right hand and upon the left, guided unconsciously past unseen perils, and imagine that their immunity is due to natural circumstances, and to their own ability to care for themselves. When the divine restraint is removed, and the forces of the evil one, who by Adam’s fall became the prince of this world, are allowed free course to gather their harvest of death, it will be seen that men owe much more to God and much less to themselves for the enjoyment of life, health, and prosperity than they had supposed.
L. A. S
READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF PRAYER
By General Conference Committee
To be Read in all the Churches in the United States, Dec. 10-17, 1904
Suggestions to Church Officers
As in past years, the elder should make early announcement of the week-of-prayer services, and specially urge full attendance. It is a week for special effort for the unconverted and back-slidden.
Let the one who is to read the reading for the day be appointed sufficiently long beforehand so that he may be prepared to present it with the Spirit and with the understanding. Let some one in the congregation read the Scripture portions that the writers may ask to have read.
Where possible, let each day's program be planned for in advance, securing co-operation in the matter of appropriate hymns or Scripture readings. After the reading there will be time for prayer, social meeting, or missionary meeting, and the planning of personal practical work. Urge all to take some part in adding to the interest of the meetings, so that all may share in the revival and blessing that we all so much need.
The envelopes for the annual offering should be distributed the first Sabbath — December 10 — and gathered the last Sabbath, following the reading, December 17. This annual offering is a most important one. Can not every church lay plans to double last year's offering? Money for missions is not “mere money.” It is a life-line thrown out to the perishing who are calling to us. Emphasize the call of the hour. The cash offering should be sent at once to your conference treasury, as the money is needed. Later gifts may be forwarded at the end of the month, with your regular remittances to your treasury.
Everywhere there is progress, and courage and confidence fill the hearts of believers. God is leading this work on to victory. Let us watch for souls, and press the work forward in this important time.