p. 11 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 34. (8/23/1899)

MISSIONARY NOTES.

"THE greatest study of the age is foreign missions; the greatest miracle, what it has accomplished; and the greatest and weightiest obligation that rests upon the individual Christian and upon the church, the fulfilment of the last command of the Son of God."

"THE church has had the men and the money to evangelize the world fifty times over. What is needed is not greater wealth, but a complete consecration of the means that God has placed in our power."

"SIX native Christians on the banks of the Euphrates, whose property averaged perhaps eight hundred dollars, gave toward their school-room and chapel three hundred and eight dollars, an average of more than fifty dollars each, which meant for one of those poor mountaineers more than one thousand days' work."

A MISSIONARY in China tells a pitiful story of the finding in a deep ditch of a little baby, abandoned by its parents because it was a girl. In a few hours more the dogs would have eaten her. The parents had given her so much opium that she was a long time in recovering.—C. E. World.

"FOR every two Christians in Japan there are five Buddhist temples, in all about 263,000 houses for idolatrous worship."

IN MANILA.—A newspaper description of the Philippine capital unconsciously pays a poor compliment to the Roman Catholic prelates, who have been practically the rulers of the island. The writer says:—

The inhabitants are very faithful to their church, and the archbishop possesses almost unlimited influence with the inhabitants. There is no library, and their amusements are mostly limited to hearing the band play, attending balls on Sundays and cock-fights. The cockpits are licensed by the government, and, though the betting is limited by law, the citizens will not hold to it.

Of nearly 300,000 people in the province, there were not more than 5,000 Spaniards before the outbreak of the war.

THE White Cross Society of America has transformed a passenger steamer into a well-equipped hospital ship, which is stationed in Cuban waters to accompany the fleet attacking the Spanish ships and forts. It is the first time the society has thus taken peaceful part in naval combat. The ship has swift steam launches to pick up the drowning and gather in the disabled.

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

By Editor

JULY 22, twelve persons were baptized at Livingston, Mont., by Brother J. C. Foster.

A recent letter reports the organization of a church of forty members at Balaclava, Jamaica.

Six persons were baptized at Madison, Wis., by Brother J. N. Anderson, at the last quarterly meeting.

At Julesburg, Colo., four additions to our ranks are reported under the labors of Brethren T. J. Landrum and H. W. Keck.

Six persons were recently baptized at Fort Dodge, Iowa, having accepted the faith under the labors of Brethren W. B. Everhart and H. Johnson.

A report of labor by Brother G. W. Anglebarger notes the baptism of three candidates at Salida, four at Cañon City, and two at Alamosa, Colo.

At the Cripple Creek, Colo., camp-meeting four persons were baptized, and the interest was such as to warrant a continuation of labor there by Brethren Marsh and L. A. Spring.

Two new churches have been organized recently in Wisconsin, by Brethren T. B. Snow and J. B. Scott, one at Bear Lake, with twenty-seven members; the other at Neillsville, with twelve members.

Two former Colorado laborers, J. W. Hopkins and Miss Clara Richards, are taking instruction in Battle Creek, Mich., preparatory to entering upon medical missionary work in Paraguay, South America.

In the Scriptures are recorded instances of the Lord's giving "testimony unto the Word of His grace," by granting "signs and wonders to be done" by the hands of His ministers. And He has not at any time refused to do so where such manifestations would be for the honor of His name, and there was obedient faith to call them forth. A case in point is noted in the Montana Bivouac, as having occurred at the recent Livingston, Mont., camp-meeting: "One brother came to the grounds having an injured eye, caused some years ago by a falling limb, and which had caused him much trouble for a long time. After reaching the meeting it began to grow worse rapidly, until but very little could be seen through it. He suffered much pain from this, and kept it bandaged to exclude the light as far as possible, but it kept growing worse and worse. Finally the brother came to the conclusion that it was not God's will that he should go about the ground in this condition, while the willingness and power of God to heal was being proclaimed from the desk, so he requested prayer in his behalf. The Bible directions were carefully followed, and immediately the eye was restored, the bandages removed, and he could see with it as well as the other. This miracle of the healing power of God, so sudden and complete, greatly strengthened the faith of our people, and aroused much interest in the city."

We have received the annual calendar of the Southern Industrial School for 1899-1900. This school was established at Graysville, Tenn., in 1892, and, until last year, was known as Graysville Academy. The board of managers is composed of the following named brethren: N. W. Allee, president; C. W. Irwin, secretary; E. R. Gillett, A. F. Harrison and N. W. Lawrence. Prof. C. Walter Irwin is principal, to whom application should be made for calendar or special information.

The initial number of the Workers' Educator, monthly, published at College Place, Wash., is at hand. It is a special, being the calendar of Walla Walla College for 1899-1900. It is a creditable publication, both in mechanical appearance and the information it gives regarding the school. The fall term of the college will open September 13. Officers of the board of managers are: G. W. Reaser, president; T. H. Starbuck, secretary; G. A. Nichols, treasurer. Prof. W. R. Sutherland is president of the faculty.

In connection with the Colorado Sanitarium, located at Boulder, the Colorado Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association has started a monthly journal, entitled the Helping Hand. The initial number contains six pages, well filled with matter pertaining to the interests of the institution and the general work of the association. It is edited by Brother F. M. Wilcox, and the price is twenty-five cents a year. From this journal we learn that the sanitarium is enjoying an excellent degree of prosperity, the patients representing several States and territories. "A division has been made between the tubercular and non-tubercular patients, each class being provided with a separate dining-room, and, as far as possible, with separate facilities in all other lines. About one quarter of the present list of patients are suffering from lung difficulties." An entirely separate hospital for tubercular patients is in contemplation.

The August number of the Life Boat, organ of our mission work in Chicago, is a most valuable number. One feature of the varied work in that great city is portrayed in an excellent article from which we take this excerpt: "The Life Boat Mission's Gospel wagon is a familiar sight on the streets of Chicago every pleasant Sunday afternoon. It never fails of a hearty welcome in any part of the city that it may visit, be it high or low. Fine musical programs, adapted to the open air, form one of the most prominent and most attractive features of the service. The wagon made its first appearance for the summer campaign of soul-winning about the middle of June. Its favorite stopping-places are on State Street, in the vicinity of the Masonic Temple, and at almost any point on Clark Street, from the river south to Polk Street. The latter route carries it through the very heart of Chicago's notorious 'Levee' district, a veritable maelstrom of wickedness and crime. Almost as soon as the wagon stops, it is surrounded by a crowd, yet rarely do our evangelists meet with anything but the most respectful and earnest attention."

PRAYER.

By Alfred Tennyson

MORE things are wrought by prayer Than this world dreams of. Wherefore let thy voice Rise like a fountain for me night and day; For what are men better than sheep and goats, That nourish a blind life within the brain, If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer, Both for themselves, and those who call them friend? For so the whole round world is every way Bound by gold chains about the feet of God. —Tennyson.

THE SEAL OF GOD

AND ITS COUNTERFEIT

The above tract was published the fourth of this month, as per announcement, and already more than 10,000 copies have been sold.

It clearly indicates what is the Seal of God and why it is such. It also points out its dangerous counterfeit—the Mark of the Beast.

The tract contains 32 pages, is illustrated, and sells for $2.00 per 100.

Pacific Press Publishing Co.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

39 Bond Street, New York City

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PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

By Ellen G. White

THE future of society is indexed by the youth of to-day. Is the outlook flattering? Parents are bringing upon the stage of action children who will show in life and character the training they have received. Some will be ruined in one way, and some in another. Mismanagement by parents is swelling the ranks of Satan, and children are being lost to Christ.

Home religion is fearfully neglected. Men and women show much interest in foreign missions. They give liberally to them, and thus seek to satisfy their conscience, thinking that giving to the cause of God will atone for their neglect to set a right example in the home. But the home is their special field, and no excuse is accepted by God for neglecting this field. Nothing can counteract the wrong example set by harsh words spoken to wife or children. It is the neglect to cherish rectitude in the home which sends into the world godless children and youth, with warped characters, who unite with evil angels to corrupt others.

Do not think that by instructing the poor, or by spending your means in placing youth in schools where they will obtain true knowledge, you can offset the lack of Christian piety in the home. Parents are responsible for the formation of their children's characters; and if they allow their children to be disobedient, unruly, and unholy, tainting and corrupting others by evil ways, they will be held accountable for the result of their neglect.

Nothing that fathers and mothers can do for those afar off will atone for a wrong course of action in the home. God requires parents, by self-control, by an example of solid character-building, to disseminate light within the immediate circle of their own little flock. No trifling, common conversation is to be indulged. God looks into every secret thing of life. By some a constant battle is maintained for self-control. Daily they strive silently and prayerfully against harshness of speech and temper. These strivings may never be appreciated by human beings. They may get no praise from human lips for keeping back the hasty words which sought for utterance. The world will never see these conquests, and if it could, it would only despise the conquerors. But in heaven's record they are registered as overcomers. There is One who witnesses every

secret combat and every silent victory, and He says, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

It is a serious solemn work to care for those for whom Christ has died, to teach children not to lavish their affections upon the things of this world, not to waste time and labor on that which is worth less than nothing. In order to educate their children aright, mothers must be learners in the school of Christ. The Christian mother will spend much time in prayer; for she will realize that her children are to be taught to be true to the government of God. With patience and forbearance they are to be trained; scolding and passionate reproof will never work reforms. Fathers and mothers commit a grievous sin when they educate their children to give way to temper by giving way themselves, and by training them according to wrong methods. Children are to be disciplined in a way that will enable them to take their place in the family of heaven.

Mothers, deal gently with your little ones. Christ was once a little child. For His sake honor the children. Look upon them as a sacred charge, not to be indulged, petted, and idolized, but to be taught to live pure, noble lives. They are God's property; He loves them, and calls upon you to co-operate with Him in helping them to form perfect characters. The Lord requires perfection from His redeemed family. He calls for perfection in character-building. Fathers and mothers especially need to understand the best methods of training children, that they may co-operate with God.

The Lord has entrusted to parents a solemn, sacred work. They are to cultivate carefully the soil of the heart. Thus they may be laborers together with God. He expects them to guard and tend carefully the garden of their children's hearts. They are to sow the good

seed, weeding out every unsightly plant. Every defect in character, every fault in the disposition, needs to be cut away; for if allowed to remain, these will mar the beauty of the character.

Parents, there is a great responsibility resting upon you. The little ones in your arms will soon grow out of babyhood into childhood. Your boys and girls need to be carefully nourished. The best gift you can bestow upon them is the gift of love in their childhood. Give time to them. Give them a place in the home. Do not send them out-of-doors that you may entertain your visitors, but teach them to be quiet and respectful in the presence of visitors. Do not banish them from your presence by harsh words.

The little ones must be carefully soothed when in trouble. Children between babyhood and manhood and womanhood do not generally receive the attention they should have. Mothers are needed who will so guide their children that they will regard themselves as a part of the family. Let the mother talk with her children regarding their hopes and their perplexities. Let parents remember that their children are to be cared for in preference to

strangers. They are to be kept in a sunny atmosphere, under the mother's guidance. Be careful that you are not rude to your children, either in speech or in temper. Require obedience, and do not allow yourself to speak carelessly to your children, because your manners and your words are their lesson-book. Help them gently, tenderly, over this period of their life. Let the sunshine of your presence make sunshine in their hearts. These growing boys and girls feel very sensitive, and by roughness you may mar their whole life. Be careful, mothers. Never scold; for that never helps.

Firmness is ever to be united with love in the home life. Otherwise love is worthless. It is a sad fact that any weakness or indecision on the part of the mother is quickly seen by the children. Then the tempter works upon their minds, leading them to persist in following their inclinations. If parents would cultivate the qualities necessary for them to use in the proper training of their children, if they would plainly lay before the children the rules they must follow, and not suffer these rules to be broken, the Lord would co-operate with them, and bless both

parents and children. But if parents leave their children to do as they please, Satan will lead them where he pleases, and they will become the helpless prey of the powers of darkness.

Parents will never arouse to their responsibility of bringing their children up with correct habits, until they are wholly converted to God's way and will, as was Abraham. Of him God said: "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He has spoken of him." God's rich promises to Abraham in regard to his posterity were made on condition that Abraham co-operated with Him in the education and training of his household and children. If Abraham chose his own way, following his own impulses, indulging blind affection, the child of promise would develop a character that would not bring honor to God's name, and God would not be able to use him to carry out His will and way.

God chose Abraham because He knew that he would cultivate home religion, and cause

the name of the Lord to be revealed, feared, and loved; "I know him," He said, "that he will command his children and his household after him." He will not betray sacred trust by yielding to blind affection, which is opposed to the Lord's discipline.

But to-day the lines are too often placed in the hands of the children, and parents are guided by them. By blind indulgence a door is opened to the tempter.

God is our Lawgiver and King, and parents are to place themselves under His rule. This rule forbids all oppression from parents and all disobedience from children. The Lord is full of loving-kindness, mercy, and truth. His law is holy, just, and good, and must be obeyed by parents and children. The rules which should regulate the lives of parents and children flow from a heart of infinite love, and God's rich blessings will rest upon those parents who administer His law in their homes, and upon the children who obey this law. The combined influence of mercy and justice is to be felt. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." Households under this discipline will walk in the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.

God has given the very best and wisest laws for the guidance of parents. The holy standard of His law is ever to be exalted in the home; then the way will be prepared for holiness and true religion. The grace of Christ will have a controlling power for good on parents and children.

Patiently, lovingly, as faithful stewards of the manifold grace of Christ, parents are to do their appointed work. It is expected of them that they will be found faithful. Everything is to be done in faith. Constantly they must pray that God will impart His grace to their children. Never must they become weary, impatient, or fretful in their work. They must cling closely to their children and to God. As they work in patience and love, earnestly endeavoring to help their children to reach the highest standard of purity and modesty, success will crown their efforts.

MRS. E. G. WHITE.

NOT FOR ME.

By Marianne Farningham

WEALTH brings no treasures to my feet For me to use and give; But air and light and flowers are sweet To those who live.

And fame and influence and power, High service, noble deeds, Are not for me; yet I each hour Can sow good seeds.

And while strong faith and love are mine, To God I leave the rest; He chooses where His light shall shine, And He knows best. —Marianne Farningham.

Devotional Story Books

By Editor

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Pilgrim's Progress, Jessica's Prayer and Jessica's Mother, Nobody Loves Me, Olive's Story, Helps over Hard Places—for Girls, Helps over Hard Places—for Boys, Line upon Line, Heart-Life, A Bag of Stories, Shepherd Psalm.

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ADDRESS SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL.

COURTESY TO THE AGED.

By The Congregationalist

"O FATHER, don't! I have seen that all are properly helped." The old man thus reproved replaced the butter dish upon the tea-table, while a pained look settled about his silent lips. But he so wanted to be helpful that presently he laid hold of the cake plate and would have set it in circulation.

"O father, don't! no one is ready for that yet; do leave me to attend to things."

Reluctantly the trembling hand released its hold. It was very hard to find himself of no use anywhere.

"I thought they might be ready," he murmured, with a deprecatory glance toward the daughter, who sat straight and solemn, with a frown of displeasure wrinkling her brow. It annoyed her to have her father show himself so far behind the times in methods of table-service to have him, despite her oft-repeated instructions and admonitions, relapse into the simple, unconventional ways of a long outgrown age. It fretted her to have him vary in the slightest degree from the latest established modes of etiquette. She failed to realize that he was her most-deserving, heaven-sent guest; that his harmless deviations should be endured and condoned rather than sharply rebuked.

An aged tree can not be bent like a tender sapling. Its eccentricities of growth must now be tolerated. To age, with its infirmities, its loneliness, its many deprivations, should be allowed all the privileges and exemptions we would accord a most revered guest. The most comfortable seat in the coziest corner belongs to it; the softest bed in the most desirable sleeping-room should persuade slumber to its eyelids. The food the aged one most craves should oftenest coax his declining appetite. So many tempests of sorrow have racked him, so many life-battles have scarred him, that he has earned respite and repose. Turn to the aged only the sunny side of your nature. The country is yet uncivilized that does not try to pluck every possible thorn from the pathway of age; the heart is yet unregenerate that does not strive to make its rough places smooth.

—The Congregationalist.

A MAN MUST LIVE, YOU KNOW.

By Charlotte Perkins Stetson

A MAN must live. We justify Law, shift and trick to reason high, A little vote for a little gold To a whole senate bought and sold, By that self-evident reply.

But is it so? Pray tell me why Life at such cost you have to buy? In what religion were you told A man must live?

There are times when a man must die. Imagine for a battle-cry, From soldiers, with a sword to hold— From soldiers, with the flag unrolled— This coward's whine, this liar's lie— A man must live! —Charlotte Perkins Stetson.

FROM WHENCE COMES CANCER.

FROM my own investigation and experiments, writes Dr. W. R. Williams, in the Medical Chronicle, recently, I am convinced that among the probable causes of the dread cancer are the drinking of strong tea, the consumption of large amounts of common table salt, and the eating of flesh foods.

When any quantity of such highly-stimulating forms of nutriment as meat are ingested by persons whose cellular metabolism is defective, it seems probable that there may thus be excited in those parts of the body where vital processes are still active, such excessive cellular growth as may eventuate in cancer.

As the consumption of meat in England has increased just in proportion to the increase of cancer, and as the disease is making equal strides in Australia, where even more meat is consumed, we are justified in believing that here we have a clue which is worth following.

Personally, we have never known a vegetarian of twelve months' standing to suffer from cancer—Herald of Health, Melbourne, Aus.

POLITICAL SPEECHES and DEBATES OF LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS

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POLITICAL SPEECHES and DEBATES OF LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS

A BOOK FOR THE TIMES. The following is one reason why this discussion by these two able lawyers and statesmen should find a large place amongst the people of this country to-day: Another attack is made upon the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in an attempt once more "to turn a free people back into the hateful paths of despotism." Then, the attack was upon the clause which declares that "all men are created equal." Now, the attack is upon that clause which declares that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. Then, there was rendered a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States which perverted the Constitution in the interests of that attack. Now, there is a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States which perverts the Constitution in the interests of this attack. The careful study of this history-making discussion and of the principles involved will prepare the people successfully, and in the right way, to meet all attacks upon the immortal Declaration, and to correct any and all perversions of the Constitution.

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HEART-LIFE CLASSICS

ARMOR-PLATED BOYS.

It is important these days that there should be armor-plated boys. A boy needs to be iron-clad on—

His lips—against the first taste of liquor.
His ears—against impure words.
His hands—against wrongdoing.
His heart—against going with bad company.
His eyes—against dangerous books and pictures.
His pocket—against dishonest money.
His tongue—against evil-speaking.

The Christian armor on her citizens gives more security to the nation than all the armor-plates that are on her ships.—Christian Guardian.

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DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE

BY DR. WM. SMITH.

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Dr. William Smith's Dictionary of the Antiquities, Biography, Geography, and Natural History of the Bible is admitted by those most competent to judge to be the best of its kind in the English language. Its editor and his associate contributors are well known as among the most eminent Biblical scholars of our time, in both Europe and America.

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Continue reading: LESSON XI.—SABBATH, SEPTEMBER 9, 1899