“No, My dear child,” said the missionary. “The Lord Himself has said that there should be signs of His coming. Turn to Luke 21:25, 26, and read His own statement.”
Bertha read: “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.”
“You are all, no doubt, aware of the increase of earthquakes and calamities by land and sea. The droughts, floods, famines, and fires that have made havoc in all countries are God’s signs that the earth waxes old, and that our redemption draws nigh.”
“But can God warn men in no other way?” asked Margaret.
“Yes; to those who will hear His messenger of peace, a messenger of peace is sent; but to those who will not hear, His judgments come. When the judgments of the Lord are in the land, the wicked learn righteousness.”
“Will the dear Lord Himself come, or is His coming spiritual, as I have heard some argue?” asked Mrs. Donaldson.
“It is Himself, His own dear self, who will appear. Please read John 14:1–3.”
“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also!”
“O, how precious is that scripture to me!” said grandma. “To think that He has gone to prepare a place for me. I shall never feel in the way; for He will prepare for me a place.”
“To further answer the question as to the personal advent of our Lord, let us read 2 Thess. 4:16, 17: ‘The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.’”
“My husband and father and our beloved dead will be with the company who will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air,” said Mrs. Donaldson.
“Yes; those whom our enemy, death, has severed from us, will be united to us in the eternal union there is in Christ Jesus. It will then be proved that love can not lose its own. What a day that will be of heavenly joy and earthly anguish! Then the hymn will be proved true—
‘We shall sleep, but not forever,
There will be a glorious dawn;
We shall wake to weep, no, never,
On the resurrection morn.’
Then will be brought to pass the saying that is written, ‘O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?’”
“Praise the Lord!” exclaimed grandma. “And will every one see the coming of Jesus?”
“Every eye shall see Him,” says John.
“I wonder how it will look,” said Margaret.
“Jesus says, ‘For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.’ And no wonder His coming will be thus glorious; for then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory, and all His holy angels will be with Him.”
“How many angels do you suppose there are?” asked Bertha.
“John, who saw them in holy vision, says that there are ten thousand thousands of thousands. The whole firmament will be bright with angelic forms, and the earth will be dumb before that spectacle of heavenly majesty. The sign of the Son of man will be unspeakably bright. What a sight will the coming of the Lord present! The dead will be called forth from land and sea, and will stand upon their feet, an exceeding great army. The living and the dead will be changed and glorified. The faces we have seen in the pallor of death will bloom with immortal beauty, and we which are alive and remain will reflect the image of Jesus, and be caught up in angels’ arms to share the glory which Christ had with the Father before the worlds were made.”
“O, that wondrous, unknown journey,
Past the blazing worlds on high!
We shall greet the happy planets
As our train goes sweeping by.
All the worlds through space will know it,
When, no longer sad and lone,
We shall sing with harping angels,
And the Lord reclaims His own.”
“This is grand and awful,” exclaimed Bertha. “But tell me why you think it is near at hand.”
“Read from the twenty-eighth to the thirty-first verse of the twenty-first chapter of Luke,” said the missionary.
Bertha read: “‘And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And He spake to them a parable: Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.’”
“Of what things is He speaking?” asked Ralph.
“Of the darkening of the sun and moon, the falling of the stars, the distress of nations, the disturbances of nature, that Christ foretold as signs of His coming. Matthew speaks of these same signs, and definitely locates the darkening of the sun. Please read Matt. 24:29.”
Ralph read: “‘Immediately after the tribulation of those days, shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.’”
“This verse tells when the sun was to be darkened, and Rev. 6:12 tells the manner in which it would occur: ‘And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood.’”
“Has all this taken place?” asked Ralph.
“It has,” said the missionary. “The sun was darkened ‘in those days’ of which Jesus is speaking, namely, before the close of the 1,260 years known as the Dark Ages, when the people of God were under persecution. After the persecution, but just before the close of the days, in 1780, the sun was darkened. Fowls went to roost in the morning, cattle came lowing home from the pasture, candles were lighted at noonday, and the general impression was that the day of doom was near at hand. Whittier wrote of it in this way:—
“’Twas on the May day of the far old year,
Seventeen hundred eighty, that there fell
Over the bloom and sweet life of the spring,
Over the fresh earth and the heaven of noon,
A horror of great darkness. . . .
Birds ceased to sing, and all the barn-yard fowls
Roosted; the cattle at the pasture bars
Lowed, and looked homeward; bats on leathern
wings
Flitted abroad; the sounds of labor died;
Men prayed, and women wept; all ears grew sharp
To hear the doom blast of the trumpet shatter
The black sky.’
That night the moon had the appearance of blood.”
“Were there no signs to be seen at a later date save those of the distress of nations, and the earthquakes, famines, etc.?” asked Ralph.
“Yes; the stars were to fall from heaven ‘even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.’ Rev. 6:13. In 1833 it seemed as if millions of stars were falling from one certain point in the heavens, from Gamma Leonis, in the bend of the sickle. I have met many a hoary-headed spectator to the scene. These old men and women assure me that everybody thought the end of the world was at hand. The distress of the people was very great, especially in the South, among the slaves. The extent of the shower covered almost the whole world, and it has been believed from that time to this that it was a sign of the day of God.”
“What is the next sign to be fulfilled before Christ shall come?” asked Bertha.
“There is no other sign given in this line of prophecy. The next event described is the passing away of the heaven as a scroll when it is rolled together, and the removing of every island and mountain, and the immediate appearing of Him from whom men will desire to hide away. The Lord says, ‘This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.’ Jesus says, ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.’”
“If indeed the Word of God is true, we are living in the last days. It is a glad but overwhelming thought,” said Margaret.
“Sir, I would like to have a further talk with you,” said Ralph. “If you can show me the harmony of some other questions that have troubled me concerning the Bible, I will no longer be an unbeliever, but will accept Christ as my Saviour, wash my sins in His blood, accept the wedding-garment, that I may not be ashamed at His coming.”
“I feel that the voice of truth has spoken to my soul to-night. O, sir, how may a soul find acceptance with God? My sins have long burdened my heart. Tell me, what shall I do to be saved?” said Margaret.
“‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’ The Lord says: ‘Come unto10Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden; and I will give you rest. . . . And ye shall find rest unto your souls.’ Just take the Lord at His word. Surrender yourself and your all to God, and He will accept you. Appropriate His spotless righteousness. By faith you are justified before God, and have peace with Him; for ‘there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’”
“I do surrender,” said Margaret, bursting into tears. “I will lay my burden at the feet of Him who died for my sins. I realize the power of the Son of God to heal the wounds of the soul.”
“Bless the Lord!” said grandma. “I feel as Simeon must have felt when he saw the infant Jesus, and said, ‘Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.’”
“O, that I too might be clothed with Christ’s righteousness!” said Bertha.
“I shall yet be able to say, ‘Here am I, and the children which Thou hast given me,’” said Mrs. Donaldson. “Sir, the Lord has sent you to this house with good tidings of salvation.”
“Let us lift up our heads and rejoice; for our redemption draweth nigh. It will not be long before we shall be with our blessed Lord, not long before the sorrow and strife of earth is over. Let us turn our eyes away from the bitter trials of earth, from its turmoil and bloodshed, and look upon the city of our solemnities, and the land of far distances. There all tears will be wiped from our eyes, and the former things shall not come upon the heart.”
Said Mrs. Donaldson: “Let us to whom God has given this precious light, hasten forth to those who are in darkness, in perplexity, and sorrow. This glorious truth will be as an open window toward heaven. All around us are hearts that ache. There are those who are bereaved by death, pressed by disaster, weighted with care, scourged by sorrow. To these we may go with the oil of joy, with the garment of praise, with the tidings of a present and eternal Deliverer.”
“Yes,” said Margaret, “I will devote my life henceforth to telling the glad tidings, I have found the Lord, the desire of my heart.”
“Ye did na know when ye came to the house that ye were coming for the winning of Margaret,” said grandma. “Poor bairn, how she did sigh the day! We little dreamed how soon would come deliverance. May the Lord use her and all of us for the winning of His own. I can pray as never before, ‘Thy kingdom come.’”
“Before we separate, let us join in singing, ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ name.’ Erelong we shall join the hosts above in singing His everlasting praise.” FANNIE E. BOLTON.
WHAT THINK YOU?
By Marcia Field
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him, all creatures here below!”
Thus sweetly sang a maiden fair,
Then closed her eyes and bowed in prayer.
One of God’s creatures sings no more,
But decks the hat the maiden wore,
The tiny form of singing bird,
Whose praise will never more be heard.
Think you the maiden’s song of praise
A grateful offering to raise
To Him who notes the sparrow’s fall,
And heeds the ravens when they call?
—Marcia Field, in Boston Evening Transcript.
A NIGHT AT THE HELPING HAND MISSION.
By L. A. Phippeny
The superintendent and the helpers told me that things were quiet just now at the Mission, on account of the war. Twenty or more men who have been regular patrons, have enlisted in the army, and the bulletin-boards and war news are for many others greater attractions than are the free seats, wall texts, and Gospel talks at 641 Commercial Street.
Nevertheless, it seemed to the writer, as he stepped into the comfortable rooms of the Helping Hand Mission a few evenings ago, that the present attendance and interest are a long way from being quiet. But of course they are used to more stirring scenes. In the reading-room, which answers for reception room, parlor, office, and church, there were some ten or a dozen men. The illustration shows this room, looking in from the street. Two or three were reading magazines, and one was especially conspicuous, seeing he was perusing a copy of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Others were evidently meditating on the situation in general, or passing the hour scanning new faces that came in, while several, both inside and outside the door, were engaged in more or less animated discussion.
It was about 6 o’clock when I entered the place. This, you know, is supper hour, —5:30 to 7—and the very proper thing to do was to take supper with the men. One doesn’t have to have a full purse to get a meal here. The place was not designed that way, but is primarily for the man that is down on his luck. Still you would be surprised to see what an intelligent class of men patronize this branch of the institution—not alone those who must save the nickels, but many clerks and business men who have regular employment visit the place because of the vegetarian feature of the cooking.
You have to be your own waiter, that is, for the serving. You buy five cents worth of tickets at the office (you will not need more), step up to the counter, give your order from the bill of fare posted on the wall, hand over your tickets, and carry your meal to a seat at one of the eight or more long tables in the room. All dishes are a cent apiece, so you are not bothered making change: soup, potatoes, vegetable stew, plate of beans, cup of cereal coffee, sugar, small dish of nut butter, cup of milk, sauce, bread, etc., and they are liberal dishes, too, and the cooking is well done. Three to five cents a meal! I hardly see how the managers can serve so much for so little.
As the evening grew, the men gathered in slowly, until at 8 o’clock, time for the evening service, there were nearly forty in the chairs. For the reason before stated, the audience is less than half as large as it has been in the past. A song service preceded the preaching, and this seemed to be enjoyed by all. Friends from the San Francisco and Oakland churches are usually present to help in the singing.
The Gospel talks are given alternately by Brethren Richards and Dexter at present. This was Elder Dexter’s evening to speak. The sermon was listened to attentively as the speaker compared the power that is in the Gospel with various kinds of power in the world, together with the things to be gained. Men are not ashamed of power in worldly affairs. On the contrary, they glory in it. So how earnestly should we desire that power that is able to save us from sin and prepare us for endless life in the world to come! “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”
At the close of the sermon a call was made for those who wanted this power to enable them to live better lives, and who desired prayers in their behalf, to raise their hands. Five hands went up. The men were invited to the front seats, and a short season of prayer followed, in which two of the men engaged. These also spoke to the audience of their desire to turn from Satan to God. One of them was a man who once knew the peace that comes from serving Christ, and who now rejoiced that he had been reclaimed. Three of the men were more or less under the influence of liquor. Poor fellows, they realized to some extent their sad condition, and that they needed help!
Many, yes, the larger share of those that thus come forward for prayers, go out from the Mission, and are seen no more by those who have labored for them. Truly it is a work of seed-sowing, pure and simple. Little chance here for man to take the glory to himself for the good that may be accomplished. God only and His blessed angels can water the seed and tend it and care for it in the after days. God alone in any event does this, but here few results are seen. But who will say it is not the noblest service. The day of judgment alone will reveal how many of God’s jewels have thus been reclaimed through the hands of His servants from among11the restless passers in and out at the Helping Hand Mission.
One is impressed that, for some of the men at least, the night’s proceedings grow in importance and weight as the hours grow larger. The closing of the meeting at 9:15 is the signal for the beginning of the last and probably the most interesting run of the day’s business. The last song means that the time has arrived when beds are available; and the clerk behind the wire screen of the office finds a plenty to do for an hour or two recording names, assigning numbers of beds, and giving out tickets and clothes locker keys.
But a stranger finds that at this point in the program all is not plain sailing. Down in the basement is a bath-room, and it is one of the unchangeable and unalterable laws that every man who did not sleep at this Mission “last night” must take a bath or find accommodations elsewhere. These words, “last night,” are the “open sesame” to some, and a chilling blast on the tender expectations of others; for there are a few people in this world that strenuously object to injuring their health by the use of soap and water. But the law is fixed. However, the most of them are willing and glad for the privilege, and welcome the spray, and the warm room, and clean towels, and clean night-shirt, and clean bed afterward. Just now the bath has only about fifteen patrons nightly. As some seventy beds are filled each night out of the total of 125, it will be seen by this how many are regular lodgers.
I must not neglect to speak of one very important room in the Mission buildings. This is the fumigator. It is on the top floor, and during the bathing process the one who has charge of this business makes frequent trips from bathroom to garret with loads of clothing in sacks, each sack containing the clothes of one man, who puts them therein as he prepares for the spray. Even hats and shoes frequently go into the sack, if the occasion seems to demand it. Arrived at the destination, the human elevator strings up each bundle by itself to a hook in the ceiling, and when all is ready, several pounds of sulphur are set burning, the room is fastened up tight, and the dire work goes on without let or hindrance for several hours. After all is over, the renovated garments are deposited by the beds of the owners. And all for ten cents!
A dime isn’t much, but there are lots of men who haven’t a cent in all their pockets. Some of these men were there the other night, and it was raining outside. They waited awhile, and when the right time came, which meant the sticking point of courage, they “braced up” to the window, told their story, and asked for a bed. Of course there are men who would abuse one’s hospitality, but the careful clerk tells them to sit down “over there” and he will “see” after a bit. “Over there” claims several, who wait patiently enough till the rush is over, when their stories receive investigation. If everything is “straight,” and they are willing to run the gauntlet downstairs, and to pay for the bed in work about the premises the next day, the case receives favorable consideration.
It is usually the same story, with a variation by each man,—no work, tho they have been trying a day, a week, or months, to get work. One fellow told me he was clean discouraged, hadn’t eaten anything all day, and had walked from some fifteen miles outside the city. He grew confidential, and related several chapters of his history; had graduated at a college, and his parents and sisters were well-to-do; he was ashamed of himself, but it was only partly his fault. Poor man, and poor men! Whisky had done it, and the devil had so benumbed his faculties and debased his manhood that well-nigh all aspiration and hope of anything better had been destroyed.
Others who remained in the room awhile did so because it was comfortable, and the scene had a peculiar interest. They can stay there if they wish until midnight, when the doors are locked. One man told me he had a room elsewhere. He had not much sympathy for the “no-work” men. He was a laboring man, and always found something to do, and believed the rest could if they wanted to work. I found out, however, that his occupation afforded him a better “show” than is afforded the man who is looking for “anything” to do, and is skilled perhaps at nothing in particular.
And so it goes, night after night, the same routine, many faces the same, but always something and some one new, ever the ebb and flow of the tide of needy men, aye, God only knows the depth of their need. You who have homes and enough to eat and enough to clothe your bodies, thank the Lord for His care for you, and remember the poor, and the outcasts, and the homeless ones.
I left an hour before midnight. The night clerk remained on duty until 2 in the morning.
L. A. PHIPPENY.
GERMS OF COMFORT.
By Charles Dickens
In the exhaustless catalog of heaven’s mercies to mankind, the power we have of finding some germs of comfort in the hardest trials must ever occupy the foremost place, not only because it supports and upholds us when we must require to be sustained, but because in this source of consolation there is something, we have reason to believe, of the divine Spirit; something of that goodness which detects, amidst our own evil-doings, a redeeming quality; something which even in our fallen nature we possess in common with the angels, which had its being in the old time when they trod the earth, and linger in it yet in pity.—Dickens.
SATISFIED
I CAN not say,
Beneath the presence of life's cares to-day,
I joy in these;
But I can say
That I would rather walk the rugged way
If Him it please.
I can not feel
That all is well when darkening clouds conceal
The shining sun;
But then I know
God lives and loves—can say, since it is so,
“Thy will be done.”
I do not see
Why God should e’er permit some things to be,
When He is love;
But I can see,
Tho often dimmed through mystery,
His hand above.
I can not speak
In happy tones—the tear-drops on my cheek
Show I am sad;
But I can speak
Of grace to suffer with submission meek
Until made glad.
I do not look
Upon the present, nor in nature’s book,
To read my fate;
But I do look
For promised blessings in God’s holy Book,
And I can wait.
I may not try
To keep the hot tears back, but hush the sigh,
“It might have been,”
And try to still
All rising murmurs, and to God’s sweet will
Respond, “Amen!”
—New York Tribune.
SKILLED MISSIONARY WORKMEN.
In these days of extensive missionary enterprise, the following comments of the Baptist Record are worthy of consideration:—
“One of the greatest needs in the kingdom of God to-day is skilled missionary workmen in the home church. The efficiency of foreign missionaries has often been called in question, and the character of their work has been freely discussed. So far as our missionaries in the foreign field are concerned, their scholarship, devotion, and wisdom are unquestioned by any one who is familiar with their standing as a class. From the days of St. Paul down to the time of Adoniram Judson, our missionaries have been men of the highest character. We honor them for what they are, and for the work which they are doing. Many of the best-educated men and women are now going to the foreign fields, and their qualifications are of the highest type.”
The magnitude and success of the foreign missionary enterprise give emphasis to the need of more skilled missionary workmen in the church at home. If the Gentiles are coming into the church at Antioch, Athens, Corinth, and Rome, the church at Jerusalem must put forth increased effort to care for a growing church. Even apostolic gifts and skill are needed at home to give direction in grave and important matters pertaining to the kingdom of God. If William Carey offers to go down into the gold mine of India, Dr. Andrew Fuller “must hold the ropes.” We need, and must have, increased efficiency and skill touching missionary work in the home church. There are too many Christians in the home land who repress the missionary spirit, as did Dr. Ryland when he said to Carey, “Young man, sit down.” Instead of such advice, we substitute Paul's advice to Timothy: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.”
THE AFRICAN DWARFS.
Mr. Hickman, of Benito, Africa, writes to the Church at Home and Abroad of a visit to a settlement of the dwarfs, of whom some reports have been given by travelers. He found a company of about twenty-five who were living in a little clearing of a forest about twenty feet square. The average height of the women was about four feet five inches; one man was measured who was five feet three inches. They catch their game in nets, and seem to have no arms or weapons of any kind. They received the missionaries kindly. A Scotch lady who has been very much interested in these dwarfs has volunteered to pay all the expenses of a mission among them, and the American Presbyterian Board has undertaken to inaugurate a Christian effort in behalf of these degraded people.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
THE new church building at Butte, Mont., was dedicated May 1.
THE new church edifice at Jefferson, Mont., was dedicated on the 11th inst.
FIVE persons were baptized at Eleva, Wis., May 15, by Brother Swin Swinson.
BROTHER W. J. STONE has again taken charge of the tract society work in Montana.
BROTHER J. B. BECKNER reports the baptism of six candidates at Ad Hall, Texas, May 14.
BROTHER L. F. TRUBEY reports the baptism of six persons at Pueblo, Colo., during a brief stay at that place.
RECENT meetings in a schoolhouse near Oklahoma City resulted in eighteen converts and a Sabbath-school of thirty-five members.
AS THIS paper goes to press, the California general camp-meeting is in progress at St. Helena; also the camp-meetings at Sparta, Wis., at Harrisburg, Pa., and Stanstead Plain, P. Q.12
AS A result of the labors of Brother J. F. Bahler in Texas Conference the past year, he reports that twenty-four have embraced the truth.
THE Helping Hand Mission of Cleveland, Ohio, has been moved into new and more commodious quarters, and is thus enabled to do more efficient work.
A NEW house of worship was dedicated at Locust Point, Ohio, May 8. Brother D. E. Lindsey, assisted by Brother Albert Carey, conducted the services, and there was a large attendance.
A CARD from Brother W. D. Parkhurst states that the meetings conducted by himself and Brother R. C. Horton at Robinson, Mich., are well attended, and the blessing of God is upon the work there.
IN a previous issue we stated that a new church had been organized at Ashland, Wis.; but the report of Brother Wm. Covert in the Review places the number at twenty-two, and adds that subsequent applications for membership increase the number to thirty-four.
THE Workers’ Record, organ of the Missouri Tract Society, says: “Scarcely a mail comes but it brings a good-sized order for ‘The Alarm of War’ and ‘Arming of the Nations.’ A number are meeting with excellent success selling them on the streets and in the stores.”
THE right kind of missionary work will always attract support, and many times from unexpected sources. The secretary of a local society in Ohio writes to the Welcome Visitor that a young man recently came to their missionary meeting, and was so well pleased that he sent $15 to the president through the mail. He was not a professor of religion.
THE Farmers’ Advocate, published at Hamilton, Mo., notices the dedication of a new Seventh-day Adventist church at that place on the 15th ult. Brother W. A. Hennig conducted the services, assisted by Brother R. C. Porter and three ministers of other denominations. The building is said to be the neatest and best-finished church edifice in the county.
BROTHER GEORGE R. LESCH, reporting to the Indicator concerning the Buffalo Mission, says: “The work here is progressing nicely. To God alone be the praise. But as the work extends, we are obliged, in order to keep pace with it, to make new improvements right along. We are at present fitting up a bath-room and rooms for lodging. To do this requires quite a little outlay of cash, even at the lowest cost. We expect to see this mission self-supporting, or nearly so, before long.”
THE soldier of an earthly government can not give his attention to the affairs of any other government. No more can the soldier of Christ. In His service “no man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Tim. 2:4. One of Great Britain’s great commanders, at a critical moment in a hard battle, inspired his men by the cry, “England expects every man to do his duty.” Now is a most critical time in the controversy between Christ and Satan, and the Lord expects every soldier to do his duty.
THROUGH the Bulletin, the Iowa Conference paper, Brother S. M. Jacobs, of the Oakwood Industrial School, at Chase, Ala., returns thanks to the children for their donations. In his letter he says: “I wish you were all here this minute to hear the boys sing at the dormitory. About twelve of them are singing some fine pieces.” There are thousands of bright colored children in the South that contain material for good workers in the Master’s vineyard. There is a great responsibility somewhere for the education of this talent. Who is there that is doing nothing who will go into this fruitful field? It is open, and it is wide.
FROM the Bivouac we learn that the Workingmen’s Home and Helping Hand Mission in Butte, Mont., was dedicated May 15. “The first night the power of God was manifested, and at the close of the short Gospel talk several men held up their hands to signify their desire for the prayers of God’s people. . . . It is no uncommon occurrence for a man who is too drunk to help himself, to find his way to the shower bath with the help of the mission boys. Here he is treated to hot and cold water until he can manage himself. Even this class are beginning to appreciate the work of the mission, and are often heard to say, ‘I believe you people are all right.’”
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When you write, please mention the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
PERIODICALS WANTED.
Mrs. V. Morgan, San Miguel, Cal., desires a continuation of favors in the way of literature for missionary work. She can use any of our periodicals and tracts.
J. Reid, 1018 South O Street, Tacoma, Wash., is in need of fifty copies of the SIGNS weekly, for missionary work; also any of our other periodicals. Please send clean copies, post-paid.
OUR OFFER IS THIS . .
By Editor
A $25,000 PROPOSITION
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES now has a circulation of upwards of 40,000 copies weekly. We want to see this circulation increased to 100,000 copies, and have been working to this end for some time. The list has gone up in the last two years from less than 20,000 copies to its present circulation, and we now propose to make a bold strike toward that 100,000 mark.
OUR OFFER IS THIS . . .
If 5,000 of our readers will send us five new yearly subscriptions at $1.00 each, we will give to each of these 5,000 readers a
Five Years' Subscription to the “Signs” Free
It would not be good policy to make such an offer for a few straggling subscriptions, but if by such an extraordinary offer as this, we can secure 25,000 new subscribers, then the proposition at once becomes sound business sense.
Now the question is, Will you, individually, promise to do this? If so, send us your name and address, and say that we can count on you for five new subscribers, but do not send in any subscriptions until we notify you. What we want to know is, Are enough of our readers interested in this proposition to secure at least 25,000 new subscriptions? Surely, out of our 40,000 readers, more than 5,000 ought to be ready and anxious to respond to this offer.
A prompt response from 5,000 or 10,000 of our readers would be regarded as evidence that the efforts of the editors and publishers in furnishing such a paper as the SIGNS at so low a price are appreciated.
The publishers believe that they are sending out the best pioneer missionary journal in the world, and desire to see its sphere of usefulness greatly enlarged. A largely increased circulation will also enable the publishers to give a still better paper for the price.
Are you interested in the SIGNS? Are you interested in this proposition? If so, write us to-day.
Address . . . . . .
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
NUT FOODS.
WE manufacture these goods and sell so low that you can not afford to be without them. We sell mill outfits, nuts, malt, and all material used in these foods. Nut Butter made and shipped day order is received. Recipes free with Mills. Write for prices of foods, mills, etc. KNAPP BROS., 71 N. 11th St., E. Portland, Oregon.
When you write, please mention the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
How to See the Point and Place It.
Punctuation without Rules of Grammar.
A book of forty pages which teaches punctuating rapidly by example. Many people who have studied English, Latin, and Greek Grammar are very careless and slovenly punctuators. This book is indispensable to all writers. Memorizing rules and exceptions wastes time and they are soon forgotten. By mail, 20 cents. Cloth, 40 cents.
Laconia Pub. Co., 123 Liberty St., N. Y.
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THE STORY OF REDEMPTION
Contains 237 large octavo pages and 68 engravings, many of which are full page. The great truths connected with the mediatorial system, and righteousness through Christ, are told in a manner calculated to arouse intense interest, and remove prejudice.
The appearance of the book attracts attention wherever presented, and agents are finding it an easy seller.
A complete canvassing outfit sent on receipt of 60 cents.
400 RECITATIONS AND READINGS.
A book designed for Parlor Readings, Sabbath-schools, Temperance Organizations, Debating Societies, Young People's Associations, Reading Clubs and Home Circles. This is a handsome book, bound in paper cover, and contains 400 of the best recitations ever issued, and other choice reading. Price, 40 cents, post-paid. Send order, with remittance, to Laconia Publishing Co., 123 Liberty St., New York.
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