A Sixteen-Page Paper, Published Weekly, at Oakland, Cal.
FOR THE
International Tract Society.
WITH the beginning of the year 1889 the SIGNS OF THE TIMES entered upon its fifteenth volume, which the publishers are determined shall be the best ever published. It will consist of fifty numbers of sixteen pages each, making, in the course of the year, 800 pages of the choicest reading matter, classified each week as Editorial, Missionary, Sabbath-school, Temperance, General Matter, and Secular and Religious News, besides Editorial Notes.
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.
The editorial force upon the SIGNS OF THE TIMES has been increased, and for this and other reasons the publishers feel warranted in promising for this year a greater amount and a better variety of matter in the Editorial Department than ever before. In this part of the paper will be discussed in an interesting and readable manner the various phases of practical Christian life and doctrine, embracing the evidence of the divinity of the Scriptures; the fulfillment of prophecy; the signs of the times; the harmony of the law and the gospel; together with everything that pertains to a thorough knowledge of our duties to God and to each other. Educational, social and political questions will also be discussed, the latter, however, only so far as they relate to matters of religion, for with politics as such the SIGNS has nothing to do.
THE SABBATH-SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
The Sabbath-school Department will be largely a running commentary, by the editors, upon two series of lessons, one of which is the regular International Series. These lesson notes will be of such a character that they will not only be of great service to students in the preparation of their lessons, but will also be perused with interest and profit by the general reader.
MISSION DEPARTMENT.
In the Missionary Department will be published reports from the various mission fields, both home and foreign, together with brief descriptions of the fields and their wants.
TEMPERANCE DEPARTMENT.
In the past no part of the paper has met with more favor than the Temperance Department. Many temperance societies have used the SIGNS regularly in their meetings, and the publishers hope to make this feature of it still more interesting in the future than it has been in the past. This Department will contain not only the very best temperance matter obtainable, but also short articles relating to the preservation of health, including the discussion of proper food and dress, and correct habits of working, eating, sleeping, etc.
HOME CIRCLE DEPARTMENT.
This department is fully described by its name. In it will be published short stories of an elevated character, besides short sketches of history, travel, and biography. Altogether, it will be a most interesting and instructive part of the paper, especially for the young folks, though all can read it with profit.
RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR NEWS.
This department will be maintained in perfect keeping with the high moral tone of the paper. The news published will be carefully selected and everything of a low or sensational nature carefully excluded. The design of this department is to enable the reader to keep abreast of the times in the current news of the day without reading a mass of objectionable and offensive matter usually found in the public prints.
ARTICLES ON THE BOOK OF ROMANS.
With the first number of the new volume we began a series of articles upon the book of Romans, which will form a most interesting commentary upon this portion of the word of God. These articles will be distinct, each one being as nearly complete in itself as it is possible to make it. Under the heading of each article will appear the reference to that portion of the epistle covered by the comment, which will enable those who desire to do so to keep the connection of thought; this feature will also be appreciated by those who wish to preserve the articles for future reference, either by clipping and pasting in a scrapbook or by filing the papers which contain them. One object of these articles will be to make it impossible for the careful reader to peruse the epistle to the Romans without getting at least a general understanding of its scope and object.
GENERAL ARTICLES.
The general articles published in the SIGNS are the very best selected and original matter obtainable. The articles are usually short, and always clear and pointed. Much of the matter in this department is written especially for this paper, but selections are also carefully made from the leading religious papers, only the very best being taken. Altogether the publishers feel safe in saying that no other paper published will furnish so great a variety of equally good matter for the year 1889 as will the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Price, per year, post paid, $2.00.
In Clubs of Five or more copies to one name and address, each, 1.50.
To Foreign Countries, single subscription, post paid, 10s.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
Twelfth and Castro Sts., OAKLAND, CAL., U. S. A.
The Signs of the Times.
By Editor
OAKLAND, CAL., SECOND-DAY, JANUARY 21, 1889.
We send no papers from this office without pay in advance unless by special arrangement. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please read the papers and hand them to your friends to read.
A LARGE number of the sermons delivered in Oakland on Sunday, the 13th inst., were on some phase of the Sunday question. The churches are doing all in their power to influence legislation on this subject. Let the matter be agitated.
THE first number of the weekly American Sentinel will bear date of January 30, and will be issued at once. This volume is to consist of forty-eight numbers, and will be furnished at the low price of one dollar. The matter of which the Sentinel treats is the leading issue of the day; and as liberal terms are offered to agents, we are sure that they can do well canvassing for it. How many will begin at once?
THE Review and Herald comes to our table in a new dress at the beginning of the year, much improved in appearance. Its columns are wider and longer, having dropped the border; and it is now printed from stereotype plates, the same as the SIGNS, instead of type. May God bless the Review in its mission, and give it ever-increasing success in the way of the Lord, till the blest work in which we are mutually engaged shall triumphantly close.
THERE has been no religious subject, or religio-political subject, ever before this nation which has caused such universal comment on the part of both the religious and secular press as legislation on the Sunday question. Like Banquo's ghost, the agitation "will not down." Why? Because God's fullness of time has come for a reform on his holy Sabbath (Isa. 58, Rev. 14:9-12), and Sunday legislation is but the work of the enemy in opposing the truth. Rev. 13:11-16. Reader, on which side of the conflict are you?
MR. MOODY is credited with saying that "the biggest lie that ever came out of hell" is the statement that "it makes no difference what a man believes about religion so long as he is sincere." Certainly the idea which Mr. Moody so emphatically condemns is a most pernicious one; it is highly important to believe the truth, for it is that by which God sanctifies his people. In his prayer for his disciples the Saviour prayed, Father, "sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." To despise truth is to despise the Author of truth.
THE members of the California Woman's Christian Temperance Union are circulating petitions to the Legislature for the enactment of a Sunday law in this State. These petitions are prepared for the signatures of both voters and non-voters in separate columns, and the superintendent of the Department of Legislation told a Chronicle reporter a few days since that they were being numerously signed by people of all denominations except Seventh-day Adventists. Said the superintendent, "Sectarian lines are being ignored and a strong showing in favor of the object is confidently expected." The women of the Union are in earnest, said the lady, and with another month of hard work would be able, she was sure, to roll up a memorial which the Legislature would not venture to treat with disrespect. Copies of the petition, she added, had been sent to all the pastors in the State, to secure signatures in their congregations, and return to her for presentation.
Should not the friends of religious liberty see to it that their representatives in the Legislature know how they stand?
American Citizens
By Editor
WE address you on a matter of vital importance to our State and Nation. Among the blessed boons left us as the heritage of our forefathers is that of religious liberty, or the right to worship (or not worship) God according to the dictates of our own conscience. It is the principle of religious liberty which has made our country what it is above all others, "the home of the oppressed," "the land of the free." To relinquish that for which our fathers bled and died is to return to the Dark Ages with its religious persecution. Many believe that this Government will ever continue as it is. But even now grave dangers are threatening this foundation-stone of our republic.
There are now pending in the Congress of these United States two Bills, known as the "Blair Educational Amendment Bill," and the "Blair Sunday Rest Bill." The effect of these Bills, if they become laws, will be a virtual union of Church and State, and the persecution of those who may not be able to conscientiously submit to these proposed unjust laws.
No less than fifteen millions of names have been presented to Congress as petitioners in favor of the latter Bill by the American Sabbath Union. The names consist of about seven or eight millions gathered by the friends of the Bill, and the counting of seven million two hundred thousand Roman Catholics, because Cardinal Gibbons signed the petition as an individual.
The National Reform Association, numbering among its officers U. S. Senators, Judges of the Supreme Court of the U. S., Presidents of Colleges, and D. D.'s, Bishops and Archbishops by the score, has for its object the placing of "all Christian laws, institutions and usages, on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the land." Of course this means official State interpretation and enforcement of Christian duties under penalties; and that is religious persecution. The aim of the National Reformers is the aim of the Blair Bills, and also the aim of the American Sabbath Union.
The principal leaders in the W. C. T. U. and the Prohibition party are in favor of these Bills.
The General Assembly of the Knights of Labor have indorsed these bills by unanimous vote.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in convention assembled have also indorsed them. Other organizations are swinging into line.
It may be asked why so many give their assent to these measures. For these reasons, namely: One class wish to dominate the religion of all, and so lift themselves into power upon the oppression of others, while hiding their real intent by smoothly-worded propositions. The second, and by far the most numerous, class give their assent because they think that these men at the head of this movement are good and wise men, and therefore cannot be led by wrong principles. They do not understand the nature of the movement or they would oppose it. Many who have once favored it, but who have since studied it, men of eminence, are now strenuous opposers. The third class is those politicians who are willing to become Christians or anything else to get votes. And with these classes, the ambitious religious politicians, those ignorant of the nature of such legislation, and the political time-server, unless prompt measures are taken to enlighten and so avert this legislation, religious thraldom will be the fate of now free American citizens.
Do you wish to become informed? Do you wish to inform your neighbors? Do you wish to preserve intact our religious liberties and free schools?
We present before you the only journal which is fully and intelligently enlisted on this side of the conflict, namely, the AMERICAN SENTINEL, published weekly in Oakland, Cal., now entering upon its fourth year, and numbering many thousands of staunch friends in all parts of the Union.
THE SENTINEL is not owned or controlled by any political party whatever.
It is not run in the interests of any religious denomination.
It advocates and will defend the religious rights of all, whether Catholic or Protestant, Unitarian or Trinitarian, Baptist or Pedobaptist, Jew or Christian, religious or non-religious.
It is set for the defense of our glorious Constitution, which declares, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
It is uncompromisingly opposed to anything tending toward a union of Church and State, either in name or in fact.
American citizens, liberty-loving Christians, the conflict is before us. Will you not aid us?
The principles which the AMERICAN SENTINEL advocates are indorsed by leading men in all parts of the country.
From Thomas Renison, State Senator, Gonzales, Monterey County, Cal.
PUBLISHERS AMERICAN SENTINEL,
GENTLEMEN: Your favor of the 11th inst., and the April and May numbers of the SENTINEL, duly received, and for which I am truly thankful. I heartily indorse the principles advocated by the SENTINEL, and wish it Godspeed in its good work. We cannot be too much on the alert and vigilant in a matter so important as the preservation of our civil and religious liberty. And when any set of men, religious or otherwise, attempt, by tampering with our National Constitution, to destroy that liberty which we have so long enjoyed, it is time that we, as American citizens, should assert, in no uncertain terms, our disapproval of so unholy a work. I am yours respectfully.
From Wm. P. Folly, State Senator, Lynchburg, Tennessee.
PUBLISHERS AMERICAN SENTINEL, OAKLAND, CAL.:
GENTLEMEN: Permit me to assure you that I am well pleased with the SENTINEL. When I returned home from Nashville I found the SENTINEL for one year bound in paper that had been sent to my address without charge. If the account was misplaced let me know what it is, and I will cheerfully pay it. It is with shame I have to acknowledge the failure of the bill for the extension of religious liberty in this State, so as to allow those who religiously and conscientiously observe the seventh day as the Sabbath to pursue their secular occupations on the first day. I am heartily with the SENTINEL for the utmost religious liberty.
From F. J. Dickman, Judge Supreme Court, Columbus, Ohio.
PUBLISHERS AMERICAN SENTINEL.
MY DEAR SIRS: I return you my many thanks for your kind and courteous letter of the 11th inst., and for several numbers of the SENTINEL, which came to hand at the same time with your letter. Several articles in the SENTINEL, which I have read, have been to me full of interest and instruction, and I am, I trust, excusable for my curiosity in desiring to know who is the "Ohio boy" who has been so kind and considerate as to have my name placed upon your list. The speech of Senator Crockett I will carefully read, as the subject is very suggestive. I am respectfully yours.
From A. W. Schick, Attorney, Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
PUBLISHERS AMERICAN SENTINEL.
GENTLEMEN: I inclosed please find one year's subscription to your paper, which advocates a doctrine to which I cordially subscribe, to wit, that Church and State must be kept separate and apart, if our republic and her institutions are to be preserved.
The SENTINEL is now published WEEKLY at the exceedingly low price of One Dollar per year. In clubs of ten or more copies to one address, 75 cents each. Agents wanted.
Address,
AMERICAN SENTINEL,
Oakland, Cal.