p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 33, No. 29. (7/17/1907)

Earlier text: Our London Letter

A Child's Philosophy.

"SPELL toes," said the mother, who was teaching her little daughter, several years old, to spell.

"T-o-z-e," answered the child.

"No, dear, that's not right. T-o-e-s spells toes."

"But it sounds like t-o-z-e."

"I know it, but you can not go by the sound."

Then, in order to enforce this proposition, the mother called on her daughter to spell froze.

"F-r-o-e-s," said the child.

"No, you're wrong again. This time we do use the z, and spell the word f-r-o-z-e."

"Huh!" grunted the child.

"Now spell rose," said the mother.

The child hesitated. Finally she said, "I don't know whether to say r-o-z-e or r-o-e-s, and, really, I don't know that either way would be right."

"Spell it r-o-s-e," said the mother, "tho there is another word pronounced just like it that's spelled r-o-e-s. That word is the name of the spawn of fishes."

The poor child looked quite miserable.

"Just one more word," said the mother. "Tell me how you spell blows."

"Well," said the child, who had quite enough nonsense, as she viewed it, from her mother, and had suddenly made up her mind to pay back in kind, "I spell it three ways: I spell it b-l-o-s-e for breakfast, b-l-o-e-s for dinner, and b-l-o-z-e for supper."

"I spell it b-l-o-w-s all the time," said the mother.

The child said nothing for a minute or two, then, looking up, she solemnly remarked, "I think, mama, that the English language was made for persons very, very well educated."—New York Times.

Studies in the Christ-Life at Brother Eldred's

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Eleventh Evening's Study.

"Now let us see what will finally be the end of this mighty being. Tom, can you find a text to the point?"

Tom turned rapidly to Eze. 28:19, and read: "'All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.'"

"Now," resumed Brother Eldred, "I think we have clearly proved from God's word that there was a time when Satan, or Lucifer, was a perfect and holy being, in heaven; that he became vain of his beauty and brightness, and that he finally aspired to a position of equality with, or superiority to, the Most High; that, as a result, he was cast out of heaven into the earth, where he still goes about as a roaring lion, seeking to do mischief and to cause the destruction of mankind; and that finally he will be utterly destroyed, never to be, or to exist, any more. Having learned these things, I trust we are now ready to study the peculiar form of temptations which he presented to our blessed Lord in the wilderness."

"You will excuse me, sir," exclaimed Mr. Field, "if I express to you my intense surprise that the Bible contains such a vast fund of information. I had always supposed it to be a dull and uninteresting volume."

"On the contrary," replied Brother Eldred, "I am sure you will find the Book to be a most wonderful storehouse of information; besides, and best of all, a sure guide to lead us heavenward."

"But, Margaret, my little girl, has the lesson been rather hard for you? Can you remember how long Jesus had gone without food when the cruel foe came to tempt Him in the lonely wilderness?"

"I forgot that, papa, I only remember that He was ever so hungry—but maybe Florence knows."

Florence, who was always ready to help her little sister, answered very promptly:

"He had nothing to eat for forty days, father."

"What was the first temptation, Jack?"

"Satan tempted Jesus to perform a miracle to satisfy His hunger. Shall I read Matt. 4:3? 'And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.'"

"Tillie, can you see any points of resemblance between this form and manner of temptation, and that which Satan used with which to overcome Eve?"

"Yes, sir; he tempted both on the point of appetite. I suppose he thought that as he had been so successful with Adam and Eve, he would first try the same temptation at this time."

"Right; how did he succeed? Blanche, please read Luke 4:4."

"'And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'"

"Tom, what description does Mark give of the scene?"

"He does not describe it at all, sir, except to say that Christ was with the wild beasts, and that angels came and ministered to him."

"When Satan saw that he had failed at this point, what does Matthew say he did next, Mildred? Please read Matt. 4:5, 6."

"Matthew says that Satan tried to induce Jesus to throw Himself from the pinnacle of the temple, whither he had brought Him."

"Would there have been anything gained by doing this, Jack?"

"Nothing, father, that I can see, only Satan would have had his way, and Jesus would have committed the sin of presumption, mother says."

"Yes," replied Brother Eldred. "Satan appeared to the Master in the garb of an angel of light, and demanded of Jesus a proof that He was not an impostor. 'If Thou art the Son of God,' he said—'if!'"

"Well," said Tillie, "Satan had already had the strongest evidence in the world on that point, for he had heard the voice of God at the baptism of Jesus, declaring plainly, and in the hearing of the multitude, 'This is My beloved Son.'"

"O, yes, Tillie, he knew well enough," said Sister Eldred, "but he determined to take advantage of the physical weakness of our Saviour, and induce Him to doubt His connection and relationship with God. Satan can even quote Scripture as glibly as any one when it serves his end to do so. Blanche," continued Sister Eldred, noticing the young girl's deep attention and interest, "would you like to read the very scripture which the wily enemy made use of? Matt. 4:6."

"'And saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.'"

"Is it a fact, Mr. Eldred, that this is one of the scriptures of the Old Testament?" questioned Mr. Field.

"Certainly; you will find the original words in Ps. 91:11, 12."

Mr. Field turned, after some difficulty, to the scripture indicated, and remarked seriously:

"Well, well; the fact is, Mr. Eldred, I must begin studying the Bible; for I believe, according to what I have learned tonight, that the devil actually can quote Scripture better than I can. True, I never made any profession, but I don't know as that excuses me so very much after all, for of course we have the Book in the house; we may study it if we will;" and Mr. Field bowed his head in his hands, and it was very evident that his heart was touched.

"It really becomes us to be posted," replied Brother Eldred, "and to be on guard constantly, for we have the same cunning foe to contend with to-day that our Lord had in the wilderness."

"But what was the third and most powerful temptation presented at this time, Alice?"

"Why, father, Satan actually tried to hire the Lord to worship him. He told Him he would give Him all the kingdoms of the world if He would only do this."

"Do you not think he is using the very same temptation even to-day, and with far better success among men, Mrs. Field?"

"I am greatly afraid he is," replied Mrs. Field, seriously, "for the vast majority of mankind are surely bowing down to mammon to-day."

Mr. Field had been intently listening to every word, and finally said earnestly:

"Well, Mr. Eldred, I'd like you to tell me now from the Bible if you can, sir, supposing all this narrative to be true, what was the object of it all? In other words, I ask you, Why did Jesus Christ suffer all this and much more, if the Bible be true?"

Brother Eldred closed his eyes reverently for just a moment, and sent an earnest prayer speeding to the Father's throne, for the special help of the Holy Spirit, that he might make the glorious plan of salvation very plain to this inquiring soul.

(To Be Continued.)

Prophetic Lights.

By E. J. Waggoner

By E. J. Waggoner. This book treats on some of the leading prophecies of both the Old and New Testaments. It shows the exact fulfilment of the predictions of the Bible concerning Egypt, Tyre, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, also the first advent of Christ. These prove the inspiration of the Bible, and give assurance that other prophecies which are noted will as surely and exactly be fulfilled. About thirty illustrated chapter headings and full-page plates adorn its pages, each one a work of art. Nearly all were designed and engraved especially for this work, at great expense. 8vo. 182 pages, fine calendered paper, heavy paper covers, net, $1.00.

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Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing

By Editor

Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing. An exposition of Christ's Sermon on the Mount. It has 218 pages and six chapters: On the Mountainside, The Beatitudes, The Spirituality of the Law, The True Motive in Service, The Lord's Prayer, Not Judging but Doing. A new edition just printed on fine enameled paper, new type, and reillustrated with 27 beautiful half-tone engravings specially prepared for the book by eminent New York artists. It will be found full of comfort and blessing by all fortunate enough to obtain and read it. A beautiful gift book. In paper covers, 35 cents; bound in cloth, gold title, 60 cents; half calf, marbled edges, $1.00. Address this office.

The Bargain Counter.

By Editor

Step right this way, please, for book bargains. In moving into our new factory we find a few books slightly soiled or with the leather or cloth covers more or less damaged. The contents of the books are clean and perfect. We will send these post-paid at the following prices. Order at once:

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How a Little Girl Went to Africa.

By Leona M. Bicknell

By Leona M. Bicknell. The story of a trip to Africa, told by a little girl of eight or nine years. She writes first of the long voyage, of the great sea, and of the great cities she saw at stopping-places; then of the far-off country, of the queer little African children and their home life, of the Boer War, of the ostrich farms and the diamond mines, of the strange tropical fruits and flowers, etc. The book is also finely illustrated with some of the strange, queer African scenes. 172 pages. Cloth bound, $1.00. Address this office.

DATE OF EXPIRATION.

By Editor

The SIGNS wrapper bears date of last issue due on your subscription. Unless renewed in advance, paper stops with expiration date.

If herewith is an order blank, you will know you have overlooked sending renewal. You will not wish to miss a single issue. Back numbers often can not be furnished.

To the Children.

By Editor

The editor of Our Little Friend has just returned from the St. Helena camp-meeting, where she met lots of boys and girls, and had a chance to tell them about Our Little Friend and what its visits will mean to them during the next few months. Many of the children there began at once to get new readers for Our Little Friend. One little girl secured seven yearly subscriptions, so that she gets a copy of "Uncle Ben's Cobblestones" free as a premium.

Our Little Friend is now visiting about 16,000 homes every week. Many of the children are finding new homes for it by showing it to their little friends. We have been wondering what would be nice to give to those boys and girls who would send us new yearly subscriptions for Our Little Friend. We believe we have thought of something which every boy and girl will like, and gladly do just a little work to get. This is

A Beautiful Book-Mark,

made of silk ribbon, with a pretty heading printed "Our Little Friend Book-mark," followed by a text, and a poem for the children.

This is just the thing for use in a Bible or book, and can be secured free by sending us just two new yearly subscriptions for Our Little Friend. Its visits for 52 weeks cost just 50 cents.

So with a little bit of work you can brighten two homes for a whole year with this little visitor, and have one of these beautiful book-marks. If you are not now taking Our Little Friend, your own subscription for a year and one new one will entitle you to it. Shall we make one for you? Address,

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The Flag of Our Country.

By Editor

It is a beautiful combination set forth on our first page of "Old Glory" and the "Bird of Freedom." But they are worthless, only as they represent the principles for which they originally stood—that of civil and religious liberty, that of the rights of the individual. There has been a wide departure from this. The rights of the individual are lost in the mass, and in that loss is the loss of the freedom of the mass and the ruin of the republic. It has ever been true that as a church or a country departed from its high ideals, it became more devoted to mere symbols, and worshiped the form while it lost the fact. So Israel of old forgot the law of God, but worshiped the ark, and went into captivity. God wrote upon the history of that people in the letters of death, "Ichabod"—"the glory is departed." When saved from a great plague of fiery serpents, which came in consequence of their sin, Israel's faith in the power of God to save was symbolized by a brazen serpent hung upon a pole. The serpent was nothing; the faith which it symbolized was divine. Centuries later, when that people had departed from God, they worshiped the serpent. A stalwart reformer had the courage of God to break the detestable thing, and call it what it was, "Nehushtan"—"a piece of brass." It is easy to see—it does not even require a God-anointed vision—that the flag is being made to stand for principles which the fathers never knew, for tyrannies against which they fought. Oftentimes the bold man who protests is called a traitor. In this way our symbols of liberty will become the symbols of tyranny; and then the brave reformer who would drag the dishonored tri-color to the ground and call it a rag or a piece of cloth would pay dear for his temerity and truth. Yet it is living principle, not a worship of symbols, which saves men and nations.

The Outlook for Religious Liberty

By Editor

This is the last of our three religious liberty issues. In them have been set before our readers the great principles as enunciated in our great American charters, by the fathers of the Republic, and in the New Testament. We know that our readers who have thought over these things will see the long departure from those principles, and the need of the sentiment uttered by Justice Brewer, quoted on page 8.

But in view of the power of entrenched and predatory trusts, in view of the tyranny of labor trusts,—both of which wage relentless war, ruthlessly crushing others connected with neither the one nor the other,—and in view of the ambitious and growing power of religious combinations to effect political purposes, the outlook is certainly not bright for the great Republic nor for those whose hopes are anchored in its earthly prosperity. Of this God has spoken in His word and in history, and later issues will set before our readers just what the final outcome will be. We beg them to believe that this is not mere theory or dogmatism. We shall let the "more sure word of prophecy" speak, confirmed by past history and present facts.

CONTAINED IN THIS ISSUE

By Editor

WITH OUR INQUIRERS

Questions Nos. 2150 to 2156 . . . . . 2

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY SYMPOSIUM

Unalienable Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Powers That Be and Our Duty to Them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sunday Laws Unjust and Unchristian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Our Country—Its Dangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

EDITORIAL

Equality and Individuality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 It Is Best to Be Guided by Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 An Utterance of 1776 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

OUTLOOK

Our London Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Condition of the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

MISSIONS

Philippine Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

THE HOME

Studies in the Christ-Life at Brother Eldred's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

POETRY

True Freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What a Gathering That Will Be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 God's Thoughts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Fate of Old Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The New Colossus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

An Eastern Trip

By Editor

The senior editor of this paper will spend about six weeks in an eastern trip in the interest of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and Our Little Friend, and in general work. Leaving Sunday morning, July 7, he attends the Mt. Vernon, O., Young People's and Sabbath-School Convention, July 10 to 20; thence to Washington, D. C., and New York about July 15 to 18; a few days with his old mother, Edwards, N. Y., to July 24; Indianapolis, August 1 to 4; thence to Chicago, Denver, Boulder, and back to the Pacific Coast, August 18. We greatly hope that the SIGNS will be benefited by this trip. He will keep connection with the paper as far as possible en route. We trust our friends in the field will keep the list moving upward.

Report from the Hague Conference

By Editor

Our first report direct from the Hague Conference, by our own correspondent, next week. It came July 5, with illustrations, but too late for this issue. Professor Olsen's report, written on the ground, is one upon which our readers may depend.

Our Next Issue.

By Editor

The next issue of our paper will be the first of two numbers that will deal with the general subject of "Man and His Destiny." This is a theme on which there has been a great deal of speculation. But we need not speculate if we only take the Bible and study what it says. Whether man is by nature mortal or immortal is a question that the Bible makes plain; and what will be his condition after death, and in the eternity of the future state may be just as clearly understood, without any shadows of doubt or speculation.

A correct Bible knowledge of these important themes is very essential. Be sure to make a special study of the next two issues of the paper, and do all you can to extend the reading of them among others.

Our India Mission.

By Editor

WE earnestly hope that our readers will not forget our Mountain Mission Home in India. One thousand dollars is needed to completely pay for it. A little from each of many, and it is done. Thus far four noble workers have died in India. A score have had to abandon the field. Down in the awful heat of the river plains the heat is intense for a greater part of the year, the mercury rarely falling below 90 deg. day or night, and climbing as high as 140 deg. It is simply insufferable, and malaria abounds in many places. At the Mountain Home in the foothills of the Himalayas, the climate is bracing. There are multitudes of people in the vicinity to keep busy the workers who leave the hot lowlands for a brief vacation; and here also native workers, who can endure the awful heat will be trained for labor. This cool mountain home will provide a place of retreat, and new opportunities of refreshing work when the vital forces are low. A home has been purchased, but there is lacking $1,000 to pay for it. Do you not want a share in the last payment? Let the next three weeks see every cent of it raised so that our brethren there may dedicate free from all indebtedness. Give and give quickly. Send your donations for the India Mountain Mission to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.

An Expanding Navy.

In 1883, hardly twenty-five years ago, the appropriation for the United States Navy was not quite fifteen million dollars a year. The appropriation at the present time is one hundred five million dollars, or an annual expenditure that is sevenfold greater than it was a quarter of a century ago. About a billion and a quarter of dollars have been expended on naval equipment since the foundation of the "new navy" in Mr. Cleveland's administration, and a good deal of this expenditure is represented by scrap-iron at the present time. For the progress in instruments of destruction and death has been so great that it has been necessary to keep turning into the junk heap the up-to-date equipment of yesterday to make place for the more highly improved armaments of to-day, or else be left wholly behind in the furious madness of preparing for some conflict that it is thought may arise.

There is indeed a conflict coming on hastily, and it is to be the last battle of earth's history. The prophecies of the Bible make it plain what these developments signify. Have you studied these prophecies, and do you know what they mean? There is no necessity for being left in doubt and uncertainty. The Guide Book gives perfectly definite information, and it is ours for the effort of studying this Book.

The Whole Series Yet.

By Editor

Some weeks ago we commenced a series of twenty-six numbers of this paper designed to give in quite full outline the Seventh-day Adventist views of Bible truth. The first of the numbers dealt quite largely with the subject of prophecy. The prophecies that foretold the rise and fall of kingdoms and also the prophecies that deal with the occurrences of the present time were dwelt upon. Knowing the interest that is always manifested in the study of the prophecies, we printed several thousand extra of each of these first issues. We are still able to furnish complete sets from the beginning of the series. Orders for the entire series are still being received, and we bespeak the continuance of this good work until every paper is in the field fulfilling its important mission. These papers contain an immense volume of timely matter, and this matter should be placed in the hands of the people throuout the field and not left on our shelves.

The Mountain View Leader

By Editor

"The Mountain View Leader" is one of the progressive papers of our town, and has just issued a special twenty-page mid-summer number that reflects credit to the editor and his associates in its preparation. It gives in a series of well-written articles and in numerous pictures the resources and advantages of this desirable town in the delightful Santa Clara Valley. Any of our eastern readers who desire to get a reliable description of Mountain View and its surrounding neighborhood should send ten cents to The Leader, Mountain View, Cal., and get a copy.

Fire in Bisbee, Arizona

About one thousand persons were rendered homeless by a fire in Bisbee, a large mining town of Arizona, June 29. More than fifteen hundred miners worked for hours before the flames were subdued. The property loss ran into the hundreds of thousands.