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Signs of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 36.

How Will Christ Come to You?
Earlier text: OUR WORK AND WORKERS

The Lord's Day

THE TEST OF THE AGES

There is a wide-spread belief that when the Christian Dispensation succeeded the Levitical that the Sabbath was changed from the Seventh to the First day of the week.
"The Lord's Day" is a pamphlet in which an examination is made of the authority for this belief. It also treats upon almost every phase of the Sabbath question from scriptural and historical standpoints, and is the most complete work on the subject, in small compass, published.
Reduced from "The Lord's Day."
Reduced from "The Lord's Day."
Its twelve chapters are divided by sub-heads as shown in table of contents, so that reference to any point may be instantly made. Notice the

CONTENTS

PART I.—THE PATRIARCHAL DISPENSATION. Page CHAPTER I.—THE INSTITUTION OF THE SABBATH How made, 9; for whom made, 12; the purpose of the Sabbath, 12; the Sabbath a memorial, 13; the Maker of the Sabbath, 15; the Lord's day, 15. CHAPTER II.—DURING THE PATRIARCHAL DISPENSATION — 16 The Book of Genesis, 16; in other nations, 18. CHAPTER III.—SABBATH REFORM — 21 Out of Egypt, 21; The Sabbath restored, 22; a definite day, 23.
PART II.—THE LEVITICAL DISPENSATION. CHAPTER I.—THE SABBATH AFFIRMED — 27 The first covenant, 27; the giving of the law, 27; the fourth commandment, 28; made known the Sabbath, 30; a sign of redemption, 31. CHAPTER II.—DURING THE LEVITICAL DISPENSATION — 33 The rival religion, sun worship, 33; character and forms of sun worship, 37; the sun-worship day, 37; sun worship forbidden, 38; apostasy to sun worship, 38; sun worship is Sabbath breaking, 39. CHAPTER III.—CLOSE OF THE LEVITICAL DISPENSATION — 42 Making void the law, 42; true Sabbath reform, 42.
PART III.—THE CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION. CHAPTER I.—CHRIST AND THE SABBATH — 45 Type and antitype, 45; the typical service and institution, 45; Christ and the law, 46; the teaching of Christ, 47; the death of Christ, 51; the new covenant, 53; the law of the new covenant, 54; written by the Spirit, 56; the New Testament Scriptures, 59; ceremonial Sabbaths, 61; perpetuity of Sabbath and law, 62; the royal law, 63. CHAPTER II.—THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST AND THE SABBATH — 64 What the law is to the sinner, 65; the One righteous, 65; His obedience ours by faith, 67; His life ours, 68; Christ in us, 69; Christ our example, 71. CHAPTER III.—SUNDAY IN APOSTOLIC TIMES — 72 Some first-day facts, 72; teaching of Paul, 75. CHAPTER IV.—THE CHANGE OF THE SABBATH — 76 History repeats itself, 76; the change of day, 77; the divine predictions, 79; confession of the criminal, 83. CHAPTER V.—THE TESTIMONY OF MEN — 85 True Protestantism, 85; early introduction of error, 87; how Sunday came to be observed by the church, 90; human testimony for the sabbath, 95. CHAPTER VI.—THE CLOSE OF THE CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION — 99 The condition of the Christian church, 99; the healing message, 100; how much the message implies, 101; the beast and his image, 103; the seal of God, 106; distinguished by creative power, 108; the Sabbath His memorial, 108; a Sabbath blessing, 109; take thy foot from the Sabbath, 111; the two classes, 113; the sad result, 116; the glorious outcome, 117; summary, 120; blessed boon of God, 121.
This pamphlet is illustrated with original drawings and diagrams, and neatly bound. Price 15 cents, post-paid.
Pacific Press Publishing Co. OAKLAND, CAL. 39 Bond Street, New York City 18 W. 5th Street, Kansas City, Mo.

LESSON XIII.—SABBATH, SEPTEMBER 23, 1899.

THE PRODIGAL SON.

Perea and Judea, A.D. 30.
Lesson Scripture, Matt. 20:17-19; Luke 15:11-32.
11 "And He said, A certain man had two sons; and the younger 12 of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his 13 living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country; and there he 14 wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that country; and he 15 began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields 16 to feed swine. And he would fain have been filled with the husks that the swine did eat; and no man gave unto him. 17 But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I 18 perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, 19 and in thy sight; I am no more worthy to be called thy son; 20 make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell 21 on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight; I am 22 no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on 23 him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make 24 merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was 25 lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew nigh to 26 the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called to him one of the servants; and inquired what these things might be. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe 28 and sound. But he was angry, and would not go in; and his 29 father came out, and intreated him. But he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, and I never transgressed a commandment of thine; and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my 30 friends; but when this thy son came, which hath devoured thy 31 living with harlots, thou killedest for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that is 32 mine is thine. But it was meet to make merry and be glad; for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."
NOTE.—The texts inclosed in marks of parentheses, while not essential to the lesson study, will be found to throw much light upon the lesson, and are suggested for those who wish to study further.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

  1. What parable did Jesus speak to the people? Verses 11, 12.
  2. What course did the younger son pursue? Verse 13.
  3. What experience did he then have? Verses 14-16.
  4. What change came over him? What did he say? V. 17.
  5. What decision did he make? Verses 18, 19.
  6. What did he then do? Describe the scene when he met his father. Verses 20, 21. (Ps. 103:13, 14.)
  7. What orders did the father give? Verses 22, 23.
  8. What reason did he give for these festivities? Verse 24. (Luke 15:6, 7, 9, 10.)
  9. Where was the elder son? What did he do? Verses 25, 26.
  10. What answer was given him? Verse 27.
  11. What were his feelings on hearing the cause of the rejoicing? What did his father do? Verse 28.
  12. What answer did the son make? Verses 29, 30.
  13. What assurance did the father give him? Verse 31.
  14. What reason did he give for making merry? Verse 32. (Matt. 18:12-14.)
  15. What lessons should we learn from this parable?
  16. What prediction did Jesus again make to His disciples? That He should at Jerusalem be betrayed, condemned to death, be crucified, and rise the third day. See Matt. 20:17-19.

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TO CONTRIBUTORS.

By Editor

The Signs of the Times is a purely missionary enterprise. For this reason it has felt free to ask for contributions from its friends. It pays nothing for contributions, either prose or poetry, unless solicited by the editor, and then the fact is stated when the articles are asked for. This is a plan rarely followed, but sometimes deemed expedient.
Articles Desired.—Those which set forth in the Spirit of Christ the great saving truths of God, short and to the point. It is better to treat one important truth clearly, in a short article, than many points vaguely in a long one. We desire no caustic, critical productions, which might minister to personal pride or pleasure, but can not save souls.
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ARE You in Search of Health?

Do You want to Regain Your Health?

Do You want to Know how to Keep in Health?

Then you should read "Good Health" a monthly magazine brimful of practical and scientific information pertaining to the care of the body and the proper enjoyment of life. It tells you all about how to make "life worth living."
As a result of the most careful scientific research on the part of its contributors, "Good Health" also furnishes valuable instruction for people of sedentary habits. It always contains definite and specific information as regards dietetics, home sanitation, healthful and artistic dress, scientific cookery, hydrotherapy, and physical development, thus affording the reader opportunity to acquire the greatest mental capabilities possible.
If you want "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," you should subscribe for "Good Health." Only $1.00 a year. Send for sample copy.
Address, GOOD HEALTH, Battle Creek, Mich.

Moral Principle and Social Conflict

By Editor

A compromise measure course is never successful where moral principle is involved. It was thought, by many friends of temperance, that what is called the "Raines Liquor Law," in New York State, would be a success. This appears to be the case in ill-gotten gains; but, morally, it is a failure. The Christian Work tells us that the traffic has increased, and Sunday is become almost as much a liquor-selling day as any other. And yet it was thought that it would be a help to Sunday observance. The fact is that the only true way to restrict liquor-selling is absolute prohibition, and the only proper way to secure observance of any religious festival is only through conscience and moral suasion.
SPEAKING of the trusts, Gen. Lew Wallace says: "I know nothing more reprehensible than the neglect which has been shown to the trust evil. . . . The only hope of action by the authorities is in the organization of all laboring men." While this may be a "hope of action," yet how can it do anything else than to precipitate the conflict. It will be a sad day when organized labor begins its open war against capital. It will be one of the events that will have its full part in making that "time of trouble" in these last days that Daniel foretells in the twelfth chapter of his prophecy. The issues that combined to produce this time of trouble are now before the world, and the lines are being drawn tighter and tighter. The fullest realities of all that the prophet predicts must soon, very soon, be intensely active in their terrible work all about us. But God is a shelter from it all for every one who will come to Him.
A REPORT in the Chicago Times-Herald says of one of the chaplains that went with the United States soldiers to Manila: "He was always on the firing line with a rifle whenever there was any fighting going on, and he was the quickest to show up with chickens when it was over, of any man in the regiment." The report speaks very approvingly of these qualities in the chaplain. But any one who has had the faintest glimpses of the real Christianity of the Christ of God would never imagine that He would send out a chaplain to represent Him in any such a way as that. And the fact that such chaplains are applauded by so many shows that Christianity is not understood as much as it appears to be. Let all the world know that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. He is not the god of war. The Master's instruction is, "Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matt. 26:52. Instruction could not possibly be plainer. And all those who follow the Lord will surely heed it.

The Fraud and Oppression of Trusts

The Wool and Cotton Reporter estimates that the new trusts formed between January and July represent on paper a capitalization of $7,370,783,383, of which $1,628,706,900 was preferred, and $5,742,076,483 was common stock. The same journal says it is "forced to the conclusion that two-thirds of the trust capitalization is 'water,'" which means in reality that there is that much out-and-out fraud connected with the business. Then it would seem that the purpose of the trust is twofold; to corner all the commodities of life, and, in consequence, cruelly oppress the poor, and then, by fraud, through "watered" stock and otherwise, break as many of the small capitalists as possible, and thus bring every thing in commercial life into the grasp of six or eight men.
This seems hard as it is viewed from the human standpoint. But the great God of heaven and earth is at work on the problem, and all who wait for His solution of it will soon be rewarded by a share in the eternal victory. It pays to stand with God, and wait upon His ways.

Faithful Use of God’s Gifts

The men of this world strive hard to get everything they can. But the real Christian strives not so much to get, but to faithfully use, what his heavenly Father gives him.

Missionary Vessel Pitcairn Arrives

By Editor

OUR missionary vessel, the Pitcairn, Captain Werge in charge, arrived in San Francisco Harbor on the 16th of August. For a full account of her voyage see page 11.

The Immortality of the Soul

A wealthy man in Hartford, Conn., has spent the greater part of his fortune, it is said, in fighting the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. It is certain that the man had one enemy, and that is Satan. The doctrine of the inherent immortality of sinful man has been the foundation of nearly all of the false philosophies and doctrines of the ages.

God’s Unselfish Gift

Our Heavenly Father has given us the very best. He has poured out upon us the choicest treasure that Heaven has: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. And upon this great theme the apostle asks: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Rom. 8:31, 32. God has freely given us His Son. And with Him He has also freely given us all things. Such complete and such unselfish love should awaken in us the fullest consecration to our Father in heaven.

OUR "WORLD'S HARVEST" ISSUE.

By Editor

(Ready, the Lord willing, Nov. 1, 1899.) In addition to the articles mentioned in last week's paper that are to appear in the "Harvest Number" of the SIGNS we give the following:—

The Ripening of the Harvest

By ALBION F. BALLENGER. An article showing how the outpouring of the same mighty Spirit of God ripens both wheat and tares for their respective harvests.

The Harvest of the World

By THE EDITOR. Showing the final result of sin and its sowing.

The Coming of the Reaper

By FRANCIS M. WILCOX. This paper vividly sets forth the glory of the coming of the great Reaper, the Lord of righteousness and life.

The Outlook—Prophetic

By JOHN ORR CORLISS. This paper will be a general world-view from the only true standpoint of Christ's watchman, the prophetic Word.

The Outlook—Temporal

By A. O. TAIT, Author of "Heralds of the Morning." A view of the world as men of the world look upon it, perplexed, despairing.

The Outlook—European

By HENRY P. HOLSER. This will give a more detailed account of the condition of Europe, the world's great center of activity.
There will be a good practical article by Mrs. E. G. White.
We will have more to tell you from week to week in regard to this Special "Harvest Number."

Rivalry Among Funeral Directors

ONE would naturally suppose that "Christian" men in the funeral-directing business would instinctively refrain from open display of rivalry. It would seem that of all secular duties of man to his fellow man, the interment of the dead should be done "decently and in order." One day recently there were so many funerals in this city that it was necessary to procure hacks from Alameda, Berkeley, and even from San Francisco. It is charged that one undertaker was the cause of having some of the outside hackmen arrested as soon as they came into the city by the order of his rival, because they had no city license. The licenses were promptly paid, but threatened vengeance is the result. This is an illustration of the doctrine that "business is business," regardless of Christian profession or true religious principle, or even just the commonest decent manliness.

A Reformatory for Virginia’s Juvenile Offenders

By Editor

COLLIS P. HUNTINGTON, of New York, has bought a tract of land of 1,350 acres in Hanover County, Virginia, where at his expense a well-equipped building, with the latest modern improvements, is to be erected for the confinement of juvenile offenders of the negro race. There are now three thousand colored boys and girls confined in the prisons of Virginia, and compelled to associate with the vilest and most degraded adults. Governor J. Hoge Taylor has promised that he will transfer the young prisoners to the reformatory as soon as it is built." So says the Union Signal, and the information reveals a condition that will surprise many people. With such a condition in the once highly-cultured State of Virginia—the "mother of Presidents"—will misguided people still contend that "the world is growing better"?

Dewey Advocates Philippine Autonomy

A PRESS correspondent, writing from Naples while Admiral Dewey's flagship was stopping there, reports that officer's expressed sentiments as follows:
"I have never been in favor of violence toward the Filipinos. The islands are at this moment blockaded by a fleet, and war reigns in the interior. This abnormal state of things should cease. I should like to see autonomy first conceded and then annexation might be talked about. This is my opinion. I should like to see violence at once put a stop to. According to my view, the concession of self-government ought to be the most just and most logical solution."

Unrest and the Coming of Christ

Martial law has been proclaimed at Hilversum, Holland. On account of the general feeling of unrest the disturbances are regarded as serious. In these times it only takes a small matter to stir up quite a lot of rioting and general trouble. The Word is very clear in telling us that the time just before the second coming of Christ will be marked with the greatest violence among the people. Is it not clear that we have entered the time foretold in this Word?

Return to the Pew-Rental System

After several years of trial of various schemes of raising funds, the First M. E. Church of this city has returned to the pew-rental system. The rentals will be by sittings, instead of by pews, and are payable monthly in advance. The sittings are listed at 25 cents to $2.50, according to location.

A Waterspout

A WATERSPOUT, accompanied with heavy peals of thunder, swept through Covelo, in the northern part of California, on August 21.

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

By Editor

Poetry. Sin Is Sin in All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Faith, BERTHA EDYTHE STRELINGER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Bloodless Sportsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
General. The Coming of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The Law of God, J. W. WATT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 God, the Word, S. N. HASKELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Taught to Babylon, ALONZO T. JONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Does Extravagance Help the Poor? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Object of Christ's Coming, F. M. WILCOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Marriage in Cana of Galilee, MRS. E. G. WHITE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Sabbath a Sign of the Everlasting Covenant, G. E. FIFIELD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Outlook.—How the Pope Was Barred—Luxuries for Dogs —Saving or Losing the Sabbath—Japan's National Reform —Poor France! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9
Missions.—Woman's Position and Responsibility, MRS. SUSAN BIRDSALL ROBERTS—Sixth Voyage of the Pitcairn, C. M. SNOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11
The Home.—Is There an Antidote to a Violation of Nature's Law? DAVID PAULSON, M.D.—Christian Nurture, MRS. H. S. MAXSON, M.D.—Education of Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13
International Sabbath-school and Sunday-school Lessons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15
Publishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

You have reached the end of this edition.

Signs of the Times · Sep 6, 1899