p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 24. (6/18/1912)

Earlier text: Look Not to Self, but to Christ

Life and Health

By Editor

The June number, beautiful "Swiss Alps" cover, will sell on sight. Send 10 cents for sample copy to-day.

A Few Features

How to Prevent Consumption; A Vegetarian or Mixed Diet,—Which? Helping the Motherless Infants; Memories of God's Out-of-Doors; How Some English Working Men Became Home Owners; Questions and Answers—A new department of great value—may save many doctors' bills; News Notes; and other departments of interest.

It will tell you how to keep well, how to get well, how to treat diseases at home, and how to sleep, cook, eat, and dress, for health.

A good proposition for agents. 5 to 40 copies, 5 cents a copy, post-paid. 50 or more copies, 4 cents a copy. Join our large army of successful agents.

Life and Health, Washington, D. C.

Bibles

By Editor

Bibles.—Remember that we are headquarters for anything in the Bible line. We shall be pleased to send you our catalog of Bible selections on application. Pacific Press, Mountain View, California.

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American State Papers

Bearing on Sunday Legislation

Is a work of 800 pages compiled by William Addison Blakely of the Chicago bar, and recently revised by W. A. Colcord, Washington, D. C., which gives in detail the history of every effort for and against religious legislation in America since its beginning as a nation.

Part 1 deals with the "Colonial Period," its laws, and the work of Roger Williams.

Part 2 tells of the work during the "Federation Period" to establish the principles of liberty. The Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell, Patrick Henry's great speech, the Presbyterian Memorial, and Madison's Memorial, are given special mention.

Part 3, covering the "National Period," gives the history of legislation on religious questions from the adoption of the Constitution to the most recent attempts in 1911. It gives copies of the bills that have been before various State legislatures, reports of discussions about them, and memorials against them, in which are set forth the dangers of such legislation. Reference is made to the work of the National Reform Association, to the closing of the Chicago Fair on Sunday, and to bills that are now before Congress.

Part 4 presents "Court Decisions" on cases tried in Arkansas, Ohio, Missouri, California, Wisconsin, and Maryland. These relate to ordinary work, opening of stores, to the question of whether or not this is a Christian nation, to the reading of the Bible in the public schools, and other questions.

Part 5 deals with "State Constitutions and Sunday Laws."

Part 6 presents incidents showing the "Operation of Sunday Laws."

Part 7 discusses "Sunday Laws before the Bar of Reason," and shows how the States of the Union now stand as to such statutes on their books.

Part 8 gives in summary form the entire history of Sunday Legislation.

This is the most complete work on the subject in existence. It brings together the official reports, and copies of bills, affidavits, laws, decisions, and other papers needed. These are excellently classified, thus placing the information you would be able to get only in part by endless search through libraries, right in your hand, at a cost of only $1.25. This is the entire cost, and brings "American State Papers" to you post-paid. Order to-day of your tract society or

Pacific Press Publishing Assn.

Mountain View, Cal. Portland, Ore. Calgary, Alberta, Canada Kansas City, Mo.

Sanctuary

By Editor

"Christ Our Advocate," a pamphlet which can be secured at this office for ten cents, is an invaluable aid in studying the sanctuary question. It explains the building and purpose of the earthly sanctuary, patterned after the heavenly, and pictures the present work of Christ, "Our Advocate," in the heavenly sanctuary. The great prophetic 2,300 day period is thoroly explained, as are also prophecies relating to the conditions in the world during the time that the heavenly sanctuary cleansing work is going on.

Sabbath

By Editor

The day of the Sabbath confuses many honest inquirers. What day is it? or is it any particular day? These questions are carefully answered in "The Day of the Sabbath," Apples of Gold Library, No. 50. A copy of this little help, post-paid, 2 cents; $1.00 a hundred. This office.

The Law

By Editor

That question of "Under the law? or under grace?" is a constantly recurring one. Bible Students' Library tract No. 163 gives a careful answer from the Bible. Single copy, 2 cents; a hundred, $1.00. This office.

Children's Duties to Parents

By Mary Alice Hare Loper, M.S.

ONOR thy father and thy mother," is the loving admonition given by God Himself to children; and with it is coupled the promise of happiness both here and hereafter. That one little word "honor" includes not only obedience, but everything that is good, just, merciful, and true. It means the forming of a good character, the cherishing of high aims and ideals; in short, the accomplishing of the noblest success of which one is capable; for we are to honor our parents in every act of life.

The fifth commandment, found in Ex. 20:12, is broad and comprehensive in its meaning. It was not written simply for little children, but for older ones as well. And its sweet sentiments do not become obsolete when one reaches ten or fifteen years of age. Parents care for their children through all the morning of life, and their interest in their welfare knows no decline with the accumulation of years. And O, how precious is the privilege granted to children to be loving and kind in return, and to care tenderly for their parents as they near life's sunset, and the evening shadows gather.

Children who do not honor their parents, are not happy, and they never will be until they change their present course of action. The boy who thinks he knows more than his parents do, is cherishing a ruinous hallucination. And he who has cut loose from "mother's apron-strings," so called, has anchored himself to something that is bad. He may swear, smoke, play cards, and break his poor mother's heart; but he will never reach happiness by that road, for the fingerboard which tells the way to happiness points in the opposite direction. Such a child should pause and take his bearings; and if by any means he comes to realize the peril which surrounds his pathway, he will be convinced it is better to return to mother (whether he does so or not), and become anchored to her "apron-strings" for life.

Parents toil early and late for their children. They deny themselves of many of the comforts and pleasures of life for the sake of home interests; and O, what comfort it brings to their hearts to be assured that their efforts are appreciated by their children! It is the privilege of children to coöperate with their parents, to share in the commonplace burdens of life, and to be ready always to lend a helping hand when help is needed—and that without waiting to be told.

The child who forms the habit of waiting to be told before he does things, will stop far short of his possibilities. But the child who trains himself to see what is to be done, and does it cheerfully, not waiting to be told, is forming a character for real usefulness and happiness, and is truly a burden-bearer in the home.

The boy or girl who grows up in the belief that honorable labor in any direction is a God-given privilege, will find that muscular exercise is not without its fascinations; that even an empty water pail or a vacant wood box presents a golden opportunity for usefulness which should not be slighted. There are numerous ways in which children may lighten the burdens of the home, and at the same time increase their own health and happiness.

Laziness is a deadly enemy to all success and happiness. The child who is indolent in the home, is likely to bring up the rear in the race of life. It is possible to permit laziness to thwart every good purpose, to blight every hope. The boy who continues to lie in the hammock and read, and the girl who persists in playing the piano, when requested to assist their parents, should cheerfully assume the obligation to be useful as well as ornamental.

The mistaken idea that girls must always remain indoors while at work, and boys outdoors, should be relegated to times of ignorance. Both require outdoor exercise, with fresh air and sunshine. It does not in the least detract from the nobility of boyhood or young manhood for the son of the household at times to assist his mother or sister in the routine work of the house. Nor does it cast reflections upon sweet girlhood for the daughter to join in the practical work of the lawn and garden. Children who are interested in keeping everything in order both indoors and out, are careful to refrain from creating disorder, and thus sweeten the home life day by day, and lift from parental shoulders a burden whose weight many children little realize.

Children owe it to their parents to conduct themselves always in a becoming manner. There is no reason why a boy should be any more uncouth or unmannerly than a girl. It is a dishonor to parents when children stoop to do things of which they wish their parents never to hear. It is deplorable when good boys and girls become associated with those who disgrace their parents, and who scoff at the very idea of obedience and respectability. The blessed Book says, "Evil communications corrupt good manners;" and no child can afford to associate day by day with those who do not regard obligations to parents.

The boy who feeds on literary scum when his parents do not know it, will refuse wholesome literary cream when they offer it to him. The girl whose mind is filled with impure tales of exciting romance, will find the real experiences of every-day life, including her mother's advice, very unsatisfactory, and will not be prepared to appreciate properly a true, uplifting love story which includes herself as the assistant in the founding of a new home.

Children should always be respectful to their parents. Even if the father be a drunkard and the mother be given to profanity, children are an honor who refrain from doing likewise, and who treat their parents with the respect that is due. The admonition is, "Honor thy father and thy mother,"—no matter what may be their mistakes and failings. And children who are always respectful to their parents, who are careful never to wound their feelings, will never have cause to regret it.

It is a sorry day for a child when he takes his first lesson in being disrespectful to his parents. The first time he stoops to call his father "the old man," and his mother "the old woman," he gives a curvature to his moral spine which is likely to become chronic unless he receives the right kind of treatment. Disrespectful speech, low slang, and contradiction are a menace to home happiness. The child who is careful to be always as respectful to his parents as he is to company, makes a much better impression upon company than if he did otherwise, for cultured company always appreciate seeing children practise good manners in the home. There is no sweeter ministration in life than that of contributing to the comfort, pleasure, and happiness of parents. The milk of human kindness is never quite so tempting as when poured out for those who are feeble and infirm with years. But boys and girls who honor their parents most in their declining days, are those who have practised being respectful and kind all along the way.

O, there are so many variations in the music of the home life! and yet all may be harmonious if only each member of the home chorus is careful to avoid striking a discordant note. This life is fleeting, and strains of sadness creep into its sweetest harmonies. It is better so to live the present that the future may not be marred with regrets. It is better to "honor thy father and mother," and thereby share in the eternal joys which cling around the "first commandment with promise." Eph. 6:2.

"Be kind to thy parents. Not many may know The depths of true filial love. The wealth of the ocean lies fathoms below The surface which sparkles above. Thy kindness shall bring to thee many sweet hours And blessings thy pathway to crown; Affection shall weave thee a garland of flowers More precious than wealth or renown."

HOME AND FIRESIDE

The Eyes of Others

By Benjamin Franklin

The eyes of other people are the eyes that ruin us; if all but myself were blind, I should want neither fine clothes, fine houses, nor fine furniture. — Franklin.

The Best Wind

“Whichever way the wind doth blow, Some heart is glad to have it so. So blow it east or blow it west, The wind that blows, that is the best.”

Seed Thoughts

By J. W. Lowe

WE should not meddle with other people's affairs, in the sense of meddling, but we should have a friendly interest in the welfare of all around us.

Narrow, short-sighted, and selfish is he who is concerned only in his own personal matters, having no thought for the general prosperity of others.

Every intelligent human being is bound by the common ties of humanity to exercise genuine interest in others, even to the point of considering himself his brother's keeper.

Jesus gave Himself for the welfare and salvation of all; and if we are truly His followers, we will manifest the same interest in all, that He manifested.

And in all this loving service to our fellows, we are at the same time working out our own salvation. In fact, there is no salvation for us if we neglect our duty to others.

J. W. LOWE.

Honor Father and Mother

"Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

Small Works on Large Subjects

By Editor

These Bible Students' Library pamphlets deal so clearly and comprehensively with leading Bible subjects as to become almost indispensable helps to study.

"Christ Our Advocate"

"The sanctuary in heaven," says the preface, "is the very center of Christ's work in behalf of men." "Christ Our Advocate" explains the building and purpose of the earthly sanctuary, describes the work in the heavenly, and presents lines of prophecy, such as the 2,300 days, the great Threefold Message, and the judgment, closely interwoven with the sanctuary question. 112 pages; price 10 cents.

"The Sure Word of Prophecy"

"The Sure Word of Prophecy" opens to the student the evidences from history and prophecy that we are in the "time of the end." The basis for study is a chapter-by-chapter outline of the book of Daniel, with associated texts on prophetic subjects found in other portions of Scripture. 96 pages; price 10 cents.

"The Lord's Day"

"The object of this work," says Elder M. C. Wilcox, its author, "is to present in the briefest, simplest way a part of the Bible evidence concerning both sides of the Sabbath question." It traces the Sabbath from its institution through the Levitical dispensation, and then from the beginning to the close of the Christian dispensation, to its "glorious outcome." Contains 125 pages, with 8 full-page illustrations and charts; price 10 cents.

"Saints' Inheritance"

The precious promises of the new earth, with Bible explanation of where, when, and how it shall be, will renew your courage and strengthen your hope in the reward awaiting the righteous. The saints' inheritance, understood, is a beautiful theme, and Elder J. N. Loughborough makes it so real that you will not only like to read of it often, but pass this pamphlet on for the encouragement of your friends. 88 pages; price 10 cents.

"Matthew Twenty-Four"

The strong feature of this verse-by-verse exposition of Matthew 24 is that it introduces the history of events and conditions which should be studied with the prophecy. To the thousands to-day who are asking, as did the disciples, "What shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" this pamphlet offers excellent help. 94 pages; price 10 cents.

"The Spirit World"

Recognizing the power of Spiritualism, Prof. George W. Rine in this exposition traces its rise and growth to its present influence. In the last analysis of the subject we must face the question, "Are the dead alive?" This the writer clearly and logically answers from a Bible standpoint. This is a pamphlet that ought to be circulated widely. 96 pages; price 10 cents.

"Prophetic Gift in the Gospel Church"

Eph. 4:8-11 leads many to inquire, "Why is not the gift of prophecy still manifested among the Lord's people?" This pamphlet traces this gift through the early history of the Christian church, and groups the evidence of Scripture relating to prophetic leadings in the church to-day, with Bible rules for determining between true and false prophets. 102 pages; price 15 cents.

Prices given above are post-paid. If you desire to supply others direct with these excellent helps, send list of names, and mailing can be done from the office. Address your tract society or Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, Cal. Portland, Oregon Calgary, Alberta, Canada Kansas City, Mo.

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Rioting and Revolution.

By Editor

In the hitherto quiet little seaside city of San Diego there have been coming fierce, passionate gusts of rioting for weary weeks; and observers tell us that it needs but a spark to set aflame the same elements in many cities of this country and the world. The whole of Europe is a vast seething pot of even more than mere political revolution. Normally optimistic men predict early civil war in America. Belgium is a burning mass of revolt. Troops are called out, and in eight cities have charged the uprising mobs. Many have been killed and wounded, and much damage has been done. Churches have been broken open and desecrated, and monasteries attacked. The clericals, or Roman Catholics, won the last elections, and the rioting is laid to the disappointment of the laboring classes. It is possible that all workmen may join in a general strike which will paralyze all business. These manifestations of lawlessness go farther back than mere political issues. Man's heart is in rebellion against God. It can become unselfish only by submission to the law and grace of God. But when professed ministers of Jesus Christ preach lawlessness and anarchy against the government of God, why should we expect law-abiding citizens to result from such teaching?

There was reproduced in London June 6, the famous historic ball of Waterloo, which occurred the eve of the great battle that terminated Napoleon's conquering career. It was this ball which Byron immortalized in his famous poem beginning with—

"There was a sound of revelry by night,"

but the revelry closed in the alarm of battle and the awful carnage which followed. In view of conditions in England and the strained relations among the powers of Europe, it looks like tempting God, like an insane dance of death.

Look Not to Self, but to Christ

By Editor

Are you discouraged, dear soul? — Read the article on page 9, "Look Not to Self, but to Christ." In Him is there hope. Hope for you, now. Do not reject it. Do not hide the sun of His love by the gloom clouds of your own manufacture. Let in the sunlight of His love.

A Paper That Stands for Truth

By Editor

It may be set down as a self-evident fact that a journal is dead that does not once in a while receive a letter like this: "Please stop my paper, I do not agree with you," or words to that effect. A paper which aims to agree with all its subscribers, deserves the contempt of all. A paper which stands for righteousness, truth, liberty, progress — a mission and a message — will live, because it deserves to live. It will, too, find friends even among those who do not agree with it wholly.

In Our Next Issue

By Editor

Next week is the last of our religious liberty specials. The matter it will contain will be in all cases strong, in some cases climactic. The following are some of the titles:

1. "America and Religious Liberty" will show how two great religious forces are working for the enforcement of a legal sabbath.

2. "California and Religious Liberty" in this issue is "A Candid Appeal to Californians."

3. "Not for Ourselves" is an article from the pen of Prof. G. W. Rine.

4. "A Representation of God's Love to the Sinner" is the contribution from Mrs. E. G. White.

5. "An Appeal to Christians" will contain food for the followers of the Master.

6. Professor Colcord will contribute another addition to his catechism on religious liberty.

7. Our Series of Home articles by Mrs. Loper concludes with "A Christian Home a Light in the World."

There will be much besides. Mr. Maybell, the well-known cartoonist of New York, has a telling cartoon on Liberty. The issue will contain striking poems, extracts, and facts which we will wish to treasure. These papers should have a million circulation.

"Questions and Answers"

By Editor

The first edition has been exhausted, and more than a hundred orders ahead at the present time. The second edition is now being hurried through the bindery, but it will be about a week before they can be ready for mailing. This may account for the failure of your book to reach you promptly. A careful record of orders is being kept, and all will be filled in a few days.

The Perils of Religious Legislation

It is not enough to establish Christianity by law in the general way. Christianity is distinctive, decided. At least there are leaders and divisions of Christian bodies who so believe. Hence the question will arise as to what Christianity is, and who represents it. If the government decides that the Protestant church is the true representative of Christianity, immediately the query arises, Which division of Protestantism? If the Episcopal Church, that in itself is divided, not a few of its members being more than half Roman Catholic. It goes without saying that no one Protestant church could be considered the exponent of Christianity. All the Protestant churches combined could not meet the claims of the Roman Catholic Church, or wield the influence which she would use in the religio-political scheme of church-and-state union. And then both Protestantism and Catholicism would face an unrelenting struggle, which would demand the surrender of Protestantism, or war to the death. Religious legislation raises the lid to a veritable Pandora's box. Are the people of the United States, of California, willing to share in such a responsibility?

Bible Authority and Version Policy

By Editor

Our authority is the Bible, the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. When the Common ("King James" or "Authorized") Version or the American Standard Revised Version is used, the version will not generally be designated in reference. Any Bible quotation in this paper, therefore, differing from the Common Version, unless otherwise indicated, will be almost invariably from the American Standard edition of the Revised Bible, copyright 1910, by Thomas Nelson & Sons.

For further particulars, subscription rates, etc., see page 15.

Continue reading: Colonial Sentiments on Protestantism