p. 4 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 50. (12/15/1898)

Earlier text: STORIES, BIOGRAPHIES, AND TRAVEL

FOR THE CLOSING OF THE CENTURY.

By Editor

ANY person who has traveled through a country strange and unknown to him knows with what diligence the traveler inquires for information concerning his journey and the land he desires to reach. He procures maps of the country and charts of the road, and studies them with great care. He seeks knowledge from every available source. So deeply concerned in the matter is he that his eyes often refuse to close in sleep. He parts with his possessions and is willing to spend his money and run the risk of losing health and even life itself, to reach the place of which he has only heard that wealth may be gathered there, or where he, perhaps, may “better his condition.”

With what joy he hails the presence of signs posted up here and there by the wayside, warning him of dangers ahead and advising him how to escape them! How he is comforted to learn where necessary supplies may be obtained and where shelter may be found! How he is relieved by the sight of a sign-board, directing him aright, where the road forks and every branch is confusingly plain, and with what special interest he watches for those signs which tell him of his whereabouts, and how near he is to the place he seeks! And when these signs of the way show that he is nearing his journey’s end, his interest is still deepened, and how anxiously he watches for the appearance of anything which will more certainly assure him that he is almost there!

The reader and the writer are fellow-travelers on the highway of time. Many are the dangers that beset our way; many the quicksands of sin into which we are liable to fall; many the by-paths where we are exposed to the danger of losing our way.

Are we seeking for information regarding our way, and the heavenly country which we hope to reach, as anxiously as the man who desires to reach a better country in this world? Our interest and anxiety should be as much greater than his as the country we seek is better than the one he seeks. God in mercy has given us His Word, which is a light to our feet and a lamp to our path. It is the great road-book of our journey, and the unerring map of futurity. It tells where all necessary supplies may be obtained, and where shelter is to be found. It tells of certain signs which we are to see, and by which we may know that the journey’s end is near, and says, “When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”

Have we been passing these signs? Are we passing them now? Are we living in the time “when ye shall see all these things”? And is it true that “it [or “He,” margin] is near, even at the doors”? These are interesting questions. True and plain answers will be sought by every candid person.

As the only source whence accurate answers will come, we recommend the reader to study the “sure word of prophecy,” “the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” As an assistant in this study, we recommend the reading of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

This paper will still continue its work of warning of a soon-coming judgment and of the necessity of a speedy preparation for that solemn event.

In its general department will appear deeply interesting articles on the Prophecies, the Sanctuary, the Lord’s Day, God’s Purpose Concerning Man, Man’s Relation to God, Man’s Nature, Whether Mortal or Immortal, His Future State, etc.

The Outlook department will call attention to and consider the unusual disturbances in the physical world, the general trend of matters in and among the nations, in the political field, in the church, and in society, and point out the signs of the times as seen in them.

The other several departments,—Missions, the Home, the Sabbath-school, and Editorial,—will each in its own sphere be interesting, instructive, and beneficial.

For the year 1900 several extra numbers are already planned. An Educational issue will discuss the eternal principles of education, which subject, as many others, is breaking away from its old moorings and beginning to drift out into the ocean of uncertainty. A Fourth of July number will consider our nation’s past history, its present course, and its future destiny. On these the search-light of prophecy will be turned, and in them will be found startling signs of the times. For these issues nothing extra is asked of our subscribers.

At the close of the century will be issued the Outlook number. This will review the past and hold up the future to view in the light of God’s Word. It will be even better, if possible, than our World’s Harvest number, and important in proportion to the momentous and stirring times in which it will be published, and the proximity of the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century.

PUBLISHERS OF THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

THE WORLD'S HARVEST NUMBER.

ALTHO the publishers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES said in advance much in praise of the World's Harvest issue, and doubtless much more than some thought subsequent facts would warrant, we now see that many, since they have had opportunity to examine the number, are ready to testify of it in language akin to that used by the queen of old when she said, “The half was not to me.” Read what some of them say.

Testimonials.

Pastor Uriah Smith, Battle Creek, Mich., writes:—

I have not yet acknowledged receipt of the Harvest number of the SIGNS, which I now take occasion to do. I am highly pleased with that number. It surpasses, as it should do, the Centennial number. You have surpassed yourselves. I congratulate you most sincerely on the production of such a number; and, if it does not have an abundant circulation, it will show that our people do not know a good thing when they see it, or have a good chance to have it.

Pastor R. A. Underwood, Williamsport, Pa., says:—

I have read with much pleasure the articles of the Harvest number of the SIGNS. It is the best issue ever published. The articles of A. T. Jones, U. Smith, A. F. Ballenger, etc., are remarkable productions. I could not say too much in favor of the articles all through, and shall do all I can to get it before the people.

Pastor Geo. B. Thompson, Rome, N. Y., says of the Harvest number:—

I have been reading the issue, and I consider it by far superior to the Quarter Centennial number, both in workmanship and in matter. I think that the contents are fine, and will be the means of doing much to bring the light to some souls in darkness.

W. S. Dann, 1515 Burt Street, Omaha, Neb., says:—

The 1,000 copies of the Harvest issue reached us in good time. My wife has been out with them on a short trip outside of Omaha. They sell well. None of the other sisters have tried yet. They start at the close of the Sabbath. It is a splendid number. God surely guided in the make-up of the subject matter. I believe that many souls will have their eyes opened to see where we are living.

From The Mail, Sheldon, Iowa, Nov. 3, 1899 (F. T. Piper, editor, and city mayor):—

A Praiseworthy Publication.

The SIGNS OF THE TIMES, a religious journal (Seventh-day Adventist) published at Oakland, Cal., is to be issued as a special double number for the weeks of November 29 and December 6. An advance copy of this special number is before us. It is beautifully executed, both in the matter of illustrations and in the artistic neatness of its typography. It is called the World's Harvest number, and the

appropriateness of this title may be seen at a glance. Its contents are a collection of articles contributed in a number of cases by men eminent as authors who are in nowise connected with the Adventist denomination, tho in the main it is the product of persons prominent in the Adventist sect. John Clark Ridpath, the historian, writes on “The Harvest of Greed.” Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, D.D., editor of the Missionary Review of the World, contributes an article captioned, “A Great Crisis in the Work of Missions; the Fact, the Causes, and the Remedy.” And other equally able and instructive articles appear. Every student of current and foreshadowed events can not but be interested in this very timely publication, and would be profited by giving it a careful perusal. In its value from a literary standpoint as well as historically we regard this special number with high favor. The world needs the helpfulness of more publications like it.

Dr. Geo. W. Bugh, Beebe, Ark., says:—

Gentlemen: Accept my thanks for Harvest SIGNS. I have noted its contents with pleasure and yet with solemnity. It is a master work of matter and illustration. It should find its way to every home on mother earth. Emperors and kings should read it, as well as the poor.

Mrs. A. B. Mundy, Bay City, Mich., says:—

I have been a reader of the SIGNS several years, and feel that I can not do without it. . . . I never get discouraged in my work, and the way grows brighter to me. I am so thankful I can have a part in this noble work [canvassing for “Coming King,” etc.].

C. Sorenson, Oklahoma City, Okla. Ter., says:—

I mention one brother I met last week. When the Quarter Centennial came out, he hesitated to order; he has ordered 500 Harvest numbers as

Mrs. Snow, Centerville, Mass., says:—

The Harvest number arrived last evening. I am very much pleased with them. I have been distributing them this morning. Hope there will be enough to leave one in every house in the village.

J. R. Israel, Halifax, N. S., says:—

Mrs. Israel is doing most of the selling. She only has thirteen left, and has had them only about one week. She sells about twenty per day, and does her work besides. They sell nearly double as fast as the Quarter Centennial did.

Lina Hall, Kelso, Wash., speaking of her work with the Harvest number, says:—

I went to my first neighbor. Each house was about seven minutes' away from the other. I sold one in every house I went to and found anybody at home.

Mrs. Synthia Bush, 470 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio, says:—

I have just received my Harvest number of the SIGNS to-day—ten copies. They are grand, best I have ever seen of the SIGNS. I know I can do a grand work, with the Lord's help. Inclosed you will find one dollar for twenty-five copies more just as soon as you can send them to me.

Pastor S. B. Horton, Welsh, La., says:—

The Harvest SIGNS came duly to hand. It is a superb issue in matter, illustration, and typography.

R. I. Francis, Newark, Ohio, speaking of the Harvest number, says:—

I would like to see Ohio double the work she did with the Quarter Centennial number. Every place I go I hear good reports from the special number.

Others express their praises thus:—

“The Harvest number came in this evening. My! but it is fine.”

“I must say that I consider it an extraordinarily good number.”

“The World's Harvest number arrived last evening. I am very much pleased with it.”

“Think it is excellent as far as we have examined.”

“I received the copies of the SIGNS. Sold all in a couple of hours. They sell at sight, the cover is so attractive.”

The second edition, which, in some important points of mechanical execution, is a great improvement on the first, is now going rapidly, and a third edition will soon be on the press, which will be still better. The second and all subsequent editions will bear date of December 6, which makes the issue current at least till the first of next year. The paper will be salable for months in the future; and, indeed, the time will be long before the truths it contains will be out of date.

The publishers will keep on hand stock, from which all orders will be filled promptly. Let no one think it is too late to order. Just now is the best time of the year to circulate that splendid issue of the SIGNS—the best ever published.

The price of this number is ten cents per single copy; five to twenty copies to one address, five cents; twenty-five or more to one address, four cents each.

For the accommodation of all who may wish to send that issue to friends and avoid the payment of postage, the publishers will send it to any address in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, at five cents per copy, provided not less than five names are sent at one time.

Some of the Medical Missions in the Far East.

By James Johnston

(Continued from page 11.)

from three-years journeyings in China, Korea, Japan, and Siberia, refers to the very great impressions which her visits to one hundred and three medical mission stations made upon herself, of the efficiency of the art of healing, and its relations to spiritual blessings. No prophetic sagacity is required to perceive that the medical missionary is a Christlike pioneer for souls, as his ministry is the only effectual agency of pioneering in Korea and in some parts of China.

As one representative of the medical stations, the English Presbyterians have an institution at Swatow, which receives more patients than any in the East. It is always crammed, generally containing four hundred patients. In addition to the actually-received patients, hundreds from long distances stand in the court-yard or throng the staircase. So great are the crowds that the doctor is occasionally borne off his chair in the consulting room by the rush of people overpowering the doorkeeper. Admirable as the medical and surgical work is, even more, if possible, are the religious benefits. Dr. Causland himself is an earnest teacher, and usually has fifty inquirers from the hospital patients. The lady missionaries have classes for women invalids, or those approaching convalescence. A large body of men and women have become Christians in the hospital, making it a bulwark of light and healing, both in the big city of Swatow and the area of which it is the center.

Ascending the river at Wukingfu, there is another valuable hospital. A further ascent of the river to Hangchau shows one of the finest hospitals in the East, probably the best equipped anywhere. Chinese medical students have done much to bring a knowledge of Western methods within reach of the masses. Every student here must be an earnest Christian, and passes through a course nearly equivalent to that of the Edinburgh University. The cooks, gardeners, or servants employed are similarly devoted Christians, whose lives are powerful examples in commending the doctrine of the Cross. In the Women's Hospital the same principle is adopted, the nurses being Christian women.

In the far-away city of Mukden, capital of Manchuria, is the famous Scottish United Presbyterian Church Hospital, superintended by Dr. Christie, and perfectly equipped. In Mukden Dr. Christie is a preacher in season and out of season. One year witnessed the baptism of fifty-four converts, whose lives, investigated in the villages, were of an earnest and devout type of Christianity. Patients in the hospital for six weeks have carried back the Gospel, and taught it so successfully that missionaries, going round the villages, have found the nucleus of a Christian church in several different places, where people met twice each Sunday for worship and fellowship—the hospital becoming one of the brightest of the bright places in the darkness—a darkness that can be felt—of China. A single missionary in these regions might do more, it is declared, than twenty evangelistic missionaries working alone at the present time—in the one hand carrying healing for the body, and in the other, the knowledge of eternal life.—Rev. James Johnston.

SPELLS AND PRONOUNCES 45,800 Words

Weighs only two ounces

The above are three reasons why the new Webster Pocket Dictionary has already had a sale of nearly one million copies.

Many other reasons might be given, but we believe it would be more satisfactory to you to secure and examine a copy, which may be done at the following prices:—

Cloth, indexed - - - - 25c

Morocco, indexed, gold edges - - - - - 50c

Extra Morocco, indexed, gold edges, calendar and stamp holder - 60c

Your money refunded if the book is not all you expect

Literary Notices.

(Continued from page 18.)

PAGAN COUNTERFEITS IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. By Chas. A. S. Temple, Lebanon Springs, N. Y. Nearly 200 pp. Paper covers, 25 cents. Published for the author by the Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal., Kansas City, Mo., New York City, from which company it may be ordered.

This is a wonderfully interesting and even startling pamphlet. The author is an old man, who has given years of his life to the studies set forth in this pamphlet, the allegations of which are abundantly fortified by scriptural and documentary proof. The author discusses Emblems, Ivy, Evergreens, Flowers, the Festival, the Feasts of Saturn, Easter, Lent, the Sunday-sabbath, Free Masonry, Coincidences in Mysteries and Masonry, Conclusions. There is an acerbity of tone, a superlative use of adjectives, in the work, which, to our mind, injures it; but, nevertheless, we could wish that it might be read by every minister and Christian worker in the land.

ROGER'S TRAVELS, OR SCENES AND INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH THE JOURNEY OF TWO BOYS IN FOREIGN LANDS. By Rev. Edward Payson Hammond, the well-known evangelist, Hartford, Conn. Fleming H. Revell Company, Chicago, New York, Toronto. Paper covers.

This little book takes up travels through Europe, starting with Holland, visiting the old historic places and towns of Rotterdam, Delftshaven, The Hague, Leyden, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Cologne Cathedral, Constance, Mont Blanc; with many practical Gospel lessons and illustrations adapted to children and youth, showing the consequences of sin, and the results of a good life in Christ.

OLD MORMON MANUSCRIPT FOUND; PEEPSTONE JOE EXPOSED. Published and sold by L. B. Cake, 90 West Broadway, New York City. The author's argument runs somewhat thus: Mormonism must stand or fall by the Book of Mormon; Joseph Smith is the only witness to this; but as his testimony is impeached utterly, the Book of Mormon is proved a fraud. The worst thing about the pamphlet is the style. The author is capable of better. He probably thought this familiar (undignified) manner would sell his work. Nevertheless, his arguments are worth reading, and seem conclusive against this false system. Paper covers, 144 pp., reduced from 35 to 25 cents; cloth, $1.00. Address the author.

NATURAL FOOD OF MAN. In three parts: Part 1, “Man’s Primitive and Best Diet,” from a Bible standpoint, by Milton C. Wilcox; Part 2, “How to Prepare It,” by Mrs. Flora Leadsworth; Part 3, “Food for the Sick,” by J. R. Leadsworth, M.D. In the Biblical part the seeker for a true dietary will find that which is worthy of consideration; the second part contains over two hundred vegetarian recipes which are strictly hygienic, besides other instruction. And food for the sick is what every household ought to know how to prepare. Bible Students’ Library, No. 158. Price, 25 cents. Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.

CHRISTMAS SONGS OF MANY NATIONS. Compiled and arranged by Katherine Wallace Davis. 25 cents; $15 per 100. Clayton F. Summy Co., Chicago. The design is to emphasize the thought that all are of one blood, and all have one Father. This would have been better if the “Santa Claus” falsehood did not appear. A beautiful half-tone picture of thirteen children, representing as many nations, is the frontispiece.

THE SHUT-IN CAUSE. Compiled by J. Albert Zepp, for five years editor of the Shut-in Friend, Melrose, Md. It is published for the purpose of bringing well people closer to God’s dear, suffering ones, and to bring all closer to our Maker. The entire book of 102 pages was set by Mr. Zepp, and printed on a hand press. He certainly has done good work. The book is made up of articles telling about “shut-ins,” letters, sketches, poems, and quite a number of illustrations. Its reading will help the well to appreciate more fully the blessings of health and have more sympathy, perhaps, for the sick.

STRONG MEN OF SMYRNA.

The porters of Smyrna are without doubt the strongest men in the world. They carry upon their necks and shoulders loads heavy enough to crush a donkey. It is not an uncommon sight to see one of these porters carrying through the streets six or eight great trunks bound in a bundle with a long rope and balanced upon his back. These men live almost exclusively upon wheat or barley cakes and figs. A diet consisting of cereal foods, fruits, and a small seasoning of nuts, constitutes the most natural and most wholesome bill of fare for human beings. Such a dietary is conducive to long life, good digestion, light-heartedness, clearness of mind, joyous spirits, and general well-being.

The cereal products of the Battle Creek, Mich., Sanitarium Health Food Co., especially Granola and Gran-Nut, combined with Protose, or some other suitable nut product, constitute a perfect bill of fare, and have proved a godsend to thousands of persons, who, through their means, have been restored after suffering the pangs of miseries of chronic nervous exhaustion for many years.

Granola is a dainty, delicious, and nutritious cereal food, containing three times the food elements of beef. It is thoroughly cooked, and, with the addition of milk, is ready for immediate use at a cost of one cent a person a meal.

Readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES who will send to the Sanitarium Health Food Co., Battle Creek, Mich., the name of a grocer who does not sell Granola, will receive a free sample.

Pacific Press Publishing Co.

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

39 Bond St., New York :: 18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.

This Issue

Of the SIGNS, containing the report of the National W. C. T. U. Convention, and “An Appeal to the W. C. T. U.,”

should have a good circulation

Price, $1.25 per 100

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.