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Signs of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 34.

THE OPPORTUNITIES OF FAITH
Earlier text: STATE OF THE ATMOSPHERE AND FEELING

Local Manufacturer's Representative Wanted

Wanted.—A man that can be trusted to represent a manufacturer locally. A permanent business to the right man. Reference required and given. Address, Robt. S. West, 65 Champlain Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

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TO CONTRIBUTORS.

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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NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to "explain" a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) "Foolish and unlearned questions avoid," also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

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The True Spirit of Sacrifice

Sacrifice is commendable. It is through sacrifice that man's salvation is made possible. Christ sacrificed His life to save lives forfeited by sin. He died, the Just for the unjust. Such a sacrifice has merit. So the disciple of Christ, who manifests His spirit of sacrifice, profits not by any merit of his own sacrifice, but by the merit of Christ's sacrifice. The heathen, as well as those who have a false conception of Christianity, are often deceived by the idea of merit through their own gifts or self-abasement, or some display of sacrifice.
Such service is always at the expense of the commandments of God; and of this kind of sacrifice, no matter how zealously made, the Lord says: "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to harken than the fat of rams." 1 Sam. 15:22. "To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." Prov. 21:3. The true spirit of sacrifice will always accompany the spirit of obedience.

A Sample of Chinese Criminal Law

A sample of Chinese criminal law is brought to our attention in connection with the appeal of the Chinese consul at Honolulu for protection from his countrymen. An organization which stands for reform in Chinese affairs has its headquarters in Honolulu, and the Chinese consul at that place has reported the names of its members to his home government, with the result that the Chinese Government has imprisoned the relatives of the Honolulu organization. This measure, which is not unusual in China, has incensed the Honolulu Chinese, and has led to threats against the life of the Honolulu consul. It is also reported that the same course has been pursued by the Chinese consul at San Francisco.

THE BOOK OF DANIEL.

There is no part of the Word of God more important for the world in this generation than the book of Daniel. It was written for the last days. It contains warning and instruction for the scholar, the ruler, the subject, the soldier, the minister, the politician, the Christian, in fact, for people in every phase of life.
It is not mere facts of interesting history, with its every-day, practical lessons; every one of its historical chapters is a special object lesson for the last days.
Our readers wish to know what these lessons are. They also wish others to know what they are. The fate of nations and of the world hangs upon their acceptance or rejection. But if rejected by these, God brings these messages home, as He does all His messages, to the individual heart.
Realizing the importance of these lessons, seeing the necessity of the world, the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will soon, the Lord willing, begin a series of studies on the book of Daniel, from a view-point not heretofore considered, and which will, we believe, help to simplify its wonderful teachings and impress its important lessons.
These studies will probably begin about the 1st of November, and will be followed by studies on the complement of Daniel, the book of the Revelation.
About the 1st of October begins a series of articles on Matthew 24, by A. T. Jones. These will be of great interest.
Now is the time to subscribe for the SIGNS. It will be worth triple its price in the year to come; for its Gospel trumpet will give no uncertain sound. Let all its friends push the paper along. Before Oct. 1, 1900, it will be but ONE DOLLAR a year for one, two, or more years in the future. After October 1 it will be $1.50 a year.

OUR INDIA FAMINE FUND.

THE India Famine Fund is still being remembered, despite the many and varied calls for means to sustain other necessary work. Let this good work go on; there is no more effectual way of getting the Gospel before the heathen than by ministering to their physical necessities when they are suffering. This was one of the means adopted by the Saviour Himself; in fact, it was the most prominent of all; and we are always safe in following His example. We present this additional report:—
Previously acknowledged, $1,730.73.
W. H. Walker $ 6 13 Martha Alherswerth $ 4 00
Mrs. B. Graham 1 50 A. P. Waldemer 5 00
S. D. A. S. S., Siloam Springs, Ark 1 85 M. I. Andrews 18 22
No name 1 10 Mrs. R. P. Brooks 25
L. G. Abbott 1 00 Geo. Reseque 75
W. F. Mayers 1 50 Hill Top Church, Ark 25
Mrs. J. Dunkin 50 Almira A. Smith 10
A canvasser in Holt Co., Neb 5 00 Maud Hardesty 10
Beatrice Church 10 00 Betheny S. S. 2 00
S. D. A. Church, Sauk Centre, Minn 19 29 Augusta S. S., Mich 4 00
C. M. Kinny 75 A friend 1 25
J. C. Thornton 5 00 Illinois Tract Society 8 97
Mr. & Mrs. W. B. Green 5 00 John F. Judge 1 00
Ella Morris 60 W. M. 1 00
Mrs. B. W. Watson 1 00 Sr. Skyberg and Mrs. M. A. Baer and friends 10 50
Oklahoma City Church 6 12 J. E. Murphy 1 00
Guthrie Church 2 78 Maggie Nethery 1 00
S. W. Wilson 9 00 Jay 1 00
Mrs. W. J. Wright 1 00 Willie 1 00
Lizzie H. Ball 3 50 Carrie Brown 1 00
C. R. Morgan 10 00 W. E. Howell 25 00
Rhode Island 2 00 Miss C. Martin 1 00
J. P. Ferguson 5 00
Mrs. Lydia L. McCamly 5 00
Grand total $1,923 74

CONTAINED IN THIS NUMBER.

Poetry.

Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Golden City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 "Never Too Late to Mend," WM. GUNN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

General.

The Opportunities of Faith, G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Resistance to Light, MRS. E. G. WHITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Proof of Immortality, L. A. P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Trials from God, F. W. HIDDLESON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 God's Materials for Building; G. E. FIFIELD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Great Stone, FRANCIS M. WILCOX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Editorial.

Why Send Elijah Again? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 "The Undefiled". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Staying of the Winds of War. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Outlook.—Militarism and Paternalism—Steering without a Compass—"Men's Hearts Failing Them for Fear"—The Creed of Cain—The War in China—Stained through Liquor Fumes and Tobacco Smoke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9
The Home.—Demoralization of the Young Man, W. S. SADLER—The Slaughter of Birds, G.—Home Criticism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11
Missions.—Religions in Vogue in China—The Church Not a Place of Rest—Our India Famine Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13
International Sabbath-school and Sunday-school Lessons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Publishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Public Attention and Christ's Coming

Two topics are to-day absorbing the public mind in the United States, namely, the war in China and the elections. The enemy of souls and of all righteousness is no doubt well pleased to see public attention drawn away from the fact that "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."

Study and Obedience in John's Gospel

It is worth while to study the book of John, because it was "written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." Eternal life is worth a good deal of study; but the study will avail nothing without belief, and belief is manifested by obedience.

All Heaven Is Interested in You

All Heaven Is Interested in You.—The Word of God says of the angels, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Who will be heirs of salvation?—You will be one of them, if you so choose. By choosing to be an heir of salvation, you enlist all the angels of heaven as helpers in every trial, in every temptation, in every vicissitude of life. Can you afford to lose all this help by neglecting "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus"?

Sowing and Reaping

Sowing and Reaping.—"One soweth and another reapeth." Are you reaping where some one else sowed? Then do not assume that the sower failed and you have succeeded. In all works of true reform, pioneers have labored with little apparent success, and those who came after entered into their labors. It is quite satisfactory to enjoy the results of pioneer labor in a good cause. In doing so, however, we should remember our indebtedness to those who toiled when toil was apparently their chief reward.

Restrictions on Missionary Work in Kongo

The Kongo Free State is not appropriately named, if late reports be true. Following recent statements of extreme cruelty to natives by Belgians, there comes the complaint of Bishop Tucker, of the Church Missionary Society, that a Belgian officer near Lake Albert Edward, which is within the bounds of the Free State, has forbidden the preaching of the Gospel in the kingdom of Toro, except by Roman Catholic fathers. There is a special prohibition of the entrance of English missionaries from the east side in the direction of Uganda. Only those who come up from the Kongo State are allowed to teach. Bishop Tucker pleads for some Protestant French-speaking missionaries, either Belgians or Americans, to enter by way of the Kongo for the evangelization of the interior region. The "Free State" is a dependency of Belgium.

Creed Revision

Creed Revision.—Even the Baptists are talking of it—they who have been wont to rely for doctrine on "Thus saith the Lord." Dr. Johnston Myers says, to the Rochester Theological Seminary, "We Baptists need to change some of our statements of doctrine, as the Presbyterians are thinking of doing." Why?—Because "the world is moving on." Is the Word of God, which "endureth forever," the standard of doctrine? or shall the church cater to the world in the matter of a creed? The true Christian's creed is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that is "everlasting," no matter which way the world moves.

Unbelief

Unbelief.—A writer of some prominence has said: “If the prize for giving up unclean food were a million pounds at the end of a year, how rapidly would difficulties disappear and ways be found for keeping the body alive without meat and wine! But when only the priceless treasures of the higher life are offered, the difficulties are insuperable. If men really desired what they pretend to desire, we should have much more rapid changes around us than we now see. But they make believe, and make believe so effectually, that they deceive themselves into the idea that they are in earnest.” Faith does not walk by sight. Unbelief is the soul of fleshly sense. If men would but put forth the effort to win through Christ eternal life that they do to win the trifling things of this life, how few would fail. Now, how few win.

Christianity and Politics

Both State and national campaigns are in progress now, and the most conspicuous feature is that men are at their wits' ends to think of something bad to say about one another. We are sometimes told that Christianity and politics ought to be united and work together, but it is hard to see how that could be, when the chief characteristic of politics is contention, and that of true Christianity is love. If politicians were all Christians, each candidate and his friends would desire to see the opposing candidate elected. A moment's contemplation of such a proposition is enough to show the fallacy of the idea of Christianity and politics ever becoming true yoke-fellows.

Three Catechisms

Three Catechisms.—We acknowledge receipt of three catechisms, by Julia Colman, published by the National Temperance Society, 3 and 5 West 18th Street, New York. One is entitled "Catechism on Alcohol and Tobacco;" another is "Catechism for Little Water-drinkers," and the third is "The Sunday-school Temperance Catechism." These are all designed to teach temperance facts and principles to children. The price of each pamphlet is five cents.

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Signs of the Times · Aug 22, 1900