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Signs of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 6.

The Sowers: Parable of the Wheat and Tares
Earlier text: THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION

ANGELS, Their Nature and Ministry.

Revised by the late J. H. Waggoner. In two parts. Part Two considers some hints on the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan, as gleaned from the Scriptures. Bible Students' Library No. 83. 140 pages. Paper covers. Price, 20 cents.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.
Kansas City, Mo. New York City, N. Y.

News and Notes

FOREIGN.

—Emperor William has caused to be introduced in the Bundesrath a bill to increase the navy,—his pet scheme at present.
—It is said that a claim to 3,000,000 acres of land, on the coast opposite Prince of Wales Island, heretofore supposed to belong to the United States, is about to be made by England.
—According to reports from Formosa, the Japanese are not having an easy time in taking possession of that island. Advices state that the natives are again causing trouble in several districts.
—Intense suffering is reported from St. Johns, N. F. Hundreds are said to be starving and without fuel. A sum of $2,000 has just been raised by the government to assist the needy, who are laborers without work, until employment can be provided.
—The Manitoba school question is still undisposed of by the Dominion Government. A bill was introduced allowing Catholics a share of public moneys, on the condition that all teachers in Catholic schools pass the qualifying examination. This will probably fail, as it is reported that Archbishop Langevin refuses absolutely to allow the government inspectors to enter his schools.
—Germany has uttered a note over the Monroe Doctrine, in connection with her demand on Venezuela for the settlement of a debt incurred by that government for a railroad built by German engineers. In a note to that South American republic, it is stated that enforcing the payment of a debt by resort to arms, can not be construed as a violation of the Monroe Doctrine, hence action will be taken accordingly, if necessary. This has already been illustrated by Great Britain at Corinto.
—The British authorities, now that Jameson is in their hands, are discovering that there is probably no law on the English statute books to punish him for his raid upon the Boers. Doubtless had this been found out before he was delivered up by President Krueger, the Dutch of the South African Republic would have had no difficulty in finding cause against him. In the meantime, the Americans who merely sympathized with him, are held, on a charge of high treason. Inasmuch as they are not citizens, and are restricted in their business relations as well, it looks as tho the charge needs alteration. The U. S. Government is assured by the Cape Colony authorities that no harm shall come to Mr. Hammond or his associates.
—The steamer Hawkins, carrying men and ammunition from the United States to Cuba, has gone down at sea off Long Island. The steamer was pronounced unseaworthy before a start was made, but the party ran the risk of her sinking. The men, under command of General Garcia, escaped in the boats, but it is said the loss of ammunition will seriously affect the Cuban cause. Pending the arrival of General Weyler, who threatens to conduct a vigorous campaign, General Marin is pushing the insurgents. General Weyler, known as “the butcher,” is reported to have said he will give the Cubans eight days in which to surrender, after which no mercy will be shown. He must of course first catch his victims. A despatch via Key West, which eluded the censorship, says the Cubans are fully holding their own, and that the expected campaign under Weyler has brought new forces to their aid. Gomez’ forces are said to have joined Maceo’s in Pinar del Rio.
—It is now generally conceded that some sort of arrangement exists between the czar and the sultan, as reported several days since. Whatever it may be, it evidently leaves England out of the question. This must be a bitter dose for that power, inasmuch as she has heretofore exercised a leading part in shaping affairs in Turkey. But now, to the astonishment of all, Lord Salisbury announces, in a recent speech, that England has not proposed to control matters in Turkey, much less insist to the extreme point on a change in Armenia. On this latter point he states, with good reason, that it is not possible for England, no matter how long her arm, to occupy the remote provinces of Armenia. Any attempt, he believes, to resort to arms, would only arouse the Mohammedans in a body, and result in atrocities upon their religious enemies hitherto unheard of. He further urges that the prestige of the sultan, if he is given time, will bring about a state of tranquillity. This view of the situation is not held by the rest of the world. It is now hinted that Russia may occupy Armenia.

DOMESTIC.

—The new gunboat, Helena, designed for shoal water and river navigation, left the ways of the Newport News Co., at Newport News, Va., on January 30. The vessel is 250 feet long, with a speed of thirteen knots.
—A new secret order, called “The Mystic Brotherhood,” has been organized in Kansas to oppose prohibition.
—By the explosion of a boiler in the works of the Iron and Nail Co., at Hollidaysburg, Pa., on January 30, six persons were killed and a score injured.
—A deputation of orange growers from Florida is now visiting this state. The crop failures of that state, owing to frosts, have induced them to investigate the claims of sunny California.
—At a wedding near Sandusky, O., the floor gave way, precipitating seventy-five people into the cellar. The accident is said to have resulted fatally to one lady, and a number received serious injuries.
—A resolution has been presented by Senator Morgan from the Committee on Foreign Relations for the recognition of the Cuban insurrectionists as belligerents. The resolution was placed on the calendar.
—The National Equal Suffrage Association has declared by official vote that it is in no way responsible for the so-called women’s Bible. An implied fostering of the work might be detrimental to the aims of the association.
—The concurrent resolution requesting the President to communicate with the powers signatory to the Berlin treaty, asking them to protect Christians in Armenia, has been handed to the chief executive. The probability of the United States taking a hand in European affairs has also been variously discussed abroad.
—It now appears that the shortage, if it can be so mildly stated, of Librarian Spofford, of the Congressional Library, amounts to $61,000 at the least, with a possible $100,000. The amount at first was believed to be not one-half of this sum, and the excuse was accepted. But “carelessness” to the tune of $61,000, with no accounting as to where the money went, is certainly worthy of serious attention.
—Commander Ballington Booth, of the Salvation Army in the United States, has received a recall from the general, and it is announced that he will leave for England the 1st of April. It is also stated that his elder sister, in charge of the Army in France, has been recalled. No reasons are given, but it is suggested that the commander has become extremely popular with Americans, and favors American ways.
—The Committee on Indian Affairs of the national government has authorized a favorable report on a bill providing for a commission to treat with the Bannock and Shoshone Indians. The special matter in hand will be to induce the Indians to modify their treaty rights to kill game so as not to conflict with the state laws. It will be remembered that it was over this point that the recent trouble with these Indians occurred.
—There are at present before Congress the following bills to provide for the army, the navy, and coast defenses of the United States: A bill calling for $100,000,000 to strengthen the military armament, a bill for 6 battle ships at $4,000,000 each and 25 torpedo boats at $175,000 each, a bill for revenue cutters on the Pacific Coast and the Great Lakes, a bill for $87,000,000 for coast armament, bill for reorganizing and increasing the army, for issuing Springfield rifles to the National Guard of the several states in exchange for the weapons now in use, and for the enrollment and further organization of the naval reserve. The spirit of uneasiness is at work, and the United States is beginning to awake to the fact that it may be in danger from some enemy.

CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR

This work is written in clear, comprehensive, yet simple language. The narrative style is followed, thus making the story real, and the lessons practical. It is beautified by the use of

74 New and Appropriate Engravings

which help to impress the lessons of truth. First, we enter our Saviour’s home, and learn of his child-life. We see him in his early ministry, in his acts of mercy and love. His sufferings are recounted, and the closing work of our Saviour reveals through his death his wonderful love for man. His resurrection inspires faith and courage in the heart of every believer.

LARGE, CLEAR TYPE

The book contains 160 large octavo pages. It is printed in large, clear type, on heavy calendered paper, and substantially bound in the following styles:—
Presentation edition, two colors vellum cloth, embossed in jet, green, and gold, beveled edges, gilt top . . . . . $1 25
Fine English cloth, embellished aluminum cover . . . . . 75
Cloth back, board covers, in fine colors . . . . . 50
Heavy tag-board covers, in colors . . . . . 35
Address, PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO., OAKLAND, CAL.
18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.
43 Bond St., New York City.
Or, REVIEW & HERALD PUBLISHING Co., Battle Creek, Mich.,

PRICE OF SYMPOSIUM NUMBER OF “SIGNS.”

THE chief object in issuing the symposium, or one-subject, numbers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES was not to sell those special numbers, but to increase the circulation of the paper of each and all issues. We felt sure that with from 8 to 12 such special numbers during the year the paper would be much more valuable, and that there would be a generous response to this on the part of our friends in increasing the general circulation.
In order to advertise our purpose extra copies of the special numbers were offered at one-half the regular rates. For extra copies of ordinary issues we have asked $2.00 per 100. We have sold our extra copies of our special numbers at one-half this rate, or at the rate of $1.00 per 100 copies. This has been below cost, and, of course, at a loss to the publishers. Do our friends realize this? Some of them have not realized it; for if they had, they would not have taken advantage of the generous offer, nor would we have received request for the special or symposium numbers of the year alone. The special numbers are certainly as valuable as the ordinary number. The paper is very cheap at one dollar a year. We shall, therefore, in the future charge at the same rate for the special numbers as for the ordinary. The price will be at the rate of $2.00 per 100. In other words, this places the special numbers just where the ordinary numbers are. Terms of subscription, single, in clubs to societies, and to agents, are not by this affected in any way.

Special Back Numbers.

We have on hand some extra copies of Nos. 49 and 50 which we will furnish at half price, $1.00 per 100 copies. No. 49 is the issue containing the Declaration of Independence, with cuts of the house in which it was written and the Sabbath-keeping press on which it was printed. It contains other important matter also. No. 50 is the most valuable number of last volume, the subject of which is “The Great Threefold Message of Revelation 14.” We have no tract on this great subject. The matter in the SIGNS would make a small pamphlet of fifty or more pages, costing from five to ten cents. We offer it to our readers at one cent a copy. Never was more fresh up-to-date matter offered so cheaply in connection with our work. The last symposium, issued last week, is on the subject of the Sabbath of the Lord. Its price is at the rate of $2.00 per 100. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

THIRD EDITION! FIFTH THOUSAND!

... OF ...

STORY OF PITCAIRN ISLAND

NOW READY.
This new edition is just off the presses, and orders for hundreds of copies are waiting, so great has been the demand for the book.
The Third Edition is printed on heavy laid paper, the engravings being on the finest enameled stock, and are 25 in number.
The Appendix, which has been added to this edition, contains Miss Rosalind A. Young's letter of recent date to the N. Y. World, also an article from Henry Robinson Palmer, which appeared not long ago in Harper's Weekly.
The Binding is of neat, new colors of vellum cloth.
PRICE $1.00

SPECIAL INDUCEMENTS

Are now offered to agents to push the sale of this book.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.
OAKLAND, CAL.
43 Bond Street, N. Y. 18 W. 5th St., Kansas City, Mo.

STEPS TO CHRIST.

The Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal., have received an entirely new stock of the latest edition of that excellent book entitled “Steps to Christ,” by Mrs. E. G. White. The price, postpaid, is only 75 cents. Address as above.

Charles Burckhalter to Observe Eclipse in Japan

It is now decided that Mr. Charles Burckhalter, F.R.A.S., of Chabot Observatory, this city, will go to Japan with a full photographic apparatus, for the purpose of getting some views of old Sol (or his corona) when totally eclipsed, as he will be in August, and Japan offers the best ground of observation. Astronomer Burckhalter has invented an apparatus which promises wonders in the photographing of the corona, and his machine is a marvel of mechanical precision, worked out by Mr. Burckhalter himself, who, though an amateur, is a most practical and fine mechanic as well as astronomer, teacher, and electrician. He will go to Japan in connection with the Lick Observatory expedition, the expenses of which, $2,550.50, have been met by a donation from Col. C. F. Crocker, the photographic telescope being furnished by Mr. W. M. Pierson, of San Francisco. Mr. Burckhalter is the professor of astronomy in the Oakland High School, and the school board showed their appreciation of his service by voting him leave of absence under full pay. We can not tell our readers all that scientists hope for in this expedition, but we are sure of this, that the personnel of the party of the expedition will do all that men can do.

Did the Apostles Believe Christ Was Coming in Their Day?

The writers of the New Testament, Paul, Peter, James, John, Jude, and the writer of Hebrews, probably Apollos, speak more or less frequently of the second coming of Christ. It is held out as our only hope, the day of reward, the revelation of God’s glory in us, the blessed hope, and as being at hand, at the door, etc. They wrote of the solemnity of that event and of the necessity of being prepared. Did they believe it was impending in their day? There were some who did. But the apostles and chosen men of God did not. Let Paul speak for them. Here is what he says to those who had imbibed a wrong idea:—
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed,” etc. 2 Thess. 2: 1-3.
The same truth is taught by our Lord in Matthew 24. The simple fact is that the apostles not only wrote for their time but for ours, the end of the age. When the time comes that Christ’s coming is near, God will see that his servants give meat in due season, according to the prophetic word. See 2 Peter 1: 19.

Papers Sent Only With Advance Payment

We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance.
When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the “Signs” are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.

CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.

Editorial.

The Sowers (Notes)........................................1
Living at Our Best........................................2
Establishing the Law (Romans 3: 27-31) E. J. W. ........2
The Scriptures and Creeds................................8
Question Corner.—No. 259, A Matter of Eating—No. 260, Three Days and Nights—No. 261, 1 Cor. 5: 9-13........3

Poetry.

Should Jesus’ Coming Be Forgot, HERMAN H. FOWLER........4
Evening Meditation, L. H. CHRISTIAN........................9
Where the Master Dwelleth................................11

General Articles.

God’s Great Threefold Message, D. T. J.......................4
Lawful to Do Good on the Sabbath, MRS. E. G. WHITE.........5
The Place of the Second Advent, W. N. GLENN................5
God Works by His Spirit, WM. COVERT........................6
“Free Indeed,” H. A. ST. JOHN..............................6
The Glorious Restitution....................................7
Remarks on “Millennial Dawn”.................................8
The Touch of Christ..........................................8

The Outlook.

Ominous Tendencies, W. N. G..................................9
It Is Church and State, H. F. PHELPS.........................9
The Fireside.—A Question for Our Young People (“VERA”)—Air (LOTTIE HALL)—It Is Good to Know—If You Want to Be Loved........9, 10
Missions.—Egerton R. Young, D.D. (D. BERGER, D.D.)—England (H. P. H.)—A Tract, and What Came of It—Mongolia—The Work in Vicksburg, Miss.—The Work of a Foreign Missionary........11, 12
International Sabbath School Lesson.—The Protestant Reformation (Lesson 8, Sabbath, February 22, 1896)........13
International Sunday School Lesson.—Faith Encouraged (Lesson 8, Sunday, February 23, 1896)........13, 14
Publishers..................................................14
News and Notes..............................................15
The article on Romans 3: 27-31, by E. J. W., is well worthy of careful study, as are all the articles on that wonderful book.

Representative California Exhibition Planned for Madison Square Garden

A REPRESENTATIVE California exhibition is to be held in Madison Square Gardens, New York, opening in May. If it is truly representative, we are sure that it will prove of interest to New Yorkers, and of benefit to California.

Attention to the Article on England

We call the attention of the reader to the article entitled “England,” in our Missions department. It contains, apart from a report of progress of our work in Great Britain, some interesting facts worthy of consideration in connection with matters just now of moment in the world.

Erroneous Teachings of the Millennial Dawn

We have been asked questions from time to time concerning the book called the “Millennial Dawn.” In another column we publish a summary of some of its erroneous teachings, by Prof. W. G. Moorhead, of Xenia, O. We have not taken time to verify his quotations, presuming from our knowledge of the book and the writer’s standing that he is correct.

Another Ally

The first number of a new 12-page monthly, published in the interests of present truth in the Spanish language, at Guadalajara, Mexico, comes to our table, modestly asking recognition. The name is El Amigo de la Verdad, or, Englished, The Friend of the Truth. The editor, Dan. T. Jones, is our old colaborer, and one of our present contributors. We greet this little paper with gladness; may God bless it to the salvation of many Spanish readers. Price, 50 cents a year. Address, El Amigo de la Verdad, Guadalajara, Mexico.

Symposium Numbers

Symposium Numbers.—We are out of symposium numbers 38, 43, and 47, of last volume. The first is a symposium on the Scriptures, the last two on the coming of the Lord and its nearness. Any orders for these after this notice will be filled by No. 50, of which we have about six thousand, as long as it lasts. No. 50 is on the “Great Threefold Message.” The price of this number, as we have before advertised, is $1.00 per hundred; but the price of the last symposium, No. 5 of the present volume, is at the rate of $2.00 per 100. We can not afford it for less, but it is worth twice the amount asked. See page 15 for further information.

The Fundamental Principles of Health Reform

“The Fundamental Principles of Health Reform” is the title of the first number of the Health Reform Library, published quarterly by the International Tract Society, at 25 cents a year. This first issue discusses the principles of health reform as adopted and advocated by Seventh-day Adventists. This issue is especially addressed to Seventh-day Adventists, but may be read with profit by all. It discusses the importance of pure air, pure water, simplicity and plainness of food, with regularity of meals, healthful dress, exercise, rest, and recreation, use of stimulants and narcotics, and purity of life. Address, International Tract Society, Battle Creek, Mich., or any of our tract societies.

Scriptural Index to Mrs. E. G. White's Works

We have not time to reckon the matter up, but we presume that Mrs. White has written twenty thousand octavo pages of practical religious matter, in which most forcible application is made of various passages of Scripture, and clear light is shed upon their meaning. To facilitate research in this line the International Tract Society has published a little book, with alternate blank pages, entitled “Scriptural Index to Mrs. E. G. White’s Works.” It aims to give in regular order, beginning with Genesis, the Scripture passages that are quoted in the various works of Mrs. White. A useful and helpful little work. There are 164 pages. Cloth, 60 cents; full morocco, $1.00. Address International Tract Society, Battle Creek, Mich., this office, or any of our tract societies.

Quick Transit Between New York and London

We have received from Mr. Austin Corbin a pamphlet containing an article of his printed in the North American Review, of November last, enlarged, elaborated, and illustrated with four nicely prepared maps, geographically correct. The title of the pamphlet is “Quick Transit between New York and London.” Mr. Corbin proposes for his western terminus Fort Pond Bay, in the eastern end of Long Island, and for the eastern Milford Haven, on the west coast of Wales. These harbors are not affected by tide or storms, and but little by fogs, both harbors being greatly superior in this respect to New York, Liverpool, and Southampton. Taking the fastest time made by the Lucania for the standard, and Mr. Corbin’s proposed route would shorten the time from the post office in New York to the post office in London by nearly sixteen hours, making the entire trip in 5 days, 22 hours, and 11 minutes. We vote for the new route, and hope Mr. Corbin’s efforts may prove successful.

Royalty, Ritual, and the Decline of Simplicity

There was a time when the people of this country were not particularly struck with the tawdry pageantry of royalty or paganized religion. But that day is past. The trappings of royalty wherever displayed always reveal that the spirit of democratic equality is passing away by the increasing admiration and imitation they always excite. And now the ornate service of the Roman Church finds increasingly its admirers and imitators. Rome well knows how to pander to this taste in humanity. Her winter school just opening at New Orleans, with an imposing pontifical celebration, with two cardinals in attendance, is an illustration of this. Jesus, the Man of Calvary, if he were here would be considered too plain. Would that mankind loved the simplicity and beauty of the intrinsic worth of truth.

To Our Seventh-Day Readers.—

Many of our readers were led to embrace the Sabbath and kindred views set forth by this paper, by reading some paper, tract, or book. At least, their attention was first called to the truth in that way. Many, no doubt, first learned of it through the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Will all our readers who first obtained a knowledge of the truth in this way, drop a postal card to Mr. A. O. Tait, Battle Creek, Mich., stating by what publication—book, tract, or paper—their attention was first called to the truths heralded by this paper? If such ones have not had a copy of the new tracts “America’s Crisis” and the “New Testament Sabbath,” and will so state, in complying with the above request, copies will be sent them.

Christian Federation Prohibition Church Organized in Buffalo

The first Prohibition church of Buffalo, N. Y., has been organized, called the “Christian Federation” of Buffalo. It will affiliate with the National Christian Federation Church (Prohibition), with headquarters at Chicago. This new church (J. G. Rodgers, pastor) “stands for righteousness in municipal, state, and national government, prohibition of liquor traffic, political antagonism of license parties, and for free discussion of all the pressing problems of the hour.” A political church truly, from which we may expect anything but the Gospel.

New Song Hail to the Christ by Herman Fowler

THERE has been laid upon our table a new song, “Hail to the Christ,” by Herman H. Fowler, set to the stirring Scotch air, “Hail to the Chief,” by Sir Henry R. Bishop. The words are copyrighted by Brother Fowler. Those who heard it pronounce it fine. The song and music may be obtained for 25 cents by addressing the author, 1430 East Tenth Street, Oakland.

You have reached the end of this edition.

Signs of the Times · Feb 6, 1896