p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 16. (4/21/1898)

Earlier text: Our Valuable Premium Offer

The Story of Redemption

4384

SUCH has been the demand for "The Story of Redemption," that paper has already been ordered for the second edition. The first instalment of Prospectuses is exhausted, and the second is rapidly disappearing.

The following opinions as to its selling qualities are gleaned from the reports of experienced agents:—

"The Story of Redemption presents a neat, attractive appearance, and as far as we have read in its beautifully printed pages, are much pleased with its contents. The grand and glorious story of redemption is told in a pleasing manner. We will seek to do all we can to place it in the hands of the public."

"We are examining 'The Story of Redemption,' and so far as we have done so, are very much pleased with it. We shall give proper announcement through our paper, as well as recommend it to beginners as a suitable book with which to work. We feel confident it will meet with success as a book among books."

"Since writing you before, I have had time to look through your new book, 'The Story of Redemption,' and am well pleased with it. It seems to me a book gotten up in the style that this is, and being so well illustrated, ought to have a very large sale. We, of course, will be glad to handle the book in our territory and push it as rapidly as possible."

"We are highly pleased with it, both its make-up and the contents, so far as we have been able to read and sketch it over. We have already ordered a quantity from your New York branch."

The figures at the head of this notice denote the number of books sold during the twenty days following publication.

Prices are as follows:—

Cloth, colored edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1 00 Cloth, gilt edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25 Canvassing outfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Pacific Press Publishing Company, Oakland, Cal. 39 BOND STREET, NEW YORK CITY. 18 WEST 5TH STREET, Kansas City.

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.

How Prepared.—Write plainly, with typewriter or ink, with wide space between the lines, to freely admit of editing, writing of subheads, etc. Write on one side of the sheet only. Sign the name to the manuscript, as it becomes oftentimes separated from accompanying letter. Anonymous contributions are not used, whatever their merit. If the writer does not wish his name to appear, let him furnish a pseudonym for the public. But we wish the name.

Manuscript Returned.—We will return all unused manuscript desired if stamp and directions are inclosed. We are forced sometimes to return good manuscript mainly for three reasons: (a) Sometimes the articles are too long; (b) sometimes we have a number on the same subject; (c) sometimes our plans are such that an article can not be used till it is out of date. We therefore hope that no offense will be taken by those who have freely contributed their best thought if their productions are returned. When we receive so much matter, we can not use all.

A CARD.

To ALL interested in carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of other lands, and who desire to assist in supporting missionaries already there and others who may engage in the work, the opportunity is given to make an offering to the Foreign Mission Board of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Such donations should be sent to W. H. Edwards, the Treasurer of the Board, 1730 North Fifteenth Street, Philadelphia, Penn.

FACTS FOR THE TIMES.

—Containing historical extracts, tracts, candid admissions from authors, ancient and modern. A Book for the Times. Revised 1893. A compilation of facts that are astounding, by students of biblical and historical research. 340 pages, wine-colored cloth binding. Price, 75 cts., postpaid. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, California.

BIBLE STUDENTS’ LIBRARY.

Reduced Net Price List.

Revised Aug. 12, 1897.

No.	Title	Cents.
1	Bible Sanctification	10
2	Abiding Sabbath	20
10	Scripture References	2
14	The Sufferings of Christ	2
16	Christ in the Old Testament	1
24	Is Sunday the Sabbath?	½
25	The Sanctuary and the Judgment	1
26	The Sabbath and the New Testament	1
27	The Bible.—Its Inspiration and Importance	1
31	The Second Advent	2
34	God’s Memorial	1
36	The Signs of the Times	1
42	Elihu on the Sabbath	1
43	The Ten Commandments Not Revised	1
46	Without Excuse	½
47	Thoughts for the Candid	½
48	Which Day Do You Keep and Why?	½
49	Can We Know?	½
50	Is the End Near?	½
51	Is Man Immortal?	½
52	Why Not Found Out Before?	½
53	The Sabbath and the Law	20
54	Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment	10
55	Order of Events in the Judgment	15
57	Tent-meeting Lessons on “The Life of Christ”.	1
58	Matthew 24; or the Second Coming of Christ	10
60	Tent-meeting Lessons on “Prophecy”	1
61	Tent-meeting Lessons on “Sin and Righteousness”	½
63	The Sure Foundation and the Keys of the Kingdom	1
64	The Full Assurance of Faith	1
65	The Great Day of the Lord	2½
67	Bible Election	1½
68	The Old Testament in the New Dispensation	1½
69	“Jewish.” Christians Are Israelites Indeed	½
70	Immortality of the Soul	2
71	Righteousness, Where It Is, and How Obtained. Also in Spanish and Portuguese	½
72	Christ and His Righteousness	15
73	Can We Keep the Sabbath?	1
74	The Counterfeit and the Genuine	1
75	Living by Faith. Also in Spanish.	1
76	Bible Questions and Answers Concerning Man	1
77	The Talents	1
79	Baptism—Its Significance	1
80	Sunday—Origin of Its Observance in the Christian Church	15
81	God’s Message for To-day	½
83	Angels: Their Nature and Ministry	20
85	Twofold Evidence of Acceptance with God	½
86	Justification, Regeneration, Sanctification, by M. C. Wilcox	1
90	The Bible Doctrine of the Trinity	1
93	Christian Science. Is It Science? Is it Christian?	15
95	From Sabbath to Sunday	½
97	The Sun of Righteousness	10
99	Prediction, Interpretation, Fulfilment	1
101	The Rest That Remains for the People of God	½
103	Should Christians be Members of Secret Societies? By Mrs. White.	1½
104	Justified by Faith. By Mrs. E. G. White.	1
105	The Way to Christ. By Mrs. E. G. White.	1
107	Who Changed the Sabbath? (new)	1½
108	Life: Its Source and Purpose	10
110	Appeal to Methodists	½
111	Tormented Forever and Ever	1
112	Spiritualism: Its Source and Character	1
113	“The Christian Sabbath.” (Those Catholic Mirror Articles)	2
114	The Identical Seventh Day	1
115	Waymarks to the Holy City	1
117	Prophetic Lights, Illustrated, 180 pp.	50
118	Christ Tempted as We Are	1
119	The Kingdom of Christ: Its Nature and Subjects	1
121	The Temporal Millennium	1½
122	Perfection of the Law of God	1½
124	Manner of Christ’s Coming	1
125	The Privilege of Prayer	1
127	Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King	1
128	Christ, Our Advocate, Illustrated	10
130	The Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast, Illustrated	2
131	The Sure Word of Prophecy, Illustrated	10
133	Righteousness	1
134	The Lord’s Day the Test of the Ages, Illustrated	15
135	Honor Due to God	10
136	The Millennial Age	1
137	New Testament Sabbath, Illustrated	1
138	America’s Crisis, Illustrated	2
140	The Saints’ Inheritance	10
142	Is Sunday Called the Sabbath in the New Testament?	½
143	Truth for the Times	1
144	The Eastern Question. What Its Solution Means to All the World?	1
145	Will a Man Rob God?	10
146	Rich Man and Lazarus	1
147	Home Missionary Work	2
148	The Sabbath in Prophecy	2
149	From Glory to Glory, Illustrated	1½
150	Rome’s Arrangement of Sabbath-breakers	1
151	“Christian” Demand for War	1
152	The Alarm of War	2
153	The Arming of the Nations	10

THE Bible Students’ Library is published quarterly. Price, 25 cents per year. Address your State tract society.

A STANDING ORDER for a certain number of each new issue insures your getting new numbers as soon as printed. Would it not be well for you to give us such an order?

Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.

39 Bond St., New York City. Kansas City, Mo.

THE TALENTS.

By M. C. Wilcox. A brief essay on “The Parable of the Talents,” showing that the talents represent the various gifts of the Spirit which God bestows as he will upon those who are consecrated to him, with the duties and blessed privileges involved therein. Bible Students’ Library, No. 77; 16 pp., price 2 cents.

Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal

THE one hundred and twentieth thousand of the Alarm of War is now on our presses, and still the orders come in as rapidly as ever.

Price, $2.00 per 100.

Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal

39 Bond St., New York City. 18 West Fifth St., Kansas City, Mo.

ARMING OF THE NATIONS

Second Edition. Thirteenth Thousand Now Ready.

Price, 10 cts. each; $5.00 per hundred.

Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.

39 Bond St., 18 West Fifth St., New York City. Kansas City, Mo.

Review & Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.

Chicago, Ill. Atlanta, Ga.

Typewriters Cheap

Until recently we have had the Pacific Coast Agency for the “World’s Greatest” Densmore Typewriter. The magnitude of our publishing work has compelled us to relinquish this agency, and we are closing out our old model machines VERY CHEAP. Write for particulars.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.,

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

But Will It Be Christianity?

By Editor

There is an article in the Sunday School Times of April 2, entitled, “A Statesman Missionary in the Celestial Empire.” The writer speaks of the waking up of China, and holds that the hero of his sketch, Rev. Timothy Richard, a Baptist missionary, has contributed greatly in removing the prejudice and contempt of the learned Chinese classes. In fact, he has assisted in “the creation of a ‘forward’ Chinese party.” He believes that China is to be saved through its educated and ruling classes. “China,” says Mr. Richard, “is ripe for Christianity, and, if it can be proved China will benefit materially by adopting it, the statesmen are ready to do so, as they adopted Buddhism for the same reason.” He thinks that some of these statesmen see this already. Now we would not deny an iota of the great good that Mr. Richard has done in the circulation of literature of China, but what a conception of Christianity and its acceptance and motive thereto is expressed in the above sentence which Mr. Johnston, the writer of the article, quotes from! This is just the same kind of an acceptance as that of Buddhism, as that of Catholicism by nations of the Middle Ages. It is worse than nothing. It deceives men into believing that a nation is Christian and its people are Christians when they do not know the first principles of Christianity. It is regarding Christianity as a mere theory, system, or cult, the same as the various religions of the eastern world, whereas Christianity is a life, an indwelling power, or it is nothing. It can not be accepted by nations only as it is received by living faith as individuals.

The Prospects of War

By Editor

Before another issue of this paper reaches its readers, this government may be involved in a war with Spain. It may not. The President has presented his views of the situation in a message to Congress. With this message as a basis, the House of Representatives has, in much strife and turmoil, passed a joint resolution declaring for intervention in Cuban affairs; this resolution some high authorities, according to report, contend to be unconstitutional. In the Senate a still stronger resolution is at this writing pending, and it is thought will probably pass. Following this will come the conference of the committees of the two Houses to harmonize resolutions and action, and following this the approval of the joint resolution by the President, or the passing of the act over his veto, before a formal declaration of war is effective. This may be carried to an ultimate in a few days. And yet in all these things lie dormant many possible complications and much delay. Certain it is that there are some men working for peace on peace principles, and there are more and stronger men working for peace in the interest of the money power. Millions of dollars are at stake in Spanish bonds secured by Cuban investments, taxes, etc. Will matters turn, if war is declared, so that the United States will become responsible for these bonds? will Cuba be held responsible? or will the holders have but bankrupt Spain between themselves and loss? The Vatican, with an eye on future control of America and the world, is still working for peace. This is the situation as it appears to us at this writing. A fuller summary will be found in our news columns.

That the war will become a universal strife, as has been suggested, if it should now break out, we do not believe. The angels of God are holding the winds of universal war until the work of God in the earth is finished. Rev. 7:1-3. If by a war between Spain and the United States, Spain or Cuba would be better opened for the last message of the Gospel of God (Rev. 14:6-14), the Lord will permit it to come; but to the controlling tide of war, even as to the mighty sea, God says, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.” It is still true that “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.” This is the lesson He taught the heathen king of Babylon, and the lesson He would have all the kings of greater Babylon learn. It is a truth upon which the child of God can rest and not be afraid.

We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance

By Editor

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 to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.

Visalia Camp Meeting Appointment

As to camp-meeting in Visalia, see notice in Our Work and Workers column. The appointment is taken up.

Peace Through Jesus Christ

The only true peace in the world is the peace of God through Jesus Christ. It comes to every soul when the whole being is surrendered to God. No man can give it; no man can take it away. It rests with the receiver.

The Heart of Man

The heart of man is the Lord’s rightful kingdom. When self or Satan rules that kingdom, it is unjustly at enmity and war with God. When it yields up that kingdom to Jesus Christ, He comes in and rules. “He is our Peace.” “Let the Peace of God rule in your hearts.” If we have Christ there, we will not seek war with others.

Be Not Troubled by Wars

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars,” says the Master. And He immediately adds, “See that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Matt. 24: 6. No, we need not be troubled. If we are under the banner of the Prince of Peace, He will not plunge us into fighting; and if others about us are so barbarous as to go to war, He tells us to “be not troubled;” for “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Thy Kingdom Come

“Thy kingdom come,” if truly prayed, means that the heart is yielded to God and that the Lord is invited to come in and reign there. Do you take in this meaning, dear reader, when you say the prayer that Jesus taught? Do you say that prayer, or pray it? There is a difference.

The Deadly Ptomaine.

—A New York paper, on one page, recently contained accounts of serious sickness and death from the eating of herrings, ice-cream, oysters, shad roe, etc., etc.,—all from animal foods. One expert says that ptomaine poisoning is “poisoning from fish, oysters, clams, lobsters, mussels, milk, cream, cheese, etc. The ptomaine gaining admission is already in a soluble state, is quickly absorbed, and symptoms usually develop early. There is much similarity in symptoms, and they may be grouped under the following divisions: (1) A gastrointestinal irritation, with vomiting, purging, cold, clammy skin, anxious countenance, and much depression. (2) Purely nervous, a sensation of heat, itching, nettle-rash eruptions, swelling, asthmatic breathing, etc. (3) A kind of intoxication, with dizziness, muscular weakness, muscular spasm, paralysis, and death.”

The moral of this is that the most diseased foods are animal foods, and the quicker they are discarded, with judicious wisdom in the change, the better.

THE PAPACY, SPAIN, AND CUBA.

THERE is a noticeable absence of that enthusiasm for war on the part of Roman Catholics in this country, which marked their demeanor at the time of the difficulty with Great Britain over Venezuela. With not one-tenth of the provocation that is now felt by the American people, the Catholic press of the country was ten times as eager for a war which would have been ten times more terrible than a conflict with Spain could possibly be. . . . The motive for the papal policy in this matter can be readily perceived when it is remembered that the Spanish Government and the Papal Church are in the closest union. The Spanish Government supports the Papal Church, and the latter is bound in turn to support the government to which it is joined. And it seems now that the pope is making an effort to do so. He wants peace; but, more than that, he wants disaster averted from Spain; because disaster to Spain means disaster to the church.

The pope wants Cuba to continue under Spanish rule; because Spanish rule means papal rule. A new government in the island may not be as useful to the church as the Spanish Government was; and a revolution in Spain, which would probably follow any serious blow to the present government, might inflict upon the church great damage. These are threatening evils to the church, which the resources of papal policy are now employed to avert.—American Sentinel.

True and Strange.

It is the true attitude of the minister of Christ that Bishop Paret (Protestant Episcopal), of Maryland, indicates to his clergy: “As helping to that, I expect that you keep your sermons free from all questions of war or of national politics, and from unnecessary professions of patriotism. True patriotism does not need to be boastful. Important as these things are, they have no place in the pulpit. Our Saviour and His apostles first are our best models for preaching the Gospel. There were questions of deepest national importance then pressing upon the minds of the people, but they did not make them themes for preaching. They had something still higher to speak of—the spiritual truths of the Gospel, and its great moral principles and duties. These prevailing would bring peace and truth as their results.” But it is strange that such a criticism as the following should come from a professedly Christian paper, the Outlook: “If the bishop means, as he apparently does, that the question of peace or war is not to be discussed in the American pulpit, we wonder what questions he would think appropriate for the pulpit to discuss.” The bishop has answered the question,—“the Gospel, and its great moral principles and duties.” But this requires faith, seeing by the Word of God through anointed eyes; while it needs only the natural eye to see the thing around us. Still to the true servant of God the command is still in force, “Preach the Gospel,” “Preach the Word.”

Russia Is Forging Ahead

Russia is forging ahead. She is not content with her great trans-Siberian railway, but has under consideration now the immense project of uniting by a ship canal the Black and Baltic Seas. The Baltic terminus will be at Riga and the Euxine, or Black, Sea terminus at Kherson. The river courses of the Dvina and Dneiper will be utilized for this purpose, the river beds deepened when necessary. The surface width of the canal will be 216½ feet, and the bottom width 116½. The depth of water in average seasons will be 28 feet. It is said that all preliminary surveying has been completed, and that the work will begin this spring, to be completed within ten years. The cost of the undertaking is computed at less than $25,000,000. Seventeen great towns and cities will thus be brought into communication with the sea; and in case of war, the great battle-ships and cruisers could steam in four days from the Baltic Sea to the Black, or the reverse. The great giant of Northern Europe is waking up, and preparing for the conflict of Armageddon.

Forgiving and Excusing.

Forgiving is more than excusing. In forgiving we unlock the door to our own pardon. If we forgive, we bury remembrance of the provocation. It is evil in ourselves that makes forgiving impossible. We have not forgiven if we are willing to dwell on the offense. When we have conquered an enmity, the Spirit robes us in humility. We must not think we are forgiving because our anger is getting tired. The worst enemy could not wish to do us more harm than by fastening resentment in our soul.—N. Y. Observer.

Portable Suns and Portable Sins

By Editor

In our issue of April 7, page 4, in the last line of the first paragraph, “Portable Suns” was made to read “Portable Sins.” There is something uncommon about the former. Portable sins are everywhere manifest. They form burdens that bow the backs of men into the dust. Portable suns give light; portable sins bring darkness. The former would sometimes be a benefit; the latter, ever and always a curse, but one which can be removed by Jesus Christ. He will do it truly. Give Him your burden.

And those who have wisely taught shall shine as the bright