p. 578 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 8, No. 48. (12/21/1882)

Question and Answer.

“A READER of the SIGNS” writes:—

“How could Moses be on the mount at the transfiguration? We read in Acts 26:23 that Christ should be the first that should rise from the dead.”

Since Moses died and was buried, Deut. 34:5, 6, we know not how he could have appeared on the mount except by a special resurrection. The fact that Moses appeared and talked with Christ is of itself positive proof that he had been raised from the dead, for dead men are incapable of holding conversation or performing any act. See Ps. 146:4; 115:17; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10, and many other passages. In Jude we learn that Michael the archangel (Christ) disputed with the devil about the body of Moses. This evidently refers to the resurrection of Moses. It was an example of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Satan has the power of death, Heb. 2:14, and claims dominion over men on account of his conquest of Adam. But Christ has gained the right to take men from under the power of Satan, because he has conquered death and the one who has control of it.

The “reader” evidently understands this, but cannot reconcile the resurrection of Moses with Acts 26:23. But there is no more difficulty in the case of Moses than in that of Lazarus, the widow’s son, the ruler’s daughter, and many others. All these were raised before the resurrection of Christ. But the whole of Acts 26:23 is not quoted above. Paul did not say absolutely that Christ was the first that should rise from the dead. The text reads: “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come; that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people.” The New Version renders verse 23 more correctly, thus: “How that Christ must suffer, and how that he first by the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and to the Gentiles.” The idea is that Christ was the one who brought light and immortality by means of the resurrection. Christ’s resurrection was the pledge of a future life to all who should believe. Others had been raised before this time, but it was only on the strength of the promise that Christ should be crucified, buried, and should rise from the dead. He is the first-fruits, because he is the chief.

For an extended comment on this passage, and others of a similar nature, see book entitled, “Man’s Nature and destiny,” by Eld. U. Smith, for sale at this office.

Do They Believe It ?

In an exchange we find the following item:—

“It is estimated that the heathen world numbers 700,000,000, and altogether only $7,000,000 are expended by the Christian societies in mission work among them. About one-third of this sum is contributed by Americans.”

It will be seen at a glance that this sum allows just one cent a year for the conversion of each individual heathen. Besides these, there are millions who are not counted as heathen, not because their deeds are not as bad, but because they know more. These are more difficult to reach than the heathen who have not become hardened. Now it would be interesting to know how long the Christian would expect to be converting these heathen, for they say it must be done. No missionary work can be done without means; hence the rank and file of the church are really the ones upon whom this work of conversion depends. And judging from the contributions, we should say that they do not take much stock in the doctrine of the world’s conversion, or else they think that when the Lord gets ready to have them converted he will do it without any effort on their part.

G. D. BALLOU

By G. D. Ballou; M. C. Israel

WE expect to hold meetings on Sabbaths and Sundays with churches as follows: At Fresno City, Dec. 23, 24; at Temperance Colony, Dec. 30, 31; at Lemoore, Jan. 6, 7; and at such times during the week as may be thought best. We see no reason why the business of the quarterly meetings may not be transacted at these appointments, so we invite all the brethren, as far as they can consistently, to be present.

G. D. BALLOU

M. C. ISRAEL.

Sabbath-School Lesson.

Our next lesson is one of deep interest. It is concerning the appearance of Christ to his disciples, on the morning of his resurrection. Let no one think he understands it fully, and give it a hurried glance, nor be content with the mere words of the lesson. Study it carefully and prayerfully. There are many profitable lessons to be learned from it. There are false ideas in regard to this event, which are quite generally held; these we should be able to correct from a Bible stand-point. We call special attention to the “Spirit of Prophecy,” volume 3, chapters 15 and 16. It throws much light on many points, and impresses some valuable lessons. We would like to give these chapters to all the readers of the Signs, but our space will not allow us to do so. We could only give a part, and the connection would be lost. Get the book and read them for yourselves. When you have read that much, you will not want to lay the book down till you have read it through.

Why Change to Sunday

WHEN Joseph Cook was in San Francisco a reception was given him, at which he answered about fifty questions propounded by the audience. Among others he received these: "Why change from the seventh to the first day?" "What is your opinion of modern Spiritualism?" "Is man by nature immortal, and do the wicked live at all after death?" We know his answers to the last two, but would be pleased to learn his answer to the first, which it is said he "promptly and decidedly answered." We would like to know if he offered any better reason than, "We do it because we want to, and think we have the right to." That, after all, is the sum of all reasons for keeping Sunday instead of Sabbath.

OAKLAND, CAL., FIFTH-DAY, DECEMBER 21, 1882

By Editor

A LETTER addressed A. R. Toss (or Coss) lies unclaimed at the SIGNS Office.

To OLD SUBSCRIBERS.—If you want to know how long your subscription has to run, look at the date on the first line of your address label.

To Old Subscribers

By Editor

TO OLD SUBSCRIBERS.—If you want to know how you can get a valuable book for next to nothing, read our offer on the next page.

Beginning Volume Nine

By Editor

THIS issue completes the present volume of the SIGNS. Our next paper, Jan. 4, 1883, will begin Volume 9. We make no great promises as to what will be done the coming year, but simply say that the managers will spare no effort to keep the SIGNS up to the standard which it has reached. We hope to greet, with the New Year, all our old friends and many new ones.

Healdsburg College

READ the advertisement of Healdsburg College, in another column. We can vouch for the truth of all that it says. Much more might be said within the bounds of truth. We think it is in the providence of God that this school was established, and believe it will do a great work. There is much to be done, and time is short. If you are going to do anything in the cause, now is the time to prepare. Do not delay to secure the advantages that are placed within your reach.

Good Work.

A BROTHER who is doing missionary work in one of the northern counties of this State, writes that he visited nine families and obtained seven subscribers— three for the SIGNS and four for Good Health. With the magnificent premium offer which we make for the coming year, it will not be a difficult matter to secure subscribers for the SIGNS.

The Pope a Subject

Last week we noted the fact that a member of the pope's household had been sued at law. The following from the Osservatore Romano, the official organ of the Vatican, will show how the matter is viewed in Rome.

"Thus it has been declared, in the most definite manner, that the pope in Rome is a subject; that his legal position is exactly on a par with that of any private person; and that the sovereignty and rights of the Supreme Pontiff, as regards the extra-territoriality of the Vatican, expressed in the famous Law of Guarantees, are nothing more than an artifice, a mockery."

If the pope understands the Scriptures, he must know that such things presage his speedy destruction. See Dan. 7:11, 26; 8:25.

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES

By Editor

PROSPECTUS FOR 1883.

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES has completed the close of its eighth volume, and the publishers are now prepared to announce the plans for the coming year. It has been our aim to make it a paper that should be a welcome visitor in every family, and at the same time an able exponent of the present truth. That we have in a measure succeeded, we are assured by the very kind words which reach us from all parts of the field.

The Signs of the Times

By Editor

HE SIGNS OF THE TIMES has reached the close of its eighth volume. It has proved of unusual interest to its thousands of readers, who everywhere pronounce it a live religious paper; a reliable expositor of Scripture; an energetic defender of the truth of the Bible, and a household paper the contents of which, in every department, are pure and elevating. By the events of the past year the SIGNS has been called out to defend with boldness the true principles of Religious Liberty which were held so sacred by the founders of our Government. And the future promises to be still more exciting in this respect, as the rights of minorities are more and more disregarded. Such a paper cannot fail to be both interesting and useful.

With the commencement of the year 1883 the SIGNS will enter upon its mission with a stronger editorial staff, with increased facilities for publication, and with a larger list of subscribers than any previous volume. Its success in the past has been remarkable, and many expressions of approval and encouragement are received from every quarter of the globe.

We confidently announce that the columns of the SIGNS will be, as heretofore, filled with interesting and instructive matter, profitable to all classes of readers. Editors whose names and pens have given character and value to the paper in past volumes, will continue their efficient labors during the year 1883. Also, all the leading contributors in Europe and in various parts of our own country, who have added so much to its value heretofore, will continue their favors in Volume Nine. And in addition to this, valuable aid has been secured for its office and local editorial work, which cannot fail to increase its interest and usefulness.

DEPARTMENTS.

By Editor

FOR the convenience of the reader, as well as to insure a suitable variety of useful reading in each paper, it will be divided into several departments.

Editorial.—This will present our leading doctrines, discuss the questions of the day which are of present interest to the student of prophecy; examine passing events which may stand related to the prophecies as signs of our times; give answers to questions on Bible subjects, and articles on practical Christianity or a godly life.

General Articles.—This will embrace a wide variety of subjects, in articles both original and selected; practical, doctrinal, expository, and miscellaneous. Prominent among these we would make special mention of the series of articles on Bible history, found on the first page of each paper. These have always and everywhere proved of the greatest interest to all classes of readers.

Temperance.—The SIGNS will always be an ardent advocate of temperance, from a Christian stand-point; advocating, not only abstinence from intoxicating drinks, but that Christian temperance which is worthy to be associated with the subjects of righteousness and judgment to come. Acts 24:25.

The Sabbath-school.—This department will hereafter be the special charge of those actively engaged in Sabbath-school work. The original articles in this department are of great service to Superintendents and Teachers. It will always contain some practical comments on the current lessons.

Missionary.—The SIGNS OF THE TIMES is designed to be a missionary publication, as such used by our Tract and Missionary Societies, and sent to every part of the world where the English language is spoken. In its efforts to infuse the missionary spirit into its readers it will notice the lives and works of true reformers of all ages, and give reports from mission fields both in Europe and America.

Home Circle.—This embraces pleasant reading for the household, only of an elevated and a moral character. No serial stories published. Nothing of the novelette style admitted. Its object is to combine the useful with the agreeable.

General News.—A synopsis of the news of the day, or items of all the most important events as given in the best daily papers. To our many readers who do not take the dailies, this department is not only of interest but of real value. It is divided into News and Notes both secular and religious.

Book Notices Only.—No miscellaneous advertisements.

The SIGNS is one of the very few religious papers in the United States which do not advertise. Its entire twelve pages are filled with choice, useful, and religious reading. This is one of the strongest assurances which we can give to our readers that we are laboring for their benefit, for the furtherance of the truth, and not for money, as we have refused many advantageous offers for advertising space.

It will be the object of the SIGNS to advance the cause of the truth of God, honoring the truth wherever found, and exposing sin and iniquity everywhere, whether in high or low places.

TERMS.

By Editor

Per Year (postage prepaid),...............................................$2.00 In clubs of five or more, to one address,.............................. 1.50

Sample copies free. Address, "SIGNS OF THE TIMES," Oakland, Cal.

The Life and Epistles of St. Paul

A Valuable Book on an Important Subject. # THE LIFE AND EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL, By W. J. CONYBEARE, M. A., late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and J. S. HOWSON, M. A. Principal of the Collegiate Institute, Liverpool.

A NEW and popular edition, complete in one volume with index, chronological tables, and notes.

The purpose of this work is to give a living picture of St. Paul himself and of the circumstances by which he was surrounded. To accomplish this much more has been done by them than to present a mere transcript of the Scriptural narrative. For examples to comprehend the influences under which the Apostle grew to manhood, we must realize the position of a Jewish family in Tarsus and must understand the kind of education which he would receive as a boy in his Hebrew home, or in the schools of his native city, and in riper years “at the feet of Gamaliel” in Jerusalem; while to understand his history as a missionary to the heathen, we must know the state of the different population, which he visited, and the character of the Greek and Roman civilizations of his time.

What Dr. Geikie has done for the Life of Our Lord, Conybeare and Howson have done for the life of St. Paul. As a picture of the civilization of Paul’s time, their book is admirable, and shows thorough familiarity with all those phases and aspects of truth which study can make available in interpreting the wonderful life and teachings of the Great Apostle to the Gentiles. It is a work of gigantic industry and profound learning, and has already passed through many editions.

TESTIMONIALS.

[From Eld. J. H. Waggoner.]

The Life and Epistles of Paul, by Conybeare and Howson, is emphatically a standard work, so thoroughly executed that it seems doubtful that it can be much improved upon. I have often referred to it in my studies, and always with profit. The apostle Paul was not only, to use his own words, “in labors more abundant,” but his letters form a large part of the literature of the New Testament. It is not for the mere gratification of curiosity that we wish to learn what we can of such a man. By studying his personal history and the circumstances connected with his untiring labors, we are able to enter into the spirit of his work, and far better to appreciate what he has written. I can cordially recommend this book to all students of the New Testament. J. H. WAGGONER.

[From Mrs. E. G. White.]

The Life of St. Paul by Conybeare and Howson, I regard as a book of great merit, and one of rare usefulness to the earnest student of the New Testament history. ELLEN G. WHITE.

[From Rev. G. S. Abbott, D. D.]

It is always a duty as well as a delight to recommend a good book. Full as the world is of book-making, standard books, the books that wear, the books that carry with them “the life-blood of master spirits,” such as the world will not let die, do not come from the press every day. Many lives of St. Paul have been well written; but none that begin to compare in scholarly fidelity, and in literary interest, with the Life of St. Paul by Conybeare and Howson. This book was first recommended to us by Rev. H. B. Hackett, D. D., LL. D., than whom it is safe to say America never had a superior Oriental linguist. Its recommendation could easily be obtained from any one of the finest teachers of Christian truth in our land. It has the charm of fiction, with no one of its perils. It holds the reader from first to last. It associates a thousand and one facts of contemporaneous secular with sacred history, which adds beauty and richness to the narrative, brings fully to view the scenes in the life of the mighty Apostle, who, like an Atlas, not of fable, bore the world for Christ’s sake on his shoulders. It shows us Paul making the tour of the world for Him whom he had persecuted. The book should be owned and read by everybody who has interest in the growth and progress of Christianity in the first century. Now that it is within every body’s reach, and now that the International Bible Lessons for 1883 begin with the Acts of the Apostles, its purchase at once will be exceedingly timely and profitable. One could desire that its sale this year might be immense, insuring thereby so much addition to Christian knowledge, all over the world. G. S. ABBOTT.

MAGNIFICENT PREMIUM OFFER

By Editor

WITH THE

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

FOR 1883.

The Publishers desire to add several thousand new subscribers to their lists during the next six months, and to that end, make the following Liberal Offer:

To each New Subscriber we will furnish THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES one year with a copy of Conybeare and Howson's

LIFE AND EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL,

FOR $2.25.

This magnificent book offered as a premium is widely known as a work of profound learning and extensive research. It is clearly written and intensely interesting.

Ours is a new and popular edition printed from new plates upon tinted paper. It is substantially and elegantly bound, and sells for One Dollar.

We have been largely influenced in our decision to use the Life of St. Paul as a premium for 1883, by the fact that the Sabbath-school lessons for the coming year will be principally upon the subjects treated so ably in this work. Thus making it a most useful book for every Sabbath-school scholar and teacher.

On account of the value and expense of this book, this is the best premium offer we have ever made.

To Our Old Subscribers.

To each one of our old patrons who will renew his subscription before February 1, 1883, and send us three new subscribers, we will also send free, by mail, a copy of the premium book.

A Choice of Premiums.

If any one prefers a copy of "Geikie's Life of Christ" or "The Revised New Testament" (Harper's Brevier Edition), instead of the Life and Epistles of St. Paul, we will furnish them at the same rates whenever it is requested.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.

A MODEL INSTITUTION.

Instruction given in Ancient and Modern Languages and the Physical Sciences.

Common Branches Thoroughly Taught. Special Training for Teachers.

GREAT SUCCESS.

This Institution has met with almost Unparalleled Success in the short time since its incorporation.

WHY DOES IT PROSPER?

1. The Instruction is very Thorough and Practical.

2. The Discipline is Rigid yet Parental.

3. The Strong Moral and Religious Influence finds its equal in no other Institution of the kind.

4. The Expenses of Students for Board, Tuition, etc., come within the ability of all.

5. The Methods employed in the class-room, and the Professional Instruction, afford special advantages to those desiring to teach.

While its courses embrace all the higher Collegiate Branches, which are taught in the most thorough manner, especial attention is given to the Common Branches.

DISCIPLINE.

One of the prominent features of Healdsburg College is the effort to impress upon its students the claims and benefits of morals and religion. Any one of known evil habits, who is exerting a pernicious influence upon his fellow-students, is not tolerated in the school.

EXPENSES.

The tuition ranges from $2.25 to $6.00 per month. Board in private families and in the college boarding-house ranges from $3.00 to $3.50 per week, with room completely furnished.

ADVANTAGES TO TEACHERS.

Besides the regular class drills in the different branches, there is given occasional instruction concerning methods and general school management.

A PRIMARY DEPARTMENT

Is connected with the College to accommodate those children whose parents desire to place them under the instruction and moral influence of the school.

CALENDAR.

The Spring Term begins January 3, 1883, and closes May 29, 1883. After a vacation the Fall Term opens July 25, 1883.

Address, S. BROWNSBERGER, A. M., President, Healdsburg, Cal.

Printing, Binding, and Stereotyping

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING HOUSE, PUBLISHERS "SIGNS OF THE TIMES," Etc.

GENERAL BOOK AND JOB PRINTING, In the Best and Latest Styles, and at Satisfactory Rates.

BOOK-BINDING, In all its Various Branches, Promptly Executed in the Most Substantial Manner.

STEREOTYPING AND ELECTROTYPING, By the Latest Improved Methods.

Orders for anything in our line, by mail or express, will receive prompt attention.

Address, PACIFIC PRESS, 12th and Castro Streets, Oakland; 529 Commercial Street. San Francisco.

THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY; OR THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN.

By Mrs. E. G. White.

THIS is a series of four volumes, covering the entire period from the creation and fall of man to his final redemption. Volume One is devoted to Old Testament history. It is not merely a narrative of the leading events in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets; but moral lessons are drawn therefrom, in such away as to make the book practically useful to the men and women of to-day. Volume Two commences with the life and mission of John the Baptist, and considers the first advent of Christ, his life and mission, as manifested by his miracles and teachings, and the nature and necessity of his life-work. It closes with Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Volume Three takes up the subject at this point, and brings to view the most thrillingly interesting portion of Christ's earthly career—his betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. It closes with a brief history of the early church, including the missionary labors of Peter and Paul. Volume Four (in press) contains a history of the church from that time to the end, closing with the coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of the everlasting kingdom of Christ on earth.

These books are not argumentative, but they throw a vast flood of light upon the sacred page. They are written in a clear, simple style, and are of absorbing interest to both young and old. They offer special encouragement and instruction to Christians; and there is nothing better to place in the hands of skeptics, to convince them of the truth of the Bible. 400 pp. Price per volume $1.25

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

<h1>EARLY WRITINGS OF MRS. WHITE.</h1>

Comprising “Experience and Views” and “Spiritual Gifts Volume One,” bound in one volume. This makes a neat and attractive book of nearly 200 pages, and should be read by old and young. The matter and the style in which it is presented are so interesting that no one who has read one chapter will forego the pleasure and profit of reading the remainder. Price, 75 cents.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

GOOD HEALTH.

By Editor

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

DEVOTED TO PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND MORAL CULTURE.

GOOD HEALTH is emphatically a Family Journal, being cheap, plain, and practical, qualities which have won for it the largest circulation of any Health Journal in America. It is devoted to all reforms, but is ultra in none. It is unpartisan and unsectarian. Its only creed is nature's laws. It treats of Health, Temperance, General Literature, Science, and many other interesting and practical subjects; it is a live paper, and every way adapted to the wants of the family. There is something in it for everybody.

Every number contains valuable articles about how to preserve health, and how to treat diseases with simple remedies.

Its presence in a family will save many times its cost every year. Each number contains 32 pages of solid reading matter. Send for specimen copy.

PRICE, $1.00 A YEAR.

Address, GOOD HEALTH, Battle Creek, Mich., Or, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

RURAL HEALTH RETREAT.

By H. H. Chase

CRYSTAL SPRINGS.

This beautiful resort is well known to hundreds of Californians, who have made it their home during a portion of the year for several years. It has lately been refitted, and valuable improvements have been made. With a full corps of competent physicians and helpers, it presents attractions to invalids that are found in no other Sanitarium in California. Every variety of bath can be given. It is most beautifully situated on the mountain-side, two and one-half miles from St. Helena. The little valley which it overlooks is a gem, and the surrounding mountain scenery is such as can only be found in California. Experienced tourists affirm that there is no finer place in the State. The water is pure, and the climate mild.

Address, H. H. CHASE, M. D., St. Helena, Cal.

BIBLES FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

PEARL, 24mo. (4x5 1/2x1).

No. 515 Levant, Divinity Circuit, silk sewed...........................$5 00

PEARL, 24mo. (4x5 1/2x1). SMALLEST TEACHERS' BIBLE IN THE WORLD. 515 Levant, Divinity Circuit, kid lined .......................... 6 00

RUBY, 16mo. (4 1/2x6 1/2x1 1/4).

550 French Morocco, Boards...................................... 2 30 563 Persian Seal, Divinity Circuit................................ 4 00 560 Turkey Morocco, Boards ....................................... 3 15 565 1/2 Levant, Divinity Circuit, Round Corners....................... 6 10

NONPAREIL, 8vo. (4 1/2x7x1 1/2).

660 Turkey Morocco, Boards ....................................... 4 50 665 Levant, Circuit............................................. 6 75 665 1/2 Same as No. 665, with Round Corners........................... 7 10

MINION, 8vo. (5x7 1/2x1 3/4).

711 Turkey Morocco, Limp........................................ 5 50 715 Levant, Circuit............................................. 8 00 715 1/2 Same as No. 715, with Round Corners .......................... 8 30 721 Best Levant, Divinity Circuit, kid lined, silk sewed, red under gold edges.................................................. 11 00 905 Persian Morocco, wide margin.................................. 9 00

Any of the above can be had with Patent Index; price, $1.00 extra; or name in gilt, 25 cents extra.

A Large Assortment of FAMILY BIBLES. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

Continue reading: SUBSCRIPTION BOOK DEPARTMENT