THE year just closing has been in every department of life one of the most fruitful in earth's long history.
One of the bloodiest wars of modern times changed the map of Asia, opened the Hermit Kingdom, crushed its autonomy, struck the autocracy of Russia from the governments of earth, and completely upset the calculations of all the nationalities of Europe.
Great movements are in progress in the political, social, and religious worlds, which will develop into no one knows what.
A scientist recently declared that all scientists except mathematicians are in a state of "mental chaos," and that scientific men are certain of nothing.
What is true of the scientific world is true of the religious world; men are at sea; the faith of thousands is tottering. In the language of a late statesman, "No one knows what a day may bring forth."
The Lessons of History
Said Patrick Henry, the old Revolutionary patriot, "The only lamp by which my feet are guided is the lamp of experience; I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past."
And the past has its lessons, its tremendous lessons for the thoughtful and observant, lessons which history teaches; lessons which even the thoughtless and careless ought to learn and so become thoughtful and careful; lessons which the bestial Belshazzar should have learned, for, according to the prophet, he knew all the facts which taught the lesson, but he heeded them not. Dan. 5:17-24.
It certainly behooves the statesmen and reformers of to-day to learn the lessons taught by history.
A Better Teacher
There is another Teacher; the Most High not only ruleth in the kingdoms of men, but He declares "the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done." Isa. 46:10.
Far transcending the light of experience and history, He has given us the "more sure Word of prophecy," which is as "a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day-star arise" in the hearts of God's children as they expectantly wait for the coming morning.
The SIGNS OF THE TIMES for 1906
will deal with the great lessons of history for these times.
The SIGNS OF THE TIMES for 1906 will present the great lessons of prophecy for this time.
The SIGNS OF THE TIMES for 1906 will present the great principles of divine truth which make for righteousness and usefulness here, and for an eternally righteous character hereafter.
It is not great men that we have to present to our readers; that is, not great in the estimation of men, but great principles and great truths, which are more than men, and which if accepted will make men truly great in the sight of God.
Let us tell you of some of the subjects with which the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will be filled in the year to come:
Witnesses in Stone
There will be a series of articles on the testimony which archeology presents to the truthfulness of God's Word, testimonies written in brick and stone and buried for centuries until now, confirming the truths which have come down to us from the old Hebrew prophets.
What Is True Liberty?
Articles on religious liberty; what has been taught in the lessons of the past, and what is needed to-day.
Time-Tables of God
Articles on two of the great prophetic books of the Bible, which outline the world's history, and present before us God's great time-tables of events in the world's onward rush to eternity. These articles will show the fulfilment of history, and will reveal the only true view-point from which history should be studied. The worth of these articles will not rest upon the reputation of the writer or writers; they will so show the fulfilment of the prophecies of God that the articles themselves will be the self-evident testimony of their truthfulness.
A Year of the Teachings of Jesus
Lessons from the life of Jesus covering the whole church year from His birth to His resurrection, illustrated by reproductions from the great masters.
Articles on the work of Jesus Christ our Lord, in sacrifice, in teaching, in mediation, in judgment, in eternal atonement.
The Meaning and Fulness of Christianity
There will be articles on the great system of Christianity, the law and the Gospel, their relation and interrelation, what sin is, how it can be obliterated in the hearts of humanity, and how it will be swept from the world.
Articles on practical Christianity and vital godliness, in the inner life, in the home, in the church.
The Coming Reign of Christ
Articles which show that this world is rushing on toward its grand and glorious climax of all the ages, to the coming of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who shall take to Himself His great power, and reign.
Lessons on the current events of to-day and their bearing on Bible and prophecy.
True Temperance
Articles on the great temperance question and its vital importance to the world; what true temperance means.
Corruptions of the Christian Faith
Articles showing the corruptions of the Christian faith, what that faith is, how the corruptions came in until the Dark Ages was upon the world, and pure, simple Christianity had well-nigh been lost. These articles will be fortified by the testimony of history.
The Nature, Influence, and Progress of the Papacy
One of the mightiest powers in the earth to-day is that of the Papacy. There are those who have thought either that the power of papal domination had been destroyed by the Reformation, or that the Papacy itself had changed in nature since the Reformation. These articles will show that not only has the nature of the Papacy not changed, but that she is making progress, wonderful in its rapidity and scope, toward a world domination, and that in doing this she is fulfilling prophecy.
Voices from the Mission Fields
Do you want to know of the great mission fields by missionaries who are on the ground, and whose hearts are burdened for the field and for the souls in darkness there? There will be articles on China, on Japan, on Korea, on the great Dark Continent, north and south, on India,—all illustrated.
What the World Powers of Europe are Doing
Do you want to know what candid, Christian, keen, observers see in the world movements among the world-powers of Europe, rather than to depend upon the sensational news which the dailies give us? There will be monthly letters in the SIGNS from the great European news and political centers,—London, Paris, Rome.
Are You Among the "Elect"?
Have you ever been troubled over the doctrine of Election or Foreordination? The right understanding of that glorious truth magnifies God's love and makes the Bible shine with new hope and promised blessing.
Bible-readings
Do you want to know from its own words what the Bible actually teaches? There will be from twenty to thirty Bible-readings on its great important doctrines, and faith, and hope, and conduct.
Our Monthly Experience Meeting
We will not forget the isolated, devoted, earnest, Christians who are reading the SIGNS. There will be a monthly experience meeting for them.
Help for the Mothers
We will not forget the mothers who are moulding the men and women of the world, and whom God would have mould characters for eternity. There will be a monthly mothers' department, the design of which is to be practical help and encouragement to all mothers.
Home Instruction
There will be health talks, helpful hints on hygiene, fresh air, sunshine, proper food and clothing, instructive and helpful stories and incidents for the home circle.
Talks to Young Men and Women
There will be short talks to young men and young women, original poems, and many other articles on many subjects too numerous to mention.
There will be a full Question Corner of interest to our readers.
Many of these articles before named will be illustrated. There will be striking cartoons which will speak the truth.
Special Numbers
Besides all these there will be Special numbers on the following subjects:
A Special New York City number.
A Special number in the spring of the year on a subject which is threatening the very existence of present governments, and which is now a political power in every nation of the world—Socialism. In this number both sides of Socialism will be treated.
There will be a Resurrection Special, in which the meaning of the resurrection will be set forth.
A Fourth-of-July Special. What the day should mean.
A Thanksgiving Special.
A Christmas Special.
Our Contributors
A. G. Daniells; W. W. Prescott; W. A. Spicer; J. A. L. Derby; G. W. Rine; A. T. Jones; A. J. S. Bourdeau; H. A. St. John; F. M. Wilcox; L. A. Phippeny; C. P. Bollman; Frederick M. Rossiter, M. D.; W. S. Sadler, M. D.; David Paulson, M. D.; M. E. Olsen; C. T. Everson; John Vuilleumier; "Abdiel;" Mrs. E. G. White; Mrs. S. N. Haskell; Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle; missionaries, J. L. Shaw, J. N. Anderson, F. W. Field, W. H. Wakeham, W. S. Hyatt; and other contributors, equally able, whom we can not now name.
Look over all these again, dear reader; consider the scope of the paper.
Do you know of any other periodical in Christendom that will give you so much of the great and important things of this world, and the world to come?
Yet all of the above we hope to present to our readers in the year 1906 in such a way that at the close of the year all who have read the paper will say that we have done more than we promised to do. We want your help in giving the SIGNS OF THE TIMES the circulation which it demands for a paper that presents such mighty truths to the world.
Remedies for Social Troubles
By Editor
This is the last of our four Specials. They contain mighty truths, briefly stated in a connected manner. They are worth preserving. They are current today. They will be current next week and next month and next year. They contain much current truth for this world till Christ shall come again. Use them. Bind them together. Sell them and loan them. Use them in every way to bring before humanity these great vital truths which we can in nowise escape.
Remedies for Social Troubles.—The political remedy in a republic ought to be by peaceable means; but it is neither our province nor purpose to point that out. The eternal remedy, the remedy of God, is simple faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Word of God as it is in Him. That faith will lead men to break away from all sin. It will lead to obedience to all the laws of the land. It will lead men to turn from intemperance in intoxicants and narcotics, worse foes to humanity than the cruelest plutocracy which ever existed. It will lead men to regard the rights and liberties of all, whether rich or poor. That faith will lead men to do as Christ did, commit all judgment unto God, who will render to every man according to his deeds.
Methodist Discipline on Moral Commandments
"Methodist Discipline," article 6, says: "No Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments that are called moral."
Signs of the Times Subscription Rates
By Editor
The price of the "Signs of the Times" for one year is only $1.50; for six months, 75 cents; for three months, 40 cents. Address the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.
Signs of the Times for 1906
By Editor
What will next year bring forth? What bearing will its events have upon God's work in the earth? Do you wish to know what the Word declares, what prophecy is declaring? The SIGNS OF THE TIMES will keep pace with the year's unfolding events. Read the announcement for 1906 on page 15.
More Help
By Editor
More Help.—Beginning with our next issue our old-time associate, Brother A. O. Tait, unites with us again in labor in this office. On account of ill-health several years ago, he separated from the work; now he is feeling well and strong and is therefore with us again. He will take charge of the circulation management of the Signs in the place of Brother H. H. Hall, who has been overburdened with the work of two men, and who will now give his time to the book and tract work. Brother Tait will also become one of our editorial staff.
Do not fail to read page 15.
Our Departments
By Editor
Our Departments.—In these special numbers it has been almost necessary to sacrifice all our regular departments. Among those departments in all our regular issues are the following:
Editorial, in which is discussed and presented articles of importance and notes of information and interest.
The Outlook, a department noting the current events and showing their connection with prophecy and their influence upon the world.
Our Question Corner, in which queries on the Bible are answered.
General Articles, the Home, Missions, are departments which bring before our readers the very best, each in its field. All of these except the Home department have been crowded out. Our regular numbers are as good, and many think better, than our Specials.
Dealing as the paper does with such tremendous themes, we ask the readers of these Specials to read page 15, and then subscribe for the paper for a year. The paper will be sent you to the close of 1906 for $1.50.
Mental Chaos Coming On
Mental Chaos Coming On.—In a recent article in the San Francisco Examiner Prof. Edgar L. Larkin, of Mt. Lowe Observatory, in this state, publishes the following question, and his answer thereto:
Q. Is the Darwinian doctrine of evolution of animals and man considered settled?
A. Biologists are in a state of mental chaos, and all other scientists except mathematicians. All laws of nature, that are based on mathematics, are known to be settled on a rock foundation. Such sciences as biology, physiology, mentology, and medicine must struggle for a hundred years to come to really settle anything. Chaos reigns supreme among these studies. Nothing is known about the origin of life of any kind.
In other words, "Who by searching can find out God." "With Him is the fountain of life." Other scientists doubtless would not agree with Professor Larkin. They never have agreed, or do agree, or will agree. And yet many souls are taking the dreams of men in the above "sciences" as facts to overthrow God's Word. But the Old Book will survive "the wreck of matter and the crush of worlds" and the crumbling theories of "scientists." Why not turn from the chaos of "science falsely so-called" to the cosmos of God's truth?
Leave It with God.
Have men wronged you? Leave it with God. Do not think, reader, that you must execute God's judgment. Do not think that you can not afford to wait His time; that is your only safety. A war of classes will but increase the evil and the bonds of law. Leave the hatred of the rich, or of his ways, to God; leave all the difficulties and differences which can not be peaceably adjusted to Him. You can not afford to do otherwise, and if you will give up all of these, all of self, and accept of Jesus Christ for what He wants to be to you,—Redeemer, Saviour, Friend, Example, King,—you will not want to do otherwise. In Him is all fulness. Having Him you have all—all the eternal riches of His glory, with eternal life in which to enjoy them. The wicked may seem to triumph for a little while, but it shall be short. Strength is better measured by endurance. God endures. The trial of faith may last a little while, then Christ will come. He knows that every feeling of righteousness is outraged by the injustice we see on every side, but leave it with Him. It is the Christian's work to heal by the Gospel of peace and love. Leave vengeance and wrath with God. He says, "Be patient [patiently endure] therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord." "The Judge standeth at the door." He will plead your cause better than you can do it. He will decide more justly, for He reads the hearts.
Which Shall We Follow?
In discussing the attitude of the majority as a guide of conduct, in an able editorial, the Sunday School Times says:
It is important to note that it is not mere cynicism or pessimism that finds its interest in the opinion of the majority chiefly that it may avoid following that opinion. It is simple acceptance of Christ's teachings and warnings that brings one to this attitude. Whether the majority will always be wrong in this world we may not know; that it is so to-day, as it was in Christ's day, would seem to be beyond question. To the few disciples who had left the crowd to follow Him Christ said, in urging this truth which He so clearly foresaw their and our need of, "Wo unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for in the same manner did their fathers to the false prophets." In other words, Christ would have us know that the opinion of the "all men"—that is, the majority in this world—is in approval of the false, while He was constantly showing that only the few would understand and follow Him. If you would be blessed, you must let men in general "separate you from their company," He said. "Many are called, but few are chosen,"—because only few choose to see the right. "Narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it." Are we willing to be numbered among those few?
The First Day of the Week
"The First Day of the Week" is the Bible name of that portion of time which begins at sunset Saturday night, and ends at sunset Sunday night. The Bible First Day and the secular Sunday are not, therefore, identical. If the Bible First Day be sacred, it should be observed from sunset to sunset. If any part of the day be sacred, all is. What right have Sunday-keepers to demand that men should keep three-fourths of the day, while they desecrate one-fourth of the same day? What right have they to say that God is particular over the observance of one portion of the day, but not another?
Sabbath Keepers in Ceylon
From Apostolic Days.—Elder Harry Armstrong, writing from Ceylon to friends in California, says that there are several native Christian Sabbath-keepers there, belonging to a company of people who have been keeping the Sabbath since the days of the apostles. They also believe in baptism, life only through Christ, and the resurrection, and many of the other truths which we love. And so God has His witnesses, and has ever had them, to the eternal truth and perpetuity of the Sabbath.
Christ’s Coming
There is no event connected with the salvation of the race of more importance than Christ's coming. There is no subject, unless it be His death, given greater prominence in the New Testament.
Foreword for 1906
By Editor
Our "Foreword" for 1906 is found on page 15. Be sure to read it.
An Instructive Paper for Children
By Editor
Do you wish an instructive, entertaining paper for your children? Then read the second page of this paper.
