p. 13 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 34, No. 22. (5/27/1908)

LIBERTY

By Editor

"LIBERTY" is the official organ of the Religious Liberty Bureau of Washington, D. C., a forty-eight page quarterly magazine, set as an exponent and advocate of true religious liberty; defending Christianity and the rights of conscience; upholding the Bible as the infallible word of God; recognizing the church and state as ordained of heaven for specific and distinct purposes, but vigorously protesting against an alliance of the church with the state in an attempt to advance religion. The second issue for 1908 has just come to hand. It presents authoritative and important utterances on constitutional limitations, and the rights of man, together with some strong protests before Congressional committees against religious legislation.

It is one of the strongest publications extant on the subject of civil and religious liberty, and is well illustrated. The subscription price of Liberty is only twenty-five cents a year; two to twenty-five copies to one address, five cents a copy; twenty-five to five hundred copies, four cents a copy. Special rates and inducements made to agents. Send for sample copy. Address "Liberty," Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.

How Cigarets Are Made.

By James L. Himrod

ONE night in San Francisco I went down in Chinatown to see the infamous opium dens. In a room not more than twenty feet square, down three stories underground, dimly lighted, where the air was so foul it almost overcame you, I found twelve Chinamen busy at work. In the midst of indescribable filth, they were rolling cigarets for the American boy to smoke. There was a

great pile of material in one corner of the room. We struck a match to examine it. We found it was cigar stumps and quids of tobacco, mixed with the vilest of filth.

I said then, would to God I could take every boy in our land into that foul den. I am sure we wouldn't have to legislate against the evil. All cigarets are drugged to render their effect more deadening to the nerves.—James L. Himrod.

The Outshining of Such a Home

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

WHAT do I mean by "such a home"?—I mean a home where Christ is recognized as Lord and Master. I mean a home where love dwells, and where hatred and selfishness are not tolerated.

Well, the good which always results from the outshining of such homes as these can not be measured,—for it is absolutely measureless. Because wonderful results are not always seen proves nothing. Eternity is long! and O my friends, when the dim veil which hides the blessed future shall be lifted, when all the records shall be read, and the hidden things made known, many a precious secret will be revealed. Many a quiet, unassuming man and woman—yes, and little child as well—will shine with dazzling beauty over there, where they who turn many to righteousness shall receive their reward. Then, and only then, will the real results of the outshining of such a home as described in our last be seen and fully comprehended.

But sometimes, even in this life, it is granted us to reap a little of the reward which over there we shall enjoy in all its blessed and eternal fulness. Sometime ago I read of a most wonderful experience in this connection. Despite the fact that some of my readers may have seen the same account, I will venture to tell the strange but beautiful story as I remember it, for it will bear repeating:

A number of years ago there lived, among the mountains of the Far West, a Christian family. The mother, an earnest, godly soul, was a woman of great faith, and one who watched for opportunities of doing good in her humble way.

Living about a mile from this family, was a poor old man who worked among the miners, and who was noted for his awful wickedness and daring blasphemies. This man lived all alone in a miserable cabin. So obnoxious had he made himself that he had no friends, even among the rough miners with whom he worked. One day the news came that this miserable creature was very ill with consumption. But so offensive and abusive was he, that the miners only came occasionally to the hut to throw his food in at the door, as one might treat a wild animal.

When the news reached the Christian family, the mother became so deeply impressed that she ought to visit this wretched man that she could get no rest. Her heart was touched at the thought of a fellow creature dying so near, and without hope in God. Finally she decided to visit him, taking with her something for his comfort. The next morning, with many misgivings, she approached and entered the hut. But to her kind ministrations, the wretched sufferer responded only in curses. Still, day after day, the woman visited him and brought him food—always with the same result—until, finally, she became discouraged and decided to give up. But in that night the Holy Spirit revealed to her the infinite worth of the human soul for which the sinless Son of God had paid such a price. With this revelation, such a burden for the soul of this poor, desolate creature came upon her that she could not sleep. In self-abandonment and condemnation that she should have given up the battle so easily, she lay prone upon the floor. At last, peace came to her. She would take up her duty once more. This very day she would talk freely to the sick man about his soul; and if he still cursed her, she would at least have done her duty. Still in her heart she laid hold of the promise of God, and fully expected the conversion of the wretched man.

But in the morning, just as she was starting out, a neighbor called, with her little girl, and, learning of the purpose of the woman to visit the dying man, decided to accompany her, even taking the little girl with her.

"Now," thought the hostess, "how can I talk to the man as I intended? I can say but little in the presence of this woman and her child." So, with a sad and burdened heart, she set out in company with her unwelcome guest.

Their reception was the same—only, if possible, more bitter. Meantime the little girl had remained outside the cabin. Suddenly, in the midst of the curses of the poor wretch, a childish laugh rang out.

An expression of astonishment and joy passed over the face of the sick man. "What is that?" he sharply demanded.

"A child? a little girl? may I see her? O, will she come in?" he cried eagerly. The door opened, and with a look of innocent wonder on her face, the child approached the bedside. Eagerly the great, bony hands were outstretched. Tenderly as a woman’s the trembling fingers toyed with the golden curls, while the great tears rained down the hollow cheeks. The flinty heart was melted by the touch of a little hand. "I’s so sorry for the poor man. Katie’ll pray to God for him."

Then there followed such a scene as can but poorly be described. The groans of the sick man and his cries for mercy, mingled with the simple prayer of the child, reached the listening ear of the Infinite.

Then, in broken tones, the sick man told his pitiful story. The memory of his mother and of his wife was but a memory of loathing and bitterness. His wife had been false to him and his mother a prostitute. But God had given him a sweet, golden-haired little girl. She had loved him. But after a little while He had taken her away. Then, and ever after, until the present moment, he had cursed God for the providence which robbed him of his child.

The conclusion is soon told, the sick man was soundly converted; and as if he would in some way atone for the past, he sent far and near for his old comrades. With wondering faces they entered his cabin. Tears stole down their rough cheeks as they listened to the story of what Christ had done for his soul; and finally, before the death of the poor penitent, he had the joy of witnessing the greatest revival which had ever been known in those regions.

O, it pays, it pays gloriously to be true to Christ. The influence of one pure and earnest life is like the shining of the eternal lamps of heaven; for "the path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

Nature's Wonderland.

By George E. Tack

O WONDROUS and grand are the mountains fair, That range away in the distant air; And touched with the sun's own colors rare, In the skyfields of eve and morn.

And Alp-like, some their summits raise, Their pinnacles and crowns ablaze, With glory beams and purest rays, As on temples old and grand.

And others, hill-like, range afar, By golden seas, whose rippling bar Reflects, perhaps, the morning star, That gleams so pure and mild.

And here and there the mountains thru Are placid lakes of deepest blue, And opaline, and crystal, too, That waveless, tideless, gleam.

Then over all there softly grows A crimson light, or chance of rose, That flushes mount and lake, and glows Thru all the cloudland fair.

And oft thru wonderland away, I go, at eve, or break of day, Where nature holds her wondrous sway, And charms my very soul.

Thus God doth grant me here at home, By mountain, sea, and lake to roam, Till to Mount Zion's sea I come, And view His wonders there.

GEORGE E. TACK.

Pin-Money at Home.

Your call for articles on pin-money brings to mind the efforts of one girl who had not only earned money thru her own efforts to give her schooling for two years, but also helped at home during her father's illness.

During a visit to a general store, a lady was making inquiry for ferns. The dealer said he had frequent calls for ferns, but was unable to supply them, as few people cared to take the responsibility of their raising. This was the start she needed. Writing to her uncle, she explained her plan and asked the loan of twenty dollars. The answer came full of encouragement and accompanied by the draft.

Not a few hours were spent in studying fern catalogs, which resulted in an order for a hundred fifty plants, at ten cents apiece. The express on them amounted to a dollar and a half, and the remainder was invested in jars. Seventy-five plants were potted at once, the rest being left bedded in tubs. She tended them carefully, keeping them sufficiently moist, and occasionally added emulsion. A notice was inserted in her home paper, the same bit of information given to those of neighboring towns, to the effect that she would take orders for ferns to be distributed the first of September. The best of success rewarded her first efforts, sixty-seven dollars being cleared. By this time she had had considerable experience, and on the next growth she netted even more. This particular girl went from this small beginning into something larger in floral culture.

—From the Girls' Own Circle of "The Circle" for February.

The Home Medicine-Chest.

By M. A. T.

If every housekeeper and especially mothers of small children would have a home medicine-chest and fill it with every available help and need for emergencies, there would be a great saving of doctors' bills and also of suffering. If the right remedies are used at just the right moment, they will sometimes do more than the skilled practitioner can accomplish later on.

A small tin can should contain flour and mustard, mixed in equal parts, ready to make into a paste for a mustard plaster. Every mother should have a bottle of peroxid of hydrogen in the chest; it is excellent to bathe wounds, sores, and bruises. No household should be without peppermint. A few drops of the essence on sugar will cure hiccough, and nothing will relieve a burn or bee sting quicker than the application of a little of the oil; a few drops in warm water will often give relief for vomiting and headache. A box of powdered borax is very useful. The best way to keep the face and hands in good condition is to wash them every night in hot suds and then rinse in cold water to which a little borax has been added, as the borax softens the water and helps to keep the skin firm. There is nothing better for weak eyes, sore mouths, and small cuts than a wash of borax and warm water. A good application for a cold in the chest is a salve of equal parts of turpentine and lard. [White vaseline would probably be a better substitute for lard.]

Have two small flannel bags filled with salt ready to use in case of toothache or severe pain of any kind. Heat the bag very hot in the oven before applying, and cover with another soft flannel, and the other bag can be heating while this is in use, and you will find this much better than a hot-water bag, as the salt possesses medicinal and healing qualities. M. A. T.

CHOICE BOOKS

By Editor

Three Beautiful Books for Only $2.00.

Making Home Happy. By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle. Considerably over 100,000 copies already sold. Price, 50 cents.

Making Home Peaceful. Sequel to the above-named book, and by the same author. These are useful and sensible home stories, and ought to be read by old and young. Price of this book, 75 cents.

Those Bible Readings. Mrs. Stuttle's latest and best book. It is a compilation of the series of home Bible studies which appeared in the Signs of the Times' Home Department. In this book, many vital points of Bible truth are discussed and studied. Just the book to send to your friends. It is present truth in a nutshell, simplified and made attractive and easy. Price, 75 cents.

All books bound in neat cloth cover, each containing over 200 pages. Address this office.

Christian Science

By Editor

The articles on Christian Science which recently appeared in the Signs of the Times are now in pamphlet form. The price is 10 cents. Place orders with your Tract Society, or

Pacific Press Publishing Co. Mountain View, Cal.

The LORD'S DAY

A Brief but Comprehensive Treatise covering the History and Doctrine of the Sabbath and Sunday Controversy from Creation to the Present. Truth supported by Scripture, Historical fact, and Argument.

The LORD'S DAY

The Test of the Ages

A Multum in Parvo on the Sabbath Question. Illustrated; 128 pp; price, 10 cents post-paid. PACIFIC PRESS Mountain View, Cal.

Smith on Human Nature and Destiny

By Uriah Smith

Here and Hereafter, or Man's Nature and Destiny. By Uriah Smith. This work is a thoro canvass of the great questions of a future existence, and the nature of man in the present life. Every text in the Bible which has any possible bearing upon these points is taken up and carefully explained. Cloth, 444 pp., $1.00. Address this office.

Bibles

Bibles.—Remember that we are headquarters for anything in the Bible line. We shall be pleased to send you our catalog of Bible selections on application. Pacific Press Publishing Co., Mountain View, Cal.

Testimonies for the Church

Testimonies for the Church. By Mrs. E. G. White. Bound in eight volumes, of from 300 to 770 pages each, each volume containing a complete index of subjects. Volume 1 contains a brief sketch of the early life and Christian experience of the writer of the Testimonies, together with Testimonies Nos. 1 to 14. Volume 2 contains Testimonies Nos. 15 to 20. Volume 3 contains Testimonies Nos. 21 to 25. Volume 4 contains Testimonies Nos. 26 to 30. Volume 5 contains Testimonies Nos. 31 to 33. Volume 6 contains Testimony No. 34. Volume 7 contains Testimony No. 35, price, 75 cents. Volume 8 contains Testimony No. 36, price, 75 cents. Bound in cloth, per volume, $1.00; Full set, eight volumes, cloth, $7.50. Volumes 1 to 6 are obtainable in limp leather, with round corners, per volume, $1.50. Volumes 7 and 8 are also bound in limp leather, price each, $1.25.

Address this office.

Daniel and the Revelation

By Editor

Daniel and the Revelation.—Revised edition. By U. Smith. A history of the rise and fall of nations, being an exposition, verse by verse, of the important prophecies of Daniel and John, comparing Scripture predictions with historical facts. It follows in the track of no other commentary; but, guided by the obvious rule that the Bible should be its own interpreter, it aims to arrive at the exact meaning of the sacred writers in harmony with the great plan of redemption as presented thruout the Scriptures. The author has devoted over thirty years to the study of the Bible, and believes that the prophecies of Daniel and John were written for our admonition, and that the subjects they unfold are the coming themes for the religious world, destined to engage the attention of all thoughtful minds. Over 900 pages, with illustrations, beautifully bound. Cloth, marbled edges, $2.75. Address this office.

Beautiful Imported Bible Mottoes

All have flowers with silver letters and a cord to hang them upon the wall. Special for 60 days. All sent by mail as follows: 5 for 50 cents; 12, $1.00; 25, $1.75; 50, $3.00; 100, $5.00. More you buy, the less they are. Address,

HAMPTON ART COMPANY

Lock Box 257 Hampton, Iowa

Sanitarium Cook and Assistant Wanted

First-class sanitarium cook and assistant wanted. Correspondence solicited. Good place. Good pay. Address Dr. Maxson, 470 28th St., Oakland, Cal.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.

By Editor

Four months ...............................$0.50 Six months ................................ .75 One year .................................. 1.50 To foreign countries, including Canada ........... 1.75

One new yearly subscription and one renewal, or two new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $2.50.
Two new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or three new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $3.25.
Three new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, or four new yearly subscriptions, sent at one time, $4.00.

Sample copies sent on application.

DATE OF EXPIRATION.

By Editor

The Signs wrapper bears date of last issue due on your subscription. Unless renewed in advance, paper stops with expiration date.

If herewith is an order-blank, you will know you have overlooked sending renewal. You will not wish to miss a single issue. Back numbers often can not be furnished.

Too Much

By Editor

Too Much.—A prominent Catholic paper says: "The man who drinks until he feels his liquor has drunk too much." But in the vast majority of cases that is what he drinks for—to feel it. The cursed stimulant is followed by reaction, and the reaction demands more stimulant, and the drinker drinks till he feels the stimulation. The man who drinks at all drinks too much. The normal man does not need the drink. This is demonstrated by the thousands of normal men of every kind of temperament, in every kind of employment, who do high-class work, but who never drink. Drink not at all.

Obedience IS Worship.—An article by James G. K. McClure, D.D., president of McCormick Theological Seminary, in the Sunday School Times, on "The Holy Spirit in Practical Life," emphasizes the necessity of obedience rather than worship. He says: "In a book lately issued by the Rev. D. P. Taylor Forsyth, entitled, 'Positive Preaching and Modern Mind,' there is a statement worthy of consideration. He distinguishes between what he calls worship and obedience. He claims that oftentimes 'Christolatry' is and has been substituted for 'Christocracy.' Christ is worshiped, but not obeyed; while Christ demands obedience, and does not demand worship." This is true in the generally accepted sense of worship; but Biblically, true worship IS obedience. Jesus says: "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Matt. 4:10. He never truly worships God who does not have the spirit of obedience. "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Prov. 28:9.

A writer in The Advance (Chicago), Dr. W. E. Barton, has been investigating plagiarism among preachers and the results are startling. Among the sermons preached two years ago in the East on the earthquake and fire of San Francisco, several were borrowed in their imagery from Beecher and Talmage on the Chicago fire of 1871. "The Brooklyn Eagle . . . had a special from Oakland, Cal., reporting a sermon by a leading Methodist preacher of that place, which was an eloquent description of the earthquake and fire, and lessons to be drawn from them. Now this sermon, telegraphed across the continent was pieced together almost bodily from sermons by Beecher and Talmage, especially from Beecher's sermon, down even to the last final appeal for help for the sufferers." It would be a good thing if our modern divines would "borrow" their theology from even farther back.

The Southern Pacific Railway has issued a beautiful little booklet, entitled "California Coast Country." The region covered by it is between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. Maps are given, however, as far south as San Diego. Quite a complete description is given of the Coast country as a whole, and also of various localities. These are illustrated by some beautiful scenes of towns and buildings along the way, of the Coast itself, and of the various productions of the country, as, for instance, the oil-wells, fruit sections, etc. The information, we are assured, is accurate. Any one wishing to get better acquainted with this section of the country may obtain the booklet by addressing Mr. Chas. S. Fee, Passenger Traffic Manager, Southern Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.

Our thanks are extended to Mr. Robert E. Lozier of the Department of State Agency of Guthrie, Okla., for the platform adopted by state prohibitionists of Oklahoma, and for Senate bill No. 61, by R. A. Billups. This bill is for the purpose of establishing a state agency and local agencies for the sale of intoxicating liquors for certain purposes, providing for referring the same to the people and for prohibiting the manufacture, sale, barter, giving away, or otherwise furnishing of intoxicating liquors, except as provided by the bill. It is designed to be a temperance act, tho it is far from a prohibition measure.

"The American Antiquarian" for March and April is an excellent number. Among the special articles worthy of mention are "The Vaulted Chambers of Petra's High Places" (illustrated), "Recent Excavations in Egypt," "Hilprecht's Recent Researches," "Native Tribes of South Australia" (showing how they are rapidly becoming extinct before the vices of the white man), "The Moose in America," etc., etc. The Antiquarian is edited by Rev. Stephen D. Peet, Ph.D., and published at $4.00 per annum, at 438 E. 57th St., Chicago.

Flesh-Eating and Rheumatism

By Editor

It is quite easy to commend ourselves when we compare our "virtues" with the "faults" of our neighbors. But this is "not wise." 2 Cor. 10:12. We are to "examine ourselves," but ever to see whether we "be in the faith." 2 Cor. 12:5. Righteousness and life come by faith.

The normal, moral, aspiring man never satisfies himself. Whenever inclined to scrutinize critically his motives, he can ever find enough to condemn, even at his best. What must he be then in God's sight? And how hopeless is his own case in developing a righteous character within himself! How glad such a one ought to be to embrace the Gospel which is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth"!

Flesh-Eating and Rheumatism.

We are sure that all our readers, especially in the West, have greatly sympathized with Rear-Admiral Evans in his sufferings from rheumatism. It is worth while to note the cause as given by his daughter in an interview with a newspaper man. She said:

"My father is in pretty good health ashore; it is when he goes to sea that his rheumatism returns. Several years ago, Dr. Haigh, of London, prescribed a strict diet for the Admiral. He was not allowed to eat meat or fish, and was to take all the fresh vegetables that he could devour. At sea the milk and vegetable supply soon gives out, and then his sickness returns."

It has been observed by many intelligent, progressive physicians that one of the great causes of rheumatism, gout, and kindred diseases, is a meat diet. The system becomes clogged with poisons in the meat, or germinated by the meat diet. Practically all cases of ptomain poisoning are resultants from meat diet. How many rheumatic sufferers will heed the lesson? Personally we are glad that Admiral Evans has retired, and it is to be hoped that he may have return of speedy health when he can resume a normal diet. Man wasn't made to gorge himself with flesh. His original diet was fruits and grains.

The Betrayal of Christ.

It has been intimated that the Andover Theological Seminary is to be made a part of the University at Cambridge. The Andover Seminary has been considered a center of orthodoxy. The theology of Harvard is decidedly Unitarian. Christ is looked upon as a superior man, but not as a divine helper. Zion's Herald declares (we quote from the Literary Digest of April 4) that "the most unworthy and grievous feature of this betrayal is the dishonor put upon our Lord and Master, the Son of God. If Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School have stood, and now stand, for any one theological negation, it is an avowed disbelief in the Deity of Jesus Christ. There is no use beating about the bush. Every sensible, reasoning person knows that in removing Andover Seminary to Cambridge and incorporating it with Harvard, this fundamental natural truth concerning Jesus is abandoned." And yet according to the drift of the New Theology, this is just what we may expect. It is only doing on a little more general scale what is being done continually thru individuals that are preaching in the orthodox denominations.

Contained in This Issue.

By Editor

With Our Inquirers

Questions Nos. 2514 to 2521 ... 2

General

Unto You Is Born a Saviour ... 3 Christ, the Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World ... 4 The Bible Scientific ... 5 True Christian Science ... 5 Their Second Great Leader ... 6 The Method and the Standard of Justification ... 7

Editorial

Our Cover-Page Cartoon—"New Labels on Old Cans" ... 8 A Message of Preparation ... 8 The Seal of God's Law ... 8 The Meaning of the Resurrection ... 8 Studies in Romans ... 9 Our Bible Band ... 9

Outlook

The Eternal Law of God ... 10 The Peace of the World and Changing Sentiment ... 10

Missions

Porto Rico: Its Religions ... 12 An Experience in India ... 13

The Home

The Outshining of Such a Home ... 14 The Home Medicine-Chest ... 15 Pin-Money at Home ... 15

Poetry

That Cutting Word ... 5 Those Selfish Hearts ... 6 Good News for You ... 12 Nature's Wonderland ... 14

"Never Needs Alteration."

By Editor

THE Rev. D. S. Phelan, editor of the Catholic Western Watchman, of St. Louis, Mo., in a sermon on "What Must I Do to Obtain Eternal Life?" published in the Watchman in its issue of Aug. 8, 1907, says:

"God is truth. His law is the same and never needs alteration. Therefore, when the lawyer this morning asks our Lord: 'What must I do in order to obtain eternal life?' our Saviour answers him and says: 'Keep the commandments.' 'Observe the law.' And that answer is for all time."

The above is true. God's "law is the same and never needs alteration." That is true. The injunction to "keep the commandments" "is for all time." Mark it, reader.

Now if this be true, as it irrefutably is, why does the Roman Catholic Church presume to change that law and defend the change? Take for instance the command concerning the Sabbath: It is quoted in Butler's Catechism, an authoritative Catholic work, that "Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day" means "To sanctify the Sunday." All intelligent Catholics know that Sunday-keeping is not commanded by the Sabbath precept; and, moreover, the claim is directly made by Roman Catholics that the church made the change in the law. That change, then, certainly made of God's truth a lie. It declared that the law does need alteration. Now we believe the editor is right, because his statement is in harmony with the Bible; but the teaching of the church is wrong. Which will we follow, the law that "never needs alteration," or the changing, uncertain traditions of men?