p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 26. (7/1/1903)

Two Great Themes

By Editor

To be Published Immediately in the

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

They will present God’s answers to problems which to-day are perplexing the world, and filling minds with anxiety and fear.

They will meet eternal issues fairly and squarely.

They will strengthen the Christian’s armor, renew his courage, and lead him to victory.

They will reveal hidden danger spots, and clearly point out the only safe way.

They will discover the subtlety and weakness of the enemy’s strongholds, and the wisdom and power of the eternal God.

In view of the intense interest which is being everywhere manifested concerning the dark subjects of Hypnotism, Clairvoyance, and kindred mysteries, the publishers desire to present to our readers divine truth regarding these miraculous manifestations. The articles are from the pen of Prof. J. A. L. Derby, of Healdsburg College, and are bold, fearless, logical, and convincing.

The subjects of Divine Healing and Bible Hygiene are causing many to doubt, and some to stumble. Satan is leading minds astray, but God has given eternal light with which to dispel the resulting darkness. Dr. F. M. Rossiter has prepared this series, and has presented many new and intensely interesting phases of truth.

FOLLOWING ARE BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THESE VALUABLE SERIES

The Mysterious

The author first admits that the human mind is fascinated by the mysterious, and that this tendency, which we call curiosity, is right because it leads to knowledge. He then asks and clearly answers the question, “What is a proper exercise of this natural propensity?” His answers are so reasonable, so free from cant, and display such a knowledge of the principles involved, that they will be gladly read and re-read by those desiring light on these important queries.

In his third article he admits “that somewhere in man’s make-up—call it his sub-conscious self, his subliminal consciousness, or what you will,—there is a capacity for receiving, seemingly by supernormal faculties of sight, hearing, feeling, etc., communications from the spirit world.” This may seem to our readers an unwarranted admission, but a careful study of the question will be sufficient, we believe, to convince the candid student that his conclusion is emphatically true.

Then follows his conclusion: “Since man has that capacity, is it to be wondered at that any one who places these faculties at the disposal of Satan should receive messages and experience visions from him, just as certainly as a true prophet may receive supernormally-imparted knowledge from God?”

Again, he says, “There is much that is superhuman from spiritist sources, but superhuman knowledge is not necessarily divine.”

The manner in which the author passes by all the phenomena connected with the manifestation of Hypnotism, and strikes directly at the root of the matter, is startling.

The real truth is told about Clairvoyance, in connection with which are introduced absolute tests by which the true prophets of God may be distinguished from those receiving messages from the opposite source.

The author admits that in Telepathy or Mind Reading there are manifestations not accounted for by any manner of trickery, but the reader is quickly convinced that the practice is “immoral.”

Theosophy is defined as “Aristocratic Spiritualism.” The reasons for thus defining it are direct and ample.

The New Thought is stated to be “A scheme of self-salvation through the power of the will.”

The author contends that the theory of the natural immortality of the soul, which is the life-blood of Spiritualism, Theosophy, The New Thought, and Saint Worship, “is neither an intuition of the mind, a Biblical teaching, nor a scientifically-demonstrated fact.” Rather a strong statement, but we hope you will suspend judgment until you have read the argument. This theory, he says, leads direct to Pantheism, which he then compares with the philosophy of Brahmanism.

Divine Healing

Commenting on the eternal proclamation of the Great Creator, “I am the Lord that healeth thee,” the author of this most interesting series says, “This healing power has been repeated daily in every living body, from the first pair in Eden to the present day.” “If the process of healing should cease for one day, life would be extinguished.”

“Every man from Adam to the present day that has been sick and recovered, was restored to health by divine healing.”

“This healing process is an ever present promise that God is able to forgive the sins of the one who is being healed.”

The following paragraphs will illustrate the realistic way in which the Doctor describes “An Unseen Battle,” in God’s great masterpiece, the human body:—

“You have seen a sore finger. It proves to be a felon. See what takes place. The white blood cells, the standing army of the body, are called to arms, and in troops of hundreds and millions they hurry to the point of attack. They rush upon the invading enemy, the germs, and there is a battle royal. The white cells devour the germs, simply tumbling over one another to get at them. They become so numerous that the finger swells, and they crowd upon the nerve endings so that we suffer pain. On the other hand, the germs throw out a poison and kill large numbers of the white cells.

“As the conflict proceeds, the living white cells cut off the food supply of the enemy by building a wall of defense around them, and making it so hard that the germs can not get through. The dead white cells are piled in among the germs and form pus. Slowly the white cells win the day; they come in with stretchers and carry off the dead, and destroy the poison by absorption and gradually remove the breastworks which they erected.”

The above extract is taken from only one article in a series of nine. Other articles take up such subjects as “The Masterpiece of Creation,” “Various Phases of Divine Healing,” “A Living Manufacturing Plant,” “Purposes of Food,” etc.

The subject of health reform is here presented in a new light, and in the most rational and logical way imaginable. The author so thoroughly understands his subject, and reveals so much personal sympathy in his grand theme, that the interest and conviction of the reader is assured.

This series will be fully illustrated, and we think even the above short quotations are sufficient to prove that they will be intensely interesting and helpful. These articles will also acquaint the reader in a most practical and simple way, with the various functions of the body, and will assist him in caring for them intelligently.

TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS

Here is a valuable opportunity for our regular readers and missionary societies. As these articles deal with topics of world-wide interest, and of eternal importance, earnest efforts should be made by individuals and churches everywhere to ensure their widest possible circulation. Let every individual now help to raise the “standard of truth” against the powers of darkness and evil. When such vital issues are at stake, God expects every man and woman who have named His name to do their duty.

Expiring Subscriptions—Let those whose subscriptions are about to expire forward their renewal immediately, to avoid missing a single copy containing these series. The articles are already in hand, and will be published at once.

Have You Allowed Your Subscription to Expire?

If so, we earnestly advise you to renew without delay in order that you may have a share in the coming blessings of truth. This opportunity is too valuable to pass by. We know you will say, when you have read these articles, that they are among the most remarkable, interesting, and valuable series which have ever been published. Besides this, every effort is being put forth to make the SIGNS OF THE TIMES better and still better as the weeks go by. How can you possibly afford to deprive yourself of this storehouse of precious truth and timely counsel? Send your renewal to-day.

Per Year, $1.50; Six months, 75 cents; Three Months, 40 cents

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

LESSON 2.—JULY 12.—SAUL CHOSEN KING.

Lesson Scripture, 1 Sam. 10:17-27. A. R. V.

“(17) And Samuel called the people together unto Jehovah to Mizpah; (18) and he said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all the kingdoms that oppressed you: (19) but ye have this day rejected your God, who Himself saveth you out of all your calamities and your distresses; and ye have said unto Him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before Jehovah by your tribes, and by your thousands. (20) So Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken. (21) And he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when they sought him, he could not be found. (22) Therefore they asked of Jehovah further, Is there yet a man to come hither? And Jehovah answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the baggage. (23) And they ran and fetched him thence; and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. (24) And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom Jehovah hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, Long live the king.

(25) Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before Jehovah. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. (26) And Saul also went to his house to Gibeah; and there went with him the host, whose hearts God had touched. (27) But certain worthless fellows said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no present. But he held his peace.”

Golden Text.—“The Lord is our King; He will save us.” Isa. 33:22.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) Where did Samuel assemble the people for the choosing of a king? Verse 17. (2) From whom did Samuel have a message to deliver? Of what was that message a reminder? What had He done for them? Verse 18. Note . (3) What did Samuel declare to the people that they had done? What had they said to the Lord in the demand which they had made? What did he, therefore, tell them to do? Verse 19. (4) When the tribes were assembled, which tribe was chosen? Verse 20. Note . (5) Which family was selected from the tribe of Benjamin as the family in which the king was to be found? Upon whom in this family did the lot fall to be king of Israel? What did Saul do? Verse 21. (6) What action did the people take when it was found that the chosen one was missing? What answer did the Lord give? Verse 22. Note . (7) What did the people do when the Lord told them where Saul was hiding? When Saul stood among the people, what did they notice about him? Verse 23. (8) What did Samuel say concerning the new king? How did the people make reply to Samuel’s statement? Verse 24. (9) What did Samuel make known to the people concerning their future? What did he do that future generations might have this to refer to? When this had been done, what did Samuel command the people to do? Verse 25. Note . (10) To what place did Saul go? Who went with him? What caused this band of men to follow Saul? Verse 26. (11) Who sought to bring in a spirit of discord? What question did they ask? How did they feel toward him? What did they refuse to do in order to show their contempt for Saul? What Christian course did Saul take in the matter? Verse 27. Note .

The Good Health Adjustable Waist

Affords ease, comfort and health. Retains symmetry and grace of the natural form. Its use will add years of pleasure to a woman's life. It dispenses with the corset. Supports all garments without harmful pressure. No stays to break. Thousands sold. Satisfaction guaranteed. Write for circular and prices. Agents Wanted.

Good Health Pub. Co.

354 W. Main St.

Battle Creek, Mich.

COLONIST RATES TO CALIFORNIA VIA SOUTHERN PACIFIC

Every Day February 15 to June 15

| | |

| NEW YORK | $50.00 |

| PITTSBURGH | 42.00 |

| BUFFALO | 42.00 |

| CINCINNATI | 39.00 |

| LOUISVILLE | 38.00 |

| CHICAGO | 33.00 |

| PEORIA | 31.00 |

| ST. LOUIS | 30.00 |

| MEMPHIS | 30.00 |

| NEW ORLEANS | 30.00 |

| SIOUX CITY | 25.00 |

| OMAHA | 25.00 |

| KANSAS CITY | 25.00 |

| MINEOLA | 25.00 |

| HOUSTON | 25.00 |

The cost of a ticket can be deposited at once with any Southern Pacific Agent in California, and the ticket will be furnished to the passenger in the East, while these low rates are in effect.

Illustrated California Literature Mailed Free to Any Address

E. O. McCORMICK　　　　　　　 T. H. GOODMAN PASSENGER TRAFFIC MGR.　　　 GEN. PASSENGER AGENT SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.

G. T. FORSYTH, DIV. FREIGHT AND PASSENGER AGENT 488 TENTH ST., OAKLAND, CAL.

CHICAGO

IN LESS THAN 3 DAYS

From San Francisco at 10 a. m.

CHICAGO UNION PACIFIC & NORTHWESTERN LINE

Pullman fourteen-section Drawing-Room and Private Compartment Observation Sleeping Cars, with Telephone. Electric-reading Lamps in every Berth, Compartment and Drawing-Room. Buffet, Smoking and Library Cars, with Barber and Bath, Dining Cars—meals a la carte. Electric-lighted throughout.

Daily Tourist Car Service at 6 p. m. and Personally Conducted Excursions every Wednesday and Friday at 8 a. m. from San Francisco. The best of everything.

R. R. RITCHIE

617 MARKET STREET (PALACE HOTEL)

GEN. AGENT PACIFIC COAST SAN FRANCISCO

No Power in Civilization.

The Tribune of this city, in speaking of the plunderers of the dead in various calamities of recent occurrence, says, “It is sad to reflect that civilization only sharpens the intelligence without lessening the evil propensities of a certain element of society.” It is sad, but the recognition of the fact will lead to the remedy. Civilization is one of two things, the index of a mighty power within, or a mere superficial covering of things men are ashamed to have seen. It exists in both of these aspects wherever it exists at all to-day. In itself it has no moral power. It is by superficial thinkers thought to have, but the only moral power it has is the righteousness behind it of which civilization is but one of the lesser results. If the righteousness be wanting, the civilization is but a cloak to cover moral deformities, a mask to hide the face and heart of a monster. But the putting on of the mask will not preserve the righteousness of the good man nor change the heart of a bad man. The natural heart of man is evil, and the only cure is the reception of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Read Page 14

By Editor

Read Page 14.—Do not forget the many other good things the SIGNS is constantly giving.

We were forced to leave over from our Outlook department an interesting article on “Anarchy,” from our Paris correspondent, and much other matter of equal interest.

We make a break in the series of articles on Trinidad in our Missions department to print the appeal for Australasia. The cause is one; the world is all God's field; and where the need is greatest at the time, there let us gather. We hope there may be good response.

We concluded the excellent series of articles by Mrs. Mary Wood-Allen in our last issue. We are sure they have done much good in the excellent instruction which they have given. There will begin next week a very instructive series on the human body and health by F. M. Rossiter, M. D.

Newspaper Accuracy.

A leading newspaper gives the birth of the late King Alexander, of Servia, as occurring August 14, 1876, of his queen, Draga, September, 1867; a difference of nine years. Yet in immediate connection we are told that when they were married she was fifteen years older than was he. When one reads the newspapers, it is well to think for himself.

About His Business.

The editor of the Sunday School Times tells this story of an earnest man of God, Uncle John Vassar:—

He called at a fashionable home to see a gentleman to whom he had been directed. Not finding the gentleman in, he addressed the wife, who held very different views as to religion from his. In vain she tried to shake him off. He was lovingly persistent for Christ. When the lady’s husband returned, she said, “There has been an old man here, talking to me about religion.” “Why didn’t you shut him up?” asked the gentleman. “He’s a person you can’t shut up,” she answered. “If I had been here, I’d have told him to go about his business.” “If you had heard him, you’d have thought that he was about his business.” And he was. That was his power.

GOOD WORDS.

The following good words were spoken by President Roosevelt, before a political club, in his recent visit to San Francisco:—

It is absolutely essential if we are to have the proper standard of public life that the promise shall square with performance. A lie is no more to be excused in politics than out of politics. (Applause.) A promise is as binding on the stump as off the stump, and now there are two facets to that crystal. In the first place, the man who makes a promise which he does not intend to keep, and does not try to keep, should rightly be adjudged to have forfeited in some degree what should be every man's most precious possession, his honor. (Applause.) And on the other hand, the public that exacts a promise which should not or ought not to be kept, or which can not be kept, is by just so much forfeiting its right to self-government. (Applause). There is no surer way of destroying the capacity for self-government in a people than to accustom that people in demanding the impossible or the improper from its public men. No man fit to be a public man will promise either the impossible or the improper, and if the demand is made that he shall do so it means putting a premium on the unfit in public life.

It was abundantly applauded among the elite of the club. It ought to be applauded everywhere, and reduced to practice, but it will not be. Politicians will continue to promise all sorts of things, and will not perform. And, worse than all, the people will continue to demand all sorts of things which they never ought to demand from a statesman. For instance, a candidate is asked to subscribe to labor-union principles, to the Sunday-law propaganda, and other things as unreasonable. And in the majority of cases he can not meet his pledges, neither ought he to do it. The only true representative of the people is the man who represents all the people, and who, true to his oath of office, seeks to legislate equally for all and specifically for none. He is there to work for the interest of the man who does not keep Sunday as well as for the interest of the Sunday-keeper. He who stands on any other ground will be forced into positions where he will prove false to his oath of office, or else leave behind a pathway strewed with broken promises. For a picture of many of the politicians of these days see Micah 7:2-4. There is surely need of such words: there is far greater need for their practice.

A Sign, but Not a Cause.

—The Tribune of this city aptly says: “Senator Depew may be right in saying that strikes are a sign of prosperity, but they are not the best signs. In the flush times a live mining camp was indicated by the number of gambling rooms and dance houses, but they didn’t contribute to the prosperity of the place. They were the iniquities which accompanied prosperous conditions in the mining region, and were nothing to be bragged about. In the same sense strikes may indicate the presence of prosperity, but they are far from producing it or contributing to its continuance. Prosperity thrives no more on idleness and contention than it does on dance halls and faro banks.”

A “Degraded” Habit.

In an address before the State Bankers’ Convention at Topeka, Kansas, Capt. Joseph Waters is reported to have said: “Between the business exactions of the great employers and the prohibitory law, I care not which or both, or when or where or by whom, the habit of drinking whisky in Kansas has been degraded. When a man on tip-toes goes after dark, down a dark alley, in a stable, closes the door, locks it, puts the key in his pocket, then moseys up the ladder, pulls the ladder up after him, closes the trap-door, goes to the darkest corner of the hay-mow and takes a snip from behind a pile of hay, education beyond the kindergarten period or primary class has got its work in on that man.” It is a good thing that in some localities the “habit” has been “degraded.” It is but a just penalty and a fair retribution, for the “habit” has been degrading and destroying human beings—body and soul—for many centuries. There is need for further degradation all over the land.

Prohibition Liquor Laws Will Prohibit, If Faithfully Executed

Prohibition liquor laws will prohibit, if faithfully executed. The people of Vermont are finding out that drunkenness does increase where the bands are loosed from the liquor traffic. A Rutland correspondent of the Boston Herald, speaking of the removal of prohibition in that State, says: “The amount of drunkenness which has resulted in this region from the open saloons, thus far, is appalling. In the police court of this city there have been more drunks in the nine secular days that the saloons have been running than appeared before the city judge during any four months under the old prohibitory law.” Were it not that strictly-enforced prohibition does prohibit, there would not be so much opposition to it by dealers in strong drink.

The Limits of Partisan Prophetic Interpretations

The politicians who attempt to twist the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation into a support of Socialism and the condemnation of all that oppose it, or the Anti-Secret Society people who make the beast power to represent the “lodge system,” will find sometime that their views are altogether too limited, too narrow, too partisan. The present commercial system has many evils, but socialistic remedies will not cure them. The disease lies deeper than the remedies of any human or political regime can reach. The lodge system is not Christian, but the utter abolition of lodges would not change men's hearts.

Wrong Never Justifiable

Wrong Never Justifiable.—If all politicians would take the stand expressed in the Louisville Courier-Journal, and stand there, there might be some hope of political reform. But of course they will not. That journal says: “This is a good time to recall the fact that oppression and wrong, tho they are sure to come, are never to be defended; and that the people who insist that they be maintained prepare for themselves the penalty which attaches to such delusions. The paramount necessity is to maintain what is right, and to remember that what is wrong never can be justified on the plea that it is necessary.”

An “Argument” Well Refuted.

The Wholesalers’ and Retailers’ Review, an organ of the liquor dealers, gives us one of the so-called arguments against prohibition, the assertion that “Christ commended moderate drinking.” To this assumption the Pacific Ensign aptly replies as follows:—

“Christ commended moderate drinking,” did He? He gave the “cup” at the last supper, and said, “Take ye of it.” But that was a Passover supper, and Jews could not have been induced to use leavened bread or leavened wine at the Passover. Prohibitionists have no war against unleavened wine. The kind they fear makes “babblers,” it “biteth like a serpent.”

The Flying Roll Millennium Prediction

A clipping is sent us which says that the people of the “Flying Roll” fame, with headquarters in this country at Benton Harbor, Mich., have set June 22 for the beginning of the Millennium, after which there will follow three years of flood, famine, earthquake, and pestilence, by which the wicked will be destroyed. Those who know the Bible will know that the Millennium will not come that way.

Are You Discouraged, Fellow Pilgrim?

Are you discouraged, fellow pilgrim?—Then wait upon God. Truly the prophet declares: “For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God besides Thee, who worketh for him that waiteth for Him.” Isa. 64:4. “They that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength.” Isa. 40:31.