The above is a reduced facsimile of a new chart 24 x 38 inches, designed by Miss Flora E. Warren. A very unique and forcible presentation of the statements of Christ and others of God's witnesses regarding the Law of God and our relation to it.
May be had in two styles, as follows:
Printed on strong bond paper, 50 cents
Printed on white muslin, $1.00
Address nearest Tract Society, or
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
Mountain View, California
Portland, Oregon
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Kansas City, Missouri
The Gospel in Peru
By A. N. Allen
IN the north of Peru, about forty miles from the coast, there is a large sugar plantation, with its mills and refineries. Every day over one hundred thousand pounds of sugar is sacked ready for market, besides large quantities of alcohol. On this "hacienda" and others controlled by the same company some ten thousand people live. All live in houses belonging to the hacienda. Only such families as have some member employed by the company are allowed to occupy these houses.
Condition of the Laboring Class
The laborers are nearly all "mestizos" and pure Indians. They are brought from the highlands of the Andes, and are secured by agents whose methods are perhaps legal in this country, but are often far from being moral or just. Twenty or thirty dollars is loaned or advanced them, and a contract is signed. This contract is to the effect that the debt will be paid in labor on the sugar plantation.
For his work he is allowed a house to live in, with one and one half pounds of rice and one pound of meat, with twenty-five cents a day. Then there is a company store where clothes, groceries, and liquors can be had on credit, but at high prices. Thus they are ever kept in debt, and while owing they are practically slaves. Many come to old age and die still owing.
This in a few words describes the condition of the laboring class on the tillable coast lands of Peru. There are some places where higher wages are paid; but as the laborer is almost without exception a consumer of alcohol, his wages are usually spent before they are earned. Food, clothes, and liquors are advanced him, and he works to balance the account, but is ever in debt to the store belonging to the company. He receives from twenty-five cents to one dollar in cash each pay-day, which comes every two weeks.
The people living in the highlands of the Andes handle even less money than those working on the sugar plantations. They have, however, their lands, and have plenty to eat and wear, but see scarcely any ready money.
What the Gospel Will Do for Them
But what relation has this condition to the spread of the Gospel? First, as the seed of truth is necessarily first carried by the colporteur, the people, handling almost no money, can scarcely buy the Scriptures. Second, being in servitude, obedience to the Scriptures is rendered difficult except to the very strongest characters. Some, however, receive the Word with joy, and by leaving off their vices, are able to redeem themselves from servitude.
Deposit and Consignments Bank, Lima, Peru
A Notable Case
As I write, I am sitting in the house of one Lisandro Vargas, who struggled five long years to liberate himself. In the day he worked on the "hacienda," and at night braiding hats or making bricks. There were eight in the family to start with, now there are four. The other four died during the time of struggle for freedom. But having gained freedom by almost superhuman effort, his health was broken, and he was no longer able to work on the hacienda; and had his children not grown to size for service, he would have been sent away.
Obtaining a little credit, Mr. Vargas opened in the front room of his house (there are two little rooms) a grocery and liquor shop. About two years ago Casar Lopez, one of our colporteurs, visited the "hacienda," and sold him a Bible and a "Coming King." Soon after, I received a letter telling of the great change that had been wrought in his life. Mr. Vargas had not only given up the use of liquor, tobacco, tea, and coffee, but he had ceased to sell them. His friends said he would starve, especially as his door was always closed on the Sabbath (Saturday).
But God's children do not starve. Mr. Vargas has more stock in his store to-day than ever before. He is working on his own capital. As I write, his little daughter Jane, of twelve summers, is tending the store and working in the kitchen, the mother sits on the ground with a hand sewing-machine sewing shoe tops, and Mr. Vargas is fastening the soles on them.
In this humble home of two rooms are combined a shoe shop and a store. There are no floors or windows, no carpets or pictures except a few cut out of newspapers and one picture of our mission workers. Their only literature is such as comes from the mission. And it is a praying home. Last night, after reading the first week of prayer reading, we bowed in prayer; and even the children present raised their humble voices in earnest petition, asking God to hasten to send the Gospel to all the world. How many more homes are waiting for the Gospel just for the lack of what little you might help?
"He Leadeth Me"
"In pastures green?" Not always.
Sometimes He who knoweth best,
In kindness leadeth me in weary ways,
Where heavy shadows lie;
Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright,
Out of the sunshine into darkest night,
I oft would faint with terror and affright
Only for this—I know He holds my hand.
So whether led in green or desert land,
I trust, altho I can not understand.
"And by still waters?" No, not always so.
Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o'er my soul the waves and billows go.
But when the storm beats loudest,
And I cry aloud for help, the Master
Standeth by and whispers to my soul,
"Lo, it is I."
Above the tempest wild I hear Him say:
"Beyond the darkness lies the perfect day.
In every path of thine I lead the way."
So whether in the hilltops high and fair I dwell,
Or in the sunless valleys where the
Shadows lie, what matter?
He is there; and more than this,
Where'er the pathway lead,
He gives to me no helpless, broken reed,
But His own hand, sufficient for my need.
So where He leads me I can safely go,
And in the blest hereafter I shall know
Why in His wisdom He has led me so.
—Anonymous.
Worth Thinking About
"Right at our door in the West India Islands are nearly a million who have never yet heard the Gospel."
"If God could get the waste, the money wasted by Christians, the evangelization of the world would soon be an accomplished fact."
"To the church, China is not the 'yellow peril;' it is the golden opportunity."
"Every tick of the watch sounds the death-knell of a heathen soul."
"Indifference to missions means the forfeiture of Christ's presence and favor."
"One hundred million of India's women can neither read nor write."
"In Bengal, 7,000 child widows are under four years of age."
Dr. Phillips Brooks used to say to his church, "Preach or perish, teach or tarnish, evangelize or fossilize."
Choir and altar of the Cathedral of Saint John, Lima, Peru. The Cathedral is very large, and expensively decorated.
An Offer to Our Young People
An opportunity for you to secure a professional training, including all expenses, uniforms, etc., with monthly cash payments the second and third years. Only nine hours per day. Overtime extra. At the St. Helena Sanitarium and Hospital Training School for Missionary Nurses.
The course is especially strong because of the large number of patients, providing ample experience in both medical and surgical practise. Our San Francisco dispensary provides opportunity for experience in city mission work. Consecrated graduate nurses readily find employment in institutions and mission fields at home and abroad. Just now we desire to secure ten or more at good salaries.
It is not yet too late to join the spring class. Mention these offers to your friends who may be interested.
Write immediately for particulars and full information, addressing—
DR. H. F. RAND, Medical Superintendent,
or MRS. S. J. WHITNEY, Secretary,
Sanitarium, Napa County, California.
Glendale Sanitarium Training School for Missionary Nurses
By Editor
WE desire at least twenty-five young people for our nurses' class beginning June 1, 1911. Applicants will be admitted to class any time during May and June, but it will be well for each one to enter as early as possible.
We are now able to offer a very strong course, one in which an exceptionally large amount of valuable practical experience can be obtained. Our proximity to Los Angeles enables us to give our nurses thoro training along all lines, each nurse spending some time in visiting nurses' work in this city. We desire to put at least twelve nurses into the city during the next few months to help do the work in Los Angeles that we are being called to do in all of our large cities. We can do this and more if our young people will respond to this call. The training that we can offer is one which many if not all of our young people should have to prepare them for active missionary service whether as nurses, canvassers, or Bible workers.
We are just about to open up a surgical ward in our sanitarium which will greatly increase our surgical and obstetrical work.
Those desiring to enter, apply as early as possible to Belle Wood-Comstock, Superintendent Training School, Glendale, California.
A Treat for the Children
By Editor
Those interested in the children and desiring that they have some really interesting little Bible studies will appreciate the special series of studies now running in "Our Little Friend." They are presented in a way particularly fascinating and comprehensive, and will prove of untold worth to many a child. Send thirty cents for a six-month subscription and have the paper sent to some one of your "little friends." Better yet, send it to several of them at thirty cents each. They will thank you heartily for its cheering little pages. How much we who are older would have appreciated something similar when we were young! There is a real treat in store for all the "Little Friend" readers. Subscribe now through the Tract Society. Sixty cents a year. Our Little Friend, Mountain View, California.
Christ Our Saviour
By Editor
Christ Our Saviour.—By Mrs. E. G. White.
We have in this book the life of Christ our Saviour from His birth to ascension, given in simple and direct language. It is printed in large, clear type, and is finely illustrated by engravings made especially for it. The simplicity with which this "Old, Old Story" is told, the aptness of the illustrations, and the general appearance of the better-bound styles, will attract and hold the reader's attention to the very close. 182 large octavo pages, and bound as follows: Fine English cloth, 75c; cloth back, board covers, in colors, 50c.
Also in German, Danish, Spanish, and Swedish at same prices. Address this office.
July Signs of the Times Magazine
By Editor
A real treat for the readers of "Life and Health" in the JULY "SIGNS OF THE TIMES" MAGAZINE. Contained within this pleasing and appropriate cover is much for thinking people.
"An Unclean Mouth and Tooth Decay as Related to General Health," by D. H. Kress, M.D. Valuable and important.
"The Rights of the Individual," by M. C. Wilcox. For liberty-loving people.
"All Past Time," by the Editor—containing some pertinent quotations from good authority, and proving scientifically the exact day of creation. A convincing and unusually important article. You will enjoy every word.
"Freedom for the Other Man," by A. O. Tait. A strong article on religious liberty.
"The Stimulant in Modern Society," by Frank S. Weston.
"When Were the Stars Created?" by the Editor. You will thoroughly enjoy it.
"Creation and Evolution," by George McCready Price.
"Can We Know?" by the Editor. Some striking inconsistencies considered.
"An Era of Liberty, and Why," by the Editor. An interesting and appropriate article.
"The Gospel in the Promises of Abraham." Further important studies in Old Testament history, by William Covert.
"Geneva and the Reformation," by Mrs. E. G. White.
And a number of others.
Don't fail to see a copy of this magazine. If the agents doesn't call on you, send ten cents to—
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Mountain View, California
"HERALDS OF THE MORNING"
By Editor
The appalling loss of life by murder and suicide, political and social troubles, dissatisfaction between employer and employee, strikes and fires, wars and rumors of wars—all these are of daily occurrence. What do they mean? and is there any significance to these things at this particular time? To the close observer, all these are evidences that there is a nearing social vortex into which all unsettled factions, and the world at large, will be plunged. When and how this will be brought about is revealed in "Heralds of the Morning." By appealing to the "sure word of prophecy," the author clearly shows that these conditions were to exist just before the Lord's return, and points out many other signs that the Scriptures tell us are certain heralds of the glad morning when strife shall cease, and peace and happiness reign forever. That the reader may understand these events, and be prepared for the final outcome, is our reason for calling attention to this valuable work. More than 150 illustrations vividly portray that upon which the subject-matter treats. A live book upon a live subject.
Bound in cloth, with marbled edges, $2.00.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING ASSN.
Mountain View - - - California
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY
(Entered Sept. 15, 1904, as second-class matter at the Mountain View, Cal., post-office, under Act of Congress of March 3, 1879.)
Editor...........................................Milton C. Wilcox
Associate Editors..............................{ A. O. Tait
L. A. Reed
Manuscripts should be addressed to the editor. Address all business and make all money-orders, etc., payable to the Signs of the Times, Mountain View, California.
N. B. We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.
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The Sure Foundation
By Editor
An editorial writer in a paper called Firm Foundation admits that "it is true God wrote ten commandments," but "this law was given exclusively to the children of Israel;" and therefore, the Sabbath of the Lord is not binding upon Christians. There is one great fact this writer has not learned, and that is that all the Bible, the laws, the covenants, the promises, and Jesus Christ our Lord, were given to and through Israel. Jesus said, "Salvation is of the Jews." John 4:22. Paul said, speaking of the Jews: "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen." To the Gentile as such there is absolutely no promise. His hope lies in taking hold of God's covenants with Israel. Does the editor of this paper have hope in "the new covenant"? It was made with Israel. Heb. 8:10. Moreover under the new covenant God's law of ten precepts is written upon the heart. So it was with Daniel and Isaiah and Jesus and Paul and John, and they were all Sabbath-keepers. The new covenant church is built upon "the foundation of the apostles and prophets," the chief corner-stone of which is Jesus Christ. The apostles do not teach one law, and the prophets another. They are both one in Christ Jesus. God will not have two sets of characters in His kingdom, formed by two standards. He is one. His law is one. His people will then be one, delighting in His law. The editor of the Firm Foundation would do well to build upon God's "Sure Foundation." Isa. 28:16.
The Devil's Signature
Some years ago two Roman Catholic papers in Germany got into a dispute over the genuineness of an alleged signature of the devil, as published in a pamphlet at the time. It is said the devil signed himself, "Sanctus Daemus Primarius Praesas (First Presiding Holy Demon)." This matters little; the quarrel and possibly the book are almost forgotten. It is immaterial to us. This we do know, that Satan has written his signature all over this sin-cursed earth, in the faces and lives of the vicious, the vile, the false-hearted, upon and in all who will yield to him, as well as upon every system of false religion. But we also thank God that the blood of Jesus Christ will obliterate it all from heart and face if the sinner will but let them be cleansed, and in its place God will write the name—the blessed character—of Eternal Righteousness. For this we contend. The signature will be genuine. Is it not worth contending for?
The Sabbath Question Settled
By Editor
The Sum of the Matter.—It seems to us that the Sabbath question is very easily settled if one will submit it to the Word of God. Certainly the Lord instituted the Sabbath. Gen. 2:1-3. He commanded it with nine other unchangeable moral precepts. Ex. 20:1-17. He declares that "all His commandments are sure;" that "they stand fast forever and ever." Ps. 111:7, 8. Jesus Christ, in whose heart was God's law (Ps. 40:7, 8), declared that He came not to destroy the law, and that one jot or one tittle should not pass from the law. Matt. 5:17-20; Luke 16:17. Moreover He kept all God's law, as declared by Himself and others (John 15:10; 1 Peter 2:22); and in all His obedience we are to follow, to walk as He walked (John 21:22; 1 John 2:6). He who would obey God and follow Christ will keep the Sabbath commanded of God. To what other conclusion could we come?
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
By Editor
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CAL., JUNE 20, 1911
Our authority is the Bible, the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. When the Common ("King James" or "Authorized") Version or the American Standard Revised Version is used, the version will not generally be designated in reference. Any Bible quotation in this paper, therefore, differing from the Common Version, unless otherwise indicated, will be almost invariably from the American Standard edition of the Revised Bible, copyright 1910, by Thomas Nelson & Sons.
For further particulars, subscription rates, etc., see page 15.
Contained in This Issue
By Editor
Our Question Corner
3470—The Brothers of Jesus Again; 3471—Duty to a Husband; 3472—The Civil Year of the Jews; 3473—Meaning of "Fear" in Rev. 14:7; 3474—"The Latter Days," "the Last Days;" 3475—Easter and Its Authority; 3476—Is Polygamy a Sin? 3477—Eating of Fat; 3478—The Passover; 3479—Lord of Hosts; 3480—Who Are Israel? Hosea 3:4, 5; 3481—1 Cor. 7:27-29; 3482—Amos 6:14; 3483—The Mark of the Beast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Anonymous Correspondence.—We wish once more to say that anonymous contributions or inquiry will receive no attention in this office. We must have the names of the writers, not necessarily for publication, if they do not desire, but for our own information. There are some who forget to sign their names; there are others who do not think it necessary; there are still others who do not wish to sign their names. We have neither means nor time to distinguish between these classes. Some will be disappointed; for this we are sorry, but can not help it. We see no reason why we should break our rule, and have no time to spend over unsigned communications.
Cardinal Gibbons Honored as First Citizen
By Editor
The high honor paid to Cardinal Gibbons "as a citizen" means much more than this. President, ex-President, Vice-President, Supreme Court Justices, Speaker of the House, governors, and other prominent persons to the number of 600, were present on the 25th anniversary of Cardinal Gibbons's installation as "prince of the church." No unofficial citizen was ever so honored, and but few officials. It would be difficult to pay him higher homage if he were President of the United States. It is but a step from Cardinal Gibbons, the first citizen of the land, to the Pope as the first citizen of the world. In this connection let us ask our readers to study the articles on the Revelation.
Not a Book of Definitions
Not a Book of Definitions.—The Bible is not a book of precise definitions; life can not be limited by mere words of men. For instance: Heb. 11:1—"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"—is frequently quoted as a definition of faith; but at the most it is but an expression of faith in its future aspect, the forward look. The context of Heb. 11:1 refers to disappointed ones (Heb. 10:32-39), and the exhortation is to hope, to let faith bring the future here. But faith is more than this; it is absolute submission to God in the constantly unfolding present; it is receiving and accepting all the wondrous gifts of grace through Jesus Christ now; it is taking God's Word for just what the Word says; it is appropriating the power of His Word to all present needs. Faith is all this and more. And so it was to the heroes of Hebrews 11. Faith must be exercised to be known.
How Shall the Sabbath Be Kept?
"How Shall the Sabbath Be Kept?"—"According to the commandment;" that is the way the holy women who followed Jesus observed the day. The Lord declares, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." This does not mean a lazy rest. The rest is from our own labor for our own profit or pleasure. The best commentaries on the Sabbath law are those given through the prophet Isaiah and Jesus Christ. The former reads: "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord." Self is not to be served, but God. "But are we to do no work, build no fire, cook no food?" asks one. That depends on the purpose, the object for which, and the spirit in which, these things are done. Our Saviour's life is a guide in this. The raving demoniac stood before our Lord on the Sabbath day, and Jesus restored him. He saw, one Sabbath, an impotent man lying at the pool, and He bade him to rise, take up his mat, and walk. He goes to the sickbed of Peter's mother-in-law, touches her with divine power, and she rises on that Sabbath day and serves Him and His disciples. He places His holy hand on the bowed back of a daughter of Israel, on another Sabbath, and she is made whole. His disciples pluck the heads of wheat, shell out the grain, and eat it on another Sabbath day, and Jesus justifies the act. "It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days." "The Sabbath was made for man." Works of necessity, of worship, of direct labor for God, have ever been in harmony with the Sabbath law (Matt. 12:3-5); yet works not of necessity, but of presumption and defiant rebellion against God, will be as surely punished as were the same in the wilderness. Num. 15:30-36. He who delights in God will delight in God's commandments.
The Devil's Signature
The Devil's Signature.— Some years ago two Roman Catholic papers in Germany got into a dispute over the genuineness of an alleged signature of the devil, as published in a pamphlet at the time. It is said the devil signed himself, “Sanctus Daemon Primarius Praesas (First Presiding Holy Demon).” This matters little; the quarrel and possibly the book are almost forgotten. It is immaterial to us. This we do know, that Satan has written his signature all over this sin-cursed earth, in the faces and lives of the vicious, the vile, the false-hearted, upon and in all who will yield to him, as well as upon every system of false religion. But we also thank God that the blood of Jesus Christ will obliterate it all from heart and face if the sinner will but let them be cleansed, and in its place God will write the name — the blessed character — of Eternal Righteousness. For this we contend. The signature will be genuine. Is it not worth contending for?
National Educational Association Convention
San Francisco is making elaborate preparations to welcome and entertain over 50,000 educator delegates from every State in the Union, Canada, Cuba, and the Hawaiian Islands in the Forty-Ninth Annual Convention of the National Educational Association, which meets in that city from July 8 to 14. It is expected to be the most important gathering in the history of the association. The citizens, through the San Francisco Convention League, have appropriated $25,000 for this purpose. Every railway in the United States and Canada has granted the lowest rates ever offered on any occasion.
The Pullman Company's Profits
By Editor
The Pullman company started with a nominal capital of $1,250,000; it is now $120,000,000. In 1910 the company earned from its 5,283 cars the vast sum of $33,334,073. It paid a dividend of 8 per cent, and issued new stock for $20,000,000. The average Pullman car earns an average profit of $7.62 per day. The charges to passengers are exorbitant, and we hope that now the facts are given in part, the Interstate Commerce Commission may effect a reduction.
Life Boat Prisoners’ Number
By Editor
There are two things which the devil and his angels can not very well meet in God's work,—easily and willingness. Both of these were found in Judah when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem opposed the building and repairing of Jerusalem. But Judah was united under Nehemiah, and "the people had a mind to work." And God prospered them in their building.
The Twelfth Annual Special Prisoners' Number of Life Boat has come to hand. It contains excellent matter to place in the hands of those from whose lives hope is almost departed. Do you not know such? All prisoners are not behind iron bars and locked doors. More are in the prison-house of sin. Price of number 10 cents. In large quantities at less. Address, Hinsdale, Illinois.
Unity and Willingness in God’s Work
There are two things which the devil and his angels can not very well meet in God's work,—unity and willingness. Both of these were found in Judah when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem opposed the building and repairing of Jerusalem. But Judah was united under Nehemiah, and "the people had a mind to work." And God prospered them in their building.
Justly Rebuked
By Editor
Justly Rebuked.—President Taft has openly and severely rebuked Colonel Garrard because that officer, in the examination of a young Jewish soldier's examination papers for promotion, styled the Jews as undesirable "social associates." The President terms this as "unfounded and narrow prejudice."
