"The Sinner and His Friends," "a Volume of Evangelistic Sermons." By Rev. Louis Albert Banks, D.D., Funk & Wagnalls Co., New York. 12mo, cloth, 364 pages. Price $1.30 net; post-paid, $1.42.
This volume gives a series of very interesting and helpful sermons. The sermons abound in illustrations and narratives that not only fix the interest but they touch the heart and instruct. Doctor Banks speaks from the heart, and enlivens his matter, not by the foolishness of jesting and joking, but by the earnestness of his conviction. He shows by his sermons that he believes in a whole Bible, and also that he believes the world is sick thru sin; and the one and only remedy for that sin is the atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ. The minister and the layman can find help and inspiration in the book, and the sinner can find help and comfort.
"Practical Christian Sociology." By Wilbur F. Crafts. Revised fourth edition, 524 pages, price $1.50 net. Funk & Wagnalls Co., New York.
This volume is a series of five Princeton lectures on the subject of "Practical Christian Sociology." It is arranged in the form of a text-book with review questions after each chapter. There is an appendix giving numerous notes on each lecture, and a "second part" to the appendix giving what the author calls chronological data of human progress. Mr. Crafts endeavors to show that there is no difference between the "secular" and the "sacred" duties. He says, "The most serious error that has come down to us from the Middle Ages, one of much greater harmfulness than many theological and ecclesiastical errors more discussed, is the unwarranted, unscriptural division of life into 'sacred' and 'secular', the double standard of piety, as unwarranted as the double standard of purity."
The volume advocates many useful and important reforms, and shows immense labor, but in this book, as in all Mr. Crafts' writings, he strongly urges the enforcement of Sunday observance by civil law. It is for this purpose as much as anything else that he makes his argument that there should be no distinction made between the sacred and secular.
The persistence with which Mr. Crafts has advocated reforms in divorce laws, and urged prohibition as the most tenable method of dealing with the drink curse, and worked for the lifting of mankind out of the numerous social vices is truly commendable. His work indicates that he is sincere, earnest, and able in his line. But it seems too bad that he has not been able to see that when he attempts to enforce by civil law such religious doctrines as the observance of Sunday he is asking us to go back into the darkness of the ages when they burned men at the stake and subjected them to all kinds of tortures because they would not subscribe to the tenets of church dogma whether they could believe in them or not. Majorities may rule in civil matters, but they have no right to rule in matters of conscience. It was this great, fundamental truth that formed the chief corner-stone of the American Republic. It is suicidal to depart from a doctrine that has been proved to be so divinely correct.
"The Life and Sayings of Sam. P. Jones, the Evangelist." By his wife. A. N. Jenkins & Scott sole distributors, Austell Building, Atlanta, Ga.
This volume tells the story of the life of the noted evangelist, Sam. P. Jones, in a very readable and entertaining manner. It is a volume that any one will enjoy reading, and as the story of his early struggles in entering the ministry is told there is an uplifting influence at the thought of the determination and devotion that he manifested. He was a character that has usually been pictured as very rough and uncouth, but when seen from the standpoint of "his wife" his devotion to God and his determination to lead souls to Christ present a very helpful narrative. The severe, rough, and harsh-mannered preacher that has been so often talked about in the papers is lost sight of in the tender, affectionate husband in the home and the neighborhood.
"Making Home Peaceful." By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle. Over 200 pages, illustrated, cloth; price 75 cents. Address your tract society or this office.
Mrs. Stuttle is a writer of long experience, and "Making Home Peaceful" will be found a delightful story for children, and grown-ups as well, in inculcating principles of filial love and duty, temperance and practical Christianity in the home. It is so simply and beautifully told that every child-heart will be touched, and the experiences of the wayward son of the story it is hoped will bring many thoughtless, drifting boys to consider their course and turn from it. The evil results of a wrong course are strikingly contrasted with the present peace and the future happy reward of right-doing.
"A Manual of Common American and European Insects." Funk & Wagnalls Co., New York, Price 25 cents.
This strikingly useful little manual reproduces the common insects in their natural colors, and gives both the common and the scientific name of each. Thus a person with the manual in hand would be able to discover the name of any of the common insects that he might meet, and by going to an encyclopedia or some work on entomology would be able to learn the history of the bug. A complete index enables any one to readily find any insect that is listed in the manual. The manual can be relied upon as being trustworthy as it is prepared under the direction of William Beutenmüller, Curator of the Department of Entomology, American Museum of Natural History, New York.
"A Manual of American and European Butterflies and Moths." Funk & Wagnalls Co., New York. Price 25 cents.
This little booklet is on the same plan exactly as the "Manual of Insects," reviewed in the foregoing. Both ought to be in every school and family.
Helps to Bible Study. A series of Bible-readings, simple and easy, designed as an aid to the personal study of the Scriptures, and adapted to the use of individuals or families: also a valuable assistant for Bible workers. 125 pages. Paper covers, 25 cents; cloth, net, 50 cents. Address this office.
Bible Text-Book.—By O. A. Johnson. A pocket edition of Bible-readings on 49 subjects, covering in a concise and complete way the prophecies, the Third Angel's Message, Two Covenants, Law of God, Sabbath Question, and many other kindred topics. 208 pages. Cloth, net, 30 cents; leather, 50 cents. Address this office.
Left with a Trust. By Nellie Hillis. Is a story of the struggles of a family to help mother and each other during the absence of father, and pleasantly reveals the brighter side of youth where there is a worthy purpose and a will to be kind and affectionate. 160 pages, illustrated. Cloth, net, 50 cents. Address this office.
Wanted for Missionary Work.
CLEAN copies of SIGNS, the Life Boat, Instructor, Little Friend, or any other of our denominational papers. Address Mrs. M. Knolty, Richmond, Cal.
SIGNS, Watchman, and tracts are desired by Chas. F. Volz, R. F. D. No. 3, Lexington, Ind.
CLEAN copies of the SIGNS and Little Friend. Address P. Padurson, Monterey, Cal.
SIGNS and Life Boat for prison work. Address Mrs. Ona Keifer, Ocean Park, Cal.
THERE are times in our lives
When our lights grow dim,
And the Lord seems afar
When we call on Him,
And we feel, as we kneel,
The horror of a great darkness.
There are ways that are drear
To our aching eyes,
And we fain would lie down
'Neath the gloomy skies
And rebel; and repel
The horror of a great darkness.
And we cry in our pain,
In our inmost heart,
For we feel in our soul
The blood-drops start,
And we know all the wo,—
The horror of a great darkness.
Just one thing can avail
When the night is here:
Pray in faith to the Lord
Till the lights appear,
And the day drives away
The horror of a great darkness.
ELIZA H. MORTON.
The Building of a Home
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle
Marriage and Its True Meaning.
THERE is an old adage that marriages are made in heaven; but judging from the shameful number of divorce cases which disgrace our civil courts, they are not all made there; for heaven is the home of harmony, and homes that are unharmonious, are, from the very nature of things, disapproved by high Heaven.
That it was the original intention of our loving Father that true homes and congenial family relationship should exist, is too plainly proved from God's Book to be doubted for a moment. Indeed this Book tells us of a class which should arise, so obnoxious in its doctrine and pernicious in its teaching as to be especially designated as "forbidding to marry."
It is evident, then, that they who do this thing set themselves up as wiser and holier than the Almighty. Why?—Because marriage as an institution is Eden-born. I wonder if those who speak so lightly and so irreverently of this sacred state forget that the first marriage ceremony of which we have any record was performed by the Creator Himself, with the holy angels for witnesses, before the slimy trail of the serpent had as yet polluted the fair bowers of Eden. I wonder if they who speak lightly of this God-given and God-blessed institution remember that it was at a marriage feast that the Mighty Nazarene performed His first miracle; thus setting upon the pure lips of sacred love the divine seal of right.
"But," you say, "we know of no one who lightly regards this institution save a few fanatics or atheists or Spiritualists."
But I have known those who were most loyal upholders of the law of God and of the Sabbath,—yes, please don't interrupt me,—those who willingly sacrificed and gave of their means to enlighten their fellow men regarding the claims of God's Sabbath,—I have heard such speak slightly and lightly, yes, more, disapprovingly, of that sacred institution which might be termed more than akin to the Sabbath (inasmuch as it is virtually its twin sister) and as tho they actually doubted the wisdom of the Almighty in giving it to man.
"Well," says one upon whose back the coat sets quite snugly, "I have seen so much evil result from ill-timed and ill-mated marriages, that really I have been glad that my daughter was wise enough to remain single, and that my son had sense enough not to entangle himself in any such manner."
My friend, do you realize that the expression of such sentiments as these is a virtual acknowledgment of your own unhappiness and your own folly? Worse than this; it is a placing of your own weak judgment above the wisdom of the Almighty.
"But," you insist, "was not marrying and giving in marriage one of the sins for which God punished the old world?"
But what about "eating and drinking"? and shall we then refuse to eat and drink? I think there is no immediate danger of our misapplying and misinterpreting the words of inspiration in this respect. Why, then, do we stumble over the other words of the same text?
But what shall we do? Shall we encourage our young sons and our beautiful daughters to rush hastily and thoughtlessly into early and ill-assorted marriage? Shall we teach our daughters that a speedy marriage to a rich husband is the one great aim and object of life, the one great goal to which they must attain? Or that our sons, almost before they have reached their majority, must make haste to lead to the altar the first immature or irresponsible girls for whom they may have entertained a passing fancy?—No, no; a thousand times, no. One of the great causes of so many ill-assorted marriages and consequent divorces is the unreasoning haste and thoughtlessness with which this most solemn and important contract is entered into and sealed.
What, then, is the real meaning and object of true marriage as regarded by the divine Author?—Is it not for the establishment of such homes of refinement and love as shall be a reflection in miniature of that Eden home which He has gone to prepare for us—homes in which songs of praise daily ascend to heaven, and in which Jesus Christ is the One above all others, "Chiefest among ten thousand," and the One "altogether lovely?" places where the children shall grow up as "corner-stones polished after the similitude of a palace"?
What are the three foundations, then, upon which a happy and Heaven-blessed marriage must be built?
Hark! methinks I hear the question caught up and repeated by the multitude of pleasure-loving young men and women who, in their wild rush after folly, forget that they have souls to save; and the answer is echoed by the mad throng of pleasure-seekers, whose only thought or care is for the present: "What are the foundations of happy marriage?"
Like the roar of a thousand cataracts, I hear the answer: "Money, passion, convenience!" but this answer is only inspired by him "who first broke peace in heaven," and, like him, it smells of the pit of corruption and darkness.
Let me give the answer of the Christian: The three foundations of true marriage are these, and without them there can be no real happiness: tender forbearance, Christ-like unselfishness, and mutual love.
Don't Turn Back.
Most lives are filled with half-finished tasks which were begun with enthusiasm but which have been dropped because the enthusiastic beginners did not have enough grit to carry them to a conclusion. It does not take much ability to begin a thing, and we can not estimate a man by the number of things he commences.
The test of character is in a man's ability to persist in what he undertakes until he adds the finishing stroke. The ability to hold on is one of the rarest of human virtues.
Look out for the period in your life when you are tempted to turn back! There is the danger point, the decisive period. All the great things of history have been accomplished after the great majority of men would have turned back.—Word and Works.
A Brief Selection
By H. P. Liddon
H. P. Liddon.
For Children and Young People
GOSPEL PRIMER
This book begins with an attractive alphabet, each letter of which is connected with some Bible scene. Following that the word method of reading is introduced, together with illustrated Bible stories. It contains 128 pages. Price in board binding, 35 cents; cloth, 60 cents. Published in German, Danish, Swedish, and Spanish at the same prices.
MAKING HOME HAPPY
A bright, cheery story in which good, wholesome lessons are taught. Contains 200 pages. Price, in cloth binding, 50 cents.
MAKING HOME PEACEFUL
A companion volume to "Making Home Happy," by the same author. It tells more about Deacon Beardsley's family and how an unhappy home was made peaceful. Cloth binding, 75 cents.
CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR
A graphic account of the birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, interwoven with many interesting incidents in His life. Contains 182 pages. Price, board binding, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. Published in German, Danish, Swedish, and Spanish at the same prices.
UNCLE BEN'S COBBLESTONES
Familiar talks with boys and girls about such common things as air, water, sunshine, fire, smoke, glass, coal, salt, paper, matches, etc. Uncle Ben has a very pleasing way of telling about the origin and use of these things. Profusely illustrated. Contains 221 pages. Price, $1.00.
STEPS TO CHRIST
One of the most helpful books for young Christians ever written. It presents in a simple and practical manner the steps by which the sinner may find Christ and be made complete in Him. Contains 163 pages. Price in cloth, 50 cents. Published in German, Danish, Swedish, French, Dutch, Spanish, Finnish, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, and Bohemian at the same price.
MOUNT OF BLESSING
This is an excellent companion volume to "Steps to Christ," and is by the same author. It is an exposition of Christ's sermon on the mount. In imagination the reader is taken back to the scene on the mountain-side where He sits with the disciples, and enters into the thoughts and feelings that fill their hearts. As one reviewer has said, "It is a book for the quiet hour." Beautifully illustrated. Contains 218 pages. Price in cloth, 60 cents.
NEW TESTAMENT PRIMER
This book begins with an illustrated alphabet and description of New Testament Trees and Flowers, New Testament Birds, and Bible Insects, followed by 31 short chapters treating upon the various New Testament incidents. Profusely illustrated in colors. Price in board, 35 cents; cloth, 60 cents.
OUR LITTLE FOLKS' BIBLE NATURE
A series of complete lessons on nature, taking up the subject in the order of creation. It is designed as a beginner's book in reading, and at the same time to teach beautiful lessons from nature, based on the Bible. It contains 128 pages. Price, board binding, 25 cents; cloth, 50 cents.
POWER FOR WITNESSING
A work on the Holy Spirit. Not an exposition of doctrine, but an exhortation to doing, illustrating by live and interesting experiences the work and use of the Spirit. Some of its interesting chapters are: "Something to Tell," "Ye Are My Witnesses," "Secret of Rejoicing in Tribulation," "Filling and Feeling," "Miracles of Healing," "How to Seek Spiritual Gifts." It contains 200 pages. Price, cloth binding, 75 cents.
HOUSE WE LIVE IN
Sets forth in an interesting and instructive manner all the wonders, uses, functions, etc., of the human body in all its various parts. The plan of the book is conversational—a mother talking with her children. It is a book for home reading and will be of great assistance to mothers in teaching their children how to care for themselves physically, and to avoid the evil effects of narcotics and stimulants. Contains 218 pages, nearly 150 illustrations. Cloth, $1.00.
STORY OF JOSEPH
A book for children; large type. The interesting story of Joseph's life—of how he was sold a slave by his older brothers when only a mere lad, yet many years afterward became the governor of all Egypt—is told in a manner so simple that the children will appreciate it. Many illustrations; printed in three colors, 64 pages; board, 25 cents.
BIBLES
The publishers of this paper carry a line of Oxford Bibles, a description of which will be gladly sent on request.
BIBLE READINGS FOR THE HOME CIRCLE
= Helps to =
# Bible Study
BIBLE READINGS FOR THE HOME CIRCLE
This book comprises 162 readings for public and private study, and answers nearly 3,000 questions on religious topics,—practical, historical, and prophetical. It contains 600 octavo pages, printed on a superior quality of tinted paper, embellished with 57 full-page engravings and 170 ornamental headings, together with ten full-page Scriptural and prophetic diagrams, 3 colored plates, and other attractive features. The bindings are elegant and substantial, the styles and prices being as follows: cloth, gilt side title, marbled edges, $2.25; library, marbled edges, $3.25; full leather, marbled edges, $4.25; cheap edition, 400 pages, solid type, no illustrations or colored plates, no poetry, thin paper, brown cloth, plain edges, $1.00.
CHRIST'S OBJECT LESSONS
By Mrs. E. G. White. This volume of 436 pages from the pen of Mrs. White is an attractive grouping of the parable-teaching of Christ. The linking of divine truth with common things and incidents is a prominent characteristic of Him who "taught as never man taught;" and in this book the author has developed and illustrated in a beautiful way these teachings, making a volume full of gems of truth, and which will give to many readers a new meaning to the surroundings of every-day life. The publishers have taken great pains to make the setting worthy of the gem, as to both mechanical work and illustrations. The latter are by talented New York artists, and have been expressly designed for this book. Handsomely ornamented cloth cover, $1.25. By mail, 15 cents additional. Also in German, Danish, and Swedish, at same price.
DANIEL AND THE REVELATION
Revised edition, by Uriah 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 throuut 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. 754 pages, with illustrations, beautifully bound. Plain cloth, $1.50; cloth, marbled edges, $2.50; library, marbled edges, $3.50; leather, marbled edges, $4.50; paper-covered edition, in two volumes, 50 cents.
THE DESIRE OF AGES
By Mrs. E. G. White. The life of Christ presented in a new and beautiful form. Its whole object is to show that in Christ the love of the Father is revealed, and that we may live the life He lived if we rightly connect with the same Source of power.
The illustrations number about 300, and are largely original. It contains nearly 900 royal octavo pages, printed on enamel finish paper, with wide margins. The bindings are handsome, as well as substantial. Cloth, plain edges, narrow margins, thin paper, $2.50; cloth, marbled edges, $3.50; cloth, gilt edges, $4.25; library, marbled edges, $5.00; full morocco, gilt edges, $7.00; trade edition, no illustrations, thin paper, smaller type, cloth bound, $1.50; leather bound, $2.00.
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN
By Mrs. E. G. White. This volume presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting history that has ever been written of the great conflict between Christianity and the powers of darkness, as illustrated in the lives of Christian martyrs and reformers on the one hand, and wicked men and persecuting powers on the other. Beginning with our Lord's great prophecy, given while viewing Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, this book outlines the history of the whole dispensation down to the time when "sin and sinners are no more, God's entire universe is clean, and the great controversy is forever ended." It contains 39 full-page illustrations, nearly all of them new and specially engraved. It is printed on fine tinted paper, beautifully and substantially bound, and contains 700 octavo pages. Over 200,000 copies already sold. English cloth, embossed in jet and gold, marbled edges, $2.50; library, marbled edges, $3.50; full leather, marbled edges, $4.50.
HERALDS OF THE MORNING
By A. O. Tait. A new edition of this popular work, enlarged and thoroly up to date. It treats on the second coming of Christ, and the signs that the Scriptures tell us should precede that great event. It tells the meaning of the appalling loss of life by murder and suicide, and by fearful calamities on every hand, of the capital and labor troubles, strikes, fires, perplexity among the nations socially and politically, and the significance of the great phenomena in nature as portrayed all around us. With all this Christ is presented as the Friend of sinners, and His coming as the cheering hope of His children. It points out the place of refuge for those who would be shielded amid the perils of these last days, and how we may be saved from the great deceptions that Satan is multiplying in the earth. The light from the "sure word of prophesy" is turned on life's pathway, clearing up the obscurity and brightening it up amid the troubles and perplexities, even unto the dawning of the morning of the eternal day when strife shall cease. More than 150 illustrations vividly portray that upon which the subject-matter treats. A live book upon a live subject. 384 pages, cloth, marbled edges, $2.00.
DATE OF EXPIRATION.
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.
A GREAT WINTER RESORT.
Do you know that Colorado, and especially the valley in which is situated the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium, is a most delightful winter climate, equal in every respect to that of California or the sunny South?
The Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium is a well-equipped medical institution, employing the very best and most approved methods of treatment.
The medical staff comprises four physicians—two men and two women—graduates of leading medical schools, together with a large corps of nurses of both sexes.
No tubercular or consumptive patients received. Special reduced rates are afforded during the winter months. Write to-day for large illustrated catalog, with card of rates. Address, Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium, Boulder, Colorado.
OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE GOOD HOMES.
Mercedes, Hidalgo County, Texas, offers opportunities for those looking for a home and better climate. It is the most southern point in Texas. New country just opened. Railroads recently put thru. Has fine irrigation canal, soil is fertile; can grow hay, fruit, garden truck, in fact, everything that is grown in other portions of the United States. Good markets; climate healthful and made temperate by Gulf breeze. Price of land from $45.00 to $74.00 per acre. Size of farm, forty acres or less. Easy terms. If interested in this excellent country with its opportunities for a poor man, write to me at once, or, buy your ticket to Mercedes, taking advantage of the low rates now offered; or send $50.00 and I will pick out the best place for you there is obtainable. A. Hanson, Mercedes, Texas.
S. S. Supplies
S. S. Supplies.—We still have a good supply of S. S. Record F at 35 cents, for schools of 20 to 90 members; class records at 10 cents; S. S. Quarterlies at five cents each. If you need a Bible, send for our "Select List of Bibles." Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.
Pacific Press Publishing Company
Complete catalog of all our publications sent free on application, address
Pacific Press Publishing Company
Mountain View, California
285 Salmon Street
Portland, Oregon
1109 East 12th Street
Kansas City, Mo.
Box 666, Regina, Sask., Canada
FERRY'S SEEDS
The Sower Has No Second Chance
Good sense says make the most of the first.
FERRY'S SEEDS
have made and kept Ferry's Seed Business the largest in the world—merit tells.
Ferry's Seed Annual for 1908 tells the whole Seed Story—sent FREE for the asking. Don't sow seeds till you get it.
D. M. FERRY & CO., DETROIT, MICH.
South Lancaster Academy Fire
Let the resolves to do better, which this closing-year season will bring, deepen into great principles of God controlling heart and life.
Where can more or better important religious instruction be found in any current religious issue of any paper in the United States than in this issue? We can not discriminate by naming particular ones. From first to last it is packed full of instruction, information, spiritual helpfulness. Other papers to come will be as full and better. Help us to push on the glad message.
At about four o'clock on the morning of December 4, fire was discovered in the South Lancaster (Mass.) Academy building by a student who had arisen early. He immediately sounded the alarm and commenced playing on the flames a fire extinguisher that was conveniently provided for such emergencies. The fire company from the village soon arrived, and altho the fire was a very stubborn one, yet they succeeded in saving the building. Elder Farnsworth in writing us about it states that the loss will be considerable, but just how much he was not able to say when he wrote. The insurance adjuster gave prompt attention to the matter and assured the managers of the academy that they could go right ahead with the repairing of the damage as the loss would be settled right away. Already the work of clearing away the debris and the reconstruction is well under way. The school was discontinued for one day, and resumed again in the church building until the schoolhouse can be repaired. The South Lancaster Academy is one of our best schools, and has had a hard struggle for a number of years with financial problems. And while the insurance will help them out, yet there will be much loss above that, and those who have means with which they would like to assist a worthy educational enterprise could not do better than to send some of it to the academy.
Notwithstanding the hard times which the financial panic has brought to thousands of working people, thrown out of employment, the old heathen celebration of December 25 will persist among Christians. Having settled the question, "What shall I give?" some days before, from various motives,—of giving because it is expected, because it is fashionable, to meet similar obligations from others, and because some one may be needy,—the other questions take possession, "What shall I get? What shall I have to eat? How can I have the best time?" And it is an undeniable fact, if we will look it in the face without flinching till we see it as it is, that at the bottom of the great mass of what is called "Christmas cheer" lies pure naturalism, fleshly desires, and the very essential motives of nature-worship—human selfishness. Even so did the ancient heathen. The old Roman Saturnalia was a midwinter feast, ending December 25. In the feast people ate and drank to excess, sent presents one to another, and had generally "a jolly good time." We call it all Christian, but how much,—honestly, now!—of the real Christianity of Christ is there in the greater part of it, for instance, the selfish, costly presents, the feasting and drunkenness, the song and revel?
Thank God, there is a Christian spirit in many hearts which even despite the old Saturnalian revels finds joy in helping others who need help on the so-called day of the Nativity. Of course it isn't the birthday of Jesus, but work done for Christ in Christ's spirit is ever acceptable. So we plead with our readers to use the day as Christ would have them. Remember the poor, the needy, the discouraged. Be temperate, sober, happy, and serve Him with a joy not necessary to be given birth to by a roast goose or duck or to be nourished by a Christmas tree or a plum pudding. There is a joy deeper and fuller than all these can give or affect.
THIS is the last issue in the year 1907. Its date is December 25. The date of our next number is January 1. All its subscribers ought to be reached by that date. In that issue will begin the readings for the Band for the first eleven days of January, closing Sabbath, January 11. After that the studies will be given in each succeeding number for the full week following.
"Why can not I read the Bible by myself?" some one asks.—You can, and thousands have done this. Yet many who have read it again and again are joining us; and we have been glad to see the names of strong men and good Bible scholars in both Hebrew and Greek. You will derive benefit—
1. By deciding to read the Bible thru and holding to the decision.
2. By the association of others who have made the same decision, and who are persistently, prayerfully, prosperously pursuing the same pathway thru the rich pastures of the Scriptures of truth.
The conditions are ten cents for Band-membership. The SIGNS furnishes each one a card, giving his or her number and agrees to give first attention to the questions of all Band members. All proper questions will be answered freely thru the SIGNS. If two-cent stamp is enclosed, by letter if desired.
All outside the Band are asked to enclose ten cents if answer is desired by mail; by the paper, two cents. We are forced to this by the great demand made on our time and the time of stenographers in answering letters. We would be glad to answer all free of charge; and would do so if they were few, but when they aggregate from ten to twenty a day, the burden becomes greater than we believe our own good friends would have us bear. The small profit on the paper ought not to be diminished. We are only asking our friends to share the burden, small to them, great upon our editorial force.
We hope to receive many more names, and we wish all a blessing in the year's journey to come.
Death of King Oscar
King Oscar of Sweden died December 8. He was a very popular monarch during all his long reign, and his death causes deep and heart-felt grief to his subjects. His son, under the title of Gustave V, has taken the oath of office and will reign in his father's stead.
Articles on Christian Science.
By Editor
THE first article appears in this issue. A proof was shown, at his request, to Mr. F. W. Gale, Christian Science press agent of the West. The quotations by Mr. Underwood are from the edition of "Science and Health" of 1905. Mr. Gale compared them with the edition of 1907. We have compared them with this edition also, and find no material change.
Mr. Gale thinks it unfair to take a sentence out of a paragraph; the whole paragraph or division should be quoted. But in no case has the sentence quoted misrepresented the context; the context is usually a defense of the theory stated in the sentence quoted.
Mr. Gale says "Christian Scientists do not hold 'Science and Health' as higher authority than the Bible, and Mrs. Eddy says, 'Follow me only as I follow Christ.'" But we do not know how the second quotation from Mr. Underwood can be understood in any other way. If "Science and Health" should be used as a "text-book," if it is "the voice of truth to this age and contains the whole of Christian Science," why should they not hold it above the Bible? Consistently, they could do nothing less, especially when Mrs. Eddy declares portions of the Bible "a lie," "error," "legendary," "a myth," as she characterizes the second and third chapters of Genesis. Do Christian Scientists believe this account of creation?
When Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ," he meant the divine-human Saviour; but by "Christ" "Christian Science" means Truth, of which Jesus was an exponent or exemplification, to be understood as Mrs. Eddy has revealed (?) it. We may be pardoned if we prefer the Christ of the Bible.
