THEY who write, or in any manner stereotype their sermons, are often brought into strait places, because of their inability to adapt themselves to the occasion. Some have not the shrewdness of the minister who, with his companions, was caught in a terrific storm. When one suggested that he pray, he replied that he knew a number of prayers, but none suited to those circumstances. The preacher of stereotyped sermons seldom thinks of this; his sermon is good, and if not exactly suited to the occasion, why—it is all the worse for the occasion. As instances of this kind, an exchange relates this:—
"One minister invited to preach to a congregation, mostly sailors, discoursed for full forty-five minutes against horse-racing; while we know of another minister who preached in an Old Ladies’ Home against sowing wild oats in one’s youth."
A speaker should expect to find something in his present surroundings and the present occasion to deepen his interest in his subject so as to make a forceful application, and in order to do this, he must give room for his mind to act, and wait for the leadings of God’s Spirit, which is impossible where one uses written sermons or stereotyped essays.
ARMSTRONG ON THE SABBATH.
By Editor
SOME one, who evidently misunderstood our request of a few weeks since, has sent us a copy of Armstrong’s pamphlet on the Sabbath, published by the Methodist Publishing Houses in New York and Cincinnati. We had the pamphlet, and in an article in the SIGNS of June 2, pointed out the deception practiced by the writer thereof in his comments on Ex. 16. We think it just to hold the publishers responsible for the positions taken in the publication, unless they disavow them, which they do not seem inclined to do. There is one other avenue of escape for them, namely: To vindicate the positions of the author, and show that our criticisms were not correct. Will they attempt to do this? Our request was in reference to this point. If any reader of the SIGNS has seen or shall see any effort of this kind on the part of any Methodist paper or author, he will do us a favor to forward it to us. We are very anxious to see how it is to be done.
PROHIBITION VOTES.
THE temperance people have at last planted themselves squarely on prohibition. The result in this fall's elections came near being changed in Wisconsin by the loss of votes to the old parties. It seems evident now that prohibition is a permanent political question, and that the parties must adjust themselves accordingly. There are several States in which the election of any candidate will be doubtful by another year, unless the prohibition vote can be secured in his favor.
SPECIAL OFFER.
In the above article a few facts are given concerning Young's "Analytical Concordance." These statements have been made after a careful examination of the book. Our ministers who have some knowledge of the original languages in which the Scriptures were written, or even if they have none at all, will find this a valuable book.
Until quite recently the book has been sold at such figures that few could purchase if they would; but by a special arrangement with the publishers, the SIGNS office makes an offer which will enable all who wish to obtain the book. The offer is not made to have the SIGNS take the place of the Review in a single instance, but our brethren who are able, should take both papers.
To give all our public laborers an opportunity to obtain this book, and to circulate more extensively the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, the following liberal offer is now made, to continue until April 1, 1882.
For five new subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, at $2.00 each, we will furnish one of these Concordances; for sixteen new subscribers with Geikie's Life of Christ as premium, at $2.10 each, we will also give a copy as a prize, to the one getting the subscribers. For further particulars correspond with the SIGNS Office, or with Eld. S. N. Haskell, South Lancaster, Mass.
This plan will enable all our ministers and licentiates, and others, that may wish the Concordance, to secure a copy, and at the same time accomplish a good work in extending the circulation of our pioneer sheet. The names need not all be sent at once but as they are obtained. It should be distinctly stated that you are working for the prize or premium, when the names are sent.
The business may be done through the Tract Society officers. The books may be obtained at the SIGNS Office, of Jennie Thayer, Battle Creek, Mich., or of Eliza Thayer, South Lancaster, Mass. The subscribers in no case should be those who are now taking the paper, but they may be all sent to one address or different addresses. We hope to dispose of not less than 1,000 copies of the Concordance before April 1, 1882, to as many of our brethren and sisters who are interested in such a help in searching the Scriptures.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
Missionary Society of Seventh-Day Adventists
A twelve-page Religious Family Paper, devoted to a discussion of the Prophecies, Signs of the Times, Second Coming of Christ, Harmony of the Law and Gospel, with Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, The Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-School.
In clubs of five or more copies to one address, to be used in Missionary work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.50
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland. Cal
—OR—
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
Miss ELIZA THAYER, Secretary N. E. Tract Society, So Lancaster, Mass.
ELDER J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
W. L. RAYMOND Gaston, Or.
Our Publications in England.
By Editor
ANY of the books, pamphlets and tracts issued at this Office may be obtained of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England, who will furnish catalogues and prices in English money, and receive subscriptions for all our periodicals.