“LAY not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt. 6: 19-21.
With but few exceptions, the entire human family is busily occupied in the pursuit of treasure. All do not have the same ideas or standards of what constitutes real treasure, but whether it is knowledge, power, social position, houses and lands, pleasure, health, or the wealth of gold and silver, every one is actively engaged in its pursuit. The vital question is not to what degree are we successful in the attainment of the object of our activities, but rather the use to which we put it, the manner in which the treasure is invested or expended.
The Saviour warns all against investing, or laying up treasure upon the earth, for on the earth the fruitage of our labor is exposed to the corruption of moth and rust, and loss from thievery.
Man is exhorted to “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. . . . For all that is in the world, the lust [or desire.] of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” Whatever treasure of time, labor, or money is invested in the world, will ultimately be lost with the passing away of the world; but he who invests treasure of time, labor, or money with God, has an enduring investment with the eternal God in heaven, exposed neither to corruption of moth and rust nor to loss from thieves.
The Lord has imparted to man the power to get wealth, not, however, that the accumulated wealth should be consumed20upon himself, or hoarded in the earth for the individual’s gratification, but used as a sacred trust from God, that it might be expended in cooperating with him in establishing his covenant on the earth. “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deut. 8: 18.
Our trust and affections are not to be placed in riches, great or small, but in God, who enables us to secure them. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. 6: 17-19. The children of God are living and working for both time and eternity. What blindness is theirs, when they make the accumulation of transient wealth one of the chief objects of their existence, and place their trust in uncertain riches that are subject to attack and dissipation from so many sources—dishonesty of men, changing values, sickness, and calamities. From a hundred unforeseen sources may arise conditions that will sweep away the broken reed upon which the individual has been leaning. But the foundation of God standeth sure, and they that use their energies and wealth in harmony with the Lord’s plan are laying up in store for themselves a foundation against the time to come.
Too many Christians may be likened to the young ruler—moral to a high degree in his outward life, but recognizing his need of something else in order to make sure of eternal life—to whom the Saviour said: “Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful.” Luke 18: 22, 23. How many of the Lord’s people are maintaining the same attitude to the cause of God. They are reaching out after eternal life; they desire a place in the new earth; but when appeals are made to them to invest their means in the upbuilding of God’s kingdom in the earth, they go away sorrowful, showing that they love the things of this world more than the things that belong to God. The future will reveal that they belong to that foolish class represented by the man whose ground brought forth plentifully, but instead of seeking to advantage the cause of God by his prosperity, he thought within himself: “This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow my . . . goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12: 18-21.
The conditions prevailing in the earth all strongly indicate that the time will soon come when all who maintain such an attitude toward the riches of the world will awaken to the fact that the “harvest is past, the summer is ended,” and the time when their wealth could be of any use in the kingdom of God has lapsed irretrievably. Then they will fulfill the prophecy of Isa. 2: 20: “In that day a man shall cast the idols of his silver, and the idols of his gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats.” Marginal reading.
Some seem to think that in returning to the Lord his tithe they have discharged all their financial obligations to the cause of God, that upon the remaining nine tenths the work of God has no claim to which they need give consideration, and, like the man who received one talent, they forthwith proceed to bury it in the earth, entirely ignoring the kingdom of God and its claims and needs. The following quotations from the writings of Mrs. E. G. White are very pertinent:—
“It is God who blesses men with property, and he does this that they may be able to give toward the advancement of his cause. He sends the sunshine and the rain. He causes vegetation to flourish. He gives health, and the ability to acquire means. All our blessings come from his bountiful hand. In turn, he would have men and women show their gratitude by returning him a portion in tithes and offerings,—in thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass offerings. Should means flow into the treasury in accordance with this divinely appointed plan,—a tenth of all the increase, and liberal offerings,—there would be an abundance for the advancement of the Lord’s work.
“But the hearts of men become hardened through selfishness, and, like Ananias and Sapphira, they are tempted to withhold part of the price, while pretending to fulfill God’s requirements. Many spend money lavishly in self-gratification. Men and women consult their pleasure and gratify their taste, while they bring to God, almost unwillingly, a stinted offering. They forget that God will one day demand a strict account of how his goods have been used, and that he will no more accept the pittance they hand into the treasury than he accepted the offering of Ananias and Sapphira.”—Acts of the Apostles, page 75.
“Liberality, both in spiritual and in temporal things, is taught in the lesson of seed sowing. The Lord says: ‘Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.’ ‘This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.’ To sow beside all waters means a continual imparting of God’s gifts. It means giving wherever the cause of God or the needs of humanity demand our aid. This will not tend to poverty. ‘He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.’ The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So is it with those who are faithful in distributing God’s gifts. By imparting they increase their blessings. God has promised them a sufficiency, that they may continue to give. ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.’
“And more than this is wrapped up in the sowing and the reaping. As we distribute God’s temporal blessings, the evidence of our love and sympathy awakens in the receiver gratitude and thanksgiving to God. The soil of the heart is prepared to receive the seeds of spiritual truth. And he who ministers seed to the sower will cause the seed to germinate and bear fruit unto eternal life.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, pages 85, 86.
It is evident that whatever of the Lord’s good gifts have been bestowed upon us are to be considered as intrusted talents, to be used, not selfishly for our own gratification, but for the benefit of mankind—for the upbuilding of the kingdom of heaven on the earth.
There has never in the history of the denomination been a time when the conditions in the mission fields and developments in the world called for a recognition of the force of Christ’s statements concerning the safe disposition of man’s treasure more than at the present hour. The fields are everywhere ripe for the message. Where we have established our missionaries, the Lord is giving most encouraging results. Minds darkened by ignorance and superstition and enslaved by sin are being enlightened and liberated by the blessed truths of salvation. And yet the work in almost every field that has been entered by us is held under restraint for lack of workers and funds to occupy and develop the openings the Spirit of God has so manifestly prepared for his truth. To almost all the insistent appeals coming to us from these fields during the past year the General Conference has been obliged to turn a deaf ear, on account of the lack of funds, notwithstanding that we are told by Paul: “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. . . . But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” 1 Thess. 5: 1, 2, 4. “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God?” 2 Peter 3: 11, 12 (margin).
Since 1844 the seventh angel’s trumpet has been sounding, concerning which the inspired seer declared: “But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” For seventy years this seventh trumpet has been sounding. The events that were to21take place under it have been or are rapidly being fulfilled. The judgment message has gone forth to those that dwell upon the earth, to many peoples and nations and tongues and kings. Surely there is no gainsaying the fact that the “nations are angry.” The thunderings of the Balkan War have scarcely ceased. Its rivers of spilled blood have not yet been hidden by the earth. The interference of the greater nations of Europe saved to the Turkish Empire a mere foothold on European soil, and now already Europe is torn and distracted with the most stupendous strife in history. Millions of men are said to be marshaled in the contending armies. The exactions of this frightful struggle are so urgent that neither the schoolboys nor the old men are spared from military service. Women even are reported as preparing to fill the terrible gaps that have been made in the ranks by the modern methods of destruction. Recent dispatches indicate that Turkey has entered the war, although it has been warned by some of the powers that have heretofore come to its help that if it enters the present conflict, it will mean the final destruction of the nation. At this writing no one can foretell the outcome of the war, but to the Christian, to the student of God’s Word, these things must surely be admonitions to prepare for the coming of Christ—harbingers of the dawn of the glorious day of deliverance to which God’s people have ever looked. To them the Saviour’s admonition will especially apply: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” Matt. 6: 19, 20.
Shall We Keep On Sinning?
Lesson for the Children — No. 6
Shall We Keep On Sinning?
MEMORY TEXT: “For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Rom. 6:7.
Repeat the lesson verse in concert. Ask the children if they have seen a dead person. Did he talk or sing? If some one was angry with him and called him bad names, did he answer back? Did he do anything wrong? No, nothing any one could do would provoke him. He was dead.
The Bible uses this illustration to show our relation to sin. We should be like the dead as far as sin is concerned.
Perhaps the children will be thinking, “But I am not dead. I am alive. I did something bad today before I came to meeting.”
Teach them that they die by reckoning themselves dead. When they do this, God makes it true. They become alive to God but dead to sin. They open the heart wide to Jesus, but shut it tight against Satan. They choose to serve the Lord. They say to the devil, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Each morning they should give themselves anew to Jesus, and, like the Elder Brother he is, he saves each one who trusts in him.
A poor heathen man in Africa named Mochuana was a drunkard. He was dying of drink, when a missionary pleaded with him to stop the habit. He said he could not. He was told the story of Acts 3, and that there was power in that Name to save him, degraded as he was, and that Jesus was waiting to be asked.
In reply the poor man begged to be taken to this great doctor. He would give him money — anything — if he might become well. The missionary told him to simply ask and believe, and they knelt to pray. The poor man, who had no strength to do right, offered this prayer: “Great Doctor, make me well.” That was all, but it was heard in heaven.
Then the man asked the missionary for the name having such power, and went away whispering softly to himself, “Jesus, Jesus.” He was entirely cured, and said his “mouth felt clean like a child’s.”
Then he was tempted. A man tried to get him to drink, and as they started for the saloon, the old thirst came back. He thought he must drink. But he said, “Just as I was halfway to the saloon, there by a bush I called out softly three times, ‘Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!’ and the disease left me at once, and I turned back. And so you see there is power in the Name.”
Show the children that the power of that Name is just as effectual to overcome any sin in us as drunkenness in that poor heathen man, and that we may gain the victory over anger, impatience, idleness, or any wrong if we claim the victory in the name of Jesus. Make this lesson so plain that victories may be gained before the close of the meeting.
When we are in a good meeting it may seem very easy to do right; but if when we get home mother asks us to do something that we do not like to do, or somebody takes our things, and we feel cross and hateful, then let us whisper that Name that is above every other name, and we shall overcome.
There are two things we must do if we die to sin: First, we must read and study the Bible. Ps. 119:16, 11. This is the way Jesus lived,—without sin. Second, we must pray for victory over sin, and expect it. We may want to do wrong, but we can ask Jesus to change our minds so we shall not want to. Jesus often prayed far into the night.
This meeting should be one in which those conducting it, as well as the children, receive new light and life and power, and victory over sin. Give all opportunity to confess their sins and tell their needs, and to pray for forgiveness. There is power in Jesus’ blood to save to the uttermost, great and small.
Him That Cometh to Me
“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
The Children May Help
Lesson for the Children — No. 7
The Children May Help
MEMORY TEXT: “And we are his witnesses of these things.” Acts 5 : 32.
Review part of lesson 5, showing how even the ‘children were helpers and workers for Jesus when he lived among men.
Now there is a great work to be done before Jesus comes again. Every nation must be warned, so that the people may get ready.
Illustrate by a great house being built in a very short time. One man, or even a few, could not build it quickly. Some must work on the walls, others on the roof, and still more on the inside, till the workmen seem to swarm all over the building.
A temple for God is being built. The stones must be alive. Shall we read about it? Eph. 2 : 20-22. Some will be pillars. Rev. 3 : 12. Jesus will write on them. What?
Some of the pillars will come from India, China, Japan, South America, Africa, Europe, and the islands. O, so many workmen are needed to get the pillars ready so that they can take their places in the beautiful temple! There is a place reserved for even the children in the building.
(The leader should give items of interest from the mission fields, especially anything that relates to the children. These may be obtained from different readings for this week of prayer and from our periodicals. Close with a season of earnest prayer for the missionaries and those for whom they labor.)
Preparing for Christ’s Return
By Ellen G. White
(Reading for Sabbath, December 19)
Preparing for Christ’s Return
MRS. ELLEN G. WHITE
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS profess to believe that the day of this world’s history is far spent, and that the night is at hand. Should we then, as the end draws nigh, manifest greater earnestness and zeal in the service of God, or may we now relax our energies, and participate in the pursuits and pleasures of the world? The Lord has ever required his people to show in all their habits of life a marked difference between themselves and worldlings. Even if the end were not near, it would be the duty of every Christian to be true to his profession of faith, and by an example of simplicity and self-denial, to rebuke the pride and selfishness of the ungodly. How much more, then, is it incumbent upon this people to manifest unfailing zeal and consecration!
In both the Old and the New Testament the Lord has positively enjoined upon his people to be distinct from the world, in spirit, in pursuits, in practice, to be a holy nation, a peculiar people. The east is not farther from the west than are the children of light, in customs, practices, and spirit, from the children of darkness. And this distinction will be more marked, more decided, as we near the close of time. It is not a profession of faith, or a name registered in the church book, that constitutes us children of God. It is a vital connection with Christ. We must be one with him, imbued with his Spirit, partakers of the divine nature, crucified to the world with its affections and lusts, renewed in knowledge and true holiness.
God requires of his blood-bought heritage the sanctification of the whole being,—purity like the purity of Christ, perfect conformity to the will of God. “Be ye therefore perfect,” is God’s word to us; and in order that we might obey this word, he sent his only begotten Son to this earth to live in our behalf a perfect life. We have before us his example; and the strength by which he lived this life we also may have. Our duty, our safety, our happiness and usefulness, and our salvation call upon us each to use the greatest diligence to secure the grace of Christ; to be so closely connected with God that we may discern spiritual things, and not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. The mighty surges of temptation will break upon all; and unless we are riveted to the eternal Rock, we shall be borne away, to become the helpless prey of the enemy. By diligent searching of the Scriptures, and earnest prayer for divine help, the soul must be prepared to resist temptation. The transforming power of Christ’s grace will mold the one who gives himself to God’s service; for God is bound by an eternal pledge to supply power and grace to every one who yields himself to be sanctified by obedience to the truth.
Now is the time to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Readiness to meet him cannot be attained in a moment. Preparatory to that solemn scene there must be vigilant waiting and watching, combined with earnest work.
We are living in a time of peril, a time of temptation, of despondency. Every one is beset by the wiles of Satan, and we should press together to resist his power. We should be of one mind, speaking the same things, and with one mouth glorifying God. When unity prevails, the church advances from success to success, and the various departments of the cause of God fulfill their part in the finishing of the great work before us.
There are many, many in our churches who have but a limited understanding of the real meaning of the truth for this time. I appeal to them not to disregard the fulfilling of the signs of the times, which say so plainly that the end is near. O, how many who have not sought their soul’s salvation will soon make the bitter lamentation, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved”!
We need to humble ourselves before God, because there are those in the church who are failing of accomplishing that which the Lord desires them to accomplish in soul-saving effort. The privileges that he has given them, the promises he has made, the advantages he has bestowed, should inspire them with far greater zeal and devotion than they manifest.
My brethren and sisters, are we willing to leave self out of the question? Are our energies spent in the Master’s service? Are our voices often raised in earnest supplication for power from on high? Is our faith pure and strong? Have we put away all prejudice, all evil thinking and evil speaking? Are our affections set on things above, or are they twining about the things of this earth? Are our eyes open to see the needs of those around us? Can God call us faithful watchmen?
To those who have failed of discerning the opportunities of the present hour, I would say: Do you desire to break the spell that holds you? Would you arouse from this sluggishness that resembles the torpor of death? Go to work, whether you feel like it or not. Engage in personal effort to bring souls to Jesus and to the knowledge of the truth. In such labor you will find both a stimulant and a tonic; it will both arouse and strengthen. By exercise, your spiritual powers will become more vigorous, so that you can, with better success, work out your own salvation. The stupor of death is upon many who profess Christ. Make every effort to22arouse them. Warn, entreat, expostulate. Pray that the melting love of God may warm and soften their ice-bound natures. Though they may refuse to hear, your efforts will not be lost. In the effort to bless others, your own souls will be blessed.
The greatest in the kingdom of God are those who love the Saviour too well to misrepresent him; who love their fellow men too well to imperil their souls by setting a wrong example.
Let every church member kneel before God, and pray earnestly for the impartation of the Spirit. Cry: “Lord, increase my faith. Make me to understand thy word; for the entrance of thy word giveth light. Refresh me by thy presence; fill my heart with thy Spirit, that I may love my brethren as Christ loves me.”
God will bless those who thus prepare themselves for his service. They will understand what it means to have the assurance of the Spirit, because they have received Christ by faith. The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sins. It means that sin is taken away, and that the life is filled with the Spirit. It means that the mind is divinely illumined, that the heart is emptied of self and filled with the presence of Christ. When this work is done for church members, the church will be a living, working church.
God expects those who claim to be his children to bring others to him. On every hand are opening before us many doors for the presentation of the message of saving truth. Beside all waters the seeds of truth are to be sown. To all the world—to every nation and kindred and tongue and people—the message is to be proclaimed. As those who have received the light of present truth exercise a living faith in Christ, as they labor together with him in soul winning, what a work will be accomplished! For such laborers the angels of God will open ways and furnish opportunities, and will cooperate with the human agent, that he may not run in vain, neither labor in vain.
The Angel of the covenant is empowering his servants to be his witnesses to carry the truth to all parts of the world. He has sent forth his angels with their message. But as though these angels did not speed on their way fast enough to satisfy his heart of yearning love, he gives John personally the message to be given to all: “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” He has opened a fountain for Judah and Jerusalem, and every member of his church is to show his loyalty by inviting the thirsty to drink of the water of life. A chain of living witnesses is to carry the invitation to the world. Will you act your part in this work? God calls. Will you hear his voice, and, denying self, take up the cross and follow him? As you see the peril and the misery of men and women under the working of Satan, do not exhaust your God-given energies in idle lamentations, but go to work for yourselves and for others. Arouse, and feel a burden for those who are perishing.
Sound an alarm through the land. Tell the people that the day of the Lord is near, and hasteth greatly. Let none be left unwarned. We might have been in the place of the poor souls who are in error. According to the truth that we have received above others, we are debtors to impart the same to them.
We have no time to lose. The powers of darkness are working with intense energy, and with stealthy tread Satan is advancing to take those who are now asleep, as a wolf taking his prey. We have warnings now which we may give, a work now which we may do, but soon it will be more difficult than we imagine. God help us to keep in the channel of light, to work with our eyes fastened upon our Leader, and patiently, perseveringly press on till the victory is gained.
The coming of the Lord is nearer than when we first believed. The great controversy is nearing its end. Every report of calamity by sea or by land is a testimony to the fact that the end of all things is at hand. Wars and rumors of wars declare it. Is there a Christian whose pulse does not beat with quickened action as he anticipates the great events opening before us? The Lord is coming. We hear the footsteps of an approaching God, as he comes to punish the world for its iniquity. We are to prepare the way for him by acting our part in getting a people ready for that great day. No entreaties are so tender, no lessons so plain, no commands so powerful and so protecting, no promises so full, as those which point the sinner to the fountain that has been opened to wash away the guilt of the human soul. Let every heart as well as every hand be engaged to do the work that must be done. The word is given from the throne of God, “Every man to his work, each to do his best.”
Treasure in Heaven
Lesson for the Children — No. 8
Treasure in Heaven
MEMORY TEXT: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven: . . . for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt. 6: 20, 21.
If your house was on fire, or you knew it would soon burn down, what would you do, children?—“Get out of it.” “Look to see if anybody were inside.” “Get the things out and take them to a safe place.” Yes, you would do all these if you had time.
But after your friends were safe, next you would think of your treasures, the things most costly, and that you love the best. You would not want them destroyed, and would work hard to save them.
This world and everything in it will soon be burned. When the whole world is on fire, we shall want a safe place to stay, such as Noah had in the flood. (Show how the people used their riches then, and what Noah did with his possessions.)
Some things we shall not care to save when Jesus comes. Some we would like to keep. People do not often throw their money away when in a burning building or on a sinking ship. They usually try to save it; but a time is coming when even silver and gold will be thrown into the streets. Isa. 2: 19-21.
The Lord has told us how we can save our treasures,—to send them on before us to heaven. There they will be safe and we can have them again. How? Jesus counts gifts made to his work as so much placed in the bank of heaven.
Noah did not spend his money for feasts or pleasure. He put what he had into the ark. His family was saved with him, while others were drowned. Their riches were buried in the mud.
God has made everything capable of giving. Ask the children what the sun, clouds, rain, the growing grain, the flowers, etc., give us. Should we be the only selfish creatures in creation?
This week we may lay up treasures in heaven by giving to help the missionaries.
Jesus, My Friend
By Henry de Fluiter
HENRY DE FLUITER
I HAVE a friend so dear,
Constant and true is he;
Filling my heart with cheer;
So good to me!
He's covered every sin and stain,
His power can make me whole again,
And soon with him fore'er I'll reign,—
Jesus, my friend.
He's promised to return
To this dark world below;
Though wicked men may spurn,
To him I'll go.
He'll take me to my home on high,
Where I shall live and never die,
He'll wipe all tears from every eye,—
Jesus, my friend.
Then why should sorrow fill
Hearts that on him rely?
His blessed, “Peace, be still,”
Calms every cry.
He fills with hope and courage now,
And at the last, I know not how,
Will place a crown upon my brow,—
Jesus, my friend.
True Success
WHAT is success? The amassing of money? Dives did not find it so. Is it power? Herod did not find it so. Is it knowledge? Paul did not find it there. No; success lies in the simple service of God. Success lies in stewardship, in receiving the facts of life—money, influence, intellect—as loans from God, to whom the account is daily to be rendered. “The longer I live,” writes Samuel Chapman Armstrong, “the less I think and fear about what the world calls success; the more I tremble for true success, for the perfection and beauty of the inner life, for the purity and sanctity of the soul, which is as a temple.”—Central Christian Advocate.
THE WORK
By Editor
AND
THE WORKERS
THE current or “War” number of Liberty magazine tells the truth about “Armageddon.” Show it to your friends.
THE dread of becoming old should disappear after you have read the December or “How to Keep Young” number of Life and Health, now ready. Life and Health one year and the Protestant Magazine one year, only $1.70. Until Dec. 31, 1914, the October, November, and December, 1914, numbers will be thrown in with 1915 subscriptions at this low rate.
UNTIL Dec. 31, 1914, all who send $1.00 for a 1915 subscription for EITHER Life and Health or the Protestant Magazine will receive FREE the October, November, and December, 1914, issues — 15 MONTHS FOR $1.00.
SEND $3.25 for the following five magazines for one year: Life and Health, Liberty magazine, Protestant Magazine, Signs of the Times Magazine, and the Watchman. Regular price, $4.35. New subscriptions or renewals accepted. Make presents of these magazines.
SEND $1.70 for any two, $2.40 for any three, or $3.00 for any four of the following monthly magazines FOR ONE YEAR: Life and Health, Protestant Magazine, Watchman, Signs Magazine. Regular subscription price of each, $1.00 a year. Add 25 cents to any club, for Liberty magazine for one year.
TWO weeks ago the manager of the Protestant Magazine received a telephone message from the general office of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, Washington, D. C., stating that a special messenger was on the way to Takoma Park to secure three copies of the June and three of the February numbers of the Protestant Magazine for their traveling passenger agent from —. The interest in back numbers of this fearless yet dignified monthly seems to be on the increase.
Do you know that Dec. 8, 1914, is the date set by Roman Catholic leaders for a general bombardment, by letters, of our senators, representatives, Postmaster-General, and Secretary Bryan, petitioning them to help bar Protestant periodicals from the U. S. mails? Let every true Protestant use the Protestant LETTER-PROTEST to these same government officials, calling for HANDS OFF A FREE PRESS. See suggestive letter opposite page 497 of the November Protestant Magazine. Cut it out, fill in the blanks and sign it at once, or copy it off and mail a copy to your senators, your Congressmen, to Postmaster-General Burleson, and to Secretary Bryan, State Department. A copy sent to President Wilson, White House, Washington, D. C., would also not be amiss. Do this at once! Hand the November Protestant out where it will count most. Send $1.00 for 20 or $2.00 for 50 copies.
The New York World for Oct. 29, 1914, refers to “the Protestant Magazine, a monthly periodical published at Washington, of unknown circulation, the editors being W. W. Prescott and W. A. Spicer, his associate.” On page 4 of that issue it continues: “The June number of the Protestant Magazine, which is also finding extensive circulation in the State, devoted several of its forty-five pages of text to attempts to show that ‘the Roman Catholic hierarchy was largely interested in securing his [Mr. Sulzer’s] removal from office.’” Then follows a description of the “Picture Section” of our June number, and a quotation one foot long from “an interview between the editor of the Protestant Magazine and Mr. Sulzer at the latter’s office, at No. 115 Broadway, April 23, 1914.” These quotations or references to this magazine appeared also in the New York Evening Post, the New York Times, and in thousands of other newspapers throughout the country. Many are now inquiring for sample copies of the Protestant Magazine as the result of this unusual publicity. Only a few copies of the June number may be had, at 10 cents each, or 25 cents for 5 copies. Mailed to different addresses.
UNCLE SAM ON THE SCHOOL QUESTION
See Four-Page “Picture Section” in the November “Protestant Magazine”
By Editor
Without doubt this November number is the BEST that has been issued since this FEARLESS yet DIGNIFIED magazine was launched in 1909. It will tell you about Rome and the European War, the Papacy and the Mexican Problem, Rome’s Present Efforts to Bar Protestant Periodicals from the U. S. Mails, the Luther League of America, the Thirteenth Annual Convention of the American Federation of Catholic Societies, and about the real meaning of “The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.” The November 8 issue of Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic weekly approved by the Pope and by the papal delegate to the United States, contains the following: “There are over twenty-five million Catholics under the flag of the United States. . . . The American government has the power also to PUT AN END TO THE CIRCULATION OF CALUMNIES in our own country. It is not a question of making a request any more. It is a question of MAKING A DEMAND.” (Caps ours.) Send 10 cents for sample copy, or $1.00 for 20 or $2.00 for 50 copies of this “best number yet,” before the supply is exhausted.
News from European and Asian Missions
WE have received from Hamburg the first two numbers of a new paper devoted to foreign missions. The title is Der Advent-Bote (The Advent Messenger). It is a sixteen-page monthly, profusely illustrated, and is to be devoted to the interests of the mission fields of the European Division, describing the progress of our work and the various peoples inhabiting those countries. Those who read German will find this new publication a most interesting and helpful document. The price to American subscribers is advertised as 40 cents a year.
NOTWITHSTANDING the disturbed conditions of the world, the work of giving the last message must be pushed forward with even greater earnestness than ever. In response to calls from Asia, quite a number of workers are even now on the high seas, journeying toward China, Malaysia, and India. Brother L. J. Burgess sends back word from Japan that he and Sister Burgess have had a good journey thus far, and are hopeful of a prompt passage through to India.
