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Signs of the Times, Vol. 1, No. 3.

GRACE AND GLORY:
Earlier text: Is Sin Immortalized?

Delaying Obedience.

To HAVE the understanding enlightened in regard to duty, and the conscience so thoroughly awake as to make one feel uneasy in the neglect of it, and yet to be surrounded with advisers, wearing the name and title of Christians, who are continually urging further delay, is about as uncomfortable a position as a person of fervent piety needs to be placed in. To rebuke such advisers in the faithfulness of the gospel, and yet, at the same time to behave towards them with becoming meekness, is not the easiest thing in the world. Nevertheless, the idea that we may postpone our obedience to God for a little season, notwithstanding our convictions, is not to be tolerated.
Suppose, for example, that a person becomes convinced that it is his duty to observe the Sabbath of the Bible—the seventh day of the week. Forthwith he is assailed by his associates with the suggestion that he ought not to be in a hurry—that he ought to take plenty of time for consideration, at least a year. Plausible as such advice is, we offset it with a simple passage of scripture: “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies; I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Ps. 119: 59, 60. Here the Psalmist testifies that he turned his feet to obedience, so soon as, by thinking on his ways, he found that he was walking astray. He made no delay about it; he did not go about to consult the wise men of the nation; he did not examine the writings of the rabbis and doctors, to see if there was not some way of getting round the duty; he made haste to render obedience.
But now-a-days, as soon as a person's conscience begins to lash him for neglected duty, he is advised to be very careful about running too hastily. Well, we would not wish one to be too hasty: but on the other hand it may be well to consider whether there is not such a thing as being too tardy. Conviction of duty is not to be trifled with. When any one does violence to his conviction, he feels that he disobeys God; and such disobedience is sure to be followed by disastrous results. The voice of conscience grows more feeble, and (if the disobedience be persisted in) becomes, at length, hushed in silence. It may continue to reprove with regard to other duties, but with regard to that particular one which has been made the object of willful neglect, it reproves no more. As a necessary consequence, the soul suffers the loss of all those blessings which obedience in that one thing would bring.
Nor is this all. Conscience, having yielded to corruption in one instance, becomes ready to yield in another. Its sternness has been overcome, and it no longer guards the soul with that security which it had been wont to do. It is to the soul what the sense of modesty is to the female; and, as the female cannot allow her sense of delicacy to be trifled with without incurring the risk of a total loss of virtue, so the conscience cannot in a single instance, be abused, without incurring the danger of becoming “seared with a hot iron.” We will not undertake to say, that this is, in every case, the result; but we do say, that there is great danger of it. We insist, therefore, that when one understands what is duty, he ought to lose no time in putting it in practice. Let him remember, too, that the wrath of God is revealed against those “who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” Rom. i, 18.
But the possibility that one may be mistaken as to his duty, is often urged as a reason for delay. There may be something in this; at least, it seems plausible. Generally, however, this objection is more specious than solid. At all events, it is so with regard to those things which are the subject of direct and unequivocal command. With regard to the Sabbath, we have no hesitation in saying, that it savors of “the wisdom that is earthly.” The object of those who urge it is to induce a deference to the views of those who have acquired great skill in explaining away the divine law. But we hold, that however doubtful may be the teachings of Scripture with regard to such questions as are purely doctrinal, or however obscure the language in which its prophecies foretell coming events, with regard to the common, practical duties of life, the Word of God is so plain that there is no need for a child to be mistaken. Were it otherwise, it would be unsuited to the wants of mankind. For, inasmuch as every one must give an account for himself, and not another for him, it is necessary that each one should be able to decide for himself.
People of small intellectual capacity must be able to make this decision, as well as those of more expanded powers; and children, as well as those of mature age. Hence duty must be revealed in very simple language.
And how simple the language in which our duty to keep holy the Sabbath-day is revealed? “Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy—the seventh day is the Sabbath.” Who can fail to understand it? What untutored peasant cannot comprehend it? What child does not perceive its meaning? The command to refrain from the adoration of images is no more plain. Yet, when a person of ordinary mental powers is convinced by it, and begins to think about rendering obedience, straightway he is admonished that he does not understand it, and that he would do well to consult some learned men, some spiritual rabbis or doctors of divinity, before taking any decided step!
And what do the learned doctors say, upon being consulted? Why, that it is the duty of men to keep holy the first day of the week. But how do they make it appear? Do they produce any precept from the Scripture, plain and unequivocal, like the fourth commandment? Not by any means. They can present nothing which is level to the comprehension of a child. Whatever they say on the subject, is entirely above the understanding of children and ignorant people. They talk about the magnitude of redemption, as compared with the work of creation; they have something to say about redemption being finished on the first day of the week by the resurrection of Christ from the dead; they lay a few such theological propositions together, and finally draw out the inference, that the first day of the week is a holy day. But the plain, ordinary mind, does not understand this. The child fails to comprehend it. It is true, he hardly dares to indulge the thought that learned men may be mistaken; nevertheless he is puzzled, extremely puzzled, to understand it. Is not this conclusive proof, that no such duty is enjoined in the book of God?
We cannot, therefore, subscribe to the idea, that a person must, in reference to the Sabbath, or in reference to any other plain command of Heaven, wait to consult friends, and learned teachers, and the writings of fallible men, before rendering obedience. If God has spoken, “see that ye refuse not him that speaketh.” We do not believe that any one can begin to obey God too soon.—Am. Sabbath Tract, No. 14.

Gerrit Smith Advocates Equal Rights

Gerrit Smith, now in his 77th year, is giving earnest expression to the noblest sympathies for the oppressed of every class. He seems to be as anxious as ever for the equal rights of all.

Life Is Half Spent Before We Know It

Life is half spent before we know what it is.

GOD'S CHARGE TO JOSHUA.

By H. T. Hewitt

Thus saith the Lord, to him of old On whom the mantle fell, Be strong in me, and guard the fold: Thy praise shall ages tell.
For every place thy feet shall tread, To you I surely give, If by my hand thou wilt be led, And in my graces live.
And from the howling wilderness, Thy lofty Lebanon, To Euphrates, whose boundaries Thy power and sway shall own.
No earthly potentate, or king, Before thy hosts shall stand; My promise sure is, I will bring You to that goodly land.
I will not fail thee, nor forsake, If thou my law fulfill; And on thy neck my yoke thou'lt take, And do my holy will.
Through all thy pilgrimage of life, With thee I'll ever be; In tumult loud, and bitter strife, My glory thou shalt see.
Of courage good, and will most strong, To do what I command; For I designed thou shalt ere long, Possess the promise land.
Be not dismayed, nor be afraid, Is my behest to thee, For whereso'er thy course be laid, My power thy shield shall be.
Santa Rosa, Cal.        H. T. HEWITT.

An Indictment.

THE history of King Alcohol is a history of shame and corruption, of cruelty, crime, rage and ruin.
He has taken the glory of health from off the cheek and placed there the reddish hue of the wine cup.
He has taken the lustre from the eye and made it dim and bloodshot.
He has taken beauty and comeliness from the face, and left it ill shaped and bloated.
He has taken strength from the limbs and made them weak and tottering.
He has taken firmness and elasticity from the steps, and made them faltering and treacherous.
He has taken vigor from the arm and left flabbiness and weakness.
He has taken vitality from the blood and filled it with poison and seeds of disease and death.
He has transformed this body, fearfully and wonderfully and majestically made, God's masterpiece of animal mechanism, into a vile, loathsome, stinking mass of humanity.
He has entered the brain—the temple of thought—dethroned reason, and made it red with folly.
He has taken the beam of intelligence from the eye, and exchanged for it the stupid stare of idiocy and dullness.
He has taken the impress of ennobled manhood from off the face and left the marks of sensuality and brutishness.
He has bribed the tongue to utter madness and cursing.
He has turned the lips to songs of ribaldry and revelling.
He has taken cunning from the hands, and turned them from deeds of usefulness to become instruments of brutality and murder.
He has broken the ties of friendship and planted the seeds of enmity.
He has made a kind, indulgent father a brute, a tyrant, a murderer.
He has transformed the loving mother into a very fiend of brutish incarnation.
He has made obedient and affectionate sons and daughters the breakers of hearts and the destroyers of home.
He has taken luxuries from off the table, and compelled men to cry on account of famine, and beg for bread.
He has stripped backs of their broadcloth and silks, and clothed them with rags.
He has stolen men's palaces, and given them wretched hovels in exchange.
He has taken away acres and given not even a decent burial place in death.
He has filled our streets and by-ways with violence and lawlessness.
He has complicated our laws and crowded our courts.
He has filled to overflowing our penitentiaries and houses of correction.
He has peopled with his multitude our police houses.
He has straitened us for room in our insane asylums.
He has filled our world with tears and groans, with the poor and helpless, with wretchedness and want.
He has banished Christ from the heart and erected a hell within.
These are the counts of our indictment. Let the world judge of the truth.

BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, TRACTS, ETC.

FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
Hymn Book. 320 pp. Hymns, 96 pp. Music, $1.00.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. By J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.25.
Thoughts on Daniel. By U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. By U. Smith. $1.00.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00. Paper, 40 cts.
The Constitutional Amendment; or The Sunday, The Sabbath, The Change, and The Restitution. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the Christian Statesman. Bound, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. By Ellen G. White; 416 pp. $1.00.
Autobiography of Eld. Jos. Bates. 318 pp. $1.00.
Appeal to Youth: Address at the Funeral of Henry N. White. Muslin, 40 cts. Paper covers, 10 cts.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In board, 50 cts.; in paper, 30 cts.
Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Camp-meetings and other Religious Gatherings. Compiled by Elder James White, 196 pp. Bound 50 cts. Paper, 25 cts.
The United States in Prophecy. By U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 20 cts.
The Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts. Gilt, 40 cts.
A Solemn Appeal relative to Solitary Vice, etc., edited by Elder James White. Muslin, 50 cts.; paper 30 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular History of the Sabbath for 6,000. By J. N. Andrews, 25 cts.
History of the Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul. By D. M. Canright. 25 cts.
The State of the Dead. U. Smith. 224 pp. 25 cts.
Our Faith and Hope, No. 1. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary and Saving Faith. 20 cts each.
Refutation of the Age to Come. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Atonement. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Bible from Heaven; a Dissertation. 20 cts.
Discussion on the Sabbath Question, between Elds. Grant and Cornell, 20 cts.
The Destiny of the Wicked. By U. Smith. 15 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. By J. N. Andrews, 15 cts.
The Ministration of Angels; and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. By D. M. Canright. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-Horned Beast. By J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. By J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
The Saint’s Inheritance, or the Earth made New. By J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day, A Refutation of Mead, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. By J. N. Andrews 10 cts.
The Seventh Part of Time; a Sermon on the Sabbath Question. By W. H. Littlejohn. 10 cts.
The Truth Found; The Sabbath. By J. H. Waggoner. 10 cts.
Brown’s Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the True Sabbath. Morton 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9 established. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Seven Trumpets of Rev. 8 and 9. 10 cts.
Matthew Twenty-four. By James White 10 cts.
  • *Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES. OAKLAND, CAL.

True Courage.

By John Norton Loughborough

Most persons speak of the acts of those who in battle may storm forts, or stand undaunted before the enemy's fire, as “very brave,” or possessed of “true courage.” And yet, in many instances, it may be ambition for honor, or a selfish pride which actuates such in their course. Let them examine carefully their own hearts, and they may find that a desire for earthly glory, and to gain the applause of their fellow men is the mainspring of their actions.
That is really true courage which is apparent in those who choose the right, although the course they pursue may call down the frowns of their fellow men upon them. All candid people can but admire the answer of the great Kossuth, in his reply to the Sultan of Turkey, who offered him wealth and power if he would embrace the Moslem faith. Said Kossuth, “Welcome if need be the axe or gibbet; but curses on the tongue that dares to make to me so infamous a proposal.” This he said when and where the Sultan might kill him if he saw fit.
Of a similar nature also, is the answer that Zwingle, the Swiss reformer, gave the Papists when they offered him wealth and honor if he would adhere to the Romish faith. “Do not think that for any money I would suppress a single syllable of the truth.”
Here are cases of true moral courage. No honor or worldly praise did they expect for the words they said; but to say what they did was placing them in jeopardy of their own lives.
Christ has laid down what I will call a great rule of true courage. It is this: “He that seeks to save his life shall lose it, but he that will lose his life shall keep it unto life eternal.” Again, he says: “He that will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” To follow in a course which is in perfect harmony with all around us, does not so test our courage as to be brought to the knowledge of truths which clearly point out to us duties, which in many respects are at variance with the habits and customs of the people around us. This is the self-denial of Christ's cause.
When duties are presented for our acceptance that conflict with our natural feelings of ease-seeking, then is the time to “dare to do right,” and to “be true,” to our convictions of duty, let the consequences be what they may. We have heard many sing with zeal the old hymn, “Must I be carried to the skies On flowery beds of ease, Whilst others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas.”
And especially as they came to the stanza: “I'll bear the cross, endure the shame Supported by thy word.”
One would think, to hear them sing, that they were about to be burned at the stake; but alas! when their courage is tested, as to their readiness to deny self or make a real sacrifice in the cause of God, they are found wanting.
How many such we meet who, when the clear light of truth comes, and they see the claims of God's law, and admit them all binding, and even admit that it is their duty to keep his commandments, and yet refuse to obey because it conflicts with their business. Let me ask right here, Can a man who fails to deny self for the purpose of obeying God in what he knows and admits to be right, be of that class who would lose their lives for God's cause?
The words of Christ are forcible right here, “He that is faithful in the least is faithful also in much.” That is, he that would deny himself for God's cause might possibly die for it if necessary. While he who will not deny himself for the sake of obeying the truth, never need talk of dying for his faith, until some other principle actuates him.
It's not many months since I heard a very earnest person in a social meeting, make remarks like the following: “God knows I would be willing to give him my head in his cause.” Again he said, “I would be ready to die in a minute for my faith in God.” It was not many days after this, however, that this same person was brought to see a point of duty, relative to the keeping of the fourth commandment. What did he do? Admitted his duty to keep it, and then said, “I cannot keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, because it conflicts with my business.” I wonder if he had stopped to think how it would conflict with his business to die for his faith, and be obliged to leave all his business. Here is where true courage is needed.
In conclusion I would say, we must learn to call that true courage which leads a person to do that which his judgment and an enlightened conscience shows him to be right, if all the world frowns upon him.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Oakland, Cal., June 16th, 1874.

THIS WEEK'S PAPER.

By Editor

We design that each number shall be an improvement upon the previous one. Our types are now nearly all new, and of a size that will please. In a few weeks the SIGNS will be printed with new material throughout.
We use the best stock in this market of medium size. We propose to take a car load of better quality through from Michigan. We do not expect to be beat in mechanical execution, appearance, or in value of reading matter, when we shall have obtained sufficient help, better paper, and a new press.
On the first page of this paper the almost inspired Bonar carries the reader on, and up, in solemn and dignified verse to the grand scenes of the last judgment. Good poetry is scarce. Like pictures, its power is in the touching beauty of its natural simplicity.
Let the lengthy article, “Grace and Glory,” be studied well. There is light and truth in the positions taken of great value at this time of dense theological fog on the kingdom question.
We design to give a good slice from the gospel loaf of “Redemption” through Christ alone, for each number.
“Leadership” will probably close in the next number. And the facts stated in this, relative to our camp meetings, especially from the impartial Newton Free Press, will be read with interest.
The “Temptation of Christ” by Mrs. W., contains some new thoughts which will be very precious to those who can comprehend much of the cost of redemption. We hope she will be able to continue this thrilling subject.
And we are happy to reach out a long arm and shake hands with brother Jones of the Mill Yard Church, London, England. His unprejudiced statements relative to “Seventh-day Baptists and Seventh-day Adventists,” which we take from the Sabbath Recorder, was in type before the Review containing it reached us.
There are also other articles and items of value and interest in this week’s paper, which on the whole we think, a very good one. And now for a better one next week.

Oakland Tent Meeting.

The good work in this city, from the very first, has been marked by a deep, thoughtful sense of divine truth, free from that sensational character of most revivals on this coast.
Twenty-three were immersed the 14th, in the presence of not far from two thousand persons. The situation was favorable. The ordinance was performed by Elder Canright admirably. And the attention and order of the crowd was remarkably good.
There will be an organization here of about fifty of such material as to give hope of continued increase of members, and influence in the community.
The other tent is at San Jose, for the present in the service of Local Option. Lectures commence there next week.

The Camp Meetings.

THE good news from the camp meetings in Iowa and Illinois, already reported by Mrs. White, who has attended them, and was to be at the meetings in Wisconsin and Minnesota, is most encouraging.
And here comes ten good words from Elder Butler over the wires from the Wisconsin camp ground, a week ahead of a full report by the United States Mail. These annual meetings in camp are becoming of vast importance to our people.

The Work Among the French.

The work among the French in the State of Illinois, under the labors of Elder D. T. Bordeau, is reported by Mrs. W. as very important, and as giving hope of a good work among that people. Several families of position and wealth have been brought out by his labors.

Wanted!

By Editor

WANTED!—Ten thousand subscribers wanted. For terms see first page. Money, or no money, let the names come in from the Pacific coast, and everywhere else. This is missionary work. We offer no commission to agents. Go to work, friends, and get up lists of names.

Response from Old Friends.

‘TWENTY-FIVE copies of the first number of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, were received at the Review office at Battle Creek, Michigan, at 2 P. M., and before night twenty-six subscribed for one year. And the next morning thirty-one names of these within hearing of the groaning of our Battle Creek press were obtained, and with a large draft on New York, were on their way to this office.

The Signs of the Times

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is designed to be not only an expositor of the prophecies, a reporter of the signs of our times, but also a family, religious and general news paper for the household.

The North Pacific Mission.

We are receiving good news from Elder Van Horn, relative to the work in the Walla Walla Valley. Congregations and interest remain good. In a letter of the 15th he writes:
“The cause of truth is moving steadily on among us. The several ministers of the place, seeing this are becoming alarmed, and begin to oppose us openly. Yesterday (Sunday) two of them, the Methodist and Congregational, gave discourses on the change of the Sabbath. We dismissed our meeting and heard them. Nothing new was brought to light by either of them against the Bible Sabbath. We reply to these discourses to-morrow evening.
“Some of the ministers have been out in the country and have spoken against us. But as far as we can learn it is all working in our favor. We are told that we have already the largest church in the place except the Catholic. We have some thoughts of taking steps to build a meeting house. We may not move the tent now till after harvest.”

To the Brethren in California.

By John Norton Loughborough

Our new paper, the Signs of the Times, is a great lever to be used in advancing the cause of truth among our friends everywhere. Full statements concerning it have been made by the editor in the numbers already issued, as well as in the Review.
The Signs has been mailed to all the readers of the Review upon this coast. Those receiving the paper have been called upon to respond, and also to send the names and post-office addresses of such of their friends as they desire should read it. Have you done so? The Signs, from its very first number, will contain just such articles as are designed to bring our views of Bible truth before the people in proper order. To insure the paper being read you should not wait till several numbers are published and then have a package of back numbers sent. You should let your friends commence to read at once. Think up your friends and send their names and addresses immediately to the Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal.
You are not asked to wait till you get means to send with the names; but to send the names at once, and at your earliest convenience drop a line to your friends, telling them you have sent them the paper, requesting them to read it.
Let the business agent, or the S. B. Treasurer, or the leader in each church, or all of these, see that this matter is taken hold of at once. “This,” as Bro. White has said, “is missionary work.” Let it be done faithfully and well.
We are individually responsible for our talents of influence, and should use what influence we have over our friends, in placing before them an excellent weekly paper, devoted to the exposition of Bible truth. This paper will grow in excellence from week to week. Do not close your eyes to sleep after reading this, till you commence the work of marking down the names of such as you think would read the paper. Send in the names. Be in earnest to move in this opening providence of God. Do not bury your talent of influence. One brother in this State the other day, sent the names of thirty-four. Who will beat this? Let the names come in without delay.
J. N. Loughborough, Pres. Cal. State Conference. Oakland, Cal. June 22, 1874.

One-Hundred Dollar Men

By Editor

Sixteen years since we found twenty-five One Hundred Dollar men ready to put their hands into their pockets, and pull them out with the money, to purchase a steam press for the Review and Herald office at Battle Creek, Mich. We can much easier find one hundred now, to establish the steam press on the Pacific coast, than twenty-five then. File in, friends, file in.
John Morrison, $100 Mrs. E. G. White, $100
John Judson, 100 T. M. Chapman, 100
J. N. Loughborough, 100 George Drew, 100
James White, 100 Joseph Pulse, 100
N. S. Raymond, 100 R. Stickney, (pd 40) 100
E. H. Root, (pd) 100 C. Bartlett, 100

For the North Pacific Mission.

$10 EACH.—D M Canright, Rebecca Stern, Julia M Rhodes, Sarah Gruissenger, J M Lindsay, N S Raymond.
$5 EACH.—Jennie Flott, Mary Armitage, S Prospor, J Tabor, Wm Saunders, Julia E Rhoades, Elvira Anderson, Carrie S Haskins, A True & wife.
MISCELLANEOUS.—W Sanborn, $4; Mary A Davis, $2; Calvin Green, $2; A friend from Michigan, $1.
Of the $1,000 we have received $685 15. Due, $314 85.

Quarterly Meetings.

By CAL. CONF. COMMITTEE.

Green Valley, July 18th and 19th. Woodland, July 18th and 19th.
CAL. CONF. COMMITTEE.
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