p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 40. (10/4/1899)

TO CONTRIBUTORS.

By Editor

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is a purely missionary enterprise. For this reason it has felt free to ask for contributions from its friends. It pays nothing for contributions, either prose or poetry, unless solicited by the editor, and then the fact is stated when the articles are asked for. This is a plan rarely followed, but sometimes deemed expedient.

Articles Desired.

Those which set forth in the Spirit of Christ the great saving truths of God, short and to the point. It is better to treat one important truth clearly, in a short article, than many points vaguely in a long one. We desire no caustic, critical productions, which might minister to personal pride or pleasure, but can not save souls.

How Prepared.

Write plainly, with typewriter or ink, with wide space between the lines, to freely admit of editing, writing of subheads, etc. Write on one side of the sheet only. Sign the name to the manuscript, as it becomes oftentimes separated from accompanying letter. Anonymous contributions are not used, whatever their merit. If the writer does not wish his name to appear, let him furnish a pseudonym for the public. But we wish the name.

26 inclusive, is in Chaldaic. As the 70 weeks of Daniel 9 are marked off upon the Jews from the 2,300 years of Dan. 8:14, it is evident that where the 70 weeks begin, there begin the 2,300 years, ending in 1844.

2. The condition of the Jews at Jerusalem was discouraging. But few of their brethren had gone back to Jerusalem. Many stayed in Babylon to make money. Those in Palestine, who at first refused the aid of the Samaritans, were mixing with idolaters, evidently hoping thus to secure aid. Marital laws were loose; oppression of the poor existed; the Sabbath was desecrated.

3. Ezra's purpose and object were to correct all the existing evils, by teaching God's law, for which he had "prepared his heart." Chapter 7:10. The king gave him full authority in Palestine, even to collect revenue and inflict capital punishment.

4. Proclaimed a fast.—Ezra knew that the king's decree was nothing without God. Moreover, he desired that God should have the glory. Fasting and earnest prayer do not change God's mind toward us, but bring us where we can better appreciate our needs. It meant sorrow because of sin, putting away sin by confession, and receiving God. Ezra "proclaimed a fast." In these days more than ever is fasting needed. The world generally has feasting now instead of fasting. Ezra desired God to go before and prepare the way for all.

5. I was ashamed.—He had boasted of God and His power and presence; and now he was ashamed to let the people know that he desired a military escort.

6. The silver.—The money seemed to be in bars or ingots, tho money was then coined in Persia. A talent of silver was worth about $2,000. A talent of gold, about sixteen times as much, $32,000. Daric, a gold coin worth about $5.00. The whole amount of treasure which Ezra wisely intrusted to those men was about $5,000,000.

7. Ye are holy.—If religious men would but remember their own consecration and their holy work, nothing more would be necessary to keep them honest.

8. Hand of our God.—What better protection is needed than the hand of God? "He that keepeth Israel shall neither, slumber nor sleep." "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."

Scripture Answers to Worldly Questions

A tract that is calculated to be a help to those who are halting between two opinions. A. G. L. No. 33. 25 cents per 100.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO.

New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.

THERE IS HELP IN GOD

This encouraging statement is clearly established in this very interesting tract. A. G. L. No. 56. 50 cents per 100.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO. New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.

Looking unto Jesus

A remarkably impressive little tract translated from the French. It aims to lead souls so to behold Him that they will ask not, "What can I do?" but "What can He not do?" A. G. L. No. 1. 50 cents per 100.

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING CO. New York City Oakland, Cal. Kansas City, Mo.

October Offer

By Editor

If enough acceptances of the offer made at the bottom of this column are received before November 1, we will publish paper-covered editions of

THE STORY OF PITCAIRN ISLAND

POLITICAL SPEECHES AND DEBATES

and send BOTH BOOKS post-paid to subscribers for 85 cents.

These editions will be limited to the actual number of acceptances received before the above-mentioned time, and the completed books will be ready before the holidays.

No money is required until we inform you that a sufficient number of books have been ordered to enable us to publish editions at the specified price.

By this cooperative plan our customers simply order an edition and pay for the same on delivery, while we attend to all the details of manufacture, collecting, and shipping. In other words, you are having books made to order.

. . Description . .

Both volumes are too well known to make an extended description necessary, therefore we only give a very brief notice here, but will send further information if desired. The first title is

THE STORY OF PITCAIRN ISLAND

in which is given the romantic account of the mutiny on board the English sloop of war "Bounty," and the subsequent adventures of the mutineers. A book of thrilling interest. Contains 266 pages and is well illustrated. Regular price in cloth, $1.00.

POLITICAL SPEECHES AND DEBATES

Edited by Alonzo T. Jones

This book contains the public speeches and debates of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas from 1854 to 1861, also Lincoln's great speech at Gettysburg and his second Inaugural Address. The principles over which these giants of the political arena contended are again manifesting themselves, hence it is important that we become intelligent concerning them, and this volume will greatly aid to that end.

Then again, Lincoln's speeches were always to the point, and afford good examples of effective use of the English language, and are well worthy of study on that account alone. It contains 555 pages, and the regular price in cloth is $1.75.

If you will sign and return to us the following blank, your name will be placed on file, and you will be informed as soon as a sufficient number of names are received to enable us to publish the books.

A copy of the following form will be accepted if you do not wish to tear this one out.

Acceptance Blank

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY, Oakland, California.

Gentlemen: I hereby accept your offer to send paper-covered copies of "Political Speeches and Debates" and "The Story of Pitcairn Island" for 85 cents, post-paid.

I understand that these books will not be published at this price unless a sufficient number of advance orders are received before Nov. 1, 1899, to enable you to print fair-sized editions.

I also understand that no money is to be sent you until you inform me that the books are ready for delivery. Upon receipt of that information I will forward the 85 cents to you for the same.

Name ................................................................................. Address .............................................................................

A UNIQUE JOURNAL

The AMERICAN SENTINEL is unique among all the papers published in the United States, in that it is the only journal devoted exclusively to the interests of Religious Liberty—Christian and Constitutional.

Instructions for Ordering.

By Editor

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LIBERTY! LIBERTY!

By Editor

Is the cry nowadays from every quarter. We want it ourselves, but deny it to others. The AMERICAN SENTINEL advocates the only true liberty and discusses this and kindred topics in a fearless and straightforward manner. It's worth reading. Sample for the asking. Address,

AMERICAN SENTINEL 39 Bond Street, New York City

Individualism

Individualism.—One noted orator recently declared, in a half defense of the trust system: "I am told, however, that if we promote this co-operation, we will destroy individualism. Individualism is another of the phrases which have been specially invented for the perplexity of mankind. Individualism, in its last analysis, is savagery." Nevertheless, the doctrine of the Gospel is that of individualism. God does not call men by nations. It is, "Ho, every one that thirsteth," "whosoever will," "if any man." It is one God. It is one Gospel. It is to each man. Faith is not a matter of co-operation, save between the one soul and the one God. It is not held by an ecclesiastical stock company to be parceled out through bishop and priest at so much a dole. Priest and minister may help a soul to God, but to be effectual the faith in God, the grace from God, must be personal, individual. The doctrine of false religions is to do away, if possible, with true individualism. The true Christian knows there is no other way of salvation.

OUR "WORLD'S HARVEST" ISSUE.

By Editor

(Ready, the Lord willing, Nov. 1, 1899.)

This special number will contain:—

The Seed-Sowing of the Gospel By E. J. WAGGONER, Editor of the Present Truth, London, Eng.

The Seed-Sowing of Sin By PROF. E. A. SUTHERLAND, President of Battle Creek College.

The Harvest of Intemperance By M. E. OLSEN, Editor of the Gospel of Health.

The Harvest of Disease By DAVID PAULSON, M.D.

The Harvest of Crime By PROF. P. T. MAGAN, Dean of Battle Creek College.

The Harvest of War By URIAH SMITH, Author of "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,"

The Harvest of Expansion and Imperialism By ALONZO T. JONES, Author of "Two Republics," and "Great Empires of Prophecy,"

The Harvest of Greed By JOHN CLARK RIDPATH, America's great historian.

The Harvest of Church and State Union By LEON A. SMITH, Editor of the American Sentinel.

The Harvest of Righteousness and Life By GEORGE E. FIFIELD, Author of "God Is Love."

The Ripening of the Harvest By ALBION F. BALLENGER.

The Harvest of the World By MILTON C. WILCOX.

The Coming of the Reaper By FRANCIS M. WILCOX.

The Outlook—Prophetic By JOHN ORR CORLISS.

The Outlook—Temporal By A. O. TAIT, Author of "Heralds of the Morning."

The Outlook—European By HENRY P. HOLSER.

A Great Crisis in the Work of Missions By A. T. PIERSON, D.D., Editor of the Missionary Review of the World.

The Building of the Home By J. R. MILLER, D.D., Author of "Home Making," "The Marriage Altar and After," etc.

The Harvest of Wilkie Kinnear An excellent practical story By EMMA HILDRETH ADAMS, Author of "John of Wycliffe," "Martin Luther," "Savonarola," etc.

An excellent article by Mrs. E. G. White.

Beautiful and striking poems by C. M. Snow, F. T. Elkin, Hope Onslow, and T. R. Williamson.

Original song and music, full page.

Beautiful and striking illustrations by well-known artists in New York and San Francisco, under the direction of Mr. W. A. Reaser.

This issue of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will, in the vital importance of the Gospel message it bears to the world, exceed in value any other publication of its kind ever printed. It ought to have a circulation of 2,000,000 copies.

One With God Is a Majority

It is not numbers that count with God; for the one soul with God is more than all the universe. One with God is always a majority.

The Curse of the Drink Habit

One of the mightiest curses which this land or any other knows is the drink habit. It is greater than the tariff, the trust, and the money questions combined.

What Would Jesus Do?

"What would Jesus do?" is best answered by asking, "What did Jesus do?" He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. As He did yesterday, so will He do to-day, so also will He do to-morrow.

Prohibition Papers Combine

By Editor

"The New Voice," of New York, and the Chicago Lever, both Prohibition papers, have combined and will be published at Chicago, under the editorial management of Samuel Dickie and John G. Woolley. Prohibitionists may certainly expect a live, vigorous, wide-awake paper.

The Evils of Tobacco

Tobacco is not only a bane to the one who uses it, it poisons the air which others are compelled to breathe. Many a wife goes into the grave, or is held in the bondage of ill health, from the fumes of a husband's breath and the exhalations of his body. And in many foolish or intemperate or queer sons and daughters the evil could be traced to the intemperate use of tobacco on the part of the parent. These are but a part of the contents of this Pandora's box. That bright men, good men, use it is no argument in its favor. We readily grant the fact; but they would be brighter, better, clearer-headed men if they used neither tobacco nor a substitute.

A South American Republic

A South American Republic.—One of the predicted things in the political world is a great South American Republic, embracing all the various States of the great peninsula. It would not be a surprising event, but it might have tremendous effects on the world's brief future. How would it affect the religio-political movements of the present time? In nearly all the South American States the Roman Catholic is the established religion.

Can We Tell What We Know?

There is a sort of stock expression, common to certain egotistic teachers, "You can tell it if you know it," or, "If you knew it, you could tell it." Every thinking soul knows better. The artist knows better. He often sees what he can not tell. The poet knows better; he can not find words to embody the beautiful thought. The Christian knows better; no words can tell the wonderful peace, rest, and joy revealed in communion with his Lord. And even science stands in the same category. It is said of the late Prof. R. W. E. Von Bunsen, a noted chemist discoverer and inventor, "that he could not answer verbal questions, either oral or written, and could not have passed a decent examination upon his own discoveries." But did he not know?

NOT THE BEST OF LOGIC.

By Editor

In its "Jangling Voices" department the New Voice has the following:—

"I never vote; such matters do not interest us. Our citizenship is in heaven; we are aliens and foreigners here. I have no more business to take a voice in the affairs here than I would have to go to England and attempt to participate in the government. Heaven is my home.—A Chicago clergyman, as quoted."

"On the same principle, we suppose, the pious brother, if he happened to be in England and saw a child drowning, would say, 'I am an American; I'm a foreigner here; Chicago is my home'—and let the baby drown. We should respect him just as much for such a course of action as we do in view of his position now."

Now we do not know what clergyman said that, nor do we care; but we do know that there is no such logical sequence from his remarks as the Voice draws. We are glad that prohibition rests on better logic. The man who is truly a citizen of heaven is a follower of Jesus Christ; and he will do all in his power for his Master's sake to help temporally and save eternally every soul he can, whether Englishman, or American, or Chinese, or Hottentot, or Filipino. Our friend is guilty of awfully poor logic; in fact, it is no logic at all.

Who Originated the Peace Conference?

By Editor

A writer in the August Catholic World claims that the pope originated the late Peace Conference, negotiations and conferences to that end with the czar beginning as far back as 1894. And the writer contends that if the pope had not been shut out of the conference by the Italian Government, the good results of the conference would have been far greater, because of the great influence the pope holds over several continental governments. As it was, the writer truly says: "The conference is a preparation for the exigencies of war. A peace conference it has proved only in name. As a peace conference its results have been Dead Sea fruit." And so will it be with every merely human attempt at peace. There is one "counsel [or conference] of peace" that is worthy the name, and that is between the Father and Son. There in that counsel is peace for all who will accept it, who will yield to God.

The Gunpowder Gospel

They are true—the following words—whoever said them: "There is no religion in this gunpowder gospel. If it is necessary to go in conquest across the ocean to shoot our religion into those people, then the time is not far distant when we will be busy at home shooting our particular brands of Christianity into our brethren—for the love of God here below." Jesus said to His disciples, "The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service;" and then He gives the reason why they can so think: "And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me." John 16:2, 3. The true Christian will never preach a gospel of force, or enforce a gospel of peace.