p. 431 | Man, the Masterpiece by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Jul 15, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 27.

Man, the Masterpiece.

By Editor

THIS is the name of a new and popular work by J. H. Kellogg, M. D., and we know of no better way to introduce it than by quoting the following paragraphs from the Doctor's preface to the work itself:—

"The growing want of the times is for men, for real men, genuine men, men of sincerity, of probity, of moral worth,—old-fashioned men, who are innocent of the arts of social and financial diplomacy, who are unskilled in intrigue and too simple-hearted to comprehend the mysteries of political wire-pulling. . . . That the general tendency of the times is not calculated to encourage the development of the sort of men demanded for the good of the coming generation, is an unpleasant fact too well recognized by observing, reflecting minds to require demonstration here. That such should be the case in the midst of our boasted civilization, in the most enlightened age the world has ever known, is a fact which has become a matter of most earnest solicitude to thousands.

" 'Weaker and wiser' the world is growing, according to a common proverb, the truth of which is confirmed, in part at least, by common observation. The human race is certainly growing weaker physically. Each generation bequeaths to its successor the accumulated knowledge of preceding ages, so that there must necessarily be a certain growth in intellectual wisdom; but are men growing stronger and better morally?

"In this book the author has undertaken to point out some of the evils which lie at the foundation of physical and moral degeneracy, and which, in his opinion, are doing more at the present day, to deteriorate the race physically, mentally, and morally, than all others combined. Some of the statements made will undoubtedly startle those who have been lulled into a 'Rip Van Winkle sleep' by the alluring delusion of the cry 'Peace, peace,' while the most hideous monsters of vice are waging unceasing war upon the purity and morals of the race. A few of the facts presented will undoubtedly seem incredible to many whose opportunities for observation have not been such as to give them an adequate knowledge of the extent of the evils with which the author has undertaken to deal; but the greatest care has been taken to avoid the slightest degree of exaggeration, and, indeed, in many instances, one-half the real truth has not been told.

"The sole aim of this work has been to inspire the boys and young men of the rising generation with a higher regard for those bodies which the Almighty 'created in his own image,' and pronounced 'very good;' to encourage a greater love and respect for purity in thought and act; to help those whose aspirations are upward, by exposing the snares and evil enticements by which unwary youth are led astray; and thus to aid in the development of a higher, purer, and nobler type of manhood.

"The generous welcome which the author's previous works have received from the reading public, leads him to indulge the hope that this effort may be the means of accomplishing some little for the well-being of his fellow-men."

This valuable Book—Man, the Masterpiece—contains over 600 large octavo pages, and is profusely illustrated, containing many colored plates. It is beautifully and substantially bound in the following styles, to wit, cloth, library, half morocco, and full morocco.

It is sure to become one of the most popular of rapid selling subscription books, because of its intrinsic merit and practical value. Active agents wanted. For descriptive circulars, terms to agents, etc., address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.