TO CONTRIBUTORS by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Oct 18, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 42.

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.

Manuscript Returned.—We will return all unused manuscript desired if stamp and directions are inclosed. We are forced sometimes to return good manuscript mainly for three reasons: (a) Sometimes the articles are too long; (b) sometimes we have a number on the same subject; (c) sometimes our plans are such that an article can not be used till it is out of date. We therefore hope that no offense will be taken by those who have freely contributed their best thought if their productions are returned. When we receive so much matter, we can not use all.

thoroughly read. Its time was December, B.C. 444, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes Longimanus, thirteen years after Ezra went to Jerusalem. The place was Shushan (or Susa, meaning a lily, from the abundance in that vicinity), the chief of the three capitals of Persia. It was situated on a branch of the Tigris River, 200 miles south of Ecbatana, the summer capital, in the mountains, and 250 miles east of Babylon, the third capital. The ruler of Persia was at this time Artaxerxes Longimanus, who reigned from B.C. 465 to 423. He was the son of Xerxes, the Ahasuerus of the book of Esther. He conquered and added Egypt to his realm during his reign.

2. Nehemiah.—The name means “compassion of Jehovah,” the son of Hacaliah, and most probably of the tribe of Judah. From the record we learn that he was a man of wealth and influence. “Cup-bearer” (verse 11) does not imply a menial office, but that of a councilor, a courtier, a statesman, a special friend of the king. His work in Jerusalem showed him to be a man of ability and wisdom. Altho a favorite at court, trusted by the king, with great opportunities for acquiring wealth, surrounded by flattery and wickedness, his heart was loyal to God and His people. He is to be classed among the noble young men of the Bible, such as Joseph and Daniel.

3. I sat down and wept.—Many under such circumstances would have criticized, turned from the Jews in scorn, and apostatized. That is the way it often goes in church work when things go hard. But the one time above all others to try a man’s loyalty and faith is when others are proving traitors and faithless.

4. O Jehovah, etc.—It was a humble petition. He did not regard God as one like himself. He addressed Him with becoming reverence. He was the great God of all power, but He was the covenant-keeping God with His commandment-keeping people.

5. Let Thine ears be attentive.—It is well to take in the scope of the whole prayer. Nehemiah comes to God with assurance, altho he and his people are unworthy. Often we let our sins hide God’s goodness from us. Not so is the way to come. Go to God, knowing that He is merciful; there confess the sin to the merciful God. Nehemiah identifies himself with the people. He excuses no sin. They had broken God’s commandments and statutes and judgments. But he asks God to remember His promises.

6. Prosper.—Nehemiah wanted something; and he asked for it. He desired God to prosper the work. They were God’s children; it was God’s house that was in trouble; therefore he desired God’s prospering hand as he should go before the king. See chapter 2: 1-9 for the answer.