OUR INDEPENDENCE NUMBER.
By Editor
If there ever was a time when an American ought to consider his country and nation, it is on her birthday. July 4, 1776, this nation was born. The Declaration of Independence was her cradle-song, a new one among the nations. Her Constitution in 1789 was the utterance of her virile youth. Both possessed wisdom and set forth principles which astonished the nations, and all that this nation has been that is truly worthy is the development of those principles. It is a good time to consider them as we are nearing another anniversary of her birthday. Every American, every Christian, ought to consider these things. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES will do all in its power to assist in this study. It will issue a special number, dated July 4, 1899, called "Independence Number." 1. Principles of true Americanism as set forth by the Founders of the Republic. Certainly there are none others so well qualified to do this as the men who lived in that "time that tried men's souls," and who under God made this nation "the land of the free." In sight of material greatness we are prone to forget true principles. What are the true principles of true Americanism? Do you know? The SIGNS of July 4 will tell you in brief. 2. Departure from these principles as shown in Religious Legislation. The principles of a nation constitute its life. Departure from these principles means death. It is better to know the truth concerning it, isn't it? We may better know the remedy. 3. Departure from these principles as shown in "Imperialism." What effect is "expansion" or "imperialism" having, not upon a few, not upon the nation just now, but what effect is it having on the very foundations of the Republic? If the foundations be shaken, the whole structure will fall. 4. America in the Light of the More Sure Word of Prophecy. God has in His Word given us prophetic history of Babylon, Grecia, Medo-Persia, and Rome. Is it not reasonable that the career of this great nation and government should be declared? What does prophecy say? 5. A Historical Sketch of the Decline of Religious Liberty. Do you not wish information on this point? There will be stirring poems, and much other good matter. The SIGNS of July 4, will be especially illustrated with photo-reproductions of historical scenes. It will have a fine illuminated cover, with a special drawing for this issue. It will be ready to mail June 18. Price, single copy, 5 cents; $1.50 per hundred; 5 to fifteen copies, 2 cents each. Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.