TO CONTRIBUTORS by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 4, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 40.

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."