BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR ILLUSTRATIONS by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CAL., KANSAS CITY, NEW YORK · Nov 28, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 48.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR ILLUSTRATIONS

By Editor

1. The "Gospel Outlook" is represented by three figures arrayed in white bearing the Gospel scroll, and holding aloft the torches of truth.

2. On page 3 we have a striking representation of a strong man, representing nineteenth-century energy, holding in his grasp a great coil of wire, the strands of which, alive with electric power, ramify to every branch of human industry, art, and science. The drawing is a fine design, and will bear study.

3. The "American Outlook" spans the history of Anglo-Saxon America. On the left of the picture in the background is the Mayflower at anchor, while kneeling on the beach are the Pilgrim Fathers offering thanks to God for His care and protection on their voyage from Europe, whence they had been driven for conscience' sake, and for His goodness in opening before them here an asylum where they could be free to serve God. On the right is a present-day scene. Companies of troops are departing for islands in the sea; there to repeat that for which the "fathers" of 100 years ago revolted from the mother country.

Over these scenes are portraits of three men who have been used of God in molding public sentiment for liberty. The bird of freedom looks down upon the scene perplexed.

4. The "Church and State Outlook" presents two striking figures, the one in clerical dress, with creed in hand, representative of the Church, and the one in judicial robes, with gavel in hand, representative of the State. These two are joining hands, no doubt believing it to be good, yet in so doing are forgetting the teachings of the Master and the lessons of all history, that in such union is death to both Church and State.

5. The "Papal Outlook" presents scenes separated by only a century. At the close of the last century—1798—the pope was taken captive and died in captivity. But little honor was paid him then by the powers of Europe. Now, as attested by recent jubilees and other events, all the world is bowing before him, thus fulfilling divine prophecy; and great Babylon is again about to say, "I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow." Isa. 47:7, 8; Rev. 18:7.

6. The "European Outlook" is a present-day scene with a backward suggestion. Only a few months ago the representatives of the nations of earth met at The Hague in a great Peace Congress. Thousands rejoiced and thought the millennium was about to dawn. It was fully hoped by many henceforth that peace would reign over a world rapidly becoming embroiled by strife. But, lo, how soon is the dream dispelled! Earth's greatest nation is, ere the peace conventions are ratified, in the bloodiest war she has known for a century. And now all Europe is engaged in war with China. The war spirit animates all, and our illustration fitly represents the armies madly marching on, trampling ruthlessly underfoot preacher and peasant, age and youth, mother and child; and all useful arts languish, while that of war is glorified. Above the scene Peace sits in anguish, weeping, and her dove, a little before cooing its song of peace, lies dead.

7. The "Professed Protestant Outlook" is an artistic attempt to portray the departure of professed Protestantism, represented by the two figures of vicar and preacher, from the highway of righteousness, illuminated by the bright light of God's Word which truth throws upon the path. In the wilderness of error are snares and pitfalls. Safety is found only in the light of truth.

8. Our "Missions Outlook" is strikingly suggestive of the millions of earth awaiting the light.

9. The "Christian's Outlook" reveals a company of God's faithful "little flock," who, amid the perils and darkness of the last days, are directing their eyes beyond all earth's travail and sorrow, to the dawning of the brighter day, when the "Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His beams."

10. On page 25 are three illustrations which sufficiently explain themselves. They are from photographs of actual scenes.