THE readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES are interested in the onward march of the great truths which this missionary paper voices—the truth of God's eternal Sabbath, of the nearness of the glorious appearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, of liberty to serve Him freely, as He has commanded, without the intervention of any creature that He has made. The building up of the headquarters of the work of Seventh-day Adventists in the capital of the United States, has brought these truths to the very highest point of the world's latest civilization.
The Government of the United States is standing out more and more prominently before the nations of the earth as the youngest, mightiest exponent of the world's modern intellect and culture. This government has stood for freedom, for advancement, for marvelous inventive genius. While there have been terrible failures to meet all the high ideals for which this nation stood, yet every one who has lived in foreign lands, as has been the privilege of the writer for nearly one-fourth of his life, must see that this modern nation has lighted the darkness with a new light, and brought new hope to the nations of the Old World.
And yet, it is sad to write, there are now indications that the prophecies declaring that this nation would turn backward into darkness and superstition, are now fulfilling, and that persecutions similar to those of past ages, are being already repeated. As for a time the United States led the world upward, so when the nation turns her back upon the principles of truth and of liberty, which were the original foundation of her structure, she will lead the world again headlong down the abyss to utter ruin—a ruin irretrievable and eternal.
Out of the wreck of nations, the wreck of humanity, the wreck of the world, the Lord will rescue those who will be true and loyal to Him. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES represents the great effort to warn, to instruct, and to save, that there may be transplanted from the kingdoms of the earth those who shall have a place in the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.
The headquarters of this movement are now being built up at the capital of the nation. Already this truth has been brought into wonderful prominence before the leading men of Washington, and thus, in a measure, before all the world. During the last winter, through the agitation for Sunday laws, through the campaign for better Sabbath (Sunday) observance, and lastly through the effort to introduce specific religious instruction into the public schools of Washington, the Sabbath truth and the glorious principles of religious liberty have been published far and wide by means of the three leading papers of the city. It is probable that every person who has read the newspapers here in Washington, including the men in the highest positions in the government, have become somewhat familiar with these principles. Had there not been a strong force of workers here during the last winter, it would seem that oppressive measures must have been passed. It is evident, therefore, that God has sent His people to the capital for such a time as this.
Iowa Circle, Takoma Park, Washington; new Sanitarium in process of construction showing through the trees.
We are making a strong effort to build up our institutions free of the burden of indebtedness. A sanitarium, in a rented building, is operating in the city, with marked success in reaching people of the very highest intelligence and of the highest positions.
A missionary college, in buildings of our own, is also being operated free of all debt. But a sanitarium and offices for our work must be built in Takoma Park, one of the most beautiful suburbs of the capital city. We have received on our building fund thus far $66,717.32, two-thirds of the $100,000 which was voted by the General Conference Committee of Seventh-day Adventists, for this work. Are there not readers of this paper who will forward to the office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, or to the treasurer of the General Conference, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., donations of from $1,000 or more down to any amount which the giver may be able to donate for this work?
The Lord of hosts Himself is leading in this movement for truth and for liberty, and that there may be a strong and sure foundation laid for His truth where the final great conflict must center. For His sake, for the sake of the message of salvation which He is thus sending out to the ends of the earth, will you not help? Has He not called His people to this world's pinnacle, that from this high mountain they may proclaim the truth to every nation and kindred, tongue and people? "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God. Behold the Lord God will come." Isa. 40: 9, 10.
A Patient's Room in the Washington Branch Sanitarium.
