The measure of each man’s responsibility and the basis of his accountability to his Maker were both decided by Christ in His parable of the talents. The parable forcibly illustrates the righteous character of our Lord’s final reckoning with men. His requirements are proportionate to their endowments, and His awards commensurate with their improvement of their talents. “According to his several ability” is the divine rule of bestowment and requirement. Hence in the parable, “to one servant he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one,” reasonably and justly expecting and demanding to receive back from each of them in a corresponding ratio, as a result of the faithful use and application of these talents in his service.
Thus the Lord distinguishes between men in reference to their abilities and their opportunities for usefulness. He does not endow all men alike; and it is well that He does not. To one He gives five talents, and opens up before him an expansive field of labor for their full exercise; and then He says to that man, “Enter there and use them for Me.” To another He gives two talents, and puts him in a position of responsibility commensurate with his more limited endowment; and to another, one, and bids him to use that for His glory. One man He makes rich, another poor; to one He gives great powers of intellect and facilities for acquiring knowledge; another possesses small abilities and limited opportunities.
This, however, is not so ordered of God to excite in us envy for those above us, whom we may esteem more favored than ourselves; nor should their more liberal gifts and higher stations beget in us the spirit of covetousness. It should suffice us that the Lord has put us where we are, and given us what we have, be it much or little; and our chief ambition should be, not to have more, but to use better what we have, knowing that “if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” It is after this manner that God is graciously pleased to accept our offerings and to judge of our use of His gifts.—Christian Intelligencer.
“The Fields Are White”
By Henrietta Edgar
O, LISTEN to the pleading
From far-off darkened lands,
How can ye tarry longer
With idle folded hands?
The Master looks with anguish
Upon His wasting grain.
O, haste to do His bidding,
Nor longer give Him pain.
The wage of earnest toilers
Will surely be repaid,
When at His piercéd feet
The precious sheaf is laid.
The sweetest words, “My child, well
done,”
Will all the toil repay,
When with our blessed Saviour
We enter endless day.
HENRIETTA EDGAR.
Northwest Switchmen Strike
November 30, 2,300 switchmen walked out, crippling 13 roads of the Northwest, threatening a tie-up of business from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Coast. One railway president is quoted as saying that the strike will result in the most complete tie-up of railroad traffic in the territory affected that has ever been known, not even excepting the great strike of 1894. President L. W. Hill of the Great Northern, son of James J. Hill, said: “We will fight. We carried the men through the financial depression without a cut in pay. Every five years or so we have to meet this question, and it now is time to settle.” One of the first effects of the strike was a rise in the price of wheat in the Chicago grain market. The great difficulties at present, of course, lie in the yards.
Children's Education in Sunday Newspapers
A new theory in the education of schoolgirls is that from the tenderest years they should be surrounded by beautiful, artistic things, with the choicest, most delicate perfumes, pictures of old masters hung in the schools; and the outdoor walks should run through lanes bordered with beautiful and brilliant flowers, among trees filled with birds of bright plumage and sweet songs. The suggestion is worthy of consideration. But what about the other side, of the wretchedly cheap pictures and grotesque figures in our Sunday dailies? Think of the education that American children are getting there!
Wells-Fargo’s Three Hundred Per Cent Dividend
Can it be wondered that there is discontent when great corporations like the Wells-Fargo Express Company declare a three hundred per cent stock dividend? It surely shows that there is tremendous excess of charges somewhere.
Some Choice Selections from Our Bible Stock
Your name in gold letters placed upon cover free on all Bibles at $2.50 or more, and for 25 cents upon those selling for less than that.
Sealskin
“Sealskin” comes first in our list. For beauty, durability, clearness of type, lightness of weight, it stands at the head. It is bound in sealskin, printed in clear minion type on India paper, is silk sewed and calf lined. Only ⅜ of an inch thick. Price, $4.50.
Facsimile Concordance Bibles
By “Facsimile” we mean a Bible containing 1,000 pages of text, and any particular verse will be found exactly in the same position on the page of all Bibles thus named, whether pocket or concordance style.
03464x. “Alaska Seal,” divinity circuit, leather lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges. Price, $5.00.
03470x. “Levant Morocco,” divinity circuit, calf lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges. This is a very popular book, and is thoroly recommended to any one wishing a concordance Bible. Price, $6.50.
03450x. “Levant Morocco,” divinity circuit, calf lined to edge, silk sewed, red under gold edges, with self-pronouncing dictionary of Scripture proper names, harmony of the Gospels, chronological tables, and maps. Price, $6.00.
A Very Thin Bible
Our “Persian Levant” is the same, in every respect except binding, as “Sealskin.” While the binding is Persian instead of seal, it is very durable and attractive. It is leather lined and is silk sewed. Price, $3.25.
Actual Size 6⅞ x 4¾ x ⅜
For Home Study
We all want a large-type Bible to read when the light is poor. For that purpose our “Home Study” Bible just suits. Very large, clear type; chapter numbers in figures; and well bound. Price, $2.00.
Facsimile Pocket Bibles
The following genuine Oxford Pocket Bibles are the best we know. Their facsimile feature enables you to turn from your large concordance facsimile to these without confusion.
Diamond Type
5 x 3¾ in.
02005x. “French Levant,” divinity circuit, leather lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges, maps and references. Price, $2.25.
02020x. “Levant Morocco,” divinity circuit, calf lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges, maps, and references. Price, $3.75.
Pearl Type
03020x. “Levant Morocco,” divinity circuit, calf lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges, and references. Price, $4.00.
For the Children
Here are two Bibles that will delight the little folks:
Pearl, Black-faced Type
A wonderfully clear type in a small-size book, with twelve maps and index to maps. Size 5⅛ x 3⅞ inches.
03028. “French Morocco,” divinity circuit, round corners, red under gold edges. Price, $1.10.
Oxford India Paper Edition
Only ⅜ of an inch thick.
03028x. Same as above, but printed on India paper. Price, $1.75.
Standard Revised Bibles
There is no longer any question about the Standard Revised being the best human translation of the Book of Books.
The following are all printed in large, clear bourgeois and are well bound:
160. Cloth Boards, red edges. Price, $1.00.
173. “Arabian Morocco,” divinity circuit, leather lined to edge, round corners, red under gold edges. Price, $2.75.
India Paper Edition.
Same type and size book as above, but only three quarters of an inch thick.
173x. “Arabian Morocco,” divinity circuit, leather lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges. Price, $4.00.
174x. “Persian Morocco,” divinity circuit, leather lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges. Price, $5.00.
175x. “Levant Morocco,” divinity circuit, calf lined to edge, silk sewed, round corners, red under gold edges. Price, $7.00.
THE value of what has been said on the subject of the child’s belief in the mother is proved when the child is large enough to observe and ask questions pertaining to “the sacred mysteries of life and sex.” This is a vital time in every child’s life. It is also the time when the mother needs most to pray for guidance to direct her answer aright; for as she teaches her child, so will that child’s faith in the mother hold or wane, and so will the pure or evil thinking of the child be developed.
To guide a child in these matters is not to shock the little tender mind; it must be a bungling mother indeed who would be guilty of such a thing. It is an easy matter to begin at the kindergarten age and teach the tots that all life is from a seed; the tiny seed of grass they may see planted, nourished, and sprout may be an object lesson. It is not necessary to force the knowledge; let it be a very gradual development, so that when the little brain begins to wonder about animal life, that, too, may be explained gradually and understandingly. But be ready with the truth when needed.
The child may be taught that animal life comes from an egg, and the little feathered tribes, the birds, of which the majority of children are fond, lay their eggs and nourish them by keeping them warm until the young hatch. This object lesson may be shown any child. Let him watch for the hatching of these little creatures. So may the hen be used as an example. The lesson may be gradually carried further, as the queries increase, into the animal kingdom where the mother carries the egg until it hatches and the little animals are born.
If children were taught these things more frequently from the scientific and pure standpoint by their mothers, there would be less of evil speaking, fewer young girls misled, fewer young men corrupted, and a greater reverence shown the “mothers of the race” by boys and young men. This is written, not from theory, but from practical experience with two young men who from their early childhood were taught the beauty of life from this standpoint, hence there has been no mystery to them, or anything to be spoken of in whispers behind a mother’s15back. They were taught to ask of father or mother whatever they wanted to know, and not to discuss such things with evil-minded boys. Consequently they learned that an expectant mother is to be given special care and reverence, to be guarded from curious gaze and uncouth remarks. This training is bearing fruit of the right sort; and in a spirit of thankfulness, it is commended to mothers who are beset by “questions.”—The Circle.
A Single Soul
By Mrs. A. C. Morrow
“Ruth, I have tickets for the concert of the bell-ringers on Wednesday night. Can you go?” Alice said to a friend, as she stopped at her gate.
“It is prayer-meeting night.”
“I know; but they sail for Europe Friday night, and this is their last concert.”
“But I never stay away from prayer-meeting for anything.”
“But this is a sacred concert—and only once. We can worship just as well there.”
So, reluctantly, against her convictions, Ruth consented.
That night the girl dreamed that an angel in shining raiment stood beside her, and asked, gently, “Where are you going to-morrow night?”
And she answered, “I thought I would go to the concert.”
Then the angel said sadly, “Have you so little appreciation of the value of a single soul?”
Vividly the vision came back to Ruth the next morning, as she lay, saying softly to herself, wondering what it could mean, “So little appreciation of the value of a single soul.”
She decided that she must take back her promise to attend the concert, and go to the prayer-meeting.
Ruth sat in the house of prayer with a strange joy in her soul, singing:
“Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to
cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound, make and keep
me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art; freely let me take
of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart, rise to all
eternity.”
As the music ceased, the girl sprang impulsively to her feet.
“I meant to hear the bell-ringers to-night,” she said, “but decided that I would rather come to prayer-meeting; and I am happier here than I should have been at the concert, and I am sure no music could be sweeter to me than the hymn we have just sung.”
As the hour for closing drew near, the pastor arose, and invited any who would give themselves to Christ to come forward.
As he waited, in silence, a lady in mourning walked slowly up the aisle, and, kneeling, was shown the way of salvation.
When the service was ended, a friend came to Ruth, and said, “The lady who went forward wishes to be introduced to you.”
Much astonished, the girl went to receive the introduction to Mrs. Walters.
“I wanted to tell you,” the lady said, “that I owe the fact of my being a Christian to-night to your testimony. I have not been inside of a church for ten years. I came here to please a friend; and when you said you would give up a concert for a prayer-meeting, and that no music could be sweeter to you than the hymn, ‘Jesus, lover of my soul,’ I thought to myself, ‘There must be something in religion, and I am going to have it.’ So I wish to thank you that it is because of your testimony that I shall go home to-night a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ruth held out her hand, and pressed gratefully that of her new friend.
She knew now the meaning of the angel’s message.
She could not tell Mrs. Walters how near she had come to proving recreant to her trust, nor of the dream that had influenced her in the true direction, so she answered simply: “I thank you for telling me this. I shall never forget it.”
Yet she little guessed what cause she would always have to remember it.
Ruth’s home was close beside the railroad track. About midnight she was awakened by a horrible crashing sound. Looking from the window she could see where the midnight express and the 11:30 freight had collided.
The frantic cries of the frightened, and the piercing shrieks of the wounded, made her shudder. But she bravely put away all thoughts of self, and, calling her father, was soon ready to go with him to the rescue.
And the first face that looked into hers, as she stood beside the burning train, was that of Mrs. Walters. Pale and peaceful it was, tho showing how intensely she suffered. She was extricated and borne to Ruth’s home. The power of speech was almost gone. She rallied a little as they laid her on Ruth’s couch. Taking Ruth’s hand, and pressing it to her lips, she whispered, feebly: “Child, I’m going—it was my last chance—what if you had not spoken—what if I had not taken it?”
And kneeling there, beside the dead, the tears raining down her face, Ruth promised her Father always to do her duty; always to give her testimony; always to appreciate the value of A SINGLE SOUL.—Mrs. A. C. Morrow.
WE may not see why skies are dark and gloomy;
We may not know why angry billows roll;
We may not see why sorrow’s rushing torrent
Should sweep away the gladness of the soul;
But looking through the rift before our face,
We yet may see the sunshine of His grace.
We stand, perhaps, and gaze across the valley
At heights we hoped to gain long, long before;
Our cherished plans of love, or wealth, or glory,
Have fallen in the dust, and are no more;
Yet, what had seemed a glorious victory,
Might have been death — if only we could see.
We may not see the swelling undercurrent
That bears the pearly stream upon its way;
We may not know the Hand that holds the waters,
Or turns the dreary darkness into day;
Yet in the shadow, as in sunshine fair,
We may behold our Lord — for He is there.
Shall we as unhewn stones, all rough and shapeless,
Refuse the chisel in the Sculptor’s hand?
Shall we as vessels filled with all uncleanness,
Refuse their cleansing at our Lord’s command?
May He who knows the ending of the way,
Direct our minds, and teach us thus to pray:
We thank Thee, Father, for the darksome day;
We thank Thee for the roughness of the way;
We thank Thee for harsh word — for pain or wo;
We praise Thee, for Thy way is best, we know,
To us Thy Spirit’s grace and power send,
That we may thank and praise Thee to the end.
Amen.
FLORA E. WARREN.
Beware of the First Drink
By Rev. Holmes
HE was unmistakably drunk. He was so from choice — his own choice. At some time he took what is called “his first drink.” Had he not done so, he would never have been as he was when he staggered by, making the movements of those who encountered him almost as uncertain as his own. Had he never taken that first drink, there would have been no second, and no such exhibition as he was making of himself in broad day on the crowded thorofare. But he had taken the “first drink,” and the second, and many another, and there he was to be jeered at, laughed at, scorned or pitied, according to the sentiment that ruled in the mind of the passer.—Rev. Holmes.
Life and Health
The December number of Life and Health, published by the Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D. C., contains a splendid array of very practical matter on a large variety of health topics, such as: Illustrated home physical culture exercises for contracted chest, round shoulders, development of the neck, stimulating the action of the blood vessels, intestinal troubles, indigestion, development of the legs, the abdominal muscles, and other parts of the body; that which is necessary to render milk comparatively safe from the transmission of disease germs; how whooping-cough is transmitted, and the best treatment for it; Treatments for Anemia and Eczema; Alcohol in the treatment of disease; “Day Camps,” use of in the treatment of tuberculosis; Cow’s milk as infants’ food; AND A LARGE VARIETY OF OTHER TOPICS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION. Annual subscription price, $1.00; single copy, 10 cents; 5 to 25 copies, 5 cents each; 25 to 400 copies, 4 cents; 500 to 800 copies, 3½ cents; 1,000 or more copies, 3 cents.
For Sale
One well-built, new house on one-acre lot, all fenced in. Five rooms, bath room, wardrobes, screened-in back porch. One large floored shed, wood-shed, chicken house. Many choice young bearing fruit trees on the place. Abundance of strawberries, raspberries, and other small fruit. Near Pacific Press and S. D. A. church school. Address G. W. Erfurth, Mountain View, Cal.
Mountain View Home for Sale
For Sale, a Bargain.—Nice home in Mountain View, Cal. Modern seven-room cottage, bath and toilet, electric light, basement, family orchard of bearing trees and vines, convenient to church and school. Desirable location, cement sidewalks. Address Thomas Turner, care Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.
IN THREE DAYS
Overland Limited
TAKES YOU
To Chicago
ACROSS GREAT SALT LAKE
AND
HIGH SIERRA BY DAYLIGHT
Luxurious High-class Equipment
Electric Lighted Throughout
Pullman Drawing-room
Stateroom
Vestibuled Sleeping Cars
Careful and Attentive Dining Service
Parlor Observation Car with Library and Cafe
Ladies’ Reading Room
Gentlemen’s Smoking Room
Daily News Bulletins
Latest Papers and Magazines
SOUTHERN PACIFIC
LIBERTY
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OFTHE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BUREAU
An illustrated, 48-page, quarterly magazine, published as an exponent and advocate of true religious liberty; defending Christianity and the rights of conscience; upholding the Bible as the infallible word of God; recognizing the church and state as ordained of Heaven for specific and distinct purposes, but vigorously protesting against the alliance of the church with the state in the attempt to advance religion and to promote the state. Price 25 cents per year. Liberal terms to agents.
Address, LIBERTY, Takoma Park, D. C.
Early Writings.
By Mrs. E. G. White. A new edition of this popular work, rearranged and reprinted from new plates. This book is a compilation of the first published writings of the author, and contains many encouraging words for those who are looking for the soon return of our Lord. Cloth, 75c; limp leather, $1.25. Address this office.
The Vegetarian Cook Book
By E. G. Fulton
By E. G. FULTON
The author has had years of experience in vegetarian cookery and in the management of vegetarian cafes, and cafeterias. With its aid the chef, cook, or housewife is able to prepare appetizing, healthful meals without the use of any flesh food.
This book contains 226 pages, including a handy and well-arranged index of all the recipes given.
Tastily bound in cloth, price, post-paid, 75 cents
Pacific Press Publishing Assn.
Mountain View, California
Portland, Ore. Regina, Sask., Can. Kansas City, Mo.
Steps to Christ
Steps to Christ.—This little work, by Mrs. E. G. White, presents in a simple and attractive manner the steps by which the sinner may be made complete in Christ. While the book is an excellent guide for inquirers and young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those who are laboring with the difficulties that beset a growing experience. Paper covers, 30 cents; cloth, plain edges, 60 cents; cloth, gilt edges, $1.00. Address this office.
United States and Nicaragua
On account of the persistent and pestiferous petty insults of Nicaragua, resulting at last in the reported torture and death of two American citizens without trial, diplomatic relations have been broken off, the Nicaraguan representative, Felipe Rodriguez, has been given his passport, and President Taft has ordered to the field of trouble sundry and various ships of war and transports with troops. President Zelaya is hard beset by revolutionists, who are weary of his rule. English and French ships have also been sent to punish the troublesome little state. There will probably be no actual fighting outside of the internal troubles.
Our Bible Band and Book-Mark
It seems to us that every reader of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES would want our Bible Band book-mark; for (1) It gives on one side valuable dates. Of course, it does not give all important ones; a large volume would be necessary for that. It does, however, give a few to which you may often wish to refer. What was the date of the Babylonian captivity? When was Rome founded? Many such questions are answered. (2) It gives the approximate dates and probable authors of the books of the Bible. (3) It is a book-mark readily seen, and it will not injure a Bible nor tear the leaves. (4) It is a nice size, 2¼ x 9 inches. (5) It is beautiful in either blue or green or pink or crushed strawberry or gold.
For ten cents you get the book-mark and a schedule of daily readings for 1910. These readings are in chronological order as far as convenient.
Come join our Bible Band. It is only ten cents for book-mark and schedule for the year. Act promptly.
Bible Band Notes.
By Editor
It will be seen that notes for two weeks, or the remainder of the year, for our Bible Band are given on page 2. We do this because there will be no paper next week.
Are All the Children In?
By Editor
“Are All the Children In?”—We thank our kind friends for sending us copies of the poem, “Are All the Children In?” It came in from all quarters, near and far; but all copies save one are without the writer’s name. It is printed on the first page of this issue with the name of the author, which our verse collectors will be glad to learn. One of the copies sent us came from the author.
No Paper Next Week
By Editor
There will be no paper next week. The Signs of the Times, as constantly advertised (see page 15), prints 50 numbers a year. It drops one issue in midsummer and one at the time of the winter holidays. Our next issue will be dated December 29. During these days of fun and frolic we wish all our readers that deeper joy and happiness which always comes in cooperating with the Master in blessing humanity.
Bringing Children to God
During our week of prayer, now upon us, it will be well for parents to ask, in harmony with the sentiments of our first-page poem, “Are All the Children In?” Unite with God in true endeavor to bring them in. It soon may be too late. It is God’s desire to “turn the heart of the fathers with the children, and the heart of the children with their fathers.” Mal. 4:6, margin, A.R.V. Let them turn to God together. Teach them also at this season that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
