Review and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 35. (7/13/1916)

Review and Herald

Jul 13, 1916

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 13, 1916

A 144,000 Duplicated

Under date of June 29, we received the following order through the Northern Illinois Tract Society:—

“Please rush to Mrs. Edna Forsyth, 2975 Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill., 6,000 copies of the War Extra; also mail to her next week 6,000 of the Present Truth Series No. 1; the week following, 6,000 of the Present Truth Series No. 2; and the week following, 6,000 of the Present Truth Series No. 3; and one week following the sending of No. 3, send 6,000 copies of No. 4. She is circulating 12,000 copies each issue, instead of 6,000 copies, hence we are duplicating her order.”

And this is in the midst of summer, when usually missionary efforts lag. Comparatively few are diminishing their efforts with the Present Truth Series this summer. This is evidence of a strong faith in the soon coming of the Lord—a demonstration of an unwavering confidence in the potency of the series.

Our Relatives and Friends

are to have thousands of the series between September 1 this year and March 1, 1917. Though the notice of this special effort is scarcely out, many members are sending in orders for ten to forty sets each. That means that thousands of our people are going to send a set of the series, mailing one copy each week, to many thousands of their relatives and friends, between Sept. 1, 1916, and March 1, 1917. With the blessing of Heaven added, there can be only the most gratifying and unusual results.

Acknowledged Ally of Temperance Forces

The best temperance workers throughout the United States and Canada, those who have an opportunity to observe the influence and power of the Instructor Temperance Annual, acknowledge it to be an ally to existing temperance forces. Many say it is the strongest temperance publication in existence. The fact that nearly a half million copies are sold each year is a stronger proof of its efficiency as a temperance factor than the many most flattering statements made in its behalf.

Under date of June 30, Katherine Lent Stevenson, president of the Massachusetts Woman's Christian Temperance Union, wrote of the annual as follows:—

“The Temperance edition of the Youth’s Instructor is a very valuable contribution to the temperance propaganda. It contains clear-cut statements, facts and figures gathered from reliable sources and presented in such an attractive form that it cannot fail to influence those whom it reaches. Mrs. Stevens, the late president of the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, used to say that the thousands of copies distributed throughout Maine in 1911 did very much, she felt sure, to make the prohibition victory possible. The same result will unquestionably follow its distribution in any other State, and the temperance forces count the little paper as an ally in the great fight for nationwide prohibition.”

Salt and Light

SINCE the days of the disciples there have been many individual members, even whole churches, who have not let their light “so shine” that men could recognize them as the salt of the earth and the light of the world; but this certainly should not be said of those who are looking for the Saviour’s return, those who are the more subjected to criticism and censure on account of their being a “peculiar people.” Their peculiarities, without the salt savor and the elements of light, tend only to blind others, and to invite persecution; but by letting their light shine, others are led to a knowledge of God, and believers are blessed.

The church at Fairton, N. J., gives a good illustration of how to let the light shine in a community. We quote the following from a personal letter:—

“Your last letter just received, and while I suppose you do not look for any reply, I just feel like shaking hands with you and saying, ‘This is the best yet.’ I will surely do my best to get every one of our company to join in this special effort for our relatives and friends. We will begin next Sabbath.

“We are working right along in this nice little town of Fairton with the Present Truth Series. Every house has each number as it comes out, with the exception of ten, which for various reasons have refused them. All the rest take them and seem anxious for them.

“The effort made by the church has broken down prejudice, and is leading others to a knowledge of the truth. The members have been letting their light shine, and the blessing of the Lord is following their efforts.”

Quite a Help

ELDER W. R. ELLIOTT, president of the Tennessee River Conference, writes of the Present Truth Series in connection with a tent effort, as follows:—

“We are using the Present Truth Series in connection with our tent effort, according to the suggested plan. We find that after the meeting the people are always glad to get the papers, and we distribute them then to those who attend. We also visit the people in their homes, using the Present Truth Series. We find it is quite a help to have a paper that we can put in the hands of the people just when they are interested, for they will read it then as they would not at another time. Our meetings are well attended, and we hope to be able to establish many in the truth.”

It will be noticed in this report that the people are interested; that they gladly receive the Present Truth Series; that they are reading the papers; that a large number are attending the meetings; and that there is a lively interest manifest. Much of this is due to the use which is being made of the Present Truth Series.

Three Helpful Ideas for Ten Cents

A New York City business man recently purchased a copy of Life and Health from one of our agents. The next day he said that from reading this journal he had received three points which were helpful to him. These three helpful ideas cost him but ten cents. Most people would be willing to pay ten dollars or more for one idea which would help them to retain or secure good health.

The August number of Life and Health is brimful of practical suggestions as to how to keep well and comfortable during hot weather. These articles tell what to do for baby, for the aged, for one in poor health, as well as for the strong, robust person. If the suggestions were followed, much misery and suffering would be avoided.

Much is being said and written these days about national preparedness. Little, however, is said of physical preparedness. Dr. J. E. Caldwell tells how the defenses of physical life, like those of national life, can be increased. Obedience to the laws of hygiene is of first importance in the prevention of disease. Our whole nation would be much improved physically if the principles given in this article were followed out.

Indeed, it may be said that the August Life and Health is a preservative and preventive number,—how to preserve health by following proper methods in clothing the body, in diet, and in exercise; how to prevent disease by eliminating those things which are inimical to man's welfare, such as the fly and other pests.

Life and Health representatives are always welcome “next month.” Good health and good cheer follow them. More are needed. From 5 to 40 copies of Life and Health will be sent to any address for 5 cents a copy; 50 or more copies for 4 cents a copy. Yearly subscription for $1. Send all orders to your tract society.

A Tent Necessity

THE Present Truth Series is rapidly becoming a tent meeting necessity. Many of our ministers are reordering large quantities by wire, and urging the publishers to rush the papers forward, because the meetings are in progress, and they are dependent upon the Present Truth Series for tent literature.

EDITORIALS

By W. A. S.

The Name and the Day

WHEN the Lord exhorted his people to obedience, and warned them of the fruits of disobedience, it was, as he said to them,—

“That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD.” Deut. 28: 58.

That is his name, fixed by himself to declare not only his majesty and glory, but his relationship to his creatures—our God. To every soul he declares himself, “The Lord thy God.”

And when he commands the observance of his holy Sabbath, it is in “this glorious and fearful name” that he makes the declaration,—

“The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.”

How can any one who fears God turn from his plain command? His glorious and fearful name is in the day. Do you take God as your God? Then take his Sabbath also; for it is “the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” W. A. S.

Mothers

By G. B. T.

Not so very long ago I heard a young man refer to the mother who gave him birth as the “old woman.” This and similar expressions are characteristic of this wicked, ungodly age. Such coarse reference to one’s mother sounds bad. It betokens a coarse, unrefined nature. The age of this young man’s mother, if nothing more, should entitle her to more kindly words and courteous consideration.

God blesses mothers. Speak kindly to them, young men, young women. Mother’s eye is getting dim, her hair is growing gray, her form is bending, her steps are toward the grave. Ere long there will be a vacant chair, and those hands which have loved to minister to your needs, will be folded across the pulseless bosom on which you nestled in helpless infancy. There will be no more good-night kisses, no loving glances, no gentle caresses. The undertaker will perform the last sad rites, and the dear mother who has watched over you and prayed that your feet might be kept in the path of purity and righteousness, will be gone forever. Then you will be bereft of your best and truest friend. No one can ever take her place. No human being will ever love you with such unfathomable love as did the one whose dust lies in yonder churchyard.

Others may forget and forsake you, but not mother. Sin may degrade you, till those who were once friends spurn you and shut the door in your face, but the feeble, trembling mother in yonder home, tottering on the brink of the grave, will welcome you and love you. She will rejoice and be proud if honor is bestowed upon you; she will cling to you in your dishonor.

A wayward daughter who had opposed the entreaties of a kind mother to return home, decided late one night, when cold, hungry, and homeless, to return to the parental roof. Reaching the humble home, she found the door unlocked, and cautiously stepped in. There sat her aged mother by the dying embers on the hearth. “Mother,” she exclaimed, “why are you sitting here with the door unlocked so late at night?” Her mother replied, “My daughter, that door has never been fastened since you left. I was afraid you might return and, finding it locked, go away again.” That’s mother.

Napoleon is reported to have said, “The greatest need of France is mothers.” The fireside of the home is an empire of its own. Here the godly mother sits an uncrowned but unrivaled queen. Let no coarse words be spoken of her, but let “her children arise up, and call her blessed.” Home and mother is a vision that never fades from the mind.

In this age when disobedience to parents is a marked characteristic of the days upon which we have fallen, and is a sign of an ungodly age, the love and reverence for parents seen in Christian homes should be a sign of conversion, deep piety, and godliness.

“A mother’s love, how sweet the name! What is a mother’s love? A noble, pure, and tender flame, Enkindled from above. To bless a heart of earthly mold; The warmest love that can grow cold, This is a mother’s love.”

G. B. T.

Spiritual Declension

By F. M. W.

THE Scriptures of truth plainly teach that the last days of earth’s history will be days of spiritual declension in the great Christian church. This is strikingly portrayed in the prophecies of Revelation 13, 14, 17, and 18. Here the pen of inspiration traces the work of apostasy, and the opposition to the truth of God which will be carried on by the great worldly, formal church united with the powers of state. In plain, unmistakable language the apostle Paul speaks of these same conditions, in the words which he addresses to Timothy. He declares:—

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Tim. 3: 1-5.

That such sins as these would be found in the world at large we might naturally expect, but the apostle states that these sins would be found among those who possessed the form of godliness but who by their ungodly deeds deny its power in their lives. The same apostle also tells us that the time will come when men “will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Tim. 4: 3, 4.

We have only to recognize the rapidly developing conditions in the great religious world to realize that we have reached the days foretold. We hear much about civic righteousness, about the departmental church, about social service, about missionary propaganda in foreign fields, about great moral reforms which the church is pushing forward; but these can never take the place of personal piety or individual godliness, and it is possible for the professed church of Christ to engage in these things and at the same time be losing its vital hold upon God. This was done by the Jews of old. See Matthew 23. They were a great missionary people. They compassed sea and land to make one proselyte. They garnished the tombs of the

prophets and erected lofty edifices for the worship of God. They made long prayers. They possessed the truth of God in form. Indeed, among the heathen nations of old they stood alone as the conservators of a knowledge of the true God, but vital Christianity was at a low ebb. Their church activities, the denominational religion which they possessed, did not save them from individual spiritual declension.

And this is the great danger which confronts the professed church of Christ in the last days. We must admit that the church as a whole is pushing forward in greatly needed moral reforms. The church stands as the great power behind the prohibition movement, against the opium traffic, against the white slaver’s nefarious work. It is doing much to improve the conditions of the poor. It is engaged in great missionary enterprises, but it is to be feared that notwithstanding this denominational activity, the spiritual standard is being lowered in individual lives, and the rank and file of Christianity is being permeated with spiritual indifference, worldliness, and infidelity. And this is not alone our view of the situation. It is the opinion expressed by leaders of Christian thought in some of the great churches of the world. From our current exchanges we quote the following observations which have been made regarding this situation.

A writer in the Reformed Church Review, signing himself “A Layman,” brings this charge against present-day Christianity:—

“The sacred edifice heretofore dedicated to the worship of Almighty God has now, with its parish house, its club and other auxiliaries, become the center of secular functions. We now go to church to hear sermons on the minimum wage, adequate housing of the poor, the regulation of moving pictures and the dance halls, how to vote, and the latest vice-investigation report. From this center agents and detectives of law and order societies make report of nightly investigations, and it is said even ministers of the gospel keep silent watch during the hours of the night and assist in rounding up inmates from disreputable houses. They appear as prosecutors and witnesses before grand and petit juries in the quarter sessions court. Billiard and pool tables are being installed, dancing classes are organized, and all sorts of amusements offered to entice the youth within its sacred precincts. A child returning home from Sunday school recently was asked by its mother the subject of the lesson. It was how to keep the streets clean. Another Sunday, kindness to dumb animals furnished the subject of the lesson; and this was in a graded up-to-date Sunday school. A good woman who had suffered greatly with a recent sorrow brought herself to church longing for some comforting words. She heard a sermon on ‘The Charity Organization Society and the Visiting Nurse.’”

The following serious indictment is made by this same writer against much of the present-day preaching by ministers of the gospel:—

“Ministers of the gospel are willing to preach on every subject under the sun except the gospel; and when they begrudgingly hand it down, they almost tell us it is not divine, but a man-made thing. They have relegated to the brush heap most of the sacred beliefs, such as the miracles, original sin, the vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ, the efficacy of baptism, and the holy communion; and many of them even deny the validity of their own divine office as ministers of God. All comes from man, nothing from God. Perhaps this is the reason so many ministers look down on empty pews and complain bitterly that their members do not come to hear the sermons prepared with so much labor.”

Quoting these statements and commenting thereon, the editor of the Christian Standard (Christian Church) for June 3, 1916, truly says:—

“The mission of the church is preeminently a spiritual one, and to the extent that she relegates this to the rear in her ministries, she must suffer loss of power and influence among men. The supreme purpose of the gospel is to save men and women from sin, and induct them into the kingdom of God, and make them sons and daughters of Jehovah, and teach them how to live the Christian life; and when these ends are achieved, other things will take care of themselves. To abandon or slight these high and holy purposes, and give chief attention to such matters as are mentioned in the foregoing quotation, is like exchanging the bread of heaven for straw and chaff. . . .”

“A sickly sentimentalism in regard to sin has largely taken the place of the severe denunciations of it that the Holy Scriptures contain. The exceeding sinfulness of sin is largely obscured by the claim that it is a disease, and that the sinner is much more to be pitied than blamed. The importance and necessity of believing the gospel are partially lost sight of through the philosophy that it does not matter much what you believe, if only you are honest in your belief. Miracles are held to be of little worth in inducing and maintaining faith in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God, although the Scriptures declare that they were recorded for that very purpose.”

Through its Standing Committee on the Narrative the recent Presbyterian assembly at Orlando, Fla., reviewed carefully the religious conditions existing in that church. Eighty-five presbyteries rendered reports to the General Assembly of the vital, personal godliness existing in the church, and, particularly in family and individual life. This narrative says:—

“Notwithstanding the general tone of optimism, your committee finds a sad situation at the very heart of the church, that must be changed, if permanent and powerful progress is to continue. The bedrock of the church is the family. ‘Believers and their children,’ is the Presbyterian burden. In the family, so every report says, religion is woefully neglected. Only the smallest per cent of the families connected with the church have family worship or train the children in the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the Word of God, and stated in the catechisms of the church.”

Similarly the Word and Way, speaking particularly of the conditions to be found in the Methodist Church, and finally of the state of the church at large, says:—

“Methodism is not what it once was in its attitude toward the conduct of its members. The line of separation between the church and the world has been growing dimmer and dimmer with the passing years. Methodists, however, are not alone in this changed attitude toward the world and worldliness. Other denominations have been suffering a like spiritual degeneration. For many, many years there has been in the Methodist Church a ban on dancing, card playing, and theatergoing. Members engaging in these worldly pleasures have done so under penalty of discipline, but in late years discipline for these things has not been administered, and the law has been a dead letter. . . .”

“Why any church should wish to receive or retain in its membership persons given to dancing, card playing, and theatergoing is past our understanding, and it is equally past our understanding why any one with the love and habit of these things should want to hold membership in a church. We should be glad to see our Methodist friends keep their standard up and require their people to come up to the standard, rather than yield to the demand to lower the standard to the level of the worldly minded.

“The bane of the average church is the worldliness of its members. The churches of all denominations ought to set a higher standard, and require the members to conform to this standard or separate themselves from their fellowship.”

Similar testimonies representing other denominations might be added to these already given, but we need no compilation of statistics to show us the real state of Christianity around us. We can read in these conditions signs of the times. They indicate that we are living in the last days of earth’s history. At a time when sin is waging its hardest battle against truth and righteousness, when combinations of evil on every side are uniting their forces, then the church of God should be the strongest to resist the evil and to hold up the banner of truth against the onrushing tide of iniquity.

The reasons for this spiritual declension are many and varied. Prominent among them is the lack of spiritual power attending the ministry of the word; the failure of those who minister in sacred things to give the church meat in due season—the truths for this special period in the history of the world. There is significance in the great events which are taking place on the earth. We are living in the days of fast-fulfilling prophecy. This world is soon to pass away, and the Lord Jesus Christ is soon to appear. A knowledge of the meaning of these fulfilling conditions is the need

of the church of God at the present time.

In too many instances the professed church has become a great social, fashionable organization. Membership in it affords an opportunity for the display of dress and wealth, and brings social prestige and opportunity. It is popular today to belong to some church. Many find it even advantageous in a business or professional way. These considerations have brought into the church many unregenerate in heart. Thousands of church members today are saved from a just and righteous discipline by wealth, social prestige, or political standing.

But in every church are still to be found honest and godly men and women. They with us deplore the conditions which exist, and are longing for a refreshing from the Lord. It is for us who recognize the times in which we live to herald abroad the everlasting gospel for this day and generation. And let us, as members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, be admonished by the conditions which we see around us. There is danger that the disintegrating elements which have found entrance into the great churches of Christendom will find entrance into our church, and that the sins of which the apostle Paul gave definite warning will exist in our lives.

In no spirit of self-righteousness should we draw comparison. If we ourselves have been saved, it is only by God’s grace and in order that we may seek to save others around us. We have nothing that we have not received from God, and to us there belongs no credit for any experience which God may have given us, or given the church of which we are members. In humiliation and with no confidence in the flesh, but with firm confidence in God, let us maintain our integrity and simplicity of faith and practice, and seek by God’s grace to be the saviors of those who are drifting away from him into the vortex of darkness and destruction. F. M. W.

Our Mission Funds

By W. T. Knox

SABBATH, July 29, has been appointed as the day upon which the General Conference will receive the usual Midsummer Offering for foreign missions. This is one of the two general offerings received each year to help make up the funds of the Mission Board, and comes in the very midst of what experience has proved to be, from a financial standpoint, the most trying months of the year; for from April 1 to October 31 the income of the General Conference is always insufficient to meet its operating expenses, thus many times causing the committee much anxiety, and sometimes real distress. Therefore they have always looked forward to the Midsummer Offering with much interest and concern, as affording an excellent opportunity nity to secure financial relief during these seven lean months of the year.

That the readers of the REVIEW AND HERALD may have a knowledge of the actual condition of the General Conference treasury up to the present date, the following facts and figures are placed before them. At the last council held at Loma Linda, provision was made for 1916 for an unusually large increase in the foreign mission work of the denomination, the total amount of the budget voted for all the operating expenses and appropriations being in the neighborhood of $650,000. In addition to this, the committee, as in former years, is to cooperate with the Division Conference Committee in raising a relief fund for the training schools and needy sanitariums of North America, amounting approximately to $185,000. This brings the total amount to be raised for the year up to $835,000; but it is the $650,000 in which the General Conference is most vitally concerned, for upon this amount is depending all our foreign mission work in all lands. Hundreds, yes, thousands, of our brethren are entirely dependent upon our promptness in securing these funds, for the actual necessities of life.

The sources from which the General Conference may meet this heavy draft are, first, the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund. The full portion of this fund belonging to the Mission Board would total $557,000. The portion belonging to the relief fund would, if the entire twenty cents a week per member was raised, bring the total to $743,000. From this, however, the Mission Board is first to be supplied at the rate of fifteen cents a member, or $557,000. This would still leave $93,000 for the General Conference work, to be provided for from other sources, such as the tithe from the different Division Conferences and miscellaneous gifts. But this is a much larger sum than has been realized from these sources in past years. Briefly expressed, these are the financial responsibilities placed upon the General Conference treasury for 1916, calling for a monthly expenditure of $54,000.

Now, what is the other side? How has the membership of North America been meeting this responsibility? The report of receipts on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund up to May 31 shows that, to have realized the full, there should have been paid into the treasury at that time $311,443. Of this, $77,860, however, would have been relief funds. We have received only $188,800, leaving a deficit of $122,643. Judging by the past two months, our monthly mission receipts for the summer are about $30,000 as against $54,000 needed to sustain our work. We began the year's business with about $100,000 in the treasury as an operating fund. By the last of July, when an appeal for the Midsummer Offering is to be made, this entire operating fund will have been consumed, and the work will be confronted with an empty treasury; this, too, in the face of the fact that on August 1 a party of forty is to sail from San Francisco for the East, and these to be followed in seven days by another party of fourteen from Seattle, for India, Malaysia, and other far-eastern fields.

These statements are in no sense inspired by pessimism, nor are they intended to bring discouragement to the reader, but rather to give to all our brethren at this time a correct understanding of the true situation confronting us, in order that all may intelligently respond to the appeal of the General and Division Conferences for large and liberal offerings. Brethren, the need is most urgent that funds in large amounts should at this time be given to our foreign work. We appeal to you now to prepare for this service, and on Sabbath, July 29, appear before the Lord with substantial evidences of thankful and appreciative hearts for all God's many benefits bestowed upon us.

W. T. Knox.

A Living Miracle

IN a recent number of the Lutheran Witness, George Luecke discusses the subject of miracles, and declares that the greatest of all miracles is seen in the existence of the church of Christ upon earth.

“For nearly two thousand years the ‘gates of hell’ have raged against it and endeavored to uproot and destroy it; but all in vain. In spite of all the powerful opposition it has had to encounter, the church of Christ, with no other weapon than the ‘sword of the Spirit,’ the Word of God, has fought its way around the globe, and is today continuing its march of conquest to the remotest regions of the earth. Tell me, is not this a standing miracle? Do we need any other miracles to prove the divine origin and character of the religion which it preaches?”

National Education Association Convention

“Fifty thousand school-teachers, heads of universities and colleges, federal and State officials, and at least one ambassador representing his country in the United States, attended the National Education Association Convention held in New York City, July 1-7. The convention marked the first occasion in about fifty years that the members of the National Education Association have assembled in New York City. Although the delegates began their deliberations on July 1, the first two days were devoted to sectional meetings. On July 3 the 30,000 teachers and educators were welcomed by Governor Whitman at Madison Square Garden, where all the general sessions were held.”

Teach by Precept and Example

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

(Review and Herald of March 31, 1891)

If we would have our children pure and elevated in character, we must see that their daily associates are what they should be. If children have companions who are noble and true, in most cases they themselves will become noble and true. They should have companions who will not ridicule what is pure and worthy, but will rather advocate what is right. The fear of ridicule leads many a youth to yield to temptation, and to walk in the way of the ungodly.

Mothers may do much by example as well as by precept to show their children how to be upright amid scorn and ridicule. But too often mothers show a morbid sensitiveness as to what others may think of their habits, dress, and opinions, and to a great extent they are slaves to the thought of how others may regard them.

Is it not a sad thing that judgment-bound creatures should be controlled more by the thought of what their neighbors will think of them than by the thought of their obligation to God? We too often sacrifice the truth in order to be in harmony with custom, that we may avoid ridicule. We do not carry all our burdens to the Lord; but craving human sympathy, we lean on broken reeds, seek to drink from broken cisterns that can hold no water.

A mother cannot afford to be in bondage to opinion; for she is to train her children for this life and for the life to come. In dress, mothers should not seek to make a display by needless ornamentation. The fringes, ribbons, laces, and ornaments are not necessary, and in the purchase of these things the money God has intrusted to us is turned away from its proper channel; for it should flow into the treasury to supply the wants of God's cause.

We should see that our children have advantages for gaining an education, that they have a pleasant home, furnished simply, and providing convenient, tasteful arrangements. These are legitimate channels in which our means may flow; and in denying self, the gratification of pride, we lose nothing; for we are comfortable in a pleasant home, and are provided with neat, plain garments.

Mothers, by not following the practices of the world, you may set before your children an example of faithfulness to God, and so teach them to say No. Teach your children the meaning of the precept, “If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” But if you would have your children able to say No to temptation, you yourself must be able to say No. It is as needful for the man to say No, as for the child.

With the sacred responsibilities of motherhood, how can a woman give herself to the frivolous fashions of the world, and so teach her children to conform to the world's standard? Demoralizing extravagance prevails everywhere, and souls are going to ruin because of their love of dress and display. The life of nine tenths of those who are devotees of fashion is a living lie. Deception, fraud, is in their daily practices; for they wish to appear that which they are not.

Nobility of soul, gentleness, generosity, are bartered away to gratify the lust after evil things. Thousands sell their virtue that they may have means for following the fashions of the world. Such madness concerning the changing fashions of the world should call forth an army of reformers who would take their position for simple and plain attire. Satan is ever inventing fashions that cannot be followed except through the sacrifice of money, time, and health.

Having before us the picture of the world's demoralization upon the point of fashion, how dare professed Christians follow in the path of the worldling? Shall we appear to sanction these demoralizing fashions by adopting them? Many do adopt the fashions of the world, but it is because Christ is not formed within them, the hope of glory.

Luxurious living, extravagant dressing, is carried to such an extent as to constitute one of the signs of the last days. Pride and vanity are manifested everywhere; but those who are inclined to look into the mirror to admire themselves, will have little inclination to look into the law of God, the great moral mirror. This idolatry of dress destroys all that is humble, meek, and lovely in character. It consumes the precious hours that should be devoted to meditation, to searching the heart, to the prayerful study of God's Word.

In the Word of God, inspiration has recorded lessons especially for our instruction. Paul writes, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” No Christian can conform to the demoralizing fashions of the world without imperiling his soul's salvation.

Devotion to dress takes from the means intrusted for works of mercy and benevolence, and this extravagant outlay is robbery toward God. Our means has not been given to us for the gratification of pride and love of display. We are to be wise stewards, and clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and give our means to advance the cause of God. If we want adornment, the graces of meekness, humility, modesty, prudence, are suited to every person in every rank and condition of life.

Shall we not take our stand as faithful sentinels, and by precept and example frown down indulgence in the dissipation and extravagance of this degenerate age? Shall we not set a right example to our youth, and whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, do all to the glory of God?

When Sorrow Comes

By W. L. KILLEN

W. L. KILLEN

Strange as it may seem, many persons who seldom at other times open the Bible to read, will go to the bottom shelf, brush off the dust, and take it out when times are hard and clouds of depression, worry, and sorrow hang low.

Just now, when more than half the world is at war, when gloom and desolation are widespread, more Bibles are being manufactured and placed in the hands of the people than ever before.

Every one of the belligerent countries is importing Bibles from the United States. This year the Bible business will more than double that of any previous year. One New York firm claims to have sold 1,000,000 Bibles in the last twelve months.

An organization known as the Gideons is said to be the largest single customer in the Bible trade in America. The Gideons are now buying 50,000 Bibles a year. This organization is composed of commercial travelers, who place Bibles in hotel rooms and public places where other travelers may read them.

Bibles are put up and sold in nearly one thousand different styles, and they sell at from 20 cents to $50 a copy. “When other business is bad, the Bible trade is at its best,” are the words of a leading New York Bible house owner. “And,” he further said, “when other business is prosperous and every one seems to have plenty of money, the Bible trade falls off. Although America is enjoying prosperity, the Bible business is good here this year, largely due to the great demand for Bibles from Europe.”

When the average man is well off, and things go easy and he has few troubles, he is not so likely to hunt up the Bible and read as he is when enshrouded with great sorrow. Then it is that he looks to the family Bible for comfort and hope. The peoples in Europe are much the same; hence their present demand for the blessed Book. Let us pray that while they are reading it, their eyes may fall on those blessed words, “On earth peace, good will toward men.”

The same demand holds true of the good books and the literature being sent out by our publishing houses through our faithful colporteurs. The world is ripe for the third angel's message contained in these books and papers. More

are being sold than ever before. They are being sold even by the carload. “It is true that some who buy the books will lay them on the shelf or place them on the parlor table, and seldom look at them. Still God has a care for his truth, and the time will come when these books will be sought for and read. Sickness or misfortune may enter the home, and through the truth contained in the books, God sends to troubled hearts peace and hope and rest. His love is revealed to them, and they understand the preciousness of the forgiveness of their sins. Thus the Lord cooperates with his self-denying workers.”

If the owners of the great Bible houses in our country can see that in time of need men read the blessed Bible, how is it with you, dear reader, whom God has called to give to the world at this very time the publications which lead the people to search the Bible?

High Point, N. C.

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