p. 14 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 50. (12/30/1886)

What It Costs.

By Central Baptist

THERE is much said in these days about hard times. It is true that many people are unable to handle as much money now as in former days, but there is one fact to be considered calmly and seriously.

If it were possible to add $1,800,000,000 to the channels of legitimate business, there would be no further talk of hard times. Yet this is the amount of money which, directly and indirectly, was spent in the liquor traffic last year. This sum, according to the Homiletic Review, would pay the nation's debt in one year, or give every voter in the United States $15 a month, or every family in the United States a good home worth $1,000 in five years. These figures are startling, and yet there are men who call themselves Christians, and who claim to be sensible and decent, who are willing to put their names to petitions to keep the dram-shops in existence.

Caution Regarding Horse-Radish

A LONDON medical man says: "Be careful in your dealings with horse-radish. It irritates the stomach far more than spice, and an overdose will bring on an unpleasant sensation for days."

Do Not Fill Lamps Quite Full

"A LAMP standing for some time in a cold room and then filled full of coal oil, will run over through the expansion of the oil when taken where it is warm. Never fill a lamp quite full."

The True Meaning of Economy

"ECONOMY is paying twenty-five cents for a cigar and compelling your wife to turn her last season's dress, that it may do for another winter."

Peace Within

"If we were at peace within, external things would have but little power to hurt us."

Decaying Manhood.

Out of thirty-two young men of New York City who were examined recently for West Point cadetships, only nine were accepted as physically sound. Such a note might well make the young men of our cities pause for a moment's thought. No man who violates the laws of health can have a healthy body. How few there are who do not study fashion and humor appetite more than they do the laws that pertain to a healthful body. Beer, the cigarette, too much amusement, and the hidden vices, are making havoc with the physical manhood of all our towns and cities.—Inter-Ocean.

The Perils of Elaborate Dinners

MANY urban Americans are too delicate in their tastes and too generous in their appetites for their own good. Fine food, finely prepared, is desirable for every one; but it should be taken moderately. Gastronomy leads to gluttony, or its equivalent, and though it may not beget dyspepsia, it is apt to destroy the health. Gout, worse than dyspepsia, is the punishment of sensuality, and consciousness of deserving it abates not its torments. Our best dinners are barbarous in their profusion. It is a marvel they do not kill at once; their penalty is that they kill by degrees. The edibles and potables of an elaborate dinner should serve for half a dozen dinners. The Castilian proverb is correct: "He dines best who at the close is not surfeited."

News and Notes.

By Editor

RELIGIOUS.

Rabbi Schindler, of New York, holds that the Hebrews should conform to the majority as to the day which shall be observed as a rest day.

The Watchman "Star Notes" says: "The spirit of ambition in young ministers is not found only in the theological schools in the United States. Away over in Switzerland, there is found among the young preachers a disinclination to work in the small churches among the hills."

Dr. Pentecost's church in Brooklyn, N. Y., has decided to have two ministers, one a pastor whose duties will relate specially to that church, the other, Dr. Pentecost himself, "will be employed by the church as its evangelist, with commission to do all the good he can, first at home, and then all about."

The Christian Statesman says: "The Congregational Church of Connecticut is preparing to renew the ineffectual effort made before the Legislature of last winter to prevent the running of Sabbath trains." Of course by Sabbath, the Statesman means Sunday; or, as the committee calls it, "the New England Sabbath," which should not be confounded with "the Sabbath of the Lord," which according to the Scriptures is the seventh day of the week, while "the New England Sabbath" is the first day.

Said Prof. N. K. Davis, professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Virginia, at the Baltimore Congress: "If religious doctrine cannot live without civil law, let it die." We heartily concur.

In the late Baptist Congress in Baltimore, Prof. E. H. Johnson, of Crozier Theological Seminary, said that "all the best exegetes deny that the Lord's day [by which he means Sunday] takes its authority from the fourth commandment. Alcuin in the days of Charlemagne [A. D. 768 to 814], was the first one to base the observance of the Lord's day on the Jewish Sabbath."

In lamenting the "growing disregard" for Sunday, the Congregationalist says: "Unless the people of God come to the rescue, and do it soon, we shall have in this country no more Sabbath than they have in France." Indeed, that seems very evident since we now have little but the Sunday, and the determination seems to be to make that crowd the Sabbath out altogether.

At the recent Baptist Congress in Baltimore, Rev. N. C. Van Meter, missionary at Rome, presented to the president an indulgence which he had purchased in Rome. Said he, "Souls of men are prayed out of purgatory for four francs, and when one gets out, the organ strikes up a lively tune, provided the priest gets his money. . . . You will see men every day selling indulgences in the church of St. Augustine, as in the days of Martin Luther."

The New York Independent says: "At the recent conference of the Church Association, in Bristol, England, papers were presented, designed to show that Romanizing practices are going on in the Church of England, and extracts from books of devotion and from hymnals were given to prove the Romanistic character of the teaching in some of the churches. In sacred songs for children, the following is said to be found, with much more of like character:—

"Now that sacred prayer beginning, See the priest in rapture stand; Soon the spotless flesh of Jesus He will hold within his hand, Speak no idle word, nor suffer Thoughts of lightness to arise; For the priest in fear is offering Christ's tremendous Sacrifice."

SECULAR.

—San Francisco is calling loudly for sea-coast defenses.

—The employes on the street-car lines in Brooklyn, N. Y., are out on a strike.

—Owing to ill health, Cardinal Jacobini has tendered his resignation as Papal Secretary of State.

—It is said that New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are determined to secede from the Canadian confederation.

—In January all French employes on the Alsace-Lorraine Railway will be dismissed and replaced by Germans.

—Ex-Alderman McQuade of New York has been sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and to pay a fine of $5,000.

—Germany has recently been visited by very heavy snow-storms which seriously interfered with railway traffic.

—Because of disagreement with his colleagues, Lord Randolph Churchill has resigned his seat in the British cabinet.

—A woman died a few days since in Indian Territory at the age of 136 years. She was born in St. Augustine, Fla.

—A terrific railway collision occurred at Charkowa, Russia, on the 18th inst., resulting in the killing of thirteen persons and the injuring of thirty others.

—The passenger pool on the Pacific roads has again been broken and another rate war, such as took place last February and March, seems probable.

—The Women's Christian Temperance Union of Sioux City, Iowa, has organized an incorporation for the purpose of erecting a Haddock memorial building.

—The resignation of Lord Randolph Churchill from the British cabinet, has caused a sensation in England, and the fall of the ministry is confidently expected.

—French agriculturalists are demanding that a tax be levied on all foreign cereals imported into that country; the movement is directed chiefly against American products.

—December 22, two men in a Poughkeepsie, N. Y., factory threw a thirteen-year-old boy into a steam box where he was probably fatally scalded. It is not known that the boy had given them any provocation.

—Sixty-nine freight brakemen on the main line of the Louisville and Nashville Railway struck on the 22d inst., because of the discharge of two men who were spokesmen in a recent demand for an increase in wages.

—Grand Master Workman Powderly is opposed to giving any aid or comfort to Socialists or Anarchists and as a result a local move is in progress among the Knights of Labor at Chicago to depose him from his present position.

—The Russian Government has discovered the existence of an extensive nihilist organization, the members of which are principally workmen in large factories in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Vladimir. Many members of the organization have been arrested.

—There is said to be a great deal of dissatisfaction among the colored people of South Carolina, and large numbers of them are emigrating to Arkansas. They complain that under the laws of the State the landlords absorb all the proceeds of their labor and that they are to all intents and purposes disfranchised.

—Contrary to general expectation, the Government bill for the increase of the German army is meeting considerable opposition in the Reichstag. But the North German Gazette says the Government will maintain the bill at all hazards, and preparations for the proposed changes are being carried on the same as though the bill had already been approved.

—On the 21st inst. seventeen indictments were made public against members of the old Board of Public Works and clerks in Cincinnati. The indictments cover every phase of fraud and embezzlement by which public officers usually pluck a city. The amount they cover will run up into tens of thousands, as the men indicted were poor when they went into office a few years ago, and now live in fine residences and bear every external mark of wealth and luxury.

—Europe seems to be upon the verge of a general war. The difficulty in the Balkan Provinces is apparently no nearer a settlement than it was two months ago. Great Britain is rent with internal feuds, while France and Germany are both preparing for war. A Paris dispatch of the 21st inst. says: "Uneasiness is felt here over the rapidity with which the Government is working to place the armament of France in the completest conditions possible. The State manufactories of arms and ammunition are all being worked to their utmost capacity. It is reported from Rome that Italy is arming. Advices from Berlin state that Germany is increasing her troops in Alsace-Lorraine."

Appointments.

By A. J. Cudney

Nebraska.

THE State meeting of the Nebraska Tract Society will be held at Fremont, commencing Tuesday evening, January 11, and will continue until Monday morning, January 17, 1887. All directors, district secretaries, and librarians are invited to be present.

In connection with the ordinary Tract Society work special attention will be given to the work of canvassing. Instruction will be given in that important part of the work.

Let all district secretaries make out a list of publications, such as they will need during the next quarter, and come prepared to take the books home with them, and thus save freight.

A. J. CUDNEY, Pres.

New York.

By J. V. Willson

If any who are coming to the general meeting at Rome, N. Y., Jan. 8-10, have good clean copies of Signs, Sickle, or Sentinel, we would be glad to have such bring them to be used for missionary purposes. J. V. WILLSON, Sec. N. Y. Tract Society.

Something for the New Year.

By Editor

For $1.00 we will mail a "Revised Version of the New Testament," post-paid, and the American Sentinel one year.

Or for $1.00 we will send you the Pacific Health Journal one year, and a copy of the "Revised Version of the New Testament."

Or for $1.00 we will mail post-paid a copy of the "Practical Manual of Hygiene and Temperance," 300 pages, in cloth binding, and your choice of either the American Sentinel or Pacific Health Journal one year. Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Publishers, 12th and Castro Sts., Oakland, Cal.

RECEIPTS.

By Editor

Notice.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received, please notify us. All other business is acknowledged below.

California Conference Fund.—San Francisco $4.80, John Fulton $3.60, M. M. $2, A Misselt $3.25, Petaluma $27.20, Norwalk per W R Young $87, Healdsburg $12.45, S Secord $40, Reno Nev Church $230.10, Mrs N E DeYoe $5, Mrs M Richey $2.30.

California Publishing Fund.—A friend $25.

Cash Received on Account.—Mo T & M Society $200.

The "Signs" and "America."

By Editor

BELOW we give extracts from letters received from State T. and M. Societies, showing the feeling that exists in regard to extending the circulation of the Signs and Sentinel. We trust that all have the same spirit and that our subscription list will be largely increased during the coming year. We know it will be so if all are faithful.

"Your letter, also the American Sentinel circulars, received. We have sent the circulars out to all our T. and M. Societies and requested that they be read at their next Sabbath meeting. We feel sorry to see our Signs and Sentinel lists so small, and I have written to all our librarians and urged them to make a thorough canvass in their societies for these valuable papers, and not only that, but to get those who can canvass to go out among their neighbors and see if we cannot increase the circulation of these papers here in this State.

"I see some of our churches are diminishing their club of Signs, but this ought not to be so. As the end draws near, I feel that it becomes us to double our efforts in scattering the truth by means of our periodicals. We will see if something cannot be done to get the churches to take larger clubs of the Signs.

"I fear we have allowed other things to take our attention and this matter to a degree has been neglected. I have read this last circular over carefully and I do not see how any one can read it without being stirred over the matter.

"I have received the circulars, and terms to canvassers for the American Sentinel, Signs, and Pacific Health Journal. We will do all we can for these papers both to obtain new subscribers and renewals. I hope we can do more in the canvassing work this coming year than last."

"We thank you for the circulars and schedule of terms to agents. It is a great help to one to have such a plain price list to send to the agents. We will do all we can to increase the circulation of your papers. Your terms are certainly very liberal."

"The prospects for subscriptions are good. I shall make an earnest effort to get the local societies to take clubs of Signs for 1887. I know this State ought to take more Signs; it is such an excellent missionary paper. We hope also to make a stronger effort for 'Great Controversy.'"

IT SHOULD BE IN EVERY LIBRARY

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

Price per copy, bound in cloth, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.00

Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.

THE HONOR DUE TO GOD.

By Eld. E. J. Waggoner.

This is a candid examination of the question as to what the Lord expects from his children as an acceptable manifestation of gratitude for his gifts and care. It treats the important subject of tithes and offerings in a new and interesting way. Its arguments are clear and concise. It is a plain and faithful presentation of the truth of God's word on the important subject. An idea of the scope of the work may be obtained from the following brief synopsis:—

CHAPTER I.

Man's Duty to Love God Supremely.—God's Pleasure Man's Profit.—Love is Active, not Passive.—Two Ways of Honoring God.—With Our Time and Our Substance.—Tithing Rests on Same Foundation as Sabbath.—The Right of Property: Everything is the Lord's.—Tithing Not Peculiar to Jewish Dispensation.

CHAPTER II.

First Instance of Payment of Tithes.—What the Tithe Is.—Jacob's Vow.

CHAPTER III.

From What is the Tithe to be Paid?—When Shall It Be Laid Aside? Redeeming the Tithe.—Object of the Tithe.—Nehemiah's Example.—Offerings: Various Kinds in Old Dispensation.—David's Example.—Christian Obligation.

CHAPTER IV.

Difference Between Tithes and Offerings.—Offerings to be Given Willingly.—Modern Methods of Raising Money for Church Support Contrasted with Ancient.—Tithe Must Be Paid Continuously.—Church Expenses: How Raised in Ancient Times.—Support of the Poor; Bible Plan.—A Second Tithe.

CHAPTER V.

Who Should Pay Tithes.—Who should Make Offerings.—The Promise of God.

CHAPTER VI.

Parable of Rich Man; Luke 12:15-21. — "Rich Toward God."—Parable of the Unjust Steward.—Children of this World Wiser than Children of Light.—Why God Requires Men to Give of Their Means.

CHAPTER VII.

Systematic Giving.—Impossible to Discharge Our Obligations Without a Plan in Giving.—Purposing in the Heart.—How to Make Duty a Pleasure.—Giving One of the Christian Graces.

CHAPTER VIII.

An Objection; Tithing Not Mentioned by the Apostles.—The Reason Why.—Not One-tenth Money, but All Belongs to God.—"Tell Thee Ye Have, and Give Alms."—When Does this Command Apply?

PRICE, 10 CENTS.

Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.

Renew Your Subscription

By Editor

QUITE a number of subscriptions to this paper expire during the month of December. Please examine the address label on your SIGNS this week, and if the date opposite your name is Dec., '86, or Jan., '87, please send us your renewal at once. Terms: $1.00 for six months, $2.00 for one year, or $5.00 for three years. We are happy to announce that Mrs. E. G. White will continue her series of first-page articles in the SIGNS during 1887.

Back Numbers of the "Sentinel."

By Editor

We have a few hundred copies of the American Sentinel dated March, April, May, and June, 1886, which we can mail to those who desire them at $2.50 per hundred copies. They are just the thing to distribute at Conventions, to the members of your State Legislature, to place in tract distributors, etc. Address, Pacific Press, Publishers, Oakland, Cal.

The Law and Sentimentalism

There is a reason for this. And that reason is, the integrity and awful demands of the law of God are not now impressed upon the conscience. When ministers teach that the law is abolished, how can the sinner be convinced of his sin? For "by the law is the knowledge of sin." All such men as Luther, Wesley, Whitefield, etc., who had their work ended with great power, and worked such heart-repentance, preached the law; but when ministers will have abolished that by which sin is known there can be no other result than that so clearly set forth by the Advocate. The gospel that is now being preached is fast becoming a gospel of sentimentalism, and the only conversions there can be under such are sentimental "conversions."

The European Crisis.

NEW YORK, December 27.—The Star's London special of December 26 says: "In an interview on the foreign situation, an admiral of the fleet stated to-night that war in the spring, if not sooner, is certain. England will probably be involved. The chances are in favor of hostilities breaking out in one quarter or another as early as the beginning of March. If the preparations of the hostile powers were sufficiently advanced, troops would be in motion before the middle of February.

"The Admiral, who reflects the best official opinion, stated that Russia is certainly resolved to seize Constantinople at any cost of lives and treasure. Turkey is powerless without European assistance. Russia once firmly planted at Constantinople, no European power could dislodge her. She could block the entrance to the Black Sea and destroy the whole fabric of British commerce in that region.

"Such being the prospect, it is considered the duty of Great Britain to arm at all points. Unceasing exertions are being put forth to bring the British navy up to the highest possible efficiency. Additional hands are being put on all the iron-clads, cruisers, and torpedoes under construction or making ready for sea. Fresh contracts are being prepared for additional iron-clads, and arsenals and dock-yards are making and distributing enormous quantities of ammunition, stores, and other war material."

Death of General John A. Logan

GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN died December 26, at 2:58 P. M., of rheumatism, after an illness of only a few days. There was probably no man in public life in the United States who had more admirers than General Logan had, and his sudden death will call forth universal regret. His services to the country were many and varied, and while he had opponents, as do all men who have strong convictions, and the courage of them, both friends and opponents unite in attributing to him the virtues of bravery, integrity, and patriotism, and that in a high degree.

Infidelity, Socialism, Anarchy, and Spiritualism

By Editor

THE editor of an Eastern Spiritualist paper has been on a journey. In his report he speaks thus of a man with whom he stayed over night: "Mr. L— is not a Spiritualist, but terribly wants to be; he has no faith in the churches,—believes fully in Robert G. Ingersoll and the Knights of Labor." Truly Mr. L— is a "seeker" who will not long remain on the anxious seat. He is on the right road. Belief in Bob Ingersoll and the Knights of Labor will carry him through in time. Infidelity, socialism, anarchy, Spiritualism,—four things that are very near of kin.

Why Rome Loves Darkness

By Editor

THE reader's attention is called to the short article on another page, entitled, "Why Rome Loves Darkness." From that he will find that "doubt on the truth of his religion" is counted in a Catholic as an immeasurably greater calamity than either idleness, frivolity, gambling, or sensuality, or all of them combined. A person may be addicted to all these vices, yet if he unquestioningly believes all the dogmas of "Holy Church" he is, in the estimation of "the church," sure of Heaven at last. We would not underrate the sin of skepticism, but we would like to know how far removed from skepticism that

The Canvassers’ Faithful Labor

By Editor

the patient, yet too often unthanked toilers, the canvassers, who have labored so nobly for the material prosperity of the paper. We hope it will be thought worthy of an increased effort in the year to come.

The New Volume

By Editor

Concerning the new volume we have but little to say at present. We can make no promises except that we shall do the best we can with the help of God. We shall exert ourselves to make the new volume better than any previous one. Whatever we have learned by past experience shall be made use of in the future. The paper itself will be the best witness as to whether or not we fulfill our promise. We are not vain enough, however, to suppose that we can accomplish much without the co-operation of our friends, and this we confidently expect. Hoping for a continuation of the favors of the past, we wish our friends, both new and old, a Happy New Year.

A Truth Worth Considering

By Editor

THE following from the St. Louis Christian Advocate expresses a truth that cannot but be evident to all who will look into the subject:—

Modern Conversions Lack True Repentance

"The modern conversions are not strong and jubilant. The deep conviction for sin, the contrition and broken-heartedness, the mourning in deepest penitence, the heaviness of guilt,—these are not found in the modern conversions, a transient and insensible concern, extorted expression of a sentiment. The pressure of social and personal considerations, these have usurped the place of true godly sorrow for sin. Conversions brought about by such influences make feeble impressions of danger and guilt; cannot be followed by any joy for rescue when no peril was realized; no gratitude and praise for mercy when no guilt was felt; no gladness for comfort when no sorrow had pierced and broken the heart."

Macaulay’s Prediction of American Plunder

By Editor

THE following sentences were penned by Lord Macaulay in 1857. In view of this fact, and of current events, they are remarkable words. Though he places this time of plunder in "the twentieth century;" though there remain but thirteen years and six months more before the twentieth century comes, yet we doubt whether the nineteenth century will not see this time of plunder pictured by this justly eminent writer.

The Coming Plunder of America

The day will come when, in the State of New York, a multitude of people, not one of whom has had more than half a breakfast, or expects to have more than half a dinner, will choose a Legislature. Is it possible to doubt what sort of a Legislature will be chosen? On one side is a statesman preaching patience, respect for vested rights, strict observance of public faith; on the other is a demagogue, canting about the tyranny of capitalists and usurers, and asking why anybody should be permitted to drink champagne and to ride in carriages, while thousands of honest folks are in want of necessaries. Which of the two candidates is likely to be preferred by the workingman who hears his children crying for more bread? I seriously apprehend that you will, in some such seasons of adversity as I have described, do things which will prevent prosperity from returning. Either some Caesar or Napoleon will seize the reins of government with a strong hand, or your Republic will be as fearfully plundered and laid waste by barbarians in the twentieth century as the Roman Empire was in the fifth, with this difference, that the Huns and Vandals will have been engendered within your own country and by your own institutions."