p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 30. (8/8/1906)

SUPERIORITY OF THE PLOWSHARE.

Whether men believe the Bible or not, whether they believe in the existence of a chief adversary of all that is good or not, there is one thing that seems to be certain: There is some subtle, sinister power that impels men to work against their own best interest. There is some peculiar influence at work causing the human race to indulge in all sorts of suicidal schemes. Judgment is all awry, the world is over head and ears in debt, and its investments are largely unprofitable. Referring to another subject, the San Francisco Chronicle of recent date incidentally says, "The plowshare is infinitely more potent in raising the value of government bonds than big armies and navies."

This statement is so evident that one would hardly expect to hear a dissenting voice; yet, look at the world and behold the vast armaments, the almost incredible investments in military and naval establishments. These are not only maintained by the national governments, but by states and provinces. They call for the best bone and sinew among the sons of men, to become consumers of the people's substance rather than producers; to become trained systematic destroyers of men and the fruits of their labor. And it is all to gratify the ambition of men to dominate their fellow men, to sustain the ambition of governments, to outdo and to outshine other governments.

To this end the prophetic Word foretells the disposition of the last days to beat the plowshares into swords, and the pruning-hooks into spears. Thus unto the very end will go on the process of destruction unto destruction; and when men shall be prophesying, "Peace, peace," then "sudden destruction shall come upon them." See Joel 3:9-14; 1 Thess. 5:1-3.

The bitterest ingredient in the Russian situation is religious fanaticism, yet it is one of the nominal "Christian nations." The following dispatch from Moscow, dated July 25, illustrates the point:

Tens of thousands of copies of the Viechs, a Black Hundred paper, containing the most provocative articles against the Jews and revolutionists, are being distributed gratis in the streets. An editorial in the paper glorifies the dispersal of the "revolutionary assembly of Jews and Jewish sympathizers," adding: "The prayers of the people have at last found an echo in the heart of the Emperor. Arise, Orthodox Russians; take care that the next Parliament is not an assembly of Jews and revolutionists, but a state institution willing to work in harmony with the autocratic Emperor and the fundamental law."

In giving permission to open the saloons of San Francisco, the door seems to have swung wider than was intended. The mayor summarily removed the entire board of police commissioners, and the new board failed to organize because one member died suddenly and another declined to serve. So action on applications for saloon licenses was deferred, and new applications accumulated. The applicants became impatient and commenced business without licenses. Last week the correspondent of the San Jose Mercury stated that possibly 150 saloons had done this, and the number was daily increasing. Also that "all along the line" saloons were being conducted without regard to the closing hour of 8 P. M., and that it was "easy to find a saloon open at any hour of the night."

OUR WORK AND WORKERS.

By Editor

In noting a Sabbath-school convention conducted in the church at Hamlin, Ohio, July 14, the Visitor says: "Sunday morning the Methodist church closed its doors, and the members, led by their pastor, marched over to our church, thus testing its capacity. In the evening many could not gain entrance. The Methodist brethren took part in the discussions, and expressed themselves as both pleased and edified by the services. In repairing our church at this place this church and the town people united heartily in the work and expense."

The Educational Council recently held at College View, Neb., decided to make the Review and Herald the organ of the Educational Department of the General Conference for the present. Once a month the paper will be increased in size by eight pages to accommodate this arrangement.

The July issue of Liberty contains an array of live subjects that should interest everybody. Here is the list: Sunday Laws and Good Government; Does the Sabbath Need Protection; State Sabbath Versus Divine Sabbath; Recent Sunday Crusade Developments in Pennsylvania; Do Working Men Need Sunday Laws; The Lesson of the California Earthquake; A Rejoinder; A Modern Christian City; The Question of "Whose Ox?"; Things Move; Christian Liberty; Notes on Current Religious Legislation; Man in the Place of God; The Railway Rate Bill and the Sabbath; Sunday Legislation in Louisiana; The Present Church Federation Movement—What Does It Mean; What Shall Save the Nation; etc. Published quarterly by Review and Herald Publishing Association, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.; 25 cents a year, including extras.

At Huntingburg, Ind., where Brethren F. M. Roberts and J. F. Steele have been holding meetings, thirteen persons have accepted the faith.

At the last quarterly meeting of the church at Lawrence, Kansas, three members were added to the church by baptism. Brother J. W. Norwood administered the rite in the Kansas river.

The Kansas general camp-meeting is announced for August 9-19, at Salina.

Sabbath, July 14, four persons were added to the church at Kansas City, Kansas.

In the Reaper, Brother J. W. Christian reports the baptism of four candidates at Elk Point, S. D., and five at Swan Lake.

A dozen persons have taken their stand for the truth at Rock Hill, N. D., since the recent camp-meeting at that place.

Of the work in Milwaukee, Wis., Brother R. T. Dowsett writes to the Reporter: "Sabbath, June 30, three adults were baptized by Elder Olds, and united with the English church. Sabbath, July 14, eight more were baptized by Elder Christian. One united with the English church, and seven with the Scandinavian Company. Others are to be baptized in the near future."

July 7, at Sparta, Wis., five young persons were baptized by Brother F. Stebbeds. Two adult persons were also added to the church.

In the Canadian Union Messenger, Brother A. O. Burrill reports the organization of a church of twenty-five members at Petrolia, Ont.

The Baptists of Mountain View, our home town, have kindly offered our church the use of their house of worship, because of the loss of our meeting place, the Pacific Press chapel.

Is your husband proud of your

COOKERY?

Likes good things to eat—does he?

Wouldn't it be a pleasant surprise to him in the winter time to set out some sliced tomatoes on a pretty white plate, fixed up just the way he likes them—

Or some sweet corn on the cob, as juicy and creamy as the day it was plucked, or green peas, or— Say—a dish of brook trout— Or some other article of food of which he is particularly fond, but which can not be obtained for love or money, out of season? Well—

The ECONOMY Jar enables you to give him that very surprise.

The ECONOMY Jar is a wide mouth, self-sealing, perfectly air tight jar. Nothing else like it.

By its use, you can perfectly preserve fruit, whole or sliced; vegetables, fish, game, or any other article of food, without the use of preservatives or any means except heat and pure water.

No burned or cut fingers when you use the ECONOMY—no rubber rings to contaminate—no dangerous acids to develop.

The next time the man of the house brings in a basket of trout or game, just put up some of them in an ECONOMY Jar. Then, without saying a word to him, set them out for his dinner some day next winter. They will be as sweet and wholesome and appetizing as the day they were put up. The treat will be like a vacation day in the woods or mountains. A single dozen ECONOMY Jars will prove this to you. Get them at your dealers.

Sit down right now and write us your name and the name of your dealer and state whether he sell the ECONOMY Jar, and we will send you (FREE) a booklet of recipes—tell you all about preserving the Economy way—tell you where you may buy the jars, and all about "pleasant ways to surprise the man's palate," without a penny of cost to you or any trouble further than writing us one short letter.

KERR GLASS MFG. CO. 275 Hoyt St., Portland, Ore. Eastern Office Dept. O., Philadelphia, Pa.

GRAND CANYON

OF ARIZONA

"A whole chaotic underworld. Most sublime scene on earth. A mile deep, 13 miles wide, 217 miles long, and painted like a flower."

TICKET OFFICES:

Ferry Building, San Francisco 1112 Broadway, Oakland 40th St. and San Pablo Ave., Oakland University and West Sts., Berkeley 2d and J Streets, Sacramento 21 So. 1st Street, San Jose, Cal.

SIGNIFICANT STRAWS.

IN discussing the Education Bill in the British House of Commons, Mr. Birrell, Minister of Education, is reported to have expressed surprise on learning, in connection with his official duties, how many Protestant children were attending the Roman Catholic schools. He was much astonished to see inscribed in Roman Catholic books of devotion, signed by a Roman Catholic bishop as prizes for religious knowledge, the names of children whom he knew to be Wesleyans, who attended Catholic schools and exhibited such skill in mastering Catholic theology that the bishop inscribed their names in books of Catholic devotion.

Another straw showing a growing Roman Catholic influence under the British flag is noted in Australia. A member of the Australian Parliament has been talking in London, and he gives almost sole credit to Bishop Moran for bringing about the Federation of Australian provinces. Among other laudatory expressions we note these significant remarks:

The cardinal is not only a leader in religious, but in secular matters. His people look to him for guidance on all questions. The minister of works has often acknowledged that, next to the state, the cardinal is the greatest builder and the largest employer of labor in Australia. The commissioners of education recently said that his eminence is one of the few men in Australia who have a correct grasp of the educational requirements of the people. He gives a lead to the state authorities, and at the last St. Patrick's day celebration he achieved a great triumph by a schools' industrial exhibition of huge dimensions and workmanship in the arts and crafts.

The town of Suisun, Solano county, Cal., experienced a disastrous fire on the 24th ult. Thirty-six buildings were destroyed; loss estimated at $180,000. Many of the houses were residences, and the fire covered nine blocks.

Bank of Mountain View

By Editor

If you haven't already done so, why don't you drop us a postal asking us to send you a copy of our monthly paper, "The Bank of Mountain View Journal." It is very interesting. It is full of good ideas, and it is free to you for the asking. If you live in the East, send for a copy and see how we do it in California. We still hold ourselves ready to furnish you with information about Mountain View. Write us.

Address

Bank of Mountain View

Mountain View, Santa Clara County, California

Southern Pacific

Whether going East or coming West, do not fail to take advantage of the most essential features of traveling

Speed, Comfort, Safety

Which are given the greatest attention in the equipment of the

Overland Limited

Running over the Southern and Union Pacific. Secure tickets and make reservations for berths from any

Local Agent

Southern Pacific Company =OR= City Ticket Office, Ferry Bldg., San Francisco, Cal.

IMPORTANT TO TRAVELERS

The WASHINGTON-SUNSET ROUTE announce the opening of their through line via New Orleans. Personally conducted cars, San Francisco to Washington, D. C., via Coast Line and Los Angeles, tri-weekly. Tickets at lowest rates to Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, New England, and all Eastern points. Through the Old South. Quick time. Best service. Write Phil K. Gordon, 1708 Filmore St., San Francisco, for full information.

Personally Conducted

Tourist Cars

ON THE

UNION PACIFIC

Operate daily between principal Eastern points and California. The route of the Overland Limited.

S. F. BOOTH, General Agent, San Francisco, Cal.

E. L. LOMAX, G. P. A. Omaha, Neb.

NOTICE.

The Santa Barbara Sanitarium, a corporation existing under the laws of California, for the purpose of caring for the sick and education of humanity along hygienic and temperance lines, offers for sale 100 shares of stock at $1.00 per share, non-assessable, and paying a guaranteed dividend of 6 per cent per annum. Stock may be secured through the President of the corporation,

Dr. M. E. Eastman Santa Barbara Route 2. Cal,

Positions at Garden City Sanitarium

WANTED—A young man to do light engineering work; also two gentlemen and four ladies to take the Nurses' Training Course. Write immediately. Garden City Sanitarium, San Jose, Cal.

Death of Russel Sage

Russel Sage, known as the "Nestor of American financiers," and as the "dean of Wall street," New York, died suddenly July 22. He lacked but two weeks of being ninety years of age, and stuck to the routine of business almost to the last. He was a director in twenty-five great corporations, railroad and telegraph principally. His record in brief is that he lived ninety years, made $100,000,000 (estimated), and died.

DOES THIS NEED APPEAL TO YOU?

By Editor

We make no pathetic appeal to our friends. We believe the simple facts of our awful loss are more eloquent than any words. Never before was the Pacific Press more needed than right now. Never before were its types, its presses, demanded as now. Devoted servants of God are saying, "Let us rise up and build." Neh. 2:18. God's providence is saying, "Rise up and build." The needs of the work are saying, "Build the house, and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified," and the needs of perishing souls are crying, "Let not their hands be slack." Brother, friend, we want your help. Some have already nobly responded in gifts and pledges: July 23, on the Oakland camp ground, $8,014.75; Mr. and Mrs. James Turner, three Wellington typewriters, $180; Mrs. Smith, two bound volumes of Our Little Friend.

The Oakland donation will increase. The Signs of the Times will acknowledge all that is sent. Read this paper and respond as the spirit of God bids you.

PRICE OF THIS PAPER

By Editor

Single copies, 5 cents; 10 to 1,000 copies three (3) cents each; 1,000 or over two and one-half cents each.

Order soon as only a limited number can be printed.

TO OUR MISSIONARIES IN FOREIGN LANDS.

By Editor

In our great fire we lost hundreds and hundreds of photos from the great mission lands of the earth. Represented in our collection were China, Korea, Japan, Thibet, India, Farther India, the islands of the sea, various South American countries, countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Russia, Turkey,—in fact all the various parts of the world.

We now appeal to our brethren to make such collections for us of striking representative views of the various countries, its national buildings, national types of character, things of national interest. If necessary we will pay for these. Of course we could not be at too great expense, but we must have illustrations of this kind. The collection of fifteen years is gone, and we must begin from the ground up. The very first that we received is a postal card from Zurich, Switzerland, with a statue of Zwingli, thanks to Brother Spicer. We thank them very much for what they have done. We plead with them to help us still. We would ask this also of our brethren and friends throughout the European countries.

Books, Pamphlets and Tracts.

By H. H. Hall

Although the books, pamphlets and tracts at our main office have been destroyed, we have a large stock at each of our branch offices located at 285 Salmon street, Portland, Oregon, and 1109 East Twelfth street, Kansas City, Mo., to which points heavy shipments had been made just before the fire. We also have electrotype plates in our vault from which we hope that nearly all our publications can be printed as soon as machinery is installed. Arrangements have been made with other offices to publish the books for which our canvassers are working, so that no serious delay in deliveries will result. A temporary stock room is being erected to receive the books now on the way from the Eastern offices.

We well know that the burning of our institution will not in the slightest degree lessen the demand for the publications it has been producing. Therefore no effort nor legitimate expense will be spared to supply that demand. So let none of our faithful canvassers think for a moment of leaving the field for fear that their orders cannot be filled, for they will be. Let none of our many friends who have been circulating large quantities of tracts and pamphlets cease to do so, for a typesetting machine and large press will soon be in temporary quarters, and will work night and day to supply you. In the meantime, we will fill all orders from our branch offices with but little delay.

H. H. HALL, Manager Book Department.

Thanks for Expressions of Sympathy

By Editor

It will be impossible for us to acknowledge the many kind expressions of sympathy which are coming to us. We have attempted this in small part elsewhere in this issue. We wish to say personally that for all the good letters we thank you.

Machinery for Printing Periodicals

By Editor

We hope to have machinery installed soon so as to print our periodicals. The firm of Melvin, Hillis & Black, of San Jose, are kindly stretching every nerve to get this out for us, and we are grateful.

Professor Omori Explores Earthquake Zone

Professor Omori, of the Imperial University at Tokio, Japan, has been making an exhaustive exploration of the territory affected by the recent earthquake in California. Probably none of the scientists have gone into actual territorial research to such an extent as he. His conclusion is that the zone of greatest shock extends from Point Reyes to Point Arena. He states that "altho there are not many buildings in this zone, the efect on the lands and on the buildings that were affected shows this to be the center of the seismic disturbance.

God's Lesson in the Fire

God has a lesson for us in the fire. He lies in every providence. No kind, wise earthly father would chasten his children and withhold the needed knowledge.

The Signs of the Times After the Fire

By Editor

We regret beyond words to express the dropping of another number of the Signs of the Times. August 1 issue was almost made up; twelve pages were in the foundry when the fire came. There was no office which could get it out then, our mailing list was an uncertain quantity, and we could possibly do no better. Even now for a few weeks we may have to print only eight pages. But we will soon have installed a new plant large enough to print the entire sixteen pages. Then we will try to make it a better paper than ever, so that our subscribers will feel that there has been no loss to them.

The Valley of Humility

The Valley of Humility is a hard place for the proud feet of man to reach. It is attended by many slips and falls. But it is a wonderfully sweet and safe place to walk. There God walks with His children.

Eastern Excursions.

The Chicago and Northwestern Railway's daily and personally conducted excursions to the East afford the greatest amount of comfort at the least cost. The cars are of the very latest pattern and are provided with every convenience. Daily cars leave San Francisco at 6:00 P. M. and personally conducted every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 9:00 A. M. Ask Southern Pacific Agents or R. R. Ritchie, 435 14th Street, Oakland, Cal.