p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 2. (1/13/1898)

Good Reading

An Alphabetical List of Our Pamphlets.

Abiding Sabbath and The Lord’s Day, by A. T. Jones, a review of a $500 and $1,000 “prize essay” on the Sabbath. These essays are perhaps the best contributions to Sunday sacredness literature, and this review is an important one. B. S. L. No. 2, 173 pages, 20c.

Ancient Sabbath, by D. T. Bourdeau, a refutation of 44 so-called objections, with critical and practical thoughts on the law and Sabbath, and on the Greek of certain passages, 85 pages, 10c.

Appeal from the U. S. Supreme Court Decision, making this a “Christian nation,” a protest, by A. T. Jones, a powerful protest against the union of Church and State involved in this decision. R. L. L. No. 8, 86 pages, 15c.

Angels, Their Nature and Ministry, revised by J. H. Waggoner. This interesting pamphlet not only treats of the ministry of unfallen angels, but gives the origin and work of Satan as well. B. S. L. No. 83, 137 pages, 20c.

Bible Sanctification, a contrast of true and false theories, by Mrs. E. G. White. The multitude of false theories respecting this subject makes a clear scriptural treatise a necessity. B. S. L. No. 1, 82 pages, 10c.

Captivity of the Republic. This republic has been captured; how it came about is here related. R. L. L. No. 6, 126 pages, 15c.

Change of the Sabbath, was it by divine or human authority? by Geo. I. Butler, 218 pages, 20c.

Christ and His Righteousness, by Dr. E. J. Waggoner. Is Christ God? Christ as Creator, Is Christ a Created Being? God Manifest in the Flesh, Christ the Lawgiver, are a portion of the subjects treated. B. S. L. No. 72, 96 pages, 10c.

Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New, by Elder James White. In addition to the subjects above indicated, one chapter treats “The Old Moral Code Not Revised.” 56 pages, 10c.

Christ Our Advocate, His ministry in the true tabernacle, by M. H. Brown. Christ’s work in heaven is told in a way that is easily understood. Several illustrations and diagrams serve to make clear the arrangement and service of the earthly tabernacle, and aid in the contemplation of the heavenly. B. S. L. No. 128, 112 pages, 10c.

Christian Science. What Is It? Is It Science? Is It Christian? Is It Akin to Modern Spiritualism? By Elder H. A. St. John. B. S. L. No. 93, 85 pages, 15c.

Church and State, by James T. Ringgold, of the Baltimore bar; origin of Church and State union, and the results as still shown on our statute-books. R. L. L. No. 3, 60 pages, 10c.

Due Process of Law and Divine Right of Dissent, by A. T. Jones, a review of Judge Hammond’s decision in the King case, to which is added the decision itself; also the decision of the Supreme Court of California in a similar case. R. L. L. No. 1, 120 pages, 15c.

Experience and Views of Mrs. E. G. White. This pamphlet was first published in 1851 and contains the early writings and experiences of Mrs. E. G. White. 25c.

Helps to Bible Study, revised, a series of Bible-readings designed as an aid to the personal study of the Scriptures. 125 pages, 22c.

Historical Sketches of Foreign Missions, illustrated and containing much valuable information concerning our missionary work in foreign lands. 294 pages, 50c.

History of the Sabbath, in three volumes, by J. N. Andrews, same contents as bound book. 508 pages, 75c.

Honor Due to God, thoughts on tithes and offerings, by E. J. Waggoner. B. S. L. No. 135, 61 pages, 10c.

Hope of the Gospel, by J. N. Loughborough, treats of the character of the Christian hope, the time of its realization, and the promises on which it is based. 80 pages, 10c.

Judgment, its events in their order, by J. N. Andrews. B. S. L. No. 55, 15c.

Legal Sunday, its history and character, by James T. Ringgold. Every phase of Sunday in legislation, historically, morally, and constitutionally considered. R. L. L. No. 22, 260 pages, 40c.

Life, Its Source and Purpose, by Wm. Covert, an intensely interesting presentation of the wonderful subject of life through Christ. The last chapter, entitled “All Things Harmonized in Christ,” contains a mine of encouragement and information. B. S. L. No. 108, 10c.

Lord’s Day, the Test of the Ages, by Elder M. C. Wilcox. This subject has become and will continue to be the testing question of the age, as it has been of other ages. It is comprehensively treated in this pamphlet. B. S. L. No. 134, 15c.

Man’s Nature and Destiny, or The State of the Dead, the Reward of the Righteous and the End of the World. Elder Uriah Smith, 332 pp., 50c.

Matthew 24, or The Second Coming of Christ, an exposition of our Saviour’s great prophecy. B. S. L. No. 58, 94 pages, 10c.

Modern Spiritualism, A Subject of Prophecy and a Sign of the Times. Elder Uriah Smith. 156 pp., 20c.

Nature and Obligation of the Sabbath, by J. H. Waggoner, answers the arguments urged in favor of first-day observance. B. S. L. No. 54, 96 pages, 10c.

Objections to Visions, a manifestation of spiritual gifts according to the Scriptures. Elder Uriah Smith. 144 pages, 20c.

Prophetic Lights, by E. J. Waggoner, treats of the leading prophecies of both New and Old Testament in a way well calculated to prove their inspiration and importance. The book is elegantly illustrated, contains nearly 200 large octavo pages. B. S. L. No. 117, 50c.

Redeemer and Redeemed, or The Plan of Redemption through Christ. Elder James White. 10c.

Review of the Two Sermons by Rev. R. G. Baird. A defense of the Sabbath of the Lord. J. H. Waggoner. 64 pages, 10c.

Rights of the People, of civil government and religion, illustrated. In addition to being an up-to-date treatise on this great subject, it contains the Constitution of the U. S., the Dred Scott Decision, together with the Dissenting Opinion, and the Christian Nation Decision. R. L. L. No. 32, 40c.

Sabbath and the Law, by J. N. Andrews, contains 192 pages, and gives an outline of the Biblical and secular history of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. B. S. L. No. 53, 20c.

Saints’ Inheritance, or The Earth Made New, by J. N. Loughborough, fifth edition, revised and enlarged. B. S. L. No. 140, 10c.

Sanctuary and the Twenty-three Hundred Days of Daniel 8 and 14. 224 pages, 30c.

Seven Trumpets of Rev. 8 and 9, third edition. As a portion of these trumpets are a part of the great Eastern Question, its study is especially appropriate just now. 96 pages, 10c.

Siberia and the Nihilists, Why Kennan Went to Siberia, by William Jackson Armstrong. A clear presentation of the cause of the Nihilists, as well as that of religious despotism as it exists in Russia. 160 pages, 25c.

Social Purity and Talk to Girls. Nothing more chaste and effective in the line of social purity literature has ever been published. 82 pp., 25c.

Spirit of God, Its Offices and Manifestations to the End of the Christian Age. Especial attention is given to the connection existing between obedience to the law of God and the presence of the gifts of the Spirit. It deserves careful study. J. H. Waggoner. 142 pages, 15c.

Sun of Righteousness, an exposition of the scriptures bearing upon the two advents of Christ. H. A. St. John, B. S. L. No. 97, 10c.

Sunday, The Origin of Its Observance in the Christian Church, by E. J. Waggoner. B. S. L. No. 80, 15c.

Sunday Laws of the States and Territories. A careful compilation of such laws as they exist on the statute-books. Sent. Lib. No. 42, 20c.

Sunday, Seventh-day Examined. A refutation of the claim that Sunday is the true seventh day of the fourth commandment. 88 pages, 10c.

Sure Word of Prophecy, a study of the book of Daniel. M. H. Brown, B. S. L. No. 131, 10c.

Three Messages of Rev. 14:6–12, by J. N. Andrews. 141 pages, 15c.

Thoughts on Baptism, being an examination of Christian baptism, its action, subjects, and relations; also a brief consideration of the historical evidences for trine immersion. J. H. Waggoner. 210 pages, 25c.

Will a Man Rob God? Practical thoughts on tithes and offerings. R. A. Underwood, B. S. L. No. 145, 10c.

Address your State Tract Society, or

PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY, Oakland, Cal.

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TO CONTRIBUTORS.

By Editor

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is a purely missionary enterprise. For this reason it has felt free to ask for contributions from its friends. It pays nothing for contributions, either prose or poetry, unless solicited by the editor, and then the fact is stated when the articles are asked for. This is a plan rarely followed, but sometimes deemed expedient.

Articles Desired.—Those which set forth in the Spirit of Christ the great saving truths of God, short and to the point. It is better to treat one important truth clearly, in a short article, than many points vaguely in a long one. We desire no caustic, critical productions, which might minister to personal pride or pleasure, but can not save souls.

How Prepared.—Write plainly, with typewriter or ink, with wide space between the lines, to freely admit of editing, writing of subheads, etc. Write on one side of the sheet only. Sign the name to the manuscript, as it becomes oftentimes separated from accompanying letter. Anonymous contributions are not used, whatever their merit. If the writer does not wish his name to appear, let him furnish a pseudonym for the public. But we wish the name.

Manuscript Returned.—We will return all unused manuscript desired if stamp and directions are included. We are forced sometimes to return good manuscript mainly for three reasons: (a) Sometimes the articles are too long; (b) sometimes we have a number on the same subject; (c) sometimes our plans are such that an article can not be used till it is out of date. We therefore hope that no offense will be taken by those who have freely contributed their best thought if their productions are returned. When we receive so much matter, we can not use all.

LITERATURE WANTED.

W. H. GOODWIN, No. 12 Water Street, Santa Cruz, Cal., desires late clean copies of the SIGNS, Sentinel, Review, and any of our denominational tracts, for free reading-room and other missionary work. Please send post-paid.

S. A. POOLE, Browningsville, Md., solicits SIGNS and other denominational papers for missionary work. Please send post-paid.

WHERE IS HE?

Mrs. Almira Day, Harrison, Idaho, would like to know from any of the readers of the SIGNS who may be able to give the information, of the whereabouts of her son, J. James Montgomery Day.

All Are Looking.

All are looking for what the Lord declares will come,—a general war. The Catholic Mirror of January 1 thus expresses it: “The ‘general European war’ which has been talked of for so many years—may it not be the coming event before the next twelve months have passed away? Not surprising is it that even the mighty statesmen and diplomats, whose firm nerves have borne them coolly through many a crisis, experience a shuddering thrill when they think of this horror? What will the next war between civilized nations be like? How will the cultured people of the earth, at the close of the nineteenth century, equipped with all the latest scientific development, proceed about the business of destroying one another? What mighty engines and dire explosives will they use to maim and slay—to lay waste farms and fields and obliterate cities? . . . There is apparently not much encouragement for the lovers of peace who dream of a universal arbitrament by the orderly ways of speech and pen rather than those of the sword. . . .

The kings and emperors of 1898 appear very much like those of 1798, and even those of 1698—indeed like the potentates of all times past, who only said, ‘Let us have peace,’ when they were most intent upon seizure and spoliation.” There is but one hope of freedom from war in this world, and that is the coming reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Unordered Copies of the Signs

By Editor

We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance.

When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the “Signs” are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.

Our Readers

By Editor

Our Readers will see by this issue that our help has come. Brother Tait is with us, and his work will speak for itself.

The Way of Righteousness

The way of righteousness is indeed narrow, but there is always room for two to walk abreast, yourself and Jesus Christ.

Sunday-School Lesson Order

By Editor

It will be noticed that, contrary to our usual plan, our Sunday-school lesson precedes rather than follows the Sabbath-school lesson. This is caused by exigency of make-up.

First a Willing Mind

Sister Henry’s true story of “First a Willing Mind,” etc., will be finished next week. It is worth reading and rereading, because of the principles, tact, and wisdom of Christian work incidentally set forth in it.

Power in God’s Commandments

God’s holy commandments are divine enabling acts to every soul who will submit to do His will. The power to do the act is in the very command to do it, if you truly desire to let God work through you His own will.

Would You Know the Way to God?

Would you know the way to God and the better land and the eternal life, reader?—Then study the articles, “The Way, the Truth, and the Life,” the second of which appears in this paper. The instruction, if followed, will be of infinite and eternal worth.

Do You Love Him?

—Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ? Is He your Saviour, your personal Saviour? If He is, you surely love Him. You have heard His loving voice calling you from the paths of sin and death to the safe highway of righteousness and peace. You have heard Him say, “Son, thy sins are forgiven thee; I have washed away thy guilt.” You have felt His strong arm underneath you to hold you up when sinking in discouragement and despair. When all others forsook you, He was true and steadfast. O, what a Friend! What a Fountain of fulness in every respect! How could we help loving Him? “But we desire the personal presence of those we love.” In this you shall not be disappointed; He is coming again, that where He is, there may His people be also. John 14: 1-3. Do you love Him? Then indeed will you love, and long for, and watch for His appearing? He is soon coming. We can hear His chariot wheels. Look up, and rejoice; your eternal redemption draweth nigh.

Vituperation and Abuse

Vituperation and abuse need not worry the Christian. It is not at all a matter to discourage us. If we are doing right we need not fear the consequences. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous.” He will make the wrath of man to praise Him, and the remainder of wrath, that which can not be used to His glory, will He restrain. Thus was Paul treated. He said: “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good-will. The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds; but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel.” But He was not discouraged by those who sought to do him harm. Then when people misunderstandingly malign our good name or impugn our motives, so as to engender strife, let us say with the apostle, “What then? notwithstanding in every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.” Phil. 1:15-18. “For God will work all things together for good to them that love Him.” Rom. 8:28.

A Life-Destroyer.—

“From Montreal comes the news,” says the New York Journal, “that a member of the Royal Canadian militia has invented a bullet that can be fired from a Lee-Enfield rifle with accuracy for any distance from 800 to 3,000 yards and yet possess the ‘stopping’ [tearing, lacerating, mangling] qualities of the old minie-ball, or the lead bullet fired at short range from a musket.”

Pass It On.

—Here is good advice in this the beginning of the New Year; and every day ought to be the beginning of a new year to the Christian:—

“Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on. ’Twas not given for thee alone— Pass it on. Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another’s tears Till in heaven the deed appears— Pass it on.”

WHO WILL INVEST?

By Editor

There are investments and investments in this world. Many are utterly untrustworthy, some are measurably good, none are absolutely secure. We present before our readers an investment, and ask for a loan on absolutely good security. The note of the best bank in Oakland would be considered good security. A United States note would be considered better still, but a note on the Bank of Heaven, God’s promissory note, is absolutely and eternally sure. On page 6 is an article on “Our Helping Hand Mission.” Please read it. There are hundreds and thousands of homeless, helpless men and women and children in San Francisco who need help now. Their numbers are constantly increasing. We propose to open a Helping Hand Mission to lift them up and help them to a better life and means of existence. To establish this mission we need money, and we need it NOW. The SIGNS OF THE TIMES will do all in its power; but it desires the co-operation of its readers. Who will loan to the Lord money for the Lord’s poor? To all such here is the security, the immutable promises of God:—

“He that hath pity upon the poor LENDETH UNTO THE LORD; and that which he hath given WILL HE PAY him again.” Prov. 19:17.

“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” Prov. 28:27.

“Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:35.

And at last will the Judge of the universe, the blessed Master, say, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Matt. 25:40.

Whose hearts are touched to help the poor? Who will invest in the Bank Stock of Heaven?

THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES will receipt and account for all moneys which reach us. Send by post-office or express money order, or by bank check. No amount is so small as to be useless, and we can use faithfully for God the largest sum. Address; The Signs of the Times Helping Hand Mission, 12th and Castro Streets, Oakland, Cal.

SUNDAY EVILS.

Says the Rev. Henry Tesnow, Reformed Episcopalian, of Denver, Colorado:—

“It is a matter of deep public concern, as well as that of the church, how the masses are to be employed who are let loose upon the sabbath [Sunday]. If they be allowed to be tempted to idleness, vice, and dissipation, no day in the calendar of the week will equal it in 'impairing health, promoting vice, increasing pauperism, unsettling society,' and opening the flood-gates for sin and degradation in general.”

Here is something for Sunday-law people to think about. Were it not for Sunday laws many would be employed in labor no morally worse on Sunday than on Monday. The effort to close all places of business on Sunday enforces idleness upon a large class who have no desire to read or go to church. The next logical step for Sunday-law people to take will be to secure a law to compel attendance on religious services. And then will come the question of what church, which the secular authorities will perforce have to decide, and thus would follow the fullest fledged union of Church and State, with all its concomitant evils. The evils created by a full working Sunday-law régime are endless. We commend the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a substitute worthy of the trial of these Sunday-law agitators.

How Can It Be Done?

—Our enterprising contemporary, the Christian Citizen, of Chicago, in its December issue says:—

“The Christian Citizenship League is organized in the interest of applied Christianity. It does not aim directly at the conversion of souls. That is distinctively the work of the church. The League of course believes in the conversion of individual men. It wants that work to go on—the more of it the better. But its existence is made necessary by the fact that the State is a divine institution and must be made to do the will of God and by the belief that it is not necessary to wait till all men are individually converted before that end can be attained.”

How can the State “be made to do the will of God”? The State is not a person; it can not believe; but “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Heb. 11:6. It was asked of Jesus, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” and His answer was, “This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.” John 6:28, 29. This is the only way by which men can do God’s will. To do His will must ever be a matter of choice, the motive of which is faith and love. “The State is a divine institution” only in the sense that government is ordained of God. The Russian State is as much “a divine institution” as the government of England. See Jer. 27:4-8; Dan. 4:17, 32.

We Sympathize

By Editor

We sympathize with the many friends of Mrs. Ballington Booth over her illness, and the probability that her active life-work of rescuing the perishing is over. She is said to be suffering from aortic aneurism, a disease of the heart, incurable by medical science. Mrs. Booth’s life has been a noble one, and none could hear her plead for the poor without a deep conviction that she was in love with her work, and heavily burdened for the classes for whom she labored. Her sweet, powerful pleas won many a heart and opened many a purse hitherto closed to public appeals. In Mrs. Booth’s retirement the poor of the slums have lost an active, efficient friend. But God, who gave Mrs. Booth her loving heart, burdened for the fallen, who inspires every noble impulse in every heart, still lives and reigns to help every soul who longs for His help.

And those who have wisely taught, shall shine as the bright