p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 39. (9/29/1898)

Earlier text: Healthful Delicious Nut Foods

OUR QUARTER-CENTENNIAL NUMBER WILL CONTAIN

By Editor

1. An article by the world-famed oriental scholar and archaeologist, the Rev. A. H. Sayce, LL.D., of Oxford, England, on God’s witnesses in stone, or the testimony of the monuments, as revealed during the last quarter century, to the truthfulness of God’s Word. This is written specially for this paper.

2. An article from the pen of Alonzo T. Jones, author of “The Two Republics,” “Rights of the People,” etc., on the progress which has been made toward State-and-Church union in this country during the last quarter century.

3. “Important Inventions for Twenty-five Years,” by Uriah Smith, author of “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” “Here and Hereafter,” etc., and for many years editor of the Review and Herald. Elder Smith is himself an inventor, and his article will be of interest.

4. “The Rise and Development of False Religions and Isms” during the last quarter century, by L. A. Phippeny, an article of special interest.

5. A story for our Home department by Mrs. S. M. I. Henry, for many years at the head of evangelical work among the W. C. T. U.

6. A striking article entitled “Significant Scraps from European History of the Closing Quarter Century,” by Pastor H. P. Holser, of Basel, Switzerland. This will be a striking review of the European field politically and religiously.

7. “Military and Naval Development of the Last Quarter-Century,” by A. O. Tait, illustrated.

8. “The Development of the Money Power for the Last Twenty-five Years,” by Prof. P. T. Magan, vice-president of Battle Creek College, and dean of faculty.

9. “Progress in Medical Science for the Quarter Century,” by J. H. Kellogg, M.D. This will be illustrated, and the name and well-known ability of Dr. Kellogg as a practitioner and writer are sufficient guarantee of its interest and importance.

10. “The Demand for a Definite Message,” by F. M. Wilcox, till recently editor of the Home Missionary and secretary of our Foreign Mission Board.

Here are about one-fourth of the number of the articles which this unexcelled number of Jan. 5, 1899, will contain. There will be in it that which every one will wish to know. It will have thirty-two pages of reading matter, with tinted cover, printed in colors. Are you preparing to help circulate it? Names of other writers will be given next week.

Serving (?) Two Masters.

By W. N. G.

A minister who preached for two weeks to the soldiers at Camp Cuba Libre, Fla., reports that 435 men have publicly declared that they have “surrendered themselves to Christ.” Can a man be said to have surrendered to Christ who still retains his carnal weapons and longs for a chance to use them against his fellow-men? Christ says to those who surrender to Him, “Put up again thy sword into his place.” Matt. 26:52. Then the sword’s place is not in the hands of a disciple of Christ. A special ambassador of Christ tells us that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.” 2 Cor. 10:4. Why not?—Because “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” Eph. 6:12. When one has surrendered to Christ, he enters the service of Christ; he must therefore use the armor which his Commander prescribes. In the verses just following the text last cited is a complete specification of the “whole armor of God,” and there is not a carnal weapon mentioned.

Has any one heard of 435 men at Camp Cuba Libre laying down their carnal weapons and taking up “the whole armor of God” instead? This is just what they must needs do if they “surrendered to Christ.” If they had done so, we would have seen it heralded in bold head-lines in the newspapers that 435 men had been tried by court-martial, and — by this “Christian nation.” A public declaration of surrender to Christ while still wielding the carnal weapons of the world, is simply trying to serve two masters; and this is just what the soldiers are taught in most of the preaching they hear. Such teaching is the mission of the chaplain service.

W. N. G.

A Salvation Army Brother

By Editor

A Salvation Army brother writes us from Pasadena that the authorities have warned him to go a little easier in his denunciation of crime, or it will go bad with him. He says, “I tell of the innocent women and children murdered through the legalized saloon and the harlot house, of the gambling hells and pool rooms and cigar stands; and I told them I preach against crime according to God’s Word;” but he was told, “People won’t stand that now.” The incident bears its own lesson, and is a worthy topic for at least a little reflection. The brother may have been unwise in his denunciations; we know not; but are we not in a land of freedom of speech? None need to hear him unless they wish. Oughtn’t he to be given as much freedom as the evils he denounces?

Christ, the Head of the Church

The Church of Jesus Christ is great, but the Head of the church, our blessed Lord, is greater. The church is great only as she shares His life and is directed by Him in her individual membership; for it is not said that “the head of every man is the church,” but it is written, “The head of every man is Christ.” But will this mean disorder, confusion, disorganization, anarchy?—No, not among the true disciples; for “God is not the author of confusion.”

He who is united to Christ is under the direction and control of infinite harmony and perfect organization. Follow Christ, live in Him, let Him live in you. Be not among those who are “not holding fast the Head.” Col. 2:19, R.V.