p. 656 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 41. (10/19/1915)

Earlier text: Some Interesting Items of Progress

THE TIME FOR MUSIC

By J. S. Washburn

The Uplifting Power of Song — What Music Will Do for the Soul — The Great Triumphant Songs in Heaven

By J. S. WASHBURN

WITH many, music is only the result, the expression, of joy; whereas true music may be and is not only the effect but the cause of joy. Not only is a time of joy and peace a time for music, but the time of sorrow and danger is the time for music; for true music will bring joy and peace in times of sorrow and danger.

Music — true music — is the sweetest voice, the most expressive language, through which true joy and gladness can speak. In music, the soul speaks its deepest, tenderest emotions, in thoughts too deep, too heavenly, to speak in words or even to define exactly to our own selves. Music that is music, is a heavenly language, divinely given to express heavenly thoughts that otherwise must forever remain unspoken. God speaks to us in music, and through music we convey His thoughts to others.

SINGING IN TRIUMPH

When God brought back His people from captivity to their own land, they said, “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.” Ps. 126: 2. When the poor prodigal son returned to his father’s house, there was music. When we get home from our sorrow and care, Oh, then “the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

When the children of Israel were brought out of the Red Sea, and with a wonderful salvation were saved from the Egyptians, one day their cruel taskmasters, the next day their most feared and most terrible enemies, “then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation.”

When the people of God are at last victorious over the beast and his image, in the last terrific conflict, now rushing so swiftly upon us, then they will sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. Rev. 15: 3. Then the great choir of angels, ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands — untold millions, an innumerable company — shall sing the song of welcome and joy and triumph.

Oh, music of heaven, that language of earth cannot describe! I must hear that music, which the ear of man has never heard. Blessed harmony of angels and redeemed men! I must join in that glory song. And then, more glorious than all, the heavenly Father Himself “shall joy over thee,” thou lost one, returning home, “with singing.” What that glorious song will be, ear has not heard. What unutterable bliss to hear the Author of all melody sing for joy over the lost ones brought home by His love!

MUSIC BRINGS JOY AND COURAGE

But remember, sorrowing, sad heart, it is not only God’s will that we should sing in heaven, but we must sing here and now; for music is not only the result of joy, but it causes joy, courage, strength, and hope. All through the Bible are examples of music’s being used to strengthen the lonely and the sad, to bring victory in times of danger. Looking into the sullen, dark face of King Saul, in whose eyes lurked the awful glare of madness, David, the shepherd harpist, the sweet singer of Israel, with divine music banished the evil spirit. “So Saul was refreshed, and was well.” When the children of Israel met a mighty host, vastly greater than their own army, Jehoshaphat “appointed singers unto the Lord,” that they “should praise the beauty of holiness.” This music brought glorious victory.

Paul and Silas, with bleeding backs, their feet thrust up into stocks, sang in the Philippian dungeon. That was their victory. Jesus, just before He went out to be betrayed by the traitor, sang a joyous song of praise. Matt. 26: 30. When a boy and a young man, Jesus sang songs of cheer and gladness, in His humanity, in His loneliness and poverty. “Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with Heaven in song; and His companions, as they complained of weariness from labor, were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips.”

O Jesus, singing in Thy poverty and humility and loneliness, so far from Thy heavenly home, teach us to sing when we are saddest, that music may charm away our sorrow, and bring down to sing with us the angel choir, which sang over Thy lowly birth in Bethlehem, and thus music may be Heaven’s voice to cheer and strengthen.

SONGS OF TRIUMPH AT THE DEATHBED

What is more comforting, at the funerals of our loved ones, than tender, sweet hymns,—“Asleep in Jesus,” “Meet again when time is o’er,” “There is an hour of peaceful rest,” “We lay us calmly down to sleep”! I shall never forget singing with others, by the bedside of a dying sister, triumphant and joyous in her last moments, at her special request:

“Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly.”

In the deepest sorrows, in time of our utmost trials, in the greatest danger and peril, in the great final crisis of the ages, the people of God will sing. “A marvelous change has come over those who have held fast their integrity in the very face of death. . . . Their voices rise in triumphant song: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ . . . While these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back. . . . The glory of the celestial city streams from the gates ajar.” —“The Great Controversy,” page 639.

An Australian Aboriginal’s Experience with Tobacco

By B. P. Ridge

WHEN we commenced our work at Kempsey, among the aborigines of this district, we were faced with the problem of the tobacco habit, which has a tremendous hold on this people. With few exceptions, the women as well as the men are enslaved by it. Finding an aboriginal woman of about sixty years who did not smoke, I inquired the reason. She told me the following story:

“SMOKE EVERYWHERE”

“I found Jesus, and began to know God, and wanted to be sure He would save me in heaven, but the way was not so clear as I wanted it to be. I did not know what was wrong. One night I dreamed. I was trying hard to look up to heaven, and could see nothing but smoke — smoke everywhere.

“At last I saw that it all came from my own mouth. I awoke frightened. God showed me that tobacco was no good. In the morning, I told my husband, and we burned our pipes and tobacco. God blessed me; and now you come with the truth, and I see better, and I know God better and better every day, and am not afraid. He looks after me all the time.”

B. P. Ridge.

BOOK NOTICE

“The Jewel City,” by Ben Macomber. John H. Williams, publisher, Sheldon Building, San Francisco, California.

“The Jewel City,” as its name will indicate to thousands upon thousands of people, is descriptive of the great Panama-Pacific Exposition holding forth in San Francisco, California. The book gives an entertaining pen picture of the exposition; and more than seventy-five illustrations convey to the mind, through the work of the camera, what may be seen in this exhibit, which is regarded as one of the greatest, if not the very greatest, since the world began. Those who are visiting the exposition will find in this book an excellent help and guide in selecting for observation and study the most interesting and prominent features. And then for those who may be denied the privilege of attending the exposition, this book will be a very desirable acquisition; because next to seeing the exposition itself, this unique little volume would be invaluable in conveying to the mind what may be found in the “Jewel City” beside the Golden Gate.

The volume may be had in two styles of binding: cloth, with gilt top, $1.25; board, $1.00. Ten cents extra if sent by mail.

WANTED for MISSIONARY PURPOSES

Fred L. Burdick, Alvin, Texas: a continuous supply of all denominational literature for free distribution.

Mrs. Louisa Hedrick, L. B. 375, Lake Arthur, Louisiana, desires any of our up-to-date literature, except the Review, for free distribution.

Mrs. Goldie Milks, Route 24, Westfield, New York: a continuous supply of denominational literature for free distribution.

Wanted, by Orlando Shults, No. 7100, Lock Box 500, Ionia, Michigan, a continuous supply of all denominational literature, for prison missionary work, such as Signs weekly and magazine, Life Boat, Instructor, Little Friend, Watchman, etc.; also tracts.

SANITARIUM COOKING OIL

“The Oil of Quality”

Pure Cotton Seed Oil direct from refinery. Sweet, wholesome, and delicious.

4 1-gallon cans, $3.40; 5-gallon can, $3.75; 2 5-gallon cans, $7.40; 30-gallon barrel, $18.90; 50-gallon barrel, $30.75. Cash with order.

SANITARIUM COOKING OIL CO., Louisville, Kentucky

OLIVES, DRIED FRUIT, and NUTS

By A. E. Crist

Large olives, excellent quality, five eighths of an inch to three fourths of an inch, 50-gal. bbl., 55c per gal.; 25 gal. @ 65c; 5 gal. @ 70c; 1 gal. 80c. Canned for keeping through summer in 1-gal. and 5-gal. cans, 10c extra per gal. In one quart cans, $3.00 per doz. One half to five eighths of an inch, 10c less per gal. The fruit is choice grade. Peaches 5½c; figs 5½c; raisins 7c; prunes 7½c; apricots 10c; apples 9c; peanuts 10c; roasted 12c; almonds 12, 15, and 18c; walnuts 18c. Satisfaction guaranteed.

A. E. Crist, Chico, California.

MOTTOES, MOTTOES

Bible mottoes are selling as they come out. One agent who has sent in for another 1,000 to-day, says to rush his order. We would like to see many more agents in the field. 200 for $7.50, 1,000 for $25.00, express prepaid.

We are headquarters for fine Vegetable Cooking Oil. Two 5-gallon cans, $7.40. The more you buy, the less the price will be. Hampton Art Co., Nevada, Iowa.

Only Two Months to Christmas

BEGIN NOW TO SELL HOME WORKERS’ BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE. THE GIFT-BUYING PUBLIC ARE ALREADY CONSIDERING THE NEEDS OF LITTLE HARRY AND TOM AND JANE.

These high-class books appeal to thinking parents, because the stories and the lessons are clean, educational, interesting, and free from silly, untruthful tales. Attractive covers, text well illustrated; those for the younger children in colors. Easy to convince your prospective buyers of the superiority of these books.

Over 2,000,000 Sold

Big assortment to choose from 40% commission to you Requiring only your spare hours if you cannot give all your time to it Former training and experience unnecessary Helpful selling hints furnished free Retail selling prices range from 35c to $1.00

Equipment

A prospectus only is required. It consists of a cloth-covered binder with ring holder for covers and sample pages of the sixteen books that are being specialized upon this year. This handsome outfit will cost you $1.00 — the only expense incidental to getting started.

Your tract society will gladly fill your order or furnish you with further information. Get in touch with them at once.

EVERY MAIL

By Editor

Brings letters to our circulating department which read something like this: “I want to take advantage of your offer of the weekly SIGNS for the rest of this year and all of 1916, together with the book ‘Questions and Answers,’ which you are advertising for $2.00.”

The weekly SIGNS alone for the fifteen months costs more than $2.00. The book, if sold separately, would cost as much more. But you get all this for the mere price of $2.00 if you act at once.

Open to old as well as new subscribers. Your tract society will forward orders.

1913 “The Beginning of Sorrows” 1913

By Editor

“The year 1913 could very fittingly be termed ‘the beginning of sorrows.’ Kingdoms were overturned; tornadoes, floods, and fires chased one another for first place in the work of ruin. But the horrors of that year were eclipsed by those of 1914. Destruction cried to destruction in the sacrifice of human life. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and hundreds of thousands of men and women and children became homeless wanderers in the earth. And 1915 has intensified the violence.”

Had you thought of it in just that way? This paragraph is but one of many particularly striking ones in the November Signs Magazine.

Get a copy at 10c; or better yet, send a dollar to any one of our depositories, and get the November and December numbers in addition to all twelve numbers of next year.

November Signs Magazine Contents:

An Eternal Hell; The Final War Crisis; The Near World Conflict; Christianity and the War; Christ’s Example in Sabbath Keeping; World-Wide Peace Is Certain; The Menace of War; A Prelude to War—Appalling Destruction of Humanity; The Battle of Armageddon; The Lord’s Day Alliance; Look Out for Pneumonia.

Hundreds are selling the Signs Magazine. If you wish clean, healthful, out-of-doors employment, that pays well, and gives a message for the time, sell the SIGNS OF THE TIMES MAGAZINE.

The National Abstainers’ Union

By Editor

THE “Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America” has formed the National Abstainers’ Union for the purpose of inaugurating “a nation-wide educational temperance movement to present to the people of our country the latest scientific data of temperance research, and to urge voluntary personal abstinence as a real solution to the problem.

“To accomplish this, it will compile instructive temperance information as shown by the results obtained in the industrial plants, on the railroads, and in the departments of the army and navy, both in America and abroad. An extensive press bureau will be conducted, to supply the public press and temperance organizations with timely and correct information. Temperance literature, printed in many languages, will be used among the foreign-speaking population of our country, and distributed to the immigrants who throng our shores.

“This movement is of no political significance whatever, for the union will neither endeavor to secure legislation nor to enforce existing laws.”

The formation of the Abstainers’ Union was preceded by two great mass meetings, the one held in Philadelphia, March 15, where the Hon. William Jennings Bryan addressed a monster mass meeting of sixteen thousand men, setting forth “the economic importance of total abstinence.” A month later, this address was repeated in substance at Carnegie Hall, New York City, following which the Federal Council organized the union upon the plan outlined in brief above.

Certainly such a work as this is highly commendable, and all Christian people everywhere should work ardently along these lines of true temperance education.

We cannot refrain, however, from wishing that the Federal Council would follow the same course in regard to Sunday observance, that they do in promulgating this temperance issue; that is, that they would not enter the political arena, and undertake to secure legislation for the observance of Sunday.

Where Did He Study?

A MINISTER in New York City who claims to have “given the problem deep study,” affirms that it is the duty of this nation to provide “arms and munitions” necessary to crush militarism.

We ought not to question the statement of the minister that he has given deep study to this problem of war; but has he studied it through his Bible? Has he studied the text which affirms that Christ is the Prince of peace? Has he studied the prophecy which foretold that the Master would be led as a lamb to the slaughter? Has he studied the scripture in which Christ specifically tells His followers to put up the sword, for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword?

There is no possible means, if we will follow the Bible, by which Christianity can be led to harmonize with the awful wars of this time.

The Miseries of the Common People

THERE is no more favorable subject for the cartoonist than the representing of the overfed and corpulent trust magnate riding ruthlessly, cruelly, and barbarously over the common people. Cartoons of that character are evidently in great demand, for you see them almost every day in some of the papers or magazines. The popular demand shows the discontent among the people; and the cartoonist, in seeking to satisfy this demand, is constantly adding fuel to the fire, and making the discontentment greater and greater.

And not only do we have these popular cartoons, but we have discussions, on the platform and through the press, that are both voicing the discontent and increasing it with an alarming rapidity. The discussions that are so rife in these days cannot continue without producing a break. All men seem to see this; but wise men will study deeply for the meaning of it, and will seek the best light of the time to learn what lies on beyond, and to discover the way out.

Hysterical and Mad

THE general condition of the whole world to-day is that of hysteria and madness. Follies and sports are absorbing the interest and attention of multitudes. Amusements for great masses of people are no longer used for the purpose of occasional relaxation, but the individual seeks to be as continuously as possible in the intense excitements of hilarious frivolities. Many of the days and nearly all the nights of the week are occupied in this way by large numbers of people.

Interspersed with these periods of carousal, frolic, and fun, these same individuals are often plunged in the deepest gloom. They seek to relieve their sadness by the intoxications of pleasure, which are usually attended by the more material intoxications of alcohol.

This situation is decidedly unnatural, and these alternating paroxysms of hilarity and sadness keep whole sections of society in an unbalanced condition. This hysteria makes the people responsive to any excitement, so that the violence of the mob is almost a natural condition.

But stronger and even more deep-seated than this hysteria of folly is the madness of the age. Europe is a human slaughterhouse. One nation after another is plunging into the awful fray.

During the first year of this war, the Balkan States, usually so excitable, have been kept comparatively quiet; but now they are in commotion, and it looks as though all the Balkan territory would soon be arrayed on one side or the other of this titanic struggle. This madness is awful. Human words are powerless to describe it. And the most horrible thing about it is that the so-called Christian nations of the world are the great leaders in cutting loose these rivers of blood.

Every human theory and human speculation concerning the brotherhood of man has been overthrown; and on the other hand, every statement of the divine Book concerning these times has been verified. God has graciously pictured most clearly the conditions of these times. He has told us that lovers of pleasure would constitute one of the perils of the last days. He has also told us that the spirits of demons would stir the world with war madness. The nations would be angry, so the prophets have said, when the great day of God is imminent.

In view of the conditions in this time, who that understands the Bible predictions, can be so foolish as to make a mistake? To use the words of one of the inspired men of old: “The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.” Zeph. 1:14.

Silent Colors in Fashion

The goddess of fashion, so the reports say, has decreed that “American women of fashion will wear ‘silent colors’ this season.” The suggestion comes from Paris, and it is out of respect for the women of Europe who are mourning the loss of fathers and sons and brothers destroyed in battle.

Mexico’s Starving Millions

The big war in Europe is of such overshadowing proportions that we are liable to lose sight of the great distress of our near neighbor, Mexico. In Mexico City alone, six hundred thousand people are said to be in a starving condition, and the death rate to be something round about four hundred daily. Surely this suffering planet of ours is gripped by an awful and intensely malevolent epidemic of angry strife.

Germany Considers Restricting Liquor

THE dispatches inform us that Germany is considering the advisability of curtailing the amount of liquor used in the empire. The opposition to strong drink is especially marked in the Berlin district. As might be expected, the dispatch says, “The brewers are opposing the proposal.” It is too bad that there are still so many people who insist on placing the value of money before the value of men, women, and children.

South Carolina Adopts Prohibition

SOUTH CAROLINA adopted state-wide prohibition by about 20,000 majority on the fourteenth of September, says the New Republic, a prohibition weekly. This makes nineteen states now under dry régime. On the same day, at the primaries in Maryland, both Republicans and Democrats chose anti-saloon candidates for the legislature, in all counties except Baltimore. This insures favorable action on prohibition at an early date in that state.

A Comrade Preparing for Baptism

A BELGIAN brother writes from the trenches: “I do not fail to propagate the message as I can. It is by this means that a comrade has decided to be baptized after the war. He would like to do this sooner. He has given up his bad habits, and believes sincerely that Christ is his Saviour.”

A Sabbath in the Trenches

Savior.

Another in the trenches wrote on a Sabbath, as he listened to distant artillery that was blotting out the lives of poor soldiers: “O holy day of my God! What shall mark thy course? Again shalt thou witness waves of blood flowing down as the result of human folly? But God helps me this beautiful day to listen to other sounds than those of the cannon vomiting death. And still He freely gives us life.”

How It Is Going

By James Cochran

The last issue of this paper was devoted entirely to the cause of missions. That beautiful and splendid number contained facts which surprised even those who are continuously working along mission lines. The rapid growth of such a work can be accounted for only from the fact that He who is divine is back of it, and it is a fulfillment of that prophecy, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

The number of orders coming in for the Harvest Ingathering Signs, which is issued in the interests of our campaign for mission funds, clearly indicates there is a greater enthusiasm in the work than any year since the plan was inaugurated. Of the sixty-four organized conferences in the United States and Canada, twenty-five have ordered more papers than last year. We have now sent out 600,882 copies. This is 139,000 more than were sent out last year at this date. The goal set for this campaign is one hundred thousand dollars. Surely it is not placed too high, and we are confident the mark will be reached.

JAMES COCHRAN, Circulation Manager.

COLLAPSIBLE MILITARY BICYCLE

One of the latest equipments of the German army. When he gets into places where he cannot ride, the soldier can quickly pack his bicycle, and carry it on his back until he reaches ground over which he can ride again. — COLLAPSIBLE MILITARY BICYCLE One of the latest equipments of the German army. When he gets into places where he cannot ride, the soldier can quickly pack his bicycle, and carry it on his back until he reaches ground over which he can ride again.

Upper — An Austrian locomotive armored and equipped with rapid-fire guns. Lower — Bridges built by the Germans through the marsh and swamp lands in the vicinity of Pinsk, to enable them to pursue the Russians. The bridge shown in this photograph is several miles long, and was constructed in thirty-six hours. This shows the rapidity with which the modern automobile and auto truck enable military engineers to construct bridges for their armies.