People who want to do right, and who desire to see justice done to all their fellow-men, are always glad when a really good and equal statute has been enacted. When a legislator, who has been instrumental in procuring a specially good law, returns home from the capitol, his constituents usually express their gratitude for his services. Then every one ought to be thankful for the law of God, which His unerring Word tells us is "perfect." Ps. 19:7. This brief law of Ten Commandments contains two leading principles, or more comprehensive commands: (1) "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind." (2) "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Of this perfect law the Saviour of mankind says, "This do, and thou shalt live." The practical working of this law as respects man's duty to man, is further enunciated in what is popularly styled the Golden Rule, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Any law whose provisions, if obeyed, will work out such a happy result as this can not fail to meet the approval of all really benevolent people. The great Lawgiver is deserving of truly heart-felt thanks from all intelligent creatures for devising such a wise law for the promotion of their happiness. This law of Ten Commandments is so "perfect" that if it were perfectly obeyed there would be no need of any other. It was the disobedience of this law that brought sin and death into this world (1 John 3:4; Rom. 6:23; 7:7); and the entire plan of salvation was devised in order to bring the fallen race back into harmony with the law, back to allegiance to God. And it was because "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." To believe in Christ means obedience to His Word. "Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" is the pertinent query of our Saviour. Obedience is the test of faith. There is great blessing in store for those who delight in the law of the Lord. Ps. 1:1, 2. It is not only a "royal law," but it is a "law of liberty," and in fulfilling it "according to the Scripture," we have the assurance that we "do well." James 1:25; 2:8-12. And all who do well shall enter into the joy of their Lord. Matt. 25:21. Then shall we not all praise the great Lawgiver for this best of all laws?
The Future of This Earth
By Editor
Mr. A. O. Tait's series of Bible Readings will close with one on the "Future of This Earth." It is worth while to know what God says.
Christ Our Righteousness
By Editor
"Christ Our Righteousness" is the title of a beautiful and striking poem on our first page. We regret that in the artist's copy the second and third verses were transposed. The second should be third; the third, second. But the artist being at a distance, it was too late to correct it.
Christ My Judge
By Editor
Mrs. Stuttle's sweet poem, "Christ My Judge," for this number, has a less conspicuous place than in our last; but the poem itself is equal to any that has gone before. It will be found on page 6. In our next we have a beautiful poem from the same author, entitled, "Christ the Restorer."
Announcement of Upcoming Issues
By Editor
Our next issue, November 30, will be a regular. The last of the four specials will be dated December 7. We do this to help ourselves out of the rush on the specials, and to accommodate our agents in the field. Already orders are up to the hundred thousand mark. May they reach a million souls.
Articles of Special Interest.
By Editor
There will begin in our next issue, November 30, articles of special interest on Evolution and Geology, by one who has given years of thought and study to the subject. They will discuss the relation of these things to Christianity and the Bible in a clearer light than heretofore. You who are doubting ought to read them. You who have not thought of these things will find much information new and true.
Roman Catholicism and Socialism
By Editor
Two of the great forces in the Religio-political field are Roman Catholicism and Socialism. At the present these are antagonistic forces. The element in the labor unions against Socialism is largely Roman Catholic, we understand. These are mighty forces, the one old and trained, the other strong and deep-rooted in man's nature. God's Word has spoken of both, not alone in the principles involved, but prophetically of the struggle and its end. Of these things the SIGNS will speak in the year to come.
Indifference or Fanaticism
By Editor
Indifference or Fanaticism.—Of the two, with reference to the subject of our Lord's second coming, it is difficult to say which is the worse. That Christ's coming is near, the superabounding evidence of His Word, and the social, political, religious, and physical conditions of the world declare. To make the doctrine of none effect in the church, the devil works in two ways: he lulls to indifference; he induces to fanaticism. The former leads to neglect, worldliness, scoffing. The latter leads to time-setting, extravagance of various sorts, disappointment, infidelity, and ridicule of the very doctrine itself and of those who hold it. Nevertheless, Christ is coming, and coming soon, and it is the duty of His people, while they know not the hour, to "know that He is near, even at the doors." Not to know this is to be taken in a snare.
Defense Against Deception
Our Defense Prepared.—God asks of us no impossible thing. He puts us in no place where He is unable to protect us. He permits no temptation to overtake us without providing for us a way of escape therefrom. So in this time of this world's great trial God has prepared a defense for His trusting children against the deceptions and the deceivers that will be flourishing in the world. He says, "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." They are the standard, the rule, the test, for every error that may assail us in the garb of plausibility. But alas, many have paved the way for their own deception and soul ruin by declaring the law abolished and questioning and doubting the testimony of Holy Writ. It is Satan's crowning effort to clear the way for the entrance of every kind of deceptive teaching, and he has found many able assistants even in the pulpits of the present day. But there is the touchstone by which to try them; there is the great wall of our defense—"to the law and to the testimony."
Heaping Up Wealth.
As showing how prophecy is fulfilling, in the heaping up of riches, and how this is constantly gathering in the hands of the few, take for instance the banking growth in this country during the last eight years, as reported by the Financier, of Oct. 17, 1904, a reputable and reliable journal in banking matters. Eight years ago there were only fifty-three national banks in the United States which reported gross deposits in excess of $5,000,000. The very largest national bank at that time reported less than $32,000,000 gross deposits. Now there are sixteen banks which are larger than that, and one has deposits in excess of the nine largest banks eight years ago. One hundred and thirty-seven banks are reported, none of which reported gross deposits less than $5,000,000, Sept. 6, 1904. The increase in one of these banks during the eight years has been over 1,000 per cent.; two nearly that; three between seven hundred and eight hundred per cent.; forty-two over three hundred per cent. Sixty-five of these banks have gross deposits ranging from $10,064,273 to $231,517,031. The editor of the Financier says that in a number of instances this does not represent a growth of business, but "consolidation and absorption of other institutions." The growth of the larger banks in eight years has been amazing. One hundred per cent. stands for the doubling of business, but a Boston bank shows more than 1,000 per cent., and there are eleven banks which show gains higher than five hundred per cent. Truly the prophet spoke when, in addressing the rich men of these times, he declared, "Ye have laid up your treasure in the last days."
The Judgment and Our Advocate
Sometime the last great Assize will close its work. From its decisions there will be no appeal. The eternal weal or wo of every soul rests upon its decision. Did we have a case of importance to be decided at an earthly court, we would be interested, temporary in its effects tho the decision might be. We would want to know when the sitting of the court took place. We would inquire as to the judge. We would secure the best advocate our money could buy. Yet the Judgment of the last great day is impending, and we have little or no interest. The deadly potency of Satan's anesthetics lulls us to sleep. Yet whether we sleep or wake the judgment will go on, and our case will be decided. Have we secured our advocate? There is but One who can effectually plead at that court. He will undertake your case. Have you complied with the law of justice?—There is yet time.
Christ and Antichrist
The Gospel of Christ knocks and asks admittance at the heart-door of every soul. A creed-bound state religion seeks adherents by forcing the door of the heart or nailing its tenets on the outer walls. Here are contrasted the work of Christ and its counterfeit—Christ and antichrist. He who yields to the one wins heaven and saves his own soul. He who yields to the other loses heaven and places his soul in the keeping of one who has already lost his own.
Worship God and Give Him Glory
Worship God, and give glory to Him. That is the message for to-day. It is the message for the world, the message for the individual. The world is worshiping gold,—and the individual is giving glory to man, both directly and through obedience to man-made decrees that conflict with the plain commands of God. Worship God by obeying Him, and give Him glory in exemplary living.
The Closing Work of the Gospel
The closing work of the Gospel must be a judgment work. Every work of trial or proving must end with a judgment. Are you prepared to meet the closing of your case? You may have boldness in the judgment if you are, through Christ, in harmony with the law.
Christ's Object Lessons and Educational Institutions
THE educational institutions represented in the accompanying illustrations have been established for the purpose of giving their students an all-round education—the symmetrical development of man's physical, spiritual, and intellectual powers.
They are the recipients of a large gift in the form of the royalties and rights to a valuable book entitled "Christ's Object Lessons," donated by its author, Mrs. E. G. White.
A sufficient amount has been raised by popular subscription to pay for the material used in the manufacture of 300,000 copies.
The Pacific Press and Review and Herald Publishing companies have printed them, donating the labor. Friends have sold a large portion of the edition, donating all the proceeds. The results are given in connection with the photographs here shown.
The book contains 436 pages, and treats of the work and influence of the Greatest Teacher this world has ever known. In simple, clear, and forceful language, the author brings forth from the great treasure-house of Christ's teaching, that which is food for the soul, meeting every need and experience of human life. It is attractively illustrated and makes an ideal gift volume. Copies may be secured from the person from whom this paper is received, at $1.25 each, or they will be sent direct by the publishers upon receipt of that amount, plus fifteen cents for postage.
EMMANUEL MISSIONARY COLLEGE Berrien Springs, Michigan Report not received.
What a Good Book Has Done
Amount Received from Christ's Object Lessons
SOUTH LANCASTER ACADEMY
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Amount thus far received from the sale of "Christ's Object Lessons" - - - $33,000.00
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UNION COLLEGE
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MOUNT VERNON ACADEMY Academia, Ohio
Amount thus far received from the sale of "Christ's Object Lessons" - - - $10,000.00
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KEENE ACADEMY
Keene, Texas
Amount thus far received from the sale of "Christ's Object Lessons" - - - $17,000.00
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WALLA WALLA COLLEGE College Place, Washington
Amount thus far received from the sale of "Christ's Object Lessons" - - - $25,081.19
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HEALDSBURG COLLEGE
Healdsburg, Cal.
Amount thus far received from the sale of "Christ's Object Lessons" - - - $16,000.00
OF INTEREST TO THE CHILDREN
By Editor
A beautiful little book has been published recently, entitled "The Story of Joseph." It is well written, fully illustrated, and beautifully bound. The price is only twenty-five cents.
The writer of this notice has read it carefully, and believes every child will be interested and helped by studying it. The profits from its sale are dedicated to missionary work in the South. Copies of the book may be had from the person delivering this paper, or may be secured from the publishers.
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA
285 Salmon Street, Portland, Ore. 306 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, Cal. 44 Crocker Building, San Francisco 18 West Fifth Street, Kansas City, Mo.
Review & Herald Publishing Ass'n.
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Southern Publishing Association
1025 JEFFERSON STREET - - NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
DANIEL AND THE REVELATION
The response of history to the voice of prophecy. A verse-by-verse study of these important books of the Bible.
A history of the rise and fall of nations, being an exposition, verse by verse, of the important prophecies of Daniel and John, comparing Scripture predictions with historical facts. It follows in the track of no other commentary; but, guided by the obvious rule that the Bible should be its own interpreter, it aims to arrive at the exact meaning of the sacred writers in harmony with the great plan of redemption as presented throughout the Scriptures. The author has devoted over thirty years to the study of the Bible, and believes that the prophecies of Daniel and John were written for our admonition, and that the subjects they unfold are the coming themes for the religious world, destined to engage the attention of all thoughtful minds. 757 pages, with illustrations; beautifully bound.
Also published in Danish, Swedish, Dutch, and German.
come, and conquered in his behalf, and that man, becoming a partaker of God's divine nature, is enabled to overcome as Christ overcame. God in Christ, and Christ in His followers, can withstand all the power of Satan. And as Christ came to reveal the love of God, so His followers are to reveal the love of Christ.
From another standpoint, this volume is a study of the Conflict between Good and Evil as illustrated in the lives of Christ and His disciples.
It is a grand book and can not be praised too highly. Its illustrations alone cost over six thousand dollars, and are strikingly beautiful.
Order Books by Subscription
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY
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The above works are sold by subscription. The person from whom you receive this paper will gladly give prices and receive your order
THE BATTLE OF TO-DAY
That there is a fierce conflict now raging between the powers of Light and Darkness—Right and Wrong; and that this conflict is growing more severe with each passing hour, we have unmistakable evidence. Upon this conflict in all its phases this series of three books treat.
PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS
Volume 1
PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS
Or the Great Controversy between Good and Evil, as Illustrated in the Lives of Holy Men of Old.
This book treats upon themes of Bible History—themes not in themselves new, but so presented here as to give them a new significance. Beginning with the rebellion in heaven, the author shows why sin was permitted, why Satan was not destroyed, and why man was tested; gives a thrilling description of man's temptation and fall, and rehearses the plan of salvation. The life of each of the Patriarchs from Adam to king David is carefully scanned and from each a lesson is drawn.
The deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the incidents of their forty years' wanderings, the building of the Sanctuary, the entrance into Canaan, the subjection of the land and the continued history of the Israelite nation down to the close of David's reign, are all related in an interesting, narrative style that charms the reader and opens up to him new beauties in the Scriptural record.
The book contains 762 octavo pages, and is illustrated with more than fifty engravings.
Also published in Danish, Swedish, German, and Dutch.
THE DESIRE OF AGES
"The Desire of Ages" is a large volume of 866 7x10 pages, the key-note of which is the grand truth that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself."
Christ said, "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me." The working out of this purpose is traced in the life of Christ on earth. It is shown how Christ, as man's representative, endured the temptations by which man is over-
DO THE PROPHECIES OF THE BIBLE PROVE IT INSPIRED?
It is generally admitted that certain prophecies of the Bible have been literally fulfilled: but are these isolated instances, or are they links in the great Chain of Prophecy, reaching to our time and beyond? If it is found that all prophetic statements referring to events now past have been fulfilled, may we not expect that all those relating to the future will be, also? These are questions in which the world is interested to-day, and nowhere are they so intelligently and systematically treated as in
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
By Editor
Volume 3
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
"In the great final conflict, Satan will employ the same policy, manifest the same spirit, and work for the same end, as in all preceding ages. That which has been, will be, except that the coming struggle will be marked with a terrible intensity such as the world has never witnessed."—Extract from the Author's Preface.
Therefore, the author has selected such events in the history of the struggle of the church as foreshadow the conflict just before it, and grouped them so that their meaning can not be misunderstood. In addition to the history thus introduced, there are several chapters devoted entirely to the future. From them we select the following: The Impending Conflict, The Final Warning, The Time of Trouble, God's People Delivered, Desolation of the Earth. These chapters picture the terrible intensity of the last conflict in a most vivid manner, and should be read by all interested in the final triumph of right principles.
Also published in Danish, Swedish, German, and French.
