Some one has beautifully said, “Home is where mother is.” And truly, one can scarcely think of home without thinking of the mother who makes that home what it is to those who share its joys, its sorrows, and its blessings. The mother is the “keeper at home,” the director of the domestic affairs. Upon her especially rest the burdens and cares of the household, while she shares with the father the important duty of so rearing their children that they may become a blessing to the world. But as the father’s duties necessitate his absence from home much of the time, the greater part of the child-training rests with the mother. And O, how much patience, kindness, sympathy, and love, and at the same time firmness of purpose, she must have for the proper accomplishing of this her most difficult task in life! The mother directs her household along the lines of refinement, culture, love, and unselfish service, just in proportion to her ability in these directions. The mother who is overexacting in her demands, uncouth in manner, and unkind in disposition, leaves such an impress upon her work that her home is known by these unpleasant characteristics.
The mother should be loving, kind, and generous, and in return, she should be treated with kindness, love, and consideration by the father and children of the household. She should be made to feel that she is truly appreciated, and that home would not be home without her.
The divine purpose in child-training is so to instil into young minds the principle of loving service embodied in the fifth commandment that they will not only render cheerful obedience to parents, but that they will early learn to recognize their obligations to God, and be induced to serve Him gladly through life.
The Christian mother is strictly truthful in dealing with her children. Instead of telling Johnnie not to go away from home, because the bears will eat him, she teaches him from babyhood that the street is not to be his playground, and thus discourages the first lesson in street education. As Johnnie grows older, she teaches him to avoid evil associations, questionable amusements, cigaret smoking, strong drink, bad reading, etc., at the same time directing his mind into proper channels of employment and recreation.
The home reading-room, under Christian parents’ direction, is infinitely better for boys and girls than the public reading-room; and it is possible to make home so attractive as to satisfy many youthful longings for entertainment. The wise mother is not arbitrary and tyrannical in the home government. Some way she manages to have things at home just a little more pleasant for her children than they can find elsewhere — and so they enjoy staying at home. The children of well-ordered homes have well-ordered thoughts. And truly bright is the future of the child whose thoughts are of this character. It is said, “The human face is the masterpiece of God.” It is the mother’s privilege so to train the young mind that that masterpiece be not marred by evil; for the face is a revealer of the thoughts.
The Christian mother has many perplexing experiences which impel her to seek wisdom from above, that she may know how to solve successfully the many intricate problems which come to her, upon the proper solution of which may depend the present and eternal welfare of one or more loved members of her household. The morning and evening private devotions, the family altar, and the mid-week prayer-meeting do not always suffice to supply the needs of the Christian mother. She must have other special seasons of prayer — it may be with one or more of her children, it may be alone.
Mothers largely shape human destiny. There is much truth in the familiar saying, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” The mother teaches the first prayer, the first song, the first step. She kisses the burned finger, she soothes sorrow, she assuages grief, she watches in illness. She enters into all the trials and triumphs of childhood with a sympathy that is born of hope; for the Christian mother never ceases to look to the future with longings for the success of her children, not simply temporal, but eternal. And O, how blessed at any time to be able to say to the Master, “Behold I and the children whom God hath given me”!
The dear, loyal Christian mothers! How their influence permeates the intricate affairs of the world — hidden and obscure, but nevertheless powerful! It is only when a Washington, a Wesley, or a Garfield arises into prominence that the mother’s influence is so perceptibly recognized. The mother who gives her best years in loving service to her children, may confidently expect that her children will “arise up and call her blessed.” Such service is not unfelt by the world, or unseen by Heaven, and no service surpasses it.
But many a mother is only a household drudge. She is the first one up in the morning, the last one to bed at night. “The drudge is only a drudge, and her compensation lies in the fact that she seldom knows it.” Many a mother is so blindly devoted to her children — constantly toiling that they may have ease — that she does not realize she is doing them as well as herself a great injustice. It is the nature of a baby to like to help mother do things. But how easily children outgrow their babyhood, in this respect, and come to look at mother as the one to whom belongs the long list of household duties, from which they are exonerated, unless they have been trained to actual service! And surely it is nothing less than a sin to permit children to grow up in idleness. The self-sacrificing mother rarely looks after her own rights; let both husband and children see that these are regarded,—a right to respect, to love, to time for study and rest, that she may be all a mother ought.
The mother who so rules her household that the children never find higher enjoyment than when seeking to lighten the parental burdens, is fitting them to help lift cheerfully the burdens of the great weary world. Children who are taught to share the household cares, and who take real pleasure in “doing the duty that lies nearest,” and in doing it to the best of their ability, are fitting themselves to perform well the duties which lie beyond their present grasp.
The mother of George Washington was a beautiful character. She was acquainted with the Source of all help, and trained her son so well during his childhood that she was pleased to remember him in later years, as her own good boy. No amount of earthly glory or fame achieved by her son seemed to affect her. She had taught him diligently to be good when a boy, and she looked upon his success in manhood as a mere result. The key-note of her success in conducting the affairs of her home is found in her piety. It is said of her in her later years, “She was in the habit of repairing every day to a secluded spot formed by rocks and trees, near her dwelling, where, abstracted from the world and worldly things, she communed with her Creator in humiliation and prayer.” And Washington’s devotion to his mother was one of the most noble characteristics of his life, and no doubt afforded her much comfort in memory during her closing days.
Froebel has given us this loving admonition: “Come, let us live with our children.” The true mother appreciates what this means. She is willing to sacrifice worldly pleasure and social distinction in her efforts to train her children so that they may gain the highest present benefit and pleasure from the hallowed associations of home, and achieve the greatest success possible for time and eternity. And such consecrated efforts bring great results.
A Little More
“SPEAK a shade more kindly than the year before,
Pray a little oftener, love a little more,
Cling a little closer to the Father’s love;
Life below shall liker grow to the life above.”
Divine Love and Every Sin
“THERE is no sin so small that it does not pain the heart of divine love; no sin so great that divine love can not blot it out.”
June in All Its Beauty
By Editor
THE COVER for the June “Signs of the Times Magazine” is a typical scene in California the last week in March. It shows what greeted the eye on every hand in this beautiful valley of Santa Clara where Mountain View is located. As it will reach our readers in the East just about the time the spring blossoms are well advanced, for them it will come in very appropriately for this month of the year. The picture in full color, covering the entire front page of the magazine, shows a prune orchard in full bloom.
The contents of this number of the magazine are unusually good. The following is a partial list:
“Educate the Whole Man.” By Prof. H. R. Salisbury. As this is the magazine that opens the scholarship campaign, it is appropriate that we give some consideration to the subject of education. Here is a timely, forceful article from one of our leading men in the educational work. Out of a ripe experience in this country and in Europe, he writes on the great, true principles of the education of our youth.
“Lessons from the Great Titanic Calamity.” The terrible wreck of this gigantic steamship points out some of the typical errors of the time. The monstrous ship has gone down. We are helpless in attempting to undo what is done. But if humanity can learn the lessons to be gained from the occurrence, those who perished will not have died entirely in vain.
“What Modern Inventions Mean.” We are in an age of unparalleled advancement in the matter of great mechanical improvements. This progress has a prophetic significance, clearly pointed out in this article.
“The Message of the Electric Telegraph.” The discovery of both the electric and the wireless telegraph are briefly described, and the meaning of the discovery is explained from the Bible and the prophetic view-point.
“The Significance of International Peace.” The great quiet that broods over the earth is explained in the light of the prophetic Word, showing its meaning for our times, and what it shall do for the future.
“Steam Cars and Automobiles in Prophecy.” By Frank S. Weston. The prophecy of Nahum is studied under this caption, and the great advance in locomotion used as a demonstration of the prophecy’s fulfilment.
“The Advance of Anarchy.” Last month, from the pen of the editor, we published an article entitled “The Advance of Socialism,” in which a warning was voiced showing one of the great evils that will come out of the Socialistic movement. Already anarchy is a demonstrated fact as a result of one phase of Socialistic propaganda. Still greater trouble may be expected. The article sounds a clear note of warning.
“The Fifth Universal Empire.” By Charles L. Taylor. The fifth great empire is yet future. Its territory, subjects, and time of duration are all definitely stated in the prophetic Word. In this article we have a clear setting forth of the whole subject.
In addition there is a Bible Reading, Current Topics of world-wide interest, well-written poetry, and good illustrations.
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Physician Wanted
Man and wife both doctors preferred, or doctor and wife nurse. An exceptional chance for the right man. One of the very best places in California. 4 buildings, equipped for the best medical and surgical work. Ten acres in beautiful grounds. Well established and on a good paying basis. Garden City Sanitarium, San Jose, California.
The Day of the Sabbath
The day of the Sabbath confuses many honest inquirers. What day is it? or is it any particular day? These questions are carefully answered in “The Day of the Sabbath,” Apples of Gold Library, No. 50. A copy of this little help, post-paid, 2 cents; $1.00 a hundred. This office.
The Gospel Message for To-Day
An outline of the messages presented in the Revelation, and especially the one mentioned in the fourteenth chapter, is clearly given in Bible Students’ Library, No. 188, “The Gospel Message for To-Day.” Price for single copy, post-paid, 2 cents; $1.00 a hundred. This office.
Second Coming
“Heralds of His Coming,” Apples of Gold Library, No. 85, gives an outline of the unmistakable signs of the nearness of Christ’s coming. Increase of riches, of crime, of knowledge; last-day scoffers; signs in sun, moon, and stars; peace and safety cry; preparation for war; great spiritual declension,—are some of these evidences. This popular tract, a copy, 3 cents, post-paid; a hundred, $1.50. This office.
Bible Study Helps
The value of this group of helps in pamphlet form can not be overestimated
Coming of Christ—New Earth
A chapter-by-chapter outline of the book of Daniel. It explains “the time of the end.”
“The Sure Word of Prophecy,” 10c.
Connects conditions of to-day with a verse-by-verse study of Christ’s prophecy.
“Matthew Twenty-Four,” 10c.
Beautifully describes the home of the saved, and how it may be gained.
“The Saints’ Inheritance,” 10c.
Sanctuary—Sabbath—Prophecy
Explains the whole sanctuary question, the 2300-day period, and the judgment.
“Christ Our Advocate,” 10c.
Traces the Sabbath through the Patriarchal, the Levitical, and the Christian dispensation, and into the new earth.
“The Lord’s Day,” 10c.
Shows how prophecy has been present with the Church in every age. Explains Eph. 4:8-11.
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Popular Doctrines—Health
Meets various forms of Spiritualism with the Scripture.
“The Spirit World,” 10c.
Places “Science and Health” by the side of the Bible.
“Christian Science,” 15c.
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“Dressing for Health,” 5c.
You will not be disappointed in these expositions. They are designed for the busy reader or student. Select the numbers you desire. Prices given are post-paid.
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Sanctuary
“Christ Our Advocate,” a pamphlet which can be secured at this office for ten cents, is an invaluable aid in studying the sanctuary question. It explains the building and purpose of the earthly sanctuary, patterned after the heavenly, and pictures the present work of Christ, “Our Advocate,” in the heavenly sanctuary. The great prophetic 2,300 day period is thoroly explained, as are also prophecies relating to the conditions in the world during the time that the heavenly sanctuary cleansing work is going on.
Sabbath
The Apples of Gold Library tract No. 45, “Historical Facts and Incidents Relative to the Sabbath and the Sunday,” presents the most vital points from history in chronological order. They are the facts that one longs for in his study of the Sabbath. Single copy, post-paid, 3 cents; $2.00 a hundred. This office.
Elihu on the Sabbath
Doubtless the tract “Elihu on the Sabbath” has brought light on this question to more earnest inquirers than any other tract published. It is a simple, logical review that we can heartily recommend for your personal study and distribution. Price, $1.00 a hundred; single copy, post-paid, 2 cents. This office.
The Law
That question of “Under the law? or under grace?” is a constantly recurring one. Bible Students’ Library tract No. 163 gives a careful answer from the Bible. Single copy, 2 cents; a hundred, $1.00. This office.
Prophecy
A small work which you will appreciate as a help in the study of the prophetic Word is “The Sure Word of Prophecy,” by Elder M. H. Brown. Primarily it deals with the prophecies of the book of Daniel and their fulfilment, shedding forth the light that this book contains upon present-day movements and conditions. Price, 10 cents. This office.
Waymarks to the Holy City
Whether fully acquainted, or partially so, with the history given in Daniel 7, you will find its careful outline in "Waymarks to the Holy City" intensely interesting. It is what its name suggests, a tract pointing out the events which are truly waymarks of prophecy. Single copy, 2 cents, post-paid; $1.00 a hundred. This office.
Immortality
We would recommend as a brief help in study of the immortality question, “Is Man Immortal?” Apples of Gold Library, No. 86. Single copy, 2 cents, post-paid; $1.00 a hundred. This office.
Those who are making an investigation of the Bible teaching on immortality should secure the tract “Thoughts for the Candle,” Bible Students’ Library, 47. Single copy, post-paid, 2 cents; 50 cents a hundred. This office.
Second Coming of Christ
Thousands believe in a second coming of Christ, but are confused as to how He will come. The sixteen page tract “Manner of Christ’s Coming,” Bible Students’ Library, No. 124, will assist greatly in a careful study of this subject. Single copy, post-paid, 2 cents; $1.00 a hundred. This office.
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Truth for To-Day
By Editor
Is the title of the new series of the Signs, which is to follow these six special Religious Liberty numbers.
This new series will commence with the issue of July 2, and will continue for 25 numbers.
The first number of the series will be a special Fourth of July number, containing appropriate and timely matter bearing on the great theme of religious liberty. A genuine liberty number.
Following this will be the remaining numbers of the series, containing live, helpful, and winning articles on —
The Coming of Our Lord,
The World-Wide Sabbath,
The Great Message of To-Day,
The Fulness of Christ,
Man’s Nature,
The Eternal Priesthood,
The Law of God;
Also twenty-five articles from the pen of Mrs. E. G. White, along Gospel lines, one for each issue;
And the following departments:
The Outlook,
The Home,
Missions,
Question Corner,
Editorial
(always timely, helpful, and interesting),
Twenty-five Bible readings on the great plan of salvation, one for each issue.
Each of our readers is invited to continue his studies with us during these twenty-five issues.
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Government and Religious Tyranny
Human government is a device not to protect the many against the few, but to protect and secure the few against the many; not to protect the strong against the weak, but the weak against the strong. Religious tyranny always reverses this method.
Love, Not Force
Love, Not Force.— True and intelligent Christians will never seek to control the religious or non-religious opinions of even a single man, save by the law of love and the method of persuasion and reason. They know in their own experience that Christ did not compel their allegiance by force; He won it by love. As did Christ toward them, so will they act toward others. And this is the Golden Rule.
Returning to God
It is not a hard thing to wander from God if the soul so desires, but it is a more difficult thing to return. The path is more rugged, the way seems strange, the soul has lost its bearings. Happy indeed is the man if he be not shut up by Giant Despair in Doubting Castle. Happy indeed is he who remembers that no one waits with such earnest longing to welcome his return as does the One against whom he has sinned, Christ Jesus our Lord.
Religion and the State
It is not so much the KIND of religion which, connected with politics, causes trouble. It is not so much the particular church which, united with the State, develops intolerance, persecution, and tyranny. The evil is in the intermixture of diverse elements. It is prostituting the divine idea to the low, gross, human element. It is making religion the sport, the play, the shuttlecock of politics. In its attempt to enthrone man as the vicar of God, it degrades God to the human level. And it places a cordon of ecclesiastical policemen between the soul and the Throne that is always accessible to the humble and sincere. There are chemicals which by themselves are innocuous and useful, but when united become powerful poisons or explosives. So it is with religion—Mohammedan, Roman Catholic, Protestant—and the State—empire, kingdom, or republic. But no true republic can live under such union; and from the Christian religion under such alliance, Christ departs.
Declining Liquor Expenditure
The expenditure per head for liquor has fallen in eleven years in England from $23.00 to $17.50. Certainly that is good.
A Crisis in the Socialist Party
Mr. William English Walling, a member of the Socialist Party, has an article in the Independent of May 16 entitled “A Crisis in the Socialist Party.” Will the party stand for internationalism, or will it stand for partyism? Will it stand for all the oppressed of all races, or will it stand simply for the laboring element in the one particular land in which that Socialism is represented? This is one of the things which face it at its soon coming convention, according to Mr. Walling.
In Our Next
By Editor
Among other important articles in our next are the following:
California's Noble Stand against Religious Legislation. By J. O. Corliss.
Results of Sunday Laws. By K. C. Russell, former secretary of the International Religious Liberty Association.
The Beginning of the National Reform Movement; Kindred Organizations. By C. M. Snow.
Christ's Kingdom Not of This World. By W. M. Healey.
Look and Live. By Mrs. E. G. White.
Parents' Attitude toward Children. By Mrs. Loper.
Our next issue will be a striking number, packed full of interest and information.
No Lordship Over Conscience
No man or set of men is good enough to be entrusted with lordship over another's conscience. The very principle is evil; for God never designed man to be a slave to his fellow man. His design is that His children should be free,—free even to choose evil. But God has appointed no soul to enslave his fellow. His very best instructed and chosen ones said: “Not for that we have dominion [lordship] over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.” 2 Cor. 1: 24. “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5: 3. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” 2 Cor. 5: 11. And even Jesus said: “And if any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12: 47, 48. He therefore who sets himself to judge men or conscience, sets himself above Christ, and is anti-christ.
