p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 25. (6/30/1909)

Our Work and Workers

SEVEN have been added to the church at Kokomo, Ind., lately.

BAPTISMAL services were held at the St. Helena (Cal.) Sanitarium June 5, by Brother C. L. Taylor. Nine went forward in the ordinance, all uniting with the Sanitarium church.

BRETHREN O. F. Frank and J. E. Hanson have conducted a series of meetings at Quitman, La., with the result that eight or more have taken their stand for the truth.

THE Kansas Worker contains the note: “Brother A. S. Bringle visited Reece two or three weeks ago, and while there baptized two persons, and organized a Sabbath-school of eighteen members.”

THROUGH much opposition the truth has been presented at Cornelius, Ore., by Brother W. C. F. Ward. On the last Sabbath of May a church was organized with a membership of twenty-five, eight of whom were converts.

BROTHER and Sister Chas. Moler and J. Adams Stevens are presenting present truth at Goldfield, Nev. In addition to public meetings, they distribute “Family Bible Teacher,” by which two hundred families have received the full course. Three have accepted the truth.

Wanted for Missionary Work

CLEAN copies of SIGNS, Instructor, Watchman, and tracts. James Alexander, Buhl, Idaho.

CLEAN copies of our missionary periodicals SIGNS, Life Boat, Instructor, also tracts on the change of the Sabbath. Mrs. Mollie Vaughn, R.F.D. No. 2, Box 64, Kinswick, Mo.

Mrs. Stuttle's HOME SERIES

These three books by Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle furnish to the parent a much-needed help in the instruction and entertainment of their children.

Making Home Happy

Pictures before the reader in interesting story form the relations that should exist and the lines of influence that should be guarded and cultivated in every home. (200 pp.)

Making Home Peaceful

Is the sequel to the above, and every one reading the first book will want to learn more about “Deacon Beardsley's” family, and how an unhappy home was made peaceful. (227 pp.)

Those Bible Readings

While especially suited to the needs of the young, there is an attractiveness in the arrangement and presentation of these readings that will hold the interest of all, old and young. (206 pp.)

These books are beautifully bound and may be obtained singly at 75 cents each, or the entire set of three for $2.00.

Pacific Press Publishing Assn.

Mountain View, California

Portland, Ore. Regina, Sask., Can. Kansas City, Mo.

A Report on the Advent Movement

By Editor

Would you like to set before your friends in a brief, well-written, interesting statement the scope of the work done by Seventh-day Adventists during the past four years? This was told so forcibly in the addresses of Elder A. G. Daniells and W. A. Spicer at the beginning of the recent General Conference that extracts are brought into a report appearing in the July number of the Signs Monthly. This report is one that can not fail to thrill the reader and give him an appreciation of what this Advent movement means.

You may have this number sent direct to lists of ten or more names at the rate of five cents each. Ten names, fifty cents. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.

Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing

Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing.—An exposition of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. It has 218 pages and six chapters: On the Mountainside, The Beatitudes, The Spirituality of the Law, The True Motive in Service, The Lord’s Prayer, Not Judging but Doing. A new edition just printed on fine enameled paper, new type, and reillustrated with 27 beautiful half-tone engravings specially prepared for the book by eminent New York artists. It will be found full of comfort and blessing by all fortunate enough to obtain and read it. A beautiful gift book. In paper covers, 35 cents. Address this office.

1300 Copies

By Editor

of the July Number of the Signs Monthly are going out on first mail, Monday, June 14

These are advance orders

Six thousand copies follow to regular subscribers and those who have standing orders in a day or so.

¶ A glance at the cover page, which is in red, white and blue, suggests why this number will be appreciated early.

¶ Consider for a moment with this partial outline of contents for July how directly every phase of the message for to-day is touched upon in an issue of the magazine.

Healthful Living: Dr. Rand on “Care of the Teeth; Its Relation to Health.”

Temperance: “Temperance Wave in the South,” by S. B. Horton.

Bible: “It Is Finished,” by Mrs. E. C. White; “Cause and Nature of Suspended Life,” by J. O. Corliss; “Ignis Fatuus” (On Change of Sabbath) by Dr. W. D. Tickner.

Liberty: “The American Birthright of Religious Liberty,” Mrs. Lulu Wightman Before Missouri State Legislature; “Is Our Liberty a Dream?” by M. C. Wilcox.

¶ Thirty thousand copies of the June number were sold. You want a part in work with this July number, don’t you? You will gain a blessing in introducing it. One hundred copies cost $4.00; you sell them for $10.00. Order of your Tract Society and ask for the “Signs Worker,” which will give you selling points.

Signs of the Times

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA

Show Courtesy to the Aged

By Emma Hildreth Adams

By Emma Hildreth Adams

It is surprising what quick, off-hand stories the manners of people will tell of them when one meets them in cafés, hotels, stores, churches, or encounters them on the sidewalks.

Oftentimes their mere silent bearing reveals, in an instant, if their nature be kindly, if the rights of others are appreciated, if habits of politeness have been cultivated, or if they think, care, act, live for themselves only.

The following occurrence throws light on this statement. One day last week, an aged woman met, on a narrow sidewalk in one of the pretty beach towns of Southern California, three well-dressed young men. They were twenty years of age, perhaps. They were walking abreast. They occupied the entire width of the pavement. On either side was deep, wet ground. There had been during the night heavy downfall of rain.

At the point of passing not one of them stepped aside. It was impossible for four persons to remain upon the pavement. Result, The octogenarian went off into the soft earth. Another result, Esteem for those young men—in respect to their civility—dropped almost to vanishing point.

Suppose those young men had lifted their hats courteously, and one of them had stepped aside that she might pass with clean shoes.

Doubtless the reader has noted what instant pleasure it affords him to be passed courteously on the street by one younger than himself. Quickly a feeling of fine respect for that person springs up in the heart, there to abide perhaps for a lifetime. Some incident, some circumstance, will awaken, long afterward, sweet memory of the occurrence. In some far-away land, it may be, in some silent hour of the night, in some period of severe trial, it will step into mind to allay pain, to appease unrest, dispel darkness, impart cheer.

The writer recalls that, while teaching, some years ago, in an institution many miles north of San Francisco, certain citizens of the place, strangers to herself, whom she met upon the streets as she went to and came from duty, always greeted her politely, kindly, with countenance expressive of genuine good will.

Words fail to express the pleasant elevation of mind, the subtle cheer of heart, which those silent civilities imparted. Years have not erased the memory of them, nor lessened the gratitude they called forth. Such deeds may seem but small investment in these days of eager self-serving, but what long-continued fruit have they borne!

But it is of courtesy to the aged especially that the writer would speak to-day. Others, not less than herself, have observed the almost total lack of this beautiful grace in the last decade. Among young people especially is its absence painfully apparent.

It is a saddening indication. There must be some adequate reason therefor. At the beginning, it must be due, certainly, to a very serious omission in parental training, and perhaps to painful failure on the part of teachers in some positions.

Conspicuous in the comprehensive code of laws given to Israel at Mount Sinai, is this command: “Thou shalt RISE UP before the hoary head, and shalt HONOR the face of the old man.” Lev. 19:32.

How many, even of the Christian young men and women of the United States, to-day obey that most explicit command? How many even KNOW that these words shine out brilliantly in the word of God? That imperial assemblage of laws and regulations was given to Israel to lift them up to a plain of high, ideal living, socially, morally, spiritually. Israel, just out of Egypt, needed them extremely.

These divine utterances can to-day accomplish the same blessed results in the hearts and lives of God’s people. Indifference and heedlessness are not safer than in those far-gone years. We need them.

The act of showing respect and courtesy to aged men and women lends a fine charm to the deportment of young people. It adorns more charmingly than do jewels upon the neck or hands. It forms a part of the fine gold of conduct.

The young person who manifests deference toward aged men and women, no matter how threadbare their clothing, no matter how bent the form, how wrinkled the face, how whitened the head, puts himself on the side of the Creator—the right side, the safe side.

It is well to remember that the bent form, wrinkled face, and snowy hair may all be the result of care, toil, anxiety, sorrow for others, testifying that the life has been unselfish, noble, and therefore deference and courtesy are but their just due. Solomon wrote: “The gray head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”

The writer has had some little opportunity to witness the training of young people in both homes and schools. It is not pleasant to admit that but few instances can be recalled when this duty toward aged people has been brought forcibly and definitely to the attention of sons or daughters.

A little time given, a little thinking done, the charge repeated earnestly to-day and to-morrow, by the parents, and there would be smiles in the heart, if not on the face, of many an aged one, where now are wound and sting.

“And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful”

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Isa. 9:6

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

I

O WONDROUS prophecy of old O wondrous tale of Christ foretold! O wondrous Babe, at whose strange birth The wisest princes of the earth Brought gold and incense from afar Their only guide a gleaming star. O Child of Bethlehem! Thy birth Hath brought the heavens down to earth; Hath blest the spot which Thou hast trod,— Emmanuel, the Christ of God.

II

Strange, strange, that when the clock of time Rang forth the hour in tones sublime, The very hour when seers foretold Thy wondrous birth in days of old, Thy virgin mother laid Thy head Upon that lowly manger bed.

III

And when within the Temple’s walls Midst the Sanhedrin’s lordly halls A simple Lad of tender years The Child of Nazareth appears. He spake such words of wondrous lore As sages ne’er had heard before.

IV

Aye, wonderful the life He led, And wonderful the words He said, And wonderful the lessons taught, And wonderful the deeds He wrought!

V

His gentle touch brought quick relief To saddened hearts bowed down with grief; He made the helpless blind to see And Satan’s captives set He free; He snatched the keys of dusty death, And gave to dead men life and breath— The wondrous Christ of Nazareth.

VI

At last, on Calvary’s rugged side, How wonderful the death He died! And when that sad, despairing cry Rose upward toward the darkening sky, The rock-ribbed earth, as if in pain, Like ocean billows rose amain; While graves were rent on Calvary As died the Man of Galilee.

VII

O tyrant Death! how vain thy strife To bind the mighty Prince of Life; But few brief hours must He remain Fast held beneath thy galling chain. Then heavenly light dispels the gloom Which hangs o’er Joseph’s new-made tomb; An angel cleaves the wondering skies,— “O Son of God, arise, arise!”

VIII

The rocks shook ’neath the earthquake’s birth The Roman soldiers fell to earth As with a mighty Conqueror’s tread He rose, victorious, from the dead. Then did the dragon’s power break; Then did the throne of darkness quake. O wonderful; ye sons of men, The Christ of Calvary lives again.

IX

O wonderful that thrilling hour, And wonderful that mighty power, And wonderful the victory Of Christ, the Lamb of Calvary!

X

At last, on Olive’s mount so green The ascending Son of God is seen, What wondrous day, what wondrous hour What showing forth of wondrous power!

XI

Yet once again—O faith so grand— On Olive’s brow His feet shall stand, And this old earth, from sea to sea, His glorious Capital shall be, Then wondrous peace from shore to shore, And righteousness forevermore.

BOOK NOTICES

“The Scofield Reference Bible, with a new system of connected topical references to all the greater themes of Scripture, with annotations, revised marginal renderings, summaries, definitions, and index; to which are added helps at hard places, explanations of seeming discrepancies, and a new system of paragraphs.” Edited by the Rev. C. I. Scofield, D.D. Oxford University Press, American Branch, 35 West 32d Street, New York, N. Y.

Such is a part of the title page of a new Bible which has come to our table. The very fact that it is an Oxford Bible speaks eloquently always for its binding and press work. These are always good if published by the Oxford house. The editors after mature reflection determined to use the Authorized Version. We wish they had taken the Revised Version, in fact, the American Revised Version; and yet the old version will be used as a study and reading book for many years to come, and many are the souls indeed to whom it has given life and comfort.

The topical references are suggestive and many times helpful; sometimes much more so than the verse, phrase, or word references which we find in common Bibles. The revised marginal renderings are also generally helpful. The definitions and explanations of terms not generally understood, such as weights, measures, etc., are exceedingly beneficial. For instance in 1 Sam. 25:18, we read that Abigail brought to David five measures of parched corn. Contrary to all our ordinary versions, and yet just what all teachers’ Bibles ought to have done, we are told in the margin that one measure equaled about four pecks, giving us a guide by which we can ascertain the amount that was brought to David by Abigail. Another instance: In Neh. 10:32, we read that the children of Israel taxed themselves with the third part of a shekel in the service of the house of our God. We read in the margin that one shekel equaled 2 shillings and 9 pence, or 65 cents. One third of this is about 22 cents.

There are many things of this kind that make the volume very valuable.

The marginal annotations are many times good. If the editor had confined himself to the explanation of facts so as to make the words and facts stand out more clearly, we believe that the Bible would have been much more satisfactory, but he has seemingly taken space to introduce his ideas of the second advent and the fulfilment of prophecy on every occasion possible. This is especially true regarding the second advent of our Lord, the promises to Israel, the book of the Revelation, etc. Sometimes his theology is indicated by the subdivisions of the chapters.

The Bible we believe would give much better satisfaction if these annotations were eliminated; and notes upon intensely practical themes, or upon the explanation of rarely used words or terms, or the location of geographical places, would have been far preferable. It is in many respects very helpful, and would be a good Bible to compare with a regular Oxford teachers’ Bible; but we would urge our readers to go to the Bible for the doctrines and not to the notes. Use the notes merely for suggestions and helpful facts. The Bible has twelve excellent colored maps.

Life and Health

A PRACTICAL health journal, published with a view of meeting hygienic needs in every home; teaching how to care for the health and how to preserve life; prescribing simple home treatments to assist nature in throwing off diseases rather than adding more poison by using drugs or unnatural stimulants as remedies: teaching how to avoid disease as far as possible, how to manage in the home when sickness does come, and how to combat the disease by simple remedies which nature provides.

Send for sample copy and special rates to agents. Price 10 cents per copy or $1.00 per year.

Address, LIFE & HEALTH, Takoma Park, D. C.

LIBERTY

THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BUREAU

AN illustrated, 48-page, quarterly magazine, published as an exponent and advocate of true religious liberty; defending Christianity and the rights of conscience; upholding the Bible as the infallible word of God; recognizing the church and state as ordained of Heaven for specific and distinct purposes, but vigorously protesting against the alliance of the church with the state in the attempt to advance religion and to promote the state.

Price 25 cents per year. Liberal terms to agents.

Address, LIBERTY, Takoma Park, D. C.

Our Little Friend

An Illustrated Paper for the Smaller Men and Women, for the Children and Little Ones

Instructive and entertaining, clean, wholesome, sensible. It is a character builder, a helper to father and mother. Our Little Friend would plant seed in the joyous life of the children in the Present, that it may bear blessed fruitage in the Harvest of the Future. Respect your child's individuality. Take the paper for him or her. Only 50 cents a year.

Address, OUR LITTLE FRIEND, Mountain View, Cal.

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNION SERVICE.

Should be used by every church. Seventh-day Adventist Church, Lincoln, Neb., writes, “Service used April 6th with greatest satisfaction. We are delighted with it.” Outfit sent for trial before purchasing. Not expensive. Address

THOMAS COMMUNION SERVICE CO., Box M., Lima, Ohio.

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The Fourth of July.—

In a few days after the issue of this number of the SIGNS the great national birthday of our Republic will be upon us. It is a day in which every good citizen of the United States may well stop and consider the history of this great nation. It is a time to remember those noble lives which have been devoted in sacrifice to their country, and to consider the magnificent heritage which under God has come to us. It is a time when it is well for us to consider the great principles of liberty which have made this nation what it is. Some may think it necessary to show their patriotism by an outburst of noise and demonstration, but the real thing after all is not in seeing how much noise we can make or how much powder we can burn, but it is in seeking to see how we can all live and act so that this nation shall be a united whole in perfect allegiance to the true principles which lie at its very foundation. Let us be thankful for the extraordinary privileges which under this government are ours, and let us show our thankfulness by well-ordered lives and obedience to the great principles of truth, mercy, and fairness.

Trusting the Faithful Creator

The promises of God never fall short in their complete provision for every condition of life. Take for example the promise found in 1 Peter 4:19. This is directed to those who suffer. It says: “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” See the extent of it. If one is suffering according to the will of God he is to commit the keeping of his soul to God in well-doing. That is, he is to keep in the right, he is not to turn aside from the path of truth. He is to be patient, knowing that God is a faithful Creator. That is to say, that if in suffering according to the will of God and in keeping of our souls to Him in well-doing, we should lose our lives, we know that we are dealing with the faithful Creator. He made man in the first instance, and if necessary He can remake him. What confidence this begets! We are dealing with One who can restore anything that is lost. Then we are threatened with no loss because He not only has power to restore, that is, He is not only Creator, but a faithful Creator. He will not in any wise betray the faith that we repose in Him.

Wilcoxes Return from Eastern Trip

Elder M. C. Wilcox, editor of the SIGNS, and Miss Blossom Wilcox, editor of Our Little Friend, have returned from their Eastern trip in attendance at the Seventh-day Adventist General Conference. They are indeed welcome to the editorial rooms, and take up their work with their old-time energy and zeal.

The Theocracy of Israel.

By Editor

Not many years ago it was predicted by a prominent W. C. T. U. woman that a theocracy was to come into the world through the “gateway of politics.” National Reformers are working to this very end. All these futile and mischievous efforts are based on a wrong conception of what a true theocracy is as set before us in the word of God. It is therefore important to become informed upon it. To assist our readers we have solicited the contribution, “The Theocracy of Israel,” on another page, from Mr. George E. Langdon, read and warmly approved at a religious liberty meeting in Washington, D. C., May 17, 1909.

Liberty and Its Author

God is the Author of liberty. When He took His chosen people from Egypt, He ordained liberty for them by arranging their institutions in such a way as to guarantee it. He authorized them to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”—Lev. 25:10. Then when His Son Jesus Christ came to earth on His mission of salvation, His assurance to mankind was, and that assurance still holds good: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Patriotic Celebrations

Well-thinking people throughout the country are deprecating some of our patriotic noise and powder-burning because of the sad results that often follow these well-meant celebrations. The press of June 17 reports that the list of injured in the Bunker Hill celebration on that day rivaled that of the actual battle 134 years ago. Sixty-five persons were treated at the hospitals of Boston and vicinity for injuries caused by fireworks and pistols, and many more were attended by physicians at their homes.

The American Flag

“When Freedom from her mountain height Unfurled her standard to the air, She tore the azure robe of night And set the stars of glory there. She mingled with its gorgeous dyes The milky baldric of the skies, And striped its pure celestial white With streakings of the morning light. Then, from his mansion near the sun, She called her eagle-bearer down, And gave into his mighty hand The symbol of her chosen band.”

A Good Degree.

At this time of the year when in many of the colleges of the land many are about to receive or are receiving their degrees, it is well to remember that there is a degree mentioned in the Bible which all may receive. It isn’t issued by a college, but by God’s great university. Its faculty comprises the very best teachers that have ever lived, and those who graduate with honors will have a degree more valuable than any other which can be issued by any institution whatsoever. It is mentioned in 1 Tim. 3:13. “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” While this is mentioned of the deacon we know from other passages that God is no respecter of persons, and that if the deacon in his humble office in faithful service can purchase this degree, it is for all who will do a similarly faithful work.

Solar Eclipse.

There was an eclipse of the sun, both total and annular, June 17, visible over Eastern Asia and almost the whole of North America, Greenland, Iceland, and the northern part of Finland. The totality was visible only in the extreme north. At the United States Naval Observatory in Washington preparations were made for observation, but the cloudy weather prevented.

Meeting of the German and Russian Emperors

Emperor William of Germany and Emperor Nicholas of Russia met in a conference in the Gulf of Finland June 17. The meeting of the monarchs was most cordial. The reports state that from the length of the conference and the circumstances attending it it was the most momentous imperial council held in Europe for more than a decade.

British Steamer Fired Upon by Russian Torpedo-Boat

The British Steamer “Woodburn” was fired upon the night of June 17 by a Russian torpedo-boat near the Island of Biorke for approaching too close to the bay on the Finnish coast where Emperor Nicholas and Emperor William met in conference. The projectile from the torpedo-boat pierced a steam-pipe, and one member of the crew of the British vessel was wounded. The incident shows the extreme nervousness for the safety of Emperor Nicholas. After making repairs the “Woodburn” sailed for her home port. The wounded engineer was taken aboard the Russian cruiser “Asia,” where his wounds were dressed.

Louis Prang Dies at 85

Louis Prang, “the father of lithography” and famous the world over as the originator of Prang’s chromos and other works of art, died June 15 of pleuro-pneumonia at Glendale, Cal., aged 85 years. He was on his way to Seattle to attend the exposition when he suddenly became sick and found it necessary to seek treatment. His condition was at no time considered serious enough to warrant calling his relatives, but the end came unexpectedly.

Denver Boiler Explosion

As a result of a boiler explosion in the power-house of the Denver Gas and Electric Company, located at Sixth and Lawrence Streets, at 6:30 on the night of June 15, three persons were killed and several injured. The boiler was thrown 800 feet into the air by the force of the explosion. It crashed through the top of the plant, completely wrecking the generator and walls, cut off the lights, and for more than two hours the city was in darkness. A property damage of nearly half a million dollars resulted.

The Day’s Record.

There is nothing hidden or mysterious about a true record; it is just the account of transactions. Naturally if the transactions are honest and fair, the inspection of the record will cause no uneasiness; it is equally natural that the record of dishonesty brings shame when examined. The serious point is that every one has the making of his own record; every one is individually responsible. God has made all men free to choose, but He keeps a record, and according to that record is the reward, “for God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

True to Our Sign.

The baker's sign indicates that he dispenses breadstuff. Tho it may be next door to a jeweler, one would not go to the bakery for a watch, for watches are not the stock in trade of a baker. The Christian's sign indicates that he keeps a stock of righteousness, with all its by-products. The world does not expect to find with him dishonesty, small dealing, or insincerity. Shall not every Christian, therefore, be true to his sign?