THE eye is the sense of the intellect. So said a great Frenchman, and Christ used it as His most solemn figure. "If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." Both the natural and the spiritual eye have foes in these days.
Leading oculists met recently with the Illuminating Engineering Society—an unparalleled combination. One definite conclusion was reached, namely, that brilliant electric lights in direct vision are harmful, and that glare does not mean beneficial illumination. One of the engineers stated that the time is not far distant when dazzling lights so placed that they strike the eye directly will be prohibited by law. This speaker said: "You can sit in the depot in Boston, and the arrangement of arc lights will give you a headache in half an hour." Dr. Percy Fridenberg, President of the Harlem Medical Association, declared that the heat from incandescents used at desks has a harmful effect, drying the lids just the same as the heat from fire would do. He maintained that public buildings, hotels, and libraries are too brightly lighted. As much light as possible should be given, but the source should be concealed.
This, we think, is a most valuable suggestion. Dr. Hepburn, of the Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, declared that people11who live in countries where there are many cloudy and foggy days have stronger vision than those in bright and sunny countries. He testified that subdued light gives better results, and the yellow flame is better than the white. He affirmed that for that reason many people have gone back to gas jets and lamps. The lighting of that hall had been done especially for the oculists. The speakers' stand was without a single incandescent or other kind of light. The audience sat in the light from overhead, with no lamps in their line of vision. It was declared that merchants do not show their goods as well with unshielded arc lights and incandescents as when diffused light is cast from a hidden source.
All the oculists agreed that for students to keep a strong light on the page while the rest of the room is in darkness—a system used in many libraries, public and private
A Court in Pompeii, exhumed from the ashes of Vesuvius, which covered it in A.D. 79. About one-half of the city has now been excavated. Many works of art have been found. About 2,000 of its inhabitants perished. As light ashes covered the city, filling all empty spaces, it did little harm, practically sealing over the whole town, and preserving its contents.
—is injurious. The pupil has to be narrowed in reading and then when the eyes are lighted and meet the darkness the pupils must be suddenly enlarged.
This is a most important question to writers, readers, stenographers, telegraphers, bookkeepers, students, literary people, and all inclined to nervous headaches or suffering from any sort of eye strain.—The Christian Advocate.
LEST WE FORGET.
By L. C. Hutchins
It rains, it rains, the crystal drops
Come pattering 'gainst the window panes;
O'er dusty streets, the farmers' crops,
The meadows parched, and waiting plains.
It rains, it rains, the chickens run
And haste to coop or sheltering tree;
The ducklings gray enjoy the fun,
While tree-toads chirp with noisy glee.
It rains, it rains, the teamsters speed,
Umbrellas pass you widely spread;
The auto rushes without heed,
Alas! alas! the mud ahead!
It rains, it rains, the farmer's hat
All dripping on the nail is seen;
Erewhile he smiles o'er verdant flat,
And crops of corn, and meadow green.
Aye, aye, it rains, full soon the sun
Is radiant over hill and plain;
He sends our blessings, every one,
Who sends the sunshine and the rain.
His blessings fall on one and all,
Alike on evil and the good;
Impartial, too, His heavenly call,
"Come unto Me," for aye hath stood.
It rains again and we complain,
There's too much rain, or too much sun,
Forgetful in our folly vain
Who sends the other or the one.
And we forget, aye we forget,
And live as tho all time is ours;
And doth He send the earthquake shock,
Reminder 'mid the sun and showers?
Can we forget? Alas, forget
That He who went will come again?
Sun, moon, and stars in sign have met,
Soon "He whose right it is shall reign."
L. C. HUTCHINS.
SEASONABLE HEALTH HINTS.
By A. M. H.
MOTHERS should never forget the famous doctor's axiom that when the feet are kept warm and dry the whole body is safe; and if the shoes have been wet, do not let the child wear them stiff and hard. They may be kept soft by the use of ordinary kerosene oil. Wipe them clean, then rub them briskly with a soft cloth upon which are a few drops of the oil, and continue the rubbing until the leather is soft and pliable. Rubber overshoes will not only look better, but will last longer if they are rubbed frequently with a little vaseline.
Many unexplained colds and attacks of rheumatism may be traced to bed coverings which are too small. All coverings should be long enough to tuck in well at the foot, and come up well over the shoulders at night, and coverings for children's beds should be made of the softest, lightest materials.
Not the least of the winter annoyances are the coughs which the children are sure to contract, and there is nothing better for a sore throat than a gargle made with a solution of boric acid. For a cough allow a small borax crystal to melt in the mouth, allowing it to dissolve slowly. Such simple remedies will often save much pain, and the service of a physician.
Ten drops of the oil of wintergreen essence taken on sugar is a good remedy for rheumatism, and should be taken twice a day. The common kerosene oil is another excellent remedy for rheumatism. Take five drops of the oil on a lump of sugar every evening, or, if one prefers, the oil can be taken in capsules, and this is a perfectly safe remedy.
A. M. H.
LITTLE GIRL SOLVED THE PROBLEM.
A STREET-CAR horse on the Ninth Avenue line balked at Forty-sixth Street last night. A crowd collected, and the passengers got out of the car. The driver brought his whip down across the horse's back without effect. A stout man who had just stepped off the car said, "Don't do that; I'll get him started." He rubbed the horse's nose, patted
him on the neck, and talked persuasively, all without result. By this time four cars were stalled. Somebody suggested oats, another kerosene, a third a patrol wagon. Another held a burning newspaper under the horse. Still it didn't move.
At last a girl of about thirteen pushed her way thru the crowd and said, "Say, mister, if you'll ring the bell twice the horse will think somebody just got off, and he'll go ahead."
The conductor pulled the bell and the passengers had to run to catch the car.—Our Dumb Animals.
JUST TO BE TRUE.
By Anonymous
I CARE not for triumphs and glories of earth,
Let them be many or let them be few,
Of all that life offers, the one thing of worth
Is just to be true.
The world is so hollow with pretense and sham
When the poniard of honor pierces it thru,
That I pray I may seem never more than I am,
But just to be true.
In the effort to conquer, be strong and be free
In all that I hope and in all that I do,
Whatever confronts me, the one thing for me
Is just to be true.
To the friends that I love wherever I go,
Let them be old or let them be new,
The best I can offer, the best can bestow,
Is just to be true.
And often I think when the heavenly day
Its glories shall ope to my wondering view,
Forgiven my sins if at last I can say,
I have been true.
—Anonymous.
The Living Word of God
"THERE are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine Presence. Philosophical theories or literary essays, however brilliant, can not satisfy the heart. The assertions and inventions of men are of no value. Let the Word of God speak to the people. Let those who have heard only traditions and human theories and maxims hear the voice of Him whose Word can renew the soul unto everlasting life."
Doctrinal Nuts
THE doctrinal nuts that are the hardest to crack often have nothing but dust inside.
—Ram's Horn.
AS BAD AS ANANIAS.
By Bishop Wilson
THE man of fifty thousand dollars who brings five dollars, twenty dollars, or one hundred dollars, to the altar of God and says, "That is all I have to spare," if he does not lie to God, Ananias never did. Tens of thousands are living in luxury, spending millions for pride, vanity, gluttony and sensuality, submitting a mere bagatelle to the uses of the Holy Spirit, and yet flattering themselves that they are on the way to heaven and sure of glory. Beware lest a worse fate than Ananias' overtake you!—Bishop Wilson, in Arkansas Methodist.
ST. HELENA SANITARIUM TRAINING SCHOOL.
By Editor
The next class for training missionary nurses begins April 1, 1907, and offers a very thoro course in this line of work, and extraordinary advantages in the way of practical experience. We shall be pleased to correspond with all interested persons who desire to devote their lives to this branch of the Master's work. For circulars and full information, address, St. Helena Sanitarium, or Dr. H. F. Rand, Sanitarium (Napa Co.), Cal.
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Bank of Mountain View Journal
By Editor
If you haven't already done so, why don't you drop us a postal asking us to send you a copy of our monthly paper, "The Bank of Mountain View Journal." It is very interesting. It is full of good ideas, and it is free to you for the asking. If you live in the East, send for a copy and see how we do it in California. We still hold ourselves ready to furnish you with information about Mountain View. Write us.
Address
Bank of Mountain View
Mountain View, Santa Clara County, California
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING COMPANY.
THE Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Pacific Press Publishing Company was held in our new, tho unfinished, building, January 30, 1907. Coming immediately after the conference in San Jose, there was a large representation, and a larger number of shares of stock were represented than at any meeting for years, much of the stock being held by the Pacific Press Publishing Association.
The president, H. W. Cottrell, presided, and opened the meeting with appropriate remarks referring to the special meeting that was held September 10, at which quite full reports were given of the fire and the loss which came in consequence, and stated that the financial and industrial condition of the institution would be shown by the reports which followed.
The treasurer, H. G. Childs, rendered a very full and complete report of the financial condition of the institution, which, notwithstanding earthquake and fire, showed a working profit of 991.60.
The manager presented a very full report, only a synopsis of which we give on account of lack of space.
After a warm greeting to those who were there gathered at the thirty-second annual session of the stockholders of the company, he referred to the events of the past year which have been fully set before the readers of this paper, and the telegrams and letters of condolence and expressions of sympathy and offers of help that came from every quarter. He also referred to the special meeting of September 10, at which it was decided to rebuild the Pacific Press, altho the inventory showed a deficit of over thirteen thousand dollars.
Alluding to the $150,000 fund which the General Conference is now raising, it was stated that $20,000 of this is to go to the Pacific Press, altho it is really felt that we need from $50,000 to $100,000. Of our insurance, $72,500 was realized. Not only was the factory destroyed, but the entire stock of books, printing-paper, etc., was consumed, entailing a net loss of about $200,000. The insurance was used in the rebuilding and in the purchase of new machinery.
Referring to the factory, he said it was a building 127 by 171 feet, one story high, covered and lined with rolled steel, or corrugated iron. The building has a wood floor on concrete, giving no place in the entire building for the storing of material to make a fire trap, the concrete foundation also making a splendid base for machinery.
Stockholders' Meeting in New Building.
The strictest economy has been used in the building, and the convenience of the factory is much greater than that of the one which was burned.
He also referred to the splendid spirit of sacrifice that has been manifested, not only on the part of those who had charge of the work, of which Brother A. O. Tait was superintendent, but other employees, both in the factory and upon the building, had worked for much less wages than they could have received elsewhere.
Much of the machinery that seemed after the fire fit only for the junk pile has been repaired with comparatively little cost. The large SIGNS perfecting press is ready for operation.
Since the fire, business has been carried on in the temporary structures, at a great disadvantage, and yet two presses and two linotypes have been constantly at work, printing in the last few months, since the temporary factory started, 553,000 copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and 476,000 copies of "Our Little Friend." Besides this, 45,500 copies in the aggregate of fourteen different books have been issued, ranging all the way from 108 pages to 772 pages, each in editions varying from 1,500 to 5,000; and tracts and pamphlets to the number of 451,000 copies have been printed, besides a large amount of booklets, circulars, advertising matter, etc., for our various institutions and tract societies. Twenty-five thousand copies of books have been issued by our branch office in Kansas City. Twelve books, ranging in size from 128 pages to 736 pages are under way.
The office has decided to take charge of issuing publications in the Spanish, and "Coming King," "Christ Our Saviour," and "Gospel Primer," are ready. "New Testament Primer" in Spanish will soon be issued.
The responsibility of printing school textbooks for our church schools and colleges has been undertaken, and a graded series of readers is now in hand, three of which are ready for delivery, having received the highest commendation from leading educators.
The chairman referred to the greater cost of material and the necessity of raising prices on publications so that they could be issued at a fair profit to those who handle them.
No work has been done commercially since the fire, and the entire office force is giving its time and attention to religious work. All the employees of the institution are throwing their whole heart into it, and laboring most earnestly, faithfully, and successfully.
Thru the sale of our property in Oakland, the interest-bearing debt of the institution has been materially reduced, and this reduction we hope to continue. Last September our balance sheet showed a deficit of $13,000. Thru the reclamation of machinery that seemed to be worthless at that time, advance in the price of real estate, cash discounts, etc., the deficit has been reduced to about $1,000. Notwithstanding the fearfully inconvenient and discouraging circumstances consequent upon the earthquake and fire, the treasurer's report showed a balance on the right side of the ledger of $991.36. Our branch offices have done well. Our Kansas City Branch made the best record in its history. There was also a gain in our Portland office. When the new plant is installed in our new building, laboring under much better environments and advantages, we hope to make a material gain in operating expenses all around.
Earnest efforts are being made to increase the weekly circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES to 100,000 copies. This is a great thing to accomplish in one year, and we would feel that it was utterly beyond us were it not for the cooperation that is being manifested on the part of our friends thruout the entire field.
The majority of the shares of the stock of the old Publishing Company which have been so scattered by the death of the older stockholders, has been transferred to the new association organized to conduct the business of the company as soon as the transfer can be made. And the chairman suggested that urgent, well-directed steps should be taken within this year to complete the transfer, if possible.
The manager expressed his appreciation, personally, of the harmonious relations that had existed in the Board of Directors, and for their help and hearty cooperation during the trying ordeal thru which we have passed. "And above all do we wish to return praise and thanksgiving to our kind and loving heavenly Father, who, thru all these trying circumstances, has never left nor forsaken us, and who, thru His kind providence, is already13turning this calamity into a great blessing. It is our prayer that God may guide in all the plans that may be laid at this meeting, and that the coming year may be one of great prosperity."
Committees on plans and nominations were, by vote of the stockholders, placed in the hands of the chairman, and duly appointed. The report of the committee on plans was presented in a series of resolutions covering the following topics:
Thanksgiving for God's help and blessing which has been with us from the time of the fire; for the kindly sympathy and spirit of true helpfulness manifested by those outside of our people, as well as those among us; for the progress which has been made in the erection of the building, notwithstanding the abnormal conditions of transportation; for the spirit of earnest zeal and sacrifice on the part of our employees; for all the omens of good, and the spirit of cooperation from the great field.
Action was taken instructing the Directors that inasmuch as all outside commercial work had been eliminated from the factory, they work to the end of placing all our publications on a fair margin of profit to the publishing house.
The stockholders expressed themselves heartily in favor of the plan of raising the regular circulation of the SIGNS to 100,000 copies, and pledged their hearty cooperation to the work; and not only that, but to do all in their power to circulate religious publications of every kind to meet the great need of the world at the present time.
In accordance with legal advice, a resolution was adopted giving the Directors power to transfer the entire plant of the corporation to the new corporation which had been organized, the Pacific Press Publishing Association. It is hoped to bring this about within the present year. The new association at its meeting, passed a complementary resolution to purchase the plant of the Pacific Press Publishing Company. Most of the known stockholders of the old company have already transferred their stock, and it is believed that the remaining ones will do so soon.
As to the new factory, the stockholders expressed themselves in this resolution:
"Resolved, that we express our hearty approval of the substantial and economical manner in which the new factory is being built, and rejoice in the prospect of having a convenient, comfortable building at moderate cost."
Upon this experts and good judges of building expressed the most hearty approval, and felt that the building was in every way worthy of its design.
A resolution of respect was also passed upon the death of Elder W. N. Glenn, which has before been published in the SIGNS.
Committee on nominations reported the following names for Directors: H. W. Cottrell, M. C. Wilcox, C. H. Jones, H. H. Hall, A. O. Tait, E. A. Chapman, and H. G. Childs. The organization of the Board was given in our last issue, the first named as president, the third, C. H. Jones, as vice-president and manager; secretary and treasurer, H. G. Childs.
Never, it may be said, has a more harmonious meeting of stockholders of the Pacific Press been held. The year of calamities thru which we have passed has brought hearts closer together, and bound them in stronger bonds for the prosecution of the Master's work. The Directors of the company look forward hopefully to the year to come, determined persistently to use the same faithful, Christian economy in the Master's work, and the same untiring diligence in the propagation of the message for which the office was founded. For these things we ask the prayers of our readers.
A NOBLE DISCONTENT.
By George Birdseye
Why with majorities consent to sing with them their song?
There is a noble discontent can spur a man along
To rise and with a few unite who heed no taunting throng,—
To raise what they believe the right, and battle down the wrong.
Tho such a contest years may take, yet truth will never cease
To call until it answer wake and manhood's ranks increase;
And show that powers that slumbered still can animate the soul
With highest purpose, and the will that turns things to control.
Lynn, Mass. GEORGE BIRDSEYE.
Bible Study and Religious Statistics
The truth of the Bible can not be learned by simple study alone. We must approach the Book with a right spirit, with heart meek and humble, with a desire to know and do the truth. To the froward God will show Himself froward, but the meek will He guide in judgment and teach His way.
According to the religious statistician, Dr. H. K. Carroll, the gain of the Catholic Church during the last year was 125,778, making a total membership of 10,879,930. Catholic membership, however, is made up in a different way from that of other denominations. The number of communicants is estimated on the basis of population. Eighty-five per cent. of the Catholic population is taken, deducting fifteen per cent. for infants and children not admitted to communion. This, it seems, is a pretty small per cent. The total number of communicants in all Protestant churches is given as 32,283,658; the number of ministers, 159,503, the number of churches, 207,707. The Christian Advocate gives as the total number of Adventists in the United States, 95,437; Seventh-day Adventists, 60,471. This, however, is at least ten thousand too low. They must number full seventy thousand in the United States, with about twenty thousand outside. Roman Catholics have gained more than fifty per cent. in the last ten years. Next to Roman Catholics come Methodists with a membership of six and one-half millions, and the great Baptist family has a membership of over five millions.
ASKING IN FAITH.
A MOST encouraging incident has come to us from the after-experience of the earthquake in Kingston.
In the opening of the meeting that was held in Kingston at the time of the earthquake, Brother Strickland arose and stated that the believers in Kingston had set their hearts on one hundred accessions to the Kingston church as the result of the union conference meetings held there. He asked the brethren to pray for this and work for it. They began their meetings in the evenings for those outside, but with no special interest, and began to be quite discouraged.
Then the earthquake came. After the few days of confusion, Brother Strickland desired to erect a tent and hold meetings, contrary to the advice of some of his brethren. The tent was immediately filled with refugees seeking for a place of shelter, so it seemed almost impossible to go ahead and hold religious service. Yet he decided to go ahead.
At one of the first services there were only about fifty to talk to in the beginning, but before the sermon was over there were at least four thousand people surrounding the tent. The meeting continued for several days, and when a call was finally made for those who would "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus," there were just one hundred who responded, and the Kingston church has that many new converts. These are made up of substantial people, many of whom had heard the truth before, but were unable to make up their minds to obey.
The Lord laid the burden upon these workers and the Lord met their faith. Of course there may be additional souls before the work is done. That is to be developed. What is needed is a heart so in sympathy with God that it will respond to His call, whatever it may be, and a faith that will lay hold of His promises.
OUR WORK AND WORKERS.
By Editor
Two sisters have accepted the truth in Atlantic City, N. J., and united with the church at that place.
At Hampton, Iowa, two were recently added to the church, one thru an interest awakened by Sabbath-school work.
The East Michigan Banner of January 30 was called the "Adelphian Academy Souvenir Edition," and was devoted entirely to the interests of the school at Holly, Mich. The contents of the paper and the work done upon it represent student thought and labor. The academy has been conducted two years, and good work has been done.
A young man from Union College, H. A. Peebles, who has charge of a printing office at Laceiba, Spanish Honduras, writes as follows: "During a little rest from the printing, I have been canvassing with good success. Four days in Parvenir gave me one hundred dollars; about five days here in Laceiba, between ninety-five and one hundred dollars; and eight days spent on mule-back, up and down the coast, one hundred and thirty-five dollars. The book sales are about equally divided between Spanish and English."
WANTED FOR MISSIONARY WORK.
By Editor
(Always prepay postage.)
SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Address, Mrs. James F. Woods, 322 S. Detroit St., Warsaw, Ind.
LATE copies of the SIGNS and other denominational papers. Address, Chas. W. Grundy, Pansy, Mo.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Watchman, Life and Health, Life Boat, tracts on all subjects. Also Spanish papers and tracts. Address, J. L. McElhany, 15 Calle E, Ermita, Manila, P. I.
CONTINUOUS supply of SIGNS and all other denominational papers, including Instructor and Little Friend, books and pamphlets, old and new, for use among the Indians. Address, S. B. Taft, Mechanical Instructor, Fort Defiance, Arizona.
ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE.
THE tenth annual meeting of the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, for the purpose of electing four or more members of the Board of Directors, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting, will be held at Sanitarium, Napa County, California, on Wednesday, March 13, 1907, at 12 o'clock M.
L. M. Bowen, President,
E. E. Parlin, Secretary.
ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE.
THE fifth annual meeting of the Sanitarium Food Company, for the purpose of electing directors, and transacting any other business that may properly come before the meeting, will be held at Sanitarium, Napa Co., Cal., on Thursday, March 14, at 12 o'clock M.
