p. 15 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 34, No. 21. (5/20/1908)

The Master in the Home

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

HANGING conspicuously upon the wall in the family sitting-room is a motto. It is a very plain, brown cardboard, and has never known the dignity of a frame. But we think as much of that unpretending little motto as of any picture in the house. We would do well to call it "our reminder." O how it reproves us sometimes for worldliness and folly! how loudly it cries out against every foolish ambition and every neglect of duty!

Come, let us read the plain, silver letters:

"CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THIS HOUSE; THE UNSEEN GUEST AT EVERY MEAL; THE SILENT LISTENER TO EVERY CONVERSATION."

My sister, for what does this motto reprove you? Would you be rebuked for sinful extravagance? Would your elegant furniture, your luxurious couches, your expensive pictures, bear silent but powerful witness against you? Thousands around you are perishing for the Bread of Life, and suffering for the barest necessities with which to sustain their perishing bodies. Knowing these facts, can you affirm Christ to be the head of a house filled with costly gewgaws?

What! Jesus Christ the head of a house where the voice of prayer is seldom heard? Christ the head of a house flooded with trashy literature, and where the daily paper is read more and oftener than the Bible? Do you acknowledge that Jesus Christ is a silent Listener to your foolish conversation, or to the cruel dialogue in which you so often take up a reproach against your neighbor?

My sister, how can Jesus Christ be the head of an untidy and slovenly house, a home of uncleanliness and disorder? I entreat you, make a radical change in this respect, or tear that motto from your dingy and germ-laden walls,—for I assure you, it is a shameful libel.

My brother, dare you affirm Christ to be the head of a house where the loud and angry voice is heard oftener than the voice of prayer? This morning as I passed your barn, I heard you using rough and unbecoming language to your faithful horses, and rude and unchristian words to Jim, your hired man. Your little boy heard the same words, and saw you kick the poor, dumb brutes in the yard, because you were in a temper. What! do you expect him ever to become a Christian, with such a sound of his father's voice in his ears? Go, tear down that motto from the walls of your sitting-room, for it declares Christ to be a listener to every conversation. Tear it down, I say, or else turn square about—for you stand self-condemned in its presence.

Wait! I'm not done talking to you yet. Not only were you rude and discourteous to your help, and brutal toward the dumb animals which should share your kindness and care, but O! hide your face in shame and confusion, for—no, I am not mistaken—I heard you speak bitterly and cruelly to the gentle and faithful little woman whom, only a few years ago, you promised to love and to protect. I saw her shrink from your presence, and so did you. Is that love? do you call that protection? What! Jesus Christ a listener to such words as you made use of to your own wife because you were out of temper and she was unfortunate enough to cross your track! Take the motto from your walls,—it has no business there.

If Jesus Christ is, in very deed, the Head of our homes, what abodes of love, what veritable refuges of contentment and peace will they become!

When we realize as we ought, that He who will one day judge us by the words we have uttered, listens to every conversation, notes every impatient word, every slander repeated by lips that have named the name of Christ, how careful we should be. How will we behave ourselves in the presence of the King of Kings?

Christ in the home forbids selfishness of every kind: forbids the sharp bargain; forbids the taking of usury; forbids the underhand trick, the deceitful weight, the false balance, the extortion, the injustice, the scant measure. If Christ abides in our home as Master, as Friend, as Counselor, as kind Elder Brother, as Burden-Bearer, we shall go to Him often, that we may understand His will. Because He is our Master, we shall be ready to do His slightest bidding. Because He is our Friend, we will confide in Him; we will hide nothing from Him. If He is our Counselor, we shall learn wisdom by sitting at His blessed feet. Is He our Elder Brother? we shall go to Him for sympathy, for consolation, for comfort, for encouragement. Is He our Burden-Bearer? blessed, restful thought! yea, more than Burden-Bearer; He bears the cruel weight of our sins, and carries us as well as our every burden. And as tho this were not enough, He invites, yea, pleads: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

The Scotch use the word "worry" instead of the word "labor." And so I suppose to them the text would read: "Come unto Me, all ye who worry and are heavy-laden."

Whichever way it reads, it means peace and joy, a light heart and a clear conscience. It means Christ in the home, in the head, in the heart, in the life, and, blessed be God, it means, if we heed it, glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life.

The Fleet

By Editor

The Fleet.—When this paper reaches our readers, the great fleet celebration will be over in the city by the Golden Gate. Looking at it from the world's standpoint, the great pageant was a success. The eighteen immense floating forts filed in the bay of San Francisco with precision and dignity, amid the thunder of guns, and the shouts and cheers from thousands and thousands of voices. There were probably five or six hundred thousand people in San Francisco on May 6. Many of these will stay thru-out the ten days, and many others will come. It was a great honor to Rear-Admiral Evans to be able to bring the fleet into the bay. He immediately laid down these honors, and they were placed on Rear-Admiral Thomas. He will soon yield them again to Rear-Admiral Sperry. There are those who fondly solace themselves that great preparation for war means a continuance of peace. That would be true if but one nation were preparing for war, but the preparation is becoming world-wide, and military men are becoming like unleashed hounds eager for the chase.

Where there is a preparedness for war on the part of all the nations, there is bound to be, sooner or later, a test of strength; and the Scriptures abundantly assure us that out of just such conditions as these will grow world-wide war, leading up to the great battle of Armageddon, beyond which is to come the glorious return of Christ to this earth. What a pageant that will be; not merely leading eighteen battle-ships on a fourteen-thousand-mile cruise, but leading all the hosts of heaven to a world marred by sin, and gathering from that world the faithful of all ages, giving to them eternal life, fitting them for an eternal home. All the great martial, royal, state events of history sink into insignificance compared with this.

Sunday-Law Agitation in Missouri.

MR. JOHN S. WIGHTMAN, of Kansas City, secretary of the Religious Liberty Department of the Central Union Conference, writes of conditions in that state as follows:

"Perhaps nowhere else in the American states are more strenuous efforts being put forth to compel the observance of Sunday than in the state of Missouri. Resulting from wholesale prosecution of theatrical people for Sunday 'labor,' wide-spread agitation in pulpit and press has resulted; and energetic zeal seems to recognize no bounds or limits that may not be reached; and the question has now gone so far as to reach, in a way, the politics of the commonwealth, and one member of the Judiciary has announced himself as a candidate for governor and in his public speech-making and candidacy has frankly admitted seeking the nomination upon his public record of compulsory Sunday observance. No stronger decision was ever made in the old-time sabbatical edicts and laws than the Sunday-law decision made by this jurist in his Kansas City court last January; and in a public speech made at Richmond, Mo., recently, he has stated that if elected governor, he will appoint police commissioners who will see to it that the same rigid enforcement of Sunday laws now obtaining in Kansas City would be extended to all of the cities of the state.

"A great religious wave is now sweeping over the American people; among other reforms it advocates and demands that of sabbath observance; and legislators, courts, and municipal officers—in the majority, at least—seem inclined to, and do, lend the aid of the purely civil power to the extension of the religious sphere; and thus, step by step, surely and steadily, we advance to the time when religious legislation will be the rule instead of the exception, and persecution become an inevitable result. In Missouri the issue is unmistakable."

And in Missouri and everywhere else the results are unmistakable—inevitable ruin of church and state.

Important Signs of the Times Announcements

By Editor

Next week we hope to have some important announcements to make concerning the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Many of our readers will be surprised, and some, we are sure, will be delighted.

Articles on the Work of Christ

By Editor

We hope that our readers will not pass by the articles by Brother C. L. Taylor on the work of Christ. "Christ the Creator" is the subject of the first article; the one to follow will be "Christ Giving Himself; God Giving His Son," or the consideration of "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

The Master's Promise.

(John 14:1-3.)

"Let not your heart be troubled; Ye believe in God, Believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, And receive you unto Myself, That where I am There ye may be also."

The Saints' Welcome.

(Isa. 25 : 9.)

"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; We have waited for Him, And He will save us; This is Jehovah; We have waited for Him, We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."

Why Then?

If it be true that "every sane and sensible man and woman in the world must hope and labor for the success of the Catholic Church in the Philippines," as the Western Watchman quotes Secretary Taft; if it be true that "that church was the prop of civilization in the archipelago, and her prosperity meant the progress of enlightenment and the advance of every civic and moral interest in the islands;" why then did not that influence work in those islands for years past for the stability of government and the tranquility of the people? Why should good Catholic Spaniards have such a hard time in controlling good Catholic Filipinos? Why then the decadent condition of Spain and Portugal, under Catholic influence and domination for centuries? Why then the French Revolution and other deplorable conditions which have existed in the family of "the eldest daughter of the church"? It would seem, wouldn't it? that centuries of Catholic influence ought to show better results for good if Catholicism is all the above says it is.

The Sunday-Law Idol of Kansas City

By Editor

The great Sunday-law idol of Kansas City, Mo., is Judge W. H. Wallace. A despatch from Gallatin, Mo., to a Kansas City paper, under date of April 19, says:

"The people of this city have watched with interest the developments in the blue-law enforcement in Kansas City, but received a severe shock today, when, as they returned at 12 o'clock from Easter services in the churches, they saw Judge W. H. Wallace on a stand in front of the principal hotel with two colored men diligently at work shining his shoes. The judge spoke to-night in the Presbyterian church on law-enforcement and Sabbath-breaking."

Now we have no fault to find with the judge in getting his shoes shined on Sunday, nor with his colored brethren for doing it; but he ought to be consistent. His own blue-law condemns him.

Dishonest Journalism.

By Editor

A book has been written by William Salisbury, entitled, "The Career of a Journalist," which, according to the New York Evening Post, quoted in the Literary Digest of April 25, does not present the highest standards of honesty among many of our daily purveyors of news. Editors have lists of firms and corporations against whom no word shall be uttered. Accurate, common-place news must be "fraternized," or dressed up. Items of interest and pathetic instances are manufactured out of whole cloth. A reporter who tells the simple facts must show a talent for ornamentation or get out. All of which shows, as many know, that we can not depend on all the papers say.

The Work It Does

By Editor

The Work It Does.—A sister who subscribed for the SIGNS for a young man and his wife tells us that they write to her that they have been greatly benefited by its perusal. They "have set up the family altar; ask God's blessing upon every meal; they are trying to bring up their little boy in the right way; and are trusting in Jesus to help them lead Christian lives since having the paper to read." They do not see all the truth yet, she writes us; but let her thank God and take courage. This is a splendid beginning. This is what the paper is designed to do—to make Christians, obedient Christians.

For Sale in Mountain View

By Editor

The Advertisement of "For Sale in Mountain View" found on page 15 is all that it purports to be. The one who offers it for sale is not leaving it because of financial inducements; in fact, he is offering it at a low price. He is selling in order that he may not be tied in any way to the homeland when he goes as a missionary to a foreign, needy field. He would not feel like saying this himself, but we feel to say it freely, and most sincerely hope that he may make a sale of his property, which he is offering at a sacrifice. One wishing a home of that kind could not do better.

Sympathy for Leopold Cohn

By Editor

We extend our sympathy to Mr. Leopold Cohn, editor of the Chosen People, New York, whose wife fell asleep April 4. He had fervently hoped she would recover. May God use even this to make him a mightier instrument in His hand for the conversion of his own people to Christ and His truth.

El Reposo Sanitarium

"El Reposo"—"the Rest"—is the name of a neat, modern sanitarium in the university town of Berkeley, Cal., employing up-to-date methods in the treatment of the sick, and furnishing a resting-place for the work-worn and nerve-harrassed. It is conducted by Dr. A. J. Sanderson.

Notice to Signs Readers

By Editor

We send no papers from this office to individuals without pay in advance. When persons receive copies without ordering them, they are sent by other parties, and we can give no information in regard to them. Persons thus receiving copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon to pay for them. Please read the papers you may receive, and hand them to your friends to read.

Our authority is the Bible, the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. When the Common ("King James" or "Authorized") Version, or the American Standard Revised Version is used, quotations will not be designated in reference. Any Bible quotation in this paper, therefore, differing from the Common Version, unless otherwise indicated, will be almost invariably from the American Standard edition of the Revised Bible, copyright 1901, by Thomas Nelson & Sons.

Contained in This Issue.

With Our Inquirers

Questions Nos. 2505 to 2513 . . . 2

General

Our Comfort in Trial . . . 3 The Gospel in Christ Jesus . . . 4 What Hinders Prayer . . . 4 The Bible Scientific . . . 5 Christ 'Risen! . . . 5 The Only Blessed Hope . . . 5 Entering in at the Door . . . 6 Apostolic Example . . . 6 Christ Is Coming . . . 7 The State of the Dead (Bible-reading) . . . 7

Editorial

The Law of the Most High . . . 8 Studies in Romans . . . 8 "If Need Be, Stand Alone" . . . 9 Our Bible Band . . . 9

Outlook

The Fearful Cyclone of the South . . . 10 The Eternal Law of God . . . 10

Missions

Porto Rico: Its People . . . 12

The Home

The Master in the Home . . . 14

Poetry

Comfort to God's People . . . 1 Our King . . . 4 When Jesus Comes . . . 5 In the Shadow of His Hand . . . 6 The Divine Resource . . . 7 My Daily Prayer . . . 12

Esperanto Grammars Free.

By Editor

WE publish the following letter because we believe that the study of the new language is a good thing. Esperanto has gone forward by great leaps and bounds in Europe; it is easily learned; and will furnish a medium for religious work as well as commercial.

Dear Sir: Notwithstanding the great amount of publicity which has been given to Esperanto, the international language, I find that at this time not more than one-tenth of the people of the United States have even a vague idea of its purpose and scope, and perhaps not one in a hundred has a reasonably definite conception of it. As a sort of counter-irritant to the irresponsible criticism which is occasionally circulated by the uninformed, I have printed for free distribution a second edition of 100,000 copies of a small primer, "Elements of Esperanto," setting forth the grammar, word-construction, and purpose of the language, and will mail a copy to any person who requests it, sending a stamp for postage. While you may not be personally interested, there are thousands of your readers to whom this movement for an international auxiliary language, which now covers every country on earth, will appeal as something more than a fad, and they would appreciate your giving space to this letter.

Cordially yours, ARTHUR BAKER. Editor "Amerika Esperantist," 1239 Michigan Ave., Chicago.

Notice.

ANY one knowing the whereabouts of Albert Brothers, 26 years of age, dark-brown hair, blue eyes, medium height and weight, deep dimple in chin, wore dark clothes, black shirt and hat, when last seen. Head aches severely at times; has recently affected his mind. Used to live in California. Please take care of him, and notify immediately, Mrs. S. A. Brothers, Kirk, Colo.

For Sale in Mountain View.

A PROPERTY of one acre in one of the best parts of town, with modern two-story house, eight living rooms, pantry, two bath rooms; well arranged for two flats, and suited for one large or two small families. Best sanitary plumbing thruout, hot and cold water, wired for electricity. Land well improved and planted into a double family orchard, just coming into full bearing. Shed and barn. Close to church and church school. Must sell on account of leaving the country for a mission field. Bargain price, $3,600. Address L. E. Borle, care SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Mountain View, Cal.

Evolution and the Sabbath

Evolution and the Sabbath. By George McCready Price. B. S. L., No. 198, price, one cent.

"At the end of this first week of time, God instituted the Sabbath as a reminder of the fact that He had made the world in six days of the same length and character as the seventh, or Sabbath."

This statement is found at the very beginning of this important tract. The author goes on to give scientific reasons why he can not accept evolution, and why he does accept the six-literal-day creative period of the Scriptures. He makes it very clear that the Sabbath is a constant reminder of the facts that the Lord did create all things, and did it in six days, and that He has power to recreate or redeem us as well.

Evolution is really salvation by works. "For," says one of its leading exponents, "the process of evolution is an advance toward true salvation." "Hence," says the author, "the Sabbath is doubly precious to us as moderns, not only as a protest against the papal form of the doctrine of salvation by works, but also as a protest against the doctrine of salvation by the development of evolution, as taught by modern apostate Protestantism."

This is a tract which deserves careful study and a wide circulation. Address your tract society, or Pacific Press Publishing Co., Mountain View, Cal.; Portland, Ore.; Regina, Sask., Canada; Kansas City, Mo.

Those Bible Readings

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

206 Pages, Cloth Bound, 75 Cents Postpaid

"O mother!" began Elsie, "the teacher said to-day that only a part of the Bible was inspired, and—

"Yes," interrupted John, "and she didn't take the trouble to tell a fellow which part was all right and which wasn't."

"She said it was foolishness to believe the story about Jonah and the whale," said Mattie.

"Yes," added Elsie, "and she teaches the class in geology that the world wasn't made in six days at all—that it took many millions of years—and, O mother! she doesn't believe the Bible account of the creation of Adam and Eve."

This and similar questions from the members of the Hartman household led to a weekly study of various important Bible topics, among which are—

Inspiration of the Bible. Christ's Second Coming. Signs of Christ's Second Coming. The Fourth Commandment. The Sabbath Changed. The Memorial of Christ's Resurrection. Grandma Hartman's Story. A Home Talk on the Sabbath. Is the Soul of Man Immortal? Are the Dead Asleep? Tithing. The Spirit of Prophecy. Justification by Faith.

As these studies progressed, neighbors began to drop in until a goodly number of interested students of the word eagerly drank in the truths upon these great questions. The closing chapter presents a beautiful picture of the results of these home Bible-readings by giving us a view of the Hartman family and their neighbors ten years afterward. In reading this chapter, one's mind is carried forward to the time when "He shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied." There is a charm about the personality of the Hartman family and their friends, and an attractiveness in the arrangement and presentation of these readings that will hold the interest to the end. An especially good book for young people.

Matthew Twenty-four Second Coming of Christ

An exposition, verse by verse, of one of the most striking chapters in the New Testament; covering

Matthew Twenty-four Second Coming of Christ

our Lord's great discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of the world, and the special signs of His second coming to reward His children. The facts of fulfillment given make this pamphlet worth many times its price. 94 pages, price 10c.

PACIFIC PRESS Mountain View, Cal.

Medical Supplies for the Home

Let us furnish you a complete sanitarium in your private home, with the most useful articles at small expense.

We manufacture the most powerful scientific medical Lamps for Doctors, Nurses, and the Home. Medical Batteries, Vibrators, Folding Bath Tubs, Bath Cabinets, Portable Shower Baths, Water Stills, Steam Cookers. All kinds of Rubber Goods, Exercisers that develop muscles. Our Toilet Articles are the best and purest. Send for our prices. A discount if you mention this ad.

RADIODESCENT LAMP CO., Kalamazoo, Mich.

Beautiful Imported Bible Mottoes

All have flowers with silver letters and a cord to hang them upon the wall. Special for 60 days. All sent by mail as follows: 5 for 50 cents; 12, $1.00; 25, $1.75; 50, $3.00; 100, $5.00. More you buy, the less they are. Address,

HAMPTON ART COMPANY Lock Box 257                                  Hampton, Iowa

DATE OF EXPIRATION.

By Editor

The Signs wrapper bears date of last issue due on your subscription. Unless renewed in advance, paper stops with expiration date.

If herewith is an order-blank, you will know you have overlooked sending renewal. You will not wish to miss a single issue. Back numbers often can not be furnished.

Satan's First Lie

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Bible Student's Library, No. 199, 32 Pages Price 2 Cents

Perhaps the title is a bit peculiar, but it is appropriate as the tract treats upon the tempter's words to Eve, "Thou shalt not surely die." The author shows that this statement contains the most dangerous and delusive doctrines ever taught; and that, as it was the first, so it will be the last great, over-mastering deception which will be brought upon the world. The subject is treated in verse form, for example:

"But if they were in heaven, it seems to me Their happy voices could not silent be; How could they cease their shouts of joy to raise Till heaven's dome reechoed with their praise? Indeed, I'm sure that no account is given Of any mute and silent tongues in heaven. But let us see what good King David said About the voices of the silent dead; We quickly turn to the inspired word, And thus we read, 'The dead praise not the Lord.'"

HALLOWED HYMNS NEW and OLD

By I. ALLAN SANKEY Son of IRA D.

WORTH WHILE SEEING—EVEN OUT OF CURIOSITY 256 pages 100 new songs JUST PUBLISHED Scripture Readings Boards $25.—Cloth $30 per 100—35c & 40c postpaid Returnable copies mailed to “earnest inquirers” THE BIGLOW & MAIN CO., New York or Chicago

S. S. Supplies

By Editor

S. S. Supplies.—We still have a good supply of S. S. Record B at 35 cents, for schools of 20 to 90 members; class records at 10 cents; S. S. Quarterlies at five cents each. If you need a Bible, send for our “Select List of Bibles.” Address, Pacific Press, Mountain View, Cal.