Earlier text: The Kingdom of ChristModerate Drinking.
By Mrs. Molloy
A YOUNG man, with an inherited taste for liquor, was at a Masonic festival, where was also an English clergyman who was in the habit of freely drinking beer. He called for a bottle, and offered a glass to the young man: "Mr. Cushing, have a glass of beer with me." I looked at him and said, "Don't you dare to touch it." Said the clergyman, sneeringly, "Are you his mental adviser? I hope you are able to take a glass without making a fool of yourself." The young man said, "If my pastor can drink, so can I." He took it. At the end of three weeks he died of strong drink. During his deliriums he exclaimed, in his agony, "God won't damn me for drinking unless he also damns Dr. Richmond." That minister murdered my friend, but he walks the earth to-day, unhung.—Mrs. Molloy. Opium’s Growing Ruin in China
Within the last few years the annual production of native opium in China is said to have increased from 100,000 to 300,000 chests, and it is stated that in some provinces as many as sixty out of one hundred of the whole population are opium-smokers. Hitherto, complaint has been made chiefly against the importation of foreign opium. But the cultivation of the poppy has spread rapidly over extensive districts, and it is now said that three times as much is produced as is imported. If the use of the drug, and the cultivation of the plant which yields it, shall increase for a generation as during recent years, that whole populous country will be on the highway to ruin from this vice alone. Parents and the Dangers of Cards
By N. Y. Independent
THOSE parents who permit the introduction of cards to their premises may soon learn that their sons visit gambling-houses for the most dangerous sort of "amusement." Total abstinence from card-playing, as well as drinking, is the safest rule everywhere. Christian parents particularly should not allow cards to enter their dwellings; and if found there they should go into the fire with no special ceremony. The Fountain of Crime and Suffering.
By James Brand
JUDGE PITMAN, of Massachusetts, tells us that in 1871 about $600,000,000 was the amount paid for liquor in this country. The total expenditure for all schools, public and private, for the same year was less than one-sixth of that sum. "All the libraries of the country, public and private," says the same authority, "are said to contain 45,528,938 volumes, which, valued at $2 a volume would give $91,057,876. So we drink up all our books in less than two months!" This, be it remembered, is only the direct cost. The indirect, though it cannot be estimated, it is safe to say, will probably equal the direct. The malt liquor traffic rose from 2,000,000 barrels in 1863 to 13,000,000 in 1880. In the State of Ohio, of which I wish to speak in particular, according to Governor Foster's last message to the Legislature, there are about 16,000 saloons—one to every 225 of the population; one to every 45 voters; one to every 30 families, even in Cleveland—one of the most moral cities in the State. "The entire traffic in the State," he adds, "will probably exceed $70,000,000 annually." "The Cincinnati annual grog bill," says the Gazette of that city, "is $9,036,000, or $30.12 for each man, woman, and child in the city." The Ohio statistics for 1881 give the amount received for distilled liquors in Cincinnati as a little less than $30,000,000, while the aggregate value of the receipts for the coffee, sugar, molasses, and rice of the city was only about $12,500,000. The Hon. Mills Gardner says that, within the past thirty years, the "manufacture and consumption of malt liquors have risen from an almost nominal amount to more than 2,000,000 barrels annually in Ohio alone." These figures may serve to give some approximate idea of the "innumerable trap-doors" upon which the people are being pushed, and through which they are falling into the "great tide of eternity."—Rev. James Brand. A Temperance School in Yonkers
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Yonkers, N. Y., failing to secure the introduction of temperance books into the public schools, have organized a temperance school in the largest hall in the place, and have several hundred children together every Friday afternoon. They have a noble band of women who take and pledge the children, teach them the "Catechism on Alcohol," and now have introduced the "Boys' and Girls' Temperance Text-Book." These children are taught the fundamental truths of the nature and effects of alcohol upon the human system, and go through a drill equal to any other day-school. Pacific Coast Council.
By Editor
LAST year Elder Haskell advised the holding of councils on the Pacific Coast. We are so far removed from the places of holding the General Conference, that very few of our citizens, and comparatively few of our laborers, have much knowledge of such meetings. Of course it is understood that our councils have no strong resemblance to a regular Conference meeting; and yet they may add greatly to the interest and usefulness of our Conferences. Last week we published an article from Elder Haskell on this subject; and we received it with especial pleasure, because there had been consultation in regard to it of late in this State. At our camp-meeting in San Jose, in 1883, we were much pleased to meet Bro. Colcord of the Upper Columbia Conference. And at a recent, and very important meeting in Healdsburg we were again made glad by the presence of Bro. Boyd, of the North Pacific Conference. We believe that the cause in these two Conferences was benefited by the attendance of their Presidents at these important meetings. In consultation with Eld. W. C. White, who is on the General Conference Committee, it was decided to recommend that a council be convened at the next North Pacific Camp-meeting, which we expect will be held in East Portland. East Portland is separated from Portland only by the Willamette river. A more important place for a camp-meeting cannot be found north of the California line. It is expected that that will be the largest meeting ever held in the Northwest. Within the next year, we may reasonably expect, our work will be vigorously pushed into new fields. We speak more particularly of the country known as "the Pacific Slope." Our College at Healdsburg is doing a great work in preparing laborers for missionary work of various kinds. There is a large extent of territory east of California, Oregon, and Washington Territory, which calls for laborers. Indeed, there is a large amount of territory within California, Oregon, and Washington, which urgently calls for helpers. We hope that soon Nevada may have labor bestowed on her ripening fields. Idaho is ready and waiting, yes, calling for help. The islands of the Pacific demand attention. "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few." Seventh-day Adventists believe in order. Almost all Adventists, after the churches so generally shut their doors against the doctrine in 1844, were opposed to organization. But twenty-five years ago or more we plainly saw that without organization there would always be confusion, and our work would be crippled. Even at that time, when our numbers were so few, our churches were constantly laboring under difficulties; and much time was lost by the ministers, which might have been saved if order had been sooner established. Every year has confirmed us in the conclusion at which we then arrived, that there must be organization if we would remain united and have our work effective. And it has become apparent that the work, especially in our younger and weaker Conferences, may be greatly strengthened and expedited if there are councils where the workers and representative men of several Conferences can meet together, to canvass the prospects and wants of their several fields, and of new fields, and to devise means to best carry on the work under their circumstances. These also become seasons of special religious effort, to increase the spirituality of the laborers and the people, and by thus together drawing nearer to God. In this our courage is renewed and our strength is increased. At the coming meeting in East Portland we think we may safely promise that, of those now in California, there will be present, Eld. White, of the General Conference, Eld. Corliss, the editor of the SIGNS, and Bro. Ings. We are not now able to speak for others. The ministers and principal workers, and the officers of the Conference, should attend from Upper Columbia. There should be no failure in this. And there should be some from Idaho. Boise City should surely be represented. Idaho, being outside of any organized Conference, is, according to the Constitution of the General Conference, missionary ground. As such it is placed under the jurisdiction of the General Conference. Laborers going there should go under the sanction of the General Conference. But as the General Conference will be represented at East Portland, and the neighboring Conferences will there meet in council, it is of the greatest importance that Idaho be represented there. If there shall be even two or three friends of the cause from that Territory, or even one if no more can go, it will be the means of so interesting the brethren in that field, and so informing them of its wants, that the work may be greatly forwarded there. If Idaho is not represented there, if her wants and situation are not set before the council, it may hinder the work more than can be readily appreciated. There is a strong desire now arising to do something for Idaho. We earnestly hope that we shall meet some friends of the cause from that Territory. It seems unnecessary to speak for a general attendance from all parts of the U. C. and N. P. Conferences. This will be the most important, and therefore the most interesting meeting which has ever been held in the Northwest. We shall further speak of it hereafter. What Is Theology?
By Editor
WEBSTER enumerates five heads under which he classifies the science of theology, namely: Moral, natural, revealed, scholastic, and speculative. There are, doubtless, even in this age, some good and acceptable works on moral theology, and some works of value on revealed theology. But if we may judge by the popular church teaching we must decide that such works do not exercise any strong or controlling influence over the current theology of the denominations. This seems to be an age of disintegrations. Old landmarks are fast being removed. The popular standard of faith is variable and superficial. Confidence in the Bible is giving way; its plainest facts and precepts are yielded to any tyro who presents a tolerably plausible theory and labels it "science." We have been led to remark—and our opinion is being confirmed by yearly observation—that men often profess to love the Bible when in fact they love only their opinions of the Bible. This is proved to be a truth by their so frequently giving up the Bible rather than to give up their opinions. When they start out in that direction they have no idea of the terminus of the journey. Nor do they generally appreciate the influences which are moulding them until their faith is undermined. And so liable are they to be mistaken in themselves—so subtle are the deceptions of the enemy—that we have seen them pose as model Bible believers even after they had openly set it aside as of no authority. Some years since we presented our present faith—the doctrines of the Lord's coming, the Sabbath, etc.—before the members of a certain church in Wisconsin. A prominent member said to his brethren that they were bound to accept the teaching because it was according to the Bible, and in their covenant they had promised to take "the Bible as their rule of faith and practice." This was denied by another, who said they had covenanted to take only the New Testament. To settle the dispute a meeting was called, and the covenant was produced, and it said "the Bible." Whereupon a motion was made, and passed by a goodly majority, that they strike the Bible out of the covenant; and the New Testament was inserted in its place. That was twenty-six years ago. We do not know how many would like openly to take the same position; but we do believe there are many who, if they acted out their feelings, would vote the Bible out of their churches. Representative men of nearly all the churches now are putting forth their theories which are undermining the authority of the law of ten commandments; and in furtherance of this object, they are setting aside the entire Old Testament. Recently a church member, in his efforts to evade the position of a Seventh-day Adventist, in answer to the statement that the Bible is the rule of our life, said that the Bible was only of use to us to prove that Christ is come. Now we are to look to him alone. It is quite true that we are to look to him alone as the author and the way of salvation, whose blood alone can cleanse from sin. But it is equally true that "sin is the transgression of the law," and that we are not permitted to transgress the law under the pretext of causing grace to abound. Rom. 3:20; 6:1-3. The Saviour prayed to the Father, in behalf of his disciples, "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth." John 17:17. Any theory which sets aside the word of God—and the Old Testament is the word of God, and to it the Saviour referred in his prayer—is subversive of the principles of righteousness; it is opposed to the sanctification of the believer on a true Scriptural basis. Another instance of giving up the landmarks, and yielding the Scriptures to the life-long opponents of the orthodox faith, is found in the tendency to spiritualize the declarations of the Bible in regard to future rewards. The following paragraph is copied from a Congregationalist paper, being part of a sermon preached by a minister of that church:— "I hold that the soul is immaterial, and that its happiness and misery are internal to itself, the result of no moral surroundings, but exclusively the result of its own moral condition. The soul is in Heaven when in a state of equilibrium and peace; it is in hell when in a state of unrest, out of harmony with itself and with God." In our younger days we lived some time in a neighborhood which was almost a stronghold of Universalism; and we attended their preaching, and read extensively their papers and books, and (we say it with regret), we became so deeply interested that we were almost persuaded that they had the truth of the Bible. We speak of this to show that we became well acquainted with the system. And we affirm, without any fear of being contradicted by any one who understands the subject, that the above paragraph, as far as the final condition of the sinner is concerned, is pure and unadorned Universalism. Every soul "in a state of unrest, out of harmony with God," is in hell already! And yet some such souls enjoy that position, and would fain remain in hell; indeed, they cannot be urged to leave it when the door is opened before them. And if hell in the future is no more crossing to their feelings than is hell in the present state, most of them will be willing to risk it, and—not go to hell, as they are there already, but—remain there to all eternity! Only prove to them that this old Universalist theory is truly orthodox, and the preaching of the cross of Christ will be foolishness indeed in their sight.169As to the reward of the righteous, if they are already in Heaven, with cares, and tears, and groans, and tribulations, what assurance have they that these afflictions will not always attach to them in Heaven? Is this the teaching of the Bible? No, no. It is only a perversion of gospel truth, and is part of a spiritualizing system which makes the Bible a mere plaything in the hands of every dreamer. By just such things as these, made popular in large denominations, "the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." The Bible is a plain book, well suited to the wants and conditions of plain people. It is said in the gospel that, when Christ spoke, "the common people heard him gladly." But if his preaching had resembled that of the spiritualizers, the common people would have gone away uninterested. We deeply regret that such teaching as that of the paragraph above quoted is becoming popular. Man is a fallen being; the race is inclined to have its own way. However faithfully the Bible is preached, it is difficult to arouse people to a sense of their condition and their danger. But such doctrine as that here noticed is only calculated to lull them to sleep. May the Lord in mercy open the eyes of the blind shepherds, before the day comes spoken of by Jeremiah the prophet: "Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a pleasant vessel." Jer. 25. That day will surely come, and the unfaithful ones, who have misled the people, and virtually taught them that no evil shall befall them for their evil doings, will have their portion with the hypocrites. We are aware that it may be said, These people are sincere, and you should have charity. But we dare not hold our peace. We believe the Pharisees, in the days of the Saviour, were generally sincere, and that they thought they were the only safe leaders of the people. We do not accept man as our standard. "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." We pity them, but duty compels us to warn the people of the danger of such teachings. Progress of the Work at Healdsburg.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
THE first Sabbath in this month was a day of interest and profit to the church at Healdsburg; of profit not only to the church, but to the College, and through it to the cause throughout the State. In the forenoon, Eld. Corliss preached from Col. 3: 2, 3: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." The responsibilities resting upon those who profess to be members of Christ's body, were clearly set forth. We belong to the family of Christ, and are individually responsible for the reputation of the family. The danger of becoming estranged from Christ by following the vain and silly fashions of the world, was dwelt upon with earnestness. The true Christian will indeed be dead,—insensible to the allurements of the world. After the sermon, the congregation repaired to the usual place of baptism, where six souls were baptized, as evidence of their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ, and their determination to be henceforth new creatures in Christ. Four of this number are students at the College,—two of them from Mendocino County, one from Humboldt County, and one a resident of Healdsburg. In the afternoon some twenty of those who intend to labor in the various capacities in the field during the summer, met in one of the rooms of the College building, together with Elds. White, Corliss, Israel, and Healey, to consider some plans for the coming campaign. So far as a division of labor had been made, all heartily acquiesced in the suggestions of the Conference Committee, expressing themselves as willing to labor to the extent of their ability, in any field to which they might be assigned. As testimonies and exhortations were given, the Spirit of the Lord came into the meeting, and all felt strengthened and encouraged. We believe that the spirit of love and harmony that exists among the workers, and which seems to be increasing, augurs well for the success of the work. As was stated by one brother, the laborers must press together if they would see the work prosper. But it is God who sends prosperity, and blesses our efforts; in order to succeed, we must draw near to God, and when we all get near him, it follows as a natural consequence that we will be near to one another. We confidently expect to see the cause of God advance greatly this year. If God is in the work, of which there can be no doubt, and the workers go forth accompanied by his Spirit, we certainly may expect great things. During the past two weeks the missionary class has enjoyed the presence and labors of Bro. White, who has given much valuable instruction in regard to canvassing, doing colporter work, and preparing a field for tent labor. Certainly those who go into the field with a definite plan of operations in mind, and are fortified, as far as possible, against every objection that can be made, have a far better prospect of success than those who go out trusting alone to their general, unclassified knowledge, and the inspiration of the moment, for the means to awaken the interest of the indifferent, and to answer those who make objections. It is just this definite, practical knowledge that the instructors at Healdsburg College aim to impart. Brethren, remember the work, and pray for the workers. E. J. W. For Deeds Done.
By Uriah Smith
IN reference to the subject of the sanctuary, and the investigative Judgment which we teach is now going forward, a question sometimes arises in substance as follows:— A man's influence for good or evil, as exerted through his example, teachings, and life, is felt, and helps to mold the characters of others as long as time shall last. How, then, when his case comes up in the investigative Judgment, can he be judged for his deeds and life, before the results or effects of that life have ceased? This is indeed an insuperable objection to the view that a man is judged as soon as he dies. In that case a large portion, perhaps much the larger portion, of the evil influence of some persons is either left out of the count, or the Lord is obliged to anticipate in their judgment. This difficulty we conceive is entirely obviated in our views of the investigative Judgment of the heavenly sanctuary. The natural order would seem to be that the work should commence with the first generation of men, and come down through succeeding generations in consecutive order to the end. And we know that of all the earlier generations of men there are none, with but exceedingly few exceptions, whose influence has not for generations been as dead as their bodies. The account with such persons can be at once closed up, and the decision of the Judgment rendered. This is especially the case with the wicked. It strikes us as something a little remarkable, as we think upon it. If we go back only three or four generations from our own time, how many ungodly persons can be named whose teachings, life, or example is exerting a pernicious influence on the world to-day? It is marvelous how soon the influence of the wicked is cut off. With the righteous it is not wholly so; for even Abel, with many of the ancient worthies who are set forth as examples, and all Bible writers, are to the present day exerting an influence upon multitudes for good. Perhaps a few ancient heathen philosophers may be counted on the other side. But giving this the widest scope possible, it is seen at once that but very few of those who have long been dead are wielding any potent influence over the human family at the present time. And if the number were ten times as great as it is, it would involve no difficulty; for we can readily see how easy and appropriate a thing it would be to count that man in the Judgment work, whose influence is still alive and active among men, as himself still with the living, and leave his case to be decided with the cases of the living, at the very close of the sanctuary work and of probation. But, further, we are to consider that the investigative work in the sanctuary is not for the purpose of tracing out the full guilt of the sinner and determining the degree of his punishment, but simply to decide the question whether, taking into account his deeds to that point where his probation ended, he should be assigned a place with the righteous or the wicked. And that is all that need be determined in this Judgment, all else being left till after the coming of Christ, to that Judgment of the thousand years, 1 Cor. 6: 2, 3; Rev. 20: 4, in which the cases of the wicked will all be examined, their deeds, and the influence of them while time lasted, be taken into the account, and the punishment to be rendered in the second death be accurately adjusted to the degree of their guilt. U. S. South Lancaster, Mass., School.
By S. N. Haskell
IT may be interesting to the readers of the SIGNS, especially those on the Pacific Coast, to learn something of the progress of the school at South Lancaster, and more particularly so considering that the school at Healdsburg, Cal., and the one at South Lancaster commenced at nearly the same time, and were established upon the same principles. With us it was more of an experiment, although we have always had great faith in the plan adopted by these schools; that any school established upon correct principles will prosper, and that God will add his blessing to efforts put forth in the right direction, and we shall see them succeed. We serve a God who is all-powerful, and his providence is over his own work; neither does he leave his people to fight their battles alone, but he goes before them and works for them to his name's glory. We believe that the school upon the Pacific Coast will yet furnish laborers for the islands of the Pacific Ocean, Australia, New Zealand, and many places where as yet the living preacher has never gone, in addition to its influence in America; and we hope as great results will be achieved by the College at South Lancaster, in the country bordering upon the Atlantic Coast and the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, and distant lands east; while the Battle Creek College will furnish a class of laborers that will form a clasp to bind the influence of the two schools in the one great work until the influence of all will encircle the world. From these schools there should be hundreds of teachers that will commence smaller schools in every Conference of S. D. Adventists in America, and we know of no reason why the same spirit should not reach the European Continent where our missions are established. It is now nearly two years since these schools, were opened. Our brethren in the East, realizing the nearness of the time of trouble, thought that there should be a school for the benefit of those who could not have the advantage of the one at Battle Creek, Mich. They have labored under some disadvantages that our brethren in California have not experienced, having no suitable school buildings. During the first term of the school, although numbering less than forty, students were under the necessity of reciting in three separate buildings. In the winter the number so increased that they were170obliged to occupy the meeting-house, in which the school has been held from that time to the present. Having no suitable rooms in the boarding-house in which the students could study, they have been under the necessity of spending all their study hours in the meeting-house. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the results of the first year were far greater than our most sanguine expectations. This encouraged our brethren to go forward; consequently, at a general meeting held in Lancaster about one year ago, a resolution was passed authorizing our School Committee to proceed to erect such buildings as would be suitable for the school; but owing to circumstances, nothing was done in this direction until the present winter. At the general meeting held at Lancaster in December, it was voted to proceed at once to raise $25,000 to purchase land and erect buildings. One-half this sum was pledged at this meeting. In less than one week from the close of the meeting twenty-six acres of desirable land were purchased in the village of South Lancaster, for cultivation and a building site. During this week a corporation was organized with the following persons as directors: S. N. Haskell, D. A. Robinson, G. H. Bell, E. P. Farnsworth, C. W. Comings, J. C. Tucker, and C. E. Palmer. At a subsequent meeting the board was organized, electing S. N. Haskell, President; D. A. Robinson, Secretary; E. P. Farnsworth, Treasurer. A stock-book was opened and stock has been issued representing 226 shares at $25 each. Others have paid in their pledges in part, so that there has been paid up to date upon real estate, including what was paid for lumber, school furniture, etc., over $10,000. A portion of the lumber and stone for the foundation of the buildings are already upon the ground. Building will commence early this spring. It is decided to erect two school-buildings, one 45x65 feet with a 13x20 front, in which will be placed the stairs, leaving the main building for recitation and lecture-rooms, etc.; and another about 40x75 or 80 feet, three stories high, with basement. Believing it would be for the interest of the students to have manual labor connected with the school, and that this manual labor should be directed in useful trades, it has been arranged to connect with the school at least six trades, four of which are now in active operation, viz., the manufacturing of tents and brooms, mending of boots and shoes, and printing; and it is hoped before spring opens two other trades will also be introduced, besides gardening. It is needless to state that there have been discouraging circumstances connected with the school, but no more so than might be expected with any new enterprise. Looking back over the past two years, it can truthfully be said that God has dealt with this school in great mercy and given largely of his Spirit. Quite a large number have been converted and baptized, some of them as marked cases as we have seen for a number of years. At least twelve of the students are now active laborers in the cause in different Conferences, a number of whom came to the school without any idea of engaging in the work of God. Some of these were converted here, and so partook of the missionary spirit that they have gone forth and become successful in colporter work. There has also been a school started in Rome, N. Y., by a student from this school, which is now in successful operation; while Maine and Vermont have efficient secretaries who received their instruction in this branch of the work in connection with this school during the first year. For these things we thank God and take courage. During the next term, which will commence the 17th of March, there will be a course of instruction given, especially adapted for those advanced students who expect to enter the field as laborers the coming season, and also those of more mature years who have not had the benefit of instruction at this school. These various steps are entered upon not without much prayer and careful consideration. It is expected that during the next term we shall see at least a score of men and women from the New England Conference, and as many more from other Conferences, who will enter the field as laborers during the summer of 1884. There are hundreds of young men and women, as well as those of gray hairs, who by a few weeks or months instruction in language, letter-writing, general missionary and colporter work, and how to conduct Bible-readings, will be qualified to become efficient laborers in the cause; and others who have had some experience in the field, but have found themselves deficient in some respects, can be greatly benefited by the special course of instruction to be given next term. Many have a heart to do, but do not know how to set themselves about the work; a little instruction and mental training may change their entire course of life, when they can enter upon a sphere far more useful. Another feature of the school is to connect actual labor for souls with the instruction received, if individuals are being educated for teachers or colporters, or in any feature of the missionary work. There will be long vacations in the summer, during which schools can be taken in our churches and the same principles be taught which have been received during the winter, and also canvassers, colporters, and ministers will exercise the gifts which God has given them, during the long summer vacations. Indeed it has been the aim, and God has seemed to signally bless the effort, to have such a school as will contribute to the advancement of the truths which we believe are applicable at the present time and also to enable those attending the school to form habits of industry that will fit them for usefulness in any sphere where the providence of God may place them. We look forward with a degree of hope to the future of the schools among Seventh-day Adventists, believing, if they are conducted properly, they will contribute largely to the carrying forward of the work of God in the earth. It is altogether too late to look forward to three, four, or six years of mental training before the individual enters upon the work of God which he is seeking to fit himself to do. There should be a combination of the practical with the theoretical, and an experience should be had in every step taken. It is the building up of the character in every particular that will fit men and women for the kingdom of God. As the stream can rise no higher than the fountain, so individuals can be useful only as they have had experience themselves. If this experience is connected with the acquiring of their education, then they will be qualified to lift the fallen, and make their work practical as they go forth from the institution of learning. The Work in California.
By M. C. Israel
OUR good meetings held at Healdsburg and Woodland were, in some respects, the best we have ever had in the State. The Bible-readings and close, practical sermons, attended by the Spirit of God, caused all to feel that in the past we have come far short of our duties and privileges in love to God and man. Earnest petitions ascended to Heaven for a nearer walk with God, and answers of peace were returned. Testimonies of gratitude to God were given and an increased spirit of brotherly love was manifested on the part of ministers and people. We feel grateful for the evidences of God's willingness to bless his people and prosper his work in California. He has planted our pioneer missionary paper, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in our midst, which is visiting thousands of families, introducing to them in all parts of the world the precious truths of the last message of mercy to the world. Then we have the School at Healdsburg, where scores of our young people are being fitted for usefulness in the cause. Not less than twenty will be ready to enter the field as laborers at the close of the special Biblical course of study, April 4. Some of these are from Oregon and Nevada, and will go out as canvassers or colporters, and quite a number to preach the message. The prospect for laborers never has been so favorable in this Conference, and with the blessing of God a great work may be done the coming season. At the Healdsburg and Woodland meetings, and one more recently held in Healdsburg, March 1, the wants of the cause in this Conference were quite freely discussed, and calls for labor considered, and as far as practicable, plans were laid for work during the coming season. A general meeting will be held in Oakland, April 18-28, similar to the one in Healdsburg, in connection with the State Quarterly T. and M., and Publishing Association annual meeting. This will be a very important meeting, at which it is expected Elders Loughborough, Waggoner, and White, and Sister White and others will be present. The spring camp-meeting will be held at or near Los Angeles, preceded by a tent-meeting to be conducted by Elders Healey and Briggs, and others. We hope to charter cars or obtain reduced rates, so that many of our brethren and friends from the northern portion of the State may attend this camp-meeting. Elder Ballou and Bro. Rieck will labor in Humboldt County until July, when, if thought best, they will go to Nevada and hold a tentmeeting171there. Bro. and Sister McClure and Bro. Henry Scott expect to labor in Humboldt County. Brethren Lucius Church and Frank Lamb go to Etna Mills, Siskiyou County. Brn. L. A. Scott and A. La Rue expect to go to Honolulu in May, after spending a few weeks with Brn. Ings and Brorsen at the mission in San Francisco. Elder Healey and myself expect to visit the churches in Fresno and Tulare Counties, commencing meetings Thursday evening, 13th inst, at Fresno. After the Los Angeles camp-meeting it is expected a tent-meeting will be held at Modesto by Elder Healey and Brn. Buckner and Swayze; and another at Orange or Santa Ana, by Elders St. John and Briggs. We ask an interest in the prayers of all that are interested in the work, that a great harvest of souls may be the result of the labors of the tent season of 1884. M. C. ISRAEL. A Church Debt Paid in Full
An event worthy of note occurred at the First Baptist Church, on Columbia Avenue, Boston, on Sunday the second inst. The pastor announced that he would omit the regular sermon, as there was a more important duty on hand. One of the deacons then came forward and stated that it was his greatest desire that the church debt, amounting to $55,000, should be wiped out. As proof of the sincerity of his desire, he stated that he had been laying aside a sum of money each year for several years, with which to purchase a farm to which he could retire in his old age, and that he would now give the entire amount toward the cancellation of the church debt. His sacrifice stimulated others to give, and in less than an hour the entire amount was subscribed. This simply shows what may be done when men do not regard their own work as of greater importance than the Lord's. IN giving the following from one of our subscribers we withhold the name and place, as it might possibly be the means of further injury to the persecuted individual, or hedge up the way of his future labors to publish them:— “I could write much about the persecution here in S—, which is being carried on by the Catholic Church against one who has left them and united with those who keep the seventh day. He has been knocked down with stones and fired at with pistols. Last night he was assaulted by three men. “Since he left that church he has been ordained and been preaching in the different churches, and is now a firm believer in the seventh-day Sabbath. His preaching in the different churches was always crowned with success. His name is —. Please remember the name; he intends to be at the — camp-meeting next summer, if the Lord permits. The half in regard to his persecution is not told.” We shall forward this letter to the President of the Conference from which it comes.