THOSE who imagine that the danger of the Sunday law is passed for the present, simply because the Blair bill is dead, should read both the secular and religious papers published throughout the length and breadth of the land. This question is being more widely discussed than almost any other that has ever agitated the American public. People everywhere are taking sides, some for and some against Sunday legislation, and for various reasons the tide seems to be running in favor of some such measure as the Blair bill.
With a great majority this is not a matter of conscience but a matter of policy. It is asserted that the railroads are favoring the cessation of Sunday work because they find that they can do all their business in six days and do it at less expense than they can by running on Sunday. It is also urged that other branches of business can also effect a saving in this way. Of course this argument, if true, will prove potent, not only with railroads but with many in other kinds of business, and when one man makes up his mind to rest on Sunday it is only human nature that he should want others to rest likewise, for they are not willing that others should conduct business upon days when they are not engaged in it; hence the outlook is not only for Sunday laws but for exceedingly stringent Sunday laws. It follows that our work of warning the people against the work of the National Reformers must be done quickly. Prophecy is fulfilling very rapidly, and if we are not faithful, others will be raised up to take our places, and we will drop out of the work.
Italy’s Misfortunes and the Papacy
The Church of Rome is making the most of the popular discontent in Italy. It is probable that the United Kingdom is the worst bankrupt of any country in Europe. Over 200,000 Italians left their own country last year to find work in South America, Mexico, and the United States, and additional numbers will be driven away this year by increased taxation. Referring to this state of affairs, a Catholic paper says:—
"The national debt is in proportion to revenue three times that of Germany, and, instead of decreasing, threatens to pass further bounds. Still M. Crispi talks of new taxes, and continues to mimic Bismarck, while the people run away at the rate of two millions a decade. Catholic supporters of the Pope do not rejoice in Italy's misfortunes, for Italy is Catholic, and it is the most destitute and unfortunate Italians who suffer from Crispi's mismanagement and corruption."
In the eyes of all Catholics, this condition of affairs is due to the fact that the city of Rome is ruled by the king of Italy instead of by the Pope.
REMAINING CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1889.
By Editor
ALL the camp-meetings held this year will begin on Tuesday evening and close the following Tuesday morning. Those marked with the star (*) in the following list, will be preceded by a workers' meeting:—
Nebraska, Oxford, July 23-29
Arkansas, Texarkana, " 23-29
*Georgia, July 31 to Aug. 6
*Ohio, Mount Vernon, Aug. 2-13
North Carolina, Lenoir, " 6-13
Virginia, " 13-20
Michigan (S. W.) Kalamazoo, " 13-20
*Missouri (general), Kingsville, " 13-20
California, Ferndale, Humboldt Co., " 15-22
*Arkansas, Rogers, " 20-27
Maine, " 20-27
West Virginia, Grafton, " 20-27
Michigan (Eastern), Aug. 27 to Sept. 3
*Texas, Garland, " 27 to " 3
Vermont, " 27 to " 3
California, San Diego, " 29 to " 9
*Colorado, Sept. 3-10
Canada, " 3-10
*Illinois, Bloomington, " 3-10
*Nebraska, " 10-17
*Indiana, Sept. 24 to Oct. 1
Tennessee, " 24 to " 1
*California (general), Oakland, " 25 to " 7
California, Arroyo Grande, Oct. 22-29
Our correspondents who desired an explanation of Rom. 14:23, will find a fair and faithful explanation of the text on page 421, by Dr. Albert Barnes.
A Chapel at the Rural Health Retreat
By Editor
WE trust that no one will omit reading “A Chapel at the Rural Health Retreat,” on page 426 of this paper. The object there presented is a worthy one, and should meet a hearty and ready response from all who are able to do even a little toward it.
William Saunders Arrives Safely
By Editor
WE overlooked until too late for our last week's issue an item in which many of our readers have a special interest. A cablegram dated Queenstown, Ireland, June 29, stated that Brother William Saunders and party had arrived there in safety and all well. May God richly bless them in their labors in the great British field.
The Pope Appeals to the Powers
A DISPATCH from Rome under date of July 4, states that the Pope has sent a copy of his recent allocution to each of the powers asking whether or not they would interest themselves in his position. It is also naively stated that "his future action will depend upon the nature of the replies received." Just what Leo proposes to do about it if the powers that have been appealed to do not interest themselves in his behalf is not indicated. Possibly, however, he may use his influence with his devotees in the various nations in the same way that he did in Germany when he gained his victory over Bismarck. There is no doubt that either he or his successor will find means to bring the nations of the earth to terms.
Giordano Bruno and Religious Liberty
By Editor
WE would by no means have our readers get the idea that we are defenders of the opinions of Giordano Bruno, who was put to death by Papal Rome, February 17, 1600, because we condemn the Papacy. His opinions were erroneous and hurtful, and were no better than the creed of the church which he renounced. But whatever those opinions were, theism or pantheism, he had as good a right to present them to the public as had Romish priests the teaching of Rome. And Papal Rome had no more right to put to death Giordano Bruno, than Pagan Rome had to put to death the apostle Paul. For our religious, or anti-religious opinions, if they do not affect by overt act the lives, property, reputation, or chastity of our fellows, we are responsible to God, and to God alone.
Prohibition as the Only Remedy
By Editor
The New York Observer's special correspondent, who has been investigating the question, "Does prohibition prohibit?" in Kansas and Iowa, arrives at the following conclusion, as stated in the Observer of June 20:—
"When I undertook my mission, I had, in common with many others, not a few doubts and misgivings as to the wisdom and practicability of the prohibitory law in its application to the State. But my observations and experiences in Kansas and Iowa have banished wholly and forever all such doubts and misgivings. I am fully and firmly persuaded that prohibition, absolute and universal, is the only ground upon which the battle against the evil can be waged with any promise or surety of real and true success."
This of course precludes the idea of any such compromising measures as "Sunday closing," "high license," etc., and it is the only consistent position for the true prohibitionist.
CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETINGS.
By John Norton Loughborough
JUDGING from the questions asked, as I go from place to place, I conclude that at least some of the readers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES have not noticed that the list of camp-meeting appointments, published from week to week, announces the dates for the remaining camp-meetings of the season to be held in California. There are four camp-meetings yet to be held, the fourth of the list being announced for the first time in this week's paper.
These meetings, in their order, are to be held as follows: First, Humboldt County, at Ferndale, commencing on the evening of Thursday, August 15, and closing on the morning of August 22. The second meeting is for Southern California, and is to be held in San Diego City, commencing on the evening of Thursday, August 29, and closing on the morning of Monday, September 9. The third is the general camp-meeting and conference, and is to be held in Oakland, on the same ground as the two previous years, commencing Wednesday evening, September 25, and closing Monday morning, October 7. This meeting is to be preceded by a workers' meeting, which is to commence Wednesday morning, September 18. The fourth meeting is to be held at Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, commencing Tuesday evening, October 22, and closing Tuesday morning, October 29.
We trust all our people will make a note of these appointments, and do all in their power to prepare for attendance either at one of the local meetings, or the general meeting, or both. Signs are fast fulfilling. The work is rapidly drawing to its close. We need these periods of counsel and seeking God together, that we may be better prepared for our labors. The people of Israel were anciently commanded, every male, to appear three times a year before the Lord. Shall not we, who are living so near the time of the consummation of the hope, deem it a great pleasure to be allowed even to make sacrifices, if need be, to attend at least one of these feasts of tabernacles each year?
For the California Conference Committee,
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Pres.
CAMPING TENTS.
THOSE wishing to rent tents for either the meeting at Ferndale or San Diego are requested to write at once to J. N. Loughborough, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. The prices for rent are the same as heretofore, 10x12, $4 each; 12x16, $6 each. Do not delay to make your orders, for the tents must be sent to both places before we start for Ferndale. Remember that it requires a little time to get the tents to the place, and to get them pitched. Be sure, if possible, to have your orders in Oakland by the first of August. CAL. CONF. COMMITTEE.