—A member of the Free-will Baptist Church in Bath, Maine, has been absent from Sunday-school but three times in twenty-two years.
—David Blair, a wealthy Scotsman, has joined the Benedictine Monks at Inverness, and made over to them an annual income of £6,000.
—It is said that there is not an Irish Catholic saloon-keeper in the city of St. Paul—all of them having been induced to quit the business.
—Over one-third of the citizens of Richmond, Va., are members of churches—a larger proportion, it is said, than in any city in the United States.
—The French Cathedral at Montreal is the largest church building on this continent. It is made of limestone, and 15,000 people have often been assembled under its roof.
—“Is Christ divided?” 1 Cor. 1:13. One would naturally suppose so from the report of receipts in the Missionary Review, which came from fifty denominations in the United States.
—A Presbyterian paper says the little Chinese church in San Francisco ranks among the very highest in the Presbyterian body, according to its ability, in work and gifts for benevolent purposes.
—The religious reformatory impulse now apparent in parts of Russia has come from the gospels themselves, and the movement is an earnest and increasing one. The doctrine preached is purely evangelical, but discards many of the restrictions made much of in Western Europe.—Ex.
—The Jewish Messenger says: “We dislike to use the terms ‘reform’ and ‘orthodox,’ because they denote ideas which are foreign to Judaism and tend to keep alive prejudice, ignorance, and intolerance among Jews toward Jews. The terms, besides, are very indefinite, and their meaning varies with every decade.”
—An exchange furnishes us with the fact that “fifty years ago thirty Baptist churches in Maryland declared themselves opposed to missions, while two alone took the stand in favor of them. The two increased to thousands, while the anti-mission churches diminished till they now only number seven or eight persons.”
—Eld. Hiram Munger, in the Herald of Life says: “Trying to unite free moral agency with the doctrine of election and decrees, amounts to about this: If you are elected you must have religion whether you want it or not; if you want it you can’t get it; if you get it you don’t know it; if you know it you haven’t got it; if you have it you can’t lose it; if you lose it you never had it.”
—The recent Mormon Conference at Salt Lake appointed eighty-eight missionaries, for all parts of the world, to preach the Mormon gospel. They were exhorted to go without purse or scrip, but most of them engaged passage in palace cars. Humble demeanor used to be the Mormon boast; but, like other sects, numbers and wealth is making the church servants vain and arrogant.
—The Occident says: “The Bible ideas of work are brought before us, by contrast, when we see crowds of speculators that fill California and Montgomery streets day after day. They are idlers, to say the least, wanting to get rich without labor. They weave webs, like spiders, in order that they may catch unwary flies and feed upon them, but they add nothing to the real wealth of the world—they do nothing to promote the interests of humanity.”
—The promoters of the Sunday observance movement in Italy seem to be meeting with success. At Alessandria, in Piedmont, as the People’s Gazette of Torino informs us, there had been gathered a numerous assemblage of laborers, men of business, clerks, and artisans favorable to the object, for the purpose of setting on foot better means of recognizing the day, at which meeting resolutions for the measure were unanimously adopted.
—“It is good cause for alarm among Congregationalists when the ‘Old South’ abandons orthodoxy; when Andover Theological Seminary avows a ‘new departure’; when Prof. Ladd, of Yale College, publishes a work the effect of which, so far as it goes, is to destroy all confidence in the Scriptures; and when Dr. McLane, late of Steubenville, is called to one of the leading Congregational churches of New Haven, though repudiating altogether the orthodox view of the atonement.”—Presbyterian Banner.255
—A sensation has been created by the escape of Miss Mary Magdelen Windsor, from an Annapolis, Md., convent, and her threats to expose the doings of the institution. She had been two years in the convent. On the night of January 13 last she escaped in the full dress of the sisterhood and sought refuge at her sister's house in Baltimore, where she now is. Miss Windsor says she became disgusted at the conduct of the sisters at the convent, and she proposes to reveal all. She says she will give names and prove all she says. She alleges that threats have been made to kill her if she tells what she knows; yet, notwithstanding this, she will speak out freely, as she says she wishes to warn people against the convent. She says she could not remain and witness the scandalous conduct of the sisters.
Spring Work.
By Editor
WITH the close of our long winter, and the opening of spring, the time has come in which to push the canvass for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES with renewed vigor.
THE experience of those who have been working to increase the circulation of the SIGNS during the winter of 1883-84 has been very encouraging.
There is power in the truth, and the PRESENT TRUTH, printed weekly in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, will move the people, if it is read continuously.
One subscriber obtained is of more real value than many papers given away, and will cost less. Therefore, to induce all our friends to engage in the work of increasing the number of paying subscribers to the SIGNS, we make the following liberal offers:—
For FIVE NEW SUBSCRIBERS we will mail a copy of either of the following choice books: “The Biblical Institute,” “The History of the Waldenses,” illustrated, “Geikie’s Life of Christ,” “Life and Epistles of St. Paul,” the New Testament—revised version—American edition, “Sketches from the Life of Paul,” by Mrs. E. G. White; or the new edition of “United States in Prophecy,” by Eld. Uriah Smith.
For SIX NEW SUBSCRIBERS we will give you your choice of the following: Blunt’s “Coincidences” and “Paley’s Evidences;” “The Story of the Bible;” “Pilgrim’s Progress,” (Porter & Coates’ 16-mo. illustrated); “Thoughts on Daniel;” “Palestine for the Young;” “Thoughts on Revelation;” The “Comparative New Testament;” The “Schonberg-Cotta Family;” “The Giant Cities of Bashan and Syria’s Holy Places,” or “The Coming Conflict,” new edition.
For TWELVE NEW SUBSCRIBERS your choice of “The Fables of Infidelity;” D’Aubigne’s “History of the Reformation,” (complete in one volume); Whiston’s “Josephus,” (Porter & Coates’ edition, price $3.00); Cruden’s Complete Concordance; “Geikie’s” “Life of Christ,” (large print edition), or “Sabbath Readings,” (in four volumes).
When prizes are sent by mail, postage will be charged.
Your choice of either of the premium books, “Geikie’s Life of Christ,” “Sketches from the Life of Paul,” by Mrs. E. G. White, or Conybeare and Howson’s “Life and Epistles of St. Paul,” will be sent to each new subscriber when $2.25 is received.
The prizes will be furnished by the party to whom the subscriptions are sent. Thus all persons doing business through the Tract Society, will receive their prizes from the State Secretary of said society.
Any person working for a prize must state his intention when the first subscriptions are sent, that an account may be kept of the names.
If any donate their labor and do not claim a prize, it will benefit their Tract Society to the value of the prize.
CANVASSER’S OUTFIT.
Canvasser’s outfit, comprising a premium book, circulars, blank receipt book, order sheets, and suggestions on canvassing, will be furnished by mail post-paid for $1.00.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
NOTICE.—We send no papers from this Office without pay in advance, unless by special arrangement. 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 them are not indebted to the Office.
Money orders, drafts, etc., should be made to “Pacific Press,” NEVER to individuals, as they may be absent, and business thereby be delayed.
Renewals.
By Editor
QUITE a number of subscriptions expire in April. Please read the little yellow label on your paper, and if your time is about to expire, please renew at once, and thus prevent the liability of your missing any numbers of this volume.
To Our Old Subscribers.
By Editor
To each one of our old patrons who will renew his subscription before July 1, 1884, and will send us five new subscribers, we will mail a copy of either of the following choice books: “The Biblical Institute,” “The History of the Waldenses,” illustrated; “Geikie’s Life of Christ,” “Life and Epistles of St. Paul,” by Conybeare and Howson, the “United States in Prophecy,” new edition; “Sketches from the Life of Paul,” by Mrs. E. G. White; or the New Testament, revised version, American edition.
Signs Premiums.
By Editor
CANVASSERS may offer the SIGNS to new subscribers, one year, for $2.25, and give them their choice of either of the following books, which will be mailed post-paid: "Geikie's Life of Christ," "Sketches from the Life of Paul," by Mrs. E. G. White, "Life and Epistles of St. Paul," by Conybeare and Howson.
Sunshine at Home.
THE life mission of some people seems to be to “scatter sunshine” wherever they go. A happy disposition, which makes the best of everything, looks on the bright side, and ever bears in mind that “the darkest cloud has a silver lining,” is the means of brightening the lives of all who are brought under its influence.
While this is true of individuals, it is equally so of other objects which have an influence on the mind, and most emphatically true of some kinds of books. The work entitled “Sunshine at Home” has been prepared for the purpose indicated by its title. Its mission is to brighten the lives of those who peruse its pages, by its cheering words, its entertaining sketches, and its beautiful pictures.
DESCRIPTIVE.
The work comprises 112 large quarto pages, and 170 engravings, and is printed on fine calendered paper, in the best style of the typographic art. It is handsomely and substantially bound in fine cloth, embossed in jet and gold, and is a handsome ornament to any center-table, and an adornment to any library.
ITS FIELD OF USEFULNESS.
The character of the work is well calculated to give it a wide circulation. Bright and sparkling, without being frivolous or trifling; moral in its tone, without being sombre or dogmatical; religious, without sectarianism,—it finds a ready sale in all classes of society, and exerts its beneficent influence wherever it goes. Agents are meeting with great success. One agent in Healdsburg, Cal., orders one hundred, another fourteen, another orders ten, three others fifty copies each, and so on. It readily commends itself to all who see it, and once brought to the attention of a family, its possession is earnestly desired. RETAIL PRICE, $1.50
If there is no agent in your vicinity, write to the general agents, and they will see that you are supplied.
PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
General agents for Pacific Coast States and Territories.
RECEIPTS.
By Editor
NOTICE.—The change of figures on the address labels will be in all cases a sufficient receipt for money sent for the paper. If these changes do not appear in due time, and if books ordered by mail are not received, please notify us. All other business is acknowledged below.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE FUND.—San Jose Church (tithe), $10.50, Arbuckle $51.25, Grangeville $95.95, Placerville $21, Fairview $37, Grass Valley, $25.50, Ukiah $71.30, Healdsburg $21.95, B R Sheckler $11.30, Joseph Leininger $62.50, E Spath $10.50.
CASH RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—International Tract and Missionary Society, $600.
HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.—Wm Ings (donation), $50.
CALIFORNIA T. AND M. SOCIETY.—District No. 1, per Miss Phoebe Yokom, $9.50; District No. 3, per P M Partridge, $74.50; District No. 5, per T R Angrove, $4.15; District No. 7, per Anna L Ingels, $53.45; Wm Ings $70.30, B Robb $4, Friend 50c, Mrs F J Skelton 50c.
ORDERS FORWARDED.
By Editor
BOOKS SENT BY MAIL.—Mrs Rosetta Singer, Horace E Green, Mrs E Weddle, J H Hoeck, M S Crawford, T Losee, Kansas Tract Society, Texas Tract Society, Wm Edwards, Mrs R E Sheckler, D C Burch, Mrs S A Whalen, F Thorp, Geo W Titus, Mrs R C Cruey, Mary Wilson, Eld H A St John, Dr E J Waggoner, R P Anthony, Fred Haub, E H Duncan, C Maynard, Jno H Clements, Andrew Brorsen, Miss Eva Bandy, Miss Mattie A Colby, Mrs M C Pierce, W W Saunders, J J Bolton, W S Swayze, Prof C C Ramsey, Mrs A C Bainbridge, Wm Strader, J P Tew, Illinois Tract Society, Nebraska Tract Society, Tillie A Keyser, A O Tait, Eld G D Ballou, J H Gallivan, Mrs J Holdman, B A Rogers, Joseph Eggleston, Ambrose Johnson, S McElhany.
Appointments.
Upper Columbia Camp-Meeting.
THIS meeting will be held in Walla Walla, Washington Territory, June 5-16, 1884. The Upper Columbia Conference and the other organizations, will hold their annual meetings in connection with this camp-meeting. Delegates should be elected, and all necessary reports made out, in good season.
Mrs. E. G. White, Elders W. C. White, J. O. Corliss, J. N. Loughborough, C. L. Boyd, and perhaps the editor of the Signs, will attend, besides the ministers of our own Conference. We urge all the friends of the cause in Upper Columbia to attend the meeting. And urge your friends and neighbors to come. This will be the largest and best meeting ever held within the bounds of this Conference. Let our efforts be in proportion, and let all pray for the success of this meeting.
For the Committee,
G. W. COLCORD, President.
SECULAR.
—Chas. Reade, the English author, is dead.
—The recent revolution in Hayti is said to have caused the loss of 7,000 lives.
—The scaffold on which John Brown was hung has been sold to relic-hunters for $900.
—Cuban insurrectionists are gaining adherents, and several outrages have been committed.
—Nine buildings in the business center of Tacoma, W. T., were burned last Sunday morning; loss, $150,000.
—The California Legislature has memorialized Congress in favor of the Sumner Postal Telegraph Bill.
—The Monterey railroad bridge over the Salinas River has been washed away for the third time this season.
—California, with less than half the population of Indiana, pays to the Government more money for postal service.
—Cincinnati's late riot cost the county over $2,000,000; it was more expensive in proportion to time than the flood.
—Mormon statistics show 132,705 adherents to the faith in Utah and Idaho; 4,593 in Arizona, and 1,578 in Colorado.
—John Daly, an American, was arrested at Birkenhead, England, on the 11th inst., with three explosive bombs in his possession.
—Citizens of Wallulu Junction, W. T., sentenced a tramp to death, and as he has since been missing, it is supposed the sentence was executed.
—A New York dispatch says foreign immigration for California is increasing rapidly. The arrivals are mostly Swiss, Italians, Danes, and North Germans.
—A Washington dispatch says that ex-Governor Pacheco of California has become a citizen of Mexico, and will probably become Minister to the United States.
—The Secretary of the Corn Exchange reports enormous quantities of wheat, barley, and maize in the London waterside granaries—much more than last year.
—Prominent physicians are advising students and others of sedentary habits, to walk more for exercise instead of unnaturally straining themselves in the gymnasiums.
—Emperor William is rapidly failing and going into dotage, and his physicians think he will not last long. He is to have a meeting with Queen Victoria at Darmstadt on the 21st inst.
—The English Government is making arrangements for an autumn expedition toward Khartoum, a summer campaign having been abandoned. The latest rumors are that Khartoum has fallen, and that General Gordon is a prisoner.
—The Turkish Government having decided to put the new tariff into effect on June 6th, the Governments of England, France, Germany, Russia, Belgium, and the United States have informed the Porte that they will not consent to the abolition of their commercial rights.
—The famous Sharon divorce case, which has been on trial several weeks in San Francisco, has become so warm that the Judge declines to commence proceedings from day to day till parties concerned, including counsel and witnesses, have been searched for concealed weapons.
—Latest advices from Shanghai report a serious political crisis at Peking. The Empress has publicly degraded Prince Kung and four members of the Privy Council. They were stripped of all their honors for the dilatory manner in which they have dealt with Tonquin affairs.
—The Dominion Government has failed to ratify the British Columbia Anti-Chinese Bill, but there is a strong disposition to enforce it at all hazards. In consequence a steamer at Hongkong, announced for Victoria, has been withdrawn.
—The French army in Tonquin has occupied Hung-hoa, without resistance further than the firing of the town. The English Government will resist the occupation of Chusan by the French for indemnity, by virtue of an Anglo-Chinese treaty of 1846.
—The American Minister has demanded of the Haytian Government the payment of $400,000 indemnity for American losses on account of the riots in September last, and the surrender of the mole of Saint Nicholas as guarantee that the money be paid.
—Governor Murray, of Utah, has been exonerated upon every charge against him regarding his official career while Marshal of Kentucky. The charges were trumped up by Mormon influence, and although a Republican, his character was vindicated principally by the testimony of prominent Democrats.
—A cable dispatch says that depression in English shipping has become extreme. Ports are crowded with destitute and suffering sailors. In Shields alone are 4,000 seamen out of employment. Hundreds of seamen are lying idle upon the Tyne, and 10,000 laborers in the Tyne shipyards are out of work, and many more in the Sunderland shipyards.
—Almost a panic of opposition has arisen against lofty apartment houses in New York. The late fire in the St. George, which was supposed to be fire-proof, and the narrow escape of its inmates, has created quite a scare. Some of the papers demand a law forbidding the building of houses over eighty feet high. Several are in contemplation to be 140 feet.
—Regarding the many opinions of prominent politicians as to the probable Republican nominee for President, the S. F. Chronicle says: "There is nothing more uncertain, nothing more idle than presidential predictions. Of the columns which were printed on this subject four years ago, not one correspondent or editorial writer mentioned the man who gained the coveted honor."
—The Mexican Government has imposed a very heavy stamp tax upon liquors, chinaware, jewelry, hardware, boots and shoes, medicines, hats and caps, preserves, and several other articles in common use. On some of these the tax amounts to fifteen per cent. of their value. As a consequence merchants are closing their stores, and if they hold out, and the tax law be not repealed, there is strong probability of serious trouble.
—Further severe storms have occurred in this State during the past week. Along the line of the Southern Pacific Railroad there have been damages equal to those reported during the previous storms. Between the Tehachepi Mountains and Los Angeles the disasters have been greatest, Soledad Canyon being the scene of special devastation. In the region of San Francisco Bay the rainfall was unusually heavy on the 11th and 12th. At Fresno, on the 10th, a whirlwind about twenty feet wide passed through the edge of town, unroofing and otherwise damaging several buildings. The storm appeared like a black ball rolling upon the ground. On the same day there was what is called the heaviest shower ever seen in the vicinity of Santa Barbara, accompanied by lightning and thunder. At the latter place over thirty-four inches of rain have fallen this season.
Obituary.
By J. A. D.
NEVIN—Died, in Lodi, San Joaquin Co., Cal., April 2, Alexander Nevin, aged 78 years and five months. He was buried from the Congregational Church, followed by a large concourse of relatives, friends, and neighbors.
He was born in Pittsburg, Pa.; went to Pickaway County, Ohio, when quite young. Thence to Fulton County, Ill., in 1835, and to Lynn Co., Iowa, in 1840. In 1863 he crossed the plains to California, and settled in San Joaquin County.
For several years he had been a believer in the coming of Christ and the resurrection of the dead as the hope of the Christian for future life. He embraced also the faith of the Sabbath of the Lord, which he kept for some time before his death. He read his Bible much the latter part of his life, and fell asleep in hope of the "better resurrection."
J. A. D.
HEALTH BOOKS IN PACKAGES.
By Editor
We have put up in packages three different assortments of our health and temperance works which we will furnish, post-paid, at the prices named.
Ten Cent Package.
The smallest package contains 100 pages in thirteen tracts, as follows:—
True Temperance—Alcohol, What is it?—Our Nation's Curse—Cause and Cure of Intemperance—Effects of Intemperance—The Drunkard's Arguments Answered—Alcoholic Medication—Alcoholic Poison—Tobacco Poisoning—Tobacco-Using a Cause of Disease—Tobacco-Using a Relic of Barbarism—Evil Effects of Tea and Coffee—Ten Arguments on Tea and Coffee.
Forty Cent Package.
The second package, costing forty cents, post-paid, contains the above list and the following in addition:—
Pork, the Dangers of its Use—Diphtheria, its Causes, Prevention, and Proper Treatment. By J. H. Kellogg, M. D. This book should be in every household. Its instructions, if faithfully carried out, will save many a precious life.
One Dollar Package.
The third package, costing $1.00, post-paid, contains in addition to the above:—
Proper Diet for Man, price 15c—The Uses of Water, price 25c—Dyspepsia, Its Cause and Cure, price 25c.
The object in arranging these packages is to get them in a convenient form for sale and for selection.
Address PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
HISTORY OF THE WALDENSES.
By J. A. Wylie
By J. A. Wylie, LL. D.
ILLUSTRATED BY TWENTY FULL-PAGE ENGRAVINGS.
This work describes the conflicts waged by the Waldenses, and the martyrdoms they endured in defense of their faith and their liberty. Recent events have brought the Waldenses to notice, and thrown a new light upon the grandeur of their struggle and the important issues which have flowed from it. To them are we to trace the Constitutional liberties that Italy now enjoys. In their mountain fastnesses they maintained the faith of the early Christians, and by their untiring missionary labors this faith was diffused to all the nations of Europe, thus preparing the way for the great Reformation.
212 pp. Price, 90 cts.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE COMING CONFLICT.
By William H. Littlejohn
OR
THE GREAT ISSUE NOW PENDING
IN THIS COUNTRY.
BY ELD. W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
This book contains a complete history of the rise and progress of the National Reform Party, together with an exegesis of the last portion of the thirteenth chapter of the book of Revelation, assigning to the United States its proper place in prophecy.
EMPHATICALLY A BOOK FOR THE TIMES.
434 pages, in muslin covers, and will be mailed to any address post-paid, for $1.00.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE NATURE AND TENDENCY OF MODERN SPIRITUALISM.
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
This is a thorough expose of the system of Spiritualism. The author has carefully studied the subject, and has given such copious extracts from a large library of Spiritualist publications, as to fully condemn them in their teachings and in their practices, by their own testimony.
It is also shown from the prophetic scriptures that Spiritualism is one of the most impressive signs of the times.
184 pp. Price, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:
A CONTRAST OF TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.
By Mrs. E. G. White.
This is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Rural Health Retreat.
By Editor
It was our pleasure to attend the annual meeting at the Retreat the 8th inst. Two cottages have been built this spring and are already occupied; one more is well under way, and another will soon be commenced. It looks like business on the hillside there.
Bro. St. John is improving in health under the healing influence of the atmosphere at the Retreat. We marvel how anybody can be there, with all its pleasant scenes and surroundings, and not feel well. And Bro. St. John has taken a deep interest in the Retreat, and his labors in its behalf are evidently being blessed. We never felt as hopeful for the institution as at present.
No Paper Next Week.
By Editor
NEXT week we shall be in the midst of our ten days' meeting, and we are anxious that all our hands shall, as far as possible, have the benefit of the meetings; therefore we shall issue no SIGNS next week.
The True Educator.
By Editor
THIS is the title of an eight-page monthly published at South Lancaster, Mass., by the "South Lancaster Academy." It is on clear, white paper, and looks as neat and bright as a new pin. Its name indicates its character and object, and its contents promises to sustain the name. Price, 50 cents a year.
Three Important Meetings.
By William Clarence White
It is seldom that we have three meetings combined of so interesting a character as those appointed to begin the last of this week in Oakland. Our work is growing rapidly in all its branches. The College, the Conference, the Missionary, and the Publishing work are widening their range of operation, and increasing their force of laborers; and yet there never was a time when the opportunities for labor were so far in advance of our plans and facilities as at present.
There are so many urgent calls for labor in new fields that our ministers can spend but little time with the churches, and thus our general meetings become very important.
The Bible-readings to be held in connection with the annual meeting of the Publishing Association will be a rare occasion. These begin Friday evening, April 18th, and will be conducted by Elders J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, H. A. St. John, and E. J. Waggoner. These meetings are proving to be a great blessing to our people, for by many the Bible truths are more easily understood when presented in this manner, and are more firmly fixed in the memory.
One of the best features of these meetings has been the early morning prayer and social meeting held before breakfast. At the General Conference, and at South Lancaster, Wellsville, and Healdsburg these were marked seasons of blessing. It is expected that Sister White will be present and assist in conducting these early social meetings.
One meeting each day will probably be devoted to the Conference and Tract Society work. In these meetings instruction will be given in the canvassing and colporter work. All persons who intend to engage in these branches of the work should come and get the full benefit of the meetings.
The State Tract Society usually holds its spring quarterly meeting in connection with the annual meeting of the Publishing Association. If the reports are not delayed, the Tract Society meetings will be held Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. We hope our districts will be generally represented.
THE ASSOCIATION MEETING.
The Annual Meeting of the Publishing Association will be one of more than usual interest. Our own work has increased largely during the last year, and our facilities, which a year or two ago appeared amply large for any emergency, are now altogether too limited for our rapidly-increasing work. We hope to see a large majority of the stock represented by our brethren in person.
A large and regular attendance is expected from the Oakland and San Francisco churches. As far as possible, all work in the Office will be suspended.
This will be the largest meeting of the kind we shall have in the State; and the last before our leading ministers scatter to their fields of summer labor.
We invite our brethren and sisters from all parts of the State to attend these meetings from the very first day to the close. The Oakland Church is making ample provision for your entertainment. Those who can should bring some bedding with them.
Those newly come into the faith will find this a rare opportunity to gain instruction on all points of present truth; we especially invite them to this meeting. To our brethren of experience we would say: your counsel and assistance is needed in these meetings, and we earnestly request your presence from the beginning to the close. W. C. WHITE.