—There is a scarcity of water in the city of Mexico.
—The public debt was reduced $2,313,614 in March.
—Peru and Chile have joined the International Postal Union.
—Germany published in 1876, 13,356 new works, and in 1877, 13,925.
—Rich and extensive gold placers have been discovered in Durango, Mexico.
—Cabbages in the Island of Jersey, English Channel, grow on stems to the hight of ten feet and more.
—April 21, a fire broke out in Macon, Ga. The loss of the property destroyed is estimated at $100,000.
—Eight thousand utterly destitute Thessalonians from burned villages in Thessaly have taken refuge in Greece.
—The government is paying rent for buildings as follows: In San Francisco, $67,000; Denver, $22,000; New York, $164,000, and Chicago, $74,000.
—One of the hottest regions of the earth is along the Persian Gulf, where little or no rain falls. At Bahrin the arid shore has no fresh water, yet a comparatively numerous population live there.
—A destructive fire occurred recently at Clarksville, Tenn. The loss is estimated at $500,000. The burnt district covers fifteen acres. Between fifty and seventy-five of the principal houses were destroyed.
—April 18, a driving rain storm commenced at an early hour in the evening, in Deadwood, D. T., and by noon on the day following the creeks had swollen over their banks, overflowing many of the lower floors in the city. Much damage was done.
—The United States Postal Commissioner who left Philadelphia about January 1st, to endeavor to induce South American governments to adopt the provisions of the Berne Postal Union, announces by cable that the Governments of Peru and Chile have decreed their adhesion to the Berne treaty.
—The Swedish school system is perhaps equal to any in the world. Of the children of school age, 97 per cent attend school. Eight months is the length of the school term. Sweden has seven normal schools. The teachers are required to have normal training. Pensions are given to disabled and superannuated teachers. Only one case of corporal punishment reported since 1866.
—An exchange says: "An examination of the Japanese criminal statistics does not impress one with the belief that they merit the praise which has been given them by some enthusiastic Americans who have visited that island kingdom. The official statistics extend back to 1874, in which year there was a total of 184,543 convictions. Of these 750 were decapitated. The total population that year was 33,625,683. Of the criminals about 8,000 were women. The prevalent crimes were: Burglaries, 90,458; armed robberies, 3,201; incendiaries, 3,201. Murders were frequent. Since that year crime has decreased, but the showing is still very much against the Japanese as a law-abiding race."
Tent No. 1, San Francisco.
By John Norton Loughborough; W. M. Healey
The tent-meetings in San Francisco are awakening considerable interest. They are well attended. Last Sunday evening Sister White addressed a tent full on the subject of Christian Temperance. The audience gave the best of attention. The Lord blessed, and the clear burning truths spoken made their way to hearts.
We have now held, in all, thirteen meetings, and although at the first of the meetings it was cold and sometimes rainy, still the congregation and interest has increased from the first. We hope to see some good results from the effort put forth; and for this we labor, hoping for the prayers of all who desire the advancement of truth.
J. N. Loughborough, W. M. Healey.
North Pacific Camp-Meeting.
By I. D. Van Horn
THE Conference committee have fully decided upon the time when, and the place where, this camp-meeting shall be held. As it is important all our friends should know as soon as possible all the facts concerning this meeting, I write for publication the following statements:—
1. The place selected for the camp-meeting in this Conference this year is a fine grove of fir trees on the land owned by Adam Stephens, about three miles north of the city of Salem, by the side of the railroad. We have the free use of the ground, and friends with willing hands are ready to turn in and clear it up.
2. The time fixed upon is from June 27 to July 2, 1878. This will be a little before harvest commences, and late enough in the season to be quite sure of pleasant weather.
3. I have seen the superintendent of the O. & C. R. R. and obtained the privilege for all who come over their road to the meeting and pay full fare, to return free by obtaining a certificate from the secretary of the Conference. I also obtained the privilege for all regular passenger trains to stop at the ground during the whole time of the meeting.
4. I saw the agent of the O. S. N. Co., and, although I did not perfect arrangements with them for those coming over its line to be returned free, yet I am quite sure such arrangements will be made.
5. We have secured a sufficient quantity of straw for use at the meeting, which, for this time of the year in this wet country, is very fortunate.
6. I have ordered, through Brother Loughborough, one dozen family tents to be on the ground for rent; which will not probably be enough. Those wanting tents to camp on the ground should notify me immediately, that if more than I have ordered should be wanted I could send for them in time. We shall have two large meeting tents on the ground, one of which will be used for brethren to camp in, who come with their blankets.
Thus the way is opening before us to have our first camp-meeting in this Conference. I can see only one thing now that would hinder it from being a complete success. If our brethren and sisters do not feel the importance of attending this meeting and leave us to have it alone, it will be a failure. But this must not be.
This, our first camp-meeting in this Conference will be an important one. The second session of the Conference will be held at this time and delegates should be present from every church, and company of Sabbath-keepers in Oregon and Washington Territory. Thus it is in the power of our friends to make this a successful meeting. Sacrifices of time and means must be made, and where this is cheerfully done, the Lord will return a blessing that will more than compensate for all the sacrifices we make.
Dear brethren and sisters, begin now to get ready to attend the meeting. Do not let anything hinder you. If you manifest the same interest and zeal in coming to the meeting that we have and shall in making arrangements for it, we shall see it a complete success. Let all the scattered friends of the cause come to the meeting or report by letter. To one and all we say, Get ready and come to our camp-meeting.
I. D. VAN HORN, President.
Salem, Oregon.
The Signs Office.
By James White
We have now spent nearly four weeks in Oakland. We came to be present at the annual meeting of our Publishing Association. Have done but very little more than to seek improvement of health. Brother A. Brorsen has been giving us treatment with success. We have in this time gained eleven pounds in weight. The greatest difficulty at present is in hands and feet, which are some swollen, and troubled with heat and rheumatism, and want of muscular strength. These difficulties we hope to have removed by further treatment and more active life at our Healdsburg home. We expect to spend the summer months in Colorado, and to attend the General Conference. As we leave this place for the present we wish to state that our dear son, James E. White, is filling important positions in the Signs Office, and in the church. We trust the way may soon open that he may give himself to the work of the ministry. Our brethren should give him confidence and moral support.
J. W.
Returned.
By Uriah Smith
We reached home from the Rome, N. Y., Biblical Institute, April 10. During the three weeks of its continuance quite an amount of work was done. Thirty-five lectures were delivered in the regular Biblical course. Of these we gave thirty-one, besides speaking to the church six times and attending thirteen meetings devoted to literary and miscellaneous exercises.
Brother Haskell, during the few days he was with us, gave four of the Biblical lectures, and spoke six times besides, mostly on such practical themes as the genius of the missionary work, the spirit in which it must be performed, the best methods of labor, and such course of action as offer the best assurance of success—subjects which it is of such vital importance for all to understand, and which he is so well prepared to present.
The interest continued to the close, the members seeming all the while to increase in strength of purpose to make their connection with, and labors in, this glorious cause a complete success. We have faith in the most of these that they will do this. Another resident of Rome decided to cast in his lot with this people. He will assist, the present summer, in publicly presenting the truth. Others are almost persuaded, for whom there are strong grounds to hope.
As we arrived in Battle Creek, Michigan, Wednesday p. m., we found the new building of the Health Institute, or Sanitarium, in the process of dedication. We took occasion to briefly look over the noble structure now finished, and exchange greetings with some of the old friends who were among the cheerful guests. A full account of the occasion will appear in the next Reformer, and we need not speak further of it here. We find all hands busy, and all hearts full of courage and good cheer, drinking into the inspiration of the marvelous advancement of this work, hopeful for the on-coming future, and determined to meet faithfully and fully all its demands upon them.
We are drawing near the grand finale of the work of the Lord upon the earth. A faith will be found with the little flock like that of apostolic times. Truth will be found sacredly cherished by them, gleaming like a pure, untarnished gem amidst the rubbish of the earth. Some jewels will be gathered for the heavenly casket. The final triumph of the overcomer will be glorious. Happy he who shall be found ready to have a part therein! U. S.
Locust Grove, Cal.
By J. D. Rice
Closed our meetings in this place last evening. Have given thirty-nine discourses altogether. The Lord has blessed our labor here, and ten have covenanted with us to keep "the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus." Others are keeping the Sabbath, and still others are investigating. May the Lord help them to see the truth. Organized S. B. fund to the amount of $137.50. J. D. Rice.
April 15, 1878.
M. C. ISRAEL, B. A. STEPHENS
By M. C. Israel; B. A. Stephens
Red Bluff, Tent No. 3.
We have held six meetings to date with an increasing interest to hear. The tent was blown down last Friday in heavy storm. The daily paper of the town, People's Cause, kindly publishes short reports of our meetings. "Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified."
M. C. ISRAEL, B. A. STEPHENS
April 21, 1878.
Hymns of Praise.
By Editor
WE have just issued a 64 page collection of hymns and tunes adapted to use in religious lectures, camp and tent-meetings, in social meetings and in the home circle. The hymns are all accompanied by music.
The first part of the book is devoted to standard hymns and tunes. The remainder is filled up with new, stirring, sacred songs, some of which appear for the first time in this book, and any one of which is worth more than the price of the book. Price 10 cents.
Address, Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal.
APPOINTMENTS.
I WILL speak at the church in San Francisco, Sabbath, April 27, at 11 A. M., and in Oakland, Sunday evening, April 28.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
I WILL speak in Oakland, Sabbath, April 27, at 10:30 A. M., and at the tent in San Francisco, Sunday evening, April 28.
W. M. HEALEY.
SPECIAL meetings will be held with the churches in Minnesota, as follows:—Ellsworth, May 4, 5; Rock Elm, 8; Eau Galle, 11, 12; Maiden Rock, 18, 19; Lake City, 25, 26.
THE Kansas Camp-meeting will be held at Neosho Falls, Woodson county, May 22 to 27, 1878. This place is seventy miles south of Topeka, on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad. Also the Third Annual Session of the Kansas Conference, and Tract and Missionary Society will be held in connection with the Camp-meeting.
THE camp-meeting of the North Pacific Conference of S. D. Adventists will be held from June 27, to July 2, 1878. The place of meeting will be on the land of Adam Stephens, three miles North of Salem, on the line of the O. &. C. R. R. The superintendent of the said road has given permission for all regular trains to stop at the camp-ground during the meeting. All preparations for a good and profitable meeting for the cause will be made.
The second annual session of the North Pacific Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting. The proper number of delegates should be chosen by each organized and partially organized church, to represent them at the meeting. Ministerial help from the California Conference may be expected.
I. D. VAN HORN,
S. MAXON,
THOS. STARBUCK. } Conf. Com.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
By Editor
"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (margin, negligently.) Jer. 48:10.
Received for the Signs.
$2.00 EACH. Delia McDonald 5-7, D W C McNett 5-16, Sarah A Balch 4-48, Elmira Cole 6-1, Emma Millikin 6-1, J Q A Hanghey 5-1, Wm Shannon 5-7, Wm L Raymond 5-16, O F Metcalf 4-48, Mrs A Campbell 5-18, Isaac W Cook 5-20, John Marshal 5-16, Leslie Hobart 5-9, Levi Clinger 5-22.
$1.50 EACH. Mrs Isabella Gray 5-16, D McAlpine 5-16, Wm Gaffer 5-16, Ezra Warren 5-16, C G Campbell 5-16, Louisa Stephen 5-16, C W Sanford 5-16, E P Sanford 5-16, Joel H Sanford 5-16, Elias Sanford 5-16, Wm McGrary 5-16, Mrs Irena Aldrich 5-13, Sidney Linscott 5-16, Mary A Hammond 5-16, A T Could Sylvania 5-16, Thomas Armitage 5-16, W B Nicholson 5-16, J H McCluskey 5-16, Alonzo Irish 5-16, James Irish 5-16, Stephen Pierce 5-16, B L Bailey 5-16, Weltha Sanford 5-16, Mary L Smith 5-16, Hellen Smith 5-15, Lydia R Allen 5-16, S L Hide 5-16, Martha McCane 5-16, Mrs Henrietta Bartlett 5-16, L H Andre 5-16, Andrew Andre 5-16, Addie Bowen (6 copies) 4-8.
$1.00 EACH. Mary A Dunlap 4-48, J G Starbuck (8 copies) 4-15, E B Potts 4-35, H C Mitchel (7 copies) 4-9, Mrs E J Eaton 4-40, H C Miller 4-35, V A Poor 5-4.
MISCELLANEOUS. Christopher Turnipseed (10 copies) $15.00 5-16, Geo W Sampson (2 copies) 3.00 5-16, R S Warner (2 copies) 3.00 5-16, Geo L Weaver (4 copies) 6.00 5-16, Noah Hodges (20 copies) 5.50 4-15, Medford Gorham 4.00 5-47, Albert Frost (3 copies) 1.12 4-28, Eugene Packard 38c 4-28, N Orcutt (8 copies) 3.00 4-28, Levi Girard 50c 4-32, J McKee 38c 4-26, L Osborn (20 copies) 20.80 4-48, Mrs Mary Harpham (3 copies) 4.50 5-16, A C Woolbury (6 copies) 9.00 5-15, N G B Zollinger (2 copies) 3.00 5-15 Oakland V M Society (50 copies) 37.50 4-39, Mrs E Wright 4.00 5-16.
Received on Account.
A Papworth $3.80, Millard Church 8.00, Geo R Drew 10.00, Ohio T and M Society 33.00 Cal T and M Society 125.83.
California Conference Fund.
Healdsburg $58.50, Santa Rosa 56.25, Napa 5.75, St Helena 50.43, Woodland 83.50, Lafayette 13.00.
European Mission.
C Buck $100.00, M L Byington 5.00, Helen Edgar 2.50, F Kittle 2.00, D Spooner 2.00, Andrew Olsen and wife 50.00, George Bickle 1.00, P Siverson 25c, Mary E Palmer 20c, Annie M Olsen 5.00, John J Olsen 2.00, John P Rathbun 5.00, C S Anderson 10.00, Holly (Mich) church 9.00, A friend 1.00.
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, Etc.
By Editor
Crunden's Concordance. $1.75, post-paid.
Dictionary of Bible. $1.75, post-paid.
Hymn and Tune Book; 537 hymns, 147 tunes. $1.00.
Progressive Bible Lessons. 50 cts. — for children. 35 cts.
The Way of Life; a beautiful engraving 19x24 inches, with key of explanations. $1.00.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In Board, 50 cts; in paper 30 cts.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp, $1.00.
Thrilling Life Sketches. Incidents in the life of an Italian of noble birth. By Francesco Urgos. $1.25, post-paid.
Thoughts on Daniel. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. U. Smith. $1.00.
Life of William Miller, with likeness. $1.00.
The Sanctuary and its Cleansing. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed edition in paper, 30 cts.
Life of Joseph Bates, with Likeness. Revised, Edited by James White. Tint, $1.00; plain, $1.25.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00.
The Constitutional Amendment. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the "Christian Statesman." Bound, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. Mrs. E. G. White, 416 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II. Mrs. E. G. White, 400 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. III. Mrs. E. G. White, 400 pp. $1.00.
Life of Christ, in seven Pamphlets, by Mrs. Ellen G. White: No. 1. His first Advent and Ministry - 10 cts. No. 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness - 10 cts. No. 3. His Teachings and Parables - 15 cts. No. 4. His Mighty Miracles - 15 cts. No. 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion - 10 cts. No. 6. His Resurrection and Ascension - 10 cts. No. 7. The Apostles of Christ - 10 cts.
Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle. In two volumes. 75 cts. each.
The State of the Dead and Destiny of the Wicked. U. Smith. 40 cts.
The United States in Prophecy. U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 25 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. (POEM.) U. Smith. Muslin, 30 cts.; paper, 15 cts.
Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular history of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. J. N. A. 25 cts.
Facts for the Times. 25 cts.
The Nature and tendency of Modern Spiritualism. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary, and Saving Faith. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. D. M. O. 20 cts.
The Atonement. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Spirit of God. J. H. W. 15 cts.
Miraculous Powers. 15 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-horned Beast. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. D. M. C. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. James White. 10 cts.
The Saints' Inheritance, or the Earth made New. J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day. A Refutation of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. J. N. A. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. J. H. W. 10 cts.
The Two Covenants. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel: What it is, and when it will be consummated. J. N. L. 10 cts.
Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the Sabbath. Morton. 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Matthew twenty-four. James White. 10 cts.
Review of Baird's Two Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. J. H. W.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four Objections Considered. 10 cts.
Milton on the State of the Dead. 5 cts.
Four-cent Tracts: The Second Advent—The Seventh Part of Time—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—Present Truth—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Thrones—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Redemption—Systematic Benevolence—The Two Covenants—Origin and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists.
Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost Time Question—Argument on Sabbath—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture Reference—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The First Message of Rev. 14—The Second Message of Rev. 14.
Two-cent Tracts: Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Old Moral Code of Ten Commandments not Revised—Definite Seventh day—Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping Explained—Elihu on the Sabbath—The Rich Man and Lazarus—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Millennium—Departing and Being with Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Judgment; or the Waymarks to the Holy City—The Two Laws—Spirit of Prophecy—One Hundred Bible Facts—The Law and the Gospel—God's Memorial.
One-cent Tracts: Appeal on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Nahum's Chariots—The Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Coming of the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day do You keep and Why?—Geology and the Bible—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—Can we know?—Is the End Near?—A Dialogue—Brief Thoughts on Immortality.
Address, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL.
North Pacific Mission.
By James White
We are gratified in receiving from Elder Van Horn an appointment for a camp-meeting to be held in this mission. Elder Loughborough will be at this camp-meeting. May the Lord bless his dear people who shall attend. J. W.