We pitched the tent here last week and commenced meetings Thursday evening with a very good audience. On Sabbath a rain storm came on which has lasted up to this time, and has prevented our having a very large audience, although we have not missed an appointment.
I came here much worn by continued labor through the summer and overwork at Yountville, where four are keeping the Sabbath as the result of two weeks' meeting. I trust however to have strength to carry on the work here.
Brother Rice is with me and renders good assistance. Brother Grainger has been called home by sickness in his family. We ask an interest in the prayers of all those who love God's truth.
W. M. HEALEY.
September 30, 1878.
Bergen, Norway.
By John G. Matteson
FROM Christiana I went to Eidsvold, where I visited a Christian brother who is much interested in the truth. He has translated four small tracts about the Sabbath (4 pp.) and printed 10,000 of them. He is soon to print 10,000 more. They have been sent to him from our S. D. Baptist brethren. He is engineer on a small steamer. He preaches often on Sundays, and some souls have become interested, and have commenced to serve the Lord. I held one meeting in his neighborhood. The people were friendly and asked me to come again.
Sunday, I went to Romedal, where I staid a day with a friend who keeps the Sabbath. He has become interested in the truth by reading, and preaches occasionally. He is a homeopathic doctor.
Monday, I took the cars for Trondhjem, a distance of 228 miles. The fare for this distance was $3.75. Norway is one great rock, and this road brought us through valleys, and over mountains whose tops were vailed with clouds. It is a wonderful picturesque country. The railroad reaches an elevation of several thousand feet above the sea.
In Trondhjem I found two Christian sisters who love the truth. One of them has commenced to keep the Sabbath; the other, I trust, will soon begin. There is a temperance society in this city, and I became acquainted with one of its members. We were on the cars together, where he defended total abstinence, and was much pleased when I took his side against several others who tried hard to defend "moderate drinking." I left them some tracts and papers, and then took passage for Bergen on a steamer (320 miles).
In this place I find five dear souls who are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and some others who are interested. I remain here four days. Rent is high, rooms are scarce, and it is very difficult to obtain a place for meetings. The Baptists have invited me to come to their chapel to-night.
We have now a few friends in many of the cities of Norway, and can, by the help of the Lord and by some judicious labor, obtain many readers for our tracts and periodicals. If we could get a paper printed here, it would facilitate the work in Northern Europe very much. May God direct for his own glory through Jesus Christ. JOHN G. MATTESON.
September 2, 1878.
San Francisco.
SABBATH, September 28, our people were favored with a discourse by Elder Morton, a Baptist minister who has recently embraced the Sabbath and been re-baptized. The discourse was followed by an interesting social meeting.
Constitutional Religion.
By Editor
ON the effort made by a considerable number of Protestant clergymen of this State to induce the constitutional convention to insert a clause in the fundamental law enforcing the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath a leading secular paper comments as follows:
“However commendable the designs of these good gentlemen may be in a mere moral view, in the higher light of true patriotism and loyalty to free government they are narrow-minded, bigoted, even treasonable, and belong to the age of puritanical persecutions or the Papal inquisition, rather than to the present stage of civilization, when civil and religious liberty is the proudest boast of human progress. It was the boon for which the fathers of the republic fought, and for which almost every war that has convulsed the world for centuries has been waged; and any movement tending to the reshackling of civil government with religion, can only threaten disaster. There is no provision in the federal constitution permitting of religious discrimination, and there never can be while the nation remains a free republic. Religious dissension is the most dangerous element of distraction that can take root in any country. Its natural inspiration is hate, cruelty and uncharitableness, and it can transform the meek and lowly into fiends incarnate, and reduce the highest condition of liberal and enlightened government to merciless despotism. . . . Laws based upon a proper conception of right and common justice will suffice to protect all in the peculiar method of Sabbath observance which their consciences may dictate or their inclinations invite, and enforce the proprieties of civilized life. If there is a laxity of moral sentiment and torpidity of religious enthusiasm in the community, it is a matter for the pulpit to deal with, and not the law courts. And, in this connection, it may be suggested, with all reverence, there is a far more pressing requirement for religion in the churches than there is in the constitution.”
Earthquake.
SUNDAY evening, September 29, this city was visited by the most perceptible earthquake that has been felt since October, 1875. The vibration was from northeast to southwest, and was only of momentary duration. Shortly after the shock, rain commenced falling and continued for several hours.
A BROTHER in California, whose people live near London, Ontario, wrote to me asking certain questions, will he again send me his address to Watford, Ontario. JOHN FULTON.
APPOINTMENTS.
By John Norton Loughborough
District Quarterly Meetings.
THE district quarterly meetings of the eight districts of California will all be held the same date, October 12 and 13, as follows:—
No 1, at Santa Rosa.
No 2, at Fairview.
No. 3, at St. Helena.
No. 4, at San Pasqual.
No. 5, at Woodland.
No. 6, at Red Bluff.
No. 7, at Oakland.
No. 8, at San Francisco.
At these district meetings there should be a full report from every church in each district.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
State Quarterly Meeting.
THE first California State quarterly meeting of this fiscal year will be held with the Oakland church, Sabbath and first-day, October 19 and 20.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
By Editor
"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (margin, negligently.) Jer. 48:10.
$2.00 EACH. Joseph Gower 5-10, Hannah Hamington 5-37, Calvin Flemming 5-28, Mrs T C Rishop 5-37, Renjamine F Nye 5-35, Sarah Duncklee 6-9, M A Bews 5-1, D Shankland 5-19, Thos Cuff 5-18, Irwin Edgerton 5-37.
$1.50 EACH. Rosana Minger 5-37, Jennie R Dewey 5-37, Ella Egglesten 5-37, A Sherey 5-37, Clinton Abbott 5-37, Myron Gould 5-37, Sarah Robersen 5-37, Schulekin and Co. 5-15, Mrs B F Patter 5-37, A B Runkle 5-12, John Bryant 5-12, D A Price 5-14, S D Fresh 5-37.
$1.00 EACH. Lorenzo D Prouty 5-15, Thos R Griffin 5-20, J B Dymot 5-5.
MISCELLANEOUS. Mrs S H D Green (20 copies) $30.00 5-32, Anna M Oyer (2 copies) 3.00 5-21, A McCollons 50c 4-48, Joseph Baker 50c 5-5, E R Slai 50c 5-5, Ida Burdick 4.50 5-37, E Miller 75c 5-5, Mrs M P West 5.00 7-7.
Received on Account.
Mich T and M Society per Edgar Hutchins $10.00.
Cal. Publishing Fund.
Jane Rowland $2000.
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, Etc.
Cruden's Concordance. $1.75 post-paid.
Dictionary of Bible. $1.75, post-paid.
Hymn and Tune Book; 537 hymns, 147 tunes. $1.
Song Anchor, for Sabbath-School and Praise service. 160 pp. 50c.
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.
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.
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, 85 cts.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00.
Bible From Heaven. D. M. Canright. 300 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. Part 1, 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 . . . 15 cts
No. 6. His Resurrection and Ascension . . . 10 cts
The Apostles of Christ. Mrs. E. G. White. 10 cts.
Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle. In two volumes. 60 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, 20 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. C. 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 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. 10 cts.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four Objections Considered. 10 cts.
Milton on the State 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 Examined—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 of Daniel to the Holy City—The Two Laws—Spirit of Prophecy—One Hundred Bible Facts—The Law and the Gospel—God's Memorial—The Sabbath, the Day.
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.
The Colorado Tent.
By James White
SEPTEMBER 14 and 15 we were at the Colorado tent at Georgetown. Elder Cornell had been speaking to the people about two weeks. The congregations were good until the severe cold with snow storm suddenly came upon them, when the congregation fell off considerably. And as Brother Cornell took a severe cold, making it almost impossible for him to speak, the situation looked discouraging.
On the 13th we left Rollinsville, accompanied by J. E. White and wife, and Mary K. White, for Georgetown. We spoke to a good and very attentive audience on the evening of the 14th, on the Sabbath in the New Testament. J. E. White introduced his new book entitled, the Song Anchor, and was assisted in singing, not only by those of our party, but by several first-class singers residing in the place. Most of the pieces sung are in print for the first time, and are the finest we ever heard. The singing, accompanied by a good organ, attracted large audiences to the tent.
Sunday, at 10:30, we spoke on the Sabbath question, inviting questions from those who had objections to the positions taken; this resulted in a sort of irregular Bible-class which was both interesting and profitable. In the evening we gave a discourse on the reasons of our faith and hope. The congregation was large and very attentive. The service closed with singing the new piece from the Song Anchor, entitled, "Good Night." Both the words and the music are charming, while the occasion, it being our last service with that people, closing at nearly ten in the evening, gave it double force.
We felt that our visit to the Colorado tent was timely, and as we returned to Rollinsville, the general expression of our company was that we had enjoyed it very much. And yet we doubt the propriety of moving the tent to any place as it was taken to Georgetown. Those who labor with our tents should know for themselves that the way is open, either by a personal survey of the ground or by information from the most reliable sources, before shipping a tent to a place.
Letters came from Georgetown to Elder Canright and the writer, representing that the way was open, that homes for laborers were plenty, and urging that the tent should be moved to that place. We should have gone to Georgetown or requested Brother Cornell to first survey the field; but the statements in the letters received had such a show of liberality that we were thrown off our guard, and had the tent shipped without further investigation.
We left Brother Cornell much encouraged. The weather is fine again, and he will probably remain a week or two longer. And we confidently expect that a company of Sabbath-keepers will be raised up in Georgetown. We regret, however, that the tent did not go where the people are willing, and even anxious, to bear all the expenses of a good, long tent-meeting. There are open doors where the same amount of labor would have accomplished double the results without expense to the General Conference, except the expense of moving the tent, and the small amount paid the laborers.
As a field of labor, much may be expected of Colorado. Here is a reading people. They seem to have but little prejudice.
We are writing at a hotel in the beautiful city of Denver, Colo., on our way to the General Conference at Battle Creek, Michigan. We are much improved in health, and are very happy in hope that there is, with care, some work for the Master in us yet. May he bless and direct the future, until our work is done and the blessed hope consummated.
JAMES WHITE.