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Signs of the Times, Vol. 5, No. 29.

Union with Christ in Our Work
Earlier text: Dakota Camp-Meeting

Religious News and Notes.

—A Mormon preacher was recently shot and killed by a mob of ten men in Catoosa Co., Ga.
—The Jews have been excluded from Manhattan Beach, which is likely to injure the proprietors more than it will the Jews.
—Bishop Gilbert Haven, at a celebration on the 4th, at Woodstock, Conn., pronounced a very strong eulogy on the ability and patriotism of Gen. Grant.
—The Central Baptist church of Oakland, and the late pastor, Geo. Guirey, still keep up their "unpleasantness" by cross talk in the daily papers.
—A petty Italian prince, who is a gambler and profligate generally, has denied to Protestants the privilege of worship in his territory, on the ground that it would endanger the unity of the faith!
—The Chicago Interior, speaking of certain religious parties in Ireland, says, "They, too, want to put a stick in the wheels of Sunday trains, and with them, as with us, the stick is forever broken and the train runs on."
—The N. Y. Christian Advocate and the Richmond Christian Advocate have been indulging in remarks about the deceased Bishops Ames and Andrews which lead many to think the "Christian" is nearly lost in the "Advocate."
—The railroads centering in Boston have revoked the half-fare passes given to ministers, and a Boston clergyman gives the following reason;— "Many of the ministers let their friends have the use of their certificates of being entitled to half-fare and so cheated the roads. If the leaders of God's hosts are so lax in their principles, he does not wonder that the railways will not trust them."
H. W. Beecher recently said he had been a teetotaler most of his life, but is not now, as he had adopted the use of malt liquors with good effect; upon which the Witness says:— "These words of Mr. Beecher have caused grief to thousands of his firmest friends, who have stuck to him through good report and evil report. To-day he is the idol of lager-beer drinkers, and his name will be toasted in every saloon in the country."
—A new movement is on foot in England to promote "Christian union." An association has been formed called "The Church and Stage Guild," made up of representatives of the church and theatres. A circular states its object to be:— "1. To promote religious and social sympathy between the members of the church and the stage. 2. To hold meetings for these purposes from time to time, at which papers may be read and questions discussed of common interest to the members of the Guild. 3. To meet for worship at least once a year." There is but little difference now between "the church" and the theatre, and "worship once a year" is often enough to accomplish the result desired.
—The will of the late Pope has been made the subject of dispute. Pius IX. left two-thirds of his private property to his relatives. Not content with receiving the interest of the bequest, they desire to get possession of the capital, and an important legal action is likely to grow out of the matter. Three Cardinals were made executors, and the efforts of Leo XIII. to mediate between the contestants have thus far come to naught. Surely if the Pope is competent to declare the meaning and intention of biblical truth, his reading of an ordinary will should be accepted as final by the faithful. It looks as if the Roman Catholics had no more faith in Papal Infallibility than Protestants have.
—The United Presbyterian, commenting on modern churches and church life, remarks:— "There are two kinds of religion in vogue among evangelicals. The one insists on vivacity, raciness in church services, and gayety, sociability and amusement in the life of the people. It wishes ministers who can make a religious service sparkle with a liveliness bordering on levity itself. The other kind demands sobriety, earnestness, and the decorous, thoughtful way of worship that is recommended by Paul. It deprecates the effort to run the prayer-meeting, Sabbath school and Sunday services into mere entertainments having for their object the gratification of sensual tastes and appetites." It is scarcely necessary to say that the kind referred above is largely in the majority.
—The following from the Pacific Christian Advocate, if not strictly religious, is "just as true as preaching." "Girls, don't be foolish. You are made of flesh and blood. You ought to know you can't get a No. 2 shoe on a No. 4 foot. You act just as if you thought God had made a mistake. Now, just look at that dress! It wouldn't do for a fly-net and the wind is blowing a hurricane. You can't deceive anybody. People know you suffer in your tight shoes and corsets, and without proper clothing. Now, do take advice and loosen up a little, just to get one good, long, pure breath of fresh air, and let your foot spread out until it is at rest. You are not angels, and if you keep on in this way it is doubtful if you ever will be. You are silly. Men don't love wasps, and they have no use for silly, simpering, sauntering, slip-shod, groaning women. Do let your feet and hands and waists grow. If you think you can get through the world without muscle you are deceived. Nothing is so lovely in the world as a girl nature-made, with vigor and bloom and muscle and brain-romping, laughing, glowing with health and toned with purity."

Secular News.

— Yellow fever has broken out at Tampico, Mexico.
— A heavy fire occurred in Salisbury, Md., July 24.
— The trial of 200 Nihilists by Court-martial will take place at Odessa in August.
— Three large flouring mills were burned in Oswego, N. Y., July 24; loss, $150,000.
— The negro exodus from the South does not abate. It is described as an epidemic.
— July 23 fifteen cases of yellow fever were reported at quarantine in New York harbor.
— The "sand lot" party in San Francisco have adopted the Irish World as their national organ.
— Russia proposes to establish and fortify on the Siberian coast a maritime station for the Pacific Ocean fleet.
— A young Creek Indian took the first Latin prize at the University at Wooster, Ohio, in a class of about sixty.
— A water spout in the Canton of Berne stopped trains, whirled masses of earth about, and injured the crops.
— It is said that Astor is negotiating with a design to establish a joint ocean and railroad line between North and South America.
— A battle was fought July 4 in Zululand, in which the Zulus sustained a crushing defeat, and the war is supposed to be ended.
— A Paris telegram says that Ex-Empress Eugenie will shortly acknowledge Prince Jerome as the representative of Imperialism.
— Emigrants are arriving in New York at the rate of 3000 weekly. Many are Germans and Russians, who strike out for the West.
— There have been several skirmishes with the Sioux Indians by General Miles and Lieutenant Clark, but a general war is not probable.
— California is adopting eastern customs. July 20 three inches of rain fell in Marysville in three hours. The streets were thoroughly cleansed.
— Gen. Donald McLeod, a veteran of the battle of Waterloo, died at his residence, in Cleveland, Ohio, on the 22d, being nearly 101 years of age.
— Pres. Eliot has boasted that a liberal policy has been adopted at Harvard; and the morals of the school are extremely low. Drunkenness is becoming very common.
— A Cheyenne despatch says the heaviest storm ever known in that region passed east of that city the night of the 24th. Fortunately it passed over a section but little settled.
— B. W. Reagan, the well known capitalist and mine owner of Oakland, and his wife, were thrown from a carriage on Thursday last, and were very seriously injured. Mr. R. has since died.
— An explosion of two of the boilers in the Central Pacific railroad car and machine shops occurred at Sacramento, July 20, killing the fireman and injuring several others; and also damaging the shops to a considerable amount.
— The yellow fever is becoming severe in Memphis—new cases being reported daily. As yet other cities have succeeded in keeping it out, but as the people are flocking away it will probably spread. St. Louis has asked for aid from the general government for the maintenance of the quarantine.
— The Nihilists threaten to burn the town of Baku, on the shore of the Caspian sea, unless the wealthy inhabitants contribute to the revolutionary funds. Gen. Gourko has issued an order that the premises on which presses for publishing anti-government or revolutionary pamphlets are found, will be closed by the authorities.
— The Boston Herald says: In a recent letter to an old friend General Grant says he shall go directly from San Francisco to Galena, Illinois, where he still has a house, and that he shall not take part in any demonstration calculated to make a part of the "boom." His plan is to quietly await the tour of events, and there is little doubt that if a loud call be made to summon him from his retirement he will accept it.
— A recent review of Burmese troops is thus described by an eye-witness: "The number of men drawn up on the parade ground was 5000, including infantry and cavalry, in addition to which there were eighty-one elephants. The infantry looked like so many monkeys; for size and soldierly bearing they were utterly contemptible. The cavalry were mounted on thin and puny ponies. The guns of the elephant battery were of no greater bore than the common English duck gun. The Burmese were immensely excited over their warlike display; but it would be difficult to imagine anything more ridiculous than such a sight to anyone with the slightest acquaintance with the armies of Europe."

Obituary.

DIED, July 17, 1879, near Healdsburg California, of heart disease, Bro. Cornelius Rice, aged 62 years. Bro. Rice embraced present truth in the early history of the cause in California, and became a member of the Healdsburg church at its organization, in which he remained a faithful Brother. We trust he has fallen asleep in Jesus. He was in the enjoyment of apparent good health till within a few hours of his death. Words of comfort and warning were spoken by the writer from Rev. 21:4.
W. M. HEALEY.

Eld. L. C. Rogers' Work.

ELD. ROGERS has been laboring some time with a tent put in the field by the Seventh-day Baptists. He is an earnest advocate of the Sabbath. In a recent report in the Recorder he says:—
I have full faith in this method of labor. We could have gotten no such hearing as we have had, if we had not our tent. It is the duty of our people to herald this neglected Sabbath truth, whether anybody receives it or not, and the tent-method offers good opportunities. If any among us are weak in the faith as to tent-methods, let them come and visit our tent; there is nothing in our tent-work that the most conservative Sabbath-keeper need be ashamed of. There is no apparent prejudice against this method of labor in this conservative and aristocratic village even. The pastors do not come in at all, but the intelligence of this community is fairly represented—some of the "first families" attend. But what a sorrowful sight it is to see large and attentive audiences made truly solemn under the power of God's Spirit and truth, evening after evening, till impressed with a sense of duty to obey, their moral sense improved, their spiritual pulses quickened, and yet having not enough moral stamina, not enough of the power of true religion to swing clear of doubts and fears and prejudices; some trifling excuse sufficing to turn many of them back to the old and popular ways of error. Oh, how dreadfully dark the times are! And what a powerful test of character is God's Sabbath truth. There is nothing like it in the whole round of doctrines and duties in this respect. It tests Sabbatarians as well. Sabbath reform in general, and tent-work in particular, has, I am sorry to learn, been held up to the reprobation of our people, somewhat recently, by some of our respected ministers. This is a grief to many, all along our denominational lines.

To Superintendents.

WE desire to call the attention of superintendents to the Sabbath-school report in this number of the SIGNS, as there are some points in it worthy of special notice. It will be seen that the total membership of the schools in the State, so far as reported, is 702, with an average attendance of only 405. We say only, because this average is far below what it should be. The question then arises, What can be done to increase the attendance at our Sabbath-schools? There is only one answer to this question, and we offer it as a suggestion: That our schools set about doing missionary work. This is the best mode that can be devised to increase the membership as well as the attendance of our schools. If a boy or girl, or any of the adult members, are absent one Sabbath day, let the teacher see to it that that person is visited during the week and the reason of non-attendance known. Let it be shown that you have an interest in them, and they in return will have their interest increased in the Sabbath-school. No Sabbath-school approaches anywise near perfection until it embraces within its membership every member of the church. The Sabbath-school is not for children alone, but for adults also.
Again: The total membership is 702, but the report shows there are but 449 Instructors taken to supply this number of scholars. Superintendents, cannot your club of Instructors be increased so that every member of your school can have one? The Instructor is an excellent Sabbath-school missionary paper; and if you would be fishers of men, women, and children, bait your hooks with the Instructor.
We would call attention to another very important point in connection with this report. The Constitution of the State S. S. Association requires that each school pay to the Association one-tenth of its quarterly collections. This constitutes a fund for the support of the Association, and to enable it to carry on its work of building up the Sabbath-school interest in the State. But this quarter we have received a tithe from only four schools of the seventeen reporting. We urge upon superintendents the importance of attending to this matter.
There are some churches in the State which either have no Sabbath-school or fail to report, we do not know which. We will mention a few names that have been handed us by the president of the Association, viz: Lemoore, Church’s Colony, Fairview, and Mendocino. We hope that if these churches have no schools that they will immediately organize them, elect their officers, and report the same to the secretary of the State S. S. Association, Oakland. W. J. BOSTWICK, Sec. S. S. A.

Melchisedec.

WE may soon make some remarks upon the subject of the identity of Melchisedec. In the mean time we recommend the inquirer to read our work entitled "Refutation of the Age to Come," where he will find the Scriptures on the subject carefully examined. We have strong confidence that the truth on the matter is there stated, and the true intent of the apostle's argument shown.
To S. N. C. Your question is answered in answer to Letter from Japan, in SIGNS of June 26 and July 3.

The Sunday Law of Texas.

UNTIL recently Texas has had a rigid Sunday law, equaled only by that of Pennsylvania for the injustice of its provisions. By the following, which was communicated to the Denison City Herald, by Eld. R. M. Kilgore, we learn that there has been a change:—
"In answer to many inquiries whether it is not a violation of the law of the land for one to keep the seventh day and work on Sunday, the first day of the week, I wish to append the statute of Texas on the subject. I copy from the Revised Statutes of the State of Texas which took effect yesterday, May 28, 1879, in which is embraced the following:—
"Penal code, title 7, chapter 2, article 183: Any person who shall hereafter labor, or compel, force or oblige his or her employes, workmen or apprentices, to labor on Sunday, shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $50."
"Article 184. The preceding article shall not apply to household duties, works of necessity or charity; . . . nor to any person who conscientiously believes that the seventh or any other day of the week ought to be observed as the Sabbath, and who actually refrains from business and labor on that day for secular reasons."
We presume it should read, "for other than secular reasons."

The Voice of Truth—Our German Quarterly.

AFTER many hindrances a German paper is at last established by the Seventh-day Adventists in America. It is printed at the office of the Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich. The following notice we copy:—
“This week we send sample copies of our German paper to all T. and M. Librarians whose addresses we know, with the request that they use them in obtaining subscribers. There is not a city, and hardly a neighborhood, where there are not a few Germans. Every one of these should have an opportunity to examine the paper, and to be requested to subscribe. We ask all our brethren and sisters to take an active part in placing this paper before those who can read it. If there are any Germans in your neighborhood, ask your librarian for a few sample copies of the paper, and induce them to subscribe.
Any one who wishes to work for the paper, and who cannot obtain samples of his librarian, may drop us a card stating how many they wish to use, and we will supply them free of charge.
Stimme der Wahrheit, or the Voice of Truth, is an eight-page quarterly, devoted to the exposition of prophecy, and the signs of the times. Terms in advance, post-paid, to any part of the United States or Canadas, 20 cents a year, (four numbers besides the first one, which is given to the subscriber) or 10 cents for the next two numbers. To Germany and other foreign countries, 25 cents a year. To those who pay for the paper, to be sent directly from the office to their friends on trial, 10 cents for the first three numbers. In clubs of 10 or more copies to one address, 15 cents a year per copy. Wherever we have seen the Voice introduced, it is well liked.”

Camp-Meeting in Quebec.

The cause of present truth in this province is comparatively young; yet its adherents and friends here think that they should have a camp-meeting this season. I have for some time been strongly impressed that such a meeting, attended by the blessing of God and the leadings of his Spirit, would be productive of great good.
The way has opened very favorably to hold the meeting at Magog, which would be a central place for our brethren in these townships. Our request is before Eld. G. I. Butler, to have the meeting held a little past the middle of August, and he has appointed for Aug. 21-26. Think we can easily secure reduced rates on the railroad, boat, and stage.
We desire to act in harmony with the advice of the General Conference Committee in this arrangement. In order to have means to make it a success, we suspend holding tent-meetings this season, to prepare for our camp-meeting. It is hoped that every brother and sister in this province will arrange to come up to the feast, and will encourage their friends to come also.
It would be cheering to all if Bro. and Sr. White could attend our camp-meeting. The brethren in Vermont are cordially invited to come; also the friends in Ontario and elsewhere who can possibly attend. Bring as many tents as possible. A. C. BOURDEAU.

Meeting of State Sabbath-School Association.

A MEETING of the State Sabbath-school Association was held in connection with the quarterly meeting of the State Tract and Missionary Society, July 20, 1879. Eld. S. N. Haskell presided.
During the session Bro. J. E. White made some excellent remarks in regard to the Sabbath-school work, in which he urged the use of the class contribution box as an important auxiliary to the Sabbath-school. As this mode of raising means for the support of the school had been tried with good results in the Oakland Sabbath-school, it was thought that its adoption by the other schools in the State would prove to them of great benefit. It was therefore
Voted, That the class contribution box be recommended for use in the various S. D. A. Sabbath-schools in the State.
The importance of the teachers' meeting was also discussed, and it was
Voted, That the adoption of the teachers' meeting be recommended to the various schools in the State.
No further business coming up for discussion, on motion the meeting adjourned.
We give below the reports of the various Sabbath-schools throughout the State, which will be found to be of interest to those who are engaged in forwarding the Sabbath-school work in the State.
REPORT OF CALIFORNIA SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION, FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1879.
Names of Schools Superintendents Membership Average Attendance No. under Fourteen No. over Twenty No. of Classes School held No. of "Instructors" taken New Members enrolled No. dropped Amount contributed
Oakland J. E. White 120 85 26 35 14 before 150 20 22 $13.90
Santa Rosa D. B. Guile 78 50 30 36 7 after 25 3 5 2.10
Woodland Chas. Chittenden 68 34 15 16 6 after 35 3 1 1.25
Napa Joseph Eggleston 55 48 14 26 5 after 50 8 5 12.50
Rocklin Griffin P. Davis 37 15 15 10 4 after 30 7 11 1.30
San Pasqual Unorganized 12 8 3 4 2 after - - - -
Lafayette J. D. Bandy 11 - - 7 1 after - - - -
Vacaville A. D. Benton 70 30 14 17 5 before 24 50 6 14.80
Bloomfield N. A. Young 41 20 21 20 5 before 18 2 1 1.00
Christine John Richardson 23 22 9 10 4 before 25 6 4 1.75
Guenoc J. S. Howard 25 12 7 16 5 before 10 3 - 5.00
Pacheco G. P. Sanford 17 12 3 8 4 before 12 - - -
Red Bluff J. Puls 32 20 4 7 2 before 10 2 - .75
Petaluma E. A. Chapman 52 57 17 22 4 before 50 5 - $54.35
St. Helena A. B. Atwood - 14 4 - 2 before - - - -
Total 17 405 195 242 71 14-2 449 129 51 -
M. C. ISRAEL, President, W. J. BOSTWICK, Secretary.
It often happens that we think least of the services of those who think most of their own abilities. Their self-consciousness and their anxiety to be regarded great and prominent, leads us to doubt and question whether sincerity is in them.

Appointments.

Camp-Meetings For 1879.

Canada, (Magog, P. Q.) Aug. 21-26. Massachusetts, Aug. 27 to Sept. 2. California, Fresno City, Aug. 28 to Sept. 2. " Healdsburg, Sept. 18-23. Maine, Sept. 4-9. Vermont, " 11-16.
No providence preventing I will meet with the friends in " Woodland …………………………… Aug. 1-4. The above meeting will be a general meeting, and it will commence Friday evening, and close Monday noon, so as to give our friends time to return to their homes Monday. We shall expect to see at this meeting all of our friends in that section. Bro. J. E. White will be present at this meeting to attend to the interests of the Sabbath-school work.
S. N. HASKELL.
Oakland, first and third sabbath, and second and fourth Sunday night, each month. San Francisco, first and third Sunday night, and second and fourth Sabbath, each month.
J. H. WAGGONER.

Business Department.

$2.00 EACH. J Babcock 6-28, Mrs Metcalf 5-48, John B Manrias 6-28, E Z Gregory 6-11, Triphena Wilson 6-18.
$1.50 EACH. Mrs M Pardee 6-28, Amelia Brown 6-28, Mrs Jane Frost 6-28, Thomas N Smith 6-28, Mrs J Robinson 6-28, J J Johnson 6-28, Edward Higgins 6-28, Mrs E E Duffy 6-28, S W Bristol 6-28.
MISCELLANEOUS. W M Love 25c 5-36, J S Sexton 25c 5-36, Mrs Lizzie Oliver 50c 5-40, Rev C W Anthony 50c 5-40, P Forbes 50c 5-32, M F Kenedy 50c 5-40, A Montgomery 50c, 5-44, O M Andrews 2.50, 6-40, Mrs J Cowles 2.50, 6-31, A Gilmore 5.00, 7-48, Mary Legro 1.00, 6-11, W R Foggin 35c 5-40, Frank M Jones (5 copies) 3.00, 6-4, Geo P Baily 60c 6-4, Jerome Tift 60c 6-4, C Van Horn 1.00, 6-4, D Maynard (12 copies) 14.40, 6-28, Geo R Drew (10 copies) 15.00, 6-28, H Creamer (10 copies) 15.00, 6-28, Peter Bates 1.20, 6-28, Mrs E Anderson 1.00, 6-12, J F Wood (10 copies) 15.00, 6-28, Mrs L M Criner (5 copies) 6.00, 6-28, Thomas Hare (10 copies) 12.00, 6-28, I A Hile 30c 5-40, Wm Hile 30c 5-40, Wm Eardly 30c 5-40, Wm Gray 30c 5-40, Alfred Swett 30c 5-40, Harley Branhart 30c 5-40, Jacob Benfer 5-40, Mrs E G Lowe (8 copies) 9.60, 6-28, M A Nourse 2.40, 6-28.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT. Cal T and M Society 70.00.
CAL. CONFERENCE. St Helena church 50.05, Healdsburg church 45.30.
CAL. PUBLISHING FUND. Mrs Annie Hammond 10.00.

BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, AND TRACTS.

Issued by the S. D. A. Publishing Association and for Sale at this Office.
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, for the period of 6000 years. By Elder J. N. Andrews. This is a work of unusual interest, prepared with great care, and is full of historical and Scriptural facts. 528 pp. $1.00.
Life of Elder Joseph Bates, with portrait. 352 pp. 1.00.
The Constitutional Amendment. A Discussion between Elder W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the Christian Statesman, on the Sabbath. 1.00.
The Bible from Heaven. By Elder D. M. Canright. An argument to show that the Bible is not the work of men, but is of God. 300 pp. 80 cts. Revised edition (in preparation). 1.00.
Spiritual Songs. A choice collection of Hymns and Tunes. 416 pp. 1.00.
The United States in the Light of Prophecy. An exposition of Rev. 13 : 11-17. By Elder U. Smith. Applying to our own land and time, this prophecy possesses surpassing interest for every American reader. 200 pp. 40 cts. Paper covers, 20 cts.
Thoughts on Baptism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A careful examination of the subject of Christian Baptism in the light of history and the Bible. It presents strong arguments against the notion of Trine Immersion. 186 pp. Bound in flexible cloth, 35 cts. Paper covers, 25 cts.
Song Anchor. For Sabbath-schools and praise service. By J. E. White. A new book, with excellent new words and music. 160 pp. 35 cts. Per hundred, $30.00.
The Sanctuary and the 2300 days of Daniel 8 : 14. By Elder U. Smith. This question has developed the people known as the Seventh-day Adventists, and is the pivotal doctrine upon which their applications of prophecy largely depend. 352 pp. $1.00.
Thoughts on Daniel, critical and practical. By Elder U. Smith. An exposition of the book of Daniel, verse by verse. 384 pp. 1.00.
Thoughts on Revelation. By Elder U. Smith. With notes or remarks on every verse in the book of Revelation. 352 pp. 1.00.
Life of Wm. Miller, with portrait. Interesting sketches of the life and public labors of this pioneer in the Advent movement in this country. 416 pp. 1.00.
The Biblical Institute. A synopsis of the lectures given at the Institute, held at Oakland, Cal., April 1877, covering the main points of our faith. 352 pp. 1.00.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By Elder U. Smith. This work treats on the condition of man in death, and his final destiny. 356 pp. 1.00.
The Spirit of Prophecy; or the great controversy between Christ and his angels and Satan and his angels, in four volumes. By Mrs. E. G. White. These volumes cover the time from the fall of Satan to the destruction of sin and sinners at the close of the one thousand years of Rev. 20. Each 400 pp. Vol. I. Old Testament Facts to Christ. Vol. II. Life and Ministry of Christ. Vol. III. The Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ, with the Lives of His Apostles. Vol. IV. (In preparation). Each 1.00.
Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost Time Question—Argument on Sabbaton—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture References—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The Second Message of Rev. 14.

Adventist Books Available from J. N. Loughborough

ANY of the books published by the Seventh-day Adventist Associations may be obtained of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Stanley Cottage, Stanley Street, near Shirley Road, Freemantle, Southampton, England.

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Signs of the Times · Jul 31, 1879