BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, AND TRACTS, ISSUED BY THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, AND FOR SALE AT THIS OFFICE.
The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days of Daniel 8:14. By Elder U. Smith. This question has developed the people known as Seventh-day Adventists, and is the pivotal doctrine upon which their applications of prophecy largely depend. 352 pages. $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
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, for the period of 6,000 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
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By Elder U. Smith. This work treats on the conditions 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 Revelation 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
Sermon on the Two Covenants. By Elder J. N. Andrews. An able argument on an important subject. 48 pp. 10 cts
Life of Elder Joseph Bates, with portrait. 352 pp. 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
The Constitutional Amendment. A Discussion between Elder W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the Christian Statesman, on the Sabbath. 1.00
Spiritual Songs. A choice collection of hymns and tunes. 416 pp. 1.00
Song Anchor, for Sabbath-school and Praise Service. By J. E. White. A new book, with excellent new words and music. 164 pp. Per hundred, $30.00. Single copies, 35 cts
The Two Laws, as set forth in both Testaments. By Elder D. M. Canright. 104 pp. 15 cts
The Sunday Seventh-day Examined. A refutation of the teachings of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 88 pp. 10 cts
The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the subject as set forth in the 8th and 9th chapters of the Revelation. 96 pp. 10 cts
Refutation of the Age to Come. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A most decisive refutation of the view that men may find pardon after the Saviour has closed his work in the Sanctuary above. 168 pp. 20 cts
The Morality of the Sabbath. By Elder D. M. Canright. A complete refutation of a common objection against the Sabbath. 96 pp. 15 cts
The Resurrection of the Unjust. A vindication of the doctrine. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 100 pp. 15 cts
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. A poem. By Elder U. Smith. 60 pp. 15 cts
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan. By Elder D. M. Canright. 144 pp. 20 cts
Vindication of the True Sabbath. By Elder J. W. Morton, formerly missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, to Hayti. 68 pp. 10 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
The United States in the Light of Prophecy. An exposition of Revelation 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. 50 cts. Paper covers, 25 cts
The Sufferings of Christ. A most graphic and touching description of what the world's Redeemer has suffered for us; calculated to incite every one to new devotion and consecration to the cause of Christ. 32 pp. 4 cts.
The Present Truth. Showing that every age has a truth applicable to it alone, and what is the present truth of this generation. 32 pp. 4 cts
The Seventh-day Adventists. A sketch of their origin, progress, principles, etc. 32 pp. 4 cts
The Second Advent. Manner, object, and nearness of the event. 32 pp. 4 cts
Redeemer and Redeemed. By Elder James White. This work sets forth the plan of redemption in its three stages. 40 pp. 10 cts
The Spirit of God, its Gifts and Manifestations to the end of the Christian age. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 144 pp. 15 cts
The Three Messages of Revelation 14 : 6-12; particularly the third angel's message and the two-horned beast. By Elder J. N. Andrews. 144 pp. 15 cts
Systematic Benevolence. Setting forth the Bible plan of giving for the support of the ministry. 64 pp. 10 cts
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A thorough exposure of Spiritualism; application of the Scriptures, and copious extracts from a library of Spiritualist publications. 184 pp. 20 cts
Matthew Twenty-four. A clear and forcible exposition of our Lord's discourse upon the Mount of Olives. By Elder James White. 64 pp. 10 cts
The Truth Found. The nature and obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 64 pp. 10 cts
Christ and the Sabbath: or, Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. By Elder James White, 56 pp. 10 cts
The Atonement. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. An examination of a remedial system in the light of nature and revelation. 168 pp. 20 cts
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Coming and Kingdom of Christ. By Elder James White. 182 pp. 25 cts
Redemption. The fall and its results, and the methods by which we are brought back to the favor of God and to immortality. 32 pp. 4 cts
ADDRESS, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL.
Books and Tracts Available
By Editor
ANY of the books, pamphlets and tracts issued at this Office, may be obtained of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England, who will furnish catalogues and prices in English money, and receive subscriptions for all our periodicals.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.
We think "God could have prevented" man's sinning by withholding the freedom of his will. But then, of course, man would not have been a moral agent, and could not have developed any character at all. A moral system necessarily involves choice and probation. Whether God foreknew that sin would exist we have no opinion to offer. As we cannot pretend to fathom the mind of the Infinite, we desist from useless speculations thereon. The profitable subjects are more in number and of wider range than we have time and capacity to compass fully. Even if we could understand the extent of God's foreknowledge we do not think it would at all affect our relations and duties. These are plainly revealed. "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."
JUDGES 1:19. We read in Mark 6:5, 6, that Jesus "could there do no mighty work," because of their unbelief. It was not a question of mere power; but of opportunity to work according to an established plan. He always taught that blessings should be according to the faith of the receiver. Of course a want of faith made it impossible to bestow the blessing. In the Old Testament the rule was the same. The people were instructed that God would go with them and subdue their enemies before them if they put their trust in him; but if they denied him he would forsake them. Judah had more fear of the iron chariots of the Philistines than he had confidence in the power and faithfulness of God. Therefore he was weak before his enemies.
FALSE CHURCH LOGIC.
By James White
It is a rule of grammar that two negatives, in certain positions, are equivalent to an affirmative. We believe it has never been fully decided that, in morals, or in religion, two errors make one truth, or two wrongs make one right. But the tendency is decidedly in the direction toward such a conclusion, and already some teachers are using it as a basis of argument.
Several years since a Methodist minister in Wisconsin made a discourse against baptism. After saying that the Baptists objected to infant baptism on the ground that it is not commanded in the Bible, he added: "The same may be said in regard to the Sabbath. There is not, from Genesis to Revelation, any command to observe the first day of the week, and yet we do it."
He did not attempt to prove that his own position was scriptural, but justified himself on the ground that the Baptist position on another point, is unscriptural!
Another case is found in a tract of the Presbyterian Board, in favor of Sunday keeping. It says: "Doubts on this subject are of very recent origin. They date no further back than the ages subsequent to the Reformation; and then they arose chiefly among the same people who denied, because there is no command in the New Testament enjoining it, the propriety of infant baptism."
So that case is settled! It is quite sufficient to destroy the force of an argument, to show that it was raised by some body who insisted on Scripture warrant. Sunday is the Sabbath. Why? Because it is opposed by some who oppose infant baptism. There is church logic.
We have a more recent case before us. The Christian at Work has had some passes with the Examiner and Chronicle on infant baptism, and the former thus settles the question against the position of the latter, and against accepting the Scriptures according to their literal reading:—
"On one occasion Christ took water and washed his disciples' feet, and then came his command: 'If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.' But the Examiner does not hold to Scriptural feet-washing, although the command is every way as explicit as that touching baptism;—Christ gives both the command and assigns the reason. If we are undeviatingly to follow the gospel of literalness there is but one thing to do,—the clergy should wash the feet of believers—there is no escape from the conclusion—and in fact this gospel of literalness 'accepts a principle that has no logical stopping place short of Rome,' evidenced by the fact that the Pope resorts to this pedal ablution every year in the Vatican."
It is a little at fault in this statement. The requirement of the Saviour is to "wash one another's feet," which is not complied with by the clergy washing the feet of believers. The duty is mutual. The pope only pretends to wash the feet of his cardinals, and in his dainty application of a little water to the feet of his dignitaries, comes about as near to the divine requirement as a Protestant minister, who dips the tips of his fingers in water and touches them to the head of an infant, comes to the administration of gospel baptism. There is no washing, neither is there any action of "one another."
Now if "Christ gives both the command, and assigns the reason," is it enough to set these aside to show that somebody else does not follow the command nor respect the reason? Or, is the fact that somebody sets aside this command and reason, a warrant for somebody else to set aside another command and reason? The Pedo-Baptists need not observe baptism just as it is required in the New Testament. Why? Because the Baptists do not obey the Saviour's command to wash one another's feet!
We grant that in these cases a dilemma is forced upon the opponents; but does it not show that their consciences are rather loose on the hinges, when they justify their own neglects by the dilemmas of their opponents? Better to take the Saviour's words and follow them whether others will hear or forbear.
J. W.
LIFE SKETCHES.
LIFE Sketches of Elder James White, and his wife, Mrs. E. G. White, is now ready. The subject matter of this book is given thus:—
1. The first 125 pages contain sketches of the ancestry, early life, Christian experience and labors of Elder White.
2. Pages 125–324, contain sketches of the parentage, early life, Christian experience, views, and extensive labors of Mrs. White.
3. The work is concluded with sketches of the rise and progress of the cause of present truth, presenting a brief history of our publishing work, the tract work, the Sanitarium and the College.
The book is printed on fine tint paper, and is put up in muslin in a style to correspond with the volume in other respects. In it is given the steel engraving of the writer, and fine engravings of the publishing houses at Battle Creek, Mich., and at Oakland, Cal., the College building, the Sanitarium, and the S. D. Adventist Tabernacle at Battle Creek. It contains 416 pp. Price, $1.25. J. W.
TENT MEETINGS IN ENGLAND.
By Editor
WE have received a copy of a hand bill for tent meetings in Romsey, England. A copy of this has been placed in every store and shop in the city. We pray for the success of the work in that kingdom. How large is the work! yet our God will give it success, for it is his own cause and truth. We can trust in him, and our trust will never be disappointed.
COMMENDABLE.
The fire department of Oakland declined to appear in any parade on the 4th, the chief considering the city in unusual danger on that day, and that it was the duty of the force to be at their posts, ready for duty if needed. Fortunately the city passed through the ordeal in safety, and the citizens feel more secure with a department so well conducted.
FOR THE TIMES.
By Editor
A LAWYER in New York has been getting up a new form for marriage ceremonies. The gist of it is the following:—
“Do you take this woman to be your wife—until you are divorced?”
“Do you take this man to be your husband—until you change your mind?”
“Then, they whom I unite let some Court put asunder.”
Marriage, under our divorce laws, is becoming a farce. While the Catholics regard it as a church sacrament, which it is not, the Protestants are fast going to the opposite extreme, and countenance customs which degrade the institution, and are fast undermining the foundations of society.
Preaching in Oakland
By Editor
PREACHING in Oakland next Sunday evening. On Sabbath in both cities.
UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE DIRECTORY.
Conference President—Elder G. W. Colcord, Walla Walla, W. T.
Secretary—Elder A. T. Jones, “ “
Treasurer—Wm. Nichols, Milton, Umatilla Co., Oregon.
Ex. Com.—{ Wm. Goodwin, “ “
{ Ambrose Johnson, Dayton, Columbia Co., W. T.
T. and M. President—Elder G. W. Colcord, Walla Walla, W. T.
Vice-Pres.—Wm. Goodwin, Milton, Umatilla Co., Oregon.
Secretary—Mrs. G. W. Colcord, Walla Walla, W. T.
Directors—{ No. 1, A. T. Jones, Walla Walla, W. T.
{ “ 2, A. Johnson, Dayton, Columbia Co., W. T.
{ “ 3, George Beck, Milton, Umatilla Co., Or.
Sabbath-School President—Elder G. W. Colcord, Walla Walla, W. T.
“ “ Secretary—Miss Adna Johns, “ “
Health and Temperance President—Wm. Russell, Milton, Umatilla Co., Oregon.
“ “ “ Secretary—J.A. Smith, Milton, Umatilla Co., Or
Business Department.
By Editor
RECEIVED FOR SIGNS.
$2.00 EACH. Mrs Metcalf 7-27, Mrs O D Valentine 7-27, Mrs Chas Nickerson 7-27, Mrs O D Washburn 7-27, O Darling 7-14, Eld A S Hutchins 8-3, Mrs Borland 7-27.
$1.50 EACH. Mrs Jane Hamilton 7-27, W R Morley 7-27, Wm Chase 7-27, Boston Athenaeum 7-27, Lewis St Mission 7-27, Y M C A Rooms 7-27, Mrs E M Neirhoff 7-27.
MISCELLANEOUS. Geo I Butler 5.00, 7-33, W R Foggin 25c 6-37, Mrs O D Valentine 1.00, 7-7, Samuel C Taylor 1.00, 7-2, M E Cady 1.00, 7-2, Mrs Theo Hutchinson 1.00, 7-2, Mrs S C Bassett 1.00, 7-27, A S Rose 25c 6-38, Ethel W Hobbs 12.00, 7-27, Mrs Eliza Vickery 3.00, 7-27, Miss Hattie Stanfield 1.25, 7-27, Miss E N Fowler 1.25, 7-27, A La Rue 3.75, 6-39, J A Powers 50c, 6-41, Mary J Steel 75, 7-3, E R Sisco 9.00, 7-27, Willard Lamb 3.75, 7-2, Henry Rieck 11.25, 7-2, Henry Wallace 3.75, 7-2, John Richardson 3.12, 6-48, A L Wright 1.00, 7-10.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.
Colorado T and M Society 5.65, Iowa T and M Society 95.85, Penn T and M Society 195.28, N P T and M Society 45.00, Wis T and M Society 50.00.
BRITISH MISSION.
Mrs A A Carter 5.00, O Darling 25.00.
CAL PUBLISHING FUND.
D S Hemistreet 40.00, J J Hannan 24.43.
CAL CONFERENCE.
Middletown Church 43.25, Tehema Church 80.25, T M Chapman 25.60, Nevada Church 23.25, Arbuckle Church 3.00, Napa Church 89.95.
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
Twelve-Page Edition.—A live Religious Family Paper, containing, in addition to the great variety of original articles, which make it a desirable prophetic journal, Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, News, The Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school. PRICE PER YEAR, $2.00
In clubs of ten or more copies to one address, to be used for Missionary work, each 1.50
Eight-Page Edition.—Condensed from the above. Per Year, 1.25
In clubs of ten or more, each 1.00
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
—OR—
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
MISS ELIZA THAYER, Secretary N. E. Tract Society, So. Lancaster, Mass.
ELDER J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
WM. LEAVITT, Salem, Oregon.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
By James White
A DAY OF HUMILIATION, FASTING, AND PRAYER.
THE members of our General Conference Committee are each standing under a weight of care, responsibility, and toil that can be hardly expressed by words. Our dear fellow-laborers who have charge of foreign missions are almost overwhelmed with care and labor. Elder Andrews is apparently sinking in health, and several of our ministers in this country are suffering from failing health.
These, it is thought, are sufficient reasons why the 24th day of July, 1880, should be set apart as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer by all our people. They are requested to make the general cause and the feebleness and worn condition of many of our preachers the subjects of serious thought and earnest prayer on that day.
In view of the facts that Elder Haskell is pressed with care and labor on the Pacific Coast, that Elder Butler has had the toil and care of camp-meetings the present season, and that without rest he still presses the work in Iowa and Missouri, and is needed at all the remaining camp-meetings, and that the writer needs divine guidance and help while laboring at the heart of the work, and that many of our fellow-laborers are sinking in health under their arduous labors, there are sufficient reasons why we, as a people, should humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, confess our departures from him, and return to him by confession, fasting, and earnest prayer.
The time is placed in the future sufficient for the special notice to reach all in distant lands. Responses to this call are asked from all our ministers.
In behalf of the Board,
JAMES WHITE, Chairman Gen. Conf. Com.