—The expenses of the Methodist General Conference at Philadelphia were over $50,000.
—The pope has created nine new cardinals. In his recent allocution he made the customary wail about "the painful position in which the head of the church is placed," and bemoaned the trial through which "the church" is now passing.
—The Arkansas Methodist evidently has lost faith in the coming of the millennium, in this generation, at any rate. It says: "Facts and figures demonstrate that the effort to bring the adult world to Christ is a failure." It might have added that the Bible demonstrates the same thing.
—This from the Congregationalist: "In describing a new theater, one of our daily contemporaries says: 'The trap-room extends underneath the whole stage, and eight feet below it.' That is about where—in our inexperience—we always supposed it was; only we thought it went down much lower."
—Another convention of the United Presbyterians is to be held to consider the "present state of the question of instrumental music in worship." The call regards the present state of the question, allowing the use of instruments, "as a chastisement from the Lord on the United Presbyterian Church."
—The Roman Propaganda is said to have in the field no less than 6,700 missionaries. Of these 1,000 are Capuchins, laboring in India and the islands of the Indian Ocean; 2,500 Franciscans, who are in Morocco and America; 300 Oblates in Jaffa, Natal, and Ceylon; 700 priests of the foreign mission in Malosia, Corea, and Tonquin; 1,500 Jesuits in British Guiana, Armenia, and Madagascar; 200 Lazarists in Persia, Abyssinia, and Kiang Su; 500 Dominicans in the Philippine Islands and elsewhere. It is claimed that 700 of these last year converted 20,000 pagans and baptized (sprinkled) 118,000 children.
—The Independent reports a case in England, in which a curate brought suit to recover pay for sermons that he had not preached because the people, after hearing a few of his sermons, had refused to listen to him during the remainder of his engagement. The court decided in his favor, holding that a sermon is a sermon, even though it is so ridiculous as to make the people laugh. On this verdict the Independent comments thus: "We are inclined to dissent from this ruling. Undoubtedly a sermon is a sermon, but a farrago of absurdities is not a sermon, even though it be headed with a text and delivered from the pulpit. And many a string of solemn platitudes, which make the people not laugh but yawn, might be counted out in settling a contract for good, serviceable sermons."
—Rev. Calvin E. Amaron, in his statement of doctrine, read before the council by whose advice he was installed pastor of a church in Lowell, Mass., said: "I have no sympathy with Universalism, because I find for it no foundation in God's word; I have sometimes wished I could make restorationism agree with divine revelation, but I cannot and therefore reject it also; and I have a perfect abhorrence for the degrading doctrine of conditional immortality." He has a "perfect abhorrence" for the doctrine of life only through Christ, yet he professes to honor Christ. It is quite evident that he mistakes his personal prejudices for knowledge of the Bible; but a strongly expressed belief in inherent immortality and hatred of conditional immortality would be sufficient to secure a recommendation to an infidel, from the average so-called orthodox council.
—The S. F. Post says: "The superintendents of the Congregational Church of the Northwest have made a spirited remonstrance against the 'incompetency' and 'lack of common sense' evinced by many ministers sent out to them from the colleges and theological seminaries of the East. Such men, they say, however 'liberally educated' and 'thoroughly good in character,' without common sense, are 'thoroughly good for nothing in the work of the ministry' there, and 'our duty to the churches compels us to set our faces against them.'" A Western Presbyterian paper rejoices to see this remonstrance, and says: "It is no kindness to let a good-natured, heavy, lumpy, sodden sort of fellow blunder through the course in theology because his dear, good mother consecrated him to the work before the world knew what a thick-witted fool her baby was. But the world finds it out, and even the Christian world is not so entirely sanctified that it is pleased with and thrives on ungrammatical nonsense."
SECULAR.
—The business portion of Palatka, Fla., was entirely destroyed by fire on the 9th inst.
—Rear Admiral Alexander Murray, of the U. S. Navy, died in Washington, D. C., on the 10th inst.
—Works of art valued at over $9,000,000 have been imported into this country from Paris since 1877.
—A severe shock of earthquake occurred at Cletherae, about twenty-five miles from Manchester, Eng., the 14th inst.
—The superintendent of the Mt. Pleasant (Iowa) city schools, a teacher in the public school, and two students were drowned near that place Nov. 10.
—In the gale of November 9, the British schooners Northern Light and Elsie collided off North Head, Catalina, Newfoundland. Both sunk immediately.
—The French Cabinet has agreed to forego the indemnity from China, and Minister Ferry has announced that peace negotiations with China have been almost concluded.
—The Washington monument is now 510 feet 10 inches high, five feet higher than any other structure in the world. It is the design to have it completed in time for dedication Feb. 22.
—Governor Tritle, of Arizona, in his annual report to the Secretary of the Interior, says that he fears violence unless the extended immigration of Mormons into the Territory is restrained by law.
—The delivery freight depot of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, at Louisville, Ky., was burned on the 10th, and seventy-five car loads of general freight were destroyed. Loss, $100,000.
—A. D. January, Deputy State Treasurer of California, has just confessed a theft of $40,000 from county funds that were deposited with him for safe keeping. A passion for gambling was what led to his ruin.
—A passenger train was wrecked near Hempstead, Tex., on the morning of the 14th, and ten people were instantly killed, and very many seriously injured. The disaster was caused by discharged employes, and thieves, who sought to wreck a freight train for the spoils.
—In spite of the spread of education, drunkenness is greatly on the increase in England, especially among women. Out of eighteen drunken persons brought before a London magistrate a few days ago, thirteen were women, and of 17,000 persons apprehended during the twelve months in Liverpool, 7,000 were women.
—There is a wood-pulp factory at Augusta, Ga., at which the expedition with which paper could be manufactured was recently demonstrated. A tree was cut in the forest at six o'clock in the morning, was made into pulp and then into paper at six o'clock in the evening, and distributed among the people as a newspaper by six o'clock the next morning.
—Scarcely 25 years ago the most powerful piece of artillery was a 98 pounder, throwing its projectile with a velocity of 1,600 feet per second. Now the weights of guns have been increased from five tons to 100 tons, the velocities from 1,600 feet to 20,000 feet per second, the energies from 1,000 foot-tons to over 52,000, and the projectiles from 68 pounds to 2,000 pounds.
—At the session of the Municipal Council of Paris, Nov. 10, a vote was passed appropriating 100,000 francs for the expenses incurred by the Sanitary Department in its measures for eradicating the cholera, and 50,000 francs for the relief of families suffering from the effects of the epidemic. The Government of Holland has established quarantine against France.
—A model of Eads' ship railway is now on exhibition in New York. It bears a ship nine feet in length. Captain Eads says that a syndicate of sixty of the wealthiest men in this country, representing more than enough capital to carry it through, are interested in it, and that it will be constructed and in successful operation long before vessels will pass through the Panama Canal.
—There have been serious riots in connection with the election in the Mexican States of Coahuila and Nueva Leon. At Saltillo five men were killed and robbed, and fifteen or twenty wounded. A number were also killed in Santa Catharina. In Sabinos, Hidalgo, a battle occurred between the Government soldiers and citizens. The District Judge was killed, while the Colonel commanding the troops, together with about twenty soldiers, are reported to have been killed. The towns are full of dead and wounded on both sides.703
—A London dispatch of Nov. 15 says that evidence has been secured which shows that the supposed conspiracy to blow up the Niederwald Monument a year ago, was in reality an attempt to kill the Emperor William, the Crown Prince, Bismarck, and other notables who passed in the procession over which the mine was concealed. The same dispatch says: "Since the Reichstag elections in Germany, it has been ascertained that not less than 650,000 ballots were cast for socialist candidates. This remarkably large vote for a party which is not only in opposition, but which has hitherto been supposed to number only a handful of malicious malcontents in each town, has set the Government to thinking."
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.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
By Editor
Michigan.—Miss Hattie House, care Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.
New England.—Mrs. E. T. Palmer, N. E. Tract Repository, South Lancaster, Mass.
North Pacific.—Mrs. C. L. Boyd, East Portland, Oregon.
England.—The Present Truth, 72 Heneage Street, Great Grimsby, Eng.
Norway.—Eld. J. G. Matteson, Akersveren No. 2, Christiania, Norway.
Switzerland.—B. L. Whitney, care Les Signes des Temps, Bale, Suisse.
Books for the Holidays.
By Editor
PLEASE examine our list of books for holiday presents. In another column you will find a list of choice temperance books, to which please call the attention of your neighbors and friends who are interested in the spread of temperance literature. We have a large assortment of tracts and pamphlets on health and temperance. Catalogue sent free to any address. We call your special attention to the books, etc., noticed in our SIGNS Supplement this week.
To Our Old Subscribers.
By Editor
VALUABLE PREMIUM OFFERS.
The publishers of the Signs of the Times, desirous of retaining the patronage of all their old subscribers, have decided to offer the following valuable premiums to all who will renew their subscriptions before Jan. 30, 1885:—
No. 1.—To our old friends and patrons who will send us, before Jan. 30, 1885, two dollars and fifty cents, we will send the Signs of the Times one year and mail either one of the following books: "Sketches from the Life of Paul," by Mrs. E. G. White; "The Life and Words of Christ," by Cunningham Geikie, D. D.; or the "Early Writings of Mrs. E. G. White."
No. 2.—To any old subscriber who will, before Jan. 30, 1885, send us three dollars, we will furnish the Signs one year, and mail, from New York, a copy of "D'Aubigne's History of the Great Reformation," five volumes complete in one.
The above books are so well known that no words of commendation are needed from us.
In renewing your subscription, please state plainly which premium you want.
Address, Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal.
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.—Vacaville, per J J Bolton $154.35.
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ORDERS FORWARDED.
By Editor
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Eld N C McClure, Eld S N Haskell.
BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—Eld W M Healey, James E Mathews, P M Partridge, Isaac Morrison, Libbie Saunders.
BOOKS SENT BY MAIL.—J L Martin, Mrs Lizzie M Moffitt, Mrs J A Robinson, Mrs J F Ford, Mrs J C Fink, J M Mendenhall, John Jalway, W N King, Mrs I Horton, Mrs H P Hesper, Mrs J B May, M E Sisley, Belle W Ackerman, J F Irish, J B Brannen, Mrs R Stickney, Allie Coombs, J B Forrest, Fannie Seever, David Barr, John Brown, S M Koss, Eld S Osborne, Eld R G Garrett, M J Pound, H C Martin, C K Beeler, Mary E Neville, Martha Coombs, Susan Coombs, Gideon Brown, Bettie C Saxby, S M Bradford, Sarah Coe, Lillie Potter, Fannie Edwards, John Krum, J C Bunch, G L Haws, J E Graham, L M Crank, Geo Fulton, H A Baxter, J G Knight, T R Angove, Mrs F Trevillian, J O Van Orum, Mark Crabtree, Wm J Roynton, Geo McDonald, John Burden, B Robb, A W Rothwell, J T Lameneth, Charlie Johnston, Mrs S J Berry, Peter Penfold, Rev I Muller-Eggen.
Obituary.
CHURCH.—Died near St. Helena, Cal., Nov. 9, 1884, of a gunshot wound, George E. Church, aged 26 years and nearly eight months.
The accident which caused the death of Brother Church happened as follows: In company with a neighboring young man, he was hunting. Standing on a rock about three feet high, he discharged one barrel of his gun at a flock of quails. Sending the young man to secure the game, he proceeded to reload the empty barrel. While turning in the charge, the breech of the gun slipped from the rock. At the same time the hammer of the gun struck the edge of the rock, the muzzle fell against Brother Church's body. He received the entire charge of the previously loaded barrel in the lower part of the abdomen, ranging upward. He immediately jumped down from the rock, calling to his companion that he was shot. Upon the suggestion that perhaps it was only a flesh wound, Brother Church replied, "I know that I am dying, but I am not afraid to die." He then exhorted the young man to study the Bible and be prepared in case he should be called away as suddenly as he himself was going. He lived but an hour and a half after the accident.
Brother Church's religious experience was of eleven years' standing. The united testimony of his brethren and neighbors is, that during that time, his was a consistent life. He attended the Healdsburg College last year in view of fitting himself to labor in the Master's cause. He also expected to attend the Biblical course at the College this winter. In the premature death of Brother Church, the father and brothers mourn the loss of an affectionate relative, while the church loses a faithful and beloved member. A discourse was delivered by the writer in the Seventh-day Adventist house of worship at St. Helena, on the 11th inst., to a large and sympathizing congregation, from 1 Sam. 20:3 (last clause), after which an unusually long train of carriages followed his remains to the cemetery. We trust his end is peace.
J. O. CORLISS.
RENFRO.—Died, Nov. 2, 1884, of pneumonia, at Dayton, Nevada, Sister Mary H. Renfro, of Sacramento, Cal., aged 46 years, 11 months, and 22 days.
Sister Renfro embraced the faith of Seventh-day Adventists during the tent-meeting held in Sacramento, in the summer of 1877. She was one of those persons we sometimes meet, who seem to be waiting for the Third Angel's Message. The company brought out at that time passed through some trials, and some of them seemed to love the world and self more than they loved God; but through all these changes and trials, Sister Renfro has always been found among those who desired to keep "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Her Christian hope sustained her in her personal trials and burdens, of which she seemed to have her full share. We believe her life will have its influence for good among those who knew her. She will be missed for a little season, and then will, we believe, come forth, at the call of the blessed Master, to a life of peace and joy. A husband and nine children mourn her loss.
W. M. HEALEY.
BRYANT.—Died, Nov. 6, 1884, of paralysis of the brain, Alexander Bryant, of San Francisco, Cal., a native of Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. He had been a member of the Presbyterian Church, but through the influence of his wife he accepted the Third Angel's Message, and was laid away in hope of the first resurrection. Funeral services were held at the S. D. Adventist Church in San Francisco, Nov. 9, by Elder A. T. Jones.
ANDREW BRORSEN.
GAMBLE.—Died at her mother's residence near Belvidere, Boone Co., Ill., Sept. 17, 1884, our beloved sister, Fannie Gamble, aged 29 years. Sister Gamble obtained her first impressions of the truth some six years ago in Nebraska. She was then Fanny Lawrence. On returning to her home in Illinois, she took her stand with the people of God, and the purpose of her life since then has been to honor God and advance his cause. She was esteemed and beloved by all who knew her. The church at Belvidere has sustained a great loss in her death. She has been gradually failing for the past two years, as she died of slow consumption. But as she neared the dark portals of the grave, her faith and hope grew stronger and brighter. She was fully resigned to the will of the Master, and rejoiced in the hope of immortality so soon to be given through Christ. Her husband, an aged mother, three brothers, and a little daughter, are left to mourn their loss. Their loss is her gain. She rests secure. May all these dear ones so live as to meet her in the glorious resurrection morn. The writer spoke to a large congregation of sympathizing friends and neighbors on the occasion of her funeral, from 1 Thess. 4:18.
R. F. ANDREWS.
Appointments.
OAKLAND.—House of worship, northeast corner of Clay and Thirteenth Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:30 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Tuesday evening at 7:45. Seats free. Preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30.
SAN FRANCISCO.—House of worship, 912 Laguna Street, between McAllister and Tyler Streets. Sabbath-school every Sabbath at 9:45 A. M. Preaching at 11 A. M. Prayer and missionary meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:45. Preaching every Sunday evening at 7:30. Mission Reading-rooms at the church.
General Meeting at Ferndale, Cal.
By John Norton Loughborough, M. C. Israel
WE appoint a general meeting for Humboldt Co., Cal., to be held at Ferndale, Dec. 5-14. The first meeting will be held Friday evening, the 5th, after which there will be services each day and evening. We hope to meet a full representation of our friends in Humboldt County, at this meeting. Please bring your Bibles and hymn books. Make it a point to attend the meeting from the first to the last. Pray the Lord to meet with us by his Spirit. Let us assemble in his name, and he will verify his promise to us.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH,
M. C. ISRAEL.
Appointment for Northern Dakota.
By O. A. Olsen
A GENERAL meeting for northern Dakota will be held at Fargo, D. T., Dec. 6-8. We want to hear from all interested in the truth, in that part of the Territory. Will those who cannot attend in person please write and speak of their interest, and also of the interest in their respective neighborhoods? All such communications should be addressed to Mrs. G. C. Tenney, Fargo, D. T.
O. A. OLSEN.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD: ITS OFFICES AND MANIFESTATIONS TO THE END OF THE CHRISTIAN AGE.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
This is a brief but comprehensive argument on the solemn and important subject of the Spirit of God. Its chapters embrace the following heads: The Holy Spirit of Promise; The Power from on High; Circumcision of the Heart; The Unity of the Faith; The Law and the Testimony; Try the Spirits; The Great Commission; Gifts in the Reformation; In the Present Century; Spirit of Prophecy Restored. These are subjects of vital importance to all, and especially to those who are looking for the return of their Lord.
144 pp. Price, 15 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS VOLUME ONE.
By Editor
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
THE readers of the Signs need no introduction to the writings of Mrs. White. The article on the first page of each paper, from her pen, is always eagerly read; and those who read it need no guarantee that her writings are elevating in their nature and marked by a high moral tone. This book has long been out of print, and is now republished, as much that it contains has never appeared in any other work. It is a brief but vivid sketch of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, from the rebellion in Heaven to the establishment of Christ's Kingdom. The book is well adapted for extensive circulation, as it contains a great amount of important matter in a small space. Much of the matter is of special interest to the church at the present time. In paper covers. 154 pp. Price, 25 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
TEMPERANCE BOOKS.
By Editor
FOR HOLIDAY PRESENTS.
The Divine Law as to Wines.........................................$ 1 25
His Honor the Mayor..................................................1 25
Saved; a Tale of To-day..............................................1 25
Penny Rust's Christmas...............................................1 00
Climbing the Mountain................................................1 00
The Old Brown Pitcher................................................1 00
Traps for the Young..................................................1 00
Prohibitionist Text-book.............................................1 00
Ten Lectures on Alcohol..............................................1 00
Alcohol, Its Nature and Effects......................................85
Caught and Fettered..................................................85
Norman Brill's Life-work.............................................85
Paul Brewster & Son..................................................85
The Lost Estate......................................................85
The Old Worcester Jug................................................75
Rosa Leighton........................................................75
Across the Water.....................................................75
Bible Wines..........................................................60
Juvenile Temperance Manual...........................................60
Talks on Temperance..................................................60
Communion Wine.......................................................50
Dialogue on Drink....................................................50
Alcohol as a Food and a Medicine.....................................50
Moderation vs. Total Abstinence......................................50
A Piece of Silver....................................................50
The Model Landlord...................................................50
Any of the above books sent, post-paid, upon receipt of price.
Ten per cent. discount on orders of $5.00 and upwards.
We have a full line of pamphlets and tracts upon health and temperance topics. Catalogue sent free to any address.
Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE DEFINITE SEVENTH DAY;
By John Nevins Andrews
OR, GOD'S MEASUREMENT OF TIME ON THE ROUND WORLD.
BY ELD. J. N. ANDREWS.
THIS tract is an answer to the question, "Can a definite day be observed by all the inhabitants of the earth?" It is a complete refutation of the common objection against the Sabbath, that the rotation of the earth on its axis makes it impossible for all men to keep the same day, showing not only that a definite day may be observed in all parts of the earth, but that no real difficulty has ever been experienced in the matter.
16 pp. Price, 2 cents; $1.50 per hundred.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE SEVENTH PART OF TIME.
By W. H. Littlejohn
By W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
This is a refutation of the theory that God sanctified simply a seventh part of time as the Sabbath, without fixing that time to any definite day. The necessity of a
UNIFORM DAY OF REST,
is admitted by nearly all, and is advocated in this book. The author also shows that the Creator understood and anticipated this necessity, and proves by five different processes of reasoning that the seventh or last day of the week, and no other, was in the beginning, and is now, the Sabbath of the Lord.
32 pp. Price, 4 cents; liberal discount by the hundred.
Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
LIFE OF WILLIAM MILLER,
By Editor
WITH PORTRAIT.
THIS book contains sketches of the Christian experience and public labors of this remarkable man. No other man in this century has been more widely spoken of, and more generally misunderstood. These sketches were prepared by those who were his co-laborers, and are a true presentation of the leading events of his life and labors. In addition to the life and character of the man, the character of the Great Advent Movement, in which he acted so prominent a part, is clearly set forth. It is shown that Mr. Miller was no mere enthusiast, but a man of calm judgment, and his interpretation of the prophecies was mainly correct, his only mistake being in regard to the nature of the event to take place at the close of the 2300 days, in 1844. No one can consider himself well versed in the history of the advent movement in this country who has not read this book.
408 pp. Price, $1.00.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
MATTER AND SPIRIT;
By Dudley Marvin Canright
OR,
THE PROBLEM OF HUMAN THOUGHT.
By Eld. D. M. Canright.
A philosophical argument on an important theme, indicated by its title. 66 pp. Price, 10 cents.
Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
By Eld. D. M. Canright.
Also giving an exposition of the origin, history, and destiny of Satan. 144 pp. Price, 50 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Anti-Sabbath Sermons.
By Editor
OUR friends very often send us partial or complete reports of sermons that have been preached in their neighborhood, which they wish answered immediately through the SIGNS. To such we would say that if we should at once publish everything that seems to demand immediate attention, we should be obliged to enlarge the SIGNS to several times its present size. Further, while we are pleased to have them remember us by sending such articles, and desire to have them continue to do so, we must exercise our judgment as to how much of any sermon shall receive attention, or whether it is worth noticing at all. A review of a sermon preached in any town, would not specially interest the people of any other town, except as the subjects touched upon were of general interest; and the SIGNS is continually discussing those subjects. There are very few sermons preached against the Sabbath, that are worthy of notice, except for the moral effect of an immediate verbal reply. A fluent speaker, with unlimited self-confidence, may deliver a discourse which sounds very fine, but when it is put on paper it may appear that it was nearly all sound.
One thing more should be remembered, and that is, that to answer a discourse against the Sabbath usually requires three or four times as much space as the discourse itself. The reason is that people in general are satisfied with assertions against the Sabbath, but require argument, of which we have abundance, in favor of it.
And finally, that our brethren may never become alarmed by some bold assertion that is honored by its maker with the title of argument, we would say that it is absolutely impossible for any man to produce even the semblance of an argument against the Sabbath, that has not been met and answered scores of times. When you hear a sermon against the law and Sabbath, turn to our published works on the subject, and you will find that it was answered before it was delivered. It would not be surprising if you should find an answer in the current number of the SIGNS or Review. Remember that "the foundation of the Lord standeth sure."
Murder and Suicide—Are They Criminal Acts?
According to the Philadelphia Times, an aid to the anti-tobacco reformer has developed, this ally being nothing greater than a bug which eats the tobacco that has been prepared for the human. One bug cannot eat much, but he has millions of brothers, each one as zealous as himself. As yet, the dealers are the only ones who have been affected by his ravages, and they have lost largely. And it is impossible to get rid of the intruder. One wholesale dealer, with the utmost seriousness, said to a reporter:—
"They have caused me the loss of a good many dollars, and with all my years of experience in the tobacco business I can find no remedy. They are the only species of insect that can live on tobacco, and anything that can live on tobacco can't be poisoned."
Think of it. Here is a man who sells what he knows to be a deadly poison, and he makes nothing of acknowledging it. No poison can be found that is deadly enough to kill a creature that will not succumb to tobacco. If he should chance to let fall that he was selling so powerful a poison to be mixed with food for hogs, he would not have his liberty an hour, but since he sells it only to men and boys, he will not be molested. Yet who will say that he does not deserve punishment? And then there are the thousands who deliberately buy and devour the poison. Is not attempted suicide a crime, and in some States punished as such? What would become of the world if strict justice were meted out to all? When we remember that it will be done, this becomes a question worth considering.
A CALIFORNIA Sabbath-school sends a request for an explanation of Job 14:21, 22: "His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn."
There is probably no question concerning the twenty-first verse; all understand that to refer to one who is dead. The statement that "his sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them," agrees perfectly with what we learn of the condition of the dead, in Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10; Ps. 6:5; 115:17; 146:3, 4; Isa. 38:18, etc. We suppose that the difficulty lies in harmonizing with this verse, the statement in the next verse, that "his soul within him shall mourn." People often cite these two verses as proof of the conscious state of the dead, "for how," say they, "could his soul mourn within him, if it was not conscious?" We would answer this by asking, Do the souls of dead men have flesh, and does it suffer pain? The popular idea is that when they "shuffle off this mortal coil," they are only the essence of immateriality. While the twenty-first verse refers to man's condition in death, the first clause of the twenty-second verse shows conclusively that that verse refers to a time when the man is alive and "in the flesh." So there is no difficulty about the matter at all. The chapter simply closes, as it begins, with a view of man's weakness and frailty.
"Liberality" Gone Wild.
By Editor
A FEW weeks ago we made some comment on the evolution theory of Dr. Woodrow, of the Columbia Theological Seminary. It will be remembered that his theory was a mongrel, half Bible, half evolution, holding that woman was created, but man was "developed." Serious objections was made to such teaching, and the case was referred to the Synod of South Carolina, with the following result:—
"Resolved, That in the opinion of the Synod the teaching of evolution in the Theological Seminary at Columbia, except in a purely expository manner, with no intention of inculcating its truth, is hereby disapproved."
The Christian at Work regards this resolution, which was adopted by a vote of fifty to forty-five, as a wise one, and it extols the liberal spirit in which it is put forth, in that it protects the interests of sound teaching, while it in no wise fetters the right of free utterance. Indeed! So we are to understand that it is not at all inconsistent with sound theological teaching to put forth the most absurd views, provided the teacher does not claim that they are true! We do not profess to be versed in modern theological methods, but we venture to ask if it would be entirely inconsistent with "liberality," if the Synod should give the Doctor full liberty to air his vagaries—outside the theological seminary.
The Book-Worm and Choice Literature
By Editor
WE have received from Mr. John B. Alden, publisher, 393 Pearl Street, New York City, a unique little pamphlet called "The Book-Worm." It is issued monthly, and besides giving a large list of first-class books at wonderfully low rates, the copy before us gives the famous chapter on the "Spanish Inquisition," from Prescott's "Ferdinand and Isabella." Each number gives an attractive selection from some noted work, making in the course of a year about 300 pages of excellent reading, for only twenty-five cents.
In these days when there is so much baleful and destructive literature scattered everywhere, it is especially gratifying to read the list of really standard and valuable works which Mr. Alden announces at rates which bring them within the reach of everybody. Here we read of Hallam's "Middle Ages," for only $1.00; Macaulay's England, five vols., only $2.00; Rawlinson's "Seven Great Monarchies of the Ancient Eastern World," three handsome volumes, only $2.75; "Macaulay's Essays" complete, three volumes, $2.00; and space fails us to tell of the works of Prescott, Rollin, and D'Aubigne, and Kitto, and Guizot, and Gibbon, Bacon, Locke, and Luther, etc. etc., all printed in clear type, on good paper, and well bound. Send a postal card for a catalogue; choose your books, and read yourself full and wise. Bacon says: "Reading maketh a full man; histories make men wise."
From the same house, we have also received a copy of "Choice Literature," which aptly designates the selections from the contemporary writers of the present day, with which it is filled.
This work shows the nature of the mistake made in expecting the Lord to come in 1844, which was not an error of time computation, but in the nature of the event to take place, namely, the cleansing of the Sanctuary. The work sheds a flood of light on the Scriptures, especially on the subject of the Atonement.
352 pp. Price, cloth, $1.00. Address,
SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE NATURE AND TENDENCY
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
OF MODERN SPIRITUALISM.
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.