Written for the Signs of the Times.
# A Lesson of Faith.
MR. W—— was a sea-captain; he had followed the sea for many years. On account of his wife's health, he gave up the sea-faring life, and retired to a cottage a few miles out from the city of New Bedford, Mass. He then followed the business of a carpenter and joiner. His wife was a religious woman and a member of the church. There was but one thing needed to complete her happiness, namely, that he also should profess religion and become interested in divine things. To this end she labored for many years.
Finally Mr. W—— yielded his heart, and commenced to observe the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. He was, as many other men are, connected with certain secret societies, such as the Free Masons, and he also had had his life insured, that his wife might receive some support in case of his death. After he had made a profession of religion, he began to seriously consider the claims God had upon those that served him. One of the first things that troubled him was the tithing system. He felt that God had a claim upon all of his temporal blessings. God had given him life, and power to accumulate that which he possessed, and he reasoned with his wife as follows: Said he, "If I acknowledge God in all my ways I ought to give God that which he claims, one-tenth of all my increase." His wife was rejoiced at this, for it met her mind most fully. But after going this far he felt that God had a greater claim upon that which he possessed. He said that he had never given anything to the cause of God. Now, said he, if I begin right, I ought to give God a tithe of all I possess, for I have never given the Lord anything in my life. He felt that he had robbed God both in tithes and in offerings. His wife thought that that might be all right; "but," said she, "you know that Mr. A—— is owing us a debt which there is some doubt about our ever receiving. We will donate that to the Lord, which will be equivalent to a tithe of what we possess; perhaps the Lord will induce him to pay the debt if we will give it to the Lord as a tithe." But Mr. W—— thought that that was making a close bargain with the Lord. They had a certain amount of money lying in the bank, and out of that they could give the Lord a tithe, and he felt that they should do so; but still she felt that perhaps the Lord would move on the mind of Mr. A—— so that he would pay the debt, and they would give that to the Lord.
Thus they reasoned with each other for many weeks; he felt convicted that he ought to give a tithe out of that which he had, and then trust the Lord as to whether or not they should secure that which was uncertain; but he delayed to follow his convictions on account of his wife. Mr. W—— also felt convicted that instead of being connected with any secret society that included all classes of men, and leaning upon them for support in case of sickness, he ought to more fully lean upon God; that the union of Christian fellowship was the best and most sacred union that could exist upon the earth; and therefore he would disconnect himself from every organization where simply a selfish interest was the object. He felt the same about paying his annual dues toward a life insurance company. "Has not God taken care of us," said he, "thus far in our lives, and if we give our money to him and serve him, he will not throw around us a protection as he did his servant Job anciently? and do we need to have our life insured by any company which has not the cause of God in view?" But his wife, in all of these cases, as in the case of the tithing, thought that his propositions were all sound, but she would conclude with this: If you should happen to be sick it would be an excellent thing to have the support of some society, and if you should happen to die, a few hundred dollars would not come amiss. And so they postponed the time when he should take a stand, fully according to the conviction of his own conscience.
Thus the matter stood for many months; on her part it was simply a delay, waiting for a more favorable time when they would take their stand. Finally one morning after he had been to his work about three hours, he was brought home in a carriage, having fallen from a building. He had received an injury at the upper part of his spine, and his entire system below his head was paralyzed. He could not move hand or foot. A more severe blow could not have happened to Mrs. W——. They immediately telegraphed for the minister who had labored with them in by-gone days. He came to the house of affliction and found them in the situation described. He had been there but a short time before Mrs. W—— brought forward a sum of money that she had taken from the bank, and gave it to the minister to be appropriated to the cause of God. Said she, "I feel that God has been in earnest with me. I have kept my husband from giving to God that which belonged to him, and I wish to redeem the past."
They had a few cows and some poultry, and also raised vegetables, which brought them a little income; but it had seemed that the hand of God was against them. Nothing that they set their hand to prospered; their horse was lame, and could not be used; their cows were sick, and the milk could not be sold; and she felt that these things were permitted of God because she had not permitted her husband to do according to the conviction of his own conscience, and which she also believed was right. Now, even while he was helpless, she was willing to take the steps that she did not feel free to have him take while he was in health. He had often told her while in health that he feared God could not bless them, but his frown would be upon them if they did not do as his word required. The minister, thinking that she might be excited, and that the movement would not be according to her sound judgment after the excitement was over, thought that she had better retain that which she was about to give to the cause, till she had time to more fully consider the matter; that perhaps they would need all this in his sickness. She waited a reasonable length of time, but finally told him that her mind was fully made up; that he could do as he pleased about being an agent for her in appropriating it to the work of God, but if he did not do it, she would give it to some one else. The tithe was the Lord's, and the Lord should have it, and that she had caused her husband to hold it in his possession until she longed to be free from that which God declared was his.
They also had conversation upon the other points upon which he had been convicted before his sickness. The Free Masons, according to their profession, had come forward and helped him immediately. He was receiving from them favors which they seemed willing to bestow. And there was that insurance policy which, in case he should die, would be the means of bringing her a handsome little income; but under these circumstances, having a few weeks to deliberate over the matter, she concluded that let circumstances be what they might, they would trust God, who had cared for them in all their past lives; who numbered the hairs of their head and watched the fall of the sparrow. They could not read in the Scripture that God ever ordained such institutions to save his people from calamities which might befall them. So he finally severed his connection with the Masons. She also took the policy and returned it to the agent of the Life Insurance Company. The agent, being a friend of theirs, advised her not to do this, "for," said he, "your husband is sick and probably will not live, and in case of death you will receive the full amount of your policy." But her soul was burdened; her heart was full; and she felt that under any circumstances, whatever the result might be, she would go according to their convictions of duty when in health they calmly considered these things. She left the policy and thus relinquished all the claim which they had upon the company. Said Mrs. W——, "If my heart was ever light, it was light when I returned from the city. I felt that I had done all that I could. I had sought God's forgiveness for holding my husband back when he was anxious to move according to the convictions of his own conscience, and now I had taken every step to put away those sins and trust alone in the God of Israel. I went rejoicing from morn till night. Our captivity turned then and there. God smiled upon the labor of our hands, we were never so prospered temporally in all our lives before."
The blessing of God now came into the family. It seemed that the cows gave an unusual amount of milk; their hens laid more eggs than usual; their garden yielded the vegetables as never before. The man in their employ would carry to market one morning what it seemed that they had in the garden, and the next morning there would be as much more. It was thus during the season of vegetables. It was the same in every other respect; and yet Mr. W—— remained upon a sick bed.
One day when Mrs. W—— was riding out she met the insurance agent with whom she had previously left the policy. He beckoned her to stop and presented her with a draft of $500. Said he, "I returned your policy to the company; and told them that you relinquished all claim you had upon them. In a few days I received this amount as a present to you." It covered all they had ever paid the company, and she felt that the blessing of God not only gave her freedom when she returned the policy, but it had also returned to them the full amount that had been paid to the company. God raised them up friends who did for them every possible thing that would add to their comfort.
In looking over their accounts, one year from the time the accident took place, they found that their expense had been during the year not far from $2,000; but they also found that their income from that which they had sold was equal to their expense. It was a marvel to themselves and to their neighbors how that could be. They had paid a tithe on all that they had received. They had not consumed their principal, but that was still good. They felt that God had especially favored them.
When Mr. W—— had been well and was earning good wages, they only lived and supplied themselves. It took all his wages, with all the income that they could receive from their garden and from their cows to support them; but now he had not himself earned one penny; and they were obliged to employ a man to do the work out of doors, and a woman much of the time in the house; so that it had required much assistance during the year with an increased outlay of means, and notwithstanding this they had received from the sources before mentioned sufficient to support them. They and many others believed that God blessed them in doing right and trusting him.
SILENT, like men in solemn haste,
Girded wayfarers of the waste,
We pass out at the world's wide gate,
Turning our back on all its state;
We press along the narrow road
That leads to life, to bliss, to God.
We cannot and we would not stay;
We dread the snares that throng the way;
We fling aside the weight and sin,
Resolved the victory to win;
We know the peril, but our eyes
Rest on the splendor of the prize.
No idling now, no wasteful sleep,
From Christian toil our limbs to keep;
No shrinking from the desperate fight,
No thought of yielding or of flight,
No love of present gain or ease,
No seeking man or self to please.
No sorrow for the loss of fame,
No dread of scandal on our name;
No terror for the world's sharp scorn,
No wish that taunting to return;
No hatred can our hatred move,
And enmity but kindles love.
No sigh for laughter left behind,
Or pleasures scattered to the wind,
No looking back on Sodom's plains,
No listening still to Babel's strains,
No tears for Egypt's song and smile,
No thirsting for its flowing Nile.
No vanity nor folly now;
No fading garland round our brow,
No moody musings in the grove,
No pang of disappointed love;
With the brave heart and steady eye,
We onward march to victory.
What though with weariness oppressed?
'Tis but a little, and we rest.
This throbbing heart and burning brain
Will soon be calm and cool again.
Night is far spent and morn is near,—
Morn of the cloudless and the clear.
'Tis but a little, and we come
To our reward, our crown, our home!
Another year, it may be less,
And we have crossed the wilderness—
Finished the toil, the rest begun,
The battle fought, the triumph won!
We grudge not then the toil, the way;
Its ending is the endless day!
We shrink not from these tempests keen,
With little of the calm between;
We welcome each descending sun—
Ere morn, our joy may be begun!
—H. Bonar.
The High-Grade School
EXPERIENCE is a high-grade school—course thorough, tuition free—but incidental expenses enormous.
News and Notes.
By Editor
—Tucson, Arizona, is now lighted by electricity.
—The Catholics are about to establish a convent at Raton, N. M.
—The coinage of the mints for the month of July was $3,133,800.
—Several shocks of earthquake have recently been felt at Gilroy, Cal.
—The reduction of the public debt during the month of July was $8,000,000.
—July 30, a fire in the business portion of Tulare, Cal., destroyed property to the amount of $120,000.
—The Canadian Pacific managers state that 2,000,000 bushels of wheat will be sent to tide-water this season from Manitoba.
—One hundred and eighty houses have been destroyed by fire in the town of Semerov, Russia, in the government of Nijni Novgorod.
—Another severe shock of earthquake on the island of Ischia, has put a stop to the work of searching the ruins for the bodies of victims.
—A fire in San Francisco on the 4th, destroyed over thirty houses, the loss aggregating about $300,000. One man was burned to death.
—The latest reports place the number of victims of the Ischia earthquake at 8,000. It is also stated that Vesuvius is in a state of eruption.
—Two freight trains came in collision at Pawlet, Vt., Aug. 1. Both trains were wrecked, and twelve cars were burned. Four men were killed.
—Small-pox and malignant fever are raging on the coast of Guatemala. Yellow fever is making havoc among the foreign residents of Callao, Peru.
—A most dangerous nihilist conspiracy has just been discovered in Russia. A great number of people are implicated, and many arrests have been made.
—A powder mill explosion at Aujoulune, France, on the 3d, killed six persons, injured several others, and destroyed property to the amount of 1,000,000 francs.
—The total number of deaths from cholera in Egypt, since the first outbreak of the disease is 16,000. The death rate is not materially diminishing as yet. Cholera is epidemic at Bombay.
—Two parlor cars, one baggage, and one passenger car, and the engine of an express train were wrecked near North Troy, Vt., on the 2nd inst. Fourteen persons were seriously hurt and one lady was killed.
—James Carey, the Irish informer, was killed by one O'Donnell, at Port Elizabeth, South Africa, whither he had been sent by the British authorities for safety. The murderer admits that he had been appointed to do the deed.
—At a meeting in Sacramento, Cal., last week, to express sympathy for the striking telegraphers, and to indorse their action, Governor Stoneman presided, and the State, county, and city officials occupied the stage and took a prominent part.
—During the year closing June 30, 1883, the sale of public lands has amounted to 17,000,000, an increase of twenty per cent. over last year. Of this number 8,000,000 acres were disposed of in Dakota alone. This is twice as much as was sold in Dakota during the years 1881 and 1882.
—Two bridges on the Texas Pacific Railroad, about seventy-five miles west of Dallas, Tex., were set on fire on the night of the 31st ult. The engineer of the eastbound through express discovered the fire, on one of them, in time to stop within a few yards of it. A detachment of U. S. troops, that was on board, prevented the robbery of the train by men who were concealed by the roadside.
—A company with a large capital has been organized in New York, for the manufacture of the newly-invented multi-charge cannon, which is said to be the most formidable weapon in the world. One has just arrived in New York, and is described as follows: "It contains four 'pockets' underneath, each of which holds twenty-eight pounds of powder, while the breech itself holds but eighteen pounds. As the projectile starts from the breech the force of this entire one hundred and thirty pounds of powder is concentrated on it, one 'pocket' after another rapidly discharging its contents. The gun is twenty-five feet long and weighs twenty-five tons. It is rendered doubly strong by a steel lining, and, it is thought, can hurl a projectile through a solid piece of iron twenty-four inches thick. It will shoot, so it is claimed, from twelve to fifteen miles, and is intended for both harbor and naval defense. The present gun was manufactured at a cost of over $50,000. The projectiles with which it is loaded weigh from one hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds."
Religious Notes.
—The Illinois Supreme Court has just decided that a contract made on Sunday is just as binding as if entered into on any other day.
—The S. S. Times says: “When a minister’s preaching hits any particular sin to which his hearers are addicted, he is pretty sure to be complained of because he dosen’t stick to ‘gospel preaching.’”
—There has recently been a great sale of relics in Italy, but the pious Catholics who manufacture them are dismayed by the low prices which they bring. Certain relics of St. Peter brought only four francs.
—We learn that the School Superintendent of California has rendered a decision forbidding Trustees to allow religious services to be held in district school houses, under penalty of a forfeiture of their school appointment.
—Emperor William has directed that the four-hundredth birth-day of Martin Luther be observed by all Protestant people. The students of the University will celebrate at Erfurt on August 8th the entry of Luther into that town.
—“Observer,” in the Christian Union, says: “I am convinced that preaching does not deal vigorously enough with the consequences of sin; that the old dogmas are not much preached, even by those who pretend to hold them, because they are unpreachable now; and as a consequence there is need of return to the gospel method of dealing with men’s consciences—the crowling of motives that stir the souls of the impenitent in their innermost workings, so that the fires within shall move them to immediate works of righteousness.”
—Rev. Newman Hall, in the Independent, takes the position that the popular system of renting pews is neither reasonable, equitable, nor expedient. It is not expedient because more money would be brought into the treasury if it were abandoned. It is not equitable, because pew-holders do not contribute in proportion to the advantages received. And it is not reasonable, because, as he says, “A Christian church is a society of believers. The qualification is not wealth, but faith and holiness. The object of assembling is not to provide an entertainment which shall be a financial success, but to worship God, to nourish piety in the saints, and to convert sinners by the word. A pew-renter chooses a certain church because it is fashionable, or the service imposing, or the music good, or the preacher eloquent, original, amusing; not from any real love for worship itself. Yet, because he can pay the regulated price, he may occupy one of the most convenient or conspicuous seats, while others, who worship in spirit and in truth, and aid every sermon by earnest prayer, are treated as strangers in their own church.”
California Tract and Missionary Society.
By S. N. Haskell
THE thirteenth annual session of the Tract and Missionary Society will convene on the camp-ground at San Jose, in connection with the camp-meeting, Sept. 6-18, 1883.
Not only the missionary work of this Conference and the Ship Mission, located at San Francisco, but the foreign missions, and what can be done for the islands of the Pacific Ocean, Australia, and New Zealand, will be considered. Many important questions which pertain to the missionary work, that will interest all, will be considered.
S. N. HASKELL, President.
California Conference.
By S. N. Haskell
THE twelfth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at San Jose, Sept. 6–18. This will be as important a session as was ever held in California. Every company of Seventh-day Adventists in the Conference should be well represented. Delegates should be chosen, so that the wants of all parts of the field may be known, and future labor arranged accordingly. Individuals living alone, who cannot attend, should make known their wants and condition by letter addressed to the SIGNS Office. We have reached an important and interesting time in the history of the cause on the Pacific Coast. Advance steps must be taken, and now is the time to move forward in the opening providence of God. The cloud is rising. The judgments of God are already in the earth. There are many indications which show that what is done must be done quickly. We expect to see a general rally of the friends from all parts of the State.
S. N. HASKELL,
I. D. VAN HORN,
M. C. ISRAEL,
California Conference Committee.
Appointments.
California Camp-Meeting.
It has now been decided to hold the camp-meeting for northern California at San Jose, Sept. 6–18. It will be held upon the fair-ground, near the depot of the Narrow-Gauge Railroad. The horse-cars which pass the railroad station also pass the camp-ground. The ground is level and covered with shade trees, presenting a beautiful grove in which to pitch family tents. Only one spot is large enough for the tent 60x100 ft. Had the ground been designed on purpose for the camp-meeting, it could scarcely have been improved. The committee will do every thing possible to make it comfortable and to accommodate all that come.
We hope this will be the largest camp-meeting ever held in the State of California; and in many respects it certainly will be the most important. Provision will be made for man and beast.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.
New England Camp-Meeting.
THE camp-meeting of the New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held on the Fair-Ground, in the city of Worcester, Mass., Aug. 23–28. We expect this will be the largest gathering of our people that has ever convened at any one meeting in the New England States. In some respects it will be the most important. Eld. Geo. I. Butler from Iowa, President of the General Conference, Elder I. D. Van Horn, formally President of the North Pacific Conference, and Mrs. E. G. White, from Oakland, Cal., are among the speakers who will be present. The school interests of this Conference, the foreign missions that will be considered, and the advance steps which are being taken this season in the work of present truth, will make this meeting an important one, and one of unusual interest to all of the friends of the cause. Every company of Seventh-day Adventists in the N. E. Conference should be represented, and all those living alone should attend as far as consistent. All friends of the Christian religion desiring a good spiritual meeting are especially invited. Reduction of fare on all railroads, as heretofore, is expected. Those coming through Boston, and from Boston will come over the Fitchburg and Nashua R. R., leaving the Fitchburg depot in Boston, about 6, and 11 A. M., and 4 P. M.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.
Illinois Camp-Meeting.
By B. R. NORDYKE
THE Kankakee and Seneca railroad will sell round trip excursion tickets on Sept. 10, 11, and 12 from Kankakee to Seneca, good to return until Sept. 21, inclusive, for $1.80. And the C. I. St. L. & C. Ry., from St. Anne to Seneca and return for $2.20, same limit as above. Trains make close connections at Seneca with C. R. I. & P. trains for Sheridan via Ottawa. The brethren living near the C. & E. I. and Illinois Central railroads will please make note of above arrangements.
B. R. NORDYKE,
Trav. Agt. C. I. St. L. & C. Ry.
Reno and St Clair, Nevada.
By S. N. Haskell
IF nothing in the providence of God prevents. I will meet with the church at Reno, Nevada, Sabbath and first day, Aug. 11, 12, and at St. Clair, Aug. 18, 19. At each of these places evening meetings can be arranged. As my stay will be necessarily brief, I would be glad to see all of the friends at these meetings. There will be an opportunity for baptism at each of these meetings.
S. N. HASKELL.
Obituary.
By G. D. Ballou
SPEAR.—Died, near Ferndale, Humboldt Co., Cal., July 18, 1883, Mrs. Alzina Spear, aged 71 years. Sister Spear was mother-in-law to Bro. Asa Atwood, of the Rural Health Retreat. For many years she had been a believer in the near coming of the Lord, and the doctrine of life only through Christ. The last few years she has been a reader of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and for a few months before her death she was an observer of the Lord's Sabbath. We visited her several times in her last sickness and felt assured that her hope was in God, and that, if faithful, we shall meet her in the first resurrection.
The funeral was held from the tent. Words of instruction and comfort were spoken from Rev. 14:13, a text which she had chosen for the occasion.
G. D. BALLOU.
THE SEVENTH PART OF TIME.
By W. H. Littlejohn
A SERMON ON THE SABBATH QUESTION.
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 for 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; $3.00 per hundred.
Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THE DEFINITE SEVENTH DAY; OR, GOD'S MEASUREMENT OF TIME ON THE ROUND WORLD.
By J. N. Andrews
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.
Baptism of Fire.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
PLEASE explain Matt. 3:11: "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire."
The query is, of course, in regard to the baptism of fire, as there is no question in regard to the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We think the explanation is found in the context. John was speaking to two classes of people, as well as of two baptisms. One class consisted of those who would bring forth "fruits meet for repentance," the other, of those who would continue to merit the appellation, "brood of vipers." This distinction is clearly made in verse 12, in which he continues, "Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Verse 12 is explanatory of verse 11. Fire is the agent by which the wicked are to be destroyed; and the propriety of calling this destruction a baptism is apparent when we read that the wicked are to be consumed in a "lake of fire." Rev. 20:10.
The first instance of the baptism of the Holy Ghost occurred on the day of Pentecost, in fulfillment of the promise of Christ in Acts 1:5. The disciples were immersed in the Spirit, because "it filled all the house where they were sitting." There was nothing on this occasion, however, that could be called a baptism of fire. It is true that there appeared tongues parting asunder "like as of fire," but these tongues merely "sat upon" each one of them.
Those who claim that the baptism of the Holy Ghost and of fire are the same, must also claim, to be consistent, that the wicked Pharisees were promised the baptism of the Holy Ghost; for the words of John were addressed to them as well as to those who were repentant.
This no one will hold for an instant. Wicked persons do not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which prepares its recipients for the garner of Heaven; but they will receive the fire from Heaven, which rids the earth of the worthless chaff. E. J. W.
Gaining Ground.
By Editor
THE Christian Statesman sees indications that the relation of the railroad system of the United States to the Sunday law is soon to receive more serious consideration at the hands of railroad men and the Christian public than ever before. Following the order of the President of the Louisville and Chicago Railroad Company, prohibiting the running of trains on Sunday, the Chicago Railway Age published a letter from H. B. Ledyard, President of the Michigan Central Railroad Company. He says: "If each of the trunk lines were absolutely to refuse to exchange traffic of any kind with their connections from 6 P. M., Saturday, until Monday morning it would be a simple matter to so arrange the movement of traffic as to practically do away with the running of Sunday trains." He also says that on account of the grouping of the railway companies into associations, for the exchange of traffic, etc., it would be much less difficult to bring about a cessation of Sunday labor now than a few years since. He thinks that the loss in traffic from Sunday stoppage would not be appreciable. He further says: "I believe if this matter is presented to all our managers in its true light, either from a moral or an economical standpoint, a few moments' reflection will show to each of them that we are all committing a fearful mistake in allowing the continuance and rapid growth of this Sunday work."
While confidently believing that there would erelong be a general movement in favor of Sunday observance, we have thought that the railroads would present the greatest hindrance to such a movement, but from this we see that the way is already preparing. But the Statesman is not satisfied with even voluntary observance of the Sunday. It well knows that a voluntary compliance with a custom for which there is no semblance of authority, may not be of long continuance, and it puts in a plea for Sunday legislation and a national religion as follows:—
"The present state of this weighty matter illustrates vividly the necessity of laws enforcing the observance of the Sabbath. It is generally recognized by thoughtful men that mere voluntary agreement among individuals would never, in the absence of restraining laws, secure the general cessation of business on any single day. Law must interpose her hand to restrain individual avarice, willfulness and folly, for the sake of the public good. For the same reason we doubt the success of the effort to arrest railroad labor on the Sabbath by voluntary agreement among companies or officials. If even a minority refuse to enter into such an arrangement, competition will still drive all, however unwilling some may be, to continue the traffic. Even if made, such an agreement would be liable to be broken at any time by the action of any one of the parties to it. Nothing but the calm majestic voice of law, not worn-out statutes habitually violated with impunity as our Sabbath laws are violated to-day, but serious legislation with the sanction of sufficient penalties, can ever remedy this great evil. Such legislation will come with the reformation of the government on religious principles; till that has been secured it will not come. Let agitation proceed in every possible way."
And agitation will proceed. Light on the Sabbath of the Lord is spreading in every quarter, honest souls are accepting it and helping to send its rays still further, and when the test comes there will be a little company who will say in the spirit of meekness, "We ought to obey God rather than men."
Dedication in Healdsburg.
By Editor
THE dedication of "North College Hall" took place Sunday, Aug. 5, according to appointment. The weather was about as pleasant as possible, and the occasion in every way an enjoyable one. The large double parlor and room adjoining and hall were crowded with citizens of Healdsburg, with members of our church, and the inmates of the house. The exercises commenced with singing, reading of Psalm 19, and prayer. Bro. W. C. White made the report in behalf of the Building Committee, giving a very brief description of the building, its cost to date, etc. It was interesting to all. Eld. Haskell responded in behalf of the Board of Trustees, and accepted the building. The dedicatory address was given by the editor of the SIGNS, and the dedicatory prayer offered by Eld. Haskell.
After this, remarks were made by Sister White, Mr Jordon, the editor of the Russian River Flag, Mr. Ruffner, of the Council, and Mr. Atherton, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. The exercises were interspersed with singing; and the company of singers, rather hastily organized for the occasion, did themselves credit. All seemed pleased, and most of the audience spent some time in viewing the building, which was the admiration of all.
As we arrived home just in time to aid in putting the paper to press, we can give no further particulars this week.
We cannot undertake to do it, because we do not think we understand it. It is confessedly an obscure passage. "The Age-to-Come" believers used to claim it as proof on some phases of their theory; but after a long and very close examination of it, Eld. D. P. Hall, the most critical advocate of that theory with whom we ever met, confessed to us that he could not use it as he had been accustomed to use it.
We have seen several pretended "translations" of the text, made to relieve it of its obscurity, but by an examination of the original we found they were not translations at all, but rather free renderings; they but give the opinions of the writers as to what it means, not the exact translation of what the Hebrew says. If any of our correspondents have light on it we shall be glad to receive it.
Important Notice.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
It will be noticed in this week's paper that we have acknowledged the receipt of money toward raising a sum of not less than $25,000, the income of which goes to aid those who are worthy and need the benefit of our school, but who, without financial aid, cannot attend. It is well known that the object of the school is to fit young men and women for usefulness in the cause of God. To accomplish this it is necessary that habits of industry be acquired, as well as mental training and a knowledge of the sciences; also that the Scriptures be taught in a manner which will give a thorough knowledge of the truth and the best method of presenting it to others.
Not only ministers and missionary workers are wanted in the cause, but teachers also. There are not less than five of our churches in California at the present time which are in need of teachers to instruct their children, and they are ready to pay a reasonable sum if the proper persons can be secured. They are not satisfied with the common teachers of the present day. They need those who have formed habits of industry themselves, and understand how to teach the Bible in harmony with the truths which we profess, as well as the most successful methods of teaching the Scriptures. If there ever was a time when our youth and children should be well grounded in the truths of God's word it is in this infidel age in which we live.
Men and women professing present truth are revealing the fact that they have no real faith in the Scriptures as being the word of God. As we value the importance of eternal life in the kingdom of glory, and the salvation of our families, so will be our interest in securing that instruction in divine things which will shield ourselves and families against the corrupting influences of the present time. These teachers should also be prepared to aid the church in the missionary work. Teachers not of our faith cannot appreciate the needs of the children and youth, and the wants of those who are looking for the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven.
There are many who are anxious to prepare themselves for these fields of usefulness, but are unable to attend school. Such persons we are anxious to help. There are also those who have money loaned to the Association on interest, who have no special interest in giving their means or any part of the income to the cause. It is proposed that this money raised will be used to take up such notes, and that the Association pay the interest directly to the school. Thus instead of the earnings of the Association going to those who have no special interest to help the cause, they will be brought directly to the aid of those who are seeking to qualify themselves for usefulness. The principal will ever be kept good, being used in the cause of God, while its earnings will be used as described.
We invite those who have funds, to donate from one to ten thousand dollars each, for this enterprise, if they can do so without robbing other branches of the work. It is a safe investment, yielding a sure income in the kingdom of God. 2 Cor. 9:9; Ps. 12:9.
S. N. HASKELL.
$25,000 Wanted.
WE, the undersigned, hereby give the sums set to our names, to raise the sum of $25,000 to be placed under the control of trustees chosen at the annual session of the California Conference. Said sum to be loaned to some of our Institutions at 5 per cent., the proceeds of which shall be used to assist those who are seeking an education at the Healdsburg College, to fill positions in the cause of God. Said individuals must be recommended by the Conference Committee, and the College Faculty.
William Butcher....................................$5,000
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES,
By Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY, AT OAKLAND, CAL., FOR THE
# Missionary Society of Seventh-day Adventists.
A twelve-page Religious Family Paper, devoted to a discussion of the Prophecies, Signs of the Times, Second Coming of Christ, Harmony of the Law and Gospel, with Departments devoted to Temperance, The Home Circle, the Missionary Work, and the Sabbath-school.
Price Per Year, . . . . . . . . $2.00
In Clubs of five or more copies to one address, to be used in Missionary Work, . . . . . . . 1.50
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
—OR—
REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Michigan.
MRS. ELIZA PALMER, Sec. N. E. Tract Society, South Lancaster, Mass.
S. E. WHITEIS, Sec. Nebraska T. & M. Society, Fremont, Nebraska.
ELD. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
MRS. C. L. BOYD, Salem, Oregon.
Camp-Meeting Notices
By Editor
FOR appointments see preceding page (359).
NOTICE changes in times of Camp-meetings above.
READ "Important Notice," and also the short notice, "$25,000 Wanted." This will be kept standing,— how long?
THE Michigan State Camp-meeting will probably be held in Battle Creek.
Time of Camp-Meetings.
VIRGINIA, New Market, Aug. 9-14
KANSAS, Bull City, Osborne Co., “ 9-20
OHIO, Galion, Crawford Co., “ 14-21
IOWA, Smithland, “ 16-20
“ Algona, “ 23-28
MASSACHUSETTS, Worcester, “ 23-28
VERMONT, Montpelier, Aug. 30 to Sept. 4
MICHIGAN, Manton, Wexford Co., “ “
MAINE, Waterville, Sept. 6-11
CALIFORNIA, San Jose, “ 6-18
NEW YORK, Union Square, “ 12-18
ILLINOIS, Sheridan, “ 18-25
NEBRASKA, Crete, “ 19-25
KENTUCKY, Glasgow, “ 19-26
MISSOURI, Sept. 25 to Oct. 2
TENNESSEE, “ 27 “ “
INDIANA, Bunker Hill, Marion Co., “ “ “
ALABAMA, Choctaw Co. Oct. 1-10