To the Workers of the California Tract and Missionary Society.
By William Ings
ANOTHER quarter has passed and its record cannot be changed. Now the question with each member of the T. and M. society should be, Shall my record be better this quarter than in the past? Each quarter shortens our time to labor, and each year's experience brings greater responsibilities upon us. Error is increasing, and wickedness is multiplying to an alarming extent, yet thousands of souls are hungering for truth, and are looking around to find something better than they have. Each one who professes present truth should ask, Am I doing my duty? Will my skirts be clear of their blood in the Judgment? These are solemn questions and should not be passed by lightly. Our motto should be, "Forward," our interest for the salvation of men should increase, and thus we be fulfilling our mission, as men and women professing godliness.
The SIGNS OF THE TIMES with the blessing of God is calculated to accomplish great good; it has made its friendly visits to every part of the civilized world, and it has become a welcome visitor in many households. A man who had visited nearly every port between England and China, stated that everywhere he went he found the SIGNS in advance of him. This shows something to what extent it has been circulated. We will thank God for this, and labor on to continue its usefulness.
It is wonderful how extensively a single copy of this pioneer sheet travels. A short time ago one of our good sisters sent a copy of the SIGNS to Ireland; the person receiving it, read it with interest and then sent it back to a friend in this State (who, by the way, was a Catholic), who admired its teachings so much that he wrote for one of our ministers to preach in his neighborhood, promising him a home and a place to hold meetings. That sister may never know the fruits of that one copy of the SIGNS until she reaches the kingdom of God.
And now, brethren and sisters, are we doing our duty in sending out these valuable papers that have been produced at the cost of so much labor and prayer, or do we permit them to lie on the shelves from week to week until some live worker comes along and, in distress because they are doing no one good, takes them to use? I hope that this is not the case with many, but should any reading these lines find himself guilty, I trust that a reform will immediately commence. Do not allow a week to pass by, without attending to the Lord's work, in sending out these heavenly messengers.
Now a word relative to the support of our tract and missionary work. If the means is not already provided, would it not be well for each individual to voluntarily, without having to be urged by the librarian or others, pay a certain amount each week; that the work be not hindered? If every one would give from ten to fifty cents per week, a sufficient amount would be secured to pay for SIGNS, etc. The societies adopting this plan find that it works well.
In sending out the SIGNS by mail, care should be taken that they are well wrapped so as to protect the reading, and in such a manner that it is presentable to the receiver. Addresses can be obtained from the State secretary. Four numbers should be sent to one address, one paper following the other each week. A card should accompany the first paper, with the statement that a few numbers will be sent free. Place an eight-page tract in the second number on the second advent, and one in the fourth number on the Sabbath, then write a letter as advised by the State secretary. If the person does not respond, take another address, etc.
I hope the present quarter will show a greater amount of labor performed than any previously. May our interest increase as the message advances, until the "Well done" shall be said by our heavenly Father. WM. INGS.
News and Notes.
By Editor
RELIGIOUS.
—An international camp-ground is being formed at Niagara Falls.
—A Baptist church of seven members was organized in Constantinople, on the 26th of April.
—The Oxford University has conferred the degree of D. D. upon the revisers of the Old Testament.
—The Shah of Persia has given $800 towards the erection of a Presbyterian Mission church at Hamadan.
—Andover Theological Seminary is now fully committed to the "new theology," which teaches a probation after death, and the limited punishment of the wicked, i. e., final, universal salvation.
—Vienna has a new Sunday law, by the enactment of which 50,000 people are released from Sunday labor. The Independent says that the beer gardens, railways, and omnibuses are reaping an abundant harvest.
—The Catholic bishops of Austria have asked the Government to legislate with a view of protecting the Catholic Church from adverse influences. The Christian Statesman would call this a "National Reform" movement.
—Rev. Edward Judson, pastor of the Berean Baptist Church, New York City, son of Rev. Adoniram Judson, pioneer missionary to Burma, India, has decided to go with Stanley for several months on missionary exploration in Africa.
—The Jewish Messenger says: "The disinclination for the Jewish ministry is due to the simple fact that this is a commercial age, and that it does not pay, in the common meaning of the word, to become a minister." A frank confession.
—During the past fourteen years about 700 Protestant churches have been built in Madagascar, and all free of debt. There are 1,200 churches and 80,000 Protestant communicants. These churches are self-supporting, and last year gave $20,000 for missions.
—The National Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church represents 400,000 communicants, 2,500 traveling preachers, 200,000 Sunday-school children, 4,000 Sunday-schools, 10 colleges, 25 parochial schools, $8,000,000 or $10,000,000 worth of property.
—The Churchman says that there is "a growing conviction in the church that a revision of the Prayer Book ought not to be finally adopted before the year 1889." What's going to happen then, that the prayers which will be good until that time will be no longer serviceable?
—The church authorities in Prussia are becoming alarmed at the growth of the dissenting spirit of the National Church. The Upper Consistory of Berlin has recently issued a declaration on the matter, directing the pastors and the people of the State Church what position to take over against the inroads of sect and schism.
—On the recent class day at the Dunkard Normal School in Huntingdon, Pa., the graduates, instead of having a "class supper," as is so common, met in the chapel and held a religious meeting, in which each one gave an account of his religious experience during the four years spent in the institution. We venture the assertion that the innovation will not be extensively adopted.
—The late Wesleyan Methodist Conference in South Africa, showed the following statistics: Three hundred and thirty-six chapels and 901 preaching places; 100 European and 80 native preachers; 408 day-school teachers and 1,670 Sunday-school teachers; 1,336 local preachers and 1,632 class leaders; 3,942 English and 18,874 native members; 272 Sunday-schools, with 18,180 scholars, with an average attendance at church of 106,141 persons.
—The Christian at Work, in a recent book notice, says: "During more than a century, John Wesley has been growing in the esteem of mankind, until now, among all Christians—Episcopalism, Dissenters, and Protestants of all names, he is regarded as one of the most remarkable reformers in modern times." There are certain good, old-fashioned truths, however, which are not esteemed so highly by modern religionists, although they were the chief agents in the Wesleyan reformations. Among these is the immutability and perfection of the law of God. Would that admiration for Wesley might lead to admiration for the truths which he preached.
SECULAR.
—Canada has extended the voting franchise to the Indians.
—The exact reduction of the public debt last month was $9,156,861.63.
—By private letters from Iceland, we learn that famine is imminent there.
—During 1884, about 300,000 cattle were driven north from Texas to be fattened.
—The relations between Russia and England are again assuming a threatening character.
—About forty miles from Eagle Pass, Texas, the Indians, recently, made a raid on the Mexicans and killed fifteen of them.
—General Sheridan telegraphed the President from Fort Reno, July 16, that no serious Indian troubles need be apprehended.
—July 15, Niagara Park, at Niagara Falls, was thrown open to the public. No more admission fees forever, for seeing the Falls.
—It is estimated that, at the end of the present fiscal year, there will be a deficit of about $6,000,000 in the Post-office Department.
—July 14, the Munster Bank (Ireland) suspended payment. Liabilities $8,750,000. This, it is thought, will bring great suffering on the south of Ireland.
—John Roach, the well-known ship-builder, has failed. The four cruisers that he built for the Government and which were not accepted is what caused it.
—A very heavy rain-storm, accompanied by heavy wind and lightning, passed over the western part of Pennsylvania, July 13. The damage done to property is very great.
—The house of Josiah Evans, three miles from Grahampton, Clearfield County, Pa., was burned on the evening of July 16, and six of his children perished in the flames.
—Much damage has been done to the wheat crop in Kansas, by the recent long-continued cold rain. It is estimated that at least 1,000,000 bushels of wheat have been destroyed.
—The terrible storms and flood, which recently swept over Hungary and Austria, have killed a large number of persons, destroyed many homes, and done much damage to growing crops and trees.
—In Washington, D. C., June 16, a fire broke out in the building occupied by the Daily Post, National Republic, Critic, and Sunday Gazette, and did damage to the amount of about $150,000.
—It is now rumored that the Government proposes to disarm the Apaches and Cheyennes. The Cheyennes in Colorado have been holding war dances and resorting to other wild demonstrations.
—A water-spout broke, July 5, at Weldon, Texas, and carried a freight train bodily 200 feet from the track, entirely demolishing the track. The flow from the water-spout was 8 feet deep and 100 feet wide.
—News comes from Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, that a wreck has recently been washed ashore there, which indicates the loss of the British ship, Yarra Yarra, which left Portland, Or., February 2, for Queenstown, Ireland.
—Parnell spoke with considerable feeling on a motion of his to investigate cases of supposed unlawful imprisonment, but upon the suggestion of Churchill, withdrew his motion. This, it is thought, indicates a combination of Conservatives and Parnellites.
—One result of the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court that persons accused before United States' courts, of "infamous" crimes, must be proceeded against by indictment, not by "information," was the turning loose of 125 convicts from the house of correction at Detroit, Michigan.
—A dispute between a rancher in Santa Barbara County, Cal., and the owner of a stage line, led to a survey which showed that the rancher claimed nearly one thousand acres of Government land. Mr. P. Spitze, the surveyor, thinks that there are from twelve to twenty thousand acres of land held in the same way in that county.
—The United States' sub-treasury vaults in San Francisco are supposed to contain upwards of ninety million dollars. The vault doors are constructed so as to defy the ravages of fire or the efforts of a regiment of thieves. Electrical wires run all through the building, so that it would be impossible for a thief to work without touching a wire and thereby giving the alarm.
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 7:30. Seats free.
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.
EAST PORTLAND (Or.)—House of worship on G Street between Tenth and Eleventh. Sabbath-school every Sabbath (Saturday), followed by services. Preaching or Bible-reading Sunday evening. Prayer-meeting Wednesday evening. The public is cordially invited. Free public reading-room, corner of L and Fifth Streets.
Kansas Camp-Meeting.
THE Seventh-day Adventists will hold a camp-meeting at Beloit, Mitchell County, Kansas, August 20-30, 1885. Public services daily at 10:30 A. M., 2:30 and 7:30 P. M. A cordial invitation is extended to the public, as ample accommodations will be provided for all who come. A liberal reduction of fare is expected over all the railroads to Beloit for all who attend the camp-meeting.
Nebraska Camp-Meeting at Kearney.
By A. J. Cudney
It is now decided to hold a camp-meeting at Kearney, August 12-18. We want all our brethren in western Nebraska, and as many others as possible to attend this important meeting.
All railroads in this State favor us with reduced rates to the meetings. Those coming with teams will find good accommodations for their horses. More particulars will be given in the future with reference to laborers, etc. At this time, however, we would say we expect some of the most experienced laborers to be present. A. J. CUDNEY, for Conf. Com.
Camp-Meeting in Humboldt County.
By California Conference Committee
THE Seventh-day Adventist Camp-meeting for Humboldt County, Cal., will be held in Eureka, commencing Thursday evening, July 30, and closing Monday morning, August 10. In addition to the laborers already in that county, it is now expected that Elders J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, E. R. Jones, and Wm. Ings will be present to take part in the exercises. We hope to see a general attendance of all the Seventh-day Adventists within reach of the meeting. Come, brethren and sisters, and bring your families, neighbors, and friends with you to the camp.
As this meeting will not be occupied with the business connected with our Conference camp-meeting it will be a rare opportunity for the study of the Bible. There will also be more or less time devoted to instruction in the Sabbath-school, church, and tract and missionary work.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY,
VOLUMES TWO AND THREE.
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
These volumes describe the great conflict between Christ and Satan, as illustrated in the history of man, his temptations, conflicts, victories, and defeats, and the final triumph of right and truth with crowning immortality.
Vol. II contains the life, teachings, and miracles of our Lord Jesus Christ. The reader will find that this book furnishes invaluable aid in studying the lessons of Christ as set forth in the gospels. One of the most pleasing features of this volume is the plain and simple language with which the author clothes thoughts that glow with truth and beauty.
Vol. III contains the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Messiah; and the lives and ministry of the apostles.
Apart from the Bible, this series presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting history of the world that has ever been published. These books are not argumentative, yet they throw much light on the sacred page. They afford especial encouragement to the Christian, and are excellent to place in the hands of skeptics to convince them of Bible truth.
The two volumes contain 838 pages, neatly bound in cloth, and will be sent, post-paid, for $2.00. Either volume will be furnished separately for $1.00.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.;
Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
Publishers' Department.
By Editor
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 copies of the SIGNS are not indebted to the office, and will not be called upon for pay. Please read the papers and hand them to your friends to read.
OUR GENERAL AGENTS.
By Editor
Australia—Elder S. N. Haskell, Sinnarlide Highett St., Richmond, Victoria Australia.
England—The Present Truth, 72 Heneage Street, Great Grimsby, Eng.
Hawaiian Islands—L. A. Scott, Honolulu, H. I.
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.
Switzerland—Addie S. Bowen, Belchenstrasse 20, Bale, Suisse.
Have You Seen
By Editor
The Pacific Health Journal and Temperance Advocate? If not, send for specimen copy. It is the best health journal printed in the West. Published bi-monthly, at this office. Price, fifty cents a year. Agents wanted.
The Pacific Press,
By Editor
Publishes THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Pacific Health Journal, semi-monthly Supplement, The American Sentinel, etc. When ordering any of the above periodicals, or books and tracts, etc., please make all drafts and money-orders payable to the PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
July 30 and August 6.
By Editor
QUITE a large number of subscriptions expire on the above dates. We would be pleased to have you renew for six months ($1.00), or a year, with either one of the following premium books, for $2.25: "Geikie's Life of Christ," "Sketches from the Life of Paul," by Mrs. E. G. White, or the "History of the Waldenses," illustrated.
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 T AND M SOCIETY.—Dist No 2 per Libbie Saunders $104.40, Dist No 5 per W H Ingels $42, Dist No 6 per Mrs A Robinson $17.45, per Mrs Belle Baker $43.30, Dist No 7 per Miss Laura Harmon $69.85, Geo Derrick $7.71, C Maynard $12.80, Dist No 4 per A S Hickox $140.
CAL CITY MISSIONS.—M F Gould $50, T Hicklin $15, Ferndale Society $11.75.
STOCK IN HEALDSBURG COLLEGE.—A L Frost $10, T Hicklin $30.
CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE.—W T Eddy (tithe) $6, E J Church $8.75, Wm Ings $8.55, Shepard Bros $74.10, W N King 80c, C Maynard $10.90, J H Thorp $10, Los Angeles church $69.26, Arbuckle church $7, Petaluma church $4.50, St Helena church $117.75, San Francisco church $89.35, Healdsburg church per J J Bolton $46.45, St Clair church per J J Cushman $85.50, Reno church per C Allen $46.90.
GENERAL CONFERENCE.—J T Trees (Wyoming) $5, Geo O and V M Mead $10.
CASH RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT.—Iowa T and M Society $86, Tenn T and M Society $15.
AUSTRALIAN MISSION.—Arthur (W T) Sabbath-school $3.
ORDERS FORWARDED.
BOOKS SENT BY FREIGHT.—Eld J D Rice, L H Church, J L Hadley.
BOOKS SENT BY EXPRESS.—Mrs E R Kelsey, J D Rice, F R Dunlap, S F Mission.
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.
Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich
THE YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR.
By Editor
AN ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY PAPER FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN, DEVOTED TO MORAL, MENTAL, AND RELIGIOUS CULTURE.
THIS paper is not devoted to insipid stories and religious fiction, but is filled with a great variety of that kind of reading which tends to the healthful development of the youthful mind. Its pages are made bright by the choicest illustrative pictures, and its columns are always full of useful information.
As a Sabbath-school and Lesson paper, it is suited to the wants of scholars and teachers, and is calculated to increase the interest of all who read it, in thorough Bible study.
TERMS, ALWAYS IN ADVANCE.—Single copy, 75 cents a year; Five copies to one address, 60 cents each; Ten or more copies to one address, 50 cents each.
NEW PREMIUM OFFER—"GOLDEN GRAINS" SERIES.
For every new subscription, accompanied with 85 cents, we will give "Golden Grains" series, consisting of a package of ten beautiful pamphlets of 32 pages each. These comprise a choice collection of sketches, stories, poems, etc., adapted to the wants of children, and contain more reading matter than can be found in many dollar books. Remember, the whole series, 320 pages, and the INSTRUCTOR for a year, for 85 cents.
DIPHTHERIA: ITS CAUSES, PREVENTION, AND PROPER TREATMENT.
By John Harvey Kellogg
By J. H. Kellogg, M. D.
The increasing prevalence of this devastating disease, and its alarming fatality in so many cases, renders the subject of its Nature and Treatment one of the greatest importance.
This work gives a concise account of the Nature, Cause, Modes of Prevention, and
THE MOST SUCCESSFUL METHODS OF TREATMENT
Of this prevalent and fatal malady. It should be in every household, as its instructions, if faithfully carried out, will save many a precious life. Price, in board covers, 25 cents
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.;
Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
ACTIVE AGENTS WANTED
By Editor
FOR THE
PACIFIC COAST STATES AND TERRITORIES
FOR
FAST-SELLING SUBSCRIPTION BOOKS.
"Breakfast, Dinner and Supper," "Parson's Hand Book of Forms," "Home Hand Book of Hygiene," "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," "The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan," the new steel engraving, "Christ the Way of Life," and many other STANDARD and POPULAR WORKS, which sell rapidly and give universal satisfaction.
Liberal discounts to agents. Write for terms and territory.
Address,
PACIFIC PRESS,
Subscription Book Department,
Oakland, Cal.
BIBLE SANCTIFICATION:
A CONTRAST OF TRUE AND FALSE THEORIES.
BY MRS. E. G. WHITE.
THIS is a pamphlet of only 84 pages, but its value is not to be judged by its size. It is just what its title indicates: a faithful presentation of Bible truth on this important subject, and an exposure of the false theories prevailing in regard to it. Every believer in Bible truth should read it. Buy it, read it, and lend it to your neighbor. Price, 10 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
HISTORY OF THE WALDENSES.
By J. A. Wylie
By J. A. WYLIE, LL.D.
ILLUSTRATED BY TWENTY FULL-PAGE ENGRAVINGS.
This work describes the conflicts waged by the Waldenses, and the martyrdoms they endured in defense of their faith and their liberty. Recent events have brought the Waldenses to notice, and thrown a new light upon the grandeur of their struggle and the important issues which have flowed from it. To them are we to trace the Constitutional liberties that Italy now enjoys. In their mountain fastnesses they maintained the faith of the early Christians, and by their untiring missionary labors this faith was diffused to all the nations of Europe, thus preparing the way for the great Reformation.
212 pp. Price, 90 cts.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. Or, REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich.
Mormons.
By Editor
IT is doubtless well known that there are two branches of this body; the larger branch is the one with headquarters at Salt Lake City, Utah, and is indissolubly connected with the name of that apostle of lust—Brigham Young. The other branch professes to be the original stock, descended from Joseph Smith; it differs from the Utah branch only in repudiating polygamy. The “Josephites” assume the name of “Latter-day Saints,” and profess to feel greatly aggrieved when they are called Mormons. We have always avoided using their assumed name—“Latter-day Saints”—as we have never seen one whom we thought deserving of the appellation “saint.” Should we apply this title to them, we would not know how to designate those worthies who have faithfully kept God's commandments. Since both branches of the Mormons repudiate the decalogue, we think that they are more worthy of the name “Latter-day Sinners” than of “Latter-day Saints.”
We have before us a copy of a Mormon (Josephite) paper published in Oakland. In the advertising column we find the “Book of Mormon” and the “Visions of Joseph Smith, the Seer,” and other books of a similar nature, that are “issued and for sale” by the Board of Publication of that body. In another column we find two extracts from the Book of Mormon. The leading article, occupying more than a page, stating the characteristics of the body, is entitled “Mormonism Proper.” And in still another article we find these words from a correspondent in Pennsylvania:
“In reading the May number of the ———, I was well pleased. It was just such a paper as I wanted to present to my acquaintances. The article on first page . . . is one of the best I ever read, and will convince any reasonable mind that Mormonism is not a delusion, as some will have it.”
We have been accused of uncharitableness, and of using “nicknames,” because on the very few occasions when we have found it necessary to speak of these people, we have called them Mormons. The above, with much more which might be added from their own works, shows that this is a perfectly legitimate title. We shall continue to apply the term “saints” only to those whose lives entitle them to it.
The report of the camp-meeting at Aroostook, Maine, was received just as we were preparing for the press—too late for this paper.
In giving the time of the Michigan camp-meeting “Sept. 7-29,” we followed copy as we found it in the Review. But this week we find it corrected; it is “17-29.”
Pastor Israel Goldstein, once a rabbi, but since his conversion to Christ a missionary among the Jews on the Rhine, has been called to Bessarabia, to labor among the Israelites there, who in great numbers are inquiring after the truth concerning Jesus the Messiah.
Healdsburg College Opening.
By Editor
THE next term of Healdsburg College will begin Tuesday, Aug. 4. Prof. Grainger has returned from his Eastern visit and is busy making preparations for the opening. Principal Brownsberger, and Miss Chinnock, the matron of the Students' Home, inform us that they will return in season to be there at the beginning of the term. We look for a prosperous year of the school, and hope the students will be promptly on time, as much is gained in being present at the opening of the year.
Change of Address.
By Editor
A CARD from Brother W. M. Jones says: "Please send your paper to me at 56 Mildmay Park, London N., instead of to 15 Mill Yard. The old place, so full of sacred memories in our Sabbath cause, is being engulfed by two railways."
It seems like a desecration that "the old place so full of sacred memories in our Sabbath cause" is overrun by modern improvements. Friends will take notice of the new address of Brother Jones, and may the Lord prosper him in his good work.
Pacific Health Journal.
By Editor
Of course we are gratified to have the Journal so well received; high recommendations of it come to us both from the East and the West. And subscriptions are coming in also, but not as fast as they should. Some one in each of our churches on the Pacific Coast ought to canvass for it, for every member ought to have it. The Journal and Advocate has started out as a permanent thing; we hope to receive that patronage which will justify making it a monthly by and by. The August number will be issued in good season. The first number can be supplied in any amount desired. Will not our friends attend to this matter? Every one who has an interest in the subjects of health and temperance, and desires the prosperity of our Rural Health Retreat, ought to work for the Journal.