—Mr. Wigton, of Berkshire, Ohio, a Baptist minister, died aged 99 years.
—Bethany College, W. Va., was partially destroyed by fire, Oct. 23. The west wing, with libraries, was entirely destroyed.
—Dr. Buddington is in Boston, being treated for cancer. He has been operated upon a number of times in this country and London.
—A camp-meeting in Anderson Co., S. C., is described as being the theatre of the most outrageous scenes. The disorder on Sunday was so great that services had to be dispensed with, and the profanity, vulgarity, and abusiveness of the large mob of people were beyond description.
—Contrary to expectations the Governments of England and Germany receive with favor and act upon Secretary Evarts' letter on Mormon immigration, which, it is thought, will be nearly stopped. This, with measures taken in Utah by our Government, will strike a heavy blow against the abominable system of polygamy.
—The following we take from the Oakland Evening Tribune: "The fair held for the last two days and nights, at Assembly Hall, under the auspices of the ladies and friends of St. John's Episcopal Church, closed last evening. The enterprise was a success financially and socially. Last evening the shadow pantomime entitled "Mary Jane," was performed, and proved a mirth-provoking feature. At 9:30 o'clock the floor was cleared for dancing, which was continued until midnight." No comment.
—Attention having been drawn by recent extensive departures from Liverpool of Mormon converts to the proselyting efforts made by professors and elders of that faith, Major Creig, Head Constable of Liverpool, has issued a notice by way of warning, reciting that there is reason to believe that the system of soliciting persons to join the faith and emigrate to America extensively prevails, and reminding that by the American law polygamy is prohibited, and that those who practice it are liable to heavy fines and long terms of imprisonment.
—The California Chinese Mission shows an aggregate membership in its schools of 554, with an average attendance of 280. Nine schools are in operation. Nineteen teachers are in service, five of whom are Chinese missionary helpers. A large amount of additional service is rendered by volunteer helpers, both American and Chinese. Four cases of conversion are reported, and several others of apparent conviction concerning the truth of the Gospel, and interest in it. The membership and average attendance in the schools are increasing.
—To a petition of the Roman Catholic clergy of the dioceses of Munster and Paderborn to the Prussian Educational Minister for the removal of the hindrances now in the way of religious instruction in schools, Herr von Pulkammer has replied as follows: "The almost unanimous and systematic resistance of the clergy to the laws of the country has been, and still is, the cause of their exclusion from the schools of so many places. I deplore this state of affairs, for which the Government is not to blame; but I can do nothing to bring about any essential change until the Roman Catholic Church has formally acknowledged the inalienable right of the State to make its own laws."
—It is related of a dissenting minister in England that he went to preach in a country village, and met the vicar. The vicar was very angry with him for his intrusion in his parish, and concluded some offensive remarks by saying roughly, "You ought to be stopped." "That would be difficult," was the reply; "it would be easier to stop your preaching." "Why so," inquired the vicar. "Because," said the preacher, "there is but one way of stopping me, and there are three ways of stopping you. If I took away your book you could not preach; if your pay was stopped you would not preach; and if your gown were taken off you dare not preach. But the only way to stop me would be to cut my tongue out."
—Rev. James A. Spurgeon said, in a lecture in New York:—"I was once at a meeting of Quakers, and I noticed one intelligent man sitting silently all through. One after another spoke, but my neighbor remained silent. I said, "Does not the Spirit move thee to say something?" He rose solemnly, and said: "I have a talent, and I use it, but not in speaking; my work is to make money for the Lord." That was all he said, and then he sat down. I found afterwards that he was a very successful business man, and that his liberality was equal to his business capacity. I have often thought of his short speech since, and I think that it does not require much talent to make money, it requires a great deal to give it to the Lord."
—Gee Gam, an educated Chinaman, for many years interpreter in the Oakland Police Court, and a missionary helper in connection with the California Chinese Mission, has gone to Chicago to attend the annual meeting of the American Association. The Pacific (a religious journal) of yesterday, says: "He goes on the invitation of that Association, and after its annual meeting will participate with its District Secretary of the Interior, Rev. James Powell, in the proposed missionary campaign in Ohio and other States. Gee Gam has made a fine record as a helper, speaks English fluently and correctly, and never addresses an audience without securing close attention, and awakening a practical interest in the work he has in hand."
Cure for Drunkenness.
Drunkenness in Sweden and Norway is cured in the following manner: The drunkard is put in prison, and his only nourishment is bread soaked in wine. During the first day the prisoner receives the bread and wine with pleasure. On the second day the food is not so acceptable. After that he takes his food with great repugnance. In general, eight or ten days of this treatment suffices to produce such a disgust of liquor that the unhappy man is compelled to absolute abstinence. After leaving prison, his drunkenness is radically cured, with an occasional exception, and the odor of liquor produces an invincible repulsion.
Secular News.
—Monroe, La., and Richmond, Va., report ice formed Oct 25.
—A great fire in the French quarter at Shanghai, consumed 991 houses.
—Frost having come, the yellow fever has been declared at an end in Memphis.
—A fire in the village of Azua, Hayti, destroyed one hundred houses and stores.
—A fire in the suburbs of Montreal, Oct. 23, destroyed 20 houses, and left 200 persons homeless.
—The anti-rent agitation in Ireland is greatly increasing. The counties are effecting a solid organization.
—The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has decided that Alleghany county is liable for the damage by the Pittsburg riots.
—The Baptist ministers of New York disapprove of the practice of advertising the subjects of sermons; and so do many others.
—The Governor of Alexandria has delivered Cleopatra's Needle to the United States Navy, and it will soon be removed to New York.
—A man in Buffalo, N. Y., abducted a school girl to extort money from her father. He goes to the penitentiary for seven years.
—One thousand and twenty emigrants arrived at Castle Garden, N. York, Oct. 25. The emigration this season is unprecedented in point of numbers.
—The authorities say the loss of life by the floods in the districts of Murcow, Alicante, Almeria, and Carthagena, in Spain, will exceed two thousand.
—A dispatch from Strasburg says there has been an immense fire at Ulfa. More than a fifth part of the town was consumed, and many persons killed. The loss of property is enormous.
—A freight train was wrecked on the Pittsburg and Lake Erie Railroad, Oct. 21; engineer, fireman, and brakeman killed; also one on the Connellsville road, Oct. 22, one man killed.
—The war in Afghanistan is far from being ended, various tribes lately uniting against the English. There is great complaint of the heavy war bills in England, while so many are suffering in want.
—Weather in the east was unusually hot the first part of October. The change was sudden and severe. Snow is reported in many places, but Meadville, Pa., takes the lead; twelve inches fell there the 24th.
—An oil well sunk near Lexington, Santa Clara Co., Cal., penetrated true oil sand rock at a depth of about 700 feet. The rush of gas threw the oil one hundred feet into the air; it flows sixty barrels a day of oil of first quality.
—From Oct. 18 to 22, $4,541,000 in gold arrived in New York from Europe. Nearly $55,000,000 of specie has come into the country since the resumption of specie payments, and nearly nine-tenths of the whole amount arrived since August 1st.
—An oil well in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. ceased to yield oil, when a rumbling was heard, the ground trembled, and a shower of stones, ashes, and dry dust was thrown out, the stones being dry and light like pumace stone. Since this volcano-like eruption it has returned to yielding oil.
—The members of Agent Meeker's family, taken captive by the Utes, have been delivered up to Gen. Adams. It is now learned that the Utes were on the eve of a great battle with Gen. Merritt, when they received orders from Chief Ouray to cease fighting, and they retired.
—The steamer Nuevo Pajaro del Oceano, from Algiers, Africa, was burned Oct. 18, in Bahama Straits. She had a crew of 42, and about 20 passengers. Seventeen were rescued by the steamer Louisa H., after they had been in the water 18 hours, and suffered greatly. Some of the missing are supposed to have been destroyed by sharks, as some were seen.
—The distress in Hungary, on account of bad harvest, is very great. The Government has suspended the collection of taxes until the next harvest shall have been gathered. In 57 towns and villages in the Temes country, the greatest distress prevails. In Saros county, where several cases of starvation have occurred, forty Parishes are threatened with famine. Frightful accounts have also been received from the counties of Ahanj, Heves, and Zemplin.
—Walker, statistician for the Produce Exchange, after careful estimate, places the wheat crop of the United States this year at $425,000,000 bushels. The spring wheat crop was over estimated, Minnesota producing only 38,000,000 bushels. The amount consumed by 48,000,000 persons, plus the amount required for seed and other purposes, is placed at 250,000,000 bushels, leaving 160,000,000 for export to Europe and 15,000,000 for other ports.
—A daily paper has the following: "Russia is giving enormous orders for implements of war, and is increasing the number of her cruisers. Germany is increasing her army, strengthening fortifications and adding to her artillery. France and Austria are perfecting their military systems. Italy maintains a considerable army. England is jealously watching Russia's encroachments on Asia. All the great powers are standing with their hands in their pockets, as it were, waiting for a chance to 'get the drop on' one another. The Treaty of Berlin was only a truce."
Good Health.
Healthy Women.
A WRITER, in urging the necessity for more attention to physical culture, notes as a favorable sign the fact that "the pale and interesting" female beauty is fast losing its popularity, and that men of position and influence are declaring for the healthy standard of womanly beauty, such as was ever recognized by Greece and Rome. This is certainly an important and happy change in public taste and already the effects of it are to be detected in an improved condition of feminine health; for it will hardly be denied that on an average the women of to-day are physically superior to what they were a few years ago, when tight-lacing and similar destroying customs prevailed. Young women take more exercise than they formerly did. They ride and walk more and more in the open air. They have not the insane dread of the sun's rays which they once had. But there is much room for improvement yet. Many homes are still presided over by invalid wives and mothers, who furnish a constant spectacle of sadness and misery to their families and friends, and are a subject of unlimited expense to their husbands. In such homes the greatest of all blessings that could be hoped for would be the health of the mistress restored; but too often it is the one blessing which never comes. American homes more than others perhaps in the world, have been saddened by sickly women. If this shall be so no longer, it will be a great blessing to the nation. And the remedy is simple. American women are as strong and healthy as those of other nations; there is no reason why American women should not be. All that is needed is proper attention to dress and exercise. Let women dress as men do, so that their bodies shall not be squeezed and pressed together, but have free room for motion, and let them get out into the air and sunshine, as men do, and exercise their bodies, and the race of American women will not become extinct, as it once threatened to do. On the contrary, it will be improved, built up and beautified, and a time will come when a healthy man will not have to hunt a whole country over to find a healthy wife. We are on the right track now; all that is needed is to go ahead, and the result will soon be manifest. Women will die to be in the fashion; therefore let the fashion of female beauty be vigor and strength, and all the ladies in the land will be swinging dumb-bells, practicing archery, riding on horseback, and walking as for a wager, but they will be in style.
Sulphuric Acid in the Air.
One of the great objections to the use of coal is its contamination of the air. This is much greater with coal than with wood. This fact seems to have been recognized as long ago as the first introduction of this kind of fuel into England. The outcry against its use at that time was so great that a royal edict was issued making its use a capital offense. It is said, indeed, that a man was actually executed for using coal in violation of the law.
The great injury from the use of coal arises from the sulphur which it contains. By the process of burning, this is converted into sulphuric acid. It is stated by good authority that the coal annually burned in England sends into the air by its combustion 3,500,000 tons of sulphuric acid. It is needless to explain to any one familiar with this terribly corrosive acid the exceedingly injurious effects of such a powerful chemical substance upon both animals and vegetables.—Good Health.
Agents Wanted.
By S. N. Haskell
WE have spoken elsewhere in reference to canvassers for our periodicals. This branch of the missionary work is one of the most important. It arrests the attention of the people and brings to their notice, sometimes indirectly, our people and work. And all who engage in this work, although they may not speak a word directly upon present truth, are contributing to the advancement of the cause in which we are engaged.
What we wish to speak of in this article is, canvassing for “Plain Facts,” a work written by J. H. Kellogg, M. D., the leading physician at the Sanitarium, Battle Creek, Michigan, and published by the “Good Health Publishing Company,” of that city. At the Sanitarium, hundreds have become favorably impressed with our work and people while being treated for their health.
We are personally acquainted with Dr. Kellogg, of Battle Creek, Mich., and believe him to be a Christian, and know him to be a thoroughly educated man. There are thousands, and not exclusively outside of Seventh-day Adventists, who need the information contained in that book. It would improve them morally, mentally, and physically. The subject upon which it treats is a delicate one, and yet it is adapted to the most refined and cultivated taste.
It is exclusively sold by agents who have a territory assigned to them, so there will be no interfering one with another. The per cent. allowed to the agent is such that an active man can obtain a good livelihood while he is accomplishing a good work for humanity, and indirectly calling the attention of the public to the publishing houses where the rays of light and truth in the form of tracts and periodicals are sent, in many of the principle languages, to all parts of the civilized world.
We want men of good moral character to take agencies for this work in different portions of this coast, from Washington Territory to southern California. A portion of the territory has already been taken. Every city, town, village, and part of the country which is peopled should be canvassed. The agents should also take with them Health and Temperance annuals for 1880. And not only will this be found pecuniarily profitable to themselves, but it will accomplish a good work for humanity. A complete canvasser's outfit will cost but $2.50, which consists of a sample book, a subscription book, guarantee cards, circulars, and a manual of confidential instructions to agents.
Arrangements can be made with the Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., direct or through the California Tract Society, for all this coast. All requests for particulars in reference to prices to agents, territory, &c., will be cheerfully and promptly given. Address Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.
S. N. HASKELL.
Cheering News.
FROM a letter written by Bro. Wm. Ings to the V. M. Society of Battle Creek, from Southampton, England, we take the liberty to present the following interesting particulars to our readers.
There are features in the work here that are very encouraging. It is astonishing to see those who are not with us eager to scatter our publications. There is a power attending this work which compels men to herald the notes of warning. There is a person at the docks at this place, who has a large acquaintance among sea-faring men and who occupies a position where he can send our publications to the ends of the earth. He told me only yesterday that many persons come to him and beg of him to loan them our tracts and papers, which he does with as much delight as I would myself. He says their remarks are, "What wonderful things they contain," etc.
We are sending publications to all parts of the globe. No ship has ever refused to take them. We put up five packages for each steamer going to foreign parts: one for the passengers, one for the crew, and three to be left at different ports at which they call, or to be given to other vessels as they pass them, for they frequently inquire for reading matter. One ship that will make a trip around the world touching at all principal ports, has been supplied with publications. Some of them have been sent to China and the India Islands, as well as other distant lands. I find many Danes and Swedes who are eager to get the limited supply of publications we have in their language, which they carry to their native country. I have subscribed for five copies each of the Tidende and Harold. If any of your society has a surplus of these papers, I can use them to good advantage. I take ten copies of our German paper, and I could use many times that number on German steamers which call at this port every week, with their hundreds of passengers, on their way from Bremen to New York. The other day I visited a ship from San Francisco. When I handed them copies of the SIGNS they recognized them immediately. On inquiry I learned that our friends had put some copies aboard while at that port. They had had a good effect.
I hope you are of good courage in sending out the papers. You cannot be too active in this direction. I know of whole neighborhoods here in England, that have been aroused by a few copies of the SIGNS. We have a dear brother who received the first intimation that there was such a people as Seventh-day Adventists from a copy of this paper. He is now, with his family, rejoicing in the truth, and is valuable aid in extending its light by preaching and in other ways. This brother is a professor of different languages.
I might mention others in whom an interest has been awakened by reading a few copies of the Signs. We are getting some very encouraging letters from different parties as the result of sending the paper.
The work here is making steady advancement. New ones are constantly coming to hear Bro. Loughborough. They go away and tell others what wonderful things the American Evangelist has to say, and thus others are brought in. The leaven is at work, and the effort made here is not in vain.
We are all of good courage, and labor in harmony and love.
BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, AND TRACTS.
Issued by the S. D. A. Publishing Association and for sale at this Office.
The Sanctuary and the 2300 days of Daniel 8 : 14. By Elder U. Smith. This question has developed the people known as the Seventh-day Adventists, and is the pivotal doctrine upon which their applications of prophecy largely depend. 352 pp. $1.00.
Thoughts on Daniel, critical and practical. By Elder U. Smith. An exposition of the book of Daniel, verse by verse. 384 pp. 1.00.
Thoughts on Revelation. By Elder U. Smith. With notes or remarks on every verse in the book of Revelation. 352 pp. 1.00.
Life of Wm. Miller, with portrait. Interesting sketches of the life and public labors of this pioneer in the Advent movement in this country. 416 pp. 1.00.
The Biblical Institute. A synopsis of the lectures given at the Institute, held at Oakland, Cal., April 1877, covering the main points of our faith. 352 pp. 1.00.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By Elder U. Smith. This work treats on the condition of man in death, and his final destiny. 356 pp. 1.00.
The Spirit of Prophecy; or the great controversy between Christ and his angels and Satan and his angels, in four volumes. By Mrs. E. G. White. These volumes cover the time from the fall of Satan to the destruction of sin and sinners at the close of the one thousand years of Rev. 20. Each 400 pp.
Vol. I. Old Testament Facts to Christ.
Vol. II. Life and Ministry of Christ.
Vol. III. The Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ, with the Lives of His Apostles.
Vol. IV. (In preparation). Each 1.00.
History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, for the period of 6000 years. By Elder J. N. Andrews. This is a work of unusual interest, prepared with great care, and is full of historical and Scriptural facts. 523 pp. $1.00.
Life of Elder Joseph Bates, with portrait. 352 pp. 1.00.
The Constitutional Amendment. A Discussion between Elder W. H. Littlejohn and the editor of the Christian Statesman, on the Sabbath. 1.00.
The Bible from Heaven. By Elder D. M. Canright. An argument to show that the Bible is not the work of men, but is of God. 300 pp. 80 cts.
Revised edition (in preparation).
Spiritual Songs. A choice collection of Hymns and Tunes. 416 pp. 1.00.
The United States in the Light of Prophecy. An exposition of Rev. 13 : 11-17. By Elder U. Smith. Applying to our own land and time, this prophecy possesses surpassing interest for every American reader. 200 pp. 40 cts.
Paper covers, 20 cts.
Thoughts on Baptism. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A careful examination of the subject of Christian Baptism in the light of history and the Bible. It presents strong arguments against the notion of Trine Immersion. 186 pp. Bound in flexible cloth, 35 cts.
Paper covers, 25 cts.
Song Anchor. For Sabbath-schools and praise service. By J. E. White. A new book, with excellent new words and music. 160 pp. 35 cts.
Per hundred, $30.00.
The Atonement. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. An examination of a remedial system in the light of Nature and Revelation. 168 pp. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the origin, history, and destiny of Satan. By Elder D. M. Canright. 144 pp. 20 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism, by Elder J. H. Waggoner. A thorough exposure of Spiritualism; application of the Scriptures, and copious extracts from a library of Spiritualist publications. 184 pp. 20 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the coming and kingdom of Christ. By Elder James White. 182 pp. 20 cts.
The Spirit of God, its gifts and manifestations to the end of the Christian age. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 144 pp. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Revelation 14 : 6-12. Particularly the third angel's message and the two-horned beast. By J. N. Andrews. 144 pp. 15 cts.
The Two Laws, as set forth in both Testaments. By Elder D. M. Canright. 104 pp. 15 cts.
Matthew Twenty-Four. A clear and forcible exposition of our Lord's discourse upon the Mount of Olives. By Elder James White. 64 pp. 10 cts.
The Sunday Seventh-Day Examined. A refutation of the teachings of Mede, Jennings, Akers, and Fuller. By J. N. Andrews. 88 pp. 10 cts.
The Seven Trumpets. An exposition of the subject, as set forth in the eighth and ninth chapters of the Revelation. 96 pp. 10 cts.
Refutation of the Age to Come. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. A most decisive refutation of the view that men may find pardon after the Saviour has closed his work in the Sanctuary above. 168 pp. 20 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. By Elder D. M. Canright. A complete refutation of a common objection against the Sabbath. 96 pp. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust. A vindication of the doctrine. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 100 pp. 15 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath, or false theories exposed. (POEM.) By Eld. U. Smith. 60 pp. 15 cts.
Vindication of the True Sabbath. By Elder J. W. Morton, formerly missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, to Hayti. 68 pp. 10 cts.
Sermon on the Two Covenants. By Elder J. N. Andrews. An able argument on an important subject. 48 pp. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. The nature and obligation of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. By Elder J. H. Waggoner. 64 pp. 10 cts.
Christ and the Sabbath; or, Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. By Elder James White. 56 pp. 10 cts.
Redeemer and Redeemed. By Elder James White. This work sets forth the plan of Redemption in its three stages. 40 pp. 10 cts.
Systematic Benevolence. Setting forth the Bible plan of giving for the support of the ministry. 64 pp. 10 cts.
Review of Plain Facts
By Editor
THE book above noticed, "Plain Facts," contains 416 pages, plainly and neatly printed, splendidly bound, and attractive in every way.
It is brim full of information on an important subject. The writer has shown taste and judgment, as well as thorough knowledge, in its preparation. The book is free from those ultraisms which have so often marred works on the same subject, and destroyed their usefulness by exciting the prejudices of the reader. We know of no other book on this subject which has been so well received where it has been circulated, or which has received so many cordial recommendations from the press, and no one, certainly, is more worthy of it.
Ed. Signs.
Quarterly Report of the State Sabbath-School Association.
By Editor
OWING to the close proximity of the camp-meeting to the time for holding the quarterly meeting of the State Sabbath-school Association, that meeting was permitted to go over until the next quarter. We however give below the report for the quarter ending Oct. 19, which, we think, will be of interest to every lover of the Sabbath-school.
Although this is by far the largest number of schools we have ever had reports from, yet the list might have been swelled considerably larger had all the schools reported. The schools failing to report are as follows: "Red Bluff, Christine, Guenoc, Mendocino, Locust Grove, and Lakeside. We are unable to account for the failure of these schools to report, as blanks were carefully sent to all. Brethren, next quarter let us hear from all.
J. E. White, President,
W. J. Bostwick, Secretary.
BISHOP HUNTINGTON, of the Central New York Episcopal diocese, advertised for five young clergymen to do home missionary work for board, clothes, and $150 a year. The requirements were thus expressed: "They must be well educated, sound in mind and body, users of no artificial stimulants or narcotics, men of good practical sense; and the possession of these qualifications must be sufficiently certified to." Severe comments having been elicited by this advertisement, the Bishop replies that he neither creates nor approves the conditions, and adds, (speaking of himself in the third person): "His gross sin is that he imagines that out of hundreds who have forsworn the world for the kingdom of Heaven, and who preach sermons and sing hymns about cross-bearers and marching soldiers, and a suffering sainthood, and the glories of self-renunciation, there may possibly be five, who would not count a very abstemious ministry in one of our middle States intolerable, or the offer of it either an affront or a 'joke.' The days of great sacrifices and great honors, young man, are gone by; Christian heroism is out of fashion. After you have recited your Pearson and Hooker, take down your list of good 'parishes,' light your pipe and discuss with your companions the comparative salaries, the social refinements, snug rectories, and other material advantages. If you hear of a bishop who wants the other style of man, laugh at him. Make early arrangements for matrimony and settling down. Resent any expectation that you are to be more sparing of yourself than the children of the world whom you are going to convert; and preach the crucifixion of eighteen centuries ago."
Business Department.
By Editor
$2.00 EACH. Richard S Rickett 6-43, Mrs Geo Deans 6-40, Antonie Lippi 6-40, Alt Everts 6-40.
$1.50 EACH. Mrs D W Jones 6-40, Z Lewis 6-40, Salemna McCall 6-40, Mrs Mary Butterworth 6-40, Laura McCleary 6-40, Maggie Clemons 6-40, Melvin Roberts 6-40, Erwin T DeLapp 6-40.
MISCELLANEOUS. Mrs Martha A Cummings 60c 6-16, Mrs Matilda Wolsey 60c 6-16, Mrs Nancy Smith 60c 6-16, Wm Whitney 60c 6-16, Wm Fackler 60c 6-16, Margaret Stewart 60c 6-16, T J Conrad 50c 6-3, Horace Munn 5.00, 8-13, A C Bainbridge 50c 6-3, Mrs E A Halstd 50c 6-3, Mary Saunders (10 copies) 15.00, 6-40, Peter Powers 50, 6-3, Alice K Hersum (20 copies) 12.00, 6-17, Edwin Partridge 30c 6-4, C S Clark 1.20, 6-40, Allen Willson (6 copies) 3.00, 6-16, James Smith (3 copies) 1.80, 6-16, Noah Carahoof (6 copies) 3.60, 6-16, E C Penn (10 copies) 12.00, 6-40, Mrs A H Bradford 87c 6-27, S B McLanghlin 1.20, 6-40, E J Waggoner (2 copies) 2.40, 6-40, Jens Sorrense 75c 6-16, James Shore 1.20, 6-40, Mattie E Torrey 1.20, 6-40, Edward Tillotson 1.20, 6-40, Dealton Lyman 1.20, 6-40, Columbus Patrick 75c 6-16, H A Castle (11 copies) 13.20, 6-40.
CAL CONFERENCE. Red Bluff church 75.00, Santa Rosa church 13.40.
RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT. Illinois T and M Society 60.00.
General Conference.
By Editor
THE appointment is for Nov. 7. Our last paper made it Oct. 7, but as the date of the paper was Oct. 23, there was no chance to be misled by the mistake. Eld. Haskell expects to start for the Conference, Nov. 2.
Answers to Questions.
By Editor
To F. C. W.—You will find our opinion of the latter part of Ezekiel's prophecy briefly given in the work on the “Age to come.” We firmly believe there are “conditional prophecies,” founded upon certain promises with conditions, which cannot be fulfilled if the conditions are not complied with. For the rule, see Jer. 18:1-10. There are good and sufficient reasons to believe that portions of the book of Ezekiel are of this kind.
J. M. G.—We believe that so far as an election before our action was concerned, that we are chosen in Christ, as Eph. 1:4 says. But the unbeliever and unregenerate person is not “in Christ.” He is not partaker with Christ in the election, which is not personal or unconditional, but is of character. When an individual “puts on Christ,” and becomes a member of his body, he partakes of the privileges and blessings of the head of the body. The only personal pre-election is that of Christ himself; 1 Peter 1:19-21. By repentance, faith, and obedience we become his, “if,” as Paul says, Heb. 3: 6, “we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Compare Matt. 24:13; Rom. 2:7, etc. This shows the necessity of our making our “calling and election sure,” 2 Peter 1:10; for even the branches which are in Christ, the heavenly vine, will be taken away if they do not bear fruit. John 15:1-6.
W. T. P.—The charge that we worship the Sabbath instead of Christ is too frivolous to call for any explanation. We think it is possible to keep both “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. We do not go to anything for our faith instead of the Bible. The Bible, as the word of God, is the test of everything with us. But how is it with your “first-day friends?” Do they prove from the Bible that it is duty to keep Sunday? In keeping it, contrary to the commandment of God which is in the Bible, are they not more open to the charge of worshiping Sunday instead of the Lord of the Sabbath? Let us cling to God's revealed will, and let those scoff who choose to speculate on things not revealed.