THERE was a great scarcity of good servant-girls in Elmdale, and Mrs. Warren awoke one morning, after a disturbed night's rest, with the thought that a heavy day's work awaited her one pair of hands.
"I hardly know where to begin, John," she confessed to her husband as she hurriedly dressed herself. "I have some canning that must be done, and the ironing is not anywhere near finished, and there's no denying that the baby is very troublesome—can't wonder that he is, though, dear little thing!" she added, as she bent over the cradle where the baby lay sleeping; "he's cutting teeth, and they probably pain him more than we have any idea of."
"You must keep Katy out of school to help you; she is twelve years old, and surely ought to be able to save you a great many steps."
"Oh, I couldn't think of keeping her out of school just now, she'd get behind in her classes. She can help me before school and at noon—yes, and after school, and perhaps I can get through the day all right, although I do feel a severe headache coming on."
After breakfast Mr. Warren hurried to the store, kissing his wife first, however, and saying, "I'm very sorry for you, dear;" then looking at Katy, who sat by the window with her history, he added pleasantly, "Come, Katy, child, put up your book and help mother, willing little hands can do big work."
But the trouble with Katy just then was that her hands were not willing. As the door closed after her father, she said without rising from her chair, "You don't need me very much, do you, mamma? I haven't learned my history lesson, and we recite it the first hour."
"Why didn't you learn it last evening? You had a long, quiet evening, with nothing else to do."
"Yes, I know I did, but I had an interesting library book to finish, and after that it was too late."
"Another time you must learn your lessons first before you amuse yourself with story-books. You can study your lesson now; I will get along without you," Mrs. Warren said.
Noon came. There was a nice dinner upon the table. Upon the bars the smoothly ironed clothes hung, and on the kitchen table there was a row of glass jars, filled with delicious hot fruit. But it was a very flushed and wearied face that looked over the coffee-urn. It was only half-past twelve when the family finished their dinner, and Mrs. Warren said, "Katy, dear, you have half an hour before school; supposing you tie on a big apron and help me get some of these dishes out of the way."
"Oh dear! I don't see how I can, mamma; I missed my practice hour this morning, and you know I have to take my music lesson to-morrow. But I'll let it go if you say so," Katy said fretfully.
"Go and practice." That was all Katy's tired mother said, as she gathered up the many dishes preparatory to removing them to the hot kitchen. Katy's conscience troubled her some as she practiced her scales in the pleasant parlor. Two or three times, in place of the musical notes, she saw a tired mother's face, but she did not close her instruction book and go to that mother's relief, only struck the notes more vehemently.
It was four o'clock when Katy returned from school. Looking into the sitting-room she found the baby asleep in his cradle, and her mother, with bandaged head, lying upon the couch.
"All quiet along the Potomac?" Katy questioned, as she bent to kiss her mother's hot cheek.
"Quiet just now; but the baby's nap is nearly out, and I dread his awaking. My head is much worse. I think you'll have to get tea to-night, dear; I don't think I possibly can."
"All right, mamma; but it is not near time yet, and can I go over to the slope after wild clematis? The girls are waiting at the gate, and we'll not be gone long."
"You can go if you'll be here at five promptly."
"Yes, ma'am, I'll be here," Katy answered, as she danced from the room, unmindful of her mother's pain.
The door closed after her with a bang which woke the baby, and he began crying. It was some moments before Mrs. Warren's dizzy head would allow her to get up and lift the screaming child from his cradle. She put him on the floor and gave him his box of playthings, which he threw all over the room, even into the dining-room beyond. Mrs. Warren did not seem to care where he threw his toys, as long as he was amused. She laid down again and held her throbbing head, watching the clock as the hands crept closer to five, hoping that thoughtless little Katy would keep her promise. The clock struck one—two—three—four—five. Oh, how the251hammer beat her weary head! But notwithstanding her pain she arose, built the fire, prepared the supper, a pain in her heart worse than that in her head. "Can it be that my little Katy does not love her mother?" she thought.
Supper was all ready when Katy made her appearance at the same time with her father and brothers.
"I'm so sorry, mamma. I meant to come sooner, but I was having such a nice time," began Katy apologetically; but her father stopped her.
"Hush! Where have you been?" he said sternly. "Your mother all alone with the work and the baby? Look at her tired, red face." But his reproof stopped just here, for the tired red face suddenly grew ashen white, and Katy's weary mother was unconscious.
Months have passed since then, but Katy's heart is still sore. Her mother is a patient invalid, without the ability to walk a step. Every night as Katy's head falls upon the pillow, she looks about her room's pretty belongings, dear mother's love and taste breathing through them all, and thinks of what that gray-haired doctor said months ago, as he looked pityingly at her mother. Looking at her thoughtless little Katy, he had said, "Mother has had to work too hard this hot, close day; she's too delicate for such prostrating work. I suppose you help her all you can."
"Ah, but that's the trouble! I didn't help mother all I could; that's why my pillow pricks so."
Poor Katy! don't you all pity her?—Ernest Gilmore, in Sunday-School Times.
AS WHEN we are in prosperity we are ready to think our mountain will never be brought low, so when we are in adversity we are ready to think valley will never be filled up.
The Home Circle.
BE IN TIME.
BE in time for every call;
If you can, be first of all:
Be in time.
If your teachers only find
You are never once behind,
But are like the dial, true,
They will always trust to you:
Be in time.
Never linger ere you start,
Set out with a willing heart:
Be in time.
In the morning up and on,
First to work, and soonest done;
This is how the goal's attained;
This is how the prize is gained:
Be in time.
Those who aim at something great
Never yet were found too late:
Be in time.
Life with all is but a school;
We must work by plan and rule,
Ever steady, earnest, true;
Whatsoever you may do,
Be in time. -Selected.
News and Notes.
By Editor
—The famous Arab Chieftain, Abdel-Kader, is dead.
—An English syndicate has invested $3,000,000 in Texas land.
—Queen Victoria's ill health is causing great uneasiness in England.
—Wm. Lambert of California has been appointed U. S. Consul at San Blas, Mexico.
—A $20,000 fire, from the explosion of a kerosene lamp, occurred at Bakersfield, Cal., on the 26th.
—An amnesty to a limited extent has been granted to Polish exiles by the Czar as a coronation act.
—Chicago dispatches report the loss of two lake schooners with all on board—seventeen persons in all.
—The Indian Gap silver mines of Pennsylvania, upon which $20,000 had been expended, were recently sold for $10.
—Within a few days 8,000 emigrants have passed through Hull, England, for America. They are mostly Mormons.
—Gen. Crook has had a fight with the Apaches in the Sierra Madre Mountains, Mexico, and report gives him the victory.
—The southern part of Missouri, and that part of Illinois recently swept by tornadoes, are suffering from severe frosts.
—Plots to assassinate the King of Roumania at the opening of Parliament have been discovered and some arrests made.
—The entire village of Merenkinshon, Prussia, was destroyed by fire last week, and its 1,300 inhabitants all left homeless.
—The Japanese Government has purchased a man-of-war in England which was originally intended for the Chilean navy.
—Work has been commenced on the Northern Pacific Railroad Bridge at Portland, Oregon, across the Willamette River.
—Last week a pitch-battle between Irish and Italians took place in New York City, and several persons were injured, two fatally.
—A Detroit dispatch reports a heavy snow and rain-storm in that part of Michigan on the 21st, which was very disastrous to the fruit prospects.
—Five hundred Mormon families have gone from Utah to Idaho, and the church leaders boast that they will control the politics of that Territory.
—Heavy snows and floods are reported from Deadwood, D. T., with a great loss of property, ruination of mines, destruction of roads and bridges, etc.
—A snow-storm in Auglaise County, Ohio, on the 22d inst., and heavy rain-storms in Fairfield County are said to have seriously injured grain and fruit crops.
—There was a grand Communist demonstration in Paris May 27, 1,500 persons participating. Red flags were displayed, and frantic speeches made, but no arrests.
—There are fair prospects for the continuation of the Pacific Mail service between San Francisco and New Zealand and Australia, for which the contract has about expired.
—The Pope has notified the French authorities that he has great difficulty in restraining an open rupture between that Government and the Vatican. An amicable reply was made.
—The post-office safe at Healdsburg, Cal., was blown open by burglars the night of the 25th, but they were frightened away before getting the contents. They robbed the office of about $50.
—The gambling evil is said to be sadly demoralizing high military officials at Washington. It is claimed that leading officers dare not enforce the regulations in this respect for fear of exposure.
—Johnson County, Arkansas, was visited by a cyclone last week. Over twenty houses, including a church and school-house, were blown down. One man is reported killed and several others injured.
—Two Chinese shop-keepers were expelled from Waynesboro, Ga., and eighteen citizens indicted for the offense. The time for trial having arrived, great difficulty is experienced in procuring a jury.
—At Brooklyn, N. Y., on the 22d inst., there was a reunion of the Fifth Virginia Infantry and the Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers. The Virginians presented to the New Yorkers the flag captured from them during the rebellion.
—Near Portland, Oregon, on the 25th, a well-known contractor named Huntington, while driving along the road with his wife and child, was assaulted by a party of workmen and cruelly beaten, and then put into his carriage to be driven home by his wife.
—A terrible tragedy occurred at Visalia, Cal., on the 25th. A man named Elliott, in endeavoring to shoot another, named Harlan, killed his own child, and was afterward killed by Harlan, who was also wounded. Jealousy, divorce, etc., were at the bottom of the trouble.
—Two harmless explosions are reported from the palace of the Czar of Russia about the time he was to leave for Moscow on his coronation mission. It was supposed that all was safe within the palace, but this demonstration proves that the Czar's foes include those of his own household.
—From Nelson, Illinois, comes the report of a fiendish attempt to burn a whole family named Boyd. The doors were fastened upon the outside, and the premises saturated with coal-oil and fired. Fortunately the inmates were awakened and succeeded in breaking out of their flaming prison.
—The Steamer Pilot burst her boilers in Petaluma Creek, near Donahue, Cal., last week, and the result was thirteen deaths, and several others severely injured. The vessel plied regularly between Petaluma and San Francisco, and it is said the boilers were known to be defective two years ago.
—A New York dispatch of the 26th says: "Collector Robertson yesterday received a dispatch from Assistant Secretary French, requesting him to take proper measures against a party of 100 Mormons now on their way to New York from Switzerland. The United States Consul at Basle writes to this Government that they are mostly women recruited from the lower ranks, who have been shipped at the expense of the communes. The party numbers in all 600 proselytes, who have been collected by Mormon emissaries from all parts of Europe. The 100 persons from Switzerland are said to be poor, ignorant, and in many cases imbecile creatures, to get rid of whom the communes are willing to pay 160 francs a head. The party is coming by the steamship Nevada of the Guion line, which left Liverpool on May 16th."
Religious Notes.
By Editor
—The London Missionary Society owns five mission ships.
—The income of the Church of England is put at $22,625,000.
—In the Philadelphia Conference of the M. E. Church there are 45,334 full communicants.
—The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland had a net increase during the past year of nearly 1,800.
—The London Freeman says that the native Christians of Madagascar have given more than a million dollars during the past ten years for the spread of the gospel.
—The Presbytery of the Edinburgh United Presbyterians passed a resolution at its last session urging the ministers within its bounds to aim sedulously at extempore preaching.
—The Council of the Canton of Neufchatel, Switzerland, has voted to continue its restrictions on the meetings of the Salvation Army, and to interdict them altogether if the rules are violated.
—The General Baptist Convention, lately in session in Oakland, adopted a resolution recommending that the churches use unfermented wine in the solemnization of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
—The Congregationalist says it is an unfortunate feature of the weekly offering system in the churches that it seems to give the Secretaries of the benevolent societies a less free access to some of the pulpits than heretofore.
—The Christian at Work is authority for the statement that in Miles City, Montana, the Methodists have placed contribution-boxes in the drinking-saloons, so that the patrons may drop in a coin or two whenever they drink. Of course the good people couldn’t think of doing anything against those upon whom they partially depend for their support, so the saloons have a fine prospect before them.
—A Sacramento clergyman advises his flock to labor for the legal protection of Sunday by a new law. He says: “We should give ourselves and the public no rest until we have a new Sunday Law;” and we “must fight the battle up and out again, till the civil Sabbath is a recognized law of the State of California.” And he further advises that the politicians through whose influence the Sunday Law was abolished, should be given to understand “that they are no more needed in official positions.” That’s the way to do it. Let that be the rule of action for a while, and the number of converts to the “foundation of our holy religion” will increase rapidly.
—Geo. O. Barnes, the “Mountain Evangelist,” is eccentric and sensational, but he has some good sense. Speaking of the creation of the world, and the origin of life, he said: “We may bother about the mystery for ages and never will find it out. Your little head and mine cannot contain it, and that is the reason God did not give us the information. If it was of the size to fit into your head and mine God would not refuse to give it. He gives us everything that he can give us; but he don’t want an idea put into your head that would burst it open like a bombshell. So the good God in tender mercy withholds from us what we cannot contain.” If more people were willing to admit that they don’t know everything, there would be much less of “science, falsely so-called.”
—A writer of Washington, speaking of the theory of evolution, and its effect on missionary effort, says: “It seems that this theology of conjecture, as it has appeared among our orthodox churches, has not had time to give us a specimen of the kind of missionary heroes it can raise up. We can only turn to the exploits of the single missionary sent by our Unitarian brethren to India, and to the fact that our Universalist brethren seem to think the heathen well taken care of if left to themselves. These denominations are consistent with their views of truth. . . . This is certainly a fact, that whatever has been done for the heathen in the way of bringing them to Christ, has been done by those who believed, with St. Paul that even the heathen are without excuse, because they do not follow the light they have.”
THE TRUTH FOUND.
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner
THE NATURE AND OBLIGATION OF THE SABBATH OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.
By Eld. J. H. Waggoner.
The title of this little book sufficiently explains its character. It contains more Scriptural information in regard to the Sabbath than any other book of twice the size, and yet it is so simplified as to be easily comprehended. The author quotes the opinions of many learned men concerning the Sabbath, and their conflicting theories are strongly contrasted with the clear, straightforward teaching of the Bible.
64 pp. Price, 10 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
A MINE OF INFORMATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
HISTORY OF THE SABBATH AND FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.
By Eld. J. N. Andrews.
The Bible record of the Sabbath; the secular history concerning it; the successive steps by which the change to the first day was made, and the work of restoration, are given in detail.
EVERY TEXT OF SCRIPTURE concerning the Sabbath is commented on at length; and the COMPLETE TESTIMONY OF THE FATHERS in regard to the Sabbath and first day is given. The comparative merits of the seventh and the first-day Sabbaths are fully shown. A copious Index enables the reader to find any text, or the statement of any historian. Should be read by everybody. 528 pp. Price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
EARLY WRITINGS OF MRS. WHITE.
Comprising "Experience and Views" and "Spiritual Gifts Volume One," bound in one volume. This makes a neat and attractive book of nearly 200 pages, and should be read by old and young. The matter and the style in which it is presented are so interesting that no one who has read one chapter will forego the pleasure and profit of reading the remainder. Price, 75 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE FORETOLD.
By Uriah Smith
THE UNITED STATES IN PROPHECY.
By Eld. U. Smith.
This is a full exposition of a portion of prophecy which applies to our own Government, showing the position the United States holds in prophecy, and the part it has to act in the closing scenes of time.
THE SUNDAY MOVEMENT,
Which is now attracting such general attention, is thoroughly canvassed, and abundant testimony is given to prove that it is fast coming to be the ALL-IMPORTANT QUESTION in this country. Facts and statistics are largely presented, showing in the most conclusive manner that this Government is the one pointed out in the prophecy quoted.
200 pp. Bound, 40 cents. Paper covers, 20 cents.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
CRYSTAL SPRINGS HEALTH RETREAT.
This well-known and popular Resort has been renovated, and is now open for the accommodation of Guests.
Those who are in search of health can find no better place in the State. The climate is unequaled; appliances for bathing are excellent, and a Physician resident at the Retreat to attend to the calls of patients.
Pure, soft water in abundance; hot and cold baths; pleasant, airy rooms; and a well furnished Table. The most beautiful, pleasant, and invigorating Resort in California.
Morning and evening trains to St. Helena, sixty miles from San Francisco; conveyance thence to the Springs, two and a half miles. Springs conveyance will meet any train when notified.
For further particulars, address:-- RURAL HEALTH RETREAT, St. Helena, Cal.
Authorized yet Unauthorized.
By Editor
THE Christian Statesman speaks of "unauthorized holy days, like Easter and Christmas." Why does it say unauthorized? We dissent, and declare that they are authorized—authorized by the same power that authorized the observance of Sunday as a holy day; all are authorized by the Roman Catholic Church, the "mother of harlots and abominations of the earth."
As the catechism says, "Sundays and holy days all stand on the same foundation." The Statesman is working for such a change in the laws as will enforce Sunday observance; why does it not act consistently, and try to enforce the observance of Christmas, New Years, and Easter? Why discriminate in regard to matters of tradition? If we are to adopt one custom on the authority of tradition, why reject another which has the same support?
For our part we propose to follow the advice of the historian of the popes, and "treat tradition as we do a notorious and known liar, to whom we give no credit, unless what he says is confirmed to us by some person of undoubted veracity." And this umpire, in matters pertaining to religion, must always be the Bible. We accept no other authority.
Time of Camp-Meetings.
By Editor
UPPER COLUMBIA, Milton, Or., June 6-12
IOWA, Des Moines, June 7-12
MICHIGAN, Flint, " 13-18
WISCONSIN, Portage, " 14-19
NORTH PACIFIC, Beaverton, " 20-26
MICHIGAN, Alma, " 20-26
MINNESOTA, Minneapolis, " 21-26
DAKOTA, Parker, Turner Co., June 27 to July 2
TEXAS, Waxahachie, July 13-23
VIRGINIA, New Market, Aug. 2-7
OHIO, Galion, Crawford Co., " 15-21
MASSACHUSETTS, " 23-28
VERMONT, Aug. 30 to Sept. 4
MAINE, Waterville, Sept. 6-11
ILLINOIS, " 11-18
NEBRASKA, " 19-25
Missionary Instruction at Healdsburg
By Editor
The Editor of the SIGNS has been in Healdsburg for about three weeks, giving instruction in general missionary work, to those students who design entering the field this summer. Two lectures are given each day, and considerable time is devoted to asking and answering questions. A few of the leading points of our faith are being canvassed, and the best method of presenting them considered. This, it will be seen, necessitates a great deal of labor, especially as none of this work has been done at the college before, and the work of arranging subjects, organizing, etc., all has to be attended to. On this account he has not been able to give the SIGNS so much attention as usual. He will return to Oakland next week, and resume his labors.
The Signs Canvass
By Editor
The Signs canvass is still moving on. Orders for over 1,100 have been received within the last week. New York and Pennsylvania have ordered 400 each, and Nebraska has increased her club to 1,800. The president of that Conference says that canvassers obtain on an average twenty trial subscribers a day, and that the work is on a steady basis. The canvassers are not old hands at the business, but have lately commenced. The most encouraging reports come in from all quarters. The cause is onward; who wants to share in the work?
Tent Meetings in Humboldt County
By Editor
Elder Ballou, accompanied by his wife, left Oakland last Wednesday morning for Humboldt County, where Bro. McClure and wife have been successfully doing missionary work during the past winter. They will hold tent-meetings there this summer. The prospect in that county is encouraging; several have already commenced to keep the Sabbath, and many are deeply interested in the truth. We wish them abundant success.
Race Prejudice Against the Chinese
By Editor
THE New York Tribune says that the recent reports in regard to the outrageous crimes of the Chinese in that city are untrue; that the movement against them by the assistant priest and members of the Church of the Transfiguration, was prompted by race prejudice. The priest in charge of the church disapproves the action, and declares that “these heathen are no worse than many Christians.” Taking the word “Christian” in the accommodated sense in which it is now used, we have no doubt that his statement is true. We would by no means apologise for heathen immorality, which we know is great; what we say is that a wicked deed is none the worse because it is done by a Chinaman. If there is any difference, it is certainly in favor of the heathen.
THE DEFINITE SEVENTH DAY;
By John Nevins Andrews
OR, GOD'S MEASUREMENT OF TIME ON THE ROUND WORLD.
BY ELD. J. N. ANDREWS.
THIS tract is an answer to the question, "Can a definite day be observed by all the inhabitants of the earth?" It is a complete refutation of the common objection against the Sabbath, that the rotation of the earth on its axis makes it impossible for all men to keep the same day, showing not only that a definite day may be observed in all parts of the earth, but that no real difficulty has ever been experienced in the matter. 16 pp. Price, 2 cents; $1.50 per hundred.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
Appointments.
North Pacific Camp-Meeting.
It is decided to hold our camp-meeting at Beaverton, Oregon, June 20-26. The grounds are directly on the railroad, twelve miles west of Portland; by wagon road seven miles. There will be a book-stand with all our publications for sale. To save expense, the secretaries should be prepared to replenish their libraries at this time. There will also be a stand from which such provisions can be obtained as will be needed on the ground. An extra large tent will be pitched, a part of which can be used for a home by those destitute of small tents.
CHAS. L. BOYD,
T. H. STARBUCK,
WM. L. RAYMOND,
Camp-meeting Committee.
North Pacific Tract Society Meeting
By Charles L. Boyd
The next annual meeting of the North Pacific Tract and Missionary Society will be held at Beaverton, Oregon, June 20-26. The first meeting will be held Thursday morning at an early hour. All interested in the spread of the present truth should be on the ground at this time, as Elder Haskell, President of the International Tract and Missionary Society, will give an address at the first meeting, which none can afford to lose.
CHAS. L. BOYD, Pres.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
By Conference Committee
The next annual meeting of the North Pacific Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Beaverton, Oregon, June 20-26. The first session will be held the morning of the 21st. Every delegate, with proper credentials, should be on the ground Wednesday, as matters of vital interest to every lover of the cause will be considered in the first meetings. Blanks and yearly church reports will be sent to each church clerk, which should be filled out and returned to Eld. Chas. L. Boyd, Salem, Oregon.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
North Pacific Sabbath-School Meeting
By Charles L. Boyd
The next annual meeting of the North Pacific Sabbath-school Association will be held at Beaverton, Oregon, June 20-26. Let every Sabbath-school elect its delegates in due time. Instructive essays from Sabbath-school workers may be expected.
CHAS. L. BOYD, Pres.
THOUGHTS ON REVELATION, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Uriah Smith
By Eld. U. Smith.
This work presents every verse in the book of Revelation, with such remarks as serve to illustrate or explain the meaning of the text. It is a new and harmonious exposition of that important book, and is designed to create an interest in its study.
416 pp. $1.25. Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.
THOUGHTS ON DANIEL, CRITICAL AND PRACTICAL.
By Uriah Smith
By Eld. U. Smith.
---
AN EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL, VERSE BY VERSE.
---
WE are now living in times plainly pointed out in this prophecy, and it is important to understand it; for Daniel himself says that in the time of the end, the wise shall understand; while, if we fail, we are equally guilty with the Jews, who knew not the time of their visitation (Luke 19:42-44); and shall meet a similar fate. 416 pp. Price, $1.25.
Address, SIGNS OF THE TIMES, 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 cts.