THE Christian Advocate of San Francisco copies an account of an incident, from Harper's Magazine, in which it is said that “a humming-bird has shown more cunning than its little brain would seem capable of manufacturing.”
We advise neighbor Advocate to be cautious how it gives “aid and comfort” to infidels and atheists by publishing to the world that the brain of a hummingbird manufactures cunning! Look at Webster and you will learn that cunning is knowledge, art; that it is a faculty in the use of stratagem to accomplish a purpose. And this indicates intelligence and thought. Hazard not your reputation as a student of “science and the Bible” (science always put first) by intimating to your readers that the brain of a bird generates thought, and is capable of manifesting art and skill. No, no. It was its precious little immortal humming-bird soul that showed such cunning and skill. The brain was only the mortal instrument which the soul used in accomplishing its purpose.
Do not evade the issue by denying that humming-birds have immortal souls. We shall defend the bird. To use the language of your own paper, we shall insist that “the indications of some inner immaterial nature are as clear and well-defined as the evidence that he possesses an external, material body.” If cunning, craft, and skill do not indicate immaterial, immortal existence, pray what does? It will never do to admit that material brains can produce all this. Materialists might take advantage of it, and urge that Solomon and other Bible writers meant just what they said!
BRO. ANDREWS IMPROVING
By Editor
July 17 we received a note from Bro. Loughborough, accompanying his report, in which he says:—
"A letter from Sister Oyer, Bale, to-day, June 29, reports Bro. Andrews still gaining in health, and they think he has gained some in flesh. He has some rheumatic difficulties now."
We hope that prayers of faith may still arise for his complete recovery, and that our God may graciously hear and answer. "Lord increase our faith."
OAKLAND CHURCH.
By Editor
SABBATH, July 16, was a good day with the Oakland church. After an absence from its pulpit of nearly two months, we enjoyed the meeting with this people, to whom we have become so strongly attached. We spoke on John 21:21, 22; the object was to impress a sense of individual responsibility, the necessity of looking to Christ for our pattern, and not to our fellow-creatures; of doing our own duty without regard to what others may or may not do.
In the afternoon about ninety were present to celebrate the ordinances of the Lord's house. Considering how the membership is scattered, this is a large number to be present on such an occasion. We have tried to instruct this people in regard to the responsibilities of church membership, and the duty of obeying the Saviour in attending to the ordinances. We were pleased to see a number present last Sabbath who have habitually absented themselves for a long time. They will certainly grow in grace if they continue to wait on the Lord in all his appointed ways.
CHURCH GOERS.
THE percentage of population which attends church is small in every country known as "Christian." In our western States and Territories it is exceedingly small. In California it is said to be about two per cent., while in Nevada it has been reported that not more than one per cent. of the population is church-going. It will be surprising to most of our readers to learn that the largest per cent. of church attendance is found in the Feejees, namely, about eighty-five per cent. A few missionaries from the Feejee Islands to the United States would not be out of place; only it is to be feared they would backslide if brought into association with American Christians!
"STUDY TO BE QUIET."
By Editor
A ZEALOUS correspondent of the California Christian Advocate says:—
"The materiality of the soul, annihilation of the wicked, and the immediate coming of Christ, form the burden of every sermon of hosts of zealous preachers, who stand side by side with infidels and atheists on the platform of infidelity and atheism!"
What a beautiful thing is Christian charity! And what lovely dispositions are developed in some of the professed followers of Christ! How well do they follow the apostle's injunction, to "speak the truth in love!" They nearly put Bob Ingersoll to shame. Thank you, neighbor Advocate. Continue to "let your moderation be known."
CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By Editor
PREVIOUS to this we have not been able to state the time that our camp-meeting would be held, as the President of the Conference did not know definitely when he could return from the East. But he now writes that he can be here in time to commence our meeting October 6. It is a little later than the usual time, but when we consider that quite a large number of our people have been kept away altogether, and others could only stay two or three days to the meeting, on account of the harvest not being over, it would seem to be for the best. At our good camp-meeting last fall it was voted that we hold a three weeks' meeting next time. In case this is still thought best, the time will be from Thursday, Oct. 6, to Monday morning, Oct. 24. A little further consideration in regard to the place, arrangements for reduction of fares, etc., is necessary, which will be given in the SIGNS next week.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.
ALWAYS BE ON TIME.
By Editor
THE “Song Anchor” is in general use in our Sabbath-schools. One good piece therein has this important lesson in its title and for its subject, “Always be on Time.” Promptness is a Christian duty. It is a duty for all; and therefore eminently a duty for Christians, who should be an example for ready obedience in all things. Children should be prompt in attendance, and in their duties; and so should teachers, officers, and Superintendent. And the last should be first in this duty, as the higher should always set an example to the lower.
But many, we fear, do not realize that there is a duty in regard to stopping as well as to beginning. It is an evidence of ability, skill, and preparation to be able to do an hour's work in an hour. He who requires an hour and a half, or two hours, in which to do an hour's work, lacks as an organizer or leader, and fails in his duty to the young, especially as an example. Pupils trained under such an example will become dilatory, slow, if not careless, in the execution of their tasks.
We have seen leaders of meetings, and even ministers, who will wait half an hour beyond the time to commence meeting, for the congregation to come together. In the same easy manner the meeting is lengthened beyond its allotted space, and a slow-going church is the inevitable result. But we wish to speak now in behalf of ministers whose duty it is to visit and labor in and for churches. Say the appointment is given out for Sabbath morning—“Sabbath-school at ten; preaching at eleven.” The minister, as he ought to do, attends the school. At eleven he has his hymns selected, and is ready for his work. Hearers, perhaps unbelievers, are present, having been invited to come to hear the preaching. But the school continues,—twenty, thirty, and sometimes forty minutes over time. Five to ten minutes recess; and the opening exercises carry them to nearly twelve o'clock. If the minister has made preparation for the occasion, as he should have done, his plans are all broken up. He wants a social meeting after the sermon. He knows the patience of his hearers is being taxed. He is obliged to condense his subject, or drop important points, to bring his discourse within the time allowed him. If a spirited social meeting follows, it will be truly remarkable under such circumstances. His work has been unsatisfactory to himself—perhaps to his hearers. And then, in most cases, the failure in effect of the day's proceedings will be laid to the preacher.
“A word to the wise is sufficient.” We hope so; yet we are not sanguine on this point. People who have a habit of giving a long, tedious “testimony” in a social meeting cannot be wise, for we never knew “a word” to be sufficient to correct their habit. And so in all things; a lack of promptness is a difficulty not easily overcome. But we are all expected to “grow in grace.” Let us all learn and heed the important lesson, “Always be on Time.”
THE REVISED NEW TESTAMENT.
This long-expected work is just published. It is the result of ten years of faithful labor by the most eminent Biblical scholars of England and America. It is published in four sizes, any of which can be obtained, post-paid, at the prices named below. from
PACIFIC PRESS,
1059 Castro Street, OAKLAND, Cal.
NONPAREIL, 32mo.—Paper Cover................$ .20
Cloth, Limp, red edges...... .25
French Morocco............... .65
Venitian Morocco............. .80
BREVIER, 16mo....—Cloth...................... .60
Morocco, gilt edges... 1.10
Turkey Morocco, Limp..... 2.25
LONG PRIMER, 8vo.—Cloth...................... 1.00
Morocco ..................... 1.80
Turkey Morocco.............. 3.25
Over 200,000 have already been sold. Every Bible student should have one.
THE COMPARATIVE EDITION
By Editor
-OF THE-
NEW TESTAMENT,
EMBRACING THE
Revised and the Old or King James Versions, on
Opposite and Corresponding Pages.
8 Vo. Long Primer, Price $1.50.
16 mo. Brevier. Price 75 cts.
Postage Paid.
AS THE CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE in the revision of the New Testament are now exciting a great deal of interest, and comparision between the New and Old Versions will be constantly made, we have secured a comparative edition containing the two versions arranged on opposite pages, so that the alterations can be seen at a glance. This arrangement makes the work one of great popular value, as it does away with the necessity of using two books, and saves the time that would be occupied in seeking corresponding passages.
ADDRESS, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
MUSIC BOOKS.
SONG ANCHOR. By J. E. WHITE. For the Sabbath-school, Praise Service, and Fireside. 164 pages, on heavy, tinted paper. Price in board covers, 35 cents; $3.60 per dozen. Bound in cloth, 50 cents; $5 per dozen.
TEMPERANCE AND GOSPEL SONGS. By J. E. WHITE. Acknowledged by competent judges to be the best book of the kind ever issued. The music is new, by our best authors. Price in board covers, 30 cents; $3.50 per dozen.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
BETTER THAN PEARLS.
A New Collection of the best Gospel Songs, Hymns and Tunes for use in Tent and Camp-Meetings, as well as in Revival, Social and Praise Service.
A careful selection has been made from a vast amount of material, which renders the book of special value for the purposes indicated.
BETTER THAN PEARLS contains 112 pages, the first 70 of which are devoted to gospel songs, selected with regard to merit only from the best authors of the day. The remainder of the book contains over 50 tunes and nearly 200 standard hymns for church service, selected and adapted with great care, with variety sufficient for all occasions.
CLOTH—40 cents per copy; $4 per dozen; $35 per hundred.
BOARD—(the usual style of Sabbath-school Singing-books)—30 cents per copy; $3 per dozen; $25 per hundred.
PAPER—25 cents per copy; $2.50 per dozen; $20 per hundred.
In ordering by mail at dozen or 100 rates, 3 cents per copy should be added for postage.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
TEMPERANCE TRACTS.
By Editor
TEN CENTS will secure a select package of stirring Temperance Tracts, containing one hundred pages of facts, figures and pointed arguments against intemperance in all its forms. The following constitute the package:—
Alcohol, What is it?—True Temperance.—Tobacco-Poisoning.—Tobacco-Using a Cause of Disease.—Tobacco-Using a Relic of Barbarism.—Evil Effects of Tea and Coffee.—Ten Arguments for Tea and Coffee Answered.—The Cause and Cure of Intemperance.—The Drunkard's Arguments Answered.—Alcoholic Medication.—Principles of Health Reform.
TWENTY-FIVE CENT PACKAGE.
A larger package, costing 25 cents, contains 248 pages in eighteen tracts. In addition to the above eleven, it has the following Health and Temperance Tracts, which are larger:—
Wine and the Bible.—Alcoholic Poison.—Moral and Social Effects of Alcohol.—Pork; the Dangers of its Use.—Tea and Coffee.—Healthful Clothing.—Dyspepsia.
ONE DOLLAR PACKAGE.—HEALTH BOOKS.
In addition to the above, we will send the following valuable Health Books for one dollar:—
Diphtheria (new edition illustrated), price 30 cents.—Healthful Cookery, 25 cents.—Proper Diet for Man, 15 cents.
Address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
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, Mich.
MISS ELIZA THAYER, Secretary N. E. Tract Society, So Lancaster, Mass.
ELDER J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England.
MRS. A. P. VAN HORN, Beaverton, Or
Our Publications in England.
ANY of the books, pamphlets and tracts issued at this Office may be obtained of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Ravenswood, Shirley Road, Southampton, England, who will furnish catalogues and prices in English money, and receive subscriptions for all our periodicals.