Questions are constantly coming up relative to the missionary work. We answer some, and others we send to Bro. Haskell who has been more especially connected with the missionary work, and we hereby invite him to be free to use these columns with such instructions, as in his judgment we need in the missionary work. We want to do, and to learn how to do in this work.
J. W. B. writes from Dist. No. 2, “Sr——, is very low. The doctor says she cannot live long. Her children need clothing. They can’t attend sabbath school for lack of clothing. They must be helped, and that immediately. From what source must they be helped? Whose duty is it to take the case? We want to move in harmony with the T. and M. Society.”
Reply. I suppose God permits these cases of the poor to come up, as a test of the love of God’s people for suffering humanity around them, and as a help in opening a constant channel of liberality in us, and as a safe guard to us, against our falling into covetousness. The missionary Society is not designed to thwart the object of God in these things, but as a regulator, and prompter to duty among the Lord’s people.
As I understand the plan of operations, under the new constitution, it is this, that each District raise, by special donations from their members, their quota of means to be applied to the State, Widow, Orphan, and Poor Fund, and that each District is entitled to draw from that fund in proportion to the amount they have put in. Before any general move is made in this direction I wish to get some general instruction from Bro. Haskell, relative to it. This we hope to have in time for No. 10.
The funds raised at the missionary meeting in 1873, as you will recollect was only to stand open as a poor fund for one year, when it was expected some move would be made to place that matter on a separate basis from our State Tract and Missionary Fund. That time has come. Our new constitution is adopted, and we may as well go to work as fast as we can see our way clear under that Constitution. For the present your church will have to do what they can in this case as you express a willingness to do.
Bro. J. M. from District No. 3, writes, “Will s. B. dues be paid at the same time our reports are made, under the new order of things, or at every Quarter as heretofore?”
Reply. The change in missionary matters does not effect the regulations of our Conference relative to s. B. The State Conference Secretary will send blanks for reports, and a letter of notification as heretofore, two weeks before the quarter expires, when the S. B. Treasurer will collect and forward to the State Conference Treasurer, and report to the State Conference Secretary as heretofore.
Another question from District No. 3, “If a brother wishes to become a member, who shall he apply to?”
Reply. He should apply to the Director, either in person or through the District Secretary, the Librarian, or the Business Agent.
News and Miscellany.
New York, October 28.—A fire this evening in the building Nos. 52 to 56, Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, damaged property to the amount of $75,000. The losses are as follows: Adams, Halleck & Co., manufacturers of silver ware, $45,000; F. C. Fowler, owners of the building, $20,000; and the American Cork Cutting Company, $10,000. Insured.
Pittsburg, October 28.—Blair’s iron and steel works were partially destroyed by fire to-night. Loss about $20,000.
Fort Wayne, October 28.—Taylor’s grain warehouse was burned this morning, with its contents. Loss $10,000. Insured.
Cincinnati, October 29.—A passenger by the Pan-Handle route from Steubenville to this city, arriving at midnight, reports the woods on fire in places from Denison east to Columbus, and as far as Morrow. The worst fires are five miles northeast of Columbus, and near Frazierville, to the east of Newark, between Columbus and Morrow.
Plymouth, October 29.—A fire here to-day destroyed Jesop’s hotel, the livery stables of Davenport and Blair, Mullin’s shoe store, a dwelling and several stores. Total loss, $100,000; insurance not over $60,000.
Terra Haute (Ind.), October 29.—The total loss by fire in Greencastle is $385,000; insurance, $122,900.
The S. F. Chronicle of Oct. 30, says:—
New York, Nov. 2.—Telegraphic dispatches from latest European files of papers:
“The village of Prest, in Switzerland, was recently almost wholly destroyed by fire.
“The recent heavy gale off the British coast was very destructive to property. Near Liverpool numerous vessels were driven ashore; church spires blown down; a chimney 200 feet high blown down; a mail train stopped for two hours by the gale; many vessels dashed to pieces.”
The late gales were very severe on the lakes. A number of sloops and schooners loaded with wheat from Chicago have been lost, or suffered heavy damage on lakes Erie and Michigan.
Earthquake in Guatemala.—A Guatemala paper says the victims of the earthquake of Sept. 3d, number 200. The losses suffered in all departments are estimated at $250,000. Many dead bodies remained buried under the stream of mud which descended from the Cerro Del Tigre which was 100 feet deep in some places. The town of Duenos is entirely ruined, and Aulotenango, Cindad Vieja and Amatitlan suffered severely. The government has ordered supplies of flour from Salvador and California.
It is reported that Antigua, Guatemala, was destroyed by an earthquake on the night of Sept. 25th.
Cyclone in India.—A Bombay dispatch of Oct. 17th, says that the presidency of Bengal has been visited by a frightful cyclone, which caused great havoc. The telegraph line between Bombay and Calcutta was prostrated, and communication suspended. A train of cars on the Bombay and Calcutta Railway was blown from the track.
Trouble in Nebraska.—A dispatch from Omaha, Neb., of October 18th, says that for several days past Kearney Junction has been overrun by a lot of Texan herders, who have committed many depredations, and the citizens were afraid to attempt their capture. Matters, however, culminated last night in a row, in which two citizens were killed. The herders then retreated to an island in the Platte River and have fortified themselves. The citizens telegraphed to Governor Furnas for arms and ammunition, and he has ordered them forward from Lincoln without delay. The citizens will do all in their power to confine the desperadoes to the island.
The loss sustained by the late typhoon at Hong Kong, China, is estimated at £1,000,000. The shore for miles around was strewn with the wrecks of vessels that were destroyed.
It is estimated that three million dollars’ worth of grain has been destroyed by locusts in South-western Minnesota.
The famine in India is decreasing. The government will cease issuing supplies on the 15th of October.
The Emperor of Germany, in a letter to the Pope, says Germany has done all in her power to live at peace with the Church of Rome, but that he is bound to protect the State against the attacks and conspiracies of the Catholic Clergy.
A project is on foot to fit out another expedition to the North Pole, and it will probably be vigorously pushed during the coming winter. It is proposed to ask Congress for an appropriation to build a vessel for the purpose, to be officered and manned from the Navy.
The work of laying the new direct cable from the Irish to the American coast has commenced.
The President has issued a proclamation setting apart Thursday, November 26th, as the day of National Thanksgiving.
Washington, October 31.—Internal Revenue receipts for the month ending to-day, were $9,204,871; for the fiscal year, $35,682,498.
The Bible Society at Allahabad, India, have begun, and purpose to continue until they shall have furnished a copy of the Holy Scriptures to every inhabitant of India.
Boston, October 29.—Official statistics of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boston, show that there are in this episcopal jurisdiction 175 priests, 100 churches, 15 churches in process of erection, 34 chapels and stations, and a Catholic population of 311,000. There are 63 clerical students. These figures show an increase during the year of 18 priests, 19 churches, 3 churches building, 8 chapels and stations, and 10,000 Catholic population.
The London Times’ Berlin correspondent writes that the body of Lady Dilke was burned on the 10th instant at Dresden, strangers being permitted to be present. The coffin was placed in the chamber of the furnace, and six minutes later it burst; five minutes later and the flesh began to melt away; ten minutes more and the skeleton was laid bare; another ten minutes and the bones began to crumble, and in seventy-five minutes after the introduction of the coffin what remained of Lady Dilke and the coffin was six pounds of dust which was placed in an urn.
Obituary Notices.
By J. W. Bond; S. C. Bond
“I WILL ransom them from the power of the grave: I will redeem them from death.” Hosea 13:14.
Died, near Healdsburg, California, Oct. 16, of Erysipelas, John Luther, son of J. W. and S. C. Bond, aged one month. Remarks at the funeral by J. C. Downing, Elder of the church.
J. W. & S. C. Bond.
What They Say.
“Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21:26.
The above is the statement of Christ as to what would be in the last days. The following shows a striking fulfillment of his word.
“Father Hyacinthe and Victor Hugo have joined Mr. Disraeli and the Pope in prophesying the approach of a tremendous war, which shall rage all over Europe and elsewhere. Mr. Disraeli predicted that the war would be a religious one, and that it would convulse the globe. The Pope described the impending struggle as one between the armies of the Archangel Michael and the hosts of Satan. According to the prognostication of Father Hyacinthe the coming war will be threefold, and will include a fearful conflict between popular rights and the power of capital, in which the combatants will tear each other to pieces. According to the vaticination of Victor Hugo, the great and inevitable encounter is to be “between two principles, Republic and Empire.” He says that “we have before us—in Europe—a series of catastrophies which engender each other, and which must be exhausted;” that “we can get a glimpse of peace only across a shock of arms;” that “between the present and the future there is a fatal interposition;” that the “Kings must expiate their crimes;” and that the separation of the people will result in federation and fraternity. He thus closes his prophecy of the “Universal Fatherland:”—“The solution is this: The United States of Europe. The end will be for the people—that is to say, for liberty; and for God—that is to say for peace.” There must surely be something in the atmosphere of Europe that leads so many prophets to prophesy the approach of war —war about religion, republicanisms, and the rights of human nature.”
New York, October 25.—A Paris telegram to the London Times of the 13th, says: “It is undeniable that things are not pleasant in Europe just now, and whatever calm there may be on the surface there is an undercurrent of anxiety as to eventualities which some believe are not very remote. The assurances of the Great Powers as to the prospects of long, enduring peace, have not sufficed to dispel uneasiness, which has for its cause the alleged determination of Germany to harass and humiliate France to keep alive in her breast the sting of defeat, and use towards her at every opportunity a sort of petty pressure which may serve to remind her that she met her master, and that it behooves her to be modest in her attitude and submissive in her tone. This charge is brought by the French against their late conquerors; but the latter, on the other hand, repudiate the vexatious intention imputed to them, and still more strongly deny the possibility of a fresh conflict.”
London, October 26th.—A Paris dispatch says that authentic information has been received here that Russia is fully convinced that she will in the course of three or four years, be engaged in a desperate struggle with Germany.
St. Petersburg, November 2d.—A telegram reports a serious rupture between Turcos and Khiva, which will attain serious results. The interposition of Russia will be rendered necessary.
Paris, November 3d.—A new army bill is to be introduced by the government providing for raising a force of 930,000.
The chief authorities of the church have decided to hold a great International Catholic Congress in London, with the object of maintaining the doctrine of Papal infallibility, re-asserting the Pope’s right of temporal as well as spiritual power, and proclaiming it to be the duty of all Christians to retain allegiance to Rome. It is stated that this determination is the result of direct instructions from the Vatican. Archbishop Manning, in a speech at Westminster, admitted that the spiritual influence of the Pope had greatly increased since the loss of his temporalities. If arbitration was ever to supersede war, the Pope would be the only possible authorized arbitrator. The Catholic world, he added, was threatened with controversy on all the decrees of the Ecumenical Council. There was undoubtedly approaching one of the mightiest contests the religious world had ever seen; therefore it was necessary to fearlessly assert through the free press of England the Pope’s rights, and his pretentions to world-wide allegiance.
Those who pledged to the publishing interests on this coast, or to the tent fund, who can pay immediately a part, or all, of their pledge are requested to do so, as we wish means to purchase a stock of paper in the East, and cannot wait for it to come in in the shape of subscriptions to the SIGNS. And further, we learn from private letters that there are others west of the plains who were not at the camp meeting, who wish to subscribe to the Publishing and Tent Funds. Let such send their pledges to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal., stating what they can pay on the Tent Fund by October 1st, 1875, and what they can pay to the Publishing Fund by January 1st, 1876.
Get all the subscribers you can for the SIGNS at $2 00 per year. Send in your donations, and send names of those you have the promise will read and pay the postage. State this in connection with all the names you send, as we can send no free papers on any other condition.
In seeking to comply with postal law as published in No. 5, we may have neglected to send to some who have promised to read and pay postage. Be patient friends, write again; we will try to get this matter of the list all straight as fast as we can. So help us.
A LITTLE TOO MUCH.—We receive letters in which we are requested to send papers free to Canada, England, and other foreign countries; that the parties will pay postage. That is all very well, but on all papers sent out of the United States we have to pay at least two cents a copy, or $1.04 a year. To ask us to send the paper free and pay $1.04 postage on it, is more than we have ever proposed to do.
All letters or business for the SIGNS should be addressed “SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal.” All drafts or money orders should be made payable to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Quarterly Meeting Appointments.
The first State quarterly meeting of California, under the new Missionary Constitution, will be held with the church at Oakland, Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 2d and 3d, 1875. All the Directors of the nine districts, and all the State Missionary officers are requested to be present, and as many of our brethren and sisters as can make it convenient to attend. At this meeting we shall expect a quarterly report from every district as required by the new constitution.
The district quarterly meetings will be held as follows:
District No. 1. At Petaluma, Dec. 19th and 20th, 1874. John Judson, Director in charge.
District No. 2. At Healdsburg, Dec. 19 and 20, 1874. Wm. Harmon, Director in charge.
District No. 3. At Napa, Dec. 19 and 20, 1874. J. W. Bond, Vice President and John Mavity, Director in charge.
District No. 4. At Vallejo, Dec. 19, and 20, 1874. J. S. Howard, Director in charge.
District No. 5. At Woodland, Dec. 19 and 20, 1874. H. C. Yerby, Director in charge.
District No. 6. At Red Banks School House, Tehama county, Dec. 19 and 20, 1874. J. H. Disher, Director in charge.
District No. 7. At Oakland, in connection with the first State Quarterly Meeting, Jan. 2 and 3, 1875.
District No. 8. At San Jose, Dec. 19 and 20, 1874. J. N. Loughborough, and Wm. Swinnerton, Director in charge.
District No. 9. At San Francisco, Dec. 19 and 20, 1874. Charles Chittenden, Director in charge. By order of the Board of Directors.
J. N. Loughborough, President.
Lucy Bush, Secretary.
All money sent by mail to the SIGNS’ office should be in drafts or postal orders, payable to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, if the sum exceeds $2 00. Sums less than $2 00 can be in currency or postage stamps.
We have a supply of Hygienic Almanacs for 1875, and can fill orders by mail for this coast, at ten cents per copy, post paid. Address SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, Cal. By a slip of the type, this was said in No. 8 to be an Almanac for 1874. Get one and it will be all right. It’s 1875, just what you need.
THIS WEEK'S PAPER.
By Editor
This number of the SIGNS presents a little better variety of reading matter than No. 8. Still we had hoped to receive something for publication from the pens of Bro. and sister White before going to press. We know, by private advices, that they have by no means lost their interest in the prosperity of the SIGNS, and that they will write for its columns as soon as relief from other cares will permit.
The poetry “Our Work,” is rich with thought. Dr. Cummings, of England, “Increasing Foretokens of the End,” gives us a good statement of facts and figures which it is well to ponder. Bro. Canright’s article on “The Devil,” is clear and concise in its statement, and a convincing argument, showing that there is verily a real, personal devil. In the article by Bro. Cornell on “Commemorative Institutions,” is a quotation from Alexander Campbell which is well worth preserving.
In the article on “Systematic Benevolence,” we have collected some Bible statements, and presented a few thoughts relative to the true system of benevolence, and the Lord’s plan for sustaining his cause. We have opened a Missionary Department in this paper, which we hope will contain not only instruction in the missionary work, but also tidings of glorious results of missionary efforts put forth. In the “News and Miscellany” department we design to call attention to casualties, crimes, and facts illustrative of the signs of the times; and under the heading of “What They Say,” we present sayings of the people concerning such passing events as illustrate the words placed as the motto of that department.
Bro. Butler’s statement relative to the “Publishing work in California,” is full of interest. His statement relative to the “Removal of the SIGNS” presents the simple facts in the case, and gives our readers to understand that for the present the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will stay in Oakland.
Reports of labor, both on this coast and in the East, are encouraging. As we are about to close our columns, the Review of Nov. 3rd comes to hand, in which are reports of success in Rhode Island, Michigan, Wisconsin and other States. Everywhere, as humble efforts are made to advance the truth, success crowns the work. Since our last issue, several new ones have come out at Oakland, Cal. From brief reports in this paper you will see that the SIGNS is reaching some souls. Let us do all we can for the support of the paper; praying for its success, extending its circulation, and contributing to its finance.
Business Department.
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully,” (margin, negligently). Jer. 48:10.
California Publishing Fund.
$100 EACH. A Friend of the Cause.
$80 EACH. K Brossen.
$70 EACH. Wesley Diggins, Jochim Puls.
$50 EACH. E F C*, A lover of Truth.
$30 EACH. M G Kellogg.
$25 EACH. Mrs J T Tay.
$20 EACH. Wm Harmon and wife, P M Partridge, Mrs C Spear, Wm Semple Sen, M E Cornell, Sr Behunan.
$19 EACH. Passengers from Camp to Cars.
$10 EACH. F Lyttaker and wife, C Puls, M Snook and husband, D'V At, Margaret Green, Lewis Morrison, Sister Jones, E F Winkler, L C Canright.
$5 EACH. M Wallace.
$1 EACH. Hannah Ferguson.
California Tent Fund.
$50 EACH. John Morrison.
$42.50 EACH. H T Hewitt.
$25 EACH. Wesley Diggins, Mrs C Bowers, J N Loughborough, Geo F Butler, Bro Lee.
$20 EACH. J Puls and wife, C J *.
$15 EACH. Lucy Bush.
$10 EACH. F E Lyttaker and wife, J J Tay, M Fallon, B Stickney, Bro Church, Joseph Dimmick, K Brossen, M Severns.
$9.20 EACH. Hat collection on the Camp Ground.
$5 EACH. A B Griggs, Sister Grover, Silas Stickney, A Papworth, A F Stickney, W T Ross.
$3 EACH. Friend S.
$2.50 EACH. Mother Ross, Margaret Green, L Skinner, Ford Stickney.
MISCELLANEOUS. Millard Church $2, G W Mills $2, Charlie Ross $1.25, J W Rickett $1, Scott Harmon $1, Susan Semple $1, W D Stocking $1, E R Wood $1, Geo Drew $1, Nellie Cassidy 50c, A little boy 50c, Frank Stickney 50c, Willie Cook 50c, Minnie Semple 50c, Elsie Gates 50c, Another little boy 25c.
Received for the Signs.
$2 EACH. A H Cheney, A H Cochran, H C Verby, G T Smith, Francis H Clymer, J Ferguson, J C Hedden, Mrs Jas Striplin.
$1 EACH. Mrs M Tilton, Wm Burroughs, G W Rose, John Abplanalp, Joseph Fieger, Rufus Rockland, P Creamer.
MISCELLANEOUS. Mr Irven 10c, Wm Bliss 5c, J Jewell 20c, S F Davis 20c, N P Nye 20c, Mrs J Russell 20c, Mrs S A Kimball 20c, C Coulter 21c, Dr J D Mark 50c, A M Van Amburg 10c, M C Hedden 50c.
North Pacific Mission.
J Judson $10, M Shepard $2. Still due of the $1000 advanced, $103.07.
PUBLICATIONS
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts; etc., etc.,
For Sale at this Office.
Cruden's Complete Concordance. In this any passage in the Scriptures can readily be found. $1.50 per copy, post. paid.
Bible Dictionary of Bible names, customs and countries, and maps of Bible lands. $1.50 per copy, post. paid.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week, by J. N. Andrews. 528 pp. $1.25.
Thoughts on Daniel. By U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. By U. Smith. $1.00.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. By U. Smith. 384 pp. $1.00. Paper, 40 cts.
The Constitutional Amendment: or The Sunday, The Sabbath, The Change, and The Restitution. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the “Christian Statesman.” Bound, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. By Ellen G. White; 416 pp. $1.00.
Autobiography of Eld. Jos. Bates. 318 pp. $1.00.
Hygienic Family Physician. $1.00.
The Game of Life (Illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In board, 50 cts.; in paper, 30 cts.
Hymns and Spiritual Songs for Camp Meetings and other Religious Gatherings. Compiled by Elder James White. 196 pp. Bound 50 cts. Paper 25.
The United States in Prophecy. By U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 20 cts.
The Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts. Gilt, 40 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular History of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. By J. N. Andrews, 25 cts.
History of the Doctrine of the Immortality of the Soul. By D. M. Canright, 25 cts.
The State of the Dead. By U. Smith. 224 pp. 25 cts.
Our Faith and Hope, No. 1. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary and Saving Faith. 20 cts each.
Refutation of the Age to Come. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Atonement. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Nature and Tendency of Modern Spiritualism. By J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Bible from Heaven; a Dissertation. 20 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. By J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Ministration of Angels: and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. By D. M. Canright. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-Horned Beast. By J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. By J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
The Saint’s Inheritance, or the Earth made New. By J. N. Loughborough. 10 cts.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Sunday Seventh-day. A Refutation of Mede, Jennings, Akers and Fuller. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Truth Found; The Sabbath. By J. H. Waggoner. 10 cts.
Brown’s Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the True Sabbath. Morton 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. By J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Position and Work of the True People of God under the Third Angel’s Message. Littlejohn. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel: What it is, and when it will be consummated. By J. N. Loughborough, 80 pp. 10 cts.
An Appeal to the Baptists, from the Seventh-day Baptists, for the restoration of the Bible Sabbath 10 cts.
Four-cent Tracts: The Two Covenants.—The Law and the Gospel—The Seventh Part of Time—Who Changed the Sabbath?—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—The Present Truth—The Second Advent.
Three-cent Tracts: The Kingdom—The Lost Time Question—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Much in Little—Scripture References.
Two-cent Tracts: The Sufferings of Christ—Seven Reasons for Sunday-Keeping Examined—Sabbath by Elihu—The Rich Man and Lazarus—Argument on Sabbaton—Clerical Slander—Departing and Being with Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Millennium—Definite Seventh Day.
** Address, Signs of the Times.
CAL. CONF. COM
Books! Books!! Books!!!
☞ OUR BOOK LIST.—Any persons on the Pacific Coast wishing any of the publications named in our book list can obtain them by mail or express by writing to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California, enclosing the published price of the same. When sent by mail, books will be post paid; when by express, at the expense of the one ordering the books; but in this case a liberal discount will be made when ten dollars worth or more are paid for with any one order.