Signs of the Times, Vol. 1, No. 12.
OUR PRESENT POSITION : or, the Waiting, Watching TimePage 1
Earlier text: Morality of the SabbathChristianizing the Constitution.
By Editor
IN an editorial article with the above head, the S. F. Chronicle of Dec. 27, makes the following remarks: "On the evening of December 17th the second session of the Massachusetts religionists who want to have the Constitution of the United States amended so as 'to recognize the existence of the Supreme Being,' was held at Tremont Temple, Boston. The session having been formally opened with prayer, a series of resolutions was adopted, the preamble of which included the following :" "WHEREAS, Our written National Constitution though made by and for a Christian people, is destitute of any explicit acknowledgement of God or Christianity, which defect is made the pretext for the most dangerous assaults on the Christian institutions and usages of our nation ; therefore,' etc." "After the preamble, come the resolutions in due order, declaring that the connection which 'has existed and still exists between our government and Christianity now demands expression in our fundamental law ;' that 'while it is not the province of civil government to enforce religious worship or observances, this constitutional recognition of the connection of our Government with Christianity is necessary,' etc., that 'the arguments and reasons for an explicit recognition of the Supreme Being in our several State Constitutions apply with equal force to such an acknowledgement in the Constitution of the United States,' etc." Now, with the utmost respect for the high personal character, moral worth, good motives, and sincere patriotism of the gentlemen who are engineering this singular movement, we must nevertheless express our opinion that they are pursuing a most unwise course, and one which is sure beyond doubt or question, to provoke a kind of discussion throughout the United States which will not advance the interests they have at heart. Why should they, who devoutly believe in God as the Supreme Ruler of the universe, be anxious to have Him 'recognized in the Constitution of the United States?' What need has He of such an indorsement? Is it not belittling Him—nay, is it not insulting to Him to ask for such an indorsement? Moreover, is not the proposition one which is entirely inconsistent with the American idea and doctrine of utter separation between Church and State? Is it not an infringement upon that right of conscience guaranteed to every American citizen? "There are a few—a very few—eminent men who have become identified with this movement, but the names of the great majority are altogether unknown to the general public. The opposition to the demand made by them will meet with an opposition which will not be by any means confined to that class of persons who have no religious convictions or sympathies. Many, on the contrary, in whom the instincts of reverence and devotion are the most vital, will feel shocked at the idea of making a political fight to obtain the 'recognition' of the Creator of the Universe by an earthly Government." Things that Last.
By Christian Treasury
LET us look at those things that "will never wear out." I have often heard a poor blind girl sweetly sing, "Kind words will never die." Ah, we believe that these are among the things that "will never wear out." And we are told in God's own book to be "kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another." The word of the Lord will never wear out. Though the grass shall wither, and the flowers fall away, the word of the Lord endureth forever. 1 Pet 1 : 24, 25. The life of the righteous will never wear out. They will live in the world to come as long as God shall live; but the death of the wicked will last forever. The joys of the kingdom of Heaven will never wear out. The people of this world soon die; but the enjoyments of that world will never end. The crown of glory will never wear out. The crown of the winner in the Olympic games soon faded; the crowns of kings all wear out; but the crown of glory will never fade away. 1 Peter 5 : 4. The "new song" will never wear out. We hear sometimes that some of our tunes are worn threadbare; but that will never be said of the new song. Which will you choose? The lasting, or that which wastes away? The things of time, or of eternity? Will you choose wealth, honor, fame, or the joys of heaven, eternal life, the crown of glory and the "new song?" May God enable us to make a wise choice; and, with Joshua, may we choose to serve the Lord.—Christian Treasury. THE disclosure of transgression is sooner or later inevitable. There can be no burial of it so deep that in due time it will not have a resurrection. The voice that tells is somewhere. The stain is somewhere. The sore and shame are somewhere. The avenger is somewhere. The eternal right is over all. Out of the darkness and silence; out of the misguided zeal of friends; out of the eagerness of the guilty to seem indifferent and unconscious; out of the patience and sufferings of the wronged; out of the very emphasis of denial fortified by favorable public opinion; out of all concealments and subterfuges, will come eventually the revelation, the confession. The divine order brings it as sure as the rotting corpse comes to the surface of the water; as sure as the subterranean fires are in all the earth; as sure as the movement of the universe goes on. There is no special miracle in all this, however singular seems the disclosure, but an eternal miracle through the righteous and perfect methods of God. It is one of the insanities of the sinner to think that for him, at least, there may be an immunity; that in his case the infinitely wise and gracious constitution of things may be modified. But there is no allowance made for him, be he prince or peasant. Just as certainly as sufficient arsenic kills, so does guilt finally appear. The First Adventist Preacher.
AN Adventist preacher, traveling upon the cars, was drawn into conversation by a stranger, who, learning the minister's views, strove to ridicule them. Being fairly met at every turn, he at last thought to make the point that Advent doctrine was of late date, and had never been heard of till within a few years. "Why," said he, "your old prophet—what's his name?—he's living yet, isn't he? ." "Who do you mean?" said the minister. "Why, the first Advent preacher; he isn't dead yet, is he?" "No," said the minister, "the first Advent preacher is yet alive." "What was his name," said the scoffer; "I can't recall it." "Why" said the minister, "his name was Enoch. He was the seventh from Adam. He preached, 'The Lord cometh with his angels, to execute judgment; to convince the ungodly of their bad deeds and hard speeches.' He walked with God 300 years, and was translated, that he should not see death. So, you see the first Advent preacher is still alive, and yet the doctrine was preached a long time ago." The scoffer looked sober at this unexpected turn, and soon made an excuse to change his seat. Never was a better illustration of Solomon's proverb, "Answer a fool according to his folly."—Anon. WHAT battles has it not fought! what victories has it not won! what burdens has it not carried! what wounds has it not healed! what griefs has it not assuaged! It is the wealth of poverty; the refuge of affliction; the strength of weakness; the light of darkness. It is the oratory that gives power to the pulpit; it is the hand that strikes down Satan, and breaks the fetters of sin; it turns the scales of fate more than the edge of the sword, the craft of statesmen, or the weight of scepters; it has arrested the wing of time, turned aside the very scythe of death, and discharged Heaven's frowning and darkest cloud in a shower of blessings. YOUNG man, remember that the men who can be easily spared are not the ones sought after when responsible positions are to be filled. Would you like to gauge your own fitness for a position of prominence? Would you like to know the probabilities of your getting such position? Inquire within. What are you doing to make yourself valuable in the position you now occupy? If you are doing with your might what your hands find to do, the chances are ten to one you will become so valuable to that position that you cannot easily be spared from it; and then, singular to relate, will be the very time when you will be sought out for promotion to a better place. Be content to grade among the men who can easily be spared, and you may rest assured that nothing will "spare" you so certainly and easily as promotion. Seventh-day Adventists.
By John Norton Loughborough
BEFORE me lies the Messiah's Herald of Nov. 18. It was formerly the Advent Herald. It is published by that class of Adventists who were engaged with William Miller in giving the first angel's message of Rev. 14:6-9, but, who have not adopted the third message of the same chapter and the views peculiar to Seventh-day Adventists. Having read in the Advent Review the articles which we have copied into the SIGNS on the rise of S. D. Adventists, they reprint the one giving an account of the publishing work of our people, and, in a friendly introduction to the article, they thus give us the palm: "From 'a brief sketch of their origin, progress and principles' now being published in Advent Review and Sabbath Herald we learn some things respecting them which may be of interest to our readers, and suggestive of what might be accomplished by a more efficient organization among ourselves." The following extract, from a letter of Dr. Crane of Ill., to the N. Y. Advocate, speaks for itself: Did you ever know a preacher that had any force and success, but had a few people in his charge that disliked him? and these dislikers are far more free and active in talking against the preacher than his friends are active to speak in his favor. Who ever knew of any man in any position on the face of the earth, who accomplished anything, but had enemies? And who does not know that finding fault requires less sense than almost any other effort, and that the men who slip around and accuse their brethren under cover of letters, where their names are hid, are not generally the most worthy and reliable informants. MOHAMMEDANISM may be gaining ground in India, but according to Rev. Dr. Hamlin, of Constantinople, it is losing in Turkey and Persia. Among other indications of this, he mentions the fact that the great public charities of Islam, which have adorned some period of its history, have nearly all disappeared. Pilgrimages, prayer, fasting and alms-giving are the chief works of merit. In the 15th and 16th centuries works of charity were numerous and magnificent. Schools, caravansaries, and hospitals of various kinds were built and well endowed. Lands and buildings, indestructible by fire, were placed under the care of the clergy for their support. Hardly one of them now exists. Some of the buildings were too solid to perish, but the funds are lost—"eaten up." No modern works of beneficence take their place. The age of charities, of "pious' foundations," as they termed them, has passed away. This is surely a sign of decadence, and one of great significance. Kindness Along Life’s Way
It is a good and safe rule to sojourn in every place as if you meant to spend your life there, never omitting an opportunity of doing a kindness or speaking a true word, or making a friend. Seeds thus sown by the wayside often bring forth abundant harvest. A RICH but parsimonious old gentleman, on being taken to task for his uncharitableness, said: "True, I don't give much, but if you only knew how it hurts when I give anything, you wouldn't wonder." Habits, Character, and Destiny
Sow an act, and you reap a habit; sow a habit, and you reap a character; sow a character, and you reap a destiny. Missionary Department.
By John Norton Loughborough
"Philip saith unto him, Come and see." John 1:46. WE are making some advancement in getting ready for missionary work, and some are really at work in good earnest. Most of the districts have now made their reports of officers; some have not. Sr. Bush, our State Missionary Secretary, writes me: "I find that the 'new' churches are more prompt than the old ones. To some of the old churches I have written twice for lists and have heard nothing. I am afraid I shall not have my district book just as it should be, if they don't hurry up with their lists." I am sorry there should be tardiness with any; it does not augur well for efficient laborers. In order for our Secretary to open her books properly, she wants to know who the secretary is in each district, and who is appointed, by the director, as librarian and business agent in each church. Why keep her waiting, with book partly completed, because of some one's tardiness? Again, in order to open her account aright with the State Missionary Society, she wants, first, to make an entry of the number of pages of pamphlets, tracts, &c., on hand in the State. She is looking to me for the items. She writes me, "I have not made an entry in the cash book yet. When shall I receive items for record in it?" I called, in SIGNS Nos. 10 and 11, for lists of books, tracts and documents on hand in each church. I requested the director to see that these lists were sent. I have responses from eleven churches; three (all old churches) have not responded. As a last expedient, I have, to-day, written personally to each church, to see if I can get these lists. Perhaps there is some excuse for all this; but let us all, brethren and sisters, get our hearts more fully imbued with this missionary spirit, and let us all learn to move with promptness when the "forward march" is heard in our ranks. If we have hearts desirous of doing in the Master's cause, we shall be watching for a chance to labor, then we shall hail with gladness any opportunity to do in the missionary work. Some have been trying their hand in obtaining subscribers to the SIGNS; others promise to "do something in this direction by-and-by." Some have been doing quite well in disposing of the Hygienic Almanacs. Now is the time to push them into every available place. We have a good supply of them; let your orders come in. Five hundred have already gone out from this office. These almanacs are not only excellent because of their own intrinsic merits, but they call attention to our health works, and to the Health Reformer; and this is one means by which attention is being called to this people and to the truth. If we are awake, as we should be, to the importance of the times, and to the importance of the truths we have for the times, and, if we get some realizing sense of the responsibility that rests upon those who have the light of these truths, we shall seek to occupy any avenue by which we may reach the ears of the people with the truth. In regard to the almanac, those who have made efforts to introduce it in their communities where they live, report that it meets with general favor from all. Bro. Howard, writing yesterday, says: "The almanacs sell readily at the first glance. I am having good success so far." Some think it too small a matter to sell almanacs. Ah! and is it not likely if duties were presented requiring a greater effort, they would have some excuse to evade that. "He that is faithful in least, is faithful also in much." So let us all take hold of every enterprise as it comes up, and in its time. Now is the time for the almanacs, just as the new year is coming in. A brother writes us from Mich.: "As the result of circulating the almanacs, in which attention is called to the Health Institute, many have come in, so that the Institute is as full now as it was last summer." Hundreds that have gone to that Institute to gain their physical health have learned the way of righteousness and truth, and have gone home Sabbath-keepers. Let this Institution be advertised. How do you know but some almanac you might sell on this coast may be sent by the party to some friend in the East; that soul may be brought where they may gain health of mind and body. Let us try to do good. Instructions.
By John Norton Loughborough
UNDER this head we give instructions to our missionary officers and workers how to proceed. In regard to district secretary's books, and how they should keep them, we have been questioned. They need about four books, to do their business properly. We can furnish sets of just such books as you need at seventy-five cents per set, just what they cost by the 100 copies. Your first book will be a record book of the organization of your district, and a record of all your district quarterly meetings. The second book should contain a list of all in your district who have paid their $1 and become members of the Missionary Society. These names should be arranged by churches, or if scattered individuals in your district, arrange them by their P. O. address. The third book is a debt and credit book in which you open an account with each church or with scattered individuals in your district. Your fourth book is a list of all subscribers obtained in your district for any of our papers, whether SIGNS, Review, Reformer, Instructor, or those in foreign languages. I will now give a little instruction in regard to keeping book number three. Let the following case serve as a sample. It shows the nature of the entry to be made on page one. District No. ——.
1874.
Dec. 15, had on hand in this district, 279 tracts, comprising 5,418 pages. Value at cost, $4.52. Had on hand 40 pamphlets, comprising 4,000 pages. Value at cost, $3.50. On the same page let there be entered the list of documents received, with the date of the same. The following will serve as a sample:
1874.
Dec. 16, received from the director of the district 284 tracts, comprising 5,570 pages; received 50 pamphlets, comprising 5,849 pages, and received 20 copies of SIGNS for distribution.
Value of pamphlets, tracts and SIGNS received at this date, . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.75.
Received also 15 pass books and 30 blanks for the use of members. On this third secretary's book you need to reserve at least the first ten pages in which to make your entry of missionary documents received. Then open an account with each church by itself in the same book, number three, as follows:
District No. ——, Church of ——
1874.
Dec. 20. Dr. to Missionary Society for
20 pamphlets comprising 1,800 pages.
80 tracts, comprising 1,920 pages.
50 SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
Value, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.10.
20 blanks furnished.
30 blanks for quarterly reports. On the credit page you give the church credit for all moneys they pay to the Missionary Society, whether for memberships, book sales, donations to the Society, or donations to any enterprise acted upon by the T. & M. Society. At the State quarterly meeting we shall give distinct directions in all these matters to the directors, so that they may assist the officers in carrying it out in their respective offices. The Librarian in each church receives his missionary pamphlets, tracts, and documents direct from the director, and needs to keep a book similar to number three of the district secretary, reserving the first ten pages in which to make an entry of all pamphlets, tracts, and missionary documents received from the director with their respective value. Then he wants to open an account with each member of the Society in his respective church, charging each member with the number of pamphlets, tracts, &c., they may receive, the number of pages, and the respective value, and giving the individual members credit for all moneys they receive for the Society whether in donations, book sales, or for memberships, or for any missionary enterprises. It is expected that each librarian will only let members have pamphlets and tracts on presentation of their blank books, and when the pamphlets and tracts desired by a member are counted out, it is the duty of the librarian to see that the member makes a minute of the number of pamphlets, tracts, &c., the number of pages, and the value of the same, on his blank book. Until further notice figure your pamphlets and tracts at the rate of 12 pages for one cent, and bound books, 800 pages $1.00.
J. N. L. Questions and Answers.
By John Norton Loughborough
BRO. R. D. H., District No. 3, asks, How are missionary members residing away from a church to get their tracts and make their missionary reports? Reply. Such should write to the director of their district, he sending to them their missionary documents. The district secretary should open an account with all such scattered members. The whole State is divided into nine districts, so that every individual in the State is comprehended in some district. A list of these districts we published in SIGNS Nos. 8 and 10. By looking over the list of districts you will see in what district the county of your residence is included; and you will also see the post office address of the director to whom you are to write for tracts, and to whom you are to report two weeks before the quarterly meeting in your respective district. If the director in any district knows of scattered Sabbath-keepers in the territory of his district, let him write to them, inducing them to become members and workers in the missionary cause. Our worthy State Secretary writes: "I am in receipt of a list of subscribers from St. Helena. Is it my duty to keep a list of all subscribers? I can't find any such instructions in the Constitution; will you please instruct me as to the way this list should be kept." Reply. There is no direct instruction on this point in the Constitution; still you will see by instructions from Bro. Haskell, to missionary societies, in Review, Nov. 24, 1874, that it is expected that all our State business on the papers published at Battle Creek, will be done through you. He says to different States: "Do all your business through your State Tract Society secretaries. Send them the names and addresses, and they will forward a copy of them to the Office. Then those at the Office will return to the State Tract Society secretary a statement of the business. This system will save much perplexity and many mistakes that might otherwise occur." Your book for this business is simply a copy of all your business letters sent to the Review office. I can show you a sample at the quarterly meeting, of the book in which I have kept a record of four hundred and nineteen business letters I have written to the Office from California. As our State credit business with the Review office is to be done through the State Secretary, so the business of the districts in this State with the SIGNS office should be done through the district secretary in each district. This does not relate to individuals who make orders to the SIGNS office accompanied by the cash. Such can write direct to this office if they choose. Our Secretary also asks, "How about blank reports, I have had a call for some and have none on hand. Is it not your duty to send them to me?" Reply. Yes, I will send you a good supply soon, and then, as your list will show how many members there are in each district, you will send the required amount each quarter to the director in each district, about three weeks before the district quarterly meeting, as required in Article V. Sec. 2. No. 4. The secretary in each district should have a list of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES taken in their district whether paid or trial subscribers, and the director should occasionally see that inquiries are made to know how the trial subscribers stand. I will copy here what was said by Bro. White when the SIGNS was started. 1. "The agent who obtains them (the names) should have some evidence at least that the persons would candidly examine Bible subjects. 2. The agent must obtain the request or at least the consent (either by word of mouth or by letter), from persons to become subscribers, and must so report. 3. The agent should preserve a list of all the names sent to this Office, and should feel in duty bound to visit the persons or write to them as often as circumstances will admit, and learn whether they read the periodicals sent with any degree of interest, and if they would like to have them continued, and if they wish to pay the subscription price, or donate to their publication. Here is a cross to take up, an excellent field of missionary labor. Here is a chance for some of our people who are inclined to exclusiveness, to move out and become broader in their feelings and in their labors." Lively Stones.
By Marion Colwell
"YE also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." 1 Pet. 2:5. There never was a time when those inspired words were more applicable to the people of God than at the present time. We as a people have committed to us the work of faithfully warning a careless and corrupt world of one of the greatest calamities that ever was visited upon sinful man. We are accountable for the manner in which we fulfill our trust. The time has come when the people of God should make a united effort to accomplish this great work. Many of our ministers are already over-worked trying to get this truth before the people. We hear the cry from many parts for help. We can all do something in this work. There is no place for drones in the house of God. If we can't go out and preach, we can visit those in our vicinity, and give them our publications, and persuade them, not only by our language, but especially by our God-fearing acts, to shun this evil world and serve the living God. We can pray fervently for God to bless the seed sown, that some precious souls may be saved. Let us pray for our ministers, that God will endow them with might that they may be able to preach the truth with power. We should take hold of the work in our prayer and social meetings. We can live lives of Christian soberness before95the world with whom we mingle. Friends, it is a very important time in which we are living. Remember it is the day of God's preparation. Soon our Saviour will come with all his holy angels to take vengeance on those that know not God and to reward them that have been faithful. Then he that is unjust will be unjust still, and he that is holy will be holy still. The voice of God will soon be heard from pole to pole. The mighty mountains will move out of their places and the islands will flee away; the heavens will depart as a scroll and the mighty men of earth will cry for the rocks to fall upon them and hide them from the wrath of God. Let us each faithfully perform our duty that we may be prepared to meet the Lord with joy. May we be lively members in God's service, faithfully performing our duty and at last receive a crown of glory in that better kingdom. O, show me now thy way.
My path is dark, I cannot see;
O, for a beam of light from thee!
Saviour, dispense a cheering ray,
O, show me now thy way. O, show me now thy way!
Dark clouds are rising, and I fear
As I behold them drawing near;
O Saviour, drive these clouds away,
And show me now thy way! O, show me now thy way!
Huge enemies beset me round,
I daily walk on hostile ground;
O, drive the monsters fierce away,
And show me now thy way! O, show me now thy way!
My pathway steps are slow and weak,
Thy help, O Lord, I fain would seek:
Be thou my strong support and stay,
And show me now thy way. O, show me now thy way!
Help me my duty to fulfill,
To know and do thy perfect will,
And grant that I may never stray,
Or wander from thy way,
—Selected. A YOUNG man rises in the pulpit. You see nothing engaging in his person, nothing musical in his voice, nothing winning in his manner; he has no reputation for genius, or learning, or wisdom; no illustrious ancestry, or secular sources of influence or authority; he speaks, but when you come to analyze his speech you may find neither logical ability nor rhetorical charms in it; indeed, it may be wanting in connection and void of new thought, yet all listen with eager interest—the giddy are sobered, the worldling feels that he is a fool, the sinner shudders as if brought to the mouth of hell, the saint resolves to live a better life, the minister who has preached for fame turns pale, the whole crowd trembles as in the presence of God. What is the cause? We call it unction. The man has been in his closet, has wrestled with God and prevailed; he has received his commission anew, has had a fresh anointing from the Holy One. He did not tell you this, but you found it out; you detected the odor of the divine ointment, as the smell of a field that the Lord had blessed, and therefore the words went forth into your heart with power as the words of God. Test the discourses of Whitefield, Massillon, Summerfield, by logical or rhetorical re-agents, and you will be at an utter loss to account for their results. As well test the power of lightning by analyzing the raindrops that fall from the clouds. A few months ago we heard one who has been instrumental in the conversion of more souls, perhaps, than any one of his age in this generation. Men flock around him, and a marvelous power goes forth from him. It was so when we listened to him; and yet how little did he say! Lest we might have been inappreciative, we turned to an aged philosopher and asked him what he thought. "There is not sense enough in his discourse to fill a lady's thimble, but there is devotion enough to float the chariot of Elijah." New Subscribers.
By Editor
SINCE No. 11 was published, we have received a few new subscribers from our missionary workers. Our list of paid subscribers stands as follows: No. 1, none; No. 2, one; No. 3, three; No. 4, none; No. 5, none; No. 6, none; No. 7, two; No. 8, none; No. 9, three; total, nine. Trial subscribers: No. 1, two; No. 2, seven; No. 3, four; No. 4, none; No. 5, none; No. 6, none; No. 7, one; No. 8, none; No. 9, one; total, fifteen. Where Are the Licentiates?
By W. M. Healey
In No. 11 of the SIGNS in an article headed "Where are They?" meaning the nine persons who received license to preach at the last session of our State Conference. Here is one. Where are the rest? I have made my home in Healdsburg most of the time since the Conference. Owing to other affairs which seemed to require my attention, I have done but little preaching and did not expect to do much, if any, this winter and so stated before the committee. I have given five discourses in this place, with what result the members of our church here are best able to judge. We have had a few outsiders at our meetings that seemed to have some interest in the truth of God. The quarterly meeting here was a very interesting season. All seemed humble and earnest. It may be too much was expected of those nine licentiates, two of whom were going to Battle Creek to attend the Biblical Institute; and one, upon whom the conference urged a license, said he "was too lazy to preach" (and perhaps that would have fitted some of the rest). There may be danger of our going out unfitted for the work; but there is no danger of our getting ready any too soon. I feel that we are half asleep in this cause. We surely belong to the lukewarm church. See Rev. 3:16. I hope to be able by the help of the Lord to arouse myself more fully to the work; and I know God will help those who trust in him and put themselves in a position in which he can help, by trying to help themselves. Oh! while we pray for strength to do God's work let us not fail to use what strength we have. God help us to consecrate our all to him and do our duty as those who are to give an account of their stewardship. W. M. HEALEY.
Healdsburg, Cal., Dec. 22, 1874. News and Miscellany.
By Editor
"Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." Luke 21 : 26. THE extensive manner in which fires are raging is truly remarkable. From the numerous reports we clip the following: Fire at New York, Dec. 7 : loss $50,000. Same date, Portland, Oregon: loss $12,000. At Milwaukee, Wis., Dec. 8 : loss $10,000. At Lillie, France, same date: loss $300,000. In Bridgeport, Ct., Dec. 9 : loss $60,000. In Montreal, Canada, same date: loss $80,000. In Belmont, Cal., Dec. 10 : loss $60,000. At Charlestown, West Va., Dec. 11 : loss $200,000. In Baltimore, Md., Dec. 14 : loss $25,000. Near Collegeville, Cal., same date, with heavy loss. A fire raged Dec. 14 and 15, at Charlestown, Mass., destroying $150,000 worth of property. A fire was raging in Charlestown, S. C., at the same time: loss $200,000. At Hartford, Ct., Dec. 16 : loss $100,000. At the same date, a fire in Forest City, Ark. : loss $30,000. In Cincinnati, O., Dec. 20 : loss $70,000. Here is a summary of fires in thirteen days, summing up $1,347,000, and most of them reported as the work of incendiaries. —THE new United States' steam ship Japan was burned last week in Chinese waters. There was a heavy loss of treasure and merchandise beside the loss of the ship; and it is feared many lives were lost. Full particulars not yet received. ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 8. A violent storm here last night caused great damage. The tide rose nine feet above high-water mark, partially inundating the lower portions of the city, and driving many poor persons from the houses. Over a thousand persons have been sheltered by the police, and public kitchens have been opened to feed the sufferers. At the same time the telegraph reported from Rome: It is feared that the river Tiber, in Italy, will overflow. It is rising rapidly. LONDON, Dec. 10. The storm yesterday was very disastrous to the shipping. A dozen vessels are ashore at Whiteby. One is reported sunk, with all on board. The mails from France are several hours behind time. Heavy damage is done to works in the harbors. At Jersey 200 yards of pier was swept away, and blocks of concrete weighing several tons were displaced and broken. SANTANDER, Spain, Dec. 13. Two vessels have been wrecked off this coast. Eight lives were lost. THE S. F. Chronicle of Dec. 14, gives a brief summary of earthquakes for the last six years, concluding that San Francisco's physical geography was so well settled that earthquakes had transferred their operations to other parts. While it is predicted "there shall be earthquakes in divers places," it will not do to boast; even the night of Dec. 14, many citizens remarked a distinct shock of earthquake in San Francisco and Oakland. —December 10, a very severe shock of earthquake was felt in the south-eastern counties of the State of New York. Houses shook, windows rattled, ceilings cracked, and people were thrown violently out of their beds. From later dispatches it appears that this shock of earthquake reached as far as Stamford, Ct. CHICAGO, Dec. 18. Governor Osborn of Kansas telegraphs to the Tribune of this city that he estimates the number of people in Western Kansas who will require assistance during the winter at twenty thousand. —Of the grasshopper plague the S. F. Chronicle says: "The locusts of Egypt have been discounted. An amount of territory larger than that of ancient Egypt has been ravaged, and over twenty thousand people have been impoverished. CONSTANTINOPLE, Dec. 8. The Sultan has given $100,000 for the relief of the famine-stricken people of Angora. Prospects there, however, are improving; prices of provisions are reduced and agriculture is reviving. December 18, the Levant Herald publishes an account of the famine in Asia Minor, and says the prospect is appalling. —AN explosion occurred in the Bengal Hill colliery, North Staffordshire, to-day. Twenty miners were killed. LONDON, England, Dec. 24. An express train was thrown from the track of the Great Western R. R., near Oxford, to-day, by a broken rail. Over one hundred persons killed or wounded. —December 25. A fearful R. R. accident near Round Hill, Va. Forty-two persons reported killed. MADRID, Spain, Dec. 18. It is reported that the dissention at the Carlist camp is increasing. LONDON, Dec. 21. The Morning Standard has a dispatch from Spain, reporting the total defeat and rout of the Republican General Lopez Demoniquez in Catalonia, by the Carlists under Fniestany, with a heavy loss in killed and wounded. HAVANA, Cuba, Dec. 20. Carlos Garcia, the noted bandit, and all his followers, have laid down their arms and thrown themselves on the mercy of the Government. —The coming sugar crop is expected to be the largest ever produced in Cuba. CITY OF MEXICO, Dec. 2. The amendments to the Constitution making changes in Congress, and creating a Senate, having passed Congress, have been solemnly promulgated as the law of the land, with the usual ceremonies. Congress is now discussing a bill restricting the power of the Roman Catholic Church. One clause provides for the complete separation of Church and State, and another for the expulsion of Sisters of Charity from the Republic. NEW YORK, Dec. 23. A Constantinople special says: The Porte is pressing forward the work of strengthening the defenses. The numerical strength of the army is to be increased. No cause is assigned for the present warlike activity of the Porte. VICKSBURG, MISS. WAR. 700 armed negroes made an attack upon Vicksburg. A dispatch from Memphis, Dec. 8, says: "30 negroes and one white were killed in the fight the day before. The disturbances are all quelled now." —At a recent meeting of the Roman Catholic Unions in London, resolutions were passed declaring that the loyalty of Catholics was not affected by the Papal Infallibility dogma, and that Lords Acton and Camoys and Mr. Peters were not representatives of the Catholic laity. —TURKEY is about to construct a railroad from Kerbola to Bagdad, thus connecting the two great central Asiatic trade points. —According to the military survey of the Russian empire the monarchy extends over 400,000 miles, or one-sixth of the inhabited globe. OUR POSTAL BUSINESS.—Our Post office Department is an establishment the magnitude of which few can form any idea. During the last fiscal year the number of postage stamps, wrappers, cards, etc., sold reached the enormous figure of 905,451,305, bringing in a revenue of nearly twenty-four millions of dollars. Of these, 633 millions were postage stamps; 117 millions stamped envelopes; 19 millions newspaper wrappers; 91 millions postal cards, and 45 million official stamps envelopes and wrappers. MODERN CHURCH UNITY.—A recent San Francisco paper says: "The growth of religious liberality was strikingly exemplified in this city yesterday, in the installation of a new Universalist minister, by clergymen of the Presbyterian, Unitarian and Congregationalist denominations, assisted by a Hebrew rabbi." CRIMES.—The S. F. Chronicle, of Dec. 18, says: "Crimes of violence seem to be on the increase in this community. It is feared where the police is not stimulated by the offer of rewards no earnest exertions are made to secure the arrest and conviction of the parties."